Sen. Cynthia Villar takes pride in Las Pinas cuisine

Senator Cynthia A. Villar is in search of dishes that's delicious, original and most of all, made in Las Pinas.

"Naghahanap po talaga tayo ng recipe na pwede nating ipagmalaki sa ibang  bayan," said Mrs. Villar at the opening of the 4th Las Pinas Food Festival held at the Villar SIPAG in Pulanglupa Uno last May 26.

"Naiingit po ako sa ibang bayan - pag sinabi n'yong Malabon, may Pansit Malabon sila at sapin-sapin. Pag sinabi n'yong Iloilo, may Pancit Molo sila. Pagsinabi nyong Ilocos meron silang bagnet, empanada at empanaditas,"she added.

"So siguro sa kagagawa nating nitong ating festival,  in the future, pag sinabing Las Pinas, alam na natin kung ano ang pinakamasarap na iluluto ng mga taga Las Pinas para i-promote natin sa ibang bayan," the senator said.

Mrs. Villar, director of the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG), cited the holding of food expos nationwide as it highlights micro small and medium enterprises.

"Ninety-nine percent of all the companies in the Philippines are micro small and medium enterprises. And they provide 65 percent of the jobs. Hindi po tutoo na malalaking kumpanya ang (nagpapatakbo) sa Pilpinas. Ang bumubuhay sa Pilipinas ay yung maliliit na kumpanya," she explained.

Villar also said that 50 percent of the businesses of the micro small and medium are involve in the food industry.

"Kaya napalakaki po ng opportunities sa pagkain, at ang mga Pilipino mahilig talagang kumain. Kaya dapat nating i-support ang ganitong klaseng festival," she said.

This year's food festival was participated in by all 18 barangays of Las Piñas City. They competed for the best viand cooked in a Filipino way with native ingredients and a dessert.

Villar said the food festival emerged as an annual celebration where communities in Las Piñas get together for a friendly competition.

“The festival is also a venue for foodies from nearby cities and provinces where they could sample delicacies creatively and expertly prepared by residents,” she said.

Barangay Talon 2 won P20,000.00 and trophy as grand winner for its entry – Pamplina Con Carne and Turon Surprise. 1st runner up was Barangay Manuyo 1, won P15,000.00 and trophy for its entry – Crispy fried Tilapia and Maja Blanca. Barangay Pulang Lupa Uno won P10,000.00 and trophy as 2nd runner up for their Spicy Cheesy Tahong and Alpahor.

The cooking competition entries were judged according to the following criteria: 1. Overall impact and plating, 30 percent; 2. Taste, 30 percent; 3. Creativity and visual appeal, 15 percent; 4. Technique used, 15 percent, and 5. Hygiene and sanitation, 10 percent.

Last year’s grand winner was Barangay Talon 2 for its Ube Creamy Fiesta and the Green Medley entries. First  runner-up was Barangay Manuyo 2, for its entry- Nutella Nestle Cream Delight and Capt. Nery Season Green Salad.  Barangay Talon 4 was  2nd runner for their Mangoes and Cream in Malunggay crepe with Malunggay Ice Cream and Green Salad with Apple Walnut.

This year's members of the board the judges are chefs Shelaine Evangelista, Manny Puno, Joy Sol and Tony Finnigan.

During the festivities, a food exhibit with 50 exhibitors coming from Las Piñas and other cities and provinces was also held. Showcased were local delicacies and products for sampling and selling, as well as fresh or ready to eat foods, processed foods, snacks and beverages, and fresh garden or farm produce.

The winners of the Urban Gardening Competition in three categories, namely, Inter-Barangay, Inter- Public School and Inter-Homeowners' Associations was also announced where one winner from each category, received P 50,000 each plus trophy.

The winners in each category were: Interschool – Golden Acres National High School; Homeowners Association – Phase 3 West Talon Dos and Interbarangay – BF International/CAA.

This year’s event partners were Unilever, Knorr, Apicius Culinary and Hotel Management School, Elba, Silver Swan and Golden Oats. - ROBERT REQUINTINA