LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office will showcase local cuisine in a food-travel festival dubbed “Kain Na!” from October 12 to 14 at the Ayala Mall here, a DOT official said Thursday.
DOT Regional Director Benjamin Santiago, in an interview, said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat will grace the opening of the three-day food extravaganza, in a bid to promote the country as a world-class gastronomy destination.
“’Kain na!’ which literally means ‘Let’s eat!’, will run simultaneously here in Legazpi City and Cebu City,” said Santiago, noting that food is one of the things that tourists consider in travelling and always a part of one’s itinerary.
Selected chefs from prominent restaurants and hotels in Bicol will serve their best recipes during the event.
Among them are Andhei Nacion of Oriental, who will prepare Binutong with Hot Choco, Ginataang Lambo, Bicol Express in a cup, Pansit Dinuguan and Lobi-Lobi; Marc Milo Mercader, Edsel Falcotelo, and Edward Emil Eugenio of Lola Sayong Eco-Surfing Camp, who will whip up Smoked fish out of Hell, “Black meals” and cocktails;
Bong Aspe of First Colonial Grill, who will prepare a “Giant Ice Cream” with all of the restaurant’s six flavors; Ruel Legson of Misibis Bay Resort, who will serve Kandingga Triangulo, Dinuguan and Pansit Muffin, Tinapa Express Quiche and Bread Fruit; Marica Buenaflor of Biggs Inc. who will prepare Laing Paella, Taqueria Bicolandia, Laing Longaniza and Laing slider; and Bernard Lagunoy and Jose Lobas of Pepperland Hotel, who are expected to serve Pinangat maki, Bicol express maki and Choco-pili maki.
In a statement, DOT Secretary Puyat said, “This event will prove the country as a vibrant culinary tourism destination and create awareness of the richly-diverse Filipino cuisine”.
The food-travel festival will also be participated in by exhibitors from regional farm tourism associations, DOT-accredited farm tour operators, farm cooperatives, and the academe.
Presentations on best practices in farm tourism, new agricultural technologies, and their contribution to sustainable development will be delivered by relevant practitioners and industry stakeholders. (Connie Calipay/PNA)
