PH Handicrafts, Desserts Featured in 2019 Winternational

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Joining over 60 other foreign diplomatic missions at the Atrium Hall of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, the Philippine Embassy once again featured unique Philippine products and delicacies at the 8thAnnual Embassy Showcase Winternational held on 05 December 2019 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

This year, the Philippine Embassy is proud to feature “NEW Pathways to Enterprise” – a non profi t organization based in Maryland and led by its President Christine Nielsen – whose mission is to enable women in underprivileged Philippine communities to start small businesses and help improve their families’ lives through livelihood and training programs.

Bags, purses, Christmas ornaments, table runners and placemats, scarves, earrings, and other accessories that were all handmade and hand-woven by Filipino women from Cal-igang Samar, Tabao Proper and Valladolid Negros Occidental, Bagumbayan Sultan Kudarat, and Doldol Cebu, Philippines charmed hundreds of visitors of the annual bazaar.

The Philippine Embassy likewise partnered with Gwenie’s Pastries – also based in Maryland and owned by a Filipina, Ms. Stella Fernandez – in adding that “Filipino fl avor” to this year’s offerings.

Ube (purple yam) and pandan cakes, ube cheesecakes, pastillas de leche, ube and chocolate crinkles, and piyaya (muscovado-fi lled unleavened fl atbread), as well as the Embassy’s free samples of fried egg rolls, appealed to the taste of metro DC-based visitors.

“Participating in the annual Winternational has been a tradition of the Philippine Embassy for several years, and each year we endeavor to promote unique aspects of our cultural heritage and a diverse set of Philippine products to the Washington community. This year is extra special since we are not simply featuring our products but more importantly, we are also extending a hand to our local Filipina weavers and craft makers back home,” Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said in a statement.

Winternational is an annual celebration showcasing the cultural and culinary traditions of Washington’s diplomatic community. ###

(L-R) Gwenie’s Pastries’ Eve Dupitas; Philippine Embassy Cultural Attaché Lalie Gavino; NEW Pathways to Enterprise President Christine Nielsen; NEW Pathways to Enterprise Treasurer Keith Raney; Philippine Embassy Cultural Assistant Maya Cruz; NEW Pathways to Enterprise Advisory Council members Chris Williams and Menchie Veloso; NEW Pathways to Enterprise Secretary Terry Ross; NEW Pathways to Enterprise Board of Directors member Ellen Goldberg; and NEW Pathways to Enterprise volunteer Mary-Helen Risler at the Philippine Embassy booth during the 8 th Annual Embassy Showcase Winternational held on 5 December 2019 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.