A new pop-up restaurant ‘Barangay’ is honouring Filipino culture in a push to promote Filipino cuisine to Melbourne.
To celebrate Buwan ng Wika (Filipino language month), head chef of Barangay, Fhred Erick Batalona, has organised a pop-up restaurant in Carlton that celebrates Filipino culture through cuisine and performance.
“As a Filipino here in Melbourne, I felt that we didn’t have enough Filipino restaurants that can help encapsulate what our cuisine is,” Fhred said.
Having moved to Australia when he was 19 to pursue culinary management, Batalona has worked in many iconic Melbourne restaurants from Langham Melbourne, Sake, Guylian, and Pink the Restaurant.
Working in Melbourne’s food industry, Batalona noticed a gap in the market when it came representation of Filipino cuisine, despite the interest Filipino cuisine generates.
“We’re not sought after as much, unlike other Asian cuisines and I’m always asked what is Filipino Cuisine,” he said.
This is where the idea for “Barangay” the pop-up restaurant was created. Not only is it a space to promote Filipino cuisine, but it provides an immersive experience of Filipino culture.
The event will happen on Saturday 10th of September from 4 pm at The Motley Bauhaus, 118 Elgin St, Carlton, VIC.
The Degustation Cocktail Event includes a seven course meal, drinks, fashion show and performances.
Tickets can be purchased on their website at barangay.com.au, and for updates and news, information can be found on Facebook and Instagram @barangayau.
Guests will be treated to a fashion show highlighting traditional Filipino fashion, organised by Filipino-Australian fashion designer Lilian Bermudez.
Dee Ariana will be singing OPM (Original Philippine Music), while JunelZki will be rapping and showcasing his own music in his mother tongue, Filipino. Jancent Milante will be performing Filipino folk and modern dances.
Hosting the event throughout the night, ensuring a smooth transition, will be Carlo Cruz.
“I want Australians and other nationalities to learn more. I also want fellow kababayans to feel at home or remember what home feels like, even if it’s just through food,” he said.
Open to all, the event aims to promote all facets of Filipino cuisine to a mainstream audience while creating a space for Filipinos living in Melbourne that emulates the Philippines.
“I want the challenge that comes with further increasing the scope of what Filipino cuisine can be,” he said.
