VegFest 2024 in the Philippines, One of Asia’s largest vegan-friendly festivals, is an inclusive celebration that welcomes everyone—from the vegan-curious to lifelong food enthusiasts. It serves as the perfect gateway for introducing non-vegans to the joys of compassionate living, showing them how adopting a vegan lifestyle can make a meaningful difference. VegFest 2024 honoured the late Mali the Elephant, celebrating her legacy while raising awareness about animal rights, sustainability, and kindness to all beings. The festival was a chance to reflect on Mali’s journey and promote ethical living.
Who Was Mali the Elephant?
Mali was a symbol of the tragedy of zoo captivity in the Philippines. Born in Sri Lanka in 1974, she was taken to the Manila Zoo in 1977, where she lived for decades under horrible conditions that sparked significant controversy and concern among animal rights advocates.
On November 28th, 2023, Mali, the world’s saddest elephant, passed away at the Manila Zoo after living in captivity for nearly 50 years. The suffering she endured during her time as an innocent prisoner, subjected to psychological torment, was a direct result of human greed and indifference.
Mali’s death sparked global outcry and renewed calls for better treatment of elephants in captivity. Her story highlighted the psychological and physical toll of captivity, especially for social animals like elephants. While her life was marked by suffering, Mali’s passing has become a symbol for change, urging reforms in how elephants and other wild animals are treated in zoos and circuses.
VeganFTA Joins VegFest Philippines 2024
VeganFTA proudly participated in VegFest 2024 on November 16th and 17th with a booth sponsored by the event and led by Angelik Velayo, media lead for VeganFTA Philippines. The booth served as a platform to engage with attendees, especially those who consider themselves animal lovers but still consume animal products. The booth’s slogan, “Can you love animals and eat them too?”, sparked meaningful conversations and encouraged reflection on the ethical implications of animal consumption.
Animal activist Rodney (Vegan Philippines / VPEPAS) joined VeganFTA to play a key role in educating visiting students and leading a group tour. He emphasized to them how easy and accessible it is to adopt a vegan lifestyle, thanks to the growing variety of delicious plant-based options and the innovative creativity of vegan chefs. Choosing compassion through food has never been simpler!
VegFest 2024 was full of memorable moments as observed through our lens, including the wonderful inclusivity of the event, which allowed many animal lovers to bring their beloved fur babies along. The festival paid tribute to Mali the Elephant, with PETA Asia leading efforts to raise awareness about the need to boycott zoos and end the suffering of animals like her. A powerful photojournalism exhibit highlighted the tragic life of Mali and the plight of other animals in captivity, particularly those at the Manila Zoo, a place better described as a prison and never a sanctuary.
Additionally, Metro Manila Animal Save made a strong statement with their slogan posters challenging the myth of “humane” animal slaughter—a misconception that many attendees may not realise is harmful. PETA Philippines also showcased its “Ampon Alaga – Adopt a Rescue“ program by bringing rescued stray animals to find loving homes. They also highlighted their unique music project, Tunog Hayop (“Sounds of Animals”), a creative tribute to the animals we strive to protect.
VegFest 2024: A Celebration of Compassion and Sustainability
VegFest 2024 featured an exciting lineup of activities designed to engage, educate, and inspire attendees of all ages:
- Vegan Food Market
From plant-based street food to gourmet dishes, VegFest 2024 showcased a diverse array of vegan food stalls that catered to all tastes: from local favourites like vegan lechon and Filipino home-cooked favourites to international cuisines such as vegan pizza, sushi, ice creams and desserts. - Workshops and Seminars
Educating the public about animal rights, sustainable living, and veganism is a core part of VegFest’s mission. The event featured vegan-led talks, cooking classes, and panel discussions featuring popular vegans, nutritionists, chefs, and environmentalists. Key topics included the ethical treatment of animals, how plant-based eating contributes to a healthier planet, and practical tips for transitioning to a cruelty-free lifestyle. Family-friendly creative workshops were also held.
- Animal Rights Advocacy
Dedicated spaces at VegFest were set up for animal rights NGO’s and animal welfare organizations to share their work and advocacy efforts. Many of these groups are continuing the fight to ensure that animals like Mali live in conditions that meet their natural needs, and they are there to raise awareness about the importance of animal protection laws.
- Mali Photo Exhibit and Reflection Zone
One of the most poignant sections of the festival was a photo exhibit dedicated to Mali. Visitors were able to learn about Mali’s life and journey, with visuals and storytelling elements that highlighted her experiences, as well as the larger issue of elephant and animal captivity. A space for reflection was set up to encourage attendees to think about the broader ethical questions surrounding animal rights.
- Music and Entertainment
Music has always been a powerful tool for social change, and VegFest 2024 featured live performances from local artists who support animal rights and sustainability. - Sustainable Shopping
Many eco-friendly vendors showcased their products at VegFest, offering everything from cruelty-free beauty products to sustainable fashion. It was an excellent opportunity for attendees to discover brands that align with their values and support businesses that prioritize animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
A Tribute to Mali and the Vegan Movement for Change
The tragic life of Mali serves as a stark reminder of the suffering that many animals endure in captivity. VegFest 2024 provided a diverse platform to reflect on her legacy, raise awareness, and advocate for progressive change. Her story continues to inspire a global movement to ensure that animals no longer endure the horrors of captivity for human entertainment.
VegFest was not just a celebration to promote veganism, but a call to action to protect the animals who share our world—and to never forget those like Mali, whose suffering may have been immense, but whose story will continue to inspire change for generations to come.
Join millions choosing vegan in 2025 with Veganuary! https://bit.ly/Veganuary25
