Clash of culinary masterpieces

CEBU, Philippines — Culinary geniuses from Cebu’s towns once again took center stage as Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) opened Food Festival the other day.

The culinary festival dubbed as “Eats Meets West” kicked off Friday and will run until today at the Capitol in celebration of the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.

The United Nations has proclaimed 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, in recognition of the tremendous potential of the tourism industry, which accounts for some 10 percent of the world’s economic activity.

Also, to contribute to the fight against poverty and foster mutual understanding and intercultural dialogue, which are at the heart of UNESCO’s mission.

PTO Chief Joselito Costas said the event aims to discover, innovate, and enhance new flavors in the local culinary scene while helping shape a cultural taste that is distinctly Cebuano.

“Ang purpose sa Food Festival is to develop and innovate. We're looking for the best dishes or food that will use the ingredients of the town they're representing,” he said.

The event gathers talented cooks from the towns of Oslob, Catmon, Tuburan, Samboan, Santander, Argao, Alegria, San Remegio, Aloguinsan, and the cities of Bogo and Danao in a bid to create another winning Cebuano cuisine.

Cebu is home to many cultures and flavors, said Costas.

But Costas said other towns and cities were unable to join the festival due to budget constraints.

The festival also highlights the products of each town like organic vinegar of Catmon, and the famous torta of Argao, the home of the well-preserved Spanish colonial town plaza, the historical Cabecera de Argao.

Aside from the culinary competition and food bazaar, the PTO also conducted a series of talks and fora on Cebu’s culinary history, organic food preparation and practices, food tourism, and Philippine ancient diets, among others.

National Museum Dr. Ame Garong, one of the resource speakers, discussed her 2013 research about how people look for sources for survival.

“Noong araw, what is important is to utilize and explore sources for survival,” she said.

Garong’s research includes the human bones, dating back the 16th century, found on the grounds of Boljoon Parish Church. Her research also proved that fishes dominated the diet of the people in the town.

Other speakers also mentioned that Cebuanos' diet include corn and millet.

“You are what you eat,” Teresa Ruelas from Cebu Farmers Market said during her talk on food story.

“If you eat unhealthy, you are unhealthy,” she said, adding that good food is “organic and sustainable.”

Elenor Rivera of the Healing Present Foundation, in her talk, also stressed the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.

She said eating organic food can prevent diseases, such as psoriasis, and acne, among others.

“When you become a vegetarian, you reduce your sickness,” she said.

The Eats Meets West is the output of the community-based eco-tourism of the provincial government. The annual event started in 2015 and the number of participating municipalities continues to increase each year.

This year’s opening was held in Tuburan town in northwest Cebu which is known for its coffee. The town’s coffee was named “Kape Arcadio” after the town’s patriarch and revolutionary leader, Arcadio Maxilom. (FREEMAN)