On this episode we chat with Reena Gamboa, whose work with the amazing team at Slow Food Negros has collectively led up to the first Terra Madre Asia Pacific Conference happening in Bacolod, Negros Occidental, on November 19-23, 2025. The event’s inaugural theme is “From Soil to Sea: A Slow Food Journey Through Tastes and Traditions”.
They’re expecting participants from across the world, whose lives and work revolve around creating and supporting systems to get good, clean, and fair food to as many communities as possible. During the conference, people from different professions and cultural, economic and educational backgrounds bring their perspectives, ideas, and experiences to the table, to connect with local leaders and their representatives, in farming and food production and gastronomy. What I’d give to be there and hear those stories!
Show notes
02:40 About Reena
04:00 A trip to Hong Kong
08:00 The beauty of river eels
10:40 The manuglibud of Negros & Ilonggo kakanins
17:00 Piaya of my childhood
18:40 Introduction to Slow Food Negros
21:40 Slow Food in Bacolod
25:30 A remote community in Sarangani
29:30 "What do you eat?"
32:40 "The farmer has no pride in himself"
34:50 "We have to protect it now"
37:40 Thoughtful experiences over imported pasalubong
39:15 Terra Madre Asia Pacific: From Soil to Sea
44:45 Bamboo shoots in coconut milk
Links
Slow Food Negros (Instagram)
Further listening: Good & Green With Chit Juan: How To Make Good, Clean, And Fair Food A Lifestyle with Reena Gamboa