PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

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

21 August 2026, NEW SOUTH WALES — Philippine Ambassador to Australia H.E. Antonio A. Morales and Minister and Consul General Sheila Marie C. Tario attended TORO y VINO, a special collaborative dining experience held at Taquería Arriba in Leura on 21 August 2026. The event brought together Australian produce, Filipino culinary creativity and Mexican influences.

At the center of the collaboration were Gooree Park, a historic Mudgee estate established by Filipino businessman Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr., and Taquería Arriba, a Filipino-Mexican restaurant led by Filipino chef and owner Jackie Jacutin, with co-owner Gabby overseeing the restaurant's hospitality and bar programme. Gooree Park is home to vineyards, Wagyu cattle, sheep, cropping and its renowned thoroughbred operations, continuing the agricultural legacy established by Danding Cojuangco.

The TORO y VINO collaboration offered a meeting of Filipino flavors, Australian regional produce and Mexican techniques. Gooree Park's Wagyu and wines, produced in the Mudgee region, were transformed at Taquería Arriba into a five-course menu by Filipino talent and creativity. Live entertainment was provided by Filipino guitarist Segundo Vasquez.

The culinary experience included Kilawin (Filipino-style ceviche) with Tenderloin and Pinakurat (spiced Filipino vinegar) Emulsion, Oxtail and Lengua (beef tongue) Tacos, Short Rib Caldereta (beef stew), and Striploin Adobo (meat braised with vinegar and soy sauce) with a Shiraz glaze. The meal concluded with Ube y Coco (purple yam and coconut), bringing together ube and latik (caramelized coconut milk).

Chef Jackie Jacutin and Gabby’s broader hospitality group also includes Café Lurline and Smokey Bundits both in the Blue Mountains, which is a reflection of the growing contribution of Filipino-led hospitality ventures to the region. - END