Even without understanding the words they speak, indulging in local cuisines creates a connection. You feel as though you comprehend their stories, immersing yourself in their culture, province, and essence.
The province of Pampanga, in partnership with Megaworld Capital Town Pampanga, launched the Manyaman Festival on May 9, 2024. The recently passed culinary heritage ordinance of the Province of Pampanga, Provincial Ordinance 836, designates April each year for the celebration of the Manyaman Festival, aligning with National Heritage and Filipino Food Month.
Angelina Blanco, special assistant to the governor; and Chef Jam Melchor, head of Slow Food Youth Network, were in attendance, along with Hon. Krizzanel Win-win Garbo, first district board member of Pampanga; Richard Daenos, regional director of DOT3; and other local officials from Pampanga who participated in the event.
The festival celebrates Kapampangan heirloom dishes and their significance to the province, highlighting its rich heritage and solidifying its title as the "Culinary Capital of the Philippines." Besides the delectable cuisines, Kapampangan culture, traditions, and fashion sense are also celebrated.
“Today, we celebrate the Manyaman Festival, a vibrant display of our rich culture and heritage. It aims to primarily highlight something Pampanga is very well known for, our amazing cuisine. Centuries ago, Pampanga played a crucial role in trade due to our strategic location. This exposure to different cultures influenced our cuisine. We embrace spices from the Orient, cooking techniques from the Middle East, techniques from the Spaniards, and ingredients brought in by traders from all over. All these influences, combined with the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Kapampangan, resulted in a truly special cuisine,” Blanco shared.
The celebration continued with the main course of the evening, featuring delectable dishes from 22 towns in Pampanga, grouped into four legislative districts of the province. Each district offered a full course, from appetizers to desserts.
Starting with District 1, which includes Angeles City, Magalang, and Mabalacat City, showcasing dishes like Putung Babi for the appetizer; Paku for the salad; Sabo Bulanglang for the soup; Sisig, Pindang Babi, and Bringhe for the main dishes; and Tibuk-tibuk for dessert.
As for District 2, the towns of Sta. Rita, Floridablanca, Lubao, Porac, Guagua, and Sasmuan served Chicharon with Atsara Papaya for the appetizer; Paku for the salad; Sale Manuk for the soup; Asadong Matua, Sisig Bangus, and Gisang pugang panas for the main dishes; and Sanzrival, Hopia, Pituklip, Ale Ube, and Masa Podrida for dessert.
Following that is District 3 featuring Bacolor serving Ambulang Dila, Tamales, and Putoseco; and the City of San Fernando had Tsokolateng Batirul and Pindang Damulag. The town of Sta. Ana served Kilayin and Yema Palitaw; Mexico had Asado Matwa, San Nicolas Cookies, and Kalame Gandus; while Arayat showcased Kapit, Sapin-Sapin, Ensaladang Pako, and Kalderetang Bibi.
Last but not the least is District 4 comprising San Simon, Sto. Tomas, Minalin, Apalit, Masantol, Macabebe, Candaba, and San Luis. These municipalities served Panara as the appetizer, Bulanglang Bangus (Paro) for the soup, and Sisig Mangga for the salad. The main course includes Seafood Kare-Kare; Buro, Hito, and Gule; and Seafood Cajun with Taba ng Talangka; finishing of with Sampelut and Tibuk-tibuk for the dessert.
Guests also enjoyed live performances by local talents Lucas Garcia, Jem Macatuno, Arti Sta. Rita, and Bertung Ispongha while relishing the province's meals. Additionally, the local government conducted a Manyaman Festival Food Safety and Food Hygiene Seminar for all street food vendors and local carinderia cooks – guaranteeing that not only are the dishes enjoyable but also prepared and served in a safe and hygienic manner.