THIS year, the annual celebration of the famous Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City will have a food festival that will be held at Delgado Street on January 24 at 6:30 p.m. until 1 a.m. of January 27.
There are 25 participants who signified to join the food festival and more are expected to join, Happy Abenir of Iloilo Hotels Restaurants and Resorts Association (IHRRA) said.
“This is a place nga dinarayo sang aton mga bisita (This is a place where our guests usually visits). Local and foreigner,” Abenir said.
As what she can assess, each of the restaurants are trying to outdo their selves by trying to introduce something new, however, grilled product is the most appealing menu.
“Kung ano ang specialty nila sa ila store amo man na ang ila ginapromote para ang mga bisita na hindi taga diri can also try what is really Ilonggo (The specialties of each store is what we promote so that the guests who are not from here can try Ilonggo food),” she added.
The restaurants of the IHRRA are required to post health cards for their employees and sanitation permits in compliance to their standard operating procedure. The City Health Office will also inspect and monitor the areas.
There will be national bands to perform at the areas of foodfest like Moonstar 88, Franco, and about eight local talents to be provided by San Miguel Corporation.
They assure the tourists and guests that they will have a safe and happy visit as IHRRA coordinated with the different government agencies, especially with the police who is the main in-charge of the security of the people.
In terms of cleanliness and garbage disposal, they reach out the General Services Office.
With regards to the Executive Order (EO) No. 146, directing the mandatory closure at 2:00 in the morning of all bars, night clubs, disco bars, resto bars and other similar establishments providing for exemptions and sanctions for violations, Abenir stressed that they will limit the customers’ order at 11 p.m. until 12 a.m.
“We are recognizant of the ordinances of the city as well as serving beer to minors. We do that every year biskan wala sang (even without the) EO,” she said.