Pinoy Fiesta Showcases Ph Food, Culture and Tourism in Lulu Hypermarkets in Abu Dhabi

Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Constancio R. Vingno, Jr. led the ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the week-long Philippine Food Festival on 06 September 2017 at the Lulu Hypermarket, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi.  He is joined by Madame Yoko Ramos-Vingno and officials of Lulu Group International.

11 September 2017 ABU DHABI – Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Constancio R. Vingno, Jr. inaugurated the week-long Philippine Food Festival dubbed “Pinoy Fiesta” on 06 September 2017 at the Lulu Hypermarket, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi.  The annual food festival was organized by the Lulu Group International in partnership with the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

The Ambassador, joined by Madame Yoko Ramos-Vingno, Embassy officers and staff, and officials of Lulu Group International, toured the hypermarket which showcased various Filipino food products, delicacies, cooked meals, and fresh fruits.  A life-size wooden kalesa (or horse-drawn rig) was one of the attractions in the hypermarket which Ambassador and Madame Vingno gamely sat in.

Following the activities at the hypermarket, an entertainment program, organized by the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit at Mananayaw sa Abu Dhabi (OPMMAD), was held at the mall atrium. 

Mr. Abubaker T.P., Regional Director for Retail Operations of Lulu Group International, delivered the welcome remarks.  He said that the Pinoy Fiesta is not only to promote Filipino products in their stores, but also a sharing of culture among nationalities, with cultural events, cooking competition, and other activities in store for customers during the week-long festival.  “Thanks to our business partners from the Philippines for cooperating with us and giving us good price, so that we are able to pass on these price benefits to our customers,” he added.  Mr. Abubaker thanked the Philippine Embassy for partnering in this event, Cebu Pacific as main sponsor of the food festival, and the Filipino artists and performers participating in the event.

Ambassador Vingno, in his speech, conveyed his deepest thanks to the Lulu Group International, headed by Chairman Yusuff Ali, for holding the annual Philippine Food Festival and for the continued collaboration with the Embassy and support for the Filipino community throughout the years.  He also expressed his gratitude to OPMMAD and friends from the media.  “I invite everyone to taste and celebrate Filipino food and visit the beautiful places in the Philippines,” he concluded.

Live performances by the all-Filipino H2O Band, cultural dance numbers and Original Pilipino Music (OPM) songs rendered by OPMMAD talents, entertained guests and mall shoppers.

The Philippine Food Festival runs from September 06 to 12, 2017 in all Lulu Hypermarkets in the UAE.

For more information, visit www.abudhabipe.dfa.gov.ph or www.facebook.com/PHinUAE. END

Ambassador Constancio R. Vingno Jr. and Madame Yoko Ramos-Vingno were given by Lulu Group officials a tour of the Lulu Hypermarket in Al Wahda Mall where Filipino food products, cooked meals and fresh fruits are on display.

The entertainment program, organized by the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit at Mananayaw sa Abu Dhabi (OPMMAD), featured performances by the all-Filipino H2O Band, cultural dance numbers and OPM songs rendered by OPMMAD talents on 06 September 2017 at the Al Wahda Mall.