Chit Juan speaks with Reena Gamboa about the vibrant and growing Slow Food movement in the Philippines. Reena shares how her community’s deep-rooted pride in Ilonggo food culture laid the foundation for their leadership role in hosting Terra Madre Asia and the Pacific, a biennial event gathering farmers, chefs, food advocates, and producers from across the region and beyond.

Reena gives us a preview of what to expect at the event: earth markets, educational exhibits, taste workshops, talks, and international collaboration—all anchored on the Slow Food principles of good, clean, and fair food. She also discusses how food tourism can uplift communities, preserve biodiversity, and build meaningful connections across borders.

GUEST BIO:

Reena Gamboa is a farmer, entrepreneur, and the president of Slow Food Negros. Based in Silay City, she runs Casa A. Gamboa, her ancestral home turned tourist destination offering private dining, homestays, and cultural events that highlight traditional Ilonggo and Filipino cuisine. A licensed tour guide, she advocates for sustainable food and cultural heritage through partnerships with the Department of Tourism, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda. Inspired by her aunt, renowned food writer Doreen Gamboa Fernandez, Reena continues to champion Philippine culinary traditions. Her work with the Slow Food Movement includes food mapping initiatives and organizing events that support farmers and promote local ingredients in Western Visayas.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why Terra Madre Asia and the Pacific is a landmark event for the region.
• How Slow Food Negros became a leading community in the country.
• The link between pride in local cuisine and food sustainability.
• What we can expect to find at the Terra Madre Festival
• How Slow Food promotes biodiversity and cultural heritage

QUOTES:

• We believe that people who eat are part of the food system, not just the farmers. — Reena Gamboa
• We are very particular about our food, just like the Italians. — Reena Gamboa
• Be proud of your  home cooked meals. — Reena Gamboa
• I already foresee the Philippines in the map of gastronomy. — Reena Gamboa
• The angle that we are pushing—good, clean and fair food—is not just a trend. It's a lifestyle. — Reena Gamboa

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Slow Food Negros:

• Slow Food Negros Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SlowFoodNegros
• Slow Food Negros Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/slowfoodnegros

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Purchase Brew: Cafe, Coffee. Kape  at Echostore.ph.

For more information about Brew: Cafe, Coffee, Kape, visit the Food Writers Association of the Philippine Facebook Group.