(Photos from Flavors of Iloilo cookbook)
Ilonggos are known for being malambing (sweet) and ma–amoma (hospitable), especially to visitors. But these traits may seem incomplete without treating guests to the best Ilonggo food.
Ilonggos have proven true the saying “the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” as unique delicacies have been one of the best ways to attract tourists to come and keep coming back to the heart of the Philippines.
In the bid to bring this to the next level, the local government, in partnership with different stakeholders, has taken various initiatives to promote the Ilonggo cuisine not only at the local and national levels but also in the international arena.
With renowned Ilonggo Chef and Ilonggo Food and Culture Advocate Rafael Jardeleza taking the lead, the city and province of Iloilo, through local legislation, have cemented the title “The Food Haven of the Philippines.”
Moving forward, the city government, with the immense participation of Jardeleza and Iloilo City First Lady (FL) Rosalie Sarabia–Treñas, also came up with an Ilonggo cookbook called “Flavors of Iloilo.”
According to Jardeleza, in the cookbook’s introduction, “Flavors of Iloilo” presents historical Ilonggo heritage cuisine not only for Ilonggos but also for the world to share.
The cookbook surely shows that there is more to Ilonggo cuisine than Batchoy, KBL (Kadyos, Baboy, Langka) or Pancit Molo.
It is packed with easy–does–it Ilonggo heritage recipes that are sure to inspire and guide one in preparing dishes worthy of an experience.
To cite, for instance, other must–try Ilonggo food featured in the cookbook include Ensalada nga Amargoso kag Balighon, Kinilaw, Freska nga Lumpia Ubod, Paklay, Ilonggo Binakol nga Manok sa Butong, Patotin sa Tuba, Inadobo nga Biga–biga kag Parong sang Manok, and many more.
“Food is also the language of love for the Ilonggos and we have mastered the art of feeding our guests as a sign of welcoming them to our homes and in Iloilo,” Jardeleza affirmed.
FL Treñas, who served as Project Executive Director of the Flavors of Iloilo project, shared the same thoughts about Ilonggo food.
In her message in the cookbook, she expressed that Ilonggo food evokes emotions of days gone by, from when life was simpler into a more complex modern world.
She further believes that Iloilo deserves to be known as the City of Love because of the Ilonggo’s unique traits, especially in receiving and welcoming guests at home.
“The same love is evident in the food we serve, prepared with passion and ardor and served with pleasure and joy,” she said.
Moreover, the southern city is bringing its name to the international arena by reapplying for the Creativity City of Gastronomy of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) through its umbrella project, the Creative Cities Network.
Launched in 2004, the project covers seven creative fields, namely Crafts and Folks, Art, Design, Film, Literature, Media Arts, Music, and Gastronomy.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas has touted Iloilo City as a gastronomic hotspot waiting to be explored, experienced and enjoyed.
He believes that by clinching the prestigious title, it will continue to guide the city in achieving its goals of growth, progress and sustainable development./PN
