The Cebu Food and Wine Festival (CFWF) 2025 officially launched on the evening of June 14 at the Jpark Tower in Lapu-Lapu City, igniting a two-week celebration of Filipino culinary excellence, regional heritage, and global gastronomic partnerships.
Gracing the grand opening as Guest of Honor was Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, who delivered an inspiring keynote emphasizing the festival’s role in promoting sustainable gastronomy tourism and cultural identity.
“This festival is not merely a celebration of cuisine; it is a reflection of our collective identity and what we have built together,” Secretary Frasco stated. “The Department of Tourism is proud to share in this moment with you. 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.”
Themed “Homegrown, Global Experience,” this year’s festival underscores the richness of Cebuano cuisine and the island’s evolving status as a world-class gastronomic destination. The launch night featured curated wine and food pairings, live saxophone music, and high-energy performances by DJ Mozo—offering guests a multisensory journey through Cebu’s culinary scene.
Secretary Frasco further underscored the DOT’s ongoing efforts aligned with the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) 2023–2028, supporting initiatives such as Terra Madre Asia Pacific in Bacolod, farm-to-table programs, and market tourism to elevate local food systems and empower communities.
“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 also in national policy and progress,” she added.
Now in its fourth year, the Cebu Food and Wine Festival—initially launched in 2021 as a pandemic recovery initiative—has grown into a premier culinary event uniting local restaurants, hospitality groups, and international culinary icons. This year’s partners include Le Cordon Bleu, Canadian Beef, Globe Telecom, and Cebu Pacific, reflecting the event’s expanding global reach.
Joining Secretary Frasco at the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco, Jpark Island Resort Chairman and President Justin Uy, Vice President for Operations and General Manager Brian Connelly, CFWF Founder and Chairwoman Kate Dychangco-Anzani, along with key representatives from local government, tourism stakeholders, and the media.
Also in attendance were DOT Undersecretary Ferdinand Jumapao, Assistant Secretary Ronald Conopio, and DOT-7 Regional Director Judy Gabato, reaffirming the department’s strong support for regional culinary tourism.
The CFWF 2025 runs until June 28, with events scheduled across Cebu, highlighting the island’s distinctive flavors, cultural diversity, and its promise as a global culinary hotspot.
