On Saturday 1 April 2023, The Entree.Pinays launched The Calamansi Story, a three-part, community-first legacy project at our biggest, sold out 2-day weekend event, Seafood, Stars and Stories at Seafarers, for Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2023.
For our families, a backyard calamansi tree is a symbol of home; of the motherland we departed, the Australia we adopted, and our migrant story that connects them. From the seeds that take root in hope, survived and thrived with care, and eventually bloom into new beginnings and abundance.
The Entree.Pinays exists to bring Filipino cuisine, culture and community (and enterprise) to the hearts, minds and tastebuds of Australians on Wurundjeri country.
We are proud daughters of migrants, born in the Philippines, and bred in the western suburbs of Melbourne. From where we came, to where we are, we are no longer waiting for a seat at the table, we're building our own for our cuisine, culture, and community, and we’re inviting Australia to join us.
Presenting The Calamansi Story, a three-part, community-first legacy project. It aims to bring awareness to the valuable contributions of Filipino migrants, especially in the domain of food and beverage, and educate Australians on the possibilities of Filipino produce through storytelling.
Documentary
Filmed in the Philippines and Victoria, the 45 minute documentary provides a deeper understanding of the citrus fruit, its impact on lives and livelihoods, the importance of food origins, and the need to preserve the value of the calamansi.
Co-produced with one of the Philippines’ best digital storytellers, Erwan Heussaff of Featr Media, F&B consultant and kaibigan, Cathie Carpio and Mind Society Studios in Melbourne.
Publication
A first-of-its-kind publication, titled The Calamansi Story: Filipino Migrants in Australia features a curated collection of original works of essays, stories, recipes, art, and music. For many contributors, this will be the first time their work will be published.
Thanks to our incredible editorial and design team Kristine Aquino, Mariam Ella Arcilla and Maysie Lecciones.
A percentage of each book sold will be donated to accredited social enterprise AGREA Philippines led by United Nations Food Systems Champion, Cherrie Atilano.
Limited copies only.
Craft beverage
A limited-release, ready-to-drink craft beverage, Calamansi Cider Crush by DV Cider House and Merkado by The Entree.Pinays. Made in the heart of regional Victoria, this is more than a drink. It represents a cross-cultural story of possibility, heritage, innovation and provenance.
Now available online at dvcider.com.au, selected independent retailers, and eateries like Good Food Awards 2023 Restaurant of the Year, Serai PurchaseMelbourne.
Purchase your Calamansi Cider Crush, or get your fave local to be a stockist while stocks last.
We express our gratitude to all those who have supported this project — including writers, poets, artists, cultural ambassadors, and change-makers. Thank you for your belief in this project and for sharing your gifts. Your individual stories have been given the opportunity to shine, and together, will inspire others to proudly showcase their Filipino heritage within the context of their Australian identity, and flourish within the vibrant community that is our ‘calamansi grove’.
We acknowledge nothing worth doing is ever easy. To our beloved families, those who came before us, and those here with us. Maasim or matamis, we bloom because of you.
We would like to thank the Australian-ASEAN Council of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for funding this first-of-its-kind project in Australia.
The Calamansi Story epitomises what's possible when purpose, place, people and passion connect and thrive. Through the short film, publication, and craft beverage, we have a rare opportunity to invest in a more sustainable future for our beloved ingredient and the people it supports.
For the future of our cuisine, culture, and community.
The Calamansi Story is part of our legacy.
This is our pamana.
Fides & Grace
Co-Founders, The Entree.Pinays