On November 22, 2024, Taste of Amuma transformed Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort into a hub of Filipino culinary artistry. Held at the picturesque Sidlakan Building of Delfino’s Pizzeria, this much-anticipated event showcased the warmth, care, and creativity that define the Amuma core value.
A Glimpse of Filipino Culinary Skills and Hospitality at Taste of Amuma
Top culinary teams from Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort, Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort, Almont Beach Resort Surigao, and Almont Inland Resort Butuan came together to redefine Filipino-inspired cuisine, creating memorable dining experiences while embracing sustainability and cultural heritage.
At its heart, “Amuma” embodies care, love, and hospitality—qualities ingrained in Filipino culture. At Bluewater Resorts, Amuma is more than a tradition; it is the essence of how they treat guests like family, creating lasting memories through every gesture and meal.
The Culinary Highlights of Taste of Amuma
The event featured an exciting competition among chefs from Bluewater Resorts and Almont Hotels & Resorts competing across seven categories—appetizer, soup/salad, main course, dessert, alcoholic drink, non-alcoholic drink, and coffee concoction—this event celebrated Filipino heritage, sustainability, and the warm hospitality of Amuma.
The dishes showcased Filipino flavors while prioritizing sustainability with locally sourced ingredients. Judges and attendees were treated to an array of creative, flavorful, and visually stunning entries.
Taste & Test. The judges Ms. Gwen Jacinto, Chef Sau del Rosarion, and Ms. Michell Lampinez-Oroc sampled each of the entries showing great attention to detail; served questions to the contestant to learn more about the inspiration and background of their food.
Chefs Under Fire. The members of the culinary teams presented their entries for the Taste of Amuma to the panel of judges.The panel of judges are: Michell Oroc, writer and editor of zee lifestyle and It’s Cebu, and owner of Sage Café; Gwen Jacinto, sought-after food critic, and PR Practitioner of Whip Public Relations & Communications; and Chef Sau del Rosario, renowned Filipino chef, restaurateur, and culinary innovator.
A Step Towards Culinary Excellence
The Taste of Amuma 2024 was not only a culinary competition but also a step toward Bluewater Resorts’ vision of becoming a premier culinary destination by 2025. The event highlighted the resort’s dedication to fostering innovation in Filipino-inspired cuisine while staying rooted in the values of Amuma.
Taste of Amuma 2024 Results
From mouthwatering appetizers to innovative coffee concoctions, each entry was a testament to the artistry, heritage, and sustainability at the heart of the Amuma spirit. Here is the complete list of winners who triumphed in this culinary showcase.
| Category | Placement | Entry | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appetizer | Champion | Bangus Dinakdakan with Tokwa at Baboy | Almont Surigao |
| Runner-up | Seafood Kinilaw sa Sumilon | Bluewater Sumilon | |
| Soup/Salad | Champion | Sinigang sa Sampalok Ensalada | Almont Butuan |
| Runner-up | Seafood Meatballs Sinigang sa Kamias at Pinya sa Buko | Bluewater Sumilon | |
| Main Course | Champion | Panagsama | Bluewater Maribago |
| Runner-up | Inubaran nga Manok Inasal | Bluewater Sumilon | |
| Dessert | Champion | Harana | Bluewater Maribago |
| Runner-up | Maize Uala Cake | Almont Surigao | |
| Ice Cream | Champion | Sea Urchin Ice Cream | Almont Surigao |
| Runner-up | Sandugo Fiesta Sorbetes | Bluewater Panglao | |
| Alcoholic Drink | Champion | Handom sa Kaagi | Bluewater Panglao |
| Runner-up | Dumagsa | Bluewater Sumilon | |
| Non-alcoholic Drink | Champion | Alima | Bluewater Sumilon |
| Runner-up | Jhoey Oak Gin | Almont Butuan | |
| Coffee Concoction | Champion | Andanan | Bluewater Sumilon |
| Runner-up | Kape sa Uma | Bluewater Maribago |
Members of the Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort culinary team received the “Over-all Amuma Dish” trophy.
The culinary team of Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort receives the “Over-all Amuma Beverage” trophy.| Over-all Amuma Dish | Champion | Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort |
| Runner-up | Almont Beach Resort Surigao | |
| Over-all Amuma Beverage | Champion | Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort |
| Runner-up | Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort |
The event was graced by distinguished guest Leo Lastimosa, Cebuano media personality, broadcaster, journalist, and news anchor, as well as the key leaders of Bluewater Resorts and Almont Hotels and Resorts: Ms. Margie Munsayac, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing; Ms. Beverly Morales, Corporate Marketing Communications Manager; Executive Chef Stephen del-Amen, Mr. Domiku Ugarte, Assistant General Manager; Ms. Julie Alegrado-Vergara, President and CEO of the Bluewater Resorts, and President of Almont Holdings, Inc.; and the management of all properties of Bluewater Resorts, and Almont Hotels & Resorts.
A Taste of Italy at Delfino’s Pizzeria
Adding a touch of international flair, Delfino’s Pizzeria was the perfect venue for this remarkable event. Tucked inside the Sidlakan Building at Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort, Delfino’s Pizzeria masterfully blends authentic Italian cuisine with Filipino-inspired flavors. Its open-air setting, complemented by stunning sea views, creates a relaxed atmosphere perfect for an exceptional dining experience.
Each pizza is crafted with care, using premium ingredients like rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and fresh herbs. Beyond pizza, the menu boasts classic Italian delights, including creamy pastas, hearty main courses, and decadent desserts, all paired with a thoughtfully curated wine and beverage selection.
Whether you’re satisfying cravings, planning a romantic dinner, or celebrating special moments, Delfino’s Pizzeria promises a delightful fusion of Italian tastes with a tropical touch.
Chef Sau del Rosario (top left photo) offered his words of encouragement and congratulations to all the participating teams of the Taste of Amuma Culinary Competition.ALSO READ: Filipino Christmas Shines at Pasko sa Bluewater 2024
The Taste of Amuma 2024 was a true celebration of Filipino culinary artistry and heartfelt hospitality. Through creative dishes and memorable experiences, the event captured the essence of Amuma, leaving an indelible mark on everyone in attendance.
Relive the memories of Taste of Amuma 2024! Savor the warmth, care, and creativity that define the Filipino dining experience. Follow Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort Facebook Page to learn more.
