The Philippines Takes Center Stage in Oregon Festival
[SAN FRANCISCO, 14 June 2023] – The Philippine Consulate in San Francisco is proud to announce the upcoming event “Harmony of Cultures: Celebrating Philippine Festivals and Dances” as part of the World Beat Festival in Salem, Oregon.
The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT)- San Francisco, which is an attached agency of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, is organizing the Philippines’ participation in the event, which will take place on 23-25 June 2023.
On 24 June 2023, Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco will welcome participants in the World Beat festival at the Riverfront Amphitheater, Riverfront City Park in Salem and emphasize the strong cultural ties between the Philippines and Oregon.
The vibrant showcase will feature five of the most popular festivals in the Philippines, complete with dazzling costumes, rhythmic drums, and captivating choreography by renowned artist Ric Decatoria.
Visitors can look forward to an immersive experience at the Philippine booths, which will have Boracay Vibe-themed décors. Tourism Director Soleil Tropicales and Trade Commissioner Celynne Layug will be in attendance at the Philippine booths, which will showcase unique Philippine products.
In conjunction with the festival, the Filipino Food Week will also be showcased by Filipino Food Oregon. This culinary heritage celebration will highlight the rich and varied flavors of Filipino cuisine, showcasing the talent of Filipino American chefs who have contributed to its growing popularity. Throughout the week, from June 25 to July 1, participating Filipino restaurants, food carts, and food businesses will offer specials and promotions. Diners and customers will have the opportunity to participate in a contest, with a chance to win exciting prizes, including a grand prize of $300 in cash.
To kick off this gastronomic feast, renowned Chef Melvin Trinidad of Barkada PDX will host the soft launch of his new brick-and-mortar Filipino-Hawaiian restaurant, Hapa Barkada, on 23 June, Friday from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm, at Hapa Howie’s food cart on 2299 NW 23rd Ave, Portland.
During the World Beat festival, well-known Chef Carlo Lamagna of Magna Kusina and Magna Kubo, a lechoneria, will host a live food demonstration at the Cultural Center on 25 June, Sunday. With his culinary expertise and recognition as one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs 2021 and a 2022 James Beard Finalist for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific, Chef Carlo promises an exceptional experience for attendees.
Fil-Am cook Christina McAlvey, a finalist of the 2022 The Great American Recipe competition, will collaborate with a local brewery to present a special dish, likely a trio of tacos featuring adobo, longanisa, and tocino.
The “Harmony of Cultures: Celebrating Philippine Festivals and Dances” event and the Filipino Food Week promise to be vibrant celebrations of Filipino culture, bringing together the community in Oregon and showcasing the richness and diversity of the Philippines. END
