Invitado por el Departamento de Comercio e Industria de Filipinas (DTI) y el gobierno provincial de Iloilo, the Korean Shanshan University Food Culture Institute and the Cantonese Culinary Academy, accompanied by Consul Fu Anlai of the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou and other officials, arrived in Iloilo City on November 15, 2024. As an integral part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Carnival, FIESTA HARAYA 2024 was grandly inaugurated in Iloilo City, Filipinas.
The event, themed “City of Flavors,” brought together Iloilo and Chaozhou, both designated as UNESCO Cities of Gastronomy, to showcase the rich culinary traditions and cultural allure of these two cities through diverse food exhibitions and cultural exchanges.
PITO Chaozhou Master Chefs Take the Stage
During the carnival, hotel management students from Western Institute of Technology participated in a unique culinary experience. The event featured a live cooking demonstration by renowned Chaozhou chef Zhang Laide, who served as the executive chef for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Chef Zhang demonstrated traditional Chaozhou culinary arts, preparing exquisite dishes that left the audience in awe. In addition to showcasing his culinary expertise, Chef Zhang emphasized the cultural heritage of Chaozhou as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. This honor, shared by both Chaozhou and Iloilo, serves as a bridge for deeper cultural and culinary exchange between the two regions.
Deep Integration of PITO Culture and Cuisine
The SM City Iloilo Activity Center became the main venue for cultural exchanges between the two countries, attracting local residents, tourists, and international guests. The event included:
Food Exchange Forum: A discussion by Chinese and Filipino creative culinary teams on how food can drive the development of the cultural industry.
Culinary Fusion Showcase: A collaboration between Chaozhou and Ilonggo chefs to present innovative blends of Chinese and Filipino cuisine.
City Food Exploration Tour: An immersive culinary experience offering the public the chance to explore the unique flavors of both regions.
PITO Delegation Visits Iloilo Provincial Government
As part of the carnival activities, on November 18, the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry’s provincial director, Ma. Dinda R. Tamayo, along with Froilan Emil D. Pamintuan, Business Attaché from the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Guangzhou, and other delegation members, visited Iloilo Governor Hon. Arthur R. Defensor Jr. and Iloilo City Mayor Hon. Jerry P. Treñas. They held courtesy meetings at the provincial assembly hall and city hall.
The leaders expressed strong support for the significance of cultural exchange between China and the Philippines through food. The governor, whose ancestors are from Fujian, Porcelana, expressed a personal interest in Chaozhou cuisine, while the mayor hoped to visit Chaozhou in the future to taste some of China’s finest dishes. Both leaders agreed that the interaction between the two UNESCO Cities of Gastronomy would deepen cultural understanding and build bridges of friendship for the people of both cities.
PITO Exploring the Unique Charm of Chaozhou Cuisine
During the event, a forum focused on Chaozhou cuisine was successfully held. The forum not only highlighted the unique culinary techniques of Chaozhou but also explored the latest developments in Chaozhou cuisine and the Chinese hospitality supplies industry.
At this forum, PITO Chairman Mr. Xu Hongsheng and Vice Dean of the Hanshan Normal University Food Culture Institute, Professor Xiao Jiazhe, were invited to speak. They elaborated on the unique aspects of Chaozhou culture, Chaozhou ceramics, and Chaozhou cuisine. Professor Xiao shared the historical background of Chaozhou cuisine, emphasizing its importance in local culture, and discussed the innovation and development of Chaozhou culinary skills. He also highlighted that Chaozhou dishes are known for their fresh and delicate flavors, and the unique knife skills and ingredient combinations that contribute to their distinctive position in the global culinary landscape.
PITO Conclusion
As a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, PITO is committed to promoting cultural heritage, industrial innovation, and economic development through food. The success of this carnival not only opens a new chapter in cultural interaction between the two regions but also lays a solid foundation for future international collaboration.
FIESTA HARAYA 2024 was not only a celebration of food and culture but also a platform for friendship. Through this platform, the diversity of culinary arts and the profound power of culture were jointly showcased.
Nueva era,
Nuevo patrón,
Nueva oportunidad,
En el futuro, Avancemos de la mano!
