MANILA, Philippines - Internationally known food stylist Delores Custer is set to arrive here next week to teach Filipinos about the art of making food more attractive.

She will conduct a seminar at the SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City on September 18, Saturday. The event coincides with the Philippine launch of her new book, Food Styling: The Art of Preparing Food for the Camera.

During her lecture, Custer will expound on major topics in her book such as overcoming challenges in food styling, troubleshooting on the set, propping, creating test shots, building a portfolio, and working with advertising assignments.

She will also provide tips on writing recipes and cookbooks as well as on creating visual materials to sell food-related services.

Custer's work has appeared in magazines, television, print advertising and feature films. Among her clients are Food Network, Time-Life Books, Gourmet, Bon Appetit, Chocolatier and Fine Cooking.

She also taught courses in professional food styling, recipe writing and food demonstration techniques for television at New York University, The Culinary Institute of America, The Institute of Culinary Education, and culinary schools around the world.

A food stylist plays an important role in food photography used in advertisements, packaging, menus or cookbooks.

On top of culinary training, a food stylist should have the visual know-how, or the ability to project the food's taste, aroma and appeal in an image or a video.

Delores Custer's book launch and seminar on food styling will be held at the Oceana Restaurant and Culinary School, San Miguel by the Bay, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City. Tickets are sold at Ticket World for P4,500 and P7,500. To get a chance to win tickets, visit the Lifestyle Network's Multiply site.