Italian Representative Mr. Marco Lombardi Joins 2025 Taichung Hotpot & Grill Festival Promotional Video, Set to the Melodious Tune of the Classic Opera " Libiamo ne’ lieti calici," Symbolizing Joyful Moments Shared Over Hot Pot and Grill

The 2025 Taichung Hotpot & Grill Festival officially kicked off on July 14, with Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen inviting Mr. Marco Lombardi, Representative of the Italian Economic, Trade and Cultural Promotion Office, to join the promotional video shoot. Radiating the charm of a true Italian gentleman, Mr. Lombardi brought warmth and elegance to the scene. This video is set to the melodious tune of the classic Italian opera piece "Libiamo ne’ lieti calici," which captures the lively atmosphere of a festive banquet. The song symbolizes the joyful moments shared among friends and family during the Taichung Hot Pot and Grill Festival.

Chang Feng-Yuan, Director General of the Economic Development Bureau, noted that the festival, now in its third year, is taking a major step toward internationalization. For the first time, the city has invited foreign representatives to participate in the promotional video.

“Through diverse global perspectives, we aim to showcase Taichung’s rich and multifaceted culinary scene,” said Director General Chang. “This lets the world experience the unique appeal of our ‘City of Gastronomy.’”On the day of filming, Mr. Lombardi traveled from Taipei to Taichung by high-speed rail and headed straight to Shalu District to begin hair and makeup preparations. Dressed throughout in a formal Italian suit, he maintained an air of elegance and sophistication. However, with the storyline, he sometimes delivered humorous lines with a completely serious expression, causing the crew to burst into laughter and also showcasing his professional dedication.

Prior to filming, Mr. Lombardi personally recommended a hidden Italian private kitchen tucked away in a quiet alley in Shalu. The restaurant's chef interprets ingredients with precision and purity, allowing each flavor to bloom delicately on the palate. This fine dining experience captured the soul of Italian culinary craftsmanship while also highlighting the refined quality of Italian cuisine available in Taichung.

To elevate the cultural ambiance, two local vocalists, Ezio Kong and Sonia Huang, were invited to perform the classic Italian opera piece " Libiamo ne' lieti calici" (The Drinking Song) on set. Their powerful, passionate voices filled the space with exotic and celebratory energy, adding a dynamic cultural layer to the video.

In the evening, Mr. Lombardi arrived at a well-known Italian restaurant to film together with Mayor Lu. The restaurant’s chef specially prepared a grill feast, using a century-old oven and high-temperature open-flame grilling techniques to Showcase the ultimate flavors with distinct layers of meats and vegetables. — earning unanimous praise from both of them. Mayor Lu enthusiastically remarked, “If you want to enjoy truly amazing Italian cuisine, where’s the best place in Taiwan? Right here in Taichung!” The atmosphere was lively and cheerful.

Mr. Lombardi cheerfully tapped his cheek with his index finger and exclaimed, “Buono!” — a gesture symbolizing deliciousness of Italian culture. He then smiled and carefully practiced speaking newly learned Mandarin directly to the camera, saying, “Welcome everyone to the Taichung Hotpot & Grill Festival!” — a sincere display of his enthusiasm for embracing Taiwanese culture.

To wrap up the day, Mr. Lombardi and Director General Chang boarded Taichung’s iconic double-decker sightseeing bus, taking in the romantic charm of the city’s night views. The full-day shoot continued smoothly until nearly 9 PM in the evening. Throughout the process, Mr. Lombardi remained patient and tireless, fully demonstrating a strong commitment to Taichung and a deep spirit of international friendship.

The 2025 Taichung Hotpot & Grill Festival is officially underway! From July 14 to August 14, vote for your favorite hotpot and grill restaurants through the “Taichung Pass (TCPASS)” app — not only can you support your favorite eateries, but you’ll also have the chance to win amazing prizes, including NT$10,000 vouchers, a car, and round-trip tickets to Italy!

The Taichung Hotpot & Grill Festival – Italy Edition promotional video is now officially released. We sincerely invite everyone to download the Taichung Pass app or visit the Economic Development Bureau’s website to enjoy the video together.

Italian Representative Mr. Marco Lombardi Joins 2025 Taichung Hotpot & Grill Festival Promotional Video, Set to the Melodious Tune of the Classic Opera " Libiamo ne’ lieti calici," Symbolizing Joyful Moments Shared Over Hot Pot and Grill

The 2025 Taichung Hotpot & Grill Festival officially kicked off on July 14, with Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen inviting Mr. Marco Lombardi, Representative of the Italian Economic, Trade and Cultural Promotion Office, to join the promotional video shoot. Radiating the charm of a true Italian gentleman, Mr. Lombardi brought warmth and elegance to the scene. This video is set to the melodious tune of the classic Italian opera piece "Libiamo ne’ lieti calici," which captures the lively atmosphere of a festive banquet. The song symbolizes the joyful moments shared among friends and family during the Taichung Hot Pot and Grill Festival.

Chang Feng-Yuan, Director General of the Economic Development Bureau, noted that the festival, now in its third year, is taking a major step toward internationalization. For the first time, the city has invited foreign representatives to participate in the promotional video.

“Through diverse global perspectives, we aim to showcase Taichung’s rich and multifaceted culinary scene,” said Director General Chang. “This lets the world experience the unique appeal of our ‘City of Gastronomy.’”On the day of filming, Mr. Lombardi traveled from Taipei to Taichung by high-speed rail and headed straight to Shalu District to begin hair and makeup preparations. Dressed throughout in a formal Italian suit, he maintained an air of elegance and sophistication. However, with the storyline, he sometimes delivered humorous lines with a completely serious expression, causing the crew to burst into laughter and also showcasing his professional dedication.

Prior to filming, Mr. Lombardi personally recommended a hidden Italian private kitchen tucked away in a quiet alley in Shalu. The restaurant's chef interprets ingredients with precision and purity, allowing each flavor to bloom delicately on the palate. This fine dining experience captured the soul of Italian culinary craftsmanship while also highlighting the refined quality of Italian cuisine available in Taichung.

To elevate the cultural ambiance, two local vocalists, Ezio Kong and Sonia Huang, were invited to perform the classic Italian opera piece " Libiamo ne' lieti calici" (The Drinking Song) on set. Their powerful, passionate voices filled the space with exotic and celebratory energy, adding a dynamic cultural layer to the video.

In the evening, Mr. Lombardi arrived at a well-known Italian restaurant to film together with Mayor Lu. The restaurant’s chef specially prepared a grill feast, using a century-old oven and high-temperature open-flame grilling techniques to Showcase the ultimate flavors with distinct layers of meats and vegetables. — earning unanimous praise from both of them. Mayor Lu enthusiastically remarked, “If you want to enjoy truly amazing Italian cuisine, where’s the best place in Taiwan? Right here in Taichung!” The atmosphere was lively and cheerful.

Mr. Lombardi cheerfully tapped his cheek with his index finger and exclaimed, “Buono!” — a gesture symbolizing deliciousness of Italian culture. He then smiled and carefully practiced speaking newly learned Mandarin directly to the camera, saying, “Welcome everyone to the Taichung Hotpot & Grill Festival!” — a sincere display of his enthusiasm for embracing Taiwanese culture.

To wrap up the day, Mr. Lombardi and Director General Chang boarded Taichung’s iconic double-decker sightseeing bus, taking in the romantic charm of the city’s night views. The full-day shoot continued smoothly until nearly 9 PM in the evening. Throughout the process, Mr. Lombardi remained patient and tireless, fully demonstrating a strong commitment to Taichung and a deep spirit of international friendship.

The 2025 Taichung Hotpot & Grill Festival is officially underway! From July 14 to August 14, vote for your favorite hotpot and grill restaurants through the “Taichung Pass (TCPASS)” app — not only can you support your favorite eateries, but you’ll also have the chance to win amazing prizes, including NT$10,000 vouchers, a car, and round-trip tickets to Italy!

The Taichung Hotpot & Grill Festival – Italy Edition promotional video is now officially released. We sincerely invite everyone to download the Taichung Pass app or visit the Economic Development Bureau’s website to enjoy the video together.

Advertorial by Economic Development Bureau, Taichung City Government.