Culinary Heritage Book: Celebrating Iloilo City’s UNESCO Gastronomic Recognition

This gastronomy book titled “Gastronomic Expressions of Our City, Iloilo: Nature, Culture, and Geography” reflects Iloilo’s pride and dedication in sharing its unique food culture with the world. JERRY TREÑAS/FB PHOTO
This gastronomy book titled “Gastronomic Expressions of Our City, Iloilo: Nature, Culture, and Geography” reflects Iloilo’s pride and dedication in sharing its unique food culture with the world. JERRY TREÑAS/FB PHOTO

ILOILO City, the first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in the Philippines, has unveiled a landmark book celebrating its rich culinary traditions. Titled “Gastronomic Expressions of Our City, Iloilo: Nature, Culture, and Geography,” the 244-page publication captures the essence of Ilonggo cuisine, weaving together stories, traditions, and identity to showcase the city’s gastronomic culture to the world.

Ilonggo cuisine takes pride in utilizing local ingredients (panakot) that are not only easily accessible but are also healthy and rich in flavor.

The project, led by Iloilo City’s First Lady Rosalie Treñas, was a collaborative effort between the Iloilo City government, the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc., and esteemed contributors. It was officially launched on Dec. 14, 2024, at the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art. Edited by renowned culinary writer Michaela Fenix and designed by acclaimed artist Guillermo “Ige” Ramos, the book stands as a testament to Ilonggo gastronomy’s global appeal.

A collaborative tribute to Ilonggo cuisine

The book, divided into six chapters, brings together the narratives of five talented Ilonggo writers — Vicente S. Salas, Ted Aldwin Ong, Hazel P. Villa, Glenda S. Tayona, and Pearl Rylene Mae S. Socias. Through their collective effort, the essence of Ilonggo cuisine is captured, showcasing its unique interplay of terroir, history, and innovation.

Salas delves into the “Flavors of the City,” exploring the geographical and cultural influences that shape Iloilo’s iconic dishes. Highlighting staples like La Paz Batchoy and Pancit Molo, Salas emphasizes how ethnicity and technology combine to create dishes deeply rooted in Ilonggo heritage.

Villa tells the story of Iloilo City’s identity through its signature dishes: Batchoy, Pancit Molo, and KBL (Kadios-Baboy-Langka). “Ethnicity in cuisine means distinctive ingredients, cooking techniques, and resulting dishes that are associated with specific culture and people,” Villa notes, underscoring the connection between food and cultural identity.

Ong explores the dynamic blend of heritage and modernity in Ilonggo cooking. He highlights how technology and traditional techniques complement each other, ensuring the preservation and evolution of Ilonggo culinary traditions.

Tayona and Socias co-wrote a chapter on the role of panakot (ingredients) in capturing the heart of Ilonggo cuisine. They celebrate the use of locally sourced ingredients, from endemic herbs to homegrown produce, which lend authenticity and richness to Ilonggo dishes. “Ilonggo cuisine takes pride in utilizing these local ingredients that are not only easily accessible but are also healthy and rich in flavor,” they wrote, emphasizing the role of sustainability in preserving culinary heritage.

A reflection of Ilonggo identity

University of the Philippines Visayas Chancellor Dr. Clement Camposano lauded the book as a profound reflection of Ilonggo authenticity and identity. “Food defines who we are as Ilonggos and Filipinos,” he said, encapsulating the essence of the book’s message.

Through its pages, the book celebrates not only the vibrant flavors of Iloilo but also the spirit of the people who bring these dishes to life. It is a culinary journey that honors the past, embraces the present, and inspires the future, ensuring that Ilonggo gastronomy remains a vital part of the global food narrative.

This masterpiece, with its rich stories and stunning design, is more than just a book—it is a tribute to the soul of Iloilo, an ode to its people, and a celebration of the unique flavors that define the Ilonggo identity.

Preserving a legacy

Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed pride in the book and its role in highlighting Ilonggo identity. “This gastronomy book, alongside four others published under my administration, will help us feel proud of our unique identity,” he said.

His daughter, Raisa Treñas, emphasized the importance of documenting and preserving Ilonggo cuisine for future generations. “Food is part of our culture; food is part of our everyday life,” she said, pointing to its central role in family and community traditions. She also expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations to document Iloilo’s heritage further.

Global recognition

As Iloilo continues to gain international recognition as a culinary destination, the book serves as a flavorful reminder of why the city earned the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy title. It celebrates Ilonggo traditions and reinforces the city’s pride and identity on the global stage.

This initiative not only showcases the richness of Ilonggo cuisine but also underscores its enduring legacy, ensuring that the stories of Iloilo’s gastronomic heritage resonate worldwide./PN

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here