'Dar es Dar' event at Casa Esment
Celebrates Generosity, Connection, and Fulfilment
At Casa Esment, the air is filled with the scent of freshly baked bread — and something even more nourishing: friendship, learning, and human connection. On 14 October, In Mallorca Magazine had the privilege of attending “Giving is Giving” (Dar es Dar) a day of talks, workshops, and heartfelt exchanges dedicated to one simple yet profound idea: that true fulfilment comes from giving.
The event brought together an inspiring mix of people — chefs, winemakers, architects, teachers, psychologists, and artists — all united by a desire to share experiences and reflect on what it means to find genuine satisfaction.
By Mar Piris
16/10/25
A Morning of Inspiration
The day began with breakfast at Casa Esment, a social enterprise devoted to creating educational and professional opportunities for young people and individuals with special needs. The atmosphere was warm and filled with purpose.
Organisers Maca de Castro and Mercé Marrero opened the event, welcoming collaborators, sponsors, and friends of Casa Esment.
The first round of talks featured renowned chefs including Maca de Castro (Grupo Jardín, Alcúdia), Tomeu Caldentey (Restaurante Tomeu Caldentey, Sa Coma), Susi Díaz (La Finca, Elche), and master pastry chef Paco Torreblanca (Pastelería Totel, Alicante). They reflected on satisfaction — not only in their creative processes but also in family, teamwork, and inclusion. Their heartfelt testimonies moved both speakers and audience alike, setting the tone for a deeply emotional day.
Then came one of the most touching moments: Pablo Urbina, a student and employee at Casa Esment’s Can Pa bakery, shared the stage with Óscar Martínez, professor and project manager, which was launched in collaboration with Camper. They described how the once-forgotten neighbourhood of Gomila in Palma has been reborn — its streets now filled with the aroma of fresh bread and a renewed sense of community spirit.
Science, Spirit, and Connection
After a brief pause, Roberto Ruíz, an expert in fermentation and microbiota, explored the parallels between human coexistence and the symbiosis of microorganisms. His message was clear: satisfaction is not a solitary pursuit but something to be shared — much like the invisible collaboration that sustains life itself.
The morning continued with spiritual reflections from Marta Monfort and Montserrat Fuster of the Purity of Mary Congregation. Both shared their experiences of meditation and their work with individuals with special needs, reminding everyone that listening and understanding are essential steps towards inner peace and fulfilment.
Architect Pablo Munar, of Munarq Architects, offered a different perspective — one rooted in place. He spoke about the harmony between architecture and nature, and how traditional Mallorcan materials, with all their beautiful imperfections, can enhance rather than disturb the island’s landscape. His message underscored the importance of sustainability and respect for Mallorca’s cultural heritage.
A Feast for the Senses
Lunch was a celebration of local flavours. Guests enjoyed vegetable cocas, island cheeses, escalivada, salads, pa amb sobrassada, olives, and a vibrant paella of vegetables and meat — all accompanied by wines crafted from the native Manto Negro grape. The featured wine, Gallinas & Focas, offered three expressions: a young white, a rosé aged four months in oak, and a robust red aged four years.
Dessert brought smiles and friendly rivalry over the last spoonfuls of traditional cream doblegats and an irresistible cheesecake.
Celebrates Generosity, Connection, and Fulfilment
At Casa Esment, the air is filled with the scent of freshly baked bread — and something even more nourishing: friendship, learning, and human connection. On 14 October, In Mallorca Magazine had the privilege of attending “Giving is Giving” (Dar es Dar) a day of talks, workshops, and heartfelt exchanges dedicated to one simple yet profound idea: that true fulfilment comes from giving.
The event brought together an inspiring mix of people — chefs, winemakers, architects, teachers, psychologists, and artists — all united by a desire to share experiences and reflect on what it means to find genuine satisfaction.
Science, Spirit, and Connection
After a brief pause, Roberto Ruíz, an expert in fermentation and microbiota, explored the parallels between human coexistence and the symbiosis of microorganisms. His message was clear: satisfaction is not a solitary pursuit but something to be shared — much like the invisible collaboration that sustains life itself.
The morning continued with spiritual reflections from Marta Monfort and Montserrat Fuster of the Purity of Mary Congregation. Both shared their experiences of meditation and their work with individuals with special needs, reminding everyone that listening and understanding are essential steps towards inner peace and fulfilment.
Architect Pablo Munar, of Munarq Architects, offered a different perspective — one rooted in place. He spoke about the harmony between architecture and nature, and how traditional Mallorcan materials, with all their beautiful imperfections, can enhance rather than disturb the island’s landscape. His message underscored the importance of sustainability and respect for Mallorca’s cultural heritage.
A Feast for the Senses
Lunch was a celebration of local flavours. Guests enjoyed vegetable cocas, island cheeses, escalivada, salads, pa amb sobrassada, olives, and a vibrant paella of vegetables and meat — all accompanied by wines crafted from the native Manto Negro grape. The featured wine, Gallinas & Focas, offered three expressions: a young white, a rosé aged four months in oak, and a robust red aged four years.
Dessert brought smiles and friendly rivalry over the last spoonfuls of traditional cream doblegats and an irresistible cheesecake.
Afternoon Conversations and Closing Reflections
After lunch, discussions continued in Casa Esment’s garden, shaded by olive trees. Esteemed chefs Francis Paniego (El Portal de Echaurren, La Rioja), Diego Guerrero (DSTAgE, Madrid), Andoni Luis Aduriz (Mugaritz, San Sebastián), and Aitor Aguerri (Elkano, Getaria) reflected on the meaning of satisfaction. They agreed that sharing a good meal with friends is one of life’s greatest joys — and that even dissatisfaction can inspire growth and creativity.
Psychiatrist Dr Miquel Roca, professor at the University of the Balearic Islands, later offered both a scientific and emotional perspective. He spoke about the balance between mind and heart, biological temperament, and how recognising emotional rewards helps us achieve genuine fulfilment.
To close, advertising executive Toni Segarra and film director and actor Sergi Caballero discussed the creative tension that often drives their industries. Both highlighted how time spent with people with special needs can realign one’s values, teaching patience, empathy, and gratitude — the essence of true fulfilment.
The final touch was the porcella amb anfós — pork with anfós — enjoyed with the hands, to the rhythm of music, wine, and laughter. What a way to give!
The event ended with a shared sense of purpose, enriched by the lessons of generosity, collaboration, and heartfelt giving that define Casa Esment’s mission.
Masterclass and Sponsors
Winemaker Francesc Grimalt and agronomist Jaume Falconer offered a practical and engaging masterclass on agriculture and oenology. They emphasised the “pact” between humans and nature as the foundation for preserving Mallorca’s native grape varieties and agricultural wisdom.
The “Dar es Dar” (Giving is Giving) event was made possible through the collaboration of:
Casa Esment, Grupo de Castro, Restaurante Tomeu Caldentey, La Finca , Torreblanca.net, DSTAgE, Mugaritz, Echaurren, Elkano, Lov Ferments, Munarq, 4 Kilos, Euro-Toques, Makro, Estrella Damm, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, Trablisa, KartaBonany, Poima, Mallorcashoot, and many others who embody the spirit of giving.
At Casa Esment, “Giving is Giving” was not just an event — it was a reminder that satisfaction, like a good meal, is best when shared.
Afternoon Conversations and Closing Reflections
After lunch, discussions continued in Casa Esment’s garden, shaded by olive trees. Esteemed chefs Francis Paniego (El Portal de Echaurren, La Rioja), Diego Guerrero (DSTAgE, Madrid), Andoni Luis Aduriz (Mugaritz, San Sebastián), and Aitor Aguerri (Elkano, Getaria) reflected on the meaning of satisfaction. They agreed that sharing a good meal with friends is one of life’s greatest joys — and that even dissatisfaction can inspire growth and creativity.
Psychiatrist Dr Miquel Roca, professor at the University of the Balearic Islands, later offered both a scientific and emotional perspective. He spoke about the balance between mind and heart, biological temperament, and how recognising emotional rewards helps us achieve genuine fulfilment.
To close, advertising executive Toni Segarra and film director and actor Sergi Caballero discussed the creative tension that often drives their industries. Both highlighted how time spent with people with special needs can realign one’s values, teaching patience, empathy, and gratitude — the essence of true fulfilment.
The final touch was the porcella amb anfós — pork with anfós — enjoyed with the hands, to the rhythm of music, wine, and laughter. What a way to give!
The event ended with a shared sense of purpose, enriched by the lessons of generosity, collaboration, and heartfelt giving that define Casa Esment’s mission.
Masterclass and Sponsors
Winemaker Francesc Grimalt and agronomist Jaume Falconer offered a practical and engaging masterclass on agriculture and oenology. They emphasised the “pact” between humans and nature as the foundation for preserving Mallorca’s native grape varieties and agricultural wisdom.
The “Dar es Dar” (Giving is Giving) event was made possible through the collaboration of:
Casa Esment, Grupo de Castro, Restaurante Tomeu Caldentey, La Finca , Torreblanca.net, DSTAgE, Mugaritz, Echaurren, Elkano, Lov Ferments, Munarq, 4 Kilos, Euro-Toques, Makro, Estrella Damm, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, Trablisa, KartaBonany, Poima, Mallorcashoot, and many others who embody the spirit of giving.
At Casa Esment, “Giving is Giving” was not just an event — it was a reminder that satisfaction, like a good meal, is best when shared.