Chicago PH consulate launches Food Holidays book

Authograph signing after the program with the officers of the Consulate General and members of the Filipino American community. From left to right: Author Clang Garcia; Consul Melchor P. Lalunio Jr.; Consul Ericka Anna T. Abad; Larry Crost and Merle Salazar. ARNEIL TORRES

CHICAGO—To celebrate National Heritage Month the Philippine Consulate here launched the book Food Holidays Philippines on May 5 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Consulate General. The book launching also served as Chicago PCG’s 25th Pagkikita sa Konsulado (meet-up with the Filipino community).

In keeping with this year’s National Heritage theme “Malasakit para sa Pamana” (Care for the Heritage), Clang Garcia, the publisher of Food Holidays, explained that the need to ensure the preservation of the country’s heirloom recipes drove her to travel around the Philippines for a comprehensive research on the country’s gastronomic treasures.

The result of her effort is a 200-page culinary travel guide that covers fascinating destinations, authentic regional flavors and heirloom recipes that celebrate the Philippines’ cultural diversity.

Consul Melchor Lalulino Jr. highlighted the growing interest in Philippine cuisine in the international community. “It is time for the Philippine culinary flavors to be given due attention and recognition in promoting the Philippines as a tourist destination,” he said. Consul Ericka Anna Abad, on the other hand, invited the attendees to join this year’s Ambassadors’ Tour.

A small reception concluded the day’s event. The members of the Filipino American community who attended the event also had the chance to get autographed copies of Food Holidays.