Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver Showcases Mindanao’s Culinary Heritage with Chef Datu Shariff Pendatun III before Hospitality and Culinary students, Consular Corps, Media, Filipino community in Vancouver

Chef Datu Shariff Pendatun III explains the historical and cultural influences behind Mindanaoan cuisine during his lecture on Halal Gastronomy Tourism at The Bistro, Vancouver Community College. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

VANCOUVER 14 November 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, with the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Office of Cultural Diplomacy, hosted a day-long celebration of “Halal Gastronomy Tourism” led by Chef Datu Shariff Pendatun III, Chief Culinary Officer of Aluyan Food Group and one of the Philippines’ most respected Mindanaoan chefs.

The event aimed to highlight the richness of Mindanao’s culinary traditions and promote the Philippines’ Halal and gastronomy tourism offerings to Canadian and international audiences. The program was composed of two segments: a morning food demonstration and tasting for Vancouver Community College (VCC) students, and an afternoon talk and networking event attended by members of the British Columbia Consular Corps, culinary professionals, business owners, and leaders of the Filipino community.

The morning session, held at The Bistro, VCC, provided students an opportunity to observe Chef Pendatun prepare traditional Mindanao dishes such as Pindilutanan a Sagutong (grilled eggplant with coconut lime dressing); Inaluban a Sera (charred fish in coconut milk); Kiyuning (turmeric rice); and Sindul (root crops in coconut milk).  The demonstration emphasized culinary technique, flavor balance, and respect for Halal preparation standards.  The students also assisted the Chef in the preparation process, allowing hands-on learning in ingredient selection and flavor layering.

In the afternoon, guests gathered for a talk on gastronomy tourism in Mindanao, followed by a curated food tasting and networking session. The program offered participants a deeper understanding of how Philippine regional cuisines contribute to the country’s culinary identity and tourism development.

Through this project, the Consulate seeks to advance greater awareness of Mindanao’s culinary heritage and to encourage more opportunities for cultural exchange, education, and tourism collaboration between the Philippines and Canada. END

(Top photos) Vancouver Community College Chef Instructor Helen Orimaco and her students assist Chef Pendatun in preparing Halal Filipino dishes as part of the Consulate’s Halal Gastronomy Tourism promotion project, gaining firsthand experience in regional Filipino cooking. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

(Left photo) Chef Datu Shariff Pendatun III demonstrates Halal Filipino dishes inspired by the diverse culinary traditions of Mindanao. (Right photo) Students and guests enjoy a curated tasting of Mindanaoan Halal dishes following Chef Pendatun’s lecture and presentation at Vancouver Community College. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

A group photo of the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, Vancouver Community College officials, Chef Datu Shariff Pendatun III, Consul General Gina Jamoralin, Chef Helen Orimaco, Chef Barbara Gregoire and participating students marking the success of the morning session of the Halal Gastronomy Tourism event. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

(Top photos) Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin delivers her remarks during the Talk and Food Tasting on Mindanao’s Culinary Heritage, attended by members of BC Consular Corps, chefs, and Filipino community leaders. (Right photo) Consul General Jamoralin poses with VCC President Ajay Patel following the successful collaboration between the Philippine Consulate General and Vancouver Community College. (Photos by Vancouver PCG)

Guests from the British Columbia Consular Corps, the culinary industry, business sector and the Filipino community attend the afternoon Talk and Food Tasting highlighting Mindanao’s culinary heritage and Halal gastronomy. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)

Consul General Gina Jamoralin presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Chef Datu Shariff Pendatun III for sharing his expertise and showcasing Mindanao’s unique flavors and culinary identity and to Chef Helen Orimaco of Vancouver Community College for her invaluable partnership and support in hosting the culinary demonstration and tasting program. (Photography by Khim Mata Hipol (@khim.mata.hipol), Mabuhay House Society.)

OMNI News reporter Patricia Fernandez interviews Consul General Jamoralin during the event. (Photo by Vancouver PCG)