Philippine Embasy Celebrates Filipino Food Month With Homage To The Youth and Filipino Home Cooking
Members of Filipino students’ associations in Japan join the Philippine Embassy, led by Ambassador Mylene J. Garcia-Albano in celebrating Filipino Food Month 2024 at the Ambassador’s Residence in Tokyo on 26 April 2024. The celebration is co-organized with the Office of the Philippine Agricultural Attaché in Tokyo and Mama Sita Foundation.
TOKYO, 26 April 2024 – The Philippine Embassy in Japan, in cooperation with the Office of the Philippine Agricultural Attaché in Tokyo and Mama Sita Foundation, hosted a special celebration today at the Residence of the Philippine Ambassador to mark Filipino Food Month.
The event culminated in the launch of a video showing the first episode of “Flavors of Filipino Cuisine – Lutong Bahay ni Mama Sita sa Japan,” which captures the essence of Filipino home cooking by featuring popular Filipino recipes such as seafood lumpia (fried spring roll) and crispy pata kare kare (deep fried pork knuckle in a stew with savory peanut sauce).
Presidential Proclamation No. 469, s. 2018, designates April of every year as “Filipino Food Month” in the Philippines, recognizing the importance of appreciating, preserving, and promoting the country’s culinary traditions for future generations and supporting local industries, farmers, and agri-communities.
In line with the theme of this year’s celebration, “Kalutong Pilipino, Lakas ng Kabataang Makabago,” the event was attended by members of the Association of Filipino Students in Japan, the Association of Filipino Scholars in Tsukuba, Philippine cadets studying in Japan, and students from the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies.
In his message delivered by Agriculture Attaché Aleli Maghirang, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the significance of promoting Filipino agricultural products and cuisine in international markets.
In a video recorded message, Mr. Mark Reyes Lapus, Trustee of the Mama Sita Foundation, underscored the foundation’s mission to preserve and promote authentic Filipino flavors and culinary traditions abroad. Additionally, Mr. Ryoji Tsuji, representative of a major supplier of Philippine products in Japan – Diamond Star Corporation – reaffirmed the company’s commitment to promoting Filipino cuisine in Japan and fostering greater appreciation for the unique flavors and ingredients of the Philippines.
Following the formal program, guests were treated to a buffet featuring an array of Filipino dishes prepared by Chef Loida Ozaki of New Sanno Hotel, and Embassy staff Mr. Ricky Arrangote.
Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano welcomed the collaboration between government agencies and the private sector, emphasizing its role in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering cultural understanding between the Philippines and Japan through culinary diplomacy.
She remarked, “Through the shared experience of food, we deepen our cultural bonds and celebrate the richness of Filipino heritage. It is always heartening to see the Filipino community coming together in showcasing the vibrant flavors and traditions that define our nation.”
The first episode of “Flavors of Filipino Cuisine – Lutong Bahay ni Mama Sita sa Japan” is available for viewing here.
(L-R) Philippine Agriculture Attaché Aleli Maghirang, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, and Diamond Star Corporation executive Ryoji Tsuji reaffirm their organizations’ commitment to helping preserve and promote Filipino cuisine and culinary traditions in Japan.
