28 November 2014 – “Filipino food is the story of Philippine history and culture.”  Thus, said Philippine Consul General Wilfredo R. Cuyugan as he opened the program and welcomed the guests to the “More Flavors of the Philippines” Philippine Food Festival on November 18 at the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Shanghai Yangtze Hotel.

“With the Philippines having more than 7,000 islands, with 80 major language groups and more than 500 local dishes, surely there would be the same number of ways to prepare, cook and present (our) dishes”, added Consul General Cuyugan.

In keeping with the spirit of the theme, Chef Bryan Salarzon, from Marriott Hotel in Manila, whetted the appetites of more than 200 guests from the consular corps, provincial and district offices, and business community with Philippine dishes from different regions of the Philippines such as nilagang baka, ceviche, tambakol, lumpiang sariwa, pinais sugpo, and inasal na manok.  Calamansi and mango juice, as well as Tanduay Rum, were also served. 

As part of their dessert, guests were delighted with the outstanding and award-winning performance of the Bayanihan, The Philippine National Folkdance Company, with their dances of the Bagobo/T’boli, Maglalatik, Subli, Singkil and Tinikling.  “Sa Kabukiran” especially enthralled the audience with the playful exchange of a soprano and her friends with the banduria against a countryside backdrop.  

Chinese guests were also mesmerized with the rendition of “Mo Li Hua” (Jasmine Flower), and “Kang Ding Qing Ge” (Chinese Love Song).  END