A chic and trendy Baro't Saya from Batangas' Santa Emmanuelle Atelier caught the eye of many Filipinos and non-Filipinos who came to UBC Robson Square for the annual "Proudly Philippines" food and travel fair on June 1.

The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver is the host of the annual event. It started a new tradition this year by putting the spotlight on a Philippine province, its products, as well as its tourist attractions.

"We are starting with Batangas and we hope to be able to bring in the other regions in succeeding 'Proudly Philippines,'" said Consul General Arlene Magno.

Batangas' provincial tourism officer Katrin Erika Buted led the delegation. She said the province in the Southern Tagalog region wants to reach a wider audience and promote its beaches, dive sites, and churches, to Canadian travelers.

Buted added that they came to the fair so they can create greater awareness of the products that Batangas is famous for.

"We want the world to know that we have our weave, the Habing Ibaan, the Taal embroidery, our embroiderers who hail from Taal," she said. "And our Barako Coffee, which is known for its strong taste. It signifies the toughness of the Batangueños.

The exquisite Calado embroidery on a Barong Tagalog in the event took skillful Batangas artisans two months to finish.

They made it for Santa Emmanuelle Atelier owned by designer Dana Liwag. She said a one-of-a-kind design like this can cost up to 1,200 Canadian Dollars.

Batangas entrepreneur Amira Silva of Mira’s Turmeric Products is exploring possibilities in Canada.

She said their ginger and turmeric products are derived from plants grown by local farmers on the very fertile soil of Taal.

Corinthian Distributors and Apo Uno Products Ltd., the two biggest importers of Philippine-made products to Canada, were also at the fair.

They said they are open to looking at the offerings from Batangas.

Magno said that since it started in Vancouver, "Proudly Philippines" has created awareness of Filipino businesses among Canadians.

"We have to provide the avenue for them to come and actually try out our cuisine, our products, and then see the tourist destinations," she said.

The official added that the annual event has brought many Fil-Canadian business owners closer, and has inspired larger companies to lend a hand to smaller stores.