The Philippine food festival in Beijing entitled “Flavors of the Philippines” was formally opened on June 17 at the Westin Beijing Chaoyang, at the diplomatic reception of the Philippine Embassy in Beijing to celebrate the 115th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.  On hand to cut the national day cake and launch the festival were Ambassador Erlinda F. Basilio, Chinese Vice Minister Liu Zhenmin, and Chefs Rolando and Jacqueline Laudico, the guest chefs flown in by the Philippine Embassy for the food festival.

In her introduction of Philippine cuisine, Ambassador Basilio quoted Gerry Gelle, who described Philippine cuisine in his book “Philippine Cuisine: Recipes from the Islands” as “tasty without being too spicy, simple but not sparse, different but not strange, and satisfying without being overwhelming.”  She invited the guests to taste the world-famous Philippine mangoes, flown in for the occasion, and informed the guests that fresh Philippine mangoes would be served for the duration of the festival.

Set against the backdrop of a traditional pahiyas hut, a shining Philippine lantern, and the heart-stomping beat of the Philippine Government’s outstanding tourism promotions campaign “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” playing on three giant screens, guests of the food festival were treated to Philippine specialties like kinilaw, pinakbet, squid relleno, banana cue tart, and maja blanca, prepared by Chef Rolando Laudico and Chef Jac Laudico. 

The event is organized by the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, in partnership with the Westin Chaoyang Beijing and the Chef Rolando Laudico Group.  The food festival runs from June 18 to June 30 at the Seasonal Taste buffet restaurant at the Westin Chaoyang Beijing.