SINGAPORE GOVERNMENT PRESS RELEASE PUBLICITY DIVISION·MINISTRY OF CULTURE·CITY HALL SINGAPORE 6 MC/MAR/20/78(:Bbreign Affairs) National Archives and llec8rds Centre, Singapore SPEECH BY MR A RAHIM ISHAK, SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE FOR l FOREIGN AFFAIRS, AT THE OPENING OF THE FILIPINO ASSOCIATION 8 MAR 1978 OF SINGAPORE'S "BARRIO FIESTA" (FOOD FAIR) AT THE CATHOLIC YOUNG MEN'S ASSOCIATION (CYMA ) GROUNDS, BRAS BASAH ROAD Acc. No. NARC AT 11.00 A.M. ON SUNDAY, 12 MARCH 1978. ~ oo.S-1 2-/ I wish to heartily congratulate the Filipino Association of Singapore for holding a "Barrio Fiesta" in Singapore. The time for such a food fair is opportune. Members of ASEAN and especially the Philippines and Singapore have grovm closer in recent times. This fair is an indication of the intimacy we share with our Filipino friends. It follows that the introduction of Filipino cooking to the local tastebuds would only strengthen the intangible but vital bonds that exist between us. Being a multi-racial society, the inclusion of Filipino cooking into the melting pot that characterises Singapore would only confirm the proverb "variety is the spice of ) life"• It is heartening to note that the Filipinos in Singapore, though a small group, have contributed towards the betterment of our dynamic Singapore society. This food fair would entice Singaporeans towards Filipino cooking as the fair aims at the average Singaporean stomach. I am sure the food would earn many a convert. Finally, may I wish you all the success in your food fair and hope that such activities continue in future which would help promote the ASEAN spirit. .