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| (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa) |
Renowned gastronomic delicacies made and found in the province of Batangas take the spotlight as the 14th National Food Showdown, the Philippines' premier culinary competition, occurred inside the De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) Sentrum last November 17-18, 2023 in collaboration with the 11th Batangas Food and Beverage Expo (BAFBEX) and the Lipa City government with the theme "Lasap Tagalog". Highly regarded as the most delicious days in the province for 2023, the two-day event marked the first time a premier national culinary competition was hosted in Southern Luzon.
The event showcased various culinary competitions in student and professional divisions, drawing registrations and active participation from various Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management schools, renowned hotels, and restaurant companies across Luzon and support from 50 national and local partner brands and companies. Consequently, food enthusiasts, students, and partners attended the event eagerly anticipating the iconic gastronomy festival experience. The heart of each cooking category featured an array of renowned Batangas products, delicacies, and recipes including Bibingka Galapong, Goto, Cinturis, Paksiw, Vinegar, Bagoong, Sinaing, and various others. These iconic Batangas offerings served as the central element, adding depth and authenticity to every competition category.
Meanwhile, the event spotlighted renowned personalities in Culinary and Hospitality Management in the Philippines, serving as the board of judges for the said competitions, headed by Chef Myrna Segismundo. These include Chef Christian Valdes of CMV TXOKOLAT, Chef Martin Kaspar of L’Entrecote BGC, Diamond Hotel Executive Chef Mel Taylo, UCC Coffee Master Manny Torrejon, International Wine & Food Society Board Member Nana Ozaeta, National Food Showdown 2023 organizer Chef Raul Ramos, Tilde Bakeshop owner Chef Ginny de Guzman, USDA Lead Trainor Chef Jill Sandique, Chef Miko Aspiras of Scout’s Honor in Australia, Coffee Board member and Echostore owner Chit Juan, Chef Robby Goco of Cyma and Souv Restaurants), Jose Rizal University owner Bunny Fabella, Appetite Magazine's food editor Nina Daza-Puyat and Katrina Limcaoco of Pinkie’s Dairy and Swiss Inn. Here is the list of winners of the culinary competitions that have taken place during the two-day gastronomic spectacular.
• Plated Kakanin – Regional Bibingka Galapong (Student Division) – De La Salle University Dasmarinas, Batangas State University Malvar
• Best Tradition/Modern Recipe – Paksiw – Batangas (Student Division) – Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas
• Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRT) Quiz Bee (STU) – Westmead International School
• Table Setting with Floral (Student Division) – Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas
• Coffee Concoction (Student Division) – Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas
• Coffee Concoction (Professional Division) – Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas
• Best Traditional/Modern Recipe – Sinaing – Batangas (Student Division) – Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas
• Mocktail Mixing (Student Division) – Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas
• Regional Fruit Jams/Preserves – Cinturis Batangas (Professional Division) – Neko Kitchen
• Best Regional Ingredient – Bagoong (Professional Division) – Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas
• Cacao Concoction (Student Division) – Batangas State University – The National Engineering University/Pablo Borbon Campus
• Klasika Moderna (Professional Division) – HOTEL 1925
The event celebrated world-class Filipino cuisine, and became a melting pot of flavors and traditions, offering a delightful exploration into the unique culinary landscape of Batangas. This is De La Salle Lipa’s commitment, specifically through its College of International Hospitality Tourism Management (CIHTM), to act as a catalyst to promote and showcase Batangas’ beautiful and diverse cultural identity and hone and recognize the skills and talents that make this possible.
With words by Cristina Alfarita Larombi, De La Salle Lipa
