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Paella Gigante 2026 in Ayala Triangle Gardens

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Paella Gigante 2026

<p>Paella Gigante once again became a meaningful gathering of food, culture, and community, bringing together top chefs and culinary students to cook for a cause and support elderly beneficiaries of Sociedad Española de Beneficencia.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777278894320PG_11_FINAL FINAL.jpg" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>An afternoon of food, culture, and purpose bringing together the community for the much-anticipated fund-raising event | Photo by the author</em></span></span></span> First launched in 2012, Paella Gigante has served as the flagship initiative of Sociedad Española de Beneficencia (SEB), to raise funds for its elderly Spanish and Filipino beneficiaries.  </div><p>Organized together with the LTB Philippines Chefs Association and partner institutions, the event has grown into a beloved annual tradition. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:513.865px;display:block" width="513.865"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777278981523Paella Gigante 2026 (3).webp" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:513.865px;height:auto" width="513.865"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Twenty-eight top chefs and 18 students of Lyceum and UST culinary schools participated in Paella Gigante 2026 | Photo courtesy of Sociedad Espanola de Beneficencia</em></span></span></span></div><p>The 2026 edition was held alongside El Día del Libro of Instituto Cervantes, creating a full Spanish Day that celebrated shared heritage through cuisine, culture, and community. </p><p>Paella Gigante took place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 4:00 PM in Ayala Triangle Gardens, where guests gathered for a meaningful afternoon united by a good cause. A Php 1,000 ticket donation included a generous serving of sumptuous paella and refreshing sangria to counter the summer heat. </p><div>  <strong></strong></div><div><strong>An extraordinary culinary collaboration</strong>  </div><p>At the heart of Paella Gigante 2026 was an extraordinary culinary collaboration. A total of 28 chefs from leading restaurants joined 18 culinary students from Lyceum and the University of Santo Tomas to prepare the iconic dish.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:513.865px;display:block" width="513.865"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777277414674PG_8.JPEG" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:513.865px;display:block;height:auto" width="513.865"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Preparing the fire needed for the paellera measuring more than 10 feet in diameter | Photo by the author</em></span></span></span></div><p>At the helm was Mikel Arriet, general manager of Anya Resort Tagaytay, who served as Paella Capitan General for Paella Gigante. The team used a massive <em>paellera </em>measuring over 10 feet in diameter, capable of serving up to 1,000 guests.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:513.865px;display:block" width="513.865"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777278763541Paella Gigante 2026 (2)_B_FINAL.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:513.865px;height:auto" width="513.865"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Paella Gigante with 100 kilos of rice, 15 liters of olive oil, and more than 200 liters of water | Photo courtesy of Sociedad Espanola de Beneficencia</em></span></span></span></div><p>Preparing the dish required 100 kilos of rice, 15 liters of olive oil, and more than 200 liters of water, along with other essential ingredients such as chicken and chorizo, shrimp and mussels, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Now on his 14th Paella Gigante, Arriet orchestrated the entire process with the precision of a maestro, guiding the sequencing of each ingredient.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:513.865px;display:block" width="513.865"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777277490979PG_Olive Oil Final.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:513.865px;display:block;height:auto" width="513.865"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Fifteen liters of olive oil are poured into the massive paellera capable of providing paella for 1,000 guests | Photo courtesy of Sociedad Espanola de Beneficencia</em></span></span></span></div><p>From pouring of the olive oil and sautéing of the proteins, to the layering of the aromatics and vegetables and rice, to covering of the<em> paellera</em> with aluminum foil for 15 minutes and lastly adding in the mussels after removing the foil, before finally serving the eager 1,000 guests. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:513.865px;display:block" width="513.865"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777277970821PG_9_FINAL.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:513.865px;height:auto" width="513.865"/><span class="fr-inner">The waiting game: Guests patiently watched as the Paella Gigante cooked for 15 minutes after being covered with sheets of foil | Photo by the author</span></span></span></div><p>Arriet shared that they use traditional paella spices like saffron, staying true to Spanish flavors, but also incorporate a Filipino twist with chorizo to suit the local palate. He added that Paella Gigante has always been something the chefs do for charity and they genuinely enjoy being part of it, even if it’s challenging and the heat can be intense. He elaborates, “Through Paella Gigante, we celebrate our shared Spanish-Filipino heritage while directly supporting our elderly beneficiaries. We invite friends and families to spend an afternoon enjoying good food, good company, and good ambiance for a great cause.”</p><div><strong>Shared heritage and purpose</strong></div><p>Beyond the spectacle, the event remained true to its mission. “Through Paella Gigante, we celebrate our shared Spanish-Filipino heritage while directly supporting our elderly beneficiaries,” said Fernando Gaspar, President of the Board of Trustees of SEB. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:513.865px;display:block" width="513.865"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777282161989The Charge de Affaires Pedro Linas and Cultural Attache Alvaro Garcia of the Spanish Embassy at the ceremonial first scoop.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:513.865px;height:auto" width="513.865"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>The ceremonial first scoop by The Charge de Affaires Pedro Linas and Cultural Attache Alvaro Garcia of the Spanish Embassy | Photo courtesy of Sociedad Espanola de Beneficencia</em></span></span></span></div><p>He shared that every Php 1,000 ticket donation helps expand the organization’s programs and extend care to more seniors in need, inviting families and friends to come together in support of the cause.</p><p>In an interview with SEB Vice President Ina Gemperle, she shared, “Besides raising essential funds, events serve to connect people, build community, and grow our brand and advocacy. The more people know about us, the easier it becomes to gain sponsors and donations, extend our reach, and fulfill the mission we have upheld since 1948: caring for Spanish and Filipino elderly in need.” </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:513.865px;display:block" width="513.865"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777305555561LTB President JV Ventura_FINAL.