Look forward to Filipino gourmets! The Taste of Manila festival could be back

The Taste of Manila, which was canceled a few weeks ago due to budget concerns, seems to be back as organizers hold emergency meetings with the city

"We'll get there" Terral Torralba said. Tuesday, interview with CBC Toronto

Festival organizers strive to be set up on August 18 and 19 in the heart of the city's growing Filipino community, on Bathurst Street, between Wilson and Laurelcrest Avenues. A final decision is expected in the coming days.

The summer festival has grown rapidly since its launch in 2014, when organizers hoped to get 5,000 people, but ended up with 75,000 attendees instead. Two years later, that number has increased to 350,000 people, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was reviewed to taste a few dishes.

Coun. James Pasternak, who represents the parish where the event takes place, said that he was "cautiously optimistic" that the event will go ahead.

"This is an important economic boost for the region and a great celebration of Filipino culture, heritage and history.," He said.

Initially, this year's event was canceled due to rising costs which, according to organizers, increased their ability to pay fees.

"As we expand, our services become more and more demanding, "said Torralba.

The festival costs between $ 200,000 and $ 250,000, she explained.

The organizers have never received any grants and have relied on the money of sponsors, food forecasters and exhibitors to survive. Tale of Manila is presented as the "largest Filipino street festival outside the Philippines".

"It's a bit like a meeting of everyone from the Philippines," says Torralba. 19659002] However, "as we grow, our services become more and more demanding," she said.

Back on track

Municipal authorities have now intervened.

"There is a real desire of the city to save and maintain it," said Pasternak, whose neighborhood is home to the festival.

As we grow, our services become more demanding – Teresa Torralba

Mayor John Tory organized an emergency meeting Monday with the organizers and Pasternak

"The moment I I heard that the Taste of Manila was canceled, I started looking for ways to help and get the festival back on track, "Tory said Tuesday in a statement

" I love this festival. "

The goal of the meeting is to find a way to save the festival as a" vital, cultural and economic event. "

" This is One of the unique festivals … and it's the city's position to make sure these types of events thrive outside of downtown, Pasternak told CBC Toronto .

"The city will do what it can"

But with just three weeks before the start of the event, many Filipino gourmets are nervous and will not be able to enjoy the time. culinary experience.

"It's a very short period of time to reconnect with all the people who think it's canceled and get them to iron food stalls, which are the bread and butter of all of them." Event, "said Pasternak.

Taste of Manila has already repaid the suppliers who initially registered.

Pasternak helps organizers find ways to streamline the festival by reducing unnecessary expenses and ensuring sponsorship companies. Paramedics and waste management also agreed to reduce the overall operating costs of the event this year, Pasternak added.

"Our festival could be just the basic things we need," Torralba said. "We can even shorten it … you know, everything our money can afford."

The final decision will be taken Wednesday at a meeting at City Hall.

"The city is going to do what it can help the festival, but it's really up to the organizers to make it work," Pasternak said.