One day left to experience the true essence of Cordillera indigenous food
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1. CULINARY TOURISM. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong expresses gratitude to all visitors, stakeholders, and partners of Mangan Taku Fair 2023 and hopes that everyone would live with deeper appreciation and love for the region’s cuisine and culture, while committing to ensuring delicious, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible food industry in the city, during his welcome address at the event’s Opening Ceremony at the Rose Garden in Burnham Park on Friday, April 21, 2023.
2. CORDILLERA FOOD FAIR. Exhibitors from various areas in the region proudly showcase their unique cuisines, putting the spotlight on their distinct indigenous specialties, during the Mangan Taku Fair 2023 Opening Ceremony at the Rose Garden in Burnham Park on Friday, April 21, 2023. Photo by: Freddie Rulloda /Agila News, Net 25
BAGUIO CITY – Tourists, visitors, and locals who haven’t had the chance to attend the much-anticipated Mangan Taku Food Fair