12 May 2016 - The Philippine booth enjoyed immense popularity among the Chilean crowd during the first ever ASEAN Fair held in Chile on April 07. The event was held at the Fundación Cultural de Providencia in Santiago and was organized by the ASEAN Committee in Santiago (ACS).

Around 1,000 people attended the fair, which focused on showcasing food and handicrafts from the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Viet Nam, the five ASEAN countries which maintain embassies in Santiago and make up the ACS. The Mayor of Providencia, Santiago, Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and members of the diplomatic corps were some of the VIP guests.

Crowds gathered around the Philippine booth which gave away samples of popular Filipino kakanin such as sapin-sapin, and biko, as well as polvoron, yema and Philippine-made chocolates. The booth also featured Philippine handicrafts which included bags made from abaca, miniature brass figures of Mindanaoan warriors, and dinnerware made from capiz shells. The Barong Tagalog, terno and a lady’s dress made from T’nalak were also prominently displayed.

Staff of the Philippine Embassy performed the Pandango sa Ilaw, which the Chilean crowd found remarkable for its similarities to some Latin dances, while a member of the Filipino community held an adobo cooking demonstration. Those who visited the Philippine booth were also treated to quiz contests about the Philippines, with Filipino chocolates given as prizes to those who answered correctly.

Aside from further learning about the Philippines and other participating countries, the event, which was covered in the local news, was an excellent means through which Chileans were introduced to ASEAN and the ACS.END