Celebrating food, Filipino traditions: FEU launches ‘Noche Buena’

Far Eastern University (FEU) presents Noche Buena: 100 Stories Shared at the Philippine Holiday Table, the first book in its 100-title series commemorating the university’s centennial in 2028. The launch marks the beginning of FEU’s expanded publishing program, spotlighting Filipino culture, creativity, and heritage through food, lifestyle, and storytelling. 

Published under FEU Publications, Noche Buena is a mini coffee-table book featuring 100 personal recollections of Christmas memories, timeless traditions, and heartfelt narratives from chefs, restaurant owners, food producers, and writers across the Philippines. The collection highlights the deep emotional and cultural connections Filipinos share through food—especially during the Holidays. 

The book includes forewords by cultural historian Felice Prudente Sta. Maria and restaurateur Amado Forés and features an original illustration by Architect Isaiah Israel D. Susi, dean of the FEU Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts. Together, they frame the book as an essential record of Christmas foodways passed down through generations. 

FEU Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Maria Teresa Trinidad Tinio

In her message, Maria Teresa Trinidad Tinio, FEU’s Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and head of the FEU Culture Collective, revealed the inspiration behind the project.  

“We did this because of the really wonderful and moving stories of the contributors to this book: stories of family closeness and generations of tradition, stories of the love of a mother or grandmother expressed through food, stories of struggle, hard work and commitment and eventual success found through a dedication to authenticity in food,” she said. 

The launch includes two storytelling segments where excerpts from the book are read, followed by a Q&A session with the book’s contributors, giving attendees a deeper insight into the narratives behind the collection. A cooking demonstration by Chef Hernan De Jesus of Provenciano adds a festive, interactive experience inspired by Filipino Christmas cuisine. 

Noche Buena sets the tone for FEU’s Centennial Publishing Series—a curated collection aimed at documenting Filipino culture, excellence, and artistry across multiple disciplines. 

The book is available and can be ordered through TAMS Bookstore at tamsbookstore@feu.edu.ph.