Second ‘Taste of Manila’ ready for 100K crowd

Second ‘Taste of Manila’ ready for 100K crowd

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By Mark Cadiz

TORONTO — Ranked as the third most successful event of its kind last year by the City of Toronto, the inaugural Taste of Manila street festival was an unexpected surprise. At least in the numbers and festivities offered.

Pepito Torralba (left), Vice Chairman of the Philippine Cultural Community Centre (PCCC) and Rolly Mangante, President and CEO.
(PHOTOS: MARK CADIZ)

Organizers of the festival held a press conference at Cusina Lounge on Tuesday ( May 19) to discuss issues leading up to the second iteration of the event.

“It was a success for the entire community and we plan to bring more programs this year,” Pepito Torralba, Vice Chairman of the Philippine Cultural Community Centre (PCCC) said.

“There is something special at Bathurst and Wilson and it’s great for local businesses.”

For an event that sought out a 5,000 visitor permit last year, the PCCC completely underestimated the response from festival goers.

Approximately 60,000 attended the two-day event which led to some major organizational issues including a lack of street space, proper garbage disposal and food shortages.

Organizers and volunteers of Taste of Manila.

Organizers admit a lot of work had to be done. “We were a mess last year, it was the first Taste of Manila and it was a learning experience for us,” PCCC organizers said.

Aside from the setbacks there was still a positive response. Though some were critical of how the event was managed financially.

To address those concerns, organizers answered all questions raised by media regarding finances.

“Last year we had nine sponsors for the festival. From those sponsors we accumulated $28,500 and we had 60 vendors and from them we collected $42,500 totalling $71,000.”

The total expenses incurred was $98,830 which left organizers with a net loss.

PCCC said the isues have been addressed and a report will be available to the public in the near future.

For the upcoming festival organizers say they are better prepared and expect to receive 100,000 visitors.

The Taste of Manila takes place Aug. 22-23.