Melo Villareal
5th Western Visayas Tabu-an Ilonggo Heritage Cooking Competition
As a avid food lover from a country rich in cultural diversity, I deeply appreciate how tradition plays a vital role in inspiring the culinary practices that shape the unique flavors and techniques of various Philippine provinces. Whenever I travel to new places, I make a conscious effort to immerse myself in the local customs, traditions, and everyday life, allowing me to truly appreciate and savor the authentic tastes and aromas of the region’s cuisine.
5th Western Visayas Tabu-An Ilonggo Heritage Cooking Competition
So when I was invited to the Western Visayas Tabu-An Ilonggo Heritage Cooking Competition in Iloilo, I did not think twice to respond in the affirmative. I was informed that, in addition to the cooking competition, there will be cooking demos, inspiring talks, and trade fairs. I could not miss this opportunity for the world.
A few days later, I was on an airplane, flying from the bustling city of Manila to the charming shores of Iloilo. Before participating in the cooking competition, I took the opportunity to explore the vibrant trade fair, where numerous booths showcased a variety of organic products, ranging from offerings by small local businesses to creations by passionate student chefs.
Before the judging commenced, we observed the participants as they skillfully prepared their signature dishes. An outdoor space adjacent to the Iloilo Convention Center had been transformed into a lively cooking station, where teams worked diligently, showcasing their culinary techniques. I appreciated the opportunity to watch closely as each team meticulously crafted their creations.
During the Cooking Competition, each participating team is challenged to prepare 3 dishes (Appetizer, Main Dish, and Dessert) in Ilonggo Heritage Cuisine for 300 people. Each team is also required to prepare separate plates for display and for the judging panel.
The cooking competition was also preceded by talks from renowned Filipino chefs, such as Chef Don Colmenares, and food writers, including Micky Fenix, who has been a judge in the Visayan competition since 2013. Other notable personalities in the industry who were present at the event include Joby Arandela of Zarraga Integrated Diversified Organic Farmers Association, Pamela Henares of BuroBuro Spring Farm in Negros Occidental, Celebrity Chef Myke Tatung Sarthou, Clang Garcia, a book author and TV host, and Chuck Janolino of AgriPacific.
There was also a panel discussion led by Book author Ige Ramos, and later on a cooking demo by none other than Chef Boy Logro himself, who turned Iloilo’s local seafood produce into culinary delights right before everybody’s eyes. Chef Raphael Cristobal and Chef Jorn Fonseca of Purple Yam also demonstrated cooking onstage before more than 300 guests from various Culinary schools in Western Visayas.
Competition Results
| 5TH WESTERN VISAYAS TABU-AN ILONGGO HERITAGE COOKING COMPETITION LIST OF WINNERS | |
| Overall Category | |
| Champion: | WESTERN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY |
| Coach: OJ Salazar | |
| 1st Place Overall: | HERCOR COLLEGE |
| Coach: Ms Neset Colona | |
| 2nd Place Overall: | COLEGIO DEL SAGRADO CORAZÓN DE JESÚS |
| Coach: John Paul Frias | |
| Best Appetizer Category | |
| Best Appetizer: | WESTERN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY |
| 1st Runner Up Best Appetizer: | HERCOR COLLEGE |
| 2nd Runner Up Appetizer: | WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY- Calinog Campus |
| Best Main Course Category | |
| Best Main Course: | WESTERN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY |
| 1st Runner-Up Main Course: | COLEGIO DEL SAGRADO CORAZON DE JESÚS |
| 2nd Runner-Up Main Course: | HERCOR COLLEGE |
| Best Dessert Category | |
| Best Dessert: | WESTERN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY |
| 1st Runner-Up Dessert: | CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY |
| 2nd Runner-Up Dessert: | WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY- CALINOG CAMPUS |
Inspired by all these talented chefs and writers in the industry, the cookfest began. And after a smoking battle and showdown, the young chefs from Western Institute of Technology emerged as the overall champions, followed by the team from Hercor College in second place, and the cooks from Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus in third.
The champions were coached by OJ Salazar, while Ms. Neset Colona backed the chefs from Hercor College. Meanwhile, John Paul Frias was the mentor to the chefs at Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus.
The competition also recognized the winners of three minor categories.
For Best Appetizer, Western Institute of Technology once again took the first place, with Hercor College coming in a close second. West Visayas State University- Calinog Campus was awarded second runner-up in the category.
The Western Institute of Technology also snatched first prize at the Best Main Course category with their Lengua Estofado sa Bugnay nga Vino. Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus came in at second place, and Hercor College received bronze.
The chefs from Western Institute of Technology showed everyone they have the best of everything by winning first place yet again in the final category, Best Dessert. Their Mantecado Ilonggo Sorbetes with Batuan Caramel and Camote Delight Duo bested the 6 dessert entries. Central Philippine University and West Visayas State University- Calinog Campus placed second and third, respectively.
The Western Visayas Tabu-An Ilonggo Heritage Cooking Competition, which I attended, is the fifth installment of the competition. The cookfest that showcased the talents of young cooks in Western Visayas is part of the two-day Flavors of Western Visayas: The Hidden Treasures, an exhibition, convention, and trade fair hosted by the Department of Agriculture Region VI, Department of Tourism Region VI, Bureau of Aquatic Resources, and Commission on Higher Education.
Overall, it was another fantastic year showcasing Iloggo Cuisine. Thanks to Chef Rafael “Tibong” Jardeleza for inviting us and for consistently promoting Ilonggo Food worldwide. After witnessing this successful event, I believe other provinces should consider doing the same. As a traveler, I think one of the most effective ways to introduce a destination is through its signature dish. When the palate is pleased, everything else falls into place.
Looking forward to seeing you next year in Iloilo!
Follow and subscribe to OutofTownBlog.com on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for more Travel-related updates.
Also Read: Flavors of the Philippines: Sabores de Visayas
