PH Embassy in Santiago Brings Filipino Cuisine to Peru

Filipino Chef Miguel Paolo Damatac (third from the left, in black) and Peruvian Chef Héctor Aguilar Valle (in black and white, second from the left) with participants of the Peruvian Cooking Classes

LIMA 01 August 2024 — The Philippine Embassy in Chile, in partnership with the National Commission for the Culture and Arts (NCCA), organized a series of culinary events as part of activities planned for the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Peru from 22 to 24 July 2024. 

The Embassy is proud to work with talented Filipino Chef Miguel Paolo Damatac in promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of Filipino cuisines among local and international audiences in Peru,” said Philippine Ambassador Celeste Vinzon-Balatbat.

Chef Damatac was featured as a guest on Arriba Mi Gente on Channel 2, Latina Television. During this appearance, he showcased the preparation of Chicken Adobo, a beloved Filipino dish, to the Peruvian audience. "Arriba Mi Gente" ("Rise, My People" in English) is a magazine morning show that features current events and lifestyle topics in Peru.

His demonstration introduced viewers to the rich flavors and techniques involved in making Chicken Adobo, emphasizing its significance in Filipino cuisine. The segment not only highlighted Filipino culinary traditions but also fostered cross-cultural appreciation.

Prior to the TV show appearance, Santiago PE collaborated with Executive Chef Héctor Aguilar Valle of the Peruvian Cooking Classes, a culinary center that promotes Brand Peru, a government-backed initiative aimed at enhancing the global reputation of Peru by promoting its cultural heritage, tourism, and economic opportunities. The collaboration aims to promote cross-cultural understanding between Filipino and Peruvian culinary traditions. 

Chef Damatac was invited on a tour of Mercado N° 2 de Surquillo, a public market in Miraflores, to introduce him to a variety of Peruvian ingredients, cooking tools, and interactive displays, providing a comprehensive look into Peru's rich culinary landscape. 

Chef Damatac also participated in a culinary session where Chef Aguilar taught the attendees to prepare Ceviche (a Peruvian dish made of raw fish marinated in citrus juices), Causa (a classic Peruvian cold potato dish, where boiled potatoes are filled with a variety of ingredients and topped with a spicy sauce and garnished with herbs), and Pisco Sour (a cocktail made with grape brandy, lime juice, egg white, and Angostura bitters).

In a remarkable display of mutual culinary learning, Chef Damatac conducted another cooking demonstration with Peruvian chefs Héctor Aguilar Valle, Samuel Martin Guerrero Moscol, and Ricardo Céspedes Jordán. 

During this session, Chef Damatac taught the Peruvian chefs how to prepare Chicken Pastil, providing insights into its background and significance within Filipino cuisine. 

In exchange, the Peruvian chefs shared their expertise with Chef Damatac, demonstrating the precise techniques for crafting traditional Peruvian alcoholic drinks and preparing another classic dish, Lomo Saltado. This Peruvian dish is made of tender beef strips stir-fried with onions, tomatoes, and French fries, served with rice, and garnished with cilantro.

Through engaging events such as the Peruvian market immersion, collaborative sessions, and a television show appearance, the Embassy has been showcasing Filipino cuisine’s rich flavors and traditions while embracing and learning from Peruvian culinary practices. 

Ambassador Balatbat has acknowledged not only Chef Miguel’s culinary expertise but also the work of the Embassy team and coordinator Ms. Agnes Katbeth “Keibi” Kreimer from the Filipino community in Lima, and the contribution of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in making this culinary journey possible.

These exchanges have fostered greater mutual understanding and appreciation, underscoring the vibrant cultural dialogue that defines this milestone anniversary. END

Chef Miguel poses with the members of the Peruvian Cooking Classes, a culinary school headed by a conglomerate of professional and top chefs that offers foreigners culinary experiences and teaches Peruvian cuisine

Filipino Chef Miguel (center) with hosts Santi Lesmes (left) and Maria Julia Mantilla (right) of the Peruvian TV Show “Arriba Mi Gente” on Channel 2, Latina Television

For more information, visit https://www.santiagope.dfa.gov.ph, https://twitter.com/PHinChile, https://www.instagram.com/phinchile, or https://www.facebook.com/PHinChile.