Berne, 17 June 2017 – The first ever Philippine Fiesta in Switzerland held at Waisenhausplatz, Berne showcased the best of the Philippines.

Twenty-six (26) booths were set up to accommodate exhibitors; 11 for Philippine cuisine, 8 for Philippine-made products and the rest were occupied by sponsors and Philippine government offices in Europe.

Guests at the fiesta were treated to a wide array of Philippine cuisine such as lechon, dinuguan with puto, laing, adobo, sisig, bopis, embutido, barbecue, tuyo, tocino, lonnganisa, siomai, siopao pancit, spring rolls, and desserts such as turon, suman, pichi-pichi, cassava cake, halo-halo; and fresh Philippine mangoes and buko (young coconut juice). 

Ambassador Jimeno visits the food stalls during the Philippine Fiesta

Apart from Philippine cuisine and delicacies, Philippine-made products were also well-patronized, e. g. Barong Tagalog, handwoven products like clothing, bags, table runner, shawl, place mat, etc.; decoratives made of wood, mother of pearl, and semi-precious stones; and packed Philippine goodies like polvoron, chicharon, pastillas, corn crunchies, etc., bottled bagoong, atchara, vinegar with spices, and a lot more.   

Philippine-made products displayed at the Waisenhausplatz

Guests and visitors at the fiesta were estimated to be around 8,000 to 10,000. These included the locals, members of the diplomatic and business communities, as well as Filipinos from all over Switzerland and neighboring countries. Those who were not familiar with Filipino cuisine were pleasantly surprised at the variety and taste of Filipino cuisine.  END