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Experience the Magic of Hamilton's TASTE OF PHILIPPINES 2025!

Experience the Magic of Hamilton's TASTE OF PHILIPPINES 2025!Experience the Magic of Hamilton's TASTE OF PHILIPPINES 2025!Experience the Magic of Hamilton's TASTE OF PHILIPPINES 2025!

Join us for three days of music, food, and fun!

A celebration of Filipino Independence KALAYAAN!


Register Now

Experience the Magic of Hamilton's TASTE OF PHILIPPINES 2025!

Experience the Magic of Hamilton's TASTE OF PHILIPPINES 2025!Experience the Magic of Hamilton's TASTE OF PHILIPPINES 2025!Experience the Magic of Hamilton's TASTE OF PHILIPPINES 2025!

Join us for three days of music, food, and fun!

A celebration of Filipino Independence KALAYAAN!


Register Now

TASTE OF PHILIPPINES 2025

Araw ng Kalayaan 2025

12th of June or 4th of July?

Philippine independence from Spain was proclaimed on June 12, 1898. Another day of independence that had also been celebrated in the Philippines was July 4. It was on that date in 1946 that Filipinos obtained their independence from the United States.

Whats in a word?

The word kalayaan literally means “freedom” while kasarinlan is a more apt translation for “independence,” yet historical usage has favored the phrase Araw ng Kalayaan instead of Araw ng Kasarinlan.

Whats in a Flag?

The Philippine flag has a very unique look to it. It has three golden stars and a sun on a red, blue and white background:

  • The three stars represent the Philippines’ major island regions — Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
  • The sun and its eight rays represent the eight major provinces that took part in the revolution.

In the days leading up to Independence Day, many places in the  Philippines hang their flag everywhere. But you can’t just hang it up  any way you want.

Celebrating Freedom Worldwide!

Philippine Independence Day is a  holiday held on a national level; hence, all government offices are  closed. There are no classes indefinitely in all schools. This includes  some business centers but other institutions such as malls are still  ready to serve the public. The public transport may still operate. 


Filipinos treat this day with  grandeur and colors through a little “salo salo” with friends. The day  is also usually spent in malls and parks with the family. Filipino  communities in other countries pay tribute to this day as well most  especially Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW).

Taste of Philippines 2025

Gage Park Hamilton ON.

“Taste of Philippines" is to be held at Gage Park.  A picturesque large urban community park and civic gardens located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. A 30 hectare multi-use park, Gage Park is one of Hamilton’s most iconic, historical and cultural landscapes. Boasting its outstanding gardens, a historical fountain and a large selection of trees. The park's multifaceted offerings include children's museums, verdant greenhouses, sports facilities, playgrounds, and a captivating band stand. 


These bells and whistles are nice, but lets face y'all are here for the food. Food festivals are a great way to sample food, discover new cuisines, and learn about different cultures. In the Philippines, food festivals occur throughout the year and present food lovers with an opportunity to savor traditional delicacies while also experiencing the vibrant local culture.


Traditionally, preparations for the fiesta begin weeks before its actual day. One popular indication of a fiesta approaching is when the town begins to put up colorful banderitas along the streets. Towns would also begin preparing for different performances, events, activities, and contests to be administered during the feast day. 


On the feast day, households would be busy preparing favorite Filipino dishes for their invited guests (which is usually composed of relatives and family friends) at the break of dawn. The church also usually holds special feast day masses during this time. Later in the day, the procession of the patron saint would begin, this is usually accompanied by a performance of the marching band.  


This is what I miss most from my childhood, the festivities, the food, the excitement, that sense of brotherhood, that REAL feeling of being PINOY!




Rise of Street Festivals

For Roman Catholic believers, the parade/ festival marks the introduction of  Catholicism to Filipinos. A celebration where people get to enjoy street parties, funfairs, and other events. 

Find out more

Concept Art/Media

    Gage Park Footage

    Tropical Greenhouse

    Tour of 14,000 square foot Greenhouse.

    Gage Park Tour

    Drone footage of bird's eye view of Gage Park.

    What To See & Do

    Park Fountain

    Tropical Greenhouse

    Tropical Greenhouse

    Get ready for your photo-op of a lifetime. Along the Fountain we have designated this area for selfies and photo-ops. Nostalgia time here we come! 

    Don't have a Maria Clara or Terno? Well, Costume Rentals are available (for a small rental fee). Barongs and Gowns are also available for purchase.

    Tropical Greenhouse

    Tropical Greenhouse

    Tropical Greenhouse

    The Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse is  a 14,000 square-foot fully accessible greenhouse which features a collection of subtropical plants, unique species and palm trees. Open daily Mon-Sun from 9am-5pm.  Designed as a community hub, and provides opportunities as an educational center. 

    Features:

    • Waterfalls, ponds with fish, turtles and water

    The Gage Park Tropical Greenhouse is  a 14,000 square-foot fully accessible greenhouse which features a collection of subtropical plants, unique species and palm trees. Open daily Mon-Sun from 9am-5pm.  Designed as a community hub, and provides opportunities as an educational center. 

    Features:

    • Waterfalls, ponds with fish, turtles and waterlilies.
    • A variety of exotic fruit trees
    • Rare plants (Australian Tree Fern, Corpse Flower, Fiji Palm, etc.) funfairs, and other events. 

    ATM's and Washrooms

    Info, EMT, Security and Police

    Info, EMT, Security and Police

    There are 3 ATM's on the grounds as noted on the map with "$" as well as 6 separate men's and ladies rooms.

    Info, EMT, Security and Police

    Info, EMT, Security and Police

    Info, EMT, Security and Police

    Please refer to map.

    Featured Attractions

    Parade & Opening Ceremonies

    Parade & Opening Ceremonies

    Parade & Opening Ceremonies

    The word fiesta is a Spanish term for festivity, But despite the Spanish influence, Filipinos were already big on celebrations even before the colonization. Spain’s reason for fiestas is to basically honor their patron saints. 

    Vendor Marketplace

    Parade & Opening Ceremonies

    Parade & Opening Ceremonies

    Whether it be food and produce, crafts and soft goods, Filipinos have it in their blood to be an entrepreneur.  Bring plenty of cash, and stay hydrated! In the event you do run out, we've got 3 ATM's waiting for you. 

    Carnival & Midway

    Parade & Opening Ceremonies

    LIVE Music & Performances!

    Brought to you by https://georgiantriangleamusements.com/ 

    A carnival fair is a traveling amusement show that features rides, games, food, and entertainment. Carnivals are also known as traveling carnivals, traveling funfairs, or traveling shows. 

    LIVE Music & Performances!

    LIVE Music & Performances!

    LIVE Music & Performances!

    Local musicians share a multi-cutural stage with live bands, dancers and cultural performances. Artist line up TBA!!!

    Beer Garden KARAOKE!(19+)

    LIVE Music & Performances!

    Beer Garden KARAOKE!(19+)

    One of the defining features of a beer garden is its outdoor seating. So outdoor seating, social gathering space, and the availability of alcohol. Plus karaoke?! Forget about it. Must be 19yrs old. AGCO licensed.

    Food Vendors

    LIVE Music & Performances!

    Beer Garden KARAOKE!(19+)

    Known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, what better way to experience it than to EAT Pinoy cuisine! Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a fun and unique experience, make sure to add "Taste of Philippines" to your summer To Do List. 

    2025 Vendor Registration

    All food vendors MUST submit a completed Vendor Application Form to the event organizer. 


    Vendors MUST submit application forms by May 15, 2025 approx 30 days prior event date.

    Vendor Requirements (pdf)

    Download

    Vendor Application Form (pdf)

    Download

    Food and Non Food contract (zip)

    Download

    Countdown to Event Day!

    The date is approaching fast make preparations. Don’t miss out!

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