City of San Fernando, Pampanga – Twenty-two (22) towns and cities across the province showcased their culinary prowess in culinary showdowns organized by the Provincial Tourism Office as part of the Manyaman Festival at Capitol Grounds from December 5-6, 2023.
Best Arobu Competition
Talented senior highschool students endorsed by Department of Education (DepEd) engaged in a cook-off, presenting various styles of cooking “Arobu” with ingredients like ripe saba bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, cassavas, and other delectable additions. Out of the 22 participating towns, Magalang secured First Place, followed by Macabebe in Second Place, and Minalin clinched Third Place.
Best Kapampangan Dish
Groups of HRM and Culinary students endorsed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Education And Skills Development Authority (TESDA) from different LGUs in Pampanga competed for the title of “Best Kapampangan Dish” in Pampanga. Each group crafted their chosen dish, including Kaldereta, Adobo, and Asado. TESDA-Gonzalo Puyat School of Arts and Trades secured First Place, Tomas Dizon Foundation Institute claimed 2nd Place, and Angeles City University Foundation (AUF) took 3rd Place.
Best Home Kapampangan Heirloom Dish
Home cooks across the 19 towns and cities of the province also presented their interpretations of their beloved Kapampangan heirloom dishes, highlighting flavors and techniques that have passed down through generations.
From timeless family recipes to dishes that have become synonymous with the region’s culinary identity, participants offered a diverse and mouthwatering array of creations.
“Lutong Puklo” of Guagua took First Place, “Zarzuela Ning Malat”of Sasmuan secured 2nd Place, and “Lelut Ulang” of San Luis got 3rd Place.
Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda’s series of cook-off events aim to preserve the rich culinary heritage of Kapampangan cuisine and showcase the gastronomic talents of the Kapampangans.
Renowned Kapampangan chefs, including Vince Garcia, Manuela Cherry Passion-Tan, Lilian Borromeo, Claude Tayag, and Kapampangan Historian Robby Tantingco, served as judges, evaluating entries based on taste, creativity, and presentation. Each winning group received cash prizes and trophies from the provincial government.
