The Philippine Chamber of Business and Professionals, Shanghai hosted the 2nd PHILCHAM SHANGHAI FILIPINO FUN FAIR & POP UP MARKET. It was held last October 22, 2023 at Bubba’s Food Co. in Shanghai. The event showcased our Filipino culture, food, products and brands to the local community. It also aimed to foster the spirit of entrepreneurship among Filipinos based in Shanghai. It also encourages closer ties between the Filipino communities. The event was a resounding success and gathered the huge support of the Filipino communities, as well as expat and local communities.
The event is the business collective’s first major event since the Pandemic protocols were lifted in 2023. The Filipino Fun Fair & Pop Up Market was established in 2019. It lived on as virtual pop up markets during the pandemic to support Filipino businesses, brands, and OFWs.
It commenced with the cutting of our traditional Filipino lechon and a boodle fight table, lead by the Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai Consul Francis Herrera and PHILCHAM Shanghai founder and chairperson Mr. Joeann Rey Santiago. This feast was prepared by Bubba’s team, led by Filipino head Chef Edward “Sendong” Picardal.
Filipino communities contributed to the success of the event. FilComSha and Bubba’s Food Co. supported the event planning. PITAS (Pinoy Teachers’ Association in Shanghai) provided the high energy emcees Harold Valencia and Rhazhiel Pesebre, and a Filipino dance performance by Chabeli Jill Hilasque-Santiago. PMAS (Philippine Musicians Association of Shanghai) provided the live music and photo documentation. Tribu Hiligaynon lit the scene with colorful Maskara Festival dancers.
PHILCHAM Shanghai strives to spread the fun, food and festive spirit of the Filipino community by bringing more memorable events and delectable dishes for everyone to enjoy. Takaw group food sellers lovingly prepared all-time Filipino favorite: beef kare kare, dinuguan with puto, crispy lechon belly, grilled pork belly, grilled tilapia, bangus, Chicken Inasal, Tocino, Longanisa, freshly baked breads, lots of street food and Pinoy BBQ. And of course, a feast will not be complete without some sweets, featuring the classic halo-halo, special bibingka, biko, kutsinta, Tanduay, San Miguel Beer, Red Horse Beer, and Aqua Coco coconut water from the Philippines.
Suntec Hospital and Filipino doctors offered free consultations and flu shots, through PHILCHAM members Dr. Michael Ong, MD and Dr. Maria Guingab-Hernandes, MD. TLC Dental Associates Dr. Peter Chua offered dental services. Dai-ichi provided the sound system and Filipino delicacies. Oishi provided the photo booth. Kitivity hosted a Kids Crafts and Activity area and Ukay-ukay. Asian Tigers provided the event tents. Bebebalm offered skincare and haircare for sensitive skin. A sari sari store was set up selling Filipino condiments, snacks, beer, and plastic balloon that brought us back to our childhood. Kids also enjoyed free roller skating at RIINK.
Bingo was hosted by Filipino-led charity Beacon of Love. Major prizes include Philippine Airlines round trip air tickets home, and BBB Balikbayan boxes. Special prizes were sponsored by Dai-ichi Electronics Manufacturing Corporation, Liwayway (China) Company, Tender Loving Care Dental Associates by Dr. Peter Chua, Wethai, Bebebalm, Kitivity, Tanduay, Asian Tigers, Browhaus, Century Tuna, Millenium Hotel Hongqiao, Suntec, RIINK, and Greenwave.
The event was organized by PHILCHAM Shanghai, led by founder and Vice Chairperson External Affairs Michelle Nocom and her team: founder Carol Ong, board members Dr. Lorela Dy, Sherie Abby Lim, Eizelle Dee. Supported by FilComSha (Filipino Community in Shanghai) lead by Michelle Teope; and by Bubba’s Food Co. lead by Ken Walker together with his Filipino team Chef Sendong Picardal and Thomas F. Madarieta.
The Philippine Chamber of Business and Professionals, Shanghai thanks the people and organizations that showed overwhelming support. We look forward to hosting more meaningful and business-related events in the future. This is in line with our vision of fostering strong economic ties and promoting business excellence between the Philippines and China, as well as to empower professionals to thrive in a dynamic and interconnected global marketplace.
