The Venezuelan gastronomic scene reaches a new publishing milestone with the launch of “Flavors of the Soul: Culinary Universes Between Origin and Avant-Garde,” a work that, thanks to Bancamiga and Mastercard, transcends the recipe book to become a historical testimony of current haute cuisine.

The book serves as a record of the gatherings held in 2024 and 2025, when renowned figures such as Massimo Bottura, Norbert Niederkofler, and Andoni Luis Aduriz visited Venezuela.

Through the narrative of journalists and chroniclers Nahir Márquez, Giuliana Chiappe, Rubén Rojas, and Larissa Hernández, the work intertwines the visit of these global icons with the vibrancy of the national scene.

Regarding the significance of this launch, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bancamiga, José Simón Elarba, stated that “for our organization, ‘Flavors of the Soul’ represents a necessary record of what we can achieve when strategic vision is combined with a passion for excellence. This project has been conceived with the same rigor as the preparation of a great dish, where different elements and areas of work converge to leave a lasting testament to our management capabilities and commitment to culture.”

She stated that “at Bancamiga, we believe in experiences that leave a lasting impression. We trust in the value of bringing together people who share a way of seeing the world, enjoying it, and transforming it. Gastronomy, in that sense, has been a natural territory for expressing who we are and where we want to go.”

For Elarba, the book is an invitation to sit down at the table, to listen to the stories told through flavors, and to understand that when you work with purpose and sensitivity, even seemingly disparate worlds can engage in harmonious dialogue. Because in the end, “both in the kitchen and in life, what truly matters is sharing what we are passionate about and enjoying it.”

During the presentation this Thursday at Quinta Esmeralda in Campo Alegre, Claudia Acosta, Country Manager of Mastercard Venezuela, maintained that the book, Flavors of the Soul, is a testament to Mastercard’s commitment to Venezuelan culture.

Journalist and writer Giuliana Chiappe highlighted the importance of this publication in showcasing the richness that defines the country’s identity. Its fundamental value lies in uniting a love for culinary heritage and projecting the essence of Venezuelan society in a high-quality physical format.

“I think it’s wonderful that Bancamiga is producing a book like this, a book that endures, a book that remains, a printed book, a book that tells the story of who we are,” she stated during her remarks.

The work is not limited to a compilation of recipes; it also analyzes the artistic process and the fieldwork carried out “from scratch.” According to Chiappe, the final result is a testament to a sector that has achieved a “very high level,” positioning itself as a benchmark capable of attracting the top chefs of the Michelin Guide.

A bridge between origins and the global sphere

Flavors of the Soul not only highlights international presence but also delves into the culinary offerings of four chefs leading the way in Caracas: José Antonio Casanova at Toro, Claudia Crisante at Vizio, Issam Koteich at Cordero, and Juan Hernáez at Bocca Di Lupo.

Hernáez emphasized the importance of this institutional initiative within the context of the sector’s recovery, praising the effort to gather information and showcase the industry’s work in recent years. His approach at Bocca Di Lupo, which focuses on fusing Italian immigrant traditions with local products, exemplifies the richness of the gastronomic identity that the project seeks to protect.

“For me, it’s quite important, given the context Venezuela has experienced in recent years, that we are now not only seeing a recovery but that companies like Bancamiga are dedicated to gathering information and organizing these kinds of events,” he added.

“Sabores del Alma” also pays homage to the Venezuelan diaspora of talent that now boasts Michelin stars abroad, including Ricardo Chaneton (Mono, Hong Kong), Santiago Fernández (Maz, Tokyo), and Enrique Limardo (Seven Reasons, Washington, D.C.).

This, the third book from the Bancamiga Publishing Fund, following “Historias Repetibles” and “Manual para Emprendedores,” recognizes in its structure that haute cuisine is unviable without respect for its origins. Therefore, it dedicates a significant portion to the artisans of the product: Pilar Cabrera (Casa Mejillón), Miguel Rodríguez (Herencia Divina), Carlos Bejarano (Urbánico), and Octavio Teruel (Vegetales Marinos).

Conceived under the premise that creating a book emulates preparing a dish, this work blends technique, sensory memory, and organizational management. Ultimately, it is a necessary record of Venezuela’s capacity to generate world-class experiences through the universal language of food.

With Sabores del alma, Bancamiga and Mastercard connect their customers with top-level gastronomic experiences, integrating concepts of innovation, sustainability and social responsibility.

Video with statements and details for your enjoyment

To read and view the artwork, as well as learn more about the comprehensive “Flavors of the Soul” initiative, visit: https://www.bancamiga.com/sabores-del-alma/.

