Mercato Centrale is known for its many food choices that will satisfy your gastronomic cravings. Located in the heart of Bonifacio Global City, the weekly night food market never fails to tantalize the taste buds of many foodies.
Unknown to many, the night market, in collaboration with Pilmico, the food subsidiary of The Aboitiz Group, is also active in promoting homegrown dishes and Filipino delicacies via its Mahalin Pagkain Atin program. Since 2014, the people behind Mercato Centrale have been traveling all over the country to acquaint themselves with different dishes and bring these to loyal customers here.
Mercato Centrale Co-Founder RJ Ledesma said this was the logical thing to do since whenever they traveled abroad, they were advised to visit the local food market. The idea was transplanted to the Philippines but with a twist. Instead of going to different parts of the country, foodies can now sample the delectable dishes of different regions via the food market.
True enough, the project was embraced by Metro Manilans, proving that Pinoys love to eat and are not afraid to try new things. Through Mercato Centrale, they can taste anything from the hearty chicken stew “pinikpikan” that is popular in the Cordillera Region to the crunchy deep-fried pig skin of “bagnet” in Ilocos.
On July 31, 2015, Mercato Centrale gave customers a treat by featuring remarkable dishes like Chicken Roullade, Pinakbet with Bagnet, and Mango Empanada courtesy of celebrity chef Boy Logro. The event was hosted by Mellow 94.7 DJs Tracy Abad, Stan Sy, and Chris who gave everyone an unforgettable dining experience with their upbeat music.
However, this is not all about eating. Mahalin Pagkain Atin has helped several people in the provinces through its Food and Livelihood Expos in Tagum City, Davao, Bohol, North Cebu, Iloilo, Ormoc, Palo, Carigara, Baybay, Tacloban, Roxas City, Samar, Butuan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and Isabela.
Pilmico also visits tragedy, poverty, and conflict-stricken areas to give residents a second chance, so they can live normal lives and become productive members of society again. It conducts seminars on animal husbandry and nutrition, as well as cooking and baking demonstrations, to showcase the different flavors of the provinces and promote their unique delicacies.
Moreover, the advocacy encourages residents to embrace backyard farming as a sustainable form of livelihood. To achieve this, Pilmico has donated a total of 191 egg machines, 646 piglets, and 14 agri supplies to 304 families nationwide.
