By Ricky Matthew
AUCKLAND – Following the epic Halo Halo Festival at the Auckland Showgrounds in September 2024, the community has been eager for a repeat of the grand celebration of Filipino culture.
The Halo Halo Festival, which first debuted around a decade ago in Henderson, Auckland, began as a modest gathering with just seven or eight food stalls.
“The very first Halo- Halo Festival was held at Henderson Intermediate in West Auckland,” recalls Mel Fernandez, organiser of the festival.
“It was small, with only a few food stalls and a limited entertainment program, but the attendance was overwhelming. The food ran out within two and a half hours, maybe even less.”
The festival’s growth over the years has been nothing short of remarkable.
Originally an annual celebration intertwined with the Filipino News Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awards www.filipinoheores.nz and Philippine Independence Day, this year’s festival has been reimagined and expanded into a significant feature of the Southeast Asian community’s calendar.
The 2025 edition promises to be a feast for the senses, with the Filipino pavilion once again at the heart of the Southeast Asian Festival.
“Food is front and centre of this event. We are expanding our authentic food offerings to cater for everyone attending, with shorter wait times,” said the organiser, emphasising the festival’s focus on showcasing authentic Southeast Asian cuisine.
What sets this year’s festival apart is its dedication to preserving and celebrating heritage foods from across the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
“We are focusing on heritage food, with each vendor bringing in some of their regional specialties. Dishes that might not normally be seen outside of their native regions will be available,” explained Mel Fernandez who is a food writer and travel editor.
This approach not only highlights the diversity within Filipino cuisine but also offers festival goers a unique opportunity to experience dishes that are often hard to find in New Zealand.
In addition to the food offerings, the festival will feature a day-long entertainment program, with a special emphasis on Filipino culture. This segment will include fashion shows and performances that showcase the talent depth of the Philippines.
Throughout the day, there will also be a variety of performances representing other Southeast Asian countries, adding to the festival’s multicultural appeal.
The venue for next year’s festival, is once again the Auckland Showgrounds, chosen for “its central location and ample parking facilities, making it accessible for a wide audience,” noted the organiser.
The festival, which is free to attend, is once again expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors, reflecting the increasing popularity of Filipino culture and Southeast Asian cuisine in New Zealand.
The event is also expected to attract the attention of influential food writers, who will be selecting the best Halo-Halo – a traditional Filipino dessert – as part of an annual award. This year the winning Halo Halo was from Gian’s Sorbette who have been nominated to receive the Filipino-Kiwi Chef of the Year Award in June 2025.
Moreover, the event has garnered nationwide attention, with ambassadors from various Southeast Asian countries attending the 2024 event.
This diplomatic presence underscores the festival’s importance as a platform for cultural exchange and celebration.
“The Halo-Halo Festival is more than just an event; it’s a testament to the vibrant and growing Southeast Asian community in New Zealand,” say Mel Fernandez.
“With its rich blend of food, culture, and community spirit, the festival continues to be a highlight of Auckland’s cultural calendar. Whether you’re a fan of Filipino cuisine, interested in Southeast Asian food, culture and travel, or simply looking for a family friendly event, the Halo- Halo Festival is an unmissable occasion.
While you’re at the Halo Halo Festival, you can experience the Southeast Asia Festival which incorporates dozens of dishes and performances from not just the Philippines but Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, Myanmar and more.
The event is free entry on 8th March 2025, 10am to 6pm at Auckland Showgrounds, Greenlane.
Lots of free parking is available around the Showgrounds (1 minute walk) and paid parking within the Showgrounds.
Photo credit: Johan Koch