With on-site coverage (El Sumario Digital Communication Group) and information provided by Bancamiga and Mastercard Venezuela

Audiovisual Production: Ida Febres

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In 2025, Bancamiga reaffirmed its commitment to the sustainable development of Venezuela by implementing a high-impact social investment strategy focused on innovation, education, and the well-being of communities throughout the country.

The combination of business development programs with an emphasis on technological advancements, support for healthcare, and the promotion of social and cultural initiatives positions Bancamiga as a benchmark for corporate social responsibility in the Venezuelan banking sector, according to José Simón Elarba, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bancamiga Banco Universal.

“Just as we set the standard with our growth and leadership in the banking sector, our social management transcends traditional banking and differentiates us from other financial institutions,” he emphasized.

Programs focused on promoting entrepreneurship and business development have been the area with the greatest impact, benefiting some 5,000 people through training sessions that integrated technological trends and key elements for successful business models.

Bancamiga marked a historic milestone with its conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Ríos Reyna Hall of the Teresa Carreño Theater, featuring the participation of international experts in the new digital frontiers. This commitment to innovation extended to Global Entrepreneurship Week and the support of Technovation Girls Venezuela 2024-2025, where more than 350 teenagers designed mobile applications to solve social problems, promoting gender equality in fields such as science and technology, and engineering and mathematics.

Likewise, through the Bancamiga Publishing Fund, the “Manual for Entrepreneurs: Ten Key Questions for Starting a Business in Venezuela” was published, a resource that has garnered more than 5,000 digital downloads and 500 printed copies.

In addition, in-person and online forums were held for entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized business owners in Greater Caracas, Valencia, Porlamar, and Puerto Ordaz, according to a statement from the institution.

Sowing the future

Bancamiga understands that the country’s development begins in the classroom. Through the “Image and Word” program, 72 students from Artigas, Antímano, and Catia strengthened their literacy skills. Similarly, the bank trained 76 teachers through “Creating Ideas: Together for Venezuela,” contributing to education and using the Design Thinking methodology to support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The promotion of reading and the arts was ongoing thanks to the partnership with the FMM Reading Foundation, the sponsorship for the third consecutive year of the West Caracas Book Fair (UCAB), and support for El Sistema in its 50th anniversary, celebrating the country’s most emblematic social and artistic program.

Commitment to social welfare

The 2025 social management plan also embraced the most pressing causes. The bank donated radiofrequency pain management equipment, hospital beds, and multiparameter monitors for the renal disease unit at Dr. Domingo Luciani Hospital.

The spirit of solidarity was evident with the Bancamiga Volunteer team, who provided social services and food to the Comprehensive Care Center for Children and Adolescents (CAINA) in Gavilán, Miranda state.

In the sports arena, the institution continued its support for women’s soccer by backing the Capital FC Women’s Soccer Academy (ADIFFEM), benefiting 130 girls in their holistic development.

Finally, participation in the UNDP’s “Productive Venezuela” fair reaffirmed Bancamiga’s commitment to the strategic sectors that drive the national economy.

With these actions, Bancamiga not only concludes a successful year but also positions itself as a key player in the development and building of a supportive, prosperous, and innovative Venezuela.

With information and reference images provided by Bancamiga Banco Universal

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Bancamiga reaffirmed its commitment to the country’s economic development by training more than 400 entrepreneurs from Valencia and Caracas with the “Keys to Entrepreneurship in Venezuela” forums, which offer essential tools and strategic knowledge to strengthen business initiatives.

“For Bancamiga, supporting entrepreneurs is essential within its social responsibility policy, because we know that consolidating their businesses is fundamental to the country’s development. That’s why we remain focused on expanding and maintaining our training programs throughout the country,” stated José Simón Elarba, President of the Bancamiga Board of Directors.

During the forums, business owners and microentrepreneurs from the central region of the country were able to delve deeper into some of the chapters of the “Entrepreneurs’ Manual: Ten Key Questions for Starting a Business in Venezuela,” a fundamental guide published by the Fondo Editorial Bancamiga for those beginning their entrepreneurial journey.

 Participants in both forums also had access to a special program to open accounts, acquire points of sale, and learn about the financial products and services offered by the bank.

 The conference program featured prominent experts in various fields, such as Ana Isabel Hernández, business and purpose-driven brand advisor; Mauricio Parilli, director of Aprendo y Emprendo; Luis Moreno, entrepreneurship coach; and Martha Lucero, brand advisor.

Also presenting were Oskayda Alvarado, Entrepreneurship Manager at Bancamiga, who detailed the bank’s financing opportunities and product portfolio for people with business initiatives, according to a statement from the institution.

