A San Juan-based restaurant serving Cebu lechon was hailed the Pulutan of the Year (Influencer’s Choice) in the first-ever Pulutan Festival held at the Liwasang Kalikasan at the CCP Complex in Pasay City Saturday evening.
Mambo’s Lechon bested 49 other vendors that participated in Pulutan Fest 2023, followed by Vincent’s Place Kambingan Restaurant at a close second.
Vincent’s Kambingan also got the most perfect scores from the food influencer judges.
“We joined Pulutan Fest to help get the name of Mambo’s Lechon out since we are relatively new…It was really a pleasant surprise for us!
We’re flattered and grateful for the recognition,” Mambo’s Lechon said.
A takoyaki stall, Mr. Tentacles, got the People’s Choice Award, followed by Marikina-based Faye Sisig.
“Your OG in baby octo Takoyaki just got an [award]. Thank you #PulutanFest2023 for inviting us and for the recognition of being this year’s People Choice Awardee. We’d like to share this award with all customers, colleagues, and franchisees! We hope to see you again next year,” Mr. Tentacles said in a Facebook post.
According to Arne Reodique, founder of PulutanFest, the event was a “huge success.”
“Initially we were worried if the line-up of vendors were not as diverse as we envisioned but hearing feedback from eventgoers that they were overwhelmed and are so looking forward to 2024 was the best form of validation,” he said.
Joyce Babe Pañares, Manila Standard’s Managing Editor, was one of the judges of the event.