Eng Bee Tin’s first ever National Hopia Day opened with a bang at the Mall of Asia Music Hall with a number of celebrities including former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, TV host Cory Quirino and actress and social media influencer Diana Zubiri and her family, gracing the occasion.
The 3-day celebration is being spearheaded by Eng Bee Tin owner Gerry Chua’s family, particularly his three children — Gerik, Gerald and Roche Chua who are now handling the business.
The National Hopia Day is in commemoration of the Filipino-Chinese heritage and how hopia has become the symbol of friendship and unity of two cultures.
In an interview, Isko shared his hopes to see the commemoration of the National Hopia Day in Manila.
Cory, for her part, commended the Chuas for their outstanding business that “celebrates and brings love all over the world” because it is loved by Filipinos from all walks of life.
Diana, who now lives in Australia with her husband Andy Smith, and their three children, flew in from Adelaide to join the celebration.
She said, “paborito ko ang hopia, and we really buy Eng Bee Tin kasi masarap. That’s why I was so happy to be invited to this event.”
Eng Bee Tin, the premiere manufacturing brand behind hopia’s popularity in the Philippines, is now on its 112th year of serving this staple to Filipinos from all walks of life and as such, and has become synonymous to delicious, world-class hopia flavors, sought out by Filipinos all over the world.
Today, hopia, in all its forms, stands as a delicious testament to the successful blending of Chinese and Filipino culinary traditions. It remains a staple in Filipino snacking culture, proudly crafted by Filipinos for Filipinos.
At the National Hopia Day, Eng Bee Tin wants to celebrate what hopia truly represents — family, culture, and food.
Gerik Chua, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Eng Bee Tin, believes that the story of hopia demonstrates how food can bring cultures together, creating something new and beloved that honors diverse origins.
He said, “from its humble beginnings as a Chinese immigrant food to its status as a Filipino cultural icon, hopia’s journey reflects the rich tapestry of cultural exchange and innovation. That’s why we feel that the time for hopia to be celebrated in a grand manner has long been overdue.”
His younger sister Roche Chua who is Eng Bee Tin’s finance manager, said, “we will tell the story of hopia using the National Hopia Day as backdrop. We will honor the stories woven into each bite. We will pay tribute to the enduring bonds of family, our shared culture, and the comfort of its familiar flavors.”
