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Meet Spain's first Pinoy master carver of Iberico ham

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Karen Flores, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/04/06/040617_ml1.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Michael Lopez. <cite> Facebook.com/maestrocortadorfilipino</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA – Michael Lopez, the first Filipino master carver of Iberico ham in Spain, is in town to once again participate in Madrid Fusion Manila, which opens Thursday and runs until April 8.</p><p>Lopez has been part of Madrid Fusion Manila since it was first held in 2015, with the “maestro cortador” brought to the country by chef Juan Carlos de Terry of Terry’s Selection.</p><p>Expressing his excitement to participate in the 2017 edition of the festival, he told ABS-CBN News: “This year, I will use the new Arcos ham holder with my own design. And like every year, I will share the art of carving in a short Master Class on our stand.”</p><p>It was in the year 2000 when Lopez became a master carver. Back then, he was working as a waiter at the Cinco Jotas restaurant in Madrid.</p><p>“Fortunately, they saw my potential on carving so they promoted me as a master carver of Iberico ham. I have decided to continue my job because I love what I’m doing,” he said. “One of the best parts in doing this job is that I can express my emotions through the art of carving.”</p><p>As a master ham carver, Lopez has graced events such as the UEFA Champions League at the Real Madrid Football Stadium.</p><p>His brother, Mark, eventually followed in his footsteps and became the second Filipino maestro cortador in Spain.</p><p>Lopez said he is proud of what he and Mark have achieved, and hopes to continue making the Philippines proud.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9IxR8yh-U5s" width="560"></iframe></figure><p>“I’m very proud of my craft and the chance that was given to me, to develop my passion for carving which I have shared with my brother Mark,” he said. “I am very proud of my beginnings and I hope that I may be able to give glory to the Philippines by representing it to the world.”</p><p>In an e-mail interview with ABS-CBN News, Lopez shared his thoughts on what it takes to be a master cortador, his biggest challenge, and some advice to aspiring ham carvers.</p><div><strong>ON BEING A MASTER CARVER</strong></div><p>“A master carver, particularly in ham carving, has his own unique and different style. Every master carver [should] show creativeness and [deliver] customer satisfaction.”</p><div><strong>ON THE PERFECT WAY TO SLICE HAM</strong></div><p>“I developed a very simple way of getting a paper-thin slice by using the entire long ham knife. The swinging of the elbow is very important, it’s like you’re playing a violin. You start carving when you’re pulling the knife, not when you’re pushing. It’s very important that your knife is sharp enough, so the only thing you will do is to guide the knife and let it do the job for you.</p><p>“You just have to enjoy what you’re doing and everything else will follow.”</p><div><strong>ON HIS FAVORITE HAM</strong></div><p>“There is a new law to avoid fraud on the quality of the Iberico ham. Now you can recognize it by the colored security tags. Black, acorn-fed 100% pure Iberico ham is my personal favorite, and is the best type of ham.”</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="http://news.abs-cbn.com/video/life/10/29/16/watch-how-authentic-spanish-ham-is-made">WATCH: How authentic Spanish ham is made</a></li></ul><div><strong>ON HIS BIGGEST CHALLENGE</strong></div><p>“One of the major challenges for me is to keep my customers satisfied so that they continue to patronize my service. Since my product caters to the high-end market, it’s quite challenging for me to introduce [myself] to different crowds.”</p><div><strong>ON HIS ADVICE TO ASPIRING MASTER CARVERS</strong></div><p>“Keep striving, and patiently learn the beauty of ham carving. Don’t let your failure intimidate you, but instead try to push harder on the task with passion.”</p>

<p>Michael Lopez, the first Filipino master carver of Iberico ham in Spain, is in town to once again participate in Madrid Fusion Manila from April 6 to 8.</p>

Michael Lopez, the first Filipino master carver of Iberico ham in Spain, is in town to once again participate in Madrid Fusion Manila from April 6 to 8.

Meet Spain's first Pinoy master carver of Iberico ham

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Meet Spain's first Pinoy master carver of Iberico ham

Karen Flores,

ABS-CBN News

Published Apr 06, 2017 02:56 PM PHT

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Updated Apr 06, 2017 03:49 PM PHT

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