A culinary spectacle returns in a memorable evening filled with culinary delights, culture, community and compassion. After a three year hiatus due to the global pandemic, the return of Paella Gigante celebrates a legacy that began back in 2012 in a festive showcase of Spanish culinary heritage and culture...
One of the best known dishes in Spanish cuisine, the iconic paella has been the centerpiece of countless memorable celebrations deeply ingrained in the local culinary mainstream. Last March 16, the grandest paella was served at the Greenbelt 3 Park of Ayala Malls marking the return of Paella Gigante in an evening of rich flavors, cultural performances and heartwarming community spirit. A joint initiative by Sociedad Española de Beneficencia (SEB), Ayala Malls Greenbelt and LTB Philippine Chefs Association, the much-awaited revival of the Paella Gigante tradition is an event that rekindles the warm bonds of community spirit. Read on for a generous serving of paella prepared by Manila's finest chefs...
Crowds gathered early that day at the Greenbelt 3 Park of Ayala Malls to witness a culinary spectacle unlike any other. The much-anticipated return of Paella Gigante is a milestone of sorts continuing a well-loved annual tradition since 2012 ending a three-year absence from 2020 due to the pandemic. But it's back, bigger and better at Greenbelt 3 Park...
...for a unique and immersive experience of Spanish flavors, culture and camaraderie. The annual Paella Gigante is a fundraising initiative to provide essential support such as shelter, medical assistance, counseling, hospitalization and interment aid to the beneficiaries of Sociedad Española de Beneficencia (SEB). Established way back in 1948 by Spanish citizens residing in the country, SEB is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of elderly individuals, both Spanish and Filipino reflecting both close cultural ties and shared history. That day, guests witnessed a grand live cooking demo showcasing one of Spain's iconic staples, Spanish musical and dance performances, a photo booth and an array of exquisite Spanish wines transforming Greenbelt 3 Park into a memorable feast for the senses. But more than the sights, sounds and flavors, Paella Gigante reinforces both compassion and community spirit to support a shared advocacy led by SEB.
SEB's commitment continues with its growing list of beneficiaries including elderly individuals, religious communities and foundations such as Kalipay Negrense, Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly, Makabata School Foundation and Siervas de Jesus de la Caridad.
How many chefs does it take for a massive Paella Gigante? It takes an army of skilled and passionate chefs to create Manila's biggest and largest paella cook-out at the Greenbelt 3 Park, and the LTB Philippines Chef Association is up to the task led by noted culinary icons like Cyrille Soenen, Mikel Arriet Arruiz, J Gamboa, Fernando Aracama...
...Carlo Miguel, James Antolin, Ramon Antonio, Lee Jose, Daryl Vance Sy, Juan Carlos de Terry and many more. Too many chefs in the wide open Greenbelt 3 Park kitchen is clearly not an issue at the annual Paella Gigante event. Sponsors like La Cámara Oficial Española de Comercio, Industria y Navegación and others generously provided the ingredients for the massive undertaking. With 185 chambers in 45 countries, La Cámara continues its unwavering support to promoting trade relations between Spain and the Philippines. The event also marks the 125th year of La Cámara's mission as it evolves and adapts to keep in step with the changing times.
Can you guess just how many liters of olive oil and kilos of rice are needed for the Paella Gigante? Plus the amount of fresh vegetables, seafood, chorizo, chicken and saffron? The numbers are mind-boggling to say the least, but that's Paella Gigante for you. It's go big or go home, and Paella Gigante never fails to impress since 2012.
Angel Jacob hosted the day's festivities, weaving the various activities together in a seamless flow...
...from captivating musical and dance performances like paso doble and flamenco for that flamboyant Spanish fiesta vibe at Greenbelt 3 Park. It is, after all, a celebration. And there's nothing quite like Paella Gigante.
At exactly 4pm, the team of chefs prepared the massive open pit fire for the Paella Gigante with wood and charcoal...
...while another team prepped the giant paellera for the sumptuous feast ahead. Each little detail becomes magnified for the Paella Gigante reflecting both the scale and size of the ambitious culinary endeavor.
The ceremonial pouring of olive oil by VIP guests formally opened the Paella Gigante festivities...
...as the fiery open pit glowed in the fading afternoon light at the Greenbelt 3 Park. As the flames slowly settled down with vibrant embers, the army of chefs carefully placed the enormous paellera on the pit.
Loud cheers accompanied the chefs with the transfer of the oiled paellera, lighting up the magical hour against a setting sun. It was my first time to witness Paella Gigante, and it truly is a grand spectacle showcasing both the beauty of collaboration and community for a shared cause and advocacy.
The flavorful sofrito base is then laid on the giant paellera immediately releasing a fragrant and savory aroma...
...as the army of chefs worked the massive paellera armed with stainless steel shovel-sized utensils to ensure each ingredient is evenly cooked.
In an intricately choreographed series of precise motions and movements, the team of chefs constantly work the paellera as more ingredients are added including more seafood, vegetables and chicken.
The flavorful base of the sofrito, now with a medley of fresh ingredients are gently seared on the paellera, and the Paella Gigante is slowly taking shape. The gradual build-up of layers of flavors slowly cooked on a wood burning pit is an impressive sight, matched by the festive sounds at Greenbelt 3 Park.
At the precise moment, the saffron rich broth is then poured on the paellera and allowed to gently simmer. The brightly colored broth with its deep yellow hues becomes a visual clue to the amount of saffron used, promising rich and hearty flavors.
Finally, the rice is added to the paellera to complete the list of ingredients for the Paella Gigante. And now, the waiting game begins as the gentle wood fire adds its magic to the dish.
To facilitate the cooking process, the entire paellera was covered in foil, slow cooked over fire. Good food takes time, and there's no need to rush a Spanish classic like paella.
Then, the moment everyone was waiting for was celebrated by another round of jubilant applause as the foil was slowly lifted from the paellera. The vibrant colors and fragrant aroma teases your senses...
...as the chefs proudly unveil their culinary masterpiece. The Sociedad Española de Beneficencia (SEB), the LTB Philippines Chef Association, Ayala Malls Greenbelt and sponsors like the La Cámara Oficial Española de Comercio, Industria y Navegación present the Paella Gigante...
The stainless steel shovels are brought out once more as the Paella Gigante is mixed one last time befre serving a hungry crowd.
And the cheers got even louder as the chefs prepared to serve the Paella Gigante...
...with heaping servings packed in boxes and distributed to the guests. Rich, moist and flavorful, the Paella Gigante with its pronounced hints of saffron and the briny sweetness of succulent seafood come together with each satisfying spoonful. A timeless culinary tradition and culture along with community and heartfelt compassion are celebrated with each serving of the Paella Gigante at Greenbelt 3 Park, and it's great to see it back once more after a three year absence.
World records may not have been broken that day, but the Paella Gigante remains a culinary spectacle unequalled in the metro.
Congratulations to Sociedad Española de Beneficencia (SEB), the LTB Philippines Chef Association and Ayala Malls Greenbelt for the successful return of Paella Gigante. There's nothing quite like getting together over sumptuous food, but the Paella Gigante takes the cake. A massive serving of Paella Gigante just ties everything together in a day of community and a shared cause. Is there any better way to celebrate community and compassion?
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