18 November 2014 – “Filipino food is the story of Philippine history and culture”.  Thus, said Consul General Wilfredo R. Cuyugan as he opened the program and welcomed the guests to the “More Flavors of the Philippines” Philippine Food Festival at the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Shanghai Yangtze Hotel.

“With the Philippines having more than 7,000 islands, with 80 major language groups and more than 500 local dishes, surely there would be the same number of ways to prepare, cook and present (our) dishes”, added Consul General Cuyugan.

In keeping with the spirit of the theme,  Chef Bryan Salarzon, from Marriott Hotel in Manila, whetted the appetites of more than 200 guests from the consular corps, provincial and district offices, and business community with Philippine dishes from different regions of the Philippines such as nilagang baka, ceviche, tambakol, lumpiang sariwa, pinais sugpo,  and inasal na manok.  Calamansi and mango juice,  as well asTanduay Rum, were also served.  

As part of their dessert, guests were delighted with the outstanding and award-winning  performance of the Bayanihan, National Folkdance Company of the Philippines with their dances of the Bagobo/T’boli, Maglalatik, Subli, Singkil and Tinikling.  “Sa Kabukiran” especially enthralled the audience with the playful exchange of a soprano and her friends with the banduria against a countryside backdrop.

Chinese guests were also mesmerized with the rendition of “Mo Li Hua” (Jasmine Flower), and “Kang Ding Qing Ge” (Chinese Love Song).  END

Mr. Jurgen, Sterkau, General Manager of the Renaissance Shanghai Yangtze Hotel, opened the program with his remarks

Consul General Wilfredo R. Cuyugan giving his remarks during the Opening Night Dinner Gala

Guests are enjoying the food prepared by Filipino Chef, Byran Salarzon.

Bayanihan performing the traditional Filipino dances.  From the top:  Spanish influence Baile de Intramuros ;  Mindanao-Filipino Muslim culture “Singkil”.

Bayanihan showing basic steps of tinikling to the Consuls General, members of the consular corps and Chinese guests