PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

20 April 2026, MELBOURNE - In celebration of Filipino Food Month, Ambassador Antonio Morales and Consul General to Melbourne Hon. Jesus Gary Domingo attended the 15th Chef’s Long Table hosted by the Filipino Chefs Association of Victoria (FCAV), led by Mr. Alex Sy and Mr. Rommel Cao.

The event brought together culinary leaders, including renowned Australian pastry chef and chocolatier Kirsten Tibballs, and members of the community for an evening highlighting Filipino cuisine and creativity.

Held at Anaia Sanctuary Lakes, the dinner featured a six-course degustation menu curated by Chef Alizza Reyes. The menu showcased a contemporary interpretation of Filipino flavours, beginning with Kilaw of Hiramasa kingfish with coconut spiced vinegar and finger limes, followed by Ilocos Empanada de Kaliskis with Ilocos longganisa and Iloko aioli. Main courses included Chicken Inasal skewers, Caldereta Lasagna with potato gratin and parmesan, and Lechon-style crispy pork belly, concluding with a Leche Flan dessert featuring salted caramel custard, brown butter crumble, and passion fruit.

The event formed part of Filipino Food Month (Buwan ng Kalutong Filipino), observed every April under the 2026 theme “Connected by Taste: The Filipino Food in the Flavors of ASEAN.” Now in its eighth year, Filipino Food Month was established through Proclamation No. 469 s. 2018 to celebrate the country’s rich culinary heritage and promote Filipino cuisine as an important expression of national culture.

Ambassador Morales commended the FCAV for its continued efforts to showcase Filipino cuisine to wider Australian audiences and strengthen cultural ties through food. He noted that initiatives such as the Chef’s Long Table play an important role in promoting cultural exchange and deepening appreciation of Filipino cuisine.

Ambassador Morales stated that “across Australia, appreciation for Filipino cuisine is steadily growing. This momentum is something we hope to sustain and build on as we deepen recognition of Filipino gastronomy across Australia.” - END

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