This May, Filipino-Spanish Heritage Month in Singapore is being celebrated in a deliciously meaningful way. In honor of the Philippines’ National Heritage Month, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, in collaboration with Orchard Café at Orchard Hotel, presents a vibrant showcase of Filipino-Spanish cuisine—a flavorful tribute to over 300 years of shared culture, history, and identity.
From 5th of May until 30th of June, guests can indulge in a buffet filled with timeless classics like callos, lechon belly, pancit, and caldereta and more! This initiative not only provides a gastronomic delight but also serves as an educational journey into the historical ties between the Philippines and Spain.
When Food Becomes Storytelling
Food is memory, and in the Filipino context, it is also identity. The Filipino-Spanish menu at Orchard Café is not just a feast for the palate—it’s a bridge to the past, reintroducing dishes that emerged from colonial influence and evolved into something uniquely ours.
In dishes like paella negra with squid ink, churros con tsokolate, and prawns in aligue sauce, you’ll find not just flavors but traces of heritage, conflict, fusion, and resilience.
Did You Know?
The Philippines celebrates National Heritage Month every May under Presidential Proclamation No. 439, signed in 2003. It highlights the importance of preserving our diverse cultural legacies—from language and architecture to cuisine and folklore.
One major influence? Spanish colonization, which lasted for over 300 years. This period left a deep imprint on Filipino customs, religious practices, family names, and food. In fact:
Around 20% of Filipino words have Spanish origins.
Iconic dishes like menudo, afritada, and arroz caldo all trace back to Spanish recipes, adapted over time to fit Filipino tastes and ingredients.
This month’s collaboration in Singapore is a beautiful nod to that evolution—where food becomes both a tribute and a reinvention.
From May to June: A Continued Celebration
This culinary event also serves as the lead-up to another important date: Philippine Independence Day on June 12.
The Philippine Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on June 12, 1898, in Kawit, Cavite, by General Emilio Aguinaldo. Although the country would later face American and Japanese occupations, that moment in history marked the first assertion of Filipino self-rule after centuries of colonization.
Today, Independence Day is a reminder of Filipino resilience, identity, and self-determination—values we continue to honor across the globe, including here in Singapore.
Cultural Diplomacy on a Plate
More than a one-off food event—collaborations such as this is a part of a larger mission to promote Filipino culture abroad. Initiatives like Food Trek 2024 and diplomatic receptions featuring Filipino music, dance, and cuisine help to keep our heritage alive in the diaspora.
These events offer locals and expats in Singapore an opportunity to experience the richness of Filipino culture, while giving Filipino-owned businesses and creators a platform to shine.
As a Filipino-led marketing agency based in Singapore, El Brand is deeply committed to celebrating and promoting Filipino identity and heritage, whether through food, fashion, design, or business. Our goal is to amplify stories that reflect the rich diversity of the Filipino culture while connecting with a broader, global audience.
This blog is just one way we aim to honor Filipino roots abroad—through storytelling, branding, and creative campaigns that elevate the voices and stories that matter most to Filipinos in Singapore.
Don’t Miss the Celebration!
If you’re in Singapore, don’t miss the chance to experience this Filipino-Spanish culinary showcase at Orchard Café, a beautiful way to celebrate Filipino culture and history through food. For more Filipino cultural events in Singapore, stay connected with us at El Brand as we continue to highlight stories that resonate with the Filipino community.
Follow the Philippine Embassy in Singapore for updates, and check out our upcoming posts for more features on Filipino culture and business in Singapore!
