ANGELES CITY, Pampanga | April 24, 2025 – Global. Gastronomy. Goodwill. took center stage as the Department of Tourism – Region III proudly hosted the third edition of Food Talks 2025 at Holy Angel University, Angeles City. This year’s event, a cornerstone celebration for Filipino Food Month in Central Luzon, highlighted the vital link between culinary heritage, tourism, and sustainable development through a series of dynamic activities.
The full-day forum kicked off with a rousing opening address from DOT-III Regional Director Richard G. Daenos, PhD, setting an inspiring tone for the day. Esteemed personalities such as chefs Jam Melchor, Claude Tayag, and Sau Del Rosario, along with senior researcher Dr. John Paolo Rivera, led the morning discussions, offering invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of Filipino cuisine and its role in tourism.
The afternoon sessions brought fresh perspectives from a vibrant mix of creatives and entrepreneurs, including interdisciplinary artist Ruston Banal Jr., viral food content creator Abi Marquez, Paya St. Coffee co-founders Archi. Lianne Joy Lugue and Lester Dwayne Rances, and Samuel Tecuala, CEO of Dehusk. Dr. Mervyn Maico Aldana, Dean of the HAU School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, closed the event by emphasizing the power of gastronomy in shaping inclusive and sustainable tourism experiences.
Meanwhile, the Food Tasting Area at St. Joseph Hall (HAU) provided a sensory journey across Central Luzon’s diverse culinary landscape. In collaboration with BS International Gastronomy students, participating provinces—Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales—and partner Freeport Zones (Subic and Clark) presented their most beloved food pairs. Highlights included Alak at Pulutan from Aurora, Tsokolate Batirol at Tamales from Bataan, Chicharong Sta. Maria and Sukang Paombong from Bulacan, Pandesal at Kesong Puti from Nueva Ecija, homegrown favorites like sisig and LA Bakeshop from Pampanga, Kanin at Bagis from Tarlac, and Mango Sticky Rice with Pastillas from Zambales, among others. Renowned brands like 717 Coffee & Co., 727 Coffee & Co., and hydration partner Pocari Sweat also delighted guests with their signature offerings.
A standout component of Food Talks 2025 was the launch of the Kulitan Flea Market and Food Bazaar at Museo ning Angeles and Plaza Angel. The ceremonial ribbon-cutting, led by DOT-III and partner stakeholders, officially opened a vibrant marketplace showcasing the best of local food and crafts. A lively cooking demo by Abi Marquez—featuring her creative lumpia take on the Kapampangan classic asadung matwa—captivated audiences, while food lovers enjoyed taste tests of traditional delicacies like Aling Lucing’s iconic sisig.
Through these three interconnected activities, Food Talks 2025 strengthened its mission to celebrate Filipino foodways as a force for national pride, community resilience, and global competitiveness.
This successful gathering was made possible with the support of Holy Angel University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Center for Kapampangan Studies, the Arts, Culture, and Tourism Office of Pampanga, the Provincial Tourism Offices of Central Luzon, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Clark Development Corporation, various local government units, OTAB Advertising, and Pocari Sweat.
Media Contact: Patrick V. De Leon Market and Product Development Officer Department of Tourism – Region III Email: pvdeleon@tourism.gov.ph
