Experience the Extremadura Region: La Fiesta 2023

About the Event

The Spanish Chamber of Commerce presents La Fiesta 2023 which was celebrated last Saturday, February 18, 2023, from 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, Manila. The perfect space that brought together people, history, and food under one roof. A celebration of Spanish culture and cuisine featuring Spanish wines, liquor, and beer which highlighted this year’s invited region – Extremadura. For the past years,  La Cámara hosted events such as the 120 years Gala Dinner of  La Cámara held in 2019 with over 350 attendees. More recently, the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Spain which comprised over 100 attendees, was held last September 2022. Given the success of these past events, this year’s long awaited event is set to be the first of what will become an annual tradition for  La Cámara.

A festive and immersive Andalusian evening!

The momentous event was organized by La Cámara with the support of the Spanish Embassy of the Philippines. Guests were immersed in different Spanish cultures of food, drinks, music, dance, and fun. Starting with the authentic dishes prepared by Chef Carlos Garcia, the owner of Black Pig restaurant. Together with Chef Francisco Romero from Alimentos de Extremadura . At the same time, guests were entertained by the Flamenco Dance performed by Ms. Manuela Sanchez together with Artextrema Producciones. Moreover, a chamber orchestra serenaded the guests with Spanish tunes. This year, it aims to take its guests back to the heart of Extremadura by giving the people a taste of its wonderful flavors of food, culture, and fiestas.

Culinary adventure by Chef Carlos & Chef Francisco

Gastronomy is the relationship between food and culture, which Chef Carlos Garcia and Chef Francisco made possible during this celebration. Chef Carlos Garcia says the region is known for the jjamón Ibérico (Iberian ham), chorizo, and other cured meats. One of the inspirations behind Chef Carlos Garcias’ creations for this event and a sneak peek of what his restaurant, The Black Pig, has to offer. In relation to Chef Francisco’s touch of Extremaduran flavors which he made sure was present in every dish.

Given the inspiration of food and drinks from the region of Extremadura, the night started with cocktails such as Cava La Pellegrina and Cocktail Fundador paired with different types of Croquetas, Bunuelos, and Tostas. Followed by a sit-down plated dinner where Embutidos Extremeño such as Jamon Iberico, Chorizo ibérico Quesos Extremeño were served.

For starters, guests were able to fill their stomachs with Ensalada de Cogollo, Bacalao, Naranja, and Aceitunas Negras. Followed by the main dishes served such as the Cabecero iberico, Ñoras, Ensalada de Zorongollo, Puree de Castañas, Salsa de Queso.

For dessert, guests cleansed their palate with well-known sweets from the region, Biscuit de higos con miel (de extremadura), Pestiños, and Yemas de convento Bombones de higos. Which guests paired with either coffee or tea.

Throughout the program, guests were able to choose from various after-dinner snacks perfect to go with the captivating performances during the event. These snacks include Migas estremeña embutidos ibericos and pimentón de la vera Empanada de atun Perunilla.

In relation to the captivating performances, the event organizers have invited Ms. Manuela Sanchez, a flamenco dancer and teacher who has traveled worldwide, who showcased a piece of her culture and shared the richness of this beautiful art. She was accompanied by a singer and guitarist who are a part of the Artextrema Producciones. The three moved with the melody and beat of native songs, jaleo y tangos extremeños, and some of the most fascinating flamenco dances.

The night was complete with the chamber music performance. Brought to us by the chamber quartet composed of John (cello), Raphael (violin), Paul (violin), and Michael (viola), who serenaded the guests with tunes from El tango de Roxanne, La valse de l’amour, and Oblivion.

Guests who enjoy singing and dancing to the beat relished in the presence of DJ Will. DJ Wil played several Spanish songs. He is also a multi-genre DJ, playing hits from the ’70s 80’s to the 2000s, plus current hits. Currently, he plays every Friday at Damiana’s Kitchen in Legaspi Village. He is a regular guest at Wildflour, Chottomatte, Reserve, Greendoor, and previously Time for visitors who want to continue having parties with DJ Will in the future.

Awards that recognize exceptional deeds.  

Toward the night’s end, La Cámara was pleased to announce the  La Cámara Award 2023. This merit award is for promoting the relations between the Philippines and Spain, which recognizes the person or the company that exemplifies a high level of professionalism and passion that strengthens and encourages connections between both countries.

Raffle

Several of our guests took home big prizes during the raffle draw. The raffle uses an automatic computer system that draws the winners’ names, which are then flashed on the screen. The first batch of raffle prizes that were given away were 5 Gift Certificates at Anya Resorts in Tagaytay –  a luxury resort just 30 minutes south of Metro Manila. A place to rejuvenate oneself within 7.2 hectares of lush greenery and cold breeze. The next prize were two business class tickets to fly to Europe sponsored by Turkish Airlines. Turkish Airlines is known to be La Camara’s trusted and official sponsor for travel especially since it is the largest mainline carrier in the world by number of passenger destinations.

Sponsors and Partners

This event would not have been complete thanks to our prominent sponsors. We would like to express our gratitude to the following:

SPANISH PARTNER REGION:

• • Alimentos de Extremadura

PLATINUM SPONSORS:

• • Acciona

• • BDO

• • The Philippine-Spanish Business Council of the PCCI

GOLD SPONSORS:

• • ABOITIZ Construction

• • ABOITIZ InfraCapital

• • Alsina

• • ANYA Resorts

• • RACO TRADING

AIRLINE PARTNER

• • Turkish Airlines

SILVER SPONSORS:

• • Vinos HABLA (from Extremadura)

• • La Bodega

• • La Peregrina

• • Antrak Logistics

• • LaLiga

• • Fundador

• • Don Papa Rum

• • Moritz

• • Espa-Fil Import-Export Corporation

MEDIA PARTNERS

• • Business Mirror

• • CNN Philippines

• • Esquire Philippines

• • The Manila Times

• • Spot. PH

• • The Philippines Business and News

• • WheninManila.com

PARTICIPANTS:

• • BBVA

• • Casino Espanol

• • Cemex Philippines

• • Michael Page

• • Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation

• • Rayomar Management, Inc.

La Fiesta is intended to be an annual event, so we hope to see you back next year with even more enthusiasm to savor the several regions of Spain’s rich culture and food. Be one of our sponsors, partners, or participants for next year’s event and get the chance to experience the beauty of Spain within the Philippines.

Learn more about our upcoming events by following us on our social media pages linked down below.