Barcelona, 27 October 2022 – The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona participated in a culinary event organized by the Maritime Museum of Barcelona (MMB) with the theme “Fish in the Kitchens of the World”.   The dinner event was held at the Norai Restaurant of the Maritime Museum.  Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro and cultural officer Bernardo Bagalay represented the Consulate during the event.

The program was inspired by the travels of Ferdinand Magellan and Juan Sebastian Elcano.  In organizing the event, the museum also served to commemorate the quincentennial of the first circumnavigation of the world.  In keeping with the core objective of the museum and the program, the ingredients that were used for the 4-course meal are those associated with the sea. 

MMB Director General Dr. Enrik Garcia Domingo in his welcome message said, “I would like to express my appreciation to the Philippine Consulate General for taking part in tonight’s event.  I hope that this will be the start of more collaborative efforts between the MMB and the Consulate to help revitalize our shared objective to promote the Philippines in Spain”.

Consul General Lazaro gave a brief message highlighting Philippine culture as it relates to the maritime nature of the country as an archipelago.  The undersigned commended the museum officials for celebrating the quincentenary of the first circumnavigation of the world.  Consul General Lazaro informed the guests, “ The sea is very much a part of Philippine culture and heritage and has shaped the lives of many Filipinos not only in the past but also at present”.

The four-course meal as presented by Norai Chef Xavi Barrachina consists of kilawin, vegetable lumpia, adobong sea bass and cassava cake.  A cultural program showcasing the tinikling as performed by members of the Fiesta Filipina Barcelona of the St. James the Lesser Church Barcelona was presented as part of the Philippine cultural night. The food served was met with much enthusiasm by those who attended the dinner event, as for most of them this is their first exposure to Philippine cuisine.  Attendees, most of whom are from the professional sector were all amazed by the creativity and skill exhibited by the young cultural performers from Fiesta Filipina Barcelona.  Some even tried their best to perform tinikling much to the delight of those present.

Director General Garcia also arranged a mini-exhibit showing historical documents and artifacts related to the voyage of Spanish seafarers to the Philippines in the late 1800s and early 1900s.  Of particular interest is a logbook with entries pertaining to the technical data of the ship’s voyage as well as drawings showing different islands in the Philippines. 

The night ended with everyone experiencing a glimpse of the Philippines as well as its strong connection with its Spanish heritage.