BC Celebrates Filipino American History Month with Cooking Demo and Food Tasting

10/28/26
BC student getting food served onto his plate by BC staffer

Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Recently, Bakersfield College hosted a cooking demonstration and food tasting to celebrate Filipino American Heritage Month. Several students, staff and administrators gathered in the Campus Center Breezeway to take part in the event and enjoy some delicious food.

The food demonstration was conducted by BC Food Service staff which included a step-by-step culinary process of Lumpia Shanghai – a traditional Filipino dish consisting of seasoned meat, vegetables, and aromatics wrapped in a thin, wheat flour pastry. When the demonstration concluded, attendees were invited to try the Lumpia along with a variety of other dishes and desserts. This included Pancit, steamed rice, Chicken Inasal BBQ, pork BBQ skewers, and Cassava Cake and Ube Biko for dessert. Guests also had the opportunity to sample a few traditional cultural beverages as well.

Ben Perlado, Dean of Enrollment Services at BC, welcomed everyone to the event and was excited to be celebrating Filipino Heritage Month. “We want to thank everyone for coming here today to celebrate the diversity that we have on our campus,” he said, “I am delighted to have you join us as we sample the rich flavors and vibrant heritage of the Filipino Community. We hope you enjoy the demonstration and discover something new.”

It was an incredible time of connecting, celebrating, and savoring a variety of delicious Filipino dishes. Thank you to the BC Food Services team for preparing the food, beverages, and desserts for everyone to enjoy. Thanks to everyone else who helped put this food demonstration and tasting together, it was truly a memorable day and wonderful way to celebrate Filipino American History Month.

BC food service staff member standing over a pot during demonstartion
event attendees getting food served to them
BC staff member Ben Perlado speaking to event attendees
close up shot of a vegetable dish on a serving table
BC food service member pouring a beverage for guest
fresh Lumpia roll coming out of a hot pot