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:513.865px;height:auto" width="513.865"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>LTB President JV Ventura / Photo courtesy of Sociedad Espanola de Beneficencia</em></span></span></span></div><p>Gemperle adds that the spirit of paella is one of camaraderie and sharing, because it is a dish that everyone can enjoy together around one pan. “That is why Paella Gigante has always been such a meaningful tradition for us. It’s a joy to partner with LTB Philippines Chefs Association, whose dedicated members, including some VIP chefs, generously give their time and talent for the love of paella and for our cause. Their commitment, year after year, turns a single giant paella into something much greater: a celebration of community in service of our elderly in need.” </p><p>On SEB’s impact and future direction, Gemperle explains that they aim to expand their reach by increasing the number of interno beneficiaries (full room-and-board) and externo beneficiaries (partial subsidy) at both homes they partner with, namely: The Santa Maria Josefa Home for the Aged in Malate, and the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly in Mandaluyong. They are also exploring partnerships with additional elderly homes within the NCR region to further extend their assistance. </p><p>On this year’s performance, Gemperle shares, “We did much better than expected, given we had only a month to prepare, and surpassed our expectations.  In the past we did Paella Gigante on our own with a major sponsor.  This was the first year we did it in the context of Instituto Cervantes’ Dia de Libro.” </p><div><strong>About Sociedad Española de Beneficencia </strong></div><p>Sociedad Española de Beneficencia (SEB) was founded in 1948 by Spanish nationals in the Philippines to assist fellow Spaniards who had lost everything and received no compensation following the devastation of World War II. </p><p>Today, SEB remains the oldest fully accredited NGO dedicated to improving the well-being and quality of life of indigent elderly Spaniards and Filipinos. The organization provides monthly, quarterly, and annual stipends to institutions offering essential services such as general welfare assistance, shelter, counseling, and interment support. </p><p>Its Board of Trustees has played a key role in preserving the foundation’s legacy through strong governance and prudent investment management, while continuing to support fundraising initiatives like Paella Gigante. </p><p>The current SEB Board includes Fernando Gaspar (President), Ina Gemperle (Vice President), Santi Picornell (Treasurer), and Trustees JJ Berenguer-Testa, Frankie Eizmendi, Javier Escat, Pablo Garcia Morera, Jose Mari Moraza, and Nena Ortoll. </p><div>  </div><div><strong>SEB&#x27;s Partner Homes </strong></div><div><strong>The Saint Maria Josefa Home for the Aged in Maytubig, Malate </strong></div><p>Among SEB’s main beneficiary partners is The Saint Maria Josefa Home for the Aged in Maytubig, Malate. Opened in 2010, the home is owned and managed by the Religious Sisters of the Servants of Jesus of Charity (Siervas de Jesús), an order known for its specialization in geriatric care. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:454px;display:block" width="454"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777279710317The Saint Maria Josefa Home for the Aged_2.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:454px;display:block;height:auto" width="454"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Siervas All Smile Beneficiaries / Photo courtesy of Sociedad Espanola de Beneficencia</em></span></span></span>The facility is almost self-contained, with around 50 fully equipped rooms, a chapel, a medical consultation room, and a nurses’ station. Geriatric specialists retained by SEB regularly attend to the residents’ needs. </div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:513.865px;display:block" width="513.865"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777279834273The Saint Maria Josefa Home for the Aged_1.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:513.865px;height:auto" width="513.865"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>The Saint Maria Josefa Home for the Aged owned by the Religious Sisters of Jesus of Charity / Photo courtesy of Sociedad Espanola de Beneficencia</em></span></span></span> </div><p>Formerly known as El Hogar de San Joaquín, the home was SEB’s first before it was acquired by the nuns. Its origins can be traced to the geriatric wing of the former Hospital de Santiago, regarded as one of Manila’s finest hospitals in the 1930s. Proceeds from the sale of the hospital property helped fund the purchase of land in Malate, where a new home was built in 1989. </p><div><strong>The Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly in San Juan, Mandaluyong </strong></div><p>Another key beneficiary partner of SEB is The Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly in San Juan, Mandaluyong, also known as Hermanitas. The center cares exclusively for indigent Filipinas, many of whom have been rescued from the streets. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:514px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777279217204Little Sisters.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Photo courtesy of Sociedad Espanola de Beneficencia</em></span></span></span></div><p>It operates largely through donations from private individuals as well as public and private organizations, with SEB providing quarterly support to help cover food and other daily needs of its elderly residents. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:513.865px;display:block" width="513.865"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1777279324663Little Sisters_2.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:513.865px;display:block;height:auto" width="513.865"/><span class="fr-inner"><em>Little Sisters cares exclusively for indigent Filipinas | Photo courtesy of Sociedad Espanola de Beneficencia </em></span></span></span>  </div><p>The home is run by the sisters of the Congregation of Saint Teresa of Jesus, founded in Spain in 1872 by Teresa Jornet Ibars, and is part of a global network that now includes around 200 homes worldwide. </p><div>  </div><div><br/></div><div>  </div>

<p>Beyond a feast, the annual SEB fundraiser gathered chefs, students, and the community at Ayala Triangle Gardens for an afternoon celebrating Spanish-Filipino heritage while supporting elderly beneficiaries. </p>
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Beyond a feast, the annual SEB fundraiser gathered chefs, students, and the community at Ayala Triangle Gardens for an afternoon celebrating Spanish-Filipino heritage while supporting elderly beneficiaries.

More than a feast: What Paella Gigante’s mission is really about

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More than a feast: What Paella Gigante’s mission is really about

Mawi Fojas De Ocampo

Published April 28, 2026 12:00 AM PHT

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Updated April 28, 2026 12:39 AM PHT

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Paella Gigante 2026

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