Three-day Filipino bazaar opens

A smorgasbord of delectable Filipino cuisine is on offer at a three-day bazaar, expected to attract thousands of food enthusiasts, which opened yesterday at Westin Doha Hotel and Spa.
The opening ceremony for the event dubbed “Handog ng Kulinarya sa Qatar 2016 (A Thanksgiving for Qatar)” was led by Philippine Ambassador Wilfredo C Santos with all ASEAN ambassadors in attendance.
Dozens of Filipino dishes, which foodies can choose from, are on the menu of 15 Doha-based Filipino restaurants taking part at Kulinarya Qatar’s final event this year.
Kulinarya Qatar is a unique brand and movement initiated by the Philippine Embassy to promote Filipino culture through gastronomy which reflects a deep and diverse cultural identity.
“We established Kulinarya Qatar in August 2015 and as a brand it has exceeded the expectations not only of the Philippine embassy but those of the Filipino community as well. As a platform, Kulinarya Qatar promoted and increased awareness of Philippine cuisine in this part of the world and at the same time supported the large and growing number of Filipino restaurants in this country,” said Santos yesterday.
There is growing popularity of Filipino cuisine in the country with more than 35 Filipino restaurants , some of which are popular food chains in the Philippines, making their presence felt in the Qatar’s gastronomic scene as they introduce the authentic taste of Filipino food.
One of the effective vehicles to promote Filipino food in Qatar is through Kulinarya Qatar’s food festivals which Santos believes would continue as an initiative driven and supported by the community.
“I’ll be leaving soon but I’m glad to see that what we started together -this Filipino food movement-has become a household name and I am confident that this will continue and be sustained in the years to come because it is community-led, community-supported and community-driven,” he said.
He congratulated the organizers, participants and sponsors as well as thanked the Filipino community leaders and members for their support during his tenure as ambassador assuring them that “the embassy will forever remain your friend, your partner, and your believer.”
Apart from Filipino food outlets, 30 companies have set up booths showcasing the products and services they offer at the bazaar which exudes a “barrio fiesta” atmosphere.
The event also features competitions including choral singing, “parol making”, ballroom dance sport and best booth, in addition to zumba and photoshoot for a cause charity events.
Miss Tourism Metropolitan International 2016 runner-up Janela Joy Cuaton along with model and television actress Jelai Andres and Internet sensation Jon Gutierrez were guest celebrities at yesterday’s event.
The recently launched Embassy on Wheels, aimed at bringing a full range of consular and other embassy services closer to Filipinos, is also present at the venue.
Entry is free to the bazaar which isl open from 10am to 10pm until tomorrow.