MANYAMAN! Delighted over Kapampangan dishes are former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Vice Gov. Lilia G. Pineda at the opening of Mangan Tamu Pampanga Food Street. With them are (L-R) Mabalacat City Vice Mayor Geld Aquino, CDC president-CEO Noel Manankil and chef Sau del Rosario. Photo by Joann M. Valenciano
CLARK FREEPORT — Commercio Central’s Mangan Tamu (Let’s Eat) held its grand opening on Tuesday with a sumptuous presentation of Pampanga’s best cuisine prepared by Kulinarya Pampanga.
The event also held its ribbon cutting ceremony and was graced by Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, former President and Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda, Vice Gov. Lilia Pineda, CDC chair Jose “Ping” De Jesus, CDC president Noel F. Manankil, and Mabalacat City Vice Mayor Geld Aquino.
Puyat expressed her excitement for the newest food park in this Freeport as it will generate tourism for its gastronomic experience.
“Nakaka-excite po ang lugar na ito, lahat ng wonderful dishes ng Pampanga is in one roof. This gastronomy tourism is the central part of the tourism experience,” said Puyat.
“Purposely positioned in Pampanga which is known as the culinary capital of the Philippines, I would like to commend CDC and the local and provincial governments of Pampanga,” Puyat added.
Kulinarya Pampanga prepared a wide array of Kapampangan heirloom dishes from lutung ulam (main entrees) to Kapampangan desserts and refreshments to showcase the best of Kapampangan cuisine.
“The essence of today’s event is the grand launch of this place called Mangan Tamu which showcases the best of Kapampangan cuisines. We (Culinarya Pampanga) were tasked to present heirloom recipes, especially Kapampangan recipes that up to now people continue to savor,” said renowned chef Sau del Rosario.
“It’s a culmination of everything, the best of Pampanga’s cuisine. Some are also gawa sa bahay (homemade),” del Rosario added.
Commercio Central’s Mangan Tamu has almost a hundred food and non-food merchants. Located in front of the Parade Grounds, it is open every Friday to Sunday from 5 p.m. to midnight.
