Culinary Exchange Celebrates Filipino-Chinese Flavors, Friendships, and Common Heritage

GUANGZHOU 05 December 2024 – The Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou, in collaboration with PITO Porcelain Co., Ltd. and Yuechutong Culinary Academy, hosted a culinary exchange on 27 November 2024 at Yuechutong Culinary Academy in Haizhu District. The event featured Filipino chef Mr. Hernan Christian A. De Jesus and Chinese chef Ms. Lu Xiuyu, with the participation of renowned Chinese chef Mr. Xu Xiang, Executive Vice President of the Guangdong Provincial Cooking and Cantonese-Style Barbecue Professional Committee.

More than 30 guests attended, including officials from Haizhu District, the Guangdong Cantonese Cuisine Industry Development Promotion Association, and Guangzhou Radio and Television University Haizhu District Branch. The program concluded with a luncheon showcasing Filipino and Chinese dishes.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Xu Hongsheng, Chairman of the International Trade Professional Committee of the China Hotel Supplies Association, and representative of Guangdong PITO Porcelain Co., Ltd. and Yuechutong Culinary Academy, said, “The second culinary exchange between the Philippines and China not only highlights the rich traditions of both cuisines but also builds bridges of understanding and friendship through people-to-people connections.”

Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas emphasized the importance of food in cultural diplomacy, stating, “This exchange showcases how cuisine can unite people, foster mutual respect, and deepen the bond between our nations.”

The event featured an exchange of culinary techniques, with Chef Xu demonstrating the roasting of Guangdong suckling pig (yuè kǎo zhū), Chef De Jesus presenting Filipino dishes such as kinilaw, pinakbet, adobo, and leche flan, and Chef Lu showcasing Chaozhou-style spicy fish and prawn curry.

This second culinary exchange organized by the Philippine Consulate is part of the preparations for the 50th anniversary of Philippines-China diplomatic relations in 2025, celebrating shared culinary heritage and strengthening cultural ties. END

Filipino chef, Mr. Hernan Christian A. De Jesus, learned the techniques of preparation and cooking of Guangdong-style roasted suckling pig from Chinese chef, Mr. Xu Xiang.

L-R: Filipino chef, Mr. Hernan Christian A. De Jesus, Consul General Iric Cruz Arribas, Guangdong PITO Porcelain Co., Ltd., and Yuechutong Culinary Academy Chairman, Mr. Xu Hongsheng, and Chinese chef, Ms. Lu Xiuyu

For more information, visit https://www.guangzhoupcg.dfa.gov.ph,  https://www.facebook.com/PHinGuangzhou/, https://twitter.com/PHinGuangzhou or https://www.instagram.com/phinguangzhou/.