As Filipinos, we see eating and dining as more than just getting our fill from a meal. Whether it’s an old family recipe passed down from your grandparents or a signature dish uniquely prepared from your hometown, food has its way of bringing people together, honoring tradition, and diversifying our cultural identity. Filipino cuisine is renowned for its creative use of ingredients and eccentric styles of preparing and cooking.
The significance of food can be seen in our day-to-day practices and social interactions. One example is that it serves as an opportunity for families to catch up and bond. Before dining, families wait until they are complete and say a prayer to thank God for the blessings served on their table. This is a practice embedded in Filipino culture and taught to the younger generations. We also use food as a way to show our hospitality or as a gesture of our affection. Filipinos are known for their hospitality and what better way to make new friends or deepen relationships than sharing a meal? Celebrations are made more festive when there is an array of food presented to guests. Our cultural diversity can be seen in the food we serve during fiestas, parties, and family gatherings. You can be sure to see a wide variety of flavorful and delectable dishes served on the table. Throughout the years, the Philippines has been exposed to various cultures and has integrated ingredients and cooking practices from outside of the country.
The Depart of Tourism – Region III is proud to present “Flavors of Pampanga: Manyaman!”. Expect to witness insightful discussions, informative talks, and live cooking demonstrations from well-renowned award-winning chefs. Chef Jam Melchor, Founder and President of the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement, will be gracing this event and discussing his views on the importance of Filipino food in our culture and identity. Chef Jam Melchor will also be sharing how Pampanga’s rich food culture has influenced and continuously impacted today’s culinary landscape.
Learn new recipes and discover cooking hacks from well-known personalities in the culinary industry. Participating in this virtual celebration are Chef Patricia Mesina, Executive Sous Chef of Hilton Hotel, Chef Howard Dizon, Kapampangan chef and owner of Howard Dizon’s Catering Services, and Chef Romulo Mendoza Jr., Culinary Professor at the Angeles University Foundation.
Among the guests of honor are DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Former President and now Presidential Adviser on Clark Programs and Projects Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Pampanga Governor Dennis G. Pineda, and DOT Region III Director Carolina Uy.
This campaign aims to promote and preserve Filipino culinary heritage and traditions for future generations. “Flavors of Pampanga: Manyaman!” will be streamed live on May 28, Friday, from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. through the Department of Tourism – Region III’s official Facebook page and Youtube channel. Everyone is welcome to participate and celebrate Filipino Food Month in this special cultural and culinary experience.