A back-to-back recognition for the popular culinary content creator.
During the “#BigTasteReveal: The 2025 IFEX Philippines Media Preview” last May 15 at Casa Ibarra MOA in Pasay City, Abi Marquez, known as the ‘Lumpia Queen‘ of the Internet, received another accolade.
This, as she was once again named ad FoodPHILIPPINES Advocate Par Excellence, a distinction that she first received in 2024.
In her speech, Marquez described the moment a a “full-circle moment” for her. “I started creating content because I loved food. I stayed because I realized how powerful food could be.”
She continued, “Since the last time I stood here, I’ve cooked Filipino food in other countries with people from completely different backgrounds—and the beauty is, they loved it… Because great food speaks a universal language.”
The one-and-only ‘Lumpia Queen‘ also took time to reflect on her recent slate of achievements, such as her Webby win and the nomination in the James Beard Awards.
“To some, these may look like personal milestones. But to me, they’re reminders that we don’t need to change who we are to be seen. We just need to show up—with our recipes, our stories, and our lumpia.”
With every dish Abi shares, she reminds the world that Filipino food is a culture, history, and identity served on a plate.
“Let’s keep cooking, keep sharing, and keep proving that Filipino food is world-class—because it always has been,” she said.
This year, as part of her continued partnership with the FoodPHILIPPINES program, Marquez is set to collaborate on fresh content for global platforms, including digital campaigns, international expos, and spotlight features that bring Filipino flavors to a wider audience.
Abi’s back-to-back recognition also highlights her growing impact as one of the leading voices in modern Filipino food storytelling, establishing her niche as a go-to source of both entertainment and trusted food recipes online.
Her content ranges from the entertaining and viral reinventions of local classics like the now-iconic Peach Mango Pie Lumpia to recipe videos that mix education with nostalgia.
Organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), the annual KATHA Awards for Food celebrates innovation and excellence in Philippine food products.
Since 2015, the KATHA seal has become a mark of quality and creativity in the industry, raising the bar for Filipino exports on the world stage.
Also present at the event in Pasay City were IFEX Philippines Project Director Rowena Mendoza, CITEM Executive Director Leah Pulido Ocampo, Deputy Executive Director Malou Mediran, and CITEM Founder Dr. Mina Gabor.
It is also a precursor to the upcoming IFEX Philippines 2025 this May.