14 October 2015 – Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Grace Relucio-Princesa led the ribbon-cutting and opening ceremonies of the Philippine Food Festival dubbed “Pinoy Fiesta” in Lulu Hypermarkets in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on October 01, and in Al Ain on October 03. The ten-day food festival was organized by the Lulu Group International, in partnership with the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
The Pinoy Fiesta in Abu Dhabi kicked off in the evening of October 01 at the Lulu Hypermarket in Al Wahda Mall. Ambassador Princesa, joined by officials of the Lulu Group, toured the hypermarket which showcased various Filipino food products, delicacies, cooked meals, and fresh fruits. New food products by La Comida – pickled green papaya, tuyo with capers, spicy sardines, to name a few – were on display in the hypermarket to introduce Filipino products that are made in the UAE. A life-size specially-constructed wooden Philippine jeepney was one of the attractions in the hypermarket which Ambassador Princesa gamely rode in and pretended to drive.
Following the activities at the hypermarket, a program was held at the Atrium of the Al Wahda Mall. Mr. Ajayakumar P.V., Lulu Group’s Regional Manager for Abu Dhabi Region, welcomed guests and shoppers to the 7th Philippine Food Festival and thanked Ambassador Princesa for being “the guiding light behind this festival for a long time.” Mr. Abu Bak’r T.P., Regional Director for Retail Operations, thanked Cebu Pacific for sponsoring tickets to Manila for shoppers who win the prize.
In her speech, Ambassador Princesa thanked the Lulu Management for holding the annual Philippine Food Festival. She said that the strength and exceptionality of the Filipino workers, together with the Indian nationals, contribute to the growth of the Lulu family in the UAE. She invited everyone to taste and celebrate Filipino fine food, and visit the beautiful places in the Philippines. Concluding her address, Ambassador Princesa led the singing of “Ako ay Pilipino” to signify the greatness of the Filipino people and our nation.
Live performances by the all-Filipino H2O Band, and cultural and modern song and dance numbers from students of the Philippine Emirates Private School and The Philippine School Abu Dhabi, winners of Star Kid Kalayaan 2015, and members of the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mangaawit at Mananayaw sa Abu Dhabi (OPMMAD), entertained guests and shoppers at the mall’s Atrium. The entertainment program was organized by OPMMAD.
Ambassador Princesa also graced the opening ceremonies of the Philippine Food Festival at the Lulu Hypermarket – Al Barsha, Dubai in the morning of October 01 and at the Lulu Hypermarket – Al Kuwaitat, Al Ain on October 03. END
