Philippine food will be the centerpiece of a promotional extravaganza in Tokyo named Best of Philippine Cuisine, which will kick off with a formal dinner at the residence of Philippine Ambassador Domingo L. Siazon, Jr. on January 31, 2007 and a culinary festivity at the Travel Café Philippines on February 2-4, 2007.
Taking advantage of the “Café Culture” boom in Japan, the Philippine Department of Tourism tied up with the Japanese private sector to open a Philippine-themed café at the Tokyo Kusei Kaikan in 3-5-1 Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku on May 27, 2006.
Located in one of the busiest business hubs in Tokyo, The Philippine Travel Cafe is intended to provide a climate convenient for access to travel information in the Philippines. The Philippine Travel Café is the first destination-themed café in Japan, an unusual approach to consumer marketing, focusing on Philippine gourmet food items as one way to promote a strong image and brand recall among the Japanese for the Philippine campaign Premium Resort Islands.
According to Tokyo Tourism Attache Benito Bengzon, “As people remember and respond most effectively to what they see and feel, the Philippine Travel Cafe will build on the emotional influence by providing its customers with an experience that they will associate with the Philippines, that will ultimately motivate the Japanese to travel to the Philippines.”
Accommodating 50 people when seated and 80 when standing, the café has been enjoying brisk business, offering such services as wedding reception and other parties.
The dinner at the ambassador’s residence on January 31 will be attended by a selection of VIP guests including H.I.H. Princess Takamado and showcase the best of Philippine cuisine in a formal setting.
The festival at the Travel Café Philippines on February 2-4 will be open to the public and highlight a wide range of Philippine dishes. A Filipino chef will fly in from Manila to prepare Philippine dishes for a formal dinner and the festival.
For more information on the events, you may contact the Philippine Travel Café at 03-3288-0091.