This August, Araneta City is bringing together its diverse dining, entertainment, hospitality, and retail destinations for the first-ever Araneta City Seafood Festival, a month-long celebration that puts a spotlight on the country’s rich seafood heritage while promoting conversations around food sustainability, food security, and culinary culture.
The Araneta City Seafood Festival serves as a fitting showcase for the City of Firsts, which boasts more than 350 food outlets, as one of Metro Manila’s premier destinations for seafood lovers. The festival brings together various Araneta Group companies and Araneta City tenants, including the iconic Farmers Market, one of the cleanest and most popular wet markets in the metro; the newly opened Seafood 8 by Olio’s at Gateway Mall 2; and participating restaurants known for their seafood specialties. Together, these offerings strengthen Araneta City’s position as a go-to destination for seafood dining and experiences.
“Araneta City has always been a place where people come together to discover new experiences. Through this festival, we are bringing all brands and businesses under the Araneta Group together in a celebration that showcases great food while encouraging conversations about sustainability, food security, and the importance of preserving Filipino culinary traditions,” said Marjorie Go, Vice President for Marketing of Araneta City.
Serving as the festival’s main event is the Farmers Market Culinary Showdown: Seafood Edition, a market-to-kitchen-to-table cooking competition featuring seasoned chefs and culinary students taking on a series of seafood-focused challenges. Participants will create seafood dishes while championing the importance of responsible and sustainable seafood sourcing. The event will be held at Farmers Market on August 22.
Other festival highlights include Pizza Hut’s Shrimp Supreme Pizza, available exclusively at Araneta City branches starting August 4; the Sea-nema: A Reel Catch special screening at Gateway Cineplex 18 which features the re-airing of the documentary Food Delivery: Straight from the West Philippine Sea and the Academy Award-winning animated feature Flow starting August 17; and the Omakase Wine Dinner with a special tasting menu to be prepared by Japanese chef Masaki Watanabe at World Cellar in World Kitchens on August 20.
Seafood lovers can also look forward to the A Fin-Tastic Feast featuring responsibly sourced seafood paired with Dilmah tea at Le Bistro in ibis Styles Manila beginning August 5; and the Plates for the Planet Feast featuring responsibly sourced seafood at Food Exchange Manila and Gourmet Bar in Novotel Manila on August 29. Throughout the month, Hunt the SEA-ty brings a wave of delights as select Araneta City restaurants and food outlets offer seafood-themed menu items, exclusive discounts, and special promotions.
“We believe food has the power to bring people together and spark meaningful conversations. The Araneta City Seafood Festival provides an opportunity where people can enjoy exceptional dining experiences while learning more about responsible sourcing, local food production, and our shared culinary heritage. That combination of enjoyment and awareness is what makes this initiative special,” Go added.
The Araneta City Seafood Festival is the first in a planned series of themed, month-long festivals that will showcase different interests, industries, and communities in the City of Firsts.
