The Department of Tourism (DOT) 8 (Eastern Visayas) recently highlighted the Philippines’ culinary ties to Southeast Asia through a unique gastronomic event showcasing cultural exchange and food innovation.
In celebration of Filipino Food Month, DOT-8 mounted a Filipino–ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Degustation Experience on April 25, 2026 at Pasqualino’s Ristorante Italiano in Sta. Rita, Samar.
The event gathered chefs and food advocates under the theme “Connected by Taste: The Filipino Food in the Flavors of ASEAN.”
DOT-8 Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said in a phone interview Monday that the event featured a curated degustation showcasing canapé-style dishes that fused Filipino culinary traditions with flavors from across ASEAN.
The official said the event demonstrated how food can serve as a platform for cultural appreciation, culinary innovation, and tourism development.
“The activity underscored the role of gastronomy tourism in strengthening regional identity and fostering connections among communities, while elevating the country’s position as a culinary destination,” Tiopes said.
Participating chefs presented inventive cross-cultural creations, each highlighting a distinct Filipino–ASEAN influence.
Myla Lapuz-Mabute of Miyara Patisserie offered a Filipino–Thai fusion dish, while Monch Salazar of Kitchen 2K delivered a reinterpretation of Filipino–Singaporean cuisine.
Meanwhile, Maud Ariane G. Jimenez-Sidhu and Sandeep Singh Sidhu of La Maison Punjab showcased a blend of Filipino–Malaysian flavors.
Additionally, Italian chef Giuseppe Bonavitacola of Pasqualino’s presented Filipino–Vietnamese-inspired dishes alongside innovative Filipino cocktails.
“Beyond the dishes, chefs shared the stories and cultural influences behind their creations, turning the degustation into a showcase of culinary diplomacy and shared heritage,” Tiopes said.
The DOT said these initiatives continue to position gastronomy tourism as a meaningful driver of destination development, demonstrating how food can celebrate heritage, inspire innovation and connect cultures across borders. (PNA)
