Ashraf Siddiqui
Doha
Dahlia Agbanlog, Chairperson, Kulinarya Qatar, a Filipino community forum announced the holding of the two-day Philippines Food, Culture & Trade Festival (PFCTQ), inviting all communities residing in Qatar to visit and enjoy Filipino authentic cuisines, cultural dances and products.Addressing a press conference, she said that the festival will be held on 20-21 October at the Hotel Saphire Plaza, Bin Mahmoud, Doha.
Present on the occasion at the stage were Organizing Committee Vice Chairperson Layla Bernal; PFCTQ Program Director and Operations Head, Joseph Timothy Rivera;Exhibitors Manager Belle Modin;Agnes F. Pagaduan, Area Manager, Philippine Airlines; Bhem Aspirilla, Vice President Sales, Qatar; and representatives of various sponsoring companies.
Dahlia Agbanlog thanked Philippine Embassy in Doha for its support and cooperation in making the event possible and expecting participation of the Philippine Embassy's various services such as SSS, Pag-Ibig Fund, OWWA & Comelec registration booths.
Exhibitors Manager Belle Modin said that around 16 food outlets and 14 traders including Philippines Airlines, real estate companies will be participating in the fair. Each restaurant will be exclusively offering one special delicacy; the cherry topping to the wide array of Filipino cuisine that will be served during the event. She said that exhibitors will include special offerings on Philippine properties, garments, handicrafts, accessories, and even services from health to insurance.
Briefing on the two-day schedule program, Organizing Committee Vice Chairperson, Layla Bernal said that other than the long-awaited Kulinarya Food Court, Bazaar & Trade Fair Exhibition, Prisesa Pageant for talented children aged 4 to 10 years old; a Tiktok Competition; a HipHop Battle Championship; Karaoke challenges; and a live band competition. She said that among other activities also include a Filipiniana fashion parade known as the “Sagala” or “santacruzan”; numerous cultural song & dance performances from both local Philippine schools - Philippine School Doha (PSD) and Philippine International School Qatar (PISQ; Pinoy civic groups led by Tanghalang OPI; photography classes; healthy cooking shows; special talks; and several on the spot competitions; and a raffle draw with attractive gifts including round trip air ticket and luxury hotel staycation vouchers, Consular & social welfare services from the Philippine Embassy such as SSS, Pag-Ibig Fund, OWWA & Comelec registration booths.
PFCTQ Program Director and Operations Head, Joseph Timothy Rivera thanked supporting Qatar-based community forums and especially Philippines-based organizations including the Philippines Embassy in Qatar; Philippines Airlines; Megaworld International; Philippine Institute of Architects, Qatar Chapter; Saladmaster; Qabayan 94.3 FM, Pinoy Heart Radio, Balitang Q, Association of Filipino Realtors & Entrepreneur Executives in Qatar (AFREEQ); UNO Cafe; Doha Glam; Music Lounge; Tambikes; Pinoy Hot Pack; Guardians League Qatar (GLQ); JKCmom Travels; Brilliant Café; Big Diners; JBC Catering; Hillside Restaurant; Golden Chef Restaurant; Best Tea; Deqada; Tuto-Turo; Ghariossa Ice Cream; The Cottege; Yam’s Catering, Takoyaki Yum; Conor Coriner Cargo; Buety& Wellness; PIIQ; LBC; IMG; VW Trends; & Agent Qabayan.
Agnes F. Pagaduan, Area Manager, Qatar Philippine Airlines announced round trip air ticket/s during the festival. She also announced availing 2,000 air miles points for Filipino workers by enrolling on Mabuhay Miles Program with their required details by registering on Overseas Bayani.
Dahlia Agbanlog, Chairperson, Kulinarya Qatar and the Filipino Festival advised all the participants to strictly observe MOPH directions for their own and others' safety and health.
