06 August 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Mexico in cooperation with the Acapulco Yacht Club and the Philippine Honorary Consul in Acapulco, Dr. Mario De La O, is holding a cullinary festival entitled “Festival Culinario: Comida Fusión Acapulco-Manila”, from August 01 to 15 in commemoration of the 450th anniversary of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade (Return Voyage).
The festival was organized as a fitting celebration of the close historical and cultural links between the Philippines and Mexico which started during the Galleon era, 450 years ago. It showcases Philippine-Mexican culture through food.
The culinary festival features a fusion of Manila-Acapulco cuisine done by the combined efforts of Philippine Embassy representatives Cultural Officer Rosabelle Toledo and Ms. Nicci Cruz, wife of the Embassy’s Property Officer, and the chefs of El Jaguar Restaurant and the Club de Yates de Acapulco.
From August 01 to 15, the Club will include in their menu the following Filipino dishes infused with typical Guerrero herbs and spices:
• Sinigang na Hipon
• Bulalo/Nilaga
• Lumpiang Shanghai
• Kilawing Isda
• Pancit
• Adobo
• Lechon
• Camaron Rebosado
• Buko Salad
• Halu-Halo
The Festival was inaugurated on July 31 at the Club de Yates de Acapulco which was attended by several guests composed of city government officials and prominent residents of Acapulco.
Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Catalino R. Dilem, Jr., led the ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the festival along with Acapulco Mayor Luis Uruñuela Fey, Commodore Herbert Bettinger, Navy Captain Pedro Ignacio Mata, El Jaguar Restaurant Owner Fernando Alvarez, former Acapulco Mayor Luis Walton Aburto and Philippine Honorary Consul Dr. Mario De La O.
In his message, Ambassador Dilem emphasized that the Philippines and Mexico have always been linked by their common historical and cultural heritage. He said that the Manila-Acapulco Galleon greatly influenced the respective cultures of both countries.
In his remarks, Mayor Luis Uruñuela expressed agreement and said that what the Philippines was presenting in this food festival was also part of the Mexican gastronomic history due to the influence of the Galleon. He reiterated his remarks in the past that the Philippines remains very close to the hearts of the citizens of Acapulco despite the physical distance.
The inauguration ceremony was followed by a private dinner for selected guests who were served Filipino dishes such as the lumpia, pancit, adobo and buko salad with a touch of Acapulco flavors. The guests admired the Filipino dishes and said it was their first time to have a taste of our own food.
A display of Filipino products and a musical entertainment by a Filipino singer/musician provided a Filipino touch and a festive atmosphere to the event.
The organizers expressed their appreciation for the support and assistance of the Philippine Embassy in the successful inauguration of the food festival. END