CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The rich culinary legacy of Pampanga took center stage as the 3rd Manyaman Festival and Filipino Food Month celebration officially opened on April 23 with a colorful and flavor-packed Kapampangan Food Exposition held at Rainwater Park, Capital Town, Megaworld here.
The grand launch was led by board member Atty. Claire Lim, chair of the SB committee on arts and culture, on behalf of Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda. The event was also attended and supported by Pampanga first lady Yolly Pineda.
“Congratulations to us, culinary capital or not. Tuloy-tuloy tayo. It’s part of our heritage—dapat ipasa natin lalo na sa mga kabataan,” she said.
The exposition brought together culinary treasures from across the province.
From the 1st District, attendees indulged in the sizzling pork sisig from Angeles City, the comforting putong babi of Mabalacat City, and the bulanglang babi from Magalang.
The 2nd District offered a unique culinary spread that included the tender asadong dila from Sta. Rita, the crispy Galans chicharon of Guagua, the hearty sabo bule from Floridablanca, the flavorful sale manuk of Lubao, the savory gisang pugang panas from Porac, and the rich tortang alimasag of Sasmuan.
Meanwhile, the 3rd District delighted guests with pindang damulag served with pacu salad from the City of San Fernando, the iconic Kabigting’s halo-halo of Arayat, baldesadong dila paired with puto seko from Bacolor, and adobong balut from Sta. Ana.
The 4th District impressed with a fusion of tradition and innovation through dishes like beef kare-kare from San Simon, the native rice dish birinok of Sto. Tomas, toyotang manuk from Minalin, the rustic kubang itik of Apalit, Cajun seafood boil with garlic butter sauce from Masantol, rellenong alimango of Macabebe, the savory lagat hitu from Candaba, and the sweet bibingkang nasi of San Luis.
“This exposition is a tribute to the culinary artistry of the Kapampangan people. It’s not just about food—it’s about identity, tradition, and pride,” said Mike Castañeda, head of the Pampanga Arts, Culture, and Tourism Office.
Cultural pride and entertainment elevated the opening celebration, with standout performances by Miah Tiangco, Grand Winner of The Clash 2019, and Arti Sta. Rita, a MOKA awardee for Performing Arts.
Adding further vibrance to the event is a three-day agri-business trade fair designed to empower local farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and artisans by showcasing homegrown produce, culinary innovations, and sustainable initiatives.
With food, culture, and community at its core, the Manyaman Festival continues to be a delicious and meaningful celebration of what it truly means to be Kapampangan. Pampanga PIO
