FilAussie Women Advocate for Filipino Cuisine Celebrated in Book Launch of Under Coconut Skies

Women advocates for Filipino cuisine joined a discussion facilitated by The Entree.Pinays represented by Ms. Grace Guinto, with panelists Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen De La Vega, author Yasmin Newman, Philippine Special Trade Representative Alma Argayoso, and Kylie Javier-Ashton during the book launch of Under Coconut Skies on 31 March 2022 at the Official Residence of the Philippine Ambassador. (Canberra PE photo)

CANBERRA 07 April 2022 – Capping off the celebration of National Women’s Month and the role of Filipinas in cuisine, culture and community, Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen B. De La Vega hosted the book launch of “Under Coconut Skies” by FilAussie food and travel writer Yasmin Newman on 31 March 2022 at the Official Residence of the Philippine Ambassador.

In her welcome remarks, Ambassador De La Vega said, “Food in the Philippines is a way of life – a cultural expression and a community undertaking. Filipino cuisine is typically described as fiesta style – a fusion of east-west flavors that vividly depicts our history, prepared by the entire family, to be shared with the rest of the community.”  The Ambassador welcomed Yasmin’s book as a significant contribution to bringing Filipino cuisine to the forefront in Australia.

Women advocates for Filipino cuisine joined a discussion facilitated by The Entree.Pinays represented by Ms. Grace Guinto with panelists Ambassador De La Vega, Yasmin Newman, Philippine Special Trade Representative Alma Argayoso, and Kylie Javier-Ashton. They discussed women leadership and experiences in #breakingthebias in their respective fields.

Canberra-based restaurant Lolo and Lola catered a meryenda inspired by recipes from Under Coconut Skies.

The event was supported by the Philippines’ Department of Tourism based in Sydney. END

Canberra-based restaurant Lolo and Lola catered a meryenda inspired by recipes from Under Coconut Skies. Menu is a result of a Lolo and Lola x Yasmin Newman x The Entree.Pinays collaboration. (Canberra PE photo)

For more information, visit https://www.philembassy.org.au or https://www.facebook.com/PHinAustralia/.