MANILA, PHILIPPINES — There’s no doubt about it: Filipinos love to travel and eat, as they explore new culinary flavors and traditions in every country they visit. And one country that they love going to time and again is Singapore. But since traveling to Singapore is not yet possible at the moment, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is reaching out to Filipino foodies with a case of wanderlust by bringing a taste of Singapore to the Philippines.
STB will be introducing the unique, albeit lesser-known cooking style, Zi Char, through the release of a humorous and quirky video titled, “Say it First!” The video features actor turned chef and restaurateur Marvin Agustin, the musical husband-and-wife tandem of Yael and Karylle Yuson, plus comedian Victor Anastacio as they try their best to correctly pronounce Zi Char.
“When I was approached for this fun campaign, it was actually my first time to hear about the Zi Char style of cooking,” says Agustin. “Aside from figuring out how to properly pronounce Zi Char, it really got me very intrigued and as I started to learn more about it—its roots, its influences, and the ingredients used—not only did I want to try every possible dish, it excited me enough to want to actually master the art of cooking Zi Char.”
After learning how to say “Zi Char”, Marvin will star in a web series that will be launched in March 2021. In the series, Singaporean chef, Bjorn Shen, will teach Marvin how to make the popular Zi Char dishes, Cereal Prawn, Coffee Pork Ribs, and Seafood White Bee Hoon. The series is titled, “Singapore Reimagined”, as Marvin will make his own reimagined dishes, using ingredients easily found in the Philippines.
So, what exactly is Zi Char?
Zi Char is a popular cooking style in Singapore, influenced by home-cooked food. Zi Char dishes are mainly Chinese but also have many influences from the different races and cultures in Singapore. With their extensive menus and quick service, Zi Char dishes are cooked to order and customized to one’s liking and are hearty yet easy on the pocket—food meant for sharing. And sharing a meal is one thing Filipinos love doing!
“Filipino foodies are always game to try new dishes and flavors. We hope to appeal to their sense of adventure by introducing this unique cooking style and creative dishes from Singapore. Let’s reimagine what dining in Singapore can be with Zi Char – the crazy delicious cooking style you’ve never heard of!” said Ruby Liu, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) Area Director for Philippines.
“Say Zi Char” with us
Foodies around the Philippines are invited to Say Zi Char too! All they have to do is…
Like and follow the Visit Singapore Philippines page on Facebook
Post their videos here saying Zi Char correctly!
Lucky commenters will receive special gifts from the Singapore Tourism Board!
