A celebration of compassion and creativity at Asia’s biggest vegan festival
On Nov. 16 and 17, Vegfest Pilipinas 2024 made its happy return to The Spine at Blue Bay Walk, Pasay City. Run by volunteers since 2016, Asia’s largest vegan festival was much anticipated by the vegan community and the veg-curious. This year’s theme highlighted the growing movement for animal liberation and sustainable living.
Organized by Vegans of Manila for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) Asia, there were talks, workshops and activities to engage everyone on the vegan spectrum.
Discussions covered a wide range of topics. Donna Francisco’s “Understanding the Life Force Within and Around Us” delved into interconnectedness. Rina Papio of Greenspace focused on composting and zero-waste living. Peta’s Jana Sevilla spotlighted Mali, the Manila Zoo elephant whose long captivity underscored the urgency of animal rights, while Ryan Garcia promoted Ampon Alaga, Peta Asia’s rescue and adoption program.
Urban Farmers PH, represented by Marian Pacunana-Sangil and Russel Malabanan, discussed how city dwellers can grow food sustainably, while Stef de la Cruz, Edison Yu, A. Raymundo Despi and Rom Yumul Jr. explored community-driven approaches to animal justice.
More community events lent depth to the festivities, such as one-on-one pranic healing sessions for humans and their animal companions, a Jivamukti yoga session by Ronnie Fernandez and a healing handpan workshop to raise one’s frequency by Motherland PH.
Creative workshops
There were contemplations over Croft matcha lattes for new, transitioning, off-the-wagon, or burnt-out vegans and a chikahan with lactation consultant Nanay Nona about raising vegan families and nurturing compassion in our children.
There were creative workshops where participants painted meditative cakes in Hue Are Safe with Cakenimaria, crafted air-dry clay beads with Spring Marionette, and explored punch needle embroidery with Joychibells and Bessy Caleze. Guided by Marj Viola, attendees painted floral designs with vegan watercolors. Families enjoyed Macy Anulat-Copaway’s interactive storytelling that focused on themes of hope, joy and friendship.
The culinary stage was another cornerstone of the festival, drawing crowds with its annual “Sarap Maging Vegan” cooking competition university edition. Hosted by Astig Vegan Richgail Enriquez-Diez and Pepe Herrera, the contest celebrated the vibrancy of plant-based cuisine.
Unlike previous years, there was no kids’ edition of the cook fest. A judge observed that the dishes at this year’s contest weren’t as tasty as the ones the kids made. Perhaps because the university contestants weren’t vegan unlike the kids who were more adept at using vegan ingredients.
It was exciting to see new merchants this year, like From the Planet Bakehouse, Ecomove low carbon delivery, Om Bakes Cookies, Through Habit, Verde Klik hair and skin care, PetHubPh digital pet tags, Natur All plant milk, Happy Scoop vegan ice cream, Uncle Bob’s sea moss, FRNK, Elpi Pastil and lechon and Bread & Salt.
Crowd favorites
Long-standing crowd favorites returned like Delicielo cakes, Vegan Bytes, Boochamama, Happy Brew kombucha, Tempeh King, Bahay Kubo Kitchen, Aigoo Cafe, Greenery Kitchen, Vutcher, Alas Hot sauce, The Farmassist, The Good Choices, Wild Thyme, Cruising Platos and Katsu House, joined by a wealth of new vendors showcasing vegan innovations. Shirley’s Just Vegan unveiled a “brazo de mercedes” so convincing in appearance, that it stirred equal parts admiration and critique (too sweet, even for those with a sweet tooth!).
Unmeat continued to wow with its inventive products, defying the myth that going vegan is “bland, inconvenient and expensive.” Unmeat continued to surprise with its extensive lineup of affordable veganized staples, from frozen siomai to canned luncheon meat. Green Rebel’s steak chunks were eerily convincing yet cruelty-free. Hopefully, Veega can finally convert its offerings to fully vegan, as only its tocino, tapa and adobo are, with the latter two being too salty.
A notable presence, Creating Passion by chef Jeng Dignos, set up shop for the first time at Vegfest though she is already wildly popular for her jaw-droppingly delicious cakes, pasta and pastries. Her cream cheese, lasagna, croissants, leche flan, dark chocolate cake and chocolate pistachio knafeh are to die for; you won’t believe they’re vegan.
From their first vegan venture last year with Maison Bukana wines, Nadine Lustre and Christophe Bariou added celebrity appeal with the debut of their Dehusk coconut milk drink, reflecting the growing influence of veganism among the mainstream.
Sustainable fashion
Sustainability extended to the runway as students from SoFA Design Institute and local designers put up vegan fashion shows, proving that ethical fashion can be chic and conscientious. Live music by Arcadia, N4S, Shockpoint, Pifour, The Pure and Katha Na infused energy throughout the day, as well as performances from Low Bottoms, Phoebe, Tito and the Machine, Reily Verhoevan and Pauline Lui, who offered soulful rhythms and spirited beats that matched the festival’s ethos.
Merchant partners Econest and AKO Sustainable Packaging demonstrated the synergy between veganism and environmental sustainability. Brands like The Vegan Grocer and Wholemart ensured access to pantry staples, such as Doc Chef sugar-free gluten-free ice cream and breads, Nature’s Charm custard, caramel, evaporated and condensed milk, Daiya cheeses, Omni meats, Pacific Greens seafood and Beyond alt meats.
VegFest Pilipinas 2024 was more than a gathering of plant-based enthusiasts; it was a movement united in purpose and passion. As attendees browsed booths, participated in workshops and connected over shared meals, the air filled with hope. Some were introduced to the possibilities of a compassionate lifestyle, while others reaffirmed their commitment to a kinder world.
Amidst the lively chatter and vibrant displays, the message was clear: veganism isn’t a sacrifice; it’s an invitation to live fully, authentically and harmoniously with the earth and its inhabitants. In this celebration of community, creativity and compassion, VegFest Pilipinas 2024 reminded us that change begins not in grand gestures but in the daily choices we make.
