Global. Gastronomy. Goodwill. takes centerstage as the Department of Tourism – Region III hosts the third edition of Food Talks on April 24, 2025, at Holy Angel University, Angeles City. The full-day forum brought together key opinion leaders in food, tourism, and sustainable development.

DOT-III Regional Director Richard G. Daenos, PhD, formally opened the event with an inspiring address. The morning session featured insights from seasoned chefs Jam Melchor, Claude Tayag, and Sau Del Rosario, alongside senior researcher Dr. John Paolo Rivera.

The afternoon spotlight shifted to a dynamic lineup including interdisciplinary artist Ruston Banal Jr., content creator Abi Marquez, Paya St. Coffee co-founders Archi. Lianne Joy Lugue and Lester Dwayne Rances, and Samuel Tecuala, CEO of Dehusk. The event concluded with a closing remarks from Dr. Mervyn Maico Aldana, Dean of the HAU School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Food Talks 2025 is an annual platform dedicated to exploring Filipino culinary heritage and advancing Gastronomy Tourism both locally and globally. By encouraging the active participation of industry leaders, the event aims to inspire a deeper appreciation for food as a driver of Filipino identity, inclusivity, sustainability, resilience, and global competitiveness.

The event was made possible through partnerships with the HAU School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, the HAU Center for Kapampangan Studies, the Arts, Culture, and Tourism Office of Pampanga, the Provincial Tourism Offices of Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Zambales, as well as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Clark Development Corporation, City of San Fernando, Municipality of Magalang, Municipality of Porac, other partner Local Government Units, OTAB Advertising, and Pocari Sweat.