A World-Class Celebration of Filipino Flavors at Newport World Resorts

The country's pioneer integrated resort became the stage for an unprecedented showcase of Philippine gastronomy as it hosted the inaugural International Manila Food Festival 2025 (IMFF).

- By: VENICE GARCIA

Organized by Motherland Productions, the festival is the vision of Nicole Ponseca, a James Beard finalist, culinary innovator, owner of Jeepney, and author of the bestselling cookbook I Am a Filipino, together with Anton Diaz, founder of the influential food and travel platform Our Awesome Planet. Over four days, Newport World Resorts welcomed celebrated chefs from around the globe for a culinary journey that honored the country's rich heritage while embracing modern creativity. The event unfolded as both a tribute to tradition and a platform for innovation, uniting global and local culinary leaders in a celebration of artistry, flavor, and cultural pride.

"The Filipino diaspora has long shared these stories through food, creating a rich cultural footprint that grows stronger with every meal served and every dish remembered," said Newport World Resorts Chief Hospitality Officer John Lucas, underscoring the festival as a testament to the enduring power of Filipino cuisine. His words resonated through each course, performance, and collaboration, as IMFF presented a living narrative of the Philippines' culinary artistry that bridges tradition with modernity and connects communities while celebrating the skill and passion of Filipino chefs.

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