Filipino Flavours Take Centre Stage at Kamayan Cookbook Launch in London

LONDON, England — Filipino food, culture and heritage took centre stage in London as Chef Rex De Guzman launched Kamayan: The Filipino Cookbook at the Philippine Embassy during the Buwan ng Wika celebration.

Philippine Ambassador Teodoro Locsin, Jr. opened the event with reflections on the Filipino dishes many grew up with, setting a nostalgic and heartfelt tone for the evening.

Chef Rex shared how his journey to writing Kamayan was inspired by his appearance on Channel 4’s The Great Cookbook Challenge with Jamie Oliver, where he showcased Filipino dishes and introduced the country’s flavours to a wider UK audience.

The celebration featured a book-signing session, kainan with Chef Rex’s favourite canapés, and a lively Filipino quiz bee that brought guests together.

More than a cookbook launch, the event celebrated Filipino identity, cherished memories and the joy of sharing food—an apt tribute to Buwan ng Wika and the growing appreciation of Filipino cuisine in the UK.

Kamayan: The Filipino Cookbook was launched in July 2026 and is now available at selected bookstores in the UK.