PANCIT, LUMPIA AND PAROLS A BIG HIT AT DC CULTURAL EVENT

WASHINGTON, D.C.—All lines lead to the Philippines. The Philippines was among the favorites at an annual event showcasing global culture in Washington as seen by the long lines of people waiting to get a taste of pancit, lumpia and dried mango and to catch a glimpse of Filipino culture. Close to a thousand people visited the Philippine Embassy booth at this year’s Winternational at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Center.Nineteen countries took part in the event, including the Philippines, which participated for the first since the event was launched three years ago. Visitors to the Philippine booth came to sample Filipino cuisine and to ask about tourist destinations in the country. They were also mesmerized by the colorful Christmas lanterns from Pampanga that were also on display. Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said the Embassy’s participation in Winternational is part of the efforts of the Department of Tourism to promote 2015 as “Visit the Philippines” year. “We are delighted to know that there is a growing interest in the Philippines among mainstream Americans,” Ambassador Cuisia said as he noted the large turnout during the three-hour event. “Even towards the end of the event, visitors continued to flock to the Philippine booth to take photos and ask more about the country, proving that it truly is more fun in the Philippines,” Ambassador Cuisia said. The other participants in this year’s Winternational were Bahrain, Bangladesh, Botswana, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Fiji, Guinea, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Nepal, the Organization of American States, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Uganda and Uruguay. The Embassy participated in the event in cooperation with the the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Tourism and the Department of Trade and Industry, the City Government of San Fernando, Pampanga, Bistro 7107, North Star and Lumpia, Pancit Atbp. ###