Mandaluyong: Iloilo gastronomy was a hit during the three-day Savor the Flavors from the Regions 2025 Food Festival organized by the Department of Trade and Industry at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong, Metro Manila. 'Iloilo was invited to headline the second day because we are part of their campaign. They wanted to highlight our gastronomy,' Iloilo City Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions Center Director Maria Lea Victoria Lara said in an interview on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Iloilo City took the spotlight as the only local government unit given an entire afternoon to showcase its culinary offerings on May 31. Two Ilonggo chefs conducted a food demonstration, featuring 'linagpang nga manok' using local ingredients and 'tinipgang nga lupo,' both of which were served to the audience.
The city presented eight booths, each curated to represent the food delicacies of its seven districts, along with an additional booth dedicated to bakery, coffee, and chocolate. Featured delicacies included batchoy, pancit molo, KBL (kadios, baboy, langka), valenciana, kansi, and chicken inasal, complemented by local coffee, tablea, tere-teren, Angelina sliced bread, and 'pancho' from the buho bakery.
Homegrown brands such as Original Biscocho Haus, Panaderia De Molo, Carlo's Bakeshop, JD Bakeshop, and Kap Ising Pancit Molo also showcased their crowd-favorite products. 'It was a good selection. Given the time they had, they all enjoyed,' Lara said.
The event followed the launch of Iloilo's Gastronomy Book in Manila the previous week. MICE Director Lara noted the overwhelming response, emphasizing the national stage provided for Ilonggo gastronomy. She sees the festival as a significant step toward introducing Iloilo's culinary heritage beyond traditional pasalubong.
Lara expressed gratitude toward the private sector, acknowledging the support from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Iloilo Chapter, Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, Iloilo Hotels Resorts and Restaurants Association, and Iloilo MICE Alliance.
