During the workshop, Tanya Maynigo introduces participants to the history, fermentation process, and wellness benefits of kombucha | Photo via Philippine Embassy, Washington, DC
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Philippine Embassy welcomed members of the ASEAN Spouses’ Circle (ASC) on July 8, 2026, for an immersive culinary diplomacy event spotlighting “Philippine Tropical Flavors Through Kombucha Fermentation.” The gathering brought together spouses of ASEAN ambassadors based in Washington, D.C., representing all ten ASEAN member states.
Hosted by Mrs. Maria Lourdes Romualdez, spouse of Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, the program highlighted how food continues to serve as a bridge for friendship and cultural appreciation among Southeast Asian nations and the broader diplomatic community.
Showcasing Filipino Fruits Through Modern Fermentation
The centerpiece of the event was an interactive workshop led by Tanya Maynigo, a Filipino American entrepreneur and founder of Brindle Boxer Kombucha. She introduced participants to the history of kombucha, the science behind fermentation, and the drink’s rising popularity as a wellness beverage.
Kombucha is a fermented tea made using a SCOBY — a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. It is believed to have originated in Northeast Asia, with early records pointing to China and later Japan and Korea, where fermentation traditions have long been part of daily life. Today, kombucha is embraced globally for its tangy flavor, natural effervescence, and probiotic benefits.
Tropical Infusions Highlight Filipino Creativity
Participants sampled kombucha infused with mango, calamansi, and pineapple, paired with a Filipino merienda to demonstrate how the beverage complements Filipino cuisine. More than 60 attendees joined the tasting experience, underscoring the growing interest in contemporary interpretations of Southeast Asian flavors.
While kombucha is not part of traditional Filipino culinary practice, Mrs. Romualdez emphasized that its adaptability offers a fresh and healthy way to present beloved Philippine tropical fruits to international audiences.
Cultural Diplomacy and ASEAN Camaraderie
The workshop forms part of the Embassy’s continuing cultural diplomacy initiatives aimed at promoting Philippine agricultural products, culinary creativity, and people‑to‑people exchanges within ASEAN.
The ASEAN Spouses’ Circle itself is a long‑standing social and cultural support network among ASEAN diplomatic families. The spouses’ associations have existed for decades across ASEAN missions worldwide.
Other U.S. Cities ASEAN Spouses’ Groups
Similar ASEAN spouses’ circles or ASEAN Ladies’ Associations operate in major U.S. cities with ASEAN consulates, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Honolulu. Activities vary by post: some hold annual cultural programs, while others organize events based on opportunities and host‑country partnerships.
