MEDIA RELEASE

5 April 2016
DOT Region IV-A hosts culinary travel guide launch
The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region IV- A on Monday hosted the launch of
Food Holidays Philippines, an annual culinary travel guide published by Colors Integrated
Travel Media, Inc.
Government officials, tourism stakeholders, historians, and food connoisseurs
gathered together at General Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite to witness the
unveiling of the cover of this latest edition of the gastronomical guide book that aims to
revisit Philippine history, heritage, destinations, and culinary tradition.
According to DOT Region IV-A Director Rebecca V. Labit food, restaurants, and
historical cuisines in the region could well play an important role in linking and looping
together the destinations and attractions in the region, citing the result of a review and
product development workshop they organized for tourism stakeholders in 2014.
This event marks the dawning of CALABARZON region as the center of historical
culinary tourism in the Philippines, the regional director added, in reference to Region IV-A
top billing culinary day tours and overnight food trips sections in the book.
CALABARZON plays a very important role in the history of the Philippines; Kawit,
for one, being in the historical map. We all have to work together to put the region in the
culinary map of the Philippines, together with its rich history, sources of food and
ingredients, to make the whole travel experience truly a Filipino one, DOT Assistant
Secretary Arturo Boncato said, acknowledging that a large percentage of the countrys
tourism receipts were spent for food and accommodation.
During the book launch the chivalry of the Tagayan Ritual was also showcased,
with officials from the DOT led by Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Martinez and other tourism
stakeholders taking turns to propose a toast, portraying the poetic and hospitable nature of
people of Quezon Province. Guests were likewise treated to an intimate tertulia featuring
delectable dishes by the Culinary Generals and the Razor Chefs of Cavite, reminiscent of
CALABARZONs food history and its contribution to the Galleon Trade.
According to publisher, Clang Garcia, Food Holidays" took almost two years in the
making. "Its launch could not be more timely, as the Philippines plays host once again to
the Madrid Fusion Manila that opened the table to a wider discussion of what Filipino food
is all about. And it is a dream come true to share with you a product of extensive research
into the cooking and dining traditions from the major islands of Luzon, Visayas, and
Mindanao, encapsulated in one publication, she added, feeling strongly about the dearth of
a good gastronomical guide book in the Philippines.

DOT Media Release April 2016

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This culinary event forms part of Eat Your History, a culinary heritage tour of
Cavite, Malolos, Pampanga, Malabon, Antipolo-Ango, and Laguna-Quezon, which was also
launched at the event in celebration of Flavors of the Philippines Festival 2016. It is
organized by Garcia in partnership with the respective DOT Regional Offices. For details, email: EatYourHistory@FoodHolidays.PH
Flavors of the Philippines Festival 2016 is a month-long showcase of the best of
the countrys gastronomic offerings ranging from culinary tours, food trucks, bar crawls,
concerts, to agricultural fairs, weekend gourmet markets and bazaars. Organized by the
DOT and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), it is ongoing simultaneously in different
malls, restaurants and venues across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao for April.
Interested gourmets and gourmands can log on to www.madridfusionmanila.com or
email the following: Joel Padilla at exhibition@madridfusionmanila.com for the Trade
Exhibition; Marisa Nallana at flavorsofthephilippines1@gmail.com for Flavors of the
Philippines; and Liza Marie & Rachel Ching at congress@madridfusionmanila.com .
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CONTACT:

JAZMIN C. ESGUERRA
Director, Media and Communications Service
459 5200, ext. 307
jcesguerra@tourism.gov.ph

Photos by Larry Moran, DOT-MCS

DOT Assistant Secretary Arturo Boncato, Jr. with Undersecretary Ma. Theresa
Martinez and Colors Integrated Travel Media, Inc. Publisher Clang Garcia during Food
Holidays launch held Monday, 4 April, at the Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit,
Cavite.

DOT Media Release April 2016

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DOT Region IV-A Director Rebecca V. Labit welcoming guests, and proposing a toast during
the Food Holidays launch held Monday, 4 April, at the Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in
Kawit, Cavite.

DOT Media Release April 2016

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