ISLAMABAD, 03 May 2026 —The Philippine Embassy in Islamabad proudly participated in “Taste the World,” a flagship fundraising event organized by the International Foreign Women’s Association (IFWA), bringing together the diplomatic community to celebrate global cuisines in support of charitable causes across Pakistan.

Held at the Islamabad Serena Hotel, the event featured over 20 diplomatic missions, each showcasing their countries’ culinary heritage through signature dishes, desserts, and beverages. Pakistani cuisine was represented by the host hotel itself, alongside contributions from organizations such as Pakistan Foreign Office Women’s Association (PFOWA).

The Philippine participation was spearheaded by Mme. Alicia Kalaw-Fernandez, spouse of Ambassador Emmanuel R. Fernandez, and current Vice President of IFWA. In addition to her role in organizing the event, Mme. Kalaw-Fernandez led the design and presentation of the Philippine booth, which featured a vibrant jeepney-inspired setup—a cultural icon symbolizing Filipino creativity, resilience, and community spirit.

The Philippine booth offered a curated selection of beloved Filipino dishes, providing guests with a taste of the country’s rich and diverse culinary heritage. Highlights included:

• Chicken Adobo, widely regarded as the Philippines’ unofficial national dish;
• Lumpiang Shanghai, crispy Filipino-style spring rolls;
• Turon, sweet banana spring rolls;
• Pilipit, a traditional twisted bread delicacy; and
• Filipino-style fruit salad, a festive dessert staple.

The Embassy’s participation also served as a belated celebration of Filipino Food Month, observed every April, and highlighted the Philippines’ place within the broader Southeast Asian culinary landscape, where shared flavors and traditions reflect deep regional connections within ASEAN.

The Embassy’s participation also served as a belated celebration of Filipino Food Month, observed every April, and highlighted the Philippines’ place within the broader Southeast Asian culinary landscape, where shared flavors and traditions reflect deep regional connections within ASEAN.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, Filipinos in attendance delighted guests with impromptu musical performances, responding to onstage requests and singing classic favorites that entertained the crowd as they enjoyed the international spread. Filipino performers included Embassy personnel, their dependents, and even a member of the host hotel’s management—reflecting the well-known Filipino affinity for music and karaoke, and further showcasing the country’s vibrant cultural spirit.

Beyond gastronomy, the event underscored the importance of cultural and public diplomacy, using food and performance as universal languages to foster mutual understanding and people-to-people connections. Through its participation, the Philippine Embassy strengthened its cultural presence while engaging both the diplomatic corps and local community in Pakistan.

Importantly, “Taste the World” also carried a strong Gender and Development (GAD) dimension. As a women-led initiative, IFWA continues to champion charitable causes supporting women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities across Pakistan. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit these sectors, reinforcing the role of women’s organizations in driving inclusive development.

The Philippine Embassy’s active involvement reflects its continued support for women-led initiatives, humanitarian causes, and inclusive diplomacy, aligning with the Philippines’ broader commitment to gender equality and social development on the global stage.

Through this vibrant celebration of culture, cuisine, compassion, and talent, the Philippine Embassy reaffirmed its dedication to building bridges across cultures, empowering communities, and advancing diplomacy with purpose. END