PH EMBASSY A VIBRANT CULTURAL HUB DURING THE 2025 PASSPORT DC TOUR, DRAWING THOUSANDS FOR FILIPINO CULTURE, FLAVOR, AND FUN!

PRESS RELEASE

WDC-31-2025

6 May 2025

Embassy Press and Information Section

info@phembassy-us.org

WASHINGTON D.C. – The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. welcomed over 6,000 visitors during the 2025 Passport DC: Around the World Embassy Tour (AWET), which attracted more than 40,000 attendees overall. The AWET is an annual celebration of global cultures in the U.S. capital, with over 60 embassies participating in this year’s vibrant festivities. This event also coincided with the Embassy’s observance of Philippine National Heritage Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, both celebrated in May.

“Our participation in Passport DC showcases why the Philippines remains one of Asia’s most compelling destinations. From world-class cuisine to rich cultural traditions, we continue to invite the world to experience the wonders of our more than 7,000 islands. We hope this inspires many to come and truly ‘Love the Philippines.’” Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said.

The Embassy collaborated with various local and global Filipino brands, artists, and cultural organizations to provide an immersive cultural experience, and highlighted the Philippines’ diverse heritage through food, music, dance, and tourism packets. The Philippine Embassy emphasized creating a more meaningful experience for every guest, prioritizing quality engagement and deeper connections in line with the “Love the Philippines” campaign.

Visitors were treated to a selection of authentic Philippine flavors, including candies and food samples offered by the Embassy, Mama Sita’s mixes, Filipino cracker sandwiches provided by 2A Marketing, and refreshing Filipino beverages sponsored by the Department of Agriculture. 

The Embassy’s Tourism Booth invited visitors to explore the Philippines’ breathtaking destinations. Featuring stunning visuals and informative brochures, the booth aimed to inspire future travel and foster deeper engagement with the country’s natural beauty and hospitality.

The Embassy showcased samples from several food vendors who brought the flavors of the Philippines to life:

1. Teofilo Coffee Company, a Filipino-American business based in California, served its signature artisanal Filipino coffee;
2. Cocoi’s Sweet and Pastries, a Filipino-owned local business based in Virginia, offered donuts infused with beloved Filipino flavors such as ube, pandan, and calamansi; and
3. Namit Filipino Barbecue, a DMV-area food truck, delighted visitors with Filipino cuisine like chicken barbecue, lumpia, and sisig.

The event also featured captivating live performances that brought Filipino culture to life. The Mabuhay, Inc. Dance Ensemble and George Washington University – Philippine Cultural Society (GWU-PCS) captivated the crowd with traditional Filipino dances, including the well-known Tinikling. Ms. Diva Montelaba showcased the strength and artistry of Filipino vocals with a breathtaking performance of Filipino medleys, while Pinakatay Arnis delivered a powerful demonstration of Filipino martial arts. Throughout the day, a DJ from GoodConversation Marketing cranked up the festive atmosphere, spinning Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and tracks by Filipino-American artists, infusing the Embassy grounds with a vibrant Filipino festival vibe.

Passport DC, held each May to commemorate International Cultural Awareness Month in the District of Columbia, highlights the global presence of Washington, D.C.’s diplomatic community. The Around the World Embassy Tour, one of the program’s flagship events, invites the public to experience diverse cultures through a day of traditional dance, music, art, and cuisine.

The Philippine Embassy is proud to participate in this celebration of diversity, heritage, and cultural diplomacy, and looks forward to welcoming even more guests in future editions of Passport DC. ###