WATCH: 1st National Hopia Day draws huge crowd, celebrities

Clockwise: Gerie Chua; Cory Quirino and Isko Moreno; Diana Zubiri and Andy Smith; the Chua family that includes Gerick, Gerald and Geraldine; and Steven Tan

Former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, TV host-author Cory Quirino and actress Diana Zubiri were among VIPs who graced the first-ever National Hopia Day held at SM Mall of Asia from July 19 to 21. 

The event was led by Eng BeeTin owned by the Chua family namely founder Gerie Chua and his children Gerik, Gerald and Geraldine Roche Chua who all came in purple, the brand's official color.

Gerie gave inspiring opening remarks on how Eng BeeTin was able to turn around from the brink of bankruptcy to a Filipino staple synonymous to world-class hopia. He credited those who helped their family, most especially Cory who, after featuring Eng BeeTin hopia on her show "Cityline," had everyone craving for the now perennial best-seller ube variant.

Isko thanked the Chua family for helping make Binondo the famed food hub that it is today. Cory pledged to always support the Chuas and National Hopia Day. The two, as well as Steven Tan (President of SM Supermalls), were given special tokens of appreciations by the family.

Diana attended the event with her husband Andy Smith and together with their child, ate slices from a giant hopia cake made by Eng BeeTin for the event.

The venue was transformed into this hopia wonderland with games and booths for every member of the family. Lots of prizes were won including one year supply of Eng BeeTin products. The event was made more exciting with a lion dance and taiko drums performance.