Bahandi ng Lahi returns in ‘full flavor’

Bahandi ng Lahi (Treasure of the Race) made a triumphant return at Far Eastern University (FEU) as the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM) staged a two-day celebration of Filipino heritage through food, culture, and entrepreneurship last April 28 and 29 at the FEU Plaza and SB Walkway, honoring Buwan ng Kalutong Filipino (Filipino Food Month).

The festival opened with a dynamic marketplace that transformed the university grounds into a lively hub of local enterprise. Students, faculty, and guests explored rows of booths featuring homegrown businesses offering Filipino delicacies, crafts, and regional specialties. More than a food fair, it was a showcase of creativity, community spirit, and the entrepreneurial drive of young Filipinos.

Energy soared on the second day as the spotlight turned to a culinary and cultural showdown among ITHM students. The tudents from the Destination Management classes reflected different Philippine provinces through intricately designed booths, each telling a story through traditional symbols, vibrant visuals, and cultural icons.

Hospitality Management students brought these stories to life through food. From savory heirloom recipes to modern twists on regional favorites, the bite-sized dishes meticulously prepared by students from the Kitchen Essentials and Specialty Cuisine classes offered guests a delicious journey across the archipelago.

True to its name, Bahandi ng Lahi stood as a celebration of what makes Filipino identity rich and enduring. It highlighted not only the depth of Filipino culinary traditions but also the power of collaboration, creativity, and cultural pride among the country’s future tourism and hospitality leaders.

The festival’s return signals a renewed commitment by ITHM to place Filipino culture at the heart of its academic and community efforts. Bahandi ng Lahi is poised to become a signature annual event, cultivating a new generation eager to preserve and elevate the country’s most flavorful traditions. 

Under Proclamation No. 469 series of 2018, April is Buwan ng Kalutong Filipino (Filipino Food Month).