The Filipino Festival celebrates the country’s talents, traditions, beauty, culture, flavors 

Photo by Kenneth M. del Rosario

The Filipino Festival (TFF) is a month-long series of events that embraces the Pinoy spirit and the beauty its identity holds. More than just an event, TFF celebrates the rich artistry, talent, flavors, culture, and beauty that define the soul of the Philippines.

The extravaganza has become an avenue to exhibit a range of captivating experiences about what makes the country awesome. Filipinos can showcase their talents on the proper platform, from food, local products, and music to fashion, film, and pageants.

To start things off, the Food and Local Products Festival is happening right now (and will run until October 22) at the Estancia Mall East Wing. The bazaar features a carefully curated selection of concessionaires that proudly represent the diverse flavors and artistic creations of the Philippines. 

From traditional delicacies to innovative culinary inventions, this festival promises a feast for the senses. Must-tries include the booth of Choco Monkey, the country’s first purely hand-crafted chocolate ice blended drink. 

There are also organic soaps, beauty products, kakanin, and halo-halo, among others. 

Aside from the ongoing Food and Local Products Festival, the highlight of TFF is the upcoming pageants—Mister Pilipinas Worldwide (MPW) and The Miss Philippines (TMP), which aim to redefine pageantry in the country. Organizers, for one, envision TMP as a revolutionary platform, embracing women from all walks of life—single, married, or mothers. 

TMP redefines beauty, shifting the focus from swimsuit competitions to empowering women’s voices. This unique event boasts a major GLAM Red Carpet Moment where candidates can showcase their best version of formal wear—from avant-garde tailored pantsuits to fabulous couture gowns.

MPW, on the other hand, is a pageant that aims to crown “an influential icon to promote the culture and heritage of the Philippines.” Like the TMP, any individual (whether they are single, married, or have a child) can join the contest.

The Finals Night for both TMP and MPW happen on October 24, 2023, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Photo by Kenneth M. del Rosario

Another event to look forward to is the Fashion Festival, a spectacle of style and creativity that is set to enthrall fashion enthusiasts. Models adorned in semi-formal attire accentuated with TFF bandanas will grace the catwalk, showcasing the fusion of tradition and modernity in Filipino fashion.

The Fashion Festival happens on October 12, 2023, from 3pm to 6pm, at the Estancia Mall’s 3rd Floor East Wing.

Also part of TFF are the recently concluded Film Festival and Music Festival. The former features 60 films and countless stories from talented filmmakers. This included films such as “Tay, Padala” and “A Confession,” among many others.

Photo by Kenneth M. del Rosario

TFF kicked off with the Music Festival in early October, with headliner Nina. The top three compositions among many submitted entries were also performed, which include “Dito Pa Rin Ako,” “Higit Pa Sa Ganda,” and “My Superstar.” 

As a celebration that unites Filipino communities worldwide, TFF is an excellent reminder that in the heart of every Filipino, there’s an undeniable pride, and a remarkable heritage worth celebrating.

 

Kenneth M. del Rosario
Kenneth has been writing for the Philippine Daily Inquirer for more than 17 years, covering travel, food, motoring, technology, real estate, and business, among others.