PAMPANGA HOLDS FIRST-EVER ‘MANYAMAN’ FOOD FESTIVAL

THE provincial government of Pampanga on Monday (December 4, 2023) launched its first-ever “Manyaman” food festival to boost its local and international tourism initiatives.

The opening of the event held in SM-San Fernando was led by Pampanga Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda and Board member Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab.

All the 19 municipalities and three cities of the province participated wherein each of them showcased their respective food specialty.

Manyaman in Pampanga dialect means “good food” or delicious representing the Kapampangans who are best known for food.

BM Pineda-Cayabyab, also the chairperson of Arts, Culture and Education, said that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Pampanga decided to launch the festival to help the small entrepreneurs who are still reeling from the effect of the pandemic get back to its feet.

Known as the “culinary capital of the Philippines,” Pampanga through the “Manyaman” food festival, will boost its tourism and attract not only the local neighbors but also abroad that will certainly give the province some extra economic gains, said Pineda-Cayabyab.

The province-wide festival is divided into two parts — the food fair/expo, and a series of “cook-off” featuring cooks doing their respective expertise.

Pineda-Cayabyab said that the festival also features high school and culinary HRM students doing their separate cooking skills.

“The involvement of the academe and the young generations in this gastronomic undertaking is an effective way to ensure the perpetuation of the superior culinary practices of the Kapampangans,” she stressed.

Cooking demonstrations will also be one of the highlights in the two-day celebration that started Monday.