Get ready to have senses set ablaze as Fire Fest 2025 is set to “scorch” the Renaissance Convention Center in Marikina from October 4-5, 2025. The Fire Fest is a groundbreaking fusion of six powerhouse communities, uniting their shared passions under one roof for a spectacular celebration of all things hot, smoky, flavorful, and homegrown.
(L-R) Horti Filipina representative Bochie Canicula, MAD Elephant CEO Hector Angeles, Sarap Pilipinas co-founder Gwen Roque, Philippine Hot Sauce Club president & co-founder Eric del Rosario, Philippine Chili Federation president & founder Ponchit Ponce Enrile, Pitmasters Club of the Philippines Admin Officer Julius Mercado, Philippine Craft Brewers Association president Fred Calope, and Pinoy Preppers Bazaar founder Miko Tetangco
Headed by the Philippine Chili Federation (PCF), Fire Fest 2025 marks the first time other communities are joining to create a bigger festival. As PCF President Ponchit Ponce Enrile declares, “This is just the start of something big for all communities in Fire Fest. We are like-minded people who share the same passion in each of our crafts.”
Fire Fest 2025 is an immersive experience, divided into two expansive indoor halls and two open-air spaces, each representing a different elemental aspect of fire and energy. These areas are called Heat, Spark and Air.
The Heat hall features the Chili Fest 8, the “Matira Matibay” challenge where participants dare to push the the limits of what they consider spicy, and the Table of Fire which is a long buffet table wherein over 200 hot sauces, spicy condiments and chili products from all over the Philippines are laid out for visitors to sample for free. There is also the Fiery Cup, the largest private hot sauce judging event in Asia.
The second indoor hall, Spark, showcases Filipino culture, heritage and artisan crafts. Here, guests can witness the inaugural Chili Cocktail Cup led by Chef Kalel Demetrio of Liquido Maestro. The hall will also highlight a local “mambabatok,” Ammin Acha-ur from Benguet, connecting attendees to a deeper sense of Filipino heritage.
The open-air Smoke hall of the the Pitmasters Club of the Philippines (PCP) and the Philippine Craft Brewers Association (PCBA) has an array of Texas BBQ and cold craft beer, as well as the Pinoy Prepper Bazaar, an endeavor that promotes camping and disaster preparedness.
The final open-air hall called Air hosted by Horti Filipina promotes endemic plants and local hybrids through lectures and a display of flora.
Ponchit Ponce Enrile invites stakeholders and the public to be part of Fire Fest 2025, “(This is ) a huge event that should be supported,” he said. For tickets, partnership, exhibitor and partnership inquiries, visit firefestph.com or contact firefest2025@gmail.com. With an ambulance and medic on standby for the chili challenges and a festival-wide focus on the health benefits of chili, Fire Fest promises an exhilarating, safe, and unforgettable experience.