Training in Valencia

The training session, held in the Naguanagua sector of Valencia, Carabobo State, was made possible through a partnership with Cáritas de Venezuela and brought together women entrepreneurs.

“This has been a great opportunity to expand our minds, to believe in ourselves and that anything is possible. Through these training sessions, they can continue to develop,” said Desire López, entrepreneur and coordinator of Cáritas Valencia.

Yusleidy Barrios, gastronomic entrepreneur from @YusleDelicias, commented: “These types of events truly help us; they provide us with training in purpose, structure, and expense and cost management. They motivate us to continue growing and projecting our businesses.”

Forum in Caracas

The Candelaria parish was another venue for the “Keys to Entrepreneurship in Venezuela” forum, attended by people with business initiatives from the Libertador municipality of Caracas.

Father Gerardino Barracchini, vice-postulator for the cause of José Gregorio Hernández, acknowledged that “without the mutual support of private companies and communities, there is no progress. I believe this forum for entrepreneurs in La Candelaria is very useful, a popular area where many people want to start a business but don’t know how to organize one.”

“I learned a little more, that it’s not just about making a product and selling it, but doing so from the perspective of the person you’re going to offer it to,” admitted entrepreneur Alexander Martínez.

So far in 2025, more than 2,000 people have been trained with Bancamiga. With its business development program, the financial institution reaffirms its mission to join forces for the country’s growth, providing Venezuelan entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources necessary to transform their ideas into successful and sustainable businesses, thus contributing to Venezuela’s economic progress.

With information and reference images provided by Bancamiga Banco Universal

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With the firm purpose of promoting the country’s economic and social development, Bancamiga successfully held the Forum “Keys to Entrepreneurship in Venezuela” at the San José Obrero Parish in Los Frailes de Catia. Catia, Caracas.

This initiative, part of the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility program, aimed to provide practical tools and essential knowledge to entrepreneurs and those with business aspirations and ideas in this community in the Sucre parish of Caracas.

The forum focused on addressing key chapters from the “Manual for Entrepreneurs: 10 Key Questions for Starting a Business in Venezuela,” the latest publication from the Bancamiga Publishing Fund. Renowned experts in different fields led the conferences, generating a valuable exchange with attendees.

Mauricio Parilli, director of Aprendo y Emprendo, opened the series of conferences by answering the question, “Can I develop a business aligned with my purpose?” The expert emphasized the importance of passion and a personal connection with the business idea as drivers for long-term success and sustainability.

Next, Edwin Ojeda, certified mentor of the Emprende Network and professor at IESA, shed light on the question, “To whom do I offer what I know how to do?” During his presentation, the professor delved into the importance of market segmentation and the development of the Canvas model.

Martha Lucero, brand advisor and entrepreneur coach, offered those present a set of practical tools to address the challenge of “How do I promote my products and/or services?” She emphasized the need to build a strong brand and utilize effective marketing strategies tailored to the specificities of the Venezuelan market.

The forum was closed by Oskayda Alvarado, Entrepreneurship Manager at Bancamiga Banco Universal, who detailed the various “Financing Opportunities and Product Portfolio” that the financial institution offers entrepreneurs. The bank’s commitment to promoting new business initiatives, offering accessible financial solutions tailored to the needs of each project, was highlighted.

“At Bancamiga, we are convinced of the transformative potential of entrepreneurship in Venezuela. This forum in Los Frailes de Catia demonstrates our commitment to bringing knowledge and tools directly to communities, empowering citizens to realize their ideas and actively contribute to the country’s economic development,” said Milagro González, Director of Social Responsibility at Bancamiga.

Entrepreneurship with knowledge, supported by Bancamiga

Attendees expressed their appreciation for the initiative, highlighting the quality of the presentations and the relevance of the topics covered to the current context.

Carmen Castillo, leader of the @hechoamano_conamorrr venture, acknowledged that it was her “first time participating in an activity like this, and I thought it was fabulous because it provides you with tools and things I didn’t know about. They’re interesting for boosting business.”

“This is excellent and a benefit to the community. I’m leaving with a very clear idea of ​​what entrepreneurship is and how we should work,” said gastronomic entrepreneur Zuleima Chacón.

Leonardo Devia, leader of the @panymerengue venture, expressed his gratitude for the knowledge acquired at the forum, because “the fear of failure, to which we have dedicated our energy, dissipates as the information expands and becomes more concrete. For example, the Canvas allows us to have clarity when offering products and services.”

The “Keys to Entrepreneurship in Venezuela” Forum reaffirms Bancamiga’s role as a socially responsible player, committed to the development of Venezuela and the well-being of its communities.

With information and reference images provided by Bancamiga

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