12 August 2014 - The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur joined ASEAN missions in Kuala Lumpur to showcase ASEAN unity in diversity at the ASEAN Food and Cultural Festival held on August 8 at the Taman Pudu Ulu park in Kuala Lumpur. 

Organized by the Malaysian Youth Council and serving as its Hari Raya open house, the event brought together ASEAN Embassies in Kuala Lumpur and representatives from Malaysia’s states to showcase culture through food and cultural performances.  Officiating the event was Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyddin Yassin.

Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya led the Embassy delegation, with Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Medardo Macaraig, Third Secretaries and Vice Consuls John Francis Herrera and Alvin Malasig, Cultural Attache Helen Grace Cuisia and Attaches Emryss Esparto and Chiara Dulla.

“Food and cultural diplomacy is a wonderful way of showcasing Philippine culture, especially in a country like Malaysia.  We have found in several occasions that apart from filling the tummies, Filipino food also provides comfort to the spirit,” Ambassador Malaya said.

The Philippine Embassy booth was a hit with the guests, as it served chicken adobo with rice and mini-turon.  People flocked the booth to get second servings, finding both dishes unique and filling. Embassy officers and staff also interacted with the guests who asked how the dishes were prepared. 

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyddin also visited the food booths, and during his stop at the Embassy booth, had a sample of adobo and became curious enough to ask how it is made.  He also received a copy of Mama Sita’s cookbook, containing Filipino dishes cooked halal. 

The booth also displayed trade and tourism brochures, as well as other Filipino arts and crafts.

The ASEAN Food and Cultural Festival was held in conjunction with ASEAN Day, and was held as part of the Malaysian Youth Council’s ASEAN Youth Leaders’ Summit 2015 pre-summit.  END