CLARK FREEPORT - The Province of Pampanga once again proved that it is indeed the Culinary Capital of the Philippines as it showcased renowned local cuisine during the first Kapampangan Food Festival held at the Asean Convention Center here on Thursday.

More than 20 traditional dishes prepared by the Culinarya Pampanga group were presented to the festival’s distinguished guests including President Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Tito Sotto, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, Cabinet members and locators and investors in Clark and Subic freeports.

The Culinarya Pampanga composed of famous and globally-acclaimed Kapampangan chefs and restaurateurs namely Chloe Ann Cauguiran, Chris Locher, Eric Jones Rivera, Roberto Sagmit, Ramon Tang, Jr., Judy Uson, Arceli Timbol, Rosauro Del Rosario, Carlos Pocholo Jorolan, Kimberly Nicole Wilkerson, Froilan Cruz, Patricia Tayag, Howard Dizon, Claude Tayag, Leonard Vincent Garcia, Lourdes Castro, Josephine Mendoza, Nico Bailon, Rex Joseph Tomen, My Lola Nor’s, Susie’s Cuisine, Carreon Delicacy, Delyn’s Delicacy and Taldawa Kambingan featured their famous dishes in fiesta-like booths inside the convention center.

The long-list of food menu includes Pork Belly Bringhe, Kilayin, Morcon, Maya Maya Mayonesa, Chicken Galantina, Camaro Taco, Relyenong Batute, Pindang Damulag, Pancit Luglug, Asadong Dila, Kalderetang Kambing, Sisig, Bulanglang Soup, Buro’t Hito fillet, Puto’t Dinuguan, and desserts like Duman Kalame, Puto Bumbong, Tibok-Tibok, Lelut Mais, Buko Pandan Salad, Tsokolati Batirol, Sago’t Gulaman, Ginumis and Lemon Grass coolers.

President Duterte, who led the inauguration of the first Grand Food Festival, recognized the world expertise of Kapampangans in the field of culinary arts after he tried some of the dishes on the food kiosks.

He described the Kapampangan dishes as “more grand and impressive” than those from Visayas and Mindanao where he grew up and came from.

r“Kung luto-luto lang, the simplest are the Bisaya. Prito lang ‘yan sa kanila tapos tinolang isda at tinolang manok. No such treats unlike sa Pampangueños na talagang maraming sangkap,” he said.

Meanwhile, Del Rosario, who is famously known as “Chef Sau,” said that the featured dishes showcase the culinary and cultural traditions of Pampanga as they were taken from the original recipes of old Kapampangan cooks.

“Today, we take pride in presenting the culture and heritage of Pampanga with our well-prepared Kapampangan dishes. As I always say, culture is best served in a platter,” Del Rosario said.

He added that the Culinarya Pampanga’s participation in the event aims to promote and pass on the culinary traditions of Pampanga as they recognize the global influences which continue to shape the Pampanga foodscape.

Governor Lilia Pineda, who spearheaded the event, said that the institution of the Kapampangan Food Festival aims to remind the public, especially Filipinos that Pampanga still takes pride on being the Culinary Capital of the Philippines with its famous traditional and innovative dishes.

“Gusto kong ma-remind ulit ang mga tao na ang Pampanga pa rin ang Culinary Capital ng Pilipinas. Kasi parang nakalimutan na ng mga tao, hindi na naririnig at hindi na napagkukwentuhan kaya naisip ko na gawin itong Kapampangan Food Festival,” Governor Pineda said, adding that the celebration is part of her “Visit Pampanga” tourism advocacy.

Governor Pineda also said that festival aims to boost the culinary industry in the province and promote Kapampangan chefs who can provide their expertise and bring to other parts of the country and the world the delectable and tasty local dishes.

Aside from the food presentation, President Duterte, Governor Pineda, together with Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Vice-Governor Dennis Pineda and Kapampangan chefs also unveiled to the public the ‘Love Pampanga’ icon brand which will serve as one of the tourism markers of the province.

The Arti Sta. Rita also entertained the audience with some of the famous Kapampangan songs such as Atin Ku Pung Singsing, while the Mutya Ning Kapampangan 2017 candidates held a mini fashion gala showcasing Pidayit gowns made by Phillip Torres.