15 June 2015 – The Philippine Consulate General was the venue of the highly successful first Filipino Food Fair 2015 that the Consulate General organized with the Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaii (PCCH) on June 07.

The Consulate General grounds overflowed with the Sunday crowd of Filipinos and Americans eager to partake of the best of Philippine cuisine. The event coincided with the 117th celebration of Philippine Independence as part of a month-long community activity. The food fair aims to bring the taste of the Philippines to Hawaii in a one-day gastronomical festival featuring a variety of traditional Filipino dishes from the Ilocos, Visayas, Mindanao, and Tagalog regions. Cultural entertainment consisting of songs and Philippine native dances performed by Filipino community members enhanced the festive atmosphere.

In her welcome remarks, Philippine Consul General Gina Jamoralin commended the PCCH for its pioneering efforts to present the best of the Philippine cuisine to the people of Hawaii. She added that, “Food is part of a people’s culture and by holding this food festival; the Filipino community in Hawaii is presenting the best of Philippine culture.”

Other guests who were present at the festival were Ilocos Sur Vice-Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano and his wife Ms. Dina Bonnevie, Honolulu Councilmember Joey Manahan, Hawaii State Representative Romy Cachola and members of Hawaii’s media. Ilocos Sur Vice-Governor Savellano and Ms. Bonnevie delivered remarks on the importance of promoting Ilocano crafts and products such as inabel, Ilocos’ primary textile product. END