SFA-AGR-185-08

DAVAO FOOD FESTIVAL AND RENE SALUD FASHION SHOW

AT 7107 FLAVOURS, SINGAPORE

24 March 2008 – Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Belen A. Fule-Anota reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the Department of Tourism (DOT), through its Philippine Tourism Office in Singapore, brought KULINARYA DABAW to Singapore.  Held at the Philippine Fine-Dining Restaurant 7107 Flavours in Marina Square, the Food Festival aimed to perk up the interest and excite the palates of expat Filipinos and local residents with Davao cuisine.  Chefs from the Davao Pearl Farm were flown in to see to the preparation and presentation of unique Davao fare that includes the tuna fish, “star attraction of the event,” that was also flown from the Philippines.  An added attraction was the introduction of 7107 Filipino Cuisine Fusion and the making of durian ice cream.

Ambassador Anota graced the opening of the Davao Food Festival on 27 February, as special guest.  Tourism Undersecretary Oscar P. Palabyab with some Davao officials, Director Sonia Garcia, Director Sohura Dimaampao, as well as Mayor Fernando Miguel of Koronadal, South Cotobato came in full force to support the event.  They were joined by Tourism Attaché Gerosel Siquian in launching the food festival.  During the launching, Mr. Rene Salud, renowned Filipino couturier, mounted a fashion show, unveiling his Mindanao collection.  Tinalak, a woven fiber indigenous to Mindanao was one of the many woven materials used on the clothes presented during the fashion show.

Ambassador Anota took the opportunity to host a buffet lunch for lady ambassadors to Singapore on 28 February.  In attendance were H.E Serey Sin (Cambodia), H.E. Graciela Fernandez (Chile), H.E. Vibeke Rovsing Lauritzen (Denmark), H.E. Satu Mervie Katriina Mattila (Finland), and H.E. Janne Julsrud (Norway).  Different tuna dishes were served with durian delicacies as desserts.  The lady ambassadors, as well as other guests during the festival, were treated to performances by the Hinugyaw Dance Troupe from Davao which interpreted traditional Filipino Muslim-inspired dances.

The dance group also performed at NATAS Travel Fair which was simultaneously held at the Singapore Expo. END

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