Q&A: Mars Espera

By Fiona Patricia S. Escandor

‘The Food Show’ host sheds light on the local dining scene0

“CEBU is not just a city of beaches. You can also have a fantastic food experience here,” says Mars Espera, host of the newly aired “The Food Show” on Mytv.

With the dream of highlighting the culinary diversity the metropolis has to offer, the 21-year-old foodie launched last April 26 his own show where he will feature the crème de la crème of the local dining scene.

Get to know more about this chatty host as he divulges more about his passion for food, hosting and all else in between.

What inspired you to create and host your own food show?

Food has always been my passion — and it shows. I wanted to do something that would bring out the best in me and I know that hosting a food show, I would do best at it. I have also always enjoyed trying new restaurants in the city, posting photos of the food online and sharing it to my friends.

How did you get to know so much about the ABCs of food?

Back in high school, my mom and I used to watch cooking shows such as the Barefoot Contessa and Giada de Laurentiis, and we would always try to cook those recipes. Eventually during house parties and family reunions, my mom makes me cook everything. Although I didn’t study culinary formally, I think that if you love food, you get the basics of it and you know what works and what doesn’t.

What’s your specialty?

Chicken parmigiana — that’s baked chicken topped with parmesan cheese and buffalo mozzarella. I started learning this when I was in high school.

What’s your background in hosting or being on-cam?

During high school, I was always asked to perform on stage. Being obese wasn’t really a hindrance for me, but it actually motivates me more. I’ve always been confident speaking in front of the public. Talking to people and sharing to them what I love is something I’ve always enjoyed.

Some people don’t take weight issues positively. How do you do it?

Being obese doesn’t mean it’s the end of your life. It’s not a curse. It’s a blessing for you to be able to inspire others who have the same case. It doesn’t mean that just because you’re obese, you’re bound to do (certain) things. Being obese is a way for me to show people that I can do more than what they expect me to do.

Aside from hosting, what else is keeping you busy nowadays?

I quit my job in our family business to focus on this. I want this to be the main focus, the limelight of my everyday. I also play poker professionally. I go to different regions to play as one of the representatives of Cebu.

When did you start playing poker?

I started playing when I was 15, so underage. My cousins got me into it one evening and they defeated me, so I said to myself that I’ll do well in this and get back at them. It really did happen when I started playing — and winning — tournaments.

What makes a perfect meal?

I think a perfect meal should always have bacon in it. Bacon and, of course, mashed potatoes. What can go wrong with bacon and mashed potatoes?

* “The Food Show” is now airing on Mytv (Channel 30 on SkyCable)

Photos: Alfred Gregory E. Bartolome
Hair & Make-up: AJ Airraveche
Venue: Mytv Studio