Philippine Embassy, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Host Virtual Talk on Philippine Gastronomy for Kulinarya Jordan

29 November 2024, Amman, Jordan – The Philippine Embassy in Jordan, led by His Excellency Wilfredo C. Santos, in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), successfully hosted a virtual event entitled “Gastronomy for Growth: Promoting Philippine Cuisine and Empowering Communities” on 29 November 2024 via Zoom.

The event, featuring renowned food writer, independent food scholar, and expert in Filipino cuisine Mr. Guillermo "Ige" Ramos, was a significant milestone in the Embassy's ongoing efforts to promote Filipino culture and culinary traditions in the host country. The session aimed to enhance understanding of Filipino food by showcasing its unique flavors, ingredients, and cultural narratives.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Santos expressed his gratitude to the Cultural Center of the Philippines for its continuous support in promoting Philippine arts and culture globally, noting that this collaboration with CCP aligns with the Embassy's goal of promoting Filipino cuisine in Jordan and in this region. He wished the participants a meaningful participation in the event.  

CCP President Ms. Kaye Tinga in her opening message expressed her excitement about the collaborative efforts with the Embassy in promoting Filipino cuisine and culture across borders, especially in Jordan, a nation rich in historical heritage. She emphasized the significance of valuing diverse traditions, including culinary arts and gastronomy, as a means to discover common ground, enhance understanding, and build lasting relationships.

The virtual event was also a platform for the Embassy’s local culinary group, Kulinarya Jordan, to explore the rich flavors and authenticity of Filipino Gastronomy. They were present at the Embassy’s Bayanihan Hall as the on-site audience. Several members of the Kulinarya also participated online, representing various Filipino community organizations. Since their formation in 2022, Kulinarya Jordan has been a key partner of the Embassy in its mission to promote Filipino food and culture in Jordan. The group has been a regular participant in the Embassy’s Annual Food Bazaar and has gained increasing recognition, with demand for Filipino dishes growing among both the Jordanian and expatriate communities.

The highlight of the event was the presentation by Mr. Ige Ramos, who shared his insights into the evolution of Filipino food, its regional variations, and the stories behind beloved Filipino dishes. His talk was followed by an engaging Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. The event was moderated by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Sheila Marie Andales.  

The event was also attended by Cultural Officers from the Philippine Foreign Service Posts in the region. In closing, Second Secretary and Consul Angeli A. Payumo expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in the event, reaffirming the Embassy’s commitment to continuing its efforts in promoting Filipino culture in Jordan and beyond.

The Philippine Embassy in Jordan, through its Cultural, Community, and Public Information (CCPI) section, remains dedicated to promoting the Philippines' rich cultural and culinary heritage through various programs and partnerships. END