THE Cebu Food and Wine Festival (CFWF) 2025 officially kicked off with an exciting evening of culinary creativity, local flavors, and vibrant culture on Saturday (June 14) at the Jpark Tower in Lapu-Lapu City.
Gracing the grand opening as Guest Speaker was Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, who expressed the DOT’s continued commitment to uplifting Filipino culinary excellence.
In her remarks, she emphasized how events like CFWF embody the goals of the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028 to support local communities, highlight regional heritage, and enrich the visitor experience.
“This festival is not merely a celebration of cuisine, it is a reflection of our collective identity, what we have built together. The Department of Tourism is proud to share in this moment with you, for every gathering like this affirms the Philippines’ place on the global stage, and reflects the depth, talent, and cultural pride that define who we are. Let us continue this work. Let us keep telling this story as Cebuanos, as Filipinos, as one nation confident in identity and committed to its future,” Secretary Frasco said.
Themed “Homegrown, Global Experience”, this year’s festival is a proud showcase of regional cuisine and world-class partnerships, including Le Cordon Bleu, Canadian Beef, Globe Telecom, and Cebu Pacific.
From curated wine and food pairings to enchanting saxophone renditions and pulsating beats from DJ Mozo, the evening was a sensory journey celebrating Cebu’s reputation as a rising global gastronomy hub.
As Cebu continues to shine with its diverse culinary scene, Secretary Frasco reaffirmed the DOT’s push for sustainable gastronomy tourism through support for the upcoming Terra Madre Asia Pacific in Bacolod, farm-to-table initiatives, and development of market tourism.
“As a Cebuana, it has been my privilege to ensure that Cebu’s leadership is seen, heard, and felt, not only in festivals like this, but in policy and programs, and in the progress we are shaping for the country,” the Secretary enthused during her message.
Launched in 2021 as a pandemic-era recovery project, the event brings together restaurants, hotels, and national and international chefs and mixologists. The CFWF runs from June 14 to 28 across Cebu.
With Secretary Frasco at the event’s Ribbon-cutting Ceremony were Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco, JPark Island Resort Chairman and President Justin Uy, VP for Operations and General Manager Brian Connelly, CFWF Founder and Chairwoman Kate Dychangco-Anzani, and other distinguished guests from local government, tourism stakeholders, and media, all united by a shared love for food, culture, and community.
Likewise, DOT officials present at the event included Undersecretary Ferdinand Jumapao, Assistant Secretary Ronald Conopio, and DOT-7 Regional Director Judy Gabato.
Editor’s Note: This article has been sourced from the Department of Tourism Facebook Page.
