Abi: “Philippines, this is for you”
TikTok’s “Lumpia Queen” Abi Marquez was hailed as the People’s Voice Award for Social – Food and Drink category at the 28th Annual Webby Awards.
Gracing the Cipriani Wall Street in New York City on May 13, 2024, the NYMA talent made a historic feat of being the first-ever Filipino independent content creator to win the prestigious title; a win she dedicated to the Philippines and its people.
“Philippines, this is for you,” Abi said as she accepted the award wearing a custom terno ensemble made by Filipino designer Santi Obcena and in full glam styled by Pam Ricarte.
IMAGE: Annual Webby Awards
Abi is gearing for another potential feather to her cap, as she is also nominated for the 2024 James Beard Media Award—which recognizes outstanding individuals who make laudable food-oriented impacts in their social media.
The James Beard Awards is highly revered as one among the most prestigious merits in the culinary and food media industries in the United States, putting the spotlights on “leaders and innovators across the food system.”
Abi’s support system back home is just as celebratory—with NYMA, the talent management arm of Kroma Entertainment, expressing its support for their talent.
As NYMA’s General Manager Kat Bautista worded it, “We are incredibly proud of Abi and her groundbreaking achievements. Her success at the Webby Awards and her nomination for a James Beard Media Award reflect her exceptional talent and our commitment at NYMA to support outstanding Filipino creators on the global stage.
IMAGE: Annual Webby Awards
Abi’s moniker as the “Lumpia Queen” came very fitting following a series of TikTok content that aimed to reimagined the Filipino dish lumpia or spring rolls into exciting food iterations.
The huge leap Abi made from being a Hotel Restaurant and Institution Management student at the University of the Philippines to an international culinary sensation emphasizes a bigger leap for the country’s diverse, gastronomic selections, heritage, and narrative for the world to see.
READ ALSO: Lumpia Queen Abi Marquez And Her Easy-To-Make Gastronomic Delights
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