Cebuano Culinary Fest in Argao

Food lovers and enthusiasts gathered in Cebu South for Eats Meets West in Argao, a two-day culinary festival with the goal of creating, innovating and promoting local cuisine that is distinctly Cebuano last December 3 and 4.

Boboi Costas, Provincial Tourism Officer thought of bringing food as a subject and medium, a destination and a vehicle for tourism as part of Cebu’s community-based ecotourism project which is developing destinations using the principle of scale, authenticity, creativity and innovation, stakeholders support, unique selling proposition and sustainability.

“We hope that this event will present Cebuano food a positive image to us, to the tourists, to the general public and to the local communities and yet retain the private symbolic meanings held within,” said Costas, during the opening ceremony at Argao Heritage Plaza.

On its second year, the local culinary festival by the Provincial Tourism Office with Province of Cebu, Cebu Investment Promotions Office and Smart Communications partnered with the Municipality of Argao showing the colorful tradition of the host town thru Hablon Fashion show, street food festival and opening booms of the town’s historical quaint canon.

“Hinaot atong makab-ot ang katuyoan niining gipahigayon nga katuyoan kabahin sa pagtampo sa paglambo sa atoang turismo pinaagi sa pag improve sa atoang delicacies labi na gayud sa mga menu nato, sa mga pagkaon nga atong idalit kanila,” said Argao mayor Dr. Stanley Caminero as he welcomed the more than hundred participants.

Food for the minds

The event did not just substantially fill the stomach of those who went but also their minds through the food forum by notable people of their expertise in their respective fields.

Participants earned valuable lessons on Cebuano Food and Galleon Trade from Laila Labajo, Chairman of University of San Carlos Department of Anthropology, Sociology and History.

Archeologist Ame Garong from Philippine National Museum gave a lecture about Philippine Ancient Diet while East West Café owner Hendri Go gave participants tips on how to successfully establish a town cafe.

Eleonor Rivera, founder of Healing Present, shared inspiring life lessons about organic farming and holistic healing. She also demonstrated how to make a healthy green smoothie from organic fruits and veggies found in Cebu.

Culinary competition

On its second day, Eats Meets West in Argao continued with the battle of towns on creating unique, scrumptious local main course, dessert, pasalubong and drink that sticks to the Cebuano brand at the town’s heritage park – Cabecera de Argao.

Image Source: cebu.gov.ph

Representatives from Aloguinsan, Argao, Alcantara, Balamban, Barili, Dalaguete, Santander, Samboan, San Remigio and Pinamungajan showed off their skills to make the best Cebuano cuisine.

Celebrity chef Nina Daza-Puyat, Philippines’ Adobo Queen Nancy Reyes-Lumen, President of the Culinary Historians of the Philippines Ige Ramos, Smart Communications Senior Public Affairs Manager for VISMIN region Atty. Maria Jane Paredes, USJ-R culinary faculty Richard Hao, Radisson Blu’s Sous Chef Coke Semblante, and Marriott Cebu’s Sous Chef, Nestor Alcoseba Jr. judged the competition.

Judges interrogated the towns after each segments about their style of cooking, inspirations and their choice of dish. They also gave tips on how to improve local products introduced by the towns during the competition.

Image Source: cebu.gov.ph

“All of the foods presented were delicious. They all have gone more competitive. They have leveled-up!” Chef Richard Hao commented during the food tasting.

San Remigio town’s Manok sa Lutong Kawayan won the best main course. The winning cuisine was cooked in a bamboo culm heated-well by charcoal burns which they adapted from their forefather’s unique style of cooking.

Balamban town’s Luy-a Herbabuena Lemonada commended as the best welcome drink. Also, their ice cream-looking Ube Halaya with Sweetened Coconut Meat and Wild Strawberry bested all the desserts in the competition.

Tuburan town’s Saksak Sinagol, a trail mix of camote (sweet potato), purple yam, taro, banana chips and peanuts, got chosen as best pasalubong.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale visited the event and supported each of the participants by cheering them up during the competition.

Image Source: cebu.gov.ph

Non-culinary contests such as welcome lei design and table-setting also happened in the event. Host town, Argao, designed the best lei and Tuburan town’s river cruise theme table display won the best table setting. (Francis Nacua)

SOURCE: www.cebu.gov.ph