Pinoy flavors in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Sometimes sweet, sour, and at times spicy... this unique mix of flavors makes the Filipino food a truly distinct cuisine in this part of the region.

It is also the fusion of Spanish and Chinese, with a dash of that exotic Filipino flavor that makes it so enticing.

The Legend Hotel here recently launched the 1st Filipiniana Festival showcasing the best of Filipino cuisine and entertainment in a dining extravaganza filled with music, dances and delicious delicacies. This gastronomical cultural fiesta will be held at Di-Atas Brasserie Coffee House, located at level 9 of The Legend Hotel, until June 3.

The Filipiniana Festival will, likewise, promote the country’s top tourist destinations and will feature an exhibit of native handicrafts.

The Legend Hotel general manager Ho Huy Sun, graced the occasion together with Angelo Amonoy, second secretary and consul from the Philippine Embassy, Legend International Resorts, Ltd., (LIRL) chief executive officer Khoo Boo Boon, the hotel’s senior management staff and members of the Philippine and Malaysian media.

The specially prepared buffet spread features a repertoire of Filipino dishes such as Asadong Manok (Chicken Asado), Morcon Baka, (Beef roll), Escabeche Isda (Fish in sweet ginger sauce), Inasal na Manok (Chicken barbecue), Manok sa Pinya (Chicken with pineapple), Adobong Manok sa Gata (Chicken adobo in coconut milk), Pinakbet (assorted vegetable sautéed in shrimp paste), Paella Lamandagat (Seafood Spanish tomato rice), Puto at Keso (Rice cake with cheese) and many more.

Favorites among the Malaysian guests and media were the Kilawin Tanigue (Pickled tanigue fish), Lamb Kaldereta (Lamb stew), Alimasag at Langka sa Gato (Crab with jackfruit), Sotanghon Guisado (Sautéed vermicelli noodle), Kare-Kare (Oxtail stew in peanut sauce) and Halo-Halo.

A few stalls are also set up adjacent to the entrance of the coffee shop selling Filipino handicrafts and souvenirs.

In addition, cultural performances featuring the Legend Cultural Ensemble, a dance troupe from the Philippines, will captivate the young and old with numerous folk songs and dances that best captures the essence of the Philippines.

The Legend Cultural Ensemble (LCE) is composed of employees of the different departments of LIRL, owners and operators of Subic Bay’s only deluxe hotels: The Legenda Hotel; Grand Seasons Hotel and Legenda Suites.

LIRL CEO Khoo Boo Boon, who is the proponent of the organization of a cultural group from among its employees, launched the group in Dec. 2003, after a 3-month training under the direction of pioneer members of the world-famous Bayanihan Dance Company, Tony Fabella, Teddy Versoza, Rosky Hilado and Teddy Hilado.

The Legend Cultural Ensemble has since performed at various social and corporate functions in and out of Subic Bay Freeport. Its interpretation of the countryside dance suite include: Karatong; Pandanggo sa Ilaw; Bulaklakan; Kalesa; Maglalatik; Sakuting; Subli; Sayaw sa Bangko; and Tinikling. The LCE’s performances also include folk and love songs such as Maligayang Araw; Sitsiritsit; Leron, Leron Sinta; Matud Nila; Ikaw Ang Mahal Mo Ko; Dahil Sa Iyo; and Maalaala Mo Kaya.

The 5-star Legend Hotel Kuala Lumpur is situated above The Mall which is opposite the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) and within the city’s main commercial district. The KTM Komuter Train and STAR Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations are located adjacent to the hotel. The 620-room hotel has tastefully furnished accommodation choices ranging from rooms and suites to fullyserviced apartments and elegant penthouses.