PRESS RELEASE
WDC-43-2026
10 July 2026
Embassy Press and Information Section
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On 08 July 2026, the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines welcomed members of the ASEAN Spouses’ Circle (ASC) in Washington, D.C. to the Philippine Embassy for an interactive symposium entitled “Philippine Tropical Flavors Through Kombucha Fermentation,” highlighting the richness of Philippine tropical fruits through a contemporary culinary experience.
In her welcome remarks, Mrs. Maria Lourdes Romualdez, as spouse of Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez and host of the event, emphasized the importance of food when fostering friendship and cultural appreciation among ASEAN countries, and the international community. She highlighted the Philippines’ abundance of tropical produce and noted that while kombucha is not part of the country’s traditional culinary practice, it offers a contemporary and healthy way to present the beloved flavors of the Philippines.
The session was facilitated by Ms. Tanya Maynigo, a Filipino-American entrepreneur and Founder of Brindle Boxer Kombucha. It discussed the history of kombucha, the science behind the fermentation process, and its growing popularity as a wellness beverage. Participants also learned about kombucha’s potential health benefits and the ease of culturing and fermenting the beverage.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was a kombucha tasting featuring infusions of mango, calamansi, and pineapple, and was accompanied by a Filipino merienda served to enable participants to experience firsthand how Filipino kombucha pairs with Filipino food.
The workshop forms part of the Philippine Embassy’s continuing cultural diplomacy initiatives to promote the Philippine agricultural products, culinary creativity, and food culture while fostering friendship, people-to-people exchanges, and closer cooperation among ASEAN member states.
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