A high-ranking official of the Australian Embassy in Manila had a taste of the famed Ilocos empanada during a recent trip to the northern region to discuss economic development projects.
(Photo courtesy of Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu via X post)
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu shared about Dr. Moya Collett’s visit to Ilocos, the hometown of President Marcos.
“Agyamanak unay Ilocos for welcoming our Deputy Ambassador, Dr Moya Collett,” the envoy wrote.
She shared photos of the embassy team that visited the province, including one that showed them with Ilocos empanada, that infamous orange-colored rice wrapper stuffed with green papaya, longganisa, and egg.
The lumpia-like delicacy is deep fried to perfection and sold in the streets of Ilocos much like the usual street food of fish balls, squid balls, and banana cue.
Yu cannot help but express envy at the empanada served before Collett, and promised to make her own journey in search for the “best” empanada.
“Plus, they took part in the search for the best Ilocos empanada. Needless to say, I want to be the next judge! Agsubli kamin to,” she said.
The embassy team was in Ilocos to discuss development plans, according to the ambassador.
“Dr Collett had a fruitful discussion with key local actors on their exciting plans for economic development, including renewable energy projects that will power a sustainable future,” she said.