In Manila, there’s always room for firsts and one-of-a-kind get togethers. Put those two together and you get VegFest Pilipinas — Manila’a first ever celebration of all things vegan!
As VegFest Pilipinas organizers would like all Filipinos — herbivorous or otherwise — to know, veganism is much more than just adjusting your diet by excluding any and all animal products and byproducts. (Making adjustments means giving up farm meats, fish and other seafood, as well as milk, honey and eggs, among others.) Doing so could result in positive changes in one’s physical and even mental wellbeing, but deciding to go vegan is an all-encompassing lifestyle change whose effects go beyond personal health benefits.
For instance, veganism has the potential to address broad environmental and animal issues that stem from the world’s population using increasing amounts of agricultural resources to breed, sustain and harvest more and more farm animals. Deforestation, water and air pollution, the release of greenhouse gases from animal manure and even the unnatural methods used in raising and breeding farm animals are all affected by switching to a vegan lifestyle.
As Jaq Abergas, founder and head organizer of VegFest Pilipinas, puts it, “a small change in our lifestyle makes a world of difference to our planet, to our body and to our animal friends.â€
While not all Filipinos might not be ready to make the big commitment to veganism, Jaq promises that the VegFest will be hosting activities for vegans and non-vegans alike. With its free entrance free, it’s great for anyone and everyone who simply cares about the environment and loves animals.
Kicking festivities off with the Gu Pru fun run, musical performances, cooking and baking workshops, fitness classes, talks and a fair featuring vegan-friendly products and accessories await an animal-loving crowd this November.
“VegFest Pilipinas is for the moms who want to make healthy and conscious choices for their family. This is for the working and studying millenials who want to make an active change in their routines but don’t know where to start. This is for the foodies who want to explore meat-free and dairy-free offerings. This is for the animal lovers and tree huggers. This is for everyone who wants to make a difference,†Jaq concludes.
The VegFest Pilipinas festival is scheduled on Nov. 12 and 13 at Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City and on Nov. 19 and 20 at Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo, Manila.
20 percent of the proceeds will go to two beneficiaries: CARA Welfare Philippines, a non-profit animal rescue group that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes cats and dogs in need through adoption, as well as Science of Identity Foundation (SIFCare), a humanitarian organization that works towards the development of enlightened, happy individuals and communities through environmental programs.
For more information, visit their website at www.VegFestPilipinas.com or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/VegFestPilipinas.Â
