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Ailyn Agonia
DOHA
THE Filipino community gathering and food festival 'Handog ng Kulinarya sa Qatar 2016' received more than 12,800 visitors during the three-day event held from December 16 to 18 at the Westin Doha Hotel & Spa.
According to the event organisers headed by Filipino entrepreneur Layla Bernal al Lengawi, they were overwhelmed by the support they received from the community members as well as visitors of other nationalities to the event, impressed by Filipino food and other products. More than 40 booths were featured at the bazaar which included 15 Filipino restaurants.
"We would like to thank those who supported this thanksgiving event. Despite the challenges of holding such a big event in an open space on the rooftop of the hotel, we managed to pull off a well-organised and fun-filled gathering. The Kulinarya Core Team 2016 would like to extend our deep appreciation to Philippine Ambassador to Qatar HE Wilfredo Santos for his unwavering support to our group and for believing we can handle such task. We also appreciate the support from our local performers, sponsors and the media. We look forward to hosting a remarkable event as we continue to promote the Philippines through food and culture," Lengawi told Qatar Tribune on Monday.
Among the highlights of the latest edition of Kulinarya event was a ballroom dance competition hosted by Grupo Uno where the tandem of Eden Inocencio and Julmunir Ali Abbas bagged the top prize.
HERO Qatar also hosted a lantern making contest on the second day of the event. Nine entries were submitted all made of recycled materials. The creative work of Allan Bolus bagged the first prize in the contest while the entry of the The Fabsky group made of used CDs was placed second.
Dozens also took part in the Zumba charity event hosted by Qatar Fitness Squad. Zumba Education Specialist Tachi Gonzales graced the fitness activity.
Another highlight was the cooking show hosted by Miss Tourism Metropolitan International 2016 First Runner-up Janela Joy Cuaton together with the head of the event organising team Layla Bernal al Lengawi.
Gifts and other prizes were also given away to the visitors courtesy of sponsors of the event including Vodafone, Teyseer Suzuki and Philippine Airlines.
