“Let’s go bigger for BUFFEX. Let’s go greater for Singkaban and let’s go global for Bulacan!” – Fernando

CITY OF MALOLOS – “Malaki o maliit mang negosyo ay malaki ang naiambag sa ating patuloy na pag-unlad. Nawa’y ipagpatuloy natin na maitampok ang trabaho at produktong Tatak Bulakenyo sa ating bansa at sa buong mundo. Let’s go bigger for BUFFEX. Let’s go greater for Singkaban and let’s go global for Bulacan!”

This was the message of Gov. Daniel R. Fernando during the Grand Launch of Bulacan Food Fair and Exposition (BUFFEX) 2024 of the Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Provincial Government of Bulacan held at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here.

Despite the inclement weather, Fernando stated that the BUFFEX 2024 was once again a success from September 2-6. The event was filled with a plethora of delicious foods, top-notch services, valuable opportunities, and insightful learnings aimed at fostering a better and more prosperous future.

“Patunay ang BUFFEX na walang anumang kalamidad o unos ang makapipigil sa atin upang patuloy na makasabay sa tawag ng panahon, at mayakap ang makabagong pamumuhay. This year, mas pinalawak pa po natin ang sakop ng BUFFEX. Magbubukas pa tayo ng mas maraming oportunidad sa ating mga kababayan na pangalagaan ang ating kalusugan… at paunlarin ang ating kaalaman at kakayahan pagdating sa pagluluto, pagtatrabaho at pagnenegosyo,” the governor said.

The theme of BUFFEX 2024: Evolving Trends in Food Production and Food Service Industries set the stage for a five-day event filled with exciting activities. Participants had the opportunity to attend a Flower Arrangement Seminar Workshop hosted by BulSU Hagonoy Campus, as well as learning sessions on “Innovation for MSMEs” and “Online Marketing and 3D Hologram Printing” by DTI and TESDA Bulacan Day.

Other highlights included the Awitan sa BUFFEX OPM Singing Contest, Zumbex, Exhibitor’s Videoke Challenge, Tribute to Bulacan Food Champions, Induction of new Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) members, a Cooking Demo by Chef Arlo Andrei Aniag of Taverna by Bahay na Tisa and DFMI Chairman Athenie R. Bautista, and the Launching of the BCCI Souvenir Program – Bulacan Business Ventures.

Sponsors’ Time was also a key feature of BUFFEX, with businesses such as Leticia’s Garden Resort and Event’s Place, Freeway Motor Sales of Baliuag Corporation, Aling Ilah’s Sweets and Delicacies, Seven C Food Corporation, JMV Design Works, Kikkoman, Calle Jose, Baliwag Eye Clinic, Manuela Gonzales Concrete Pipes, Archer Realty and Development Corporation, Asialink Finance Corporation, Converge, Big Ben, The Hungry Pita, Northwin Global City, San Miguel Corporation, Tiger Gaz Corporation, PAGCOR, Mesa Alta Resto & Events Venue, and Royal Crest Cement Corporation showing their support.

The Best Booths awards were also a highlight of the event, with BCCI recognizing Remiks FD Food Trading, Bausa Integrated Farm and Training Center, Inc, and Arbela Food Products Marketing as the top winners. For the Best Dressed in the LGU Category, the municipalities of Bustos, Pulilan, and San Miguel for Best Dressed Booths were the winners, ranking first, second and third respectively.

The top three LGU best sellers in the recent competition were the cities of Baliwag and Malolos, and the Municipality of San Miguel, which claimed first, second, and third place, respectively while the top three MSMEs best sellers were Sta. Maria Dairy Division of Catmon MBC, Taverna by Bahay na Tisa and Aling Ilah’s Sweet and Delicacies.

In addition, BCCI recognized and awarded the Bulacan Food Champions: Ka Flor’s Carinderia and Route 95 Diner in the City of Malolos, and Orante’s Floating Restaurant in Calumpit. Special citations were also given to Bancheto Food Tourism (City Government of Malolos), Pamanang Kaluto (Culinary Heritage), Ashley’s D’ Original Crunchy Butcheron ATBP of Marilao (Best Selling), and Susan’s Lugawan since 1985 (Arc Gatchalian Restaurant) in Guiguinto.

Moreover, Angela Marie Cabela, a student from Balagtas Central School, was crowned the champion of the Awitan sa BUFFEX OPM Singing Contest (Elementary). Following closely behind her were the first runner-up, Prince Mark John A. Gonzales from San Jose, Paombong Elementary School, and the second runner-up, Kylie I. Enriquez from Francisco Balagtas Memorial School.

In another exciting competition, Power Pump Girls claimed the championship title at the Zumba sa BUFFEX competition. Dos Dynamix secured the first-place spot, with Zumba Mixstar taking second place. ###