We are excited to announce the APBC is a successful recipient of an Australia-ASEAN Council (DFAT) Grant. The grant is aimed at stimulating trade between Australia and ASEAN post-pandemic, and we are proud to have been able to showcase two of the most impacted industries in the Philippines and Australia: Hospitality and Tourism. We have produced a twelve-part video series of Regional Filipino and Australian dishes and destinations to feature on our YouTube Channel.
From the Host of the Series – Yasmin Newman:
For me, there’s no better way to explore a country than through its food. I’m Yasmin Newman, cookbook author, culinary director and all-time food lover. I’ve travelled the world, telling the stories behind different cultures and cuisines – but my true loves are my two homes, Australia and the Philippines. So this series we have launch is very close to my heart.
When it comes to the Philippines, there are few places in the world where you will find more time dedicated to the subject of food than here. From the crack of dawn till late at night, there’s coconuts cracking, kalamansi squeezing, kawalis sautéing and fingers dipping as we eat our breakfast, merienda, lunch, merienda, dinner, panghimas and pulutan – and pica pica in between! For the non Filipinos, yes, there are a minimum five standard meals everyday. But food is more than a pleasurable pursuit, it’s our cultural language – it’s how we say how are you, I’m thinking of you and I miss you. It crosses boundaries when words are too hard or just not enough.
In each of the twelve 5 minute episode, we take viewers on a journey to a different tantalizing region in Australia and the Philippines, from Palawan to South Australia and Siargao to Queensland, exploring and showcasing the unique ingredients that bring it to life. And with some of the best Filipino-Aussie chefs out there who join us along the way, viewers learn how to make mouth-watering dishes at home – with a special Filipino or Aussie twist.
A few thank yous. This production would not have been possible without the generous contribution and talent of countless people. Notably, the game changing chefs who are raising and representing Filipino food; the phenomenal production crew Armchair Safari, who developed the concept and made it look a million bucks – Tim Thatcher, the amazing director, the Philippine Department of Tourism and Tourism State Authorities from Australia, and of course the Australia Philippines Business Council and Australia-ASEAN Council (DFAT).
With the borders now open between these great countries, and an archipelago of islands plus one very big island to explore, this series A Taste of the Philippines (and Australia) is just the beginning!
