OLRP/MCC Hosts First One Million Tables for Earth Day

As part of the 2026 Earth Day celebration, the Parish volunteers of Our Lady of Remedies Parish (Malate Catholic Church) proudly hosted their first-ever One Million Tables gathering on April 19. Exceeding expectations, nearly a hundred enthusiastic volunteers and guests came together to share in the joy of healthy, plant-based Filipino food.

Every Parish Ministry, Area Council, and Organization (MAO) contributed a special dish to the table. It was set up like a boodle fight – a Filipino tradition of communal dining where a large feast is laid out on banana leaves covering a long table, eaten with bare hands to promote camaraderie and equality. The spread featured beloved Filipino favorites such as laing, pinakbet, adobong kangkong with tofu, sweet okra, boiled and adobong eggplant, kamote leaves, fresh lumpia, veggie okoy, ensaladang ampalaya (bitter gourd salad), suman and a lot more. Desserts like suman, bico, and fruits in season —yellow and green mangoes, watermelon, bananas, and more—added vibrant color and freshness to the feast.

The event was filled with warmth and fellowship. Parish priest Fr. Jude Genovia welcomed everyone with heartfelt words, while Fr. Cireneo Matulac shared Mary Oliver’s poem In Blackwater Woods, reminding participants of the deep connection between nature and spirit. Marge, the Parish Education Ministry coordinator, shared the inspiring story of Debra and Marla, the two women who began this movement to encourage healthy eating for a healthier planet. Spearheaded by the Education and the Care for the Earth Ministries, the event was fully supported by the Parish Council, coordinators and members of the MAOs. Guests from Laudato Si’ Movement-Pilipinas, De La Salle University-Dasmarinas, and Columban Lay Missionaries-Philippines added joy to the event.

As more people arrived, the food remained abundant—enough for everyone to enjoy and even take home. The sight of parishioners and guests gathered around the long table, sharing food and conversation, embodied the true spirit of community.

The One Million Tables initiative is more than a meal—it is a celebration of health, sustainability, and togetherness. Cheers to Debra and Marla for starting what has now become a global campaign! This joyful gathering marks the first of many One Million Tables events at Malate Parish, with hopes of inspiring more communities to join in this worthwhile endeavor.

Recipes of Filipino food

For a meat-free Pinakbet , refer to https://simplybakings.com/pinakbet-vegan-vegetarian-recipe/

Fresh Lumpia, refer to https://sweetsimplevegan.com/vegan-lumpiang-shanghai/

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