SMX Convention Center Manila transformed into a dynamic showcase of food, technology, and art during Culinaire 2025: Canvas Reimagined. The event reaffirmed SMX’s position as the country’s premier MICE venue and as a leader in the Philippine events industry.
SMX Manila transforms into a living gallery of flavors with stunning collaborations with partner caterers and local visual artists at Culinaire 2025.
Culinaire 2025: Canvas Reimagined
Held at Halls 1 to 3, Culinaire 2025 elevated its traditional showcase into a multisensory spectacle. The event merged culinary artistry with immersive technology, positioning itself as more than a tasting event. It served as a strong statement of SMX’s commitment to creativity, collaboration, and the evolving future of meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).
Anchored on the theme Canvas Reimagined, this year’s edition was designed to engage all five senses. Guests experienced a smart registration system integrated with real-time voting, AI chat terminals for on-demand event information, and an AI-powered co-host who joined RJ Ledesma on stage. These features were paired with curated three-course menus from partner caterers, creating an interactive and personalized experience.
A Culinary Showcase Inspired by Art and Heritage
The evening’s centerpiece was a three-course dining experience inspired by contemporary art while rooted in Filipino heritage. SMX’s partner caterers collaborated with acclaimed local artists to create dishes that blended fine dining and visual storytelling. Each partnership showcased a unique fusion of food and creative expression:
- Bizu Catering with Ycoy Sitchon presented elegant compositions of emotion and beauty.
- Conrad Manila with Mark Justiniani highlighted depth and imagination.
- Hizon’s Catering with Patrick Pura created celebrations of life’s richness.
- Juan Carlo the Caterer with Katrina Cuenca expressed pride in culture and Filipino identity.
- Kitchen City with Mylene Quito offered a shared language of creativity.
- M Catering with Jaime Raphael Atienza presented harmony of complexity and grace.
- Richgold Weddings with Samuel Penaso emphasized sustainable cuisine with bold strokes.
- The Creamery Catering with JP Pining delivered storytelling through shared local narratives.
- TJIOE the Caterer with Emmanuel Miranda gave modern interpretations of oriental culinary heritage.
- Via Mare with Vanessa Bautista served nostalgia with heart and heritage.
These collaborations competed in the Culinary Awards, judged by a panel of chefs and event professionals. Guests also had a voice through the People’s Choice Awards, which reflected popular preferences during the evening.
SMX Culinaire 2025 Award Winners
Culinary Awards
- Best in Appetizer: Juan Carlo
- Best in Main Course: Juan Carlo
- Best in Dessert: The Creamery
- Best Cocktail: GQ Mobile Bar
- Best Mocktail: GQ Mobile Bar
People’s Choice Awards
- Best in Appetizer: Juan Carlo
- Best in Main Course: Juan Carlo
- Best in Dessert: Juan Carlo
- Best Booth: Juan Carlo
- Best Cocktail: GQ Mobile Bar
- Best Mocktail: Event Shaker Mobile Bar
Mixology Meets Creative Expression
Culinaire 2025 extended its creative showcase beyond the plate with a Best Cocktail and Mocktail Competition. Partner mobile bars presented drinks that fused artistry and innovation. Event Shaker Mobile Bar worked with Tinta Buscalan and Pasa Kalye Artists to deliver a vibrant mix of street art and mixology. GQ Mobile Bar collaborated with artists Elwah Gonzales, Pancho Alvarez, and Carlo De Laza to impress guests with inventive drinks and immersive presentations.
SMX on Innovation and Expansion
“Culinaire 2025: Canvas Reimagined is more than just a showcase of culinary mastery—it’s a celebration of collaboration, creativity, and innovation in the events industry. Each plate, each space, each interaction is thoughtfully designed to spark the senses, and reimagine what events can be” said Michael Albaña, Vice President and General Manager of SMX Convention Center.
He added, “This also marks our return to a much bigger canvas—quite literally. With the expansion of our event spaces and a growing portfolio of eight SMX branches nationwide, including new venues rising in Cabanatuan, Sta. Rosa, Sto. Tomas, Cebu, and right here in Pasay—we’re unlocking more opportunities to bring Meetings, Conventions, Exhibitions, and milestone events to more destinations across the country. At SMX, we believe events aren’t just about filling a space, but transforming it.”
SMX: A Leading Force in MICE
As the largest privately-owned convention center network in the Philippines, SMX continues to drive growth in the MICE sector. With its expanding footprint and partnerships across the industry, SMX delivers high-impact event experiences that define the future of meetings, conventions, exhibitions, and milestone celebrations in the country.
