ILOILO City – Iloilo’s most iconic comfort foods — from steaming bowls of pancit molo to the city’s famed batchoy — are enduring testaments to centuries-old Chinese influence that helped shape Ilonggo identity, a Chinese-Filipino leader said as the city prepares for its Chinese New Year celebration.
Engr. Fulbert Woo, president of the Sun Yat Sen High School Alumni Association, said the deep imprint of Chinese culinary traditions on Ilonggo cuisine reflects a shared history that continues to define everyday life in the city.
“The traditions and culture of the Chinese remain deeply felt in the lives of Ilonggos even today,” Woo said.
He pointed out that beloved Ilonggo dishes such as pancit molo and batchoy trace their origins to Chinese-style soup and noodle preparations introduced by early Chinese settlers who later integrated into the local community.
“We can see that the soup-based and noodle dishes that inspired these foods came from Chinese cuisine, which Ilonggos embraced and eventually made part of their own identity,” he added.
Woo also noted that many long-standing bakeries and restaurants owned by Chinese-Ilonggo families continue to operate across Iloilo, with businesses passed down through generations — helping preserve both culinary heritage and cultural traditions.
Beyond everyday meals, symbolic food also plays a central role in cultural observances. Woo highlighted tikoy, a staple during Chinese New Year festivities, as a symbol of unity and prosperity.
“Tikoy symbolizes togetherness among family members and the welcoming of luck and prosperity in life,” he said.
The remarks come as organizers of the Iloilo Chinese New Year Festival roll out a lineup of activities, including a grand parade and cultural show this February 20, celebrating the shared heritage between the Chinese and Ilonggo communities./PN
