/PNA
BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental’s reputation when it comes to good food is being highlighted during the three-day “Kaon Na ‘Ta” Food and Travel Festival which started Wednesday afternoon at Ayala Malls Capitol Central here.
Tourism Undersecretary Arturo Boncato Jr., who declared the opening of the festival, said visitors expect the food in the province to be of high standards.
“We always look forward to the really delicious and wonderful food here,” he said.
“It is fitting that the last edition of the festival is celebrated in this beautiful city of Bacolod and province of Negros Occidental,” Boncato said, noting that 22 exhibitors are participating in the event.
The food-travel festival series conceptualized by Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat was also held in the cities of Legazpi, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Sta. Rosa City, and Davao City this year in partnership with the Ayala Malls.
During the opening program, Boncato was joined by Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., Bong Dy of Ayala Malls and Bacolod City Administrator John Orola in the ceremonial lamb slicing and wine toasting.
In his speech, Boncato said the vision of the DOT is to celebrate Filipino cuisine not only in Metro Manila, but in all regions of the country.
Most importantly, they are also looking at celebrating the whole ecosystem supporting Filipino cuisine, he added.
Boncato said food and culinary, along with farm tourism, is fast-becoming a major player in the mainstream global tourism industry.
These products attract the new generation of travelers looking for a more customized, interactive and meaningful celebration, experiences and destinations, he noted.
“The Department of Tourism believes that Negros Occidental and Bacolod City fit such profile. That this destination is not only proud of its heritage and culture, but also of its great culinary scene,” Boncato said.
Marañon said one of the province’s strength is food, particularly its freshness.
“Most of our fellows in Metro Manila want to eat here because of our fresh farm and sea-to-table food,” the governor said, adding that Negrenses really have the passion in preparing good cuisine.
The opening of “Kaon Na ‘Ta” also featured chefs Joerri Arro, Don Colmenares, Nico Millanes, Patrick Go, Niño Laus, Kalel Demetrio and JP Anglo, who presented their interesting recipes using locally-sourced ingredients.
A food parade of local government units showcased the chicken inasal of Bacolod City, puto of Manapla, squash maja of Sipalay City, piaya of Silay City, organic lechon of Kabankalan City, leche flan and sab-a sticks of La Castellana, blue crabs of E.B. Magalona, and bitso-bitso of Talisay, among others.
