ILOILO City – Iloilo, the first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in the Philippines, boosted promotions over the weekend.
Iloilo City took centerstage with Live Cooking Demo and exhibit at “Savor the Flavors from the Regions 2025 Food Festival” organized by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The display was a crowd drawer at Megatrade Halls 1-3, 5th Level, Mega B, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, from May 30 to June 1.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas stressed the national events have helped the city sustain its growing reputation as a destination for culinary creativity.
“Iloilo Gastronomy Book” was also on sale at the event following its recent national launch in Taguig City.
“Thank you so much to everyone who made this possible. I wasn’t expecting that big of a crowd. People are really recognizing Iloilo as a gastronomic city. We made every Ilonggo proud!” said Chef Pat Woo who helped catered and prepared cuisines offered to the audience.
The city government, through MICE Center and Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office, thanked private sector partners from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Iloilo Chapter, Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, and Iloilo Hotels Resorts and Restaurants Association for the full support.
Chefs Panky Lopez and Ariel Castañeda of Megaworld Hotels and Resorts and Richmonde Hotel Iloilo shared their culinary skills.
Castañeda cooked linagpang or grilled chicken soup while Lopez prepared lupo leaves or green weed-like vegetable egg omelet.
Manila-based Lopez said sharing his cooking expertise was a way of giving back to his hometown.
BLOCKBUSTER FOOD CRAWL
Homegrown brands Original Biscocho Haus, Panaderia De Molo, Carlo’s Bakeshop, JD Bakeshop, and Kap Ising Pancit Molo were crowd favorites during the free tasting, with some foodies looking forward to visiting Iloilo to bring home more products.
The city’s seven districts’ distinct cuisines, from the iconic La Paz Batchoy and comforting Pancit Molo, to KBL (kadios, baboy, langka), siopao, artisan breads, and native sweets were featured for the palate.
The public got to experience the richness of Iloilo City’s UNESCO-recognized gastronomy and taste test curated items from the “Kayumanggi Philippine Heritage” recipe book, among the food products of over 200 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country that were offered to foodies, buyers, and businesses.
Budding entrepreneurs were also urged to discover tech-driven tools that help MSMEs go digital as gateway to the future of Filipino food — rooted in heritage and powered by innovation.
Malikhaing Pinoy website was also launched as an innovative platform that promotes proudly local products, highlights food entrepreneurs, connects Filipino creativity with wider markets, and serves as a digital hub for culinary innovation and MSME empowerment.
The event was a success as the public experienced regional pride and supported the best of Filipino food and culture./PN
