Crackling Traditions and Culinary Battles Mark Cebu’s Biggest Lechon Festival

The unmistakable aroma of slow-roasted pork filled the air at The Mactan Newtown as the 2025 Cebu Lechon Festival kicked off on August 7 with its grandest edition yet, a ten-day celebration of culinary excellence, cultural pride, and community spirit.

Now hailed as the biggest Lechon Festival to date, the opening ceremonies were a vibrant showcase of Cebuano heritage. Led by Department of Tourism Region 7 Director Judy Dela Cruz Gabato, Lapu-Lapu City Congressman Junard “Ahong” Chan, DTI Region 7 Officer Kyle Durano, The Mactan Newtown General Manager Marilou Kiunisala, and culinary content creators Jujumao and Arion Marin, the event began with a ceremonial tour of the roast pit, creative lechon displays, and the symbolic turnover of the roasting stick, marking the official start of the festivities.

Chef Wars: A Culinary Face-Off of Filipino Flavors
The festival’s opening day was headlined by the much-anticipated Chef Wars, a thrilling culinary showdown that brought together powerhouse chefs and food personalities. Beloved food content creator Jujumao, Belmont Hotel’s Executive Chef Paolo Aviso, and Savoy Hotel’s Chef de Partie Ian Luta faced off in a flavorful battle, joined by partner chefs from The Mactan Newtown’s restaurants: Chef Filemon Leguis of Shikisai Japanese Restaurant, Chef Therese Yap of Bar Samurai and Geisha Lounge, and seasoned international chef Angel Villarin of MSC cruise line.

Each chef brought their own flair and deep appreciation for local ingredients, transforming Cebu’s iconic lechon into inventive dishes that honored tradition while pushing culinary boundaries.

Live Roasting and Lechon Pairings
Festival guests were treated to daily live lechon roasting demonstrations, where expert roasters showcased the craftsmanship behind Cebu’s most iconic dish, golden, glistening, and crackling straight off the spit. The Lechon Fair & Pairing Station at The Mactan Alfresco offered a sensory playground, featuring roasted pork from Carcar, Talisay, Liloan, and Cebu City paired with expertly crafted local drinks. Visitors explored the distinct flavors and roasting styles that make Cebu lechon a national treasure.

Lechon for Little Artists
Adding a playful twist to the festivities, the Lechon for Little Artists zone welcomed young creatives with the Paint My Lechon Kit. The first 200 children who presented ₱1,500 worth of receipts from any establishment in The Mactan Newtown received their own mini lechon to decorate, turning the festival into a family-friendly celebration of food and art.

“The Cebu Lechon Festival reflects how The Mactan Newtown continues to grow as a cultural and culinary gateway—where food becomes a powerful medium for preserving heritage and shaping new culinary narratives,” said Marilou Kiunisala, General Manager of The Mactan Newtown. “By turning time-honored traditions into immersive experiences, we celebrate Cebuano pride, elevate local talent, and create a destination where culture, community, and creativity come together through cuisine.”

What’s Next at the Festival
The excitement continues with a lineup of events that highlight Cebu’s culinary talent and vibrant culture:

August 8: Cebu’s Best Lechonero Competition and Culinary School Showdown
August 10: Sugbuanon Paksiw Wars led by student chefs
August 10 & 15–17: Live music performances
Daily: Lechon roasting demos, pairing stations, art exhibits, and family-friendly activities at The Mactan Alfresco

Running until August 17, the Cebu Lechon Festival invites locals and tourists alike to indulge in the rich flavors, traditions, and stories that make Cebu’s lechon a true cultural icon.

For full schedules and updates, visit facebook.com/MactanNewtownMegaworld and facebook.com/TMN.OfficialTownshipPage