Philippines, Mexican State of Colima Celebrate Cultural Affinities through Gastronomy
The Philippine delegation to the State of Colima led by Philippine Ambassador-designate to Mexico Lilybeth R. Deapera (7th from left) with Mtra. Ana Maria Gallardo Vazquez of the University of Colima in Manzanillo; Engr. Jorge Padilla, Undersecretary for Tourism; Lic. Fernando Escalona, representative of the State of Colima in Mexico City; and Dr. Paulina Machuca Chavez, an expert on Philippine-Mexico relations, during the Philippines-Colima Gastronomic Event held on 26-27 April 2023 at the University of Colima (Manzanillo and main campus). (Mexico PE photo)
MEXICO 09 May 2023 — Philippine Ambassador-designate to Mexico Lilybeth R. Deapera led a 10-member delegation to the first ever Philippines-Colima Gastronomic Event held on 26-27 April 2023.
The event hosted by the Government of the State of Colima was in celebration of the 500th Founding Anniversary of the State and the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Mexico relations.
The influence of Filipino cuisine in Colima due to the cultural ties formed by both entities during the Manila Acapulco Galleon Trade was highlighted through various lectures and cooking demonstrations conducted by Filipino Chef JP Anglo and Colimense Chef Nico Mejía.
Chef Anglo was able to showcase Filipino dishes such as chicken inasal and binagoongang baboy during the luncheon on 26 April 2023 for 100 invited guests and customers at Chef Mejía´s restaurant “La Sal,” as well as arroz caldo with aligue at the cooking demonstration at the University of Colima on 27 April 2023.
Ambassador Deapera gave a brief lecture on the state of PH-Mexico relations and an introduction to Filipino cuisine at the University of Colima on 27 April 2023. Meanwhile, Dr. Paulina Machuca Chavéz, an expert on the historical ties between the Philippines and Mexico, further expounded on the Philippine influence on Colima.
While the Philippine Embassy´s folkloric group, composed of Embassy personnel and dependents, and a member of the Filipino community, namely: Ms. Marisa R. Winkler, Ms. Evelyn S. Xavier, Jr., Ms. Mary Therese Jose, Ms. Ariadnne Zoe Abuloc, Mr. Arnel Navarra, Ms. Beverly Navarra, Ms. Opalyn Dela Cruz, Mr. Armando Ceron, and Mr. Joeffrey Viernes, showcased nine Philippine folkloric dances: Muslim dance Asik, Malong, La Jota Moncadeña, Cariñosa, Binasuan, Karatong Subli, Kuratsa, Salakot and Tinikling at the University of Colima (Manzanillo and main campus) on 26-27 April 2023.
Ambassador Deapera likewise met with Governor Indira Vizcaíno on 27 April 2023. Cognizant of the shared historical and cultural affinities dating back hundreds of years ago, both sides affirmed interest to improve PH-Colima relations through increased political, economic and socio-cultural engagements.
The Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade which may be considered as the first era of globalization, resulted in the exportation of Philippine products such as coconut, mango, and palm trees to Colima. It is of note that Colima has its version of “tuba” which is typically a non-alcoholic beverage. END
Ambassador-designate Lilybeth R. Deapera receives a Certificate of Appreciation from Chancellor Dr. Christian Torres Ortiz Zermeño of the University of Colima during the Philippines-Colima Gastronomic Event held on 26-27 April 2023 at the University of Colima. (Mexico PE photo)
From left: Lic. Fernando Escalona, Representative of Colima to Mexico City; Political/Economic Assistant Mary Therese Jose; Third Secretary and Vice Consul Marisa Winkler; Ambassador-designate Lilybeth R. Deapera; Governor Indira Vizcaino; Lic. Francisco Javier Rodríguez García, Secretary for Economic Development; Engr. Jorge Padilla, Undersecretary for Tourism; Mtro. Carlos Francisco Rocha, Director General for Economic Development. (Mexico PE photo)
Ambassador-designate Lilybeth R. Deapera and officials from the State of Colima pose for a photo with the Philippine Embassy in Mexico folkloric group during the Philippines-Colima Gastronomic Event held on 26-27 April 2023 at the University of Colima. (Mexico PE photo)
A photo with Chefs JP Anglo and Nico Mejia and officials of the State of Colima during the Philippines-Colima Gastronomic Event held on 26 April 2023 at La Sal Restaurant. (Mexico PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.mexicope.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinMexico/.