Filipino food innovators shine at IFEX Philippines KATHA Awards

In celebration of culinary creativity and Filipino food excellence, the latest KATHA
Awards winners were unveiled at the 2025 IFEX Philippines Media Preview. The
intimate gathering at Casa Ibarra in Pasay City on May 15 brought together the
country’s most innovative food artisans and influential media personalities.

This year’s winners showcase he diverse talents reshaping Philippine cuisine – from
Kalamancello by Sol’s Italian Food to KKK Food Corporation’s addictively crunchy
Kangkong King Water Spinach Chips in Salted Egg flavor.

“At the heart of these events is a belief – that Filipino products, talent, and ideas have a
rightful place on the global stage,” shared Center for International Trade Expositions
and Missions (CITEM) Executive Director Leah Pulido, whose passion for elevating
Philippine exports was evident throughout the evening.

The event also honored three FOODPhilippines Advocates Par Excellence – media
personalities Erwan Heussaff, Anne Kristel Cabral Laysico, and returning advocate
Abigail Marquez – who have become powerful voices for Filipino cuisine globally.
Reflecting on her international food journey, Abi Marquez observed, ”Great food speaks
a universal language,” adding that she believes in “lifting each other up throughout
food.”
Australian-based advocate Raine Laysico spoke passionately about shifting
perceptions: “Our food is high class, our food can be fine dining. And, our food is meant
for everyone.”

Erwan Heussaff praised Filipino food innovators while challenging outdated perceptions
of mediocrity. “For everyone that’s adding innovation in their food products, I think that’s
the way to go. I am very encouraged, I really love it when I see that people are thinking
about indigenous products, Filipino products, and how these can exist in the modern
world.”
IFEX Project Director Rowena Mendoza expressed gratitude to media and online
creators, noting, “We wanted to tell our stories to those who share it the best—Filipino
journalists and content creators.“

Winners all

The awards preview serves as a tantalizing appetizer for the main event—IFEX
Philippines 2025, featuring the Sustainability Solutions Exchange (SSX) Exhibition. The
country’s largest export-oriented food trade show runs May 22-24 at World Trade Center
Metro Manila, expecting a record 700 exhibitors and significant increase in international
buyers.

This year’s KATHA winners represent more than just delicious products—they embody
the innovation, sustainability, and cultural heritage propelling Philippine cuisine onto the
global stage.

“Support local businesses, participate in IFEX kasi dito pa lang sa KATHA Awards ang
dami naming natututunan about what our country offers, and the talented producers of
local products in the Philippines,” enthused Marquez. “So to everyone – go to IFEX
Philippines – discover more about our culture, discover more about the local businesses
and what our country and talent can offers.”

For more details and event highlights, visit CITEM’s social media channels or
ifexconnect.com