Mercadinho Filipino Opens in Castelo de Vide as part of the Philippine Weekend Celebrations

Castelo de Vide, Portugal 06 June 2025 — The Philippine Embassy in Lisbon, in partnership with the Municipality of Castelo de Vide, officially opened the Mercadinho Filipino on 06 June 2025 at the Parque João José da Luz.  This event forms part of the “Philippine Weekend” festivities commemorating the 127th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence.

The Mercadinho Filipino offered a vibrant and immersive cultural experience, highlighting the richness and diversity of the Philippines through its cuisine, artisanal crafts, music, traditional games, and tourism. By transforming the Municipal Garden of Castelo de Vide into a lively Filipino cultural space, the Philippine Embassy brought a glimpse of the Philippines to Portugal.

The program began in the afternoon, welcoming locals and tourists to explore a variety of Philippine booths. Among the highlights were Kusina Filipina by Deena Suganob and Bella’s Catering by Roberth Javier, two Filipino community food entrepreneurs. GustoKo also featured a curated selection of high-quality fashion accessories, intricately handmade bags, and elegant home decorations. Each piece reflected the exceptional craftsmanship of Filipino artisans, blending tradition with contemporary aesthetics and crafted using sustainable, ethically sourced materials.

The Philippine Embassy also set up a booth dedicated to promoting the Philippines as a world-class travel destination. Visitors were invited to learn more about the archipelago’s unique features through informative tourism brochures and 3D holographic luggage tags featuring iconic Philippine destinations. A featured highlight was the sampling and promotion of the internationally awarded Ube Cream Liqueur, recognized for its refined taste and proudly Filipino character. To further immerse the community in Filipino tradition, visitors were encouraged to try classic Filipino games, such as sungka and dama.

The Philippine Madrigal Singers also showcased a brief preview performance on the evening of the Mercadinho opening. The appearance was well-received and generated anticipation for their concert on 07 June at the Igreja Matriz.

The Mercadinho Filipino ran until 08 June 2025 as part of the Embassy’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Filipinos and Portuguese and enhance deeper intercultural understanding between Philippine and Portugal.