VANCOUVER PCG LAUNCHES “EAT, FLY, LOVE 2.0” MARKING THE 5TH FILIPINO RESTAURANT MONTH IN CANADA

13 April 2026, Vancouver, B.C. — The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver officially launched the 5th Filipino Restaurant Month in Canada (FRMC) with a vibrant event titled “Eat, Fly, Love 2.0: A Filipino Feast.” Held on April 10 at the Consulate Lobby, the celebration gathered close to 80 guests to honor the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines and its signature ingredient for 2026: the world-famous Philippine Mango.

The event, held in support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ (NCCA) Filipino Food Month 2026, showcased the power of food as a diplomatic bridge. In her opening remarks, Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin emphasized the program's growth, stating, “What began as a successful pilot project has grown into a nationwide cultural milestone, proving that food is one of our most effective forms of diplomacy.”

(Photos Above) The guests pose for a photo opportunity during the event (Photos by Vancouver PCG).

The evening was graced by distinguished guest speakers from the Provincial Government of British Columbia. British Columbia Minister of Tourism, Arts and Sport Anne Kang, the event’s Guest of Honor, remarked, “Tourism in the Philippines is absolutely beautiful. On behalf of the government of British Columbia and our Premier David Eby, it is my honor to recognize the vibrant and vital contributions of the Filipino-Canadian community to the cultural, social, and economic fabric of British Columbia. The food here and the desserts are so amazing.”

(Photos Above) Hon. Anne Kang MLA, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport and Hon. Paul Choi, MLA, Parliamentary Secretary for Trade deliver their inspiring messages to the guests. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

MLA for Burnaby South Metrotown Paul Choi, Parliamentary Secretary for Trade, added, “This evening is about food, culture, and community. It is also about something deeper—it is about partnership—and right now, this partnership between the Philippines and Canada has never been more important. I also learned a new term “gastrodiplomacy” from Consul General of the Philippines which is a good way to describe this event”.

The launch saw an impressive turnout from the diplomatic community, with representatives from 13 countries in attendance. The Consul General of Argentina, Dr. Ricardo Arredondo, as the Dean of the Consular Corps, led a distinguished guest list that included officials from Afghanistan, Albania, Barbados, Brazil, Cote d’Ivoire, Germany, Iceland, Indonesia, Japan, Lithuania, Malaysia, and Mauritius.

A major highlight of the night was the culinary showcase featuring specially curated menus presented by the following local partners:

• Max’s Restaurant Vancouver (presented by Ms. Maribeth Bonaobra, Kitchen Supervisor): Featuring their signature Fried Chicken, Pancit Canton, Adobo flakes on baguette with mango salsa, and Mango Sago.
• Pampanga’s Cuisine (presented by Mr. J Malang, Owner): Serving Beef Lengua, Crispy Pork Sisig, Chopsuey, Rice with Mango Salsa, and a Chocolate Bundt Cake with Mango cream.
• Plato Filipino (presented by Ms. Bennet Ganata, Owner): Highlighting Crispy Empanada with Pork Adobo flakes and green mango slaw, Seafood Kare-Kare with green mango, and Sticky rice with mango-langka.

(Photos Above) The participating restaurants – Max’s Restaurant, Pampanga’s Cuisine and Plato Filipino.

(Photos Above) A vibrant spread of Filipino cuisine crafted by the participating restaurants, celebrating rich flavors in every dish (Photos by Vancouver PCG).

(Photos Above)  Consul General Gina Jamoralin delivers her welcome remarks at the FRMC launching event.  Minister Anne Kang and MLA Paul Choi join the guests in attentively listening to the participating restaurants’ presentations (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

(Photos Above) The guests delight in sampling every dish during the event (Photos by Vancouver PCG).

The “Fly” component of the activity were the presentations of Philippine Airlines and Air Canada which promoted their direct routes from Vancouver to Manila as well as their other destinations.  Mr. Allan Coo, Country Manager for Canada of Philippine Airlines and Ms. Maria Lu, Senior Sales Manager, Specialty Sales, Asia of Air Canada, gave their respective presentations and both highlighted the strengthening travel links between the Philippines and Canada.

Excitement peaked during the raffle draw, which featured generous prizes from the Philippine Department of Tourism in Los Angeles and airline partners. Lucky attendees won three DOT gift bags, three Philippine Airlines gift bags, and a grand prize of a discount code for two, offering up to 50% off on air tickets from any point in Canada to Manila and back.

(Photos Above) Mr. Allan Coo of Philippine Airlines (Canada); Ms. Maria Lu of Air Canada share a few words to the audience, while Consul André Peter Estanislao hosts the launching event. (Photos by Vancouver PCG).

(Photo Above) Consul General Gina Jamoralin joins the Philippine Airlines Officials at their table for a photo opportunity.

Everyone is warmly invited to visit these participating restaurants throughout the month of April to support local entrepreneurs and celebrate the flavors of the Philippines. By ordering from the official FRMC prix fixe menus and scanning the designated QR code, diners can enter for a chance to win an array of incredible prizes, including:

• Grand Prize: Two (2) Philippine Airlines domestic tickets, and 3D/2N stays at Novotel Manila Araneta City, Four Points by Sheraton Boracay, and Amorita Resort and Spa (Puerto Princesa, Palawan).
• 1st Major Prize: One (1) Philippine Airlines domestic ticket, and 3D/2N stays at Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort (Cebu) and Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort (Bohol).
• 2nd Major Prize: One (1) Philippine Airlines domestic ticket, a 3D/2N Boracay Island Resort Package by Rajah Tours (with roundtrip Caticlan transfers for two), and a 3D/2N stay at Astoria Palawan.
• Dining Prizes: Ten (10) $50 CAD gift cards for Seafood City Calgary and twenty (20) $50 CAD gift cards for Jollibee.

(Photos Above) The lucky winners receive their prizes with smiles and excitement during the night and Consul General Gina Jamoralin shares her insights during an interview by Ms. Salve Dayao (Photos by Vancouver PCG).

Participating Restaurants:

• Max’s Restaurant Vancouver
  • Address: 3546 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5L7
  • Contact: (604) 435-4656
  • Website: maxschicken.com
  • Social Media: @maxsvancouver (Instagram/Facebook)

• Pampanga’s Cuisine
  • Address: 6071 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC V5W 2Z8
  • Contact: (604) 325-0552
  • Website: pampangascuisine.ca
  • Social Media: @pampangascuisine (Instagram/Facebook)
• Plato Filipino
  • Address: 5175 Joyce St, Vancouver, BC V5R 4G8
  • Contact: (604) 559-7528
  • Website: platofilipino.com
  • Social Media: @platofilipino (Instagram/Facebook)

For more information, please visit the Philippine Consulate General website at www.vancouverpcg.org.  END.