PR-04-2026
24 MARCH 2026, MELBOURNE – Over 50 food industry professionals and food enthusiasts trooped to the Philippine Consulate General in Melbourne for a special edition of Kusina and Kultura, an advocacy event organized in collaboration with CITEM and Masterplan Global to promote Filipino cuisine and products.
Consul General Jesus R.S. Domingo welcomed the participants, noting that “Kusina and Kultura is not just a tasting event. It is a strategic bridge that connects our cuisine with Australia’s sophisticated and globally-driven dining culture”
CITEM Department Manager for Consumer Business Rowena Mendoza also gave a presentation showcasing the role of CITEM and IFEX in promoting Filipino flavors, and also invited the audience to come to IFEX in 2026.
Melbourne host Chanel Olive moderated a panel discussion of the following big names in Filipino food:
- Abi Marquez – Lumpia Queen and Global Food Content Creator
- Abi Balingit – New York Times Bestselling Author and James Beard Award Winner
- Michael Pastrana – Filipino food Advocate and Executive chef of Fable
- Rolando Laudico and Jac Laudico – Filipino food advocates, authors and co-owners of Guevarra’s by Laudico
The panel brought out the chef’s different experiences with promoting Filipino food. Abi Marquez in particular recalled how her content creation has led to a lot of positive feedback from newbies to Filipino food who want to try their hand at the craft.
Raine Laysico, Fides Mae-Santos, and Grace Guinto also launched their book Filipinas in Food, a book featuring Filipino and Filipino-Australian women and their relationship with Filipino Cuisine.
After the short program, the participants were able to sample Filipino food products provided by CITEM, which ranged from snacks to ingredients to sauces and more. Also featured were samples of the soon-to-be launched Ulam, ready-made meals for the mainstream Australian market. END
