ASEAN Ladies Foundation holds ASEAN Food Festival in Celebration of ASEAN Day

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo witnessed the ribbon cutting ceremony led by ALF Chairperson Mme. Pamela Louise Manalo and ALF President Mme. Ranny Agus Widjojo, together with the Ambassadors of the ASEAN Missions in the Philippines (Photo Courtesy of DFA-OPCD Maria Vanessa Ubac)

09 August 2023 —  The ASEAN Ladies Foundation, Inc. (ALF) celebrated the founding anniversary of ASEAN with the ASEAN Food Festival, held today at the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia. This annual event, brimming with friendship and cultural diversity, was attended by Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, ALF Chairperson Madame Pamela Louise Manalo, ALF President Madame Ranny Agus Widjojo, ALF Board Members, Ambassadors of the ASEAN Missions, and members of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines.

The highlight of the festival was the presentation of signature dishes from each of the ASEAN member countries, taking guests on a delectable journey through Southeast Asian heritage. From small plates to big bites, the ASEAN Food Festival tantalized the taste buds and delighted the senses with its rich array of flavors and lively cultural performances.

Embassies of the ASEAN member countries showcased their unique and flavorful cuisines at various booths, offering guests an opportunity to savor authentic dishes from across the region. Among the highlights were Brunei's popular nasi lemak and fried prawn mee hoon, Vietnam's fresh spring rolls and pho noodles, Myanmar's delicious mohinga rice noodles, Singapore's highly anticipated Hainanese chicken rice and roasted chicken rice, and Thailand's widely popular pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and Thai milk tea.

Indonesia introduced its traditional “tempeh”, a plant-based food made from fermented soybeans. Mixed with a variety of spices and traditional Malay marinades like sambal, tempeh is a culinary delight for vegans and vegetarians. 

Via Mare, representing the Philippines, served Filipino comfort food at its finest, featuring arrozcaldo, fresh lumpiang ubod, and empanaditas, with the signature cooler guinumis offering a refreshing and tasty delight.

Malaysia's booth highlighted the aromatic spices of the region with rich and flavorful Laksa Sarawak and savory curry puffs. Laos graced the event with Pieng Gai, Lao grilled chicken, paired with Khao Soi, their flavorful noodle dish, and a cup of their traditional coffee.

Long lines formed at the booth of Funhan Mart, representing the Embassy of Korea, where popular Korean street food like tornado potato, so-tteok-so-tteok and Korean fried chicken were shared with the guests to taste and enjoy.

Fashion accessories, textiles and souvenir items were also available during the festival much to the delight of the visitors. Satren, an upcoming Filipino brand, sold innovative footwear designs, espadrilles, and modern Filipiniana tops. Cambodia contributed to the vibrant atmosphere with its cultural products that gave a glimpse into its rich heritage.

The main stage featured colorful and dynamic cultural performances from Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and South Korea. The festivities culminated with the Embassy of Thailand winning the Best Booth Prize awarded by the ALF.

The 2023 ASEAN Food Festival was organized in collaboration with SM Mall of Asia, San Miguel Corporation, Mang Inasal, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, with the support of the ASEAN Missions in the Philippines and the Korean Cultural Center.

ASEAN Day is commemorated every August 8th to mark the establishment of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. END

Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Agus Widjojo and spouse, ALF President Mme. Ranny Widjojo welcomes Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo (Photo Courtesy of DFA-OPCD Maria Vanessa Ubac)

Mme. Pamela Louise Manalo, ASEAN Ladies Foundation Chair, delivers her message during the ASEAN Food Festival 2023 held on 06 August at SM Mall of Asia to mark the start of the ASEAN Day celebrations (Photo Courtesy of DFA-OPCD Maria Vanessa Ubac)

Cultural Performers from Philippines represented by the Philippine Baranggay Dance Troupe (photo 1), the Embassy of Indonesia, the Embassy of Malaysia and the Korean Cultural Center (photo2) added to the festive feel of the event
(Photos Courtesy of Indonesian Embassy, DFA-OPCD Royce Pantua, and DFA-OPCD Maria Vanessa Ubac)

SFA Manalo and ALF Chair Mme. Manalo visits the ASEAN booths. Photos : 1. Indonesia 2. Vietnam 3. Thailand (Photos Courtesy of DFA-OPCD Maria Vanessa Ubac)

ALF Chair Mme. Pamela Louise Manalo and ALF President Mme, Ranny Widjojo greet guests, Ms. Tessie Sy-Coson of SM Corporation (2nd from left), one of the sponsors of the ASEAN Food Festival 2023, and Mme. Gina De Venecia (2nd from right) (Photo Courtesy of DFA-OPCD Maria Vanessa Ubac)