The Ultimate Celebration of Heat and Homegrown Passion
Mark your calendars, spice lovers! Fire Fest 2025 is set to light up Marikina’s Renaissance Convention Center on October 4–5, 2025. What started as a humble chili festival has now evolved into a massive showcase of food, culture, and community spirit, bringing together six powerhouse groups under one fiery banner.
Born from the success of the Philippine Chili Federation’s (PCF) Chili Fest, which has been running strong for 7 years, this year’s festival goes bigger and bolder. As PCF President Ponchit Ponce Enrile puts it, “This is just the start of something big. We’re like-minded people who share the same passion in our crafts.”
Four Elements, One Fiery Festival
HEAT: Where the Chili Fest Lives On
Step into the HEAT Hall, home to the iconic Chili Fest 8. From small beginnings with less than 30 competitors, the PCF now boasts over 45,000 members and hosts competitions with more than 1,000 participants. This year, the festival is officially recognized by the International League of Fire, giving it global prestige.
Highlights include the “Matira Matibay” endurance challenge, fiery pod-eating contests featuring Carolina Reapers and Ghost Peppers, and the much-awaited Table of Fire—a buffet of over 200 local hot sauces and chili products free for everyone to try. Visitors will also catch a glimpse of the Fiery Cup, Asia’s largest hot sauce judging event with nearly 500 entries last year.
As Enrile proudly says, “If you try local hot sauces here in the Philippines, it’s mind-blowing. We’re the only country with a ‘sawsawan’ culture.”
SPARK: A Taste of Filipino Heritage
The SPARK Hall, led by Sarap Pilipinas, shines a spotlight on Filipino pride. From artisan crafts to cultural showcases, this space is all about what makes the Philippines “masarap.” Visitors can enjoy the first-ever Chili Cocktail Cup, headed by Chef Kalel Demetrio, and even meet a traditional mambabatok (tattoo artist) from Benguet.
Sarap Pilipinas co-founder Gwen Roque highlights the heart of this initiative: “Our focus is on MSMEs and backyard businesses. Showcasing these products helps small entrepreneurs put their brands out there.”
SMOKE: BBQ, Beer, and Beyond
The SMOKE Hall is an outdoor paradise for barbecue lovers and beer enthusiasts. The Pitmasters Club of the Philippines (PCP) promises a sizzling lineup of Texas BBQ, while the Philippine Craft Brewers Association (PCBA) brings over 40 homegrown brewers to quench your thirst.
“Lots of fire, lots of smoke, lots of meat,” says PCP’s Julius Mercado with excitement. Pairing smoky BBQ with craft beer, PCBA President Fred Calope reminds Filipinos: “These are locally brewed. We should support our own.”
Adding a unique twist, the Pinoy Prepper Bazaar ties in camping and BBQ with a mission for disaster preparedness—a fun yet practical reminder that resilience begins with readiness.
AIR: Fanged & Fearless Greens
For the first time, Horti Filipina joins Fire Fest with a plant competition themed “Fanged & Fearless.” Expect fascinating displays of thorny flora and local hybrids, perfectly aligned with the bold, fiery crowd of chili fans. Their goal? To promote endemic plants and bring horticulture closer to Filipinos.
More Than a Festival: A Movement for Local Pride
Beyond the food and fun, Fire Fest 2025 champions local businesses and grassroots communities. From chili growers to brewers, tattoo artists to BBQ pitmasters, the festival highlights the grit, passion, and creativity of Filipinos.
As PCBA’s Calope appeals, “We’re here to ask for help, and you’re there to give help. Please support us.”
Attendees can also expect appearances from celebrity chefs Tatung, Gene, Kalel Demetrio, and chili legend Johnny Scoville—making the event even more star-studded.
Join the Fire This October!
Fire Fest 2025 is not just an event—it’s an experience that blends spice, culture, and community. With chili challenges, BBQ feasts, craft beers, artisan crafts, and even plant showcases, it’s the perfect weekend escape for families, foodies, and adventure seekers.
Early bird tickets drop the week of August 18–24, 2025. For partnerships, sponsorships, or exhibitor slots, visit firefestph.com or email firefest2025@gmail.com.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this fiery movement—because in Marikina this October, the fire is calling!