In the lead-up to this year’s Philippine Independence Day celebration, the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria participated with other diplomatic missions in the inaugural World Food Festival organized by the Korean Cultural Centre.

During the opening ceremony on 30 May 2022, Philippine cuisine took center stage when distinguished guests from the government, business sector, and arts and creative community of South Africa sampled classic Filipino desserts such as turon (banana roll) and ensaymada (Filipino brioche).

Reflecting on the event, Ambassador Noralyn Jubaira Baja remarked that it has been a delightful experience to share with the South African audience the vibrant flavors of authentic Filipino cuisine. She expressed hope that this modest attempt of the Embassy will serve as a catalyst for deeper understanding and appreciation by the host country and its people of Filipino culture and heritage.

The week-long event ran until Friday, June 3. In addition to exhibiting Filipino food, the Embassy screened on June 2 the 2002 Filipino film, "Kailangan Kita" (I Need You), featuring the culinary traditions of the Bicol region. The Embassy also hosted on the same day a cooking demonstration of chicken adobo, a quintessential Filipino dish, with the help of Ms. Jocelyn “Joie” Van Nel, an active Filipino community member and cooking enthusiast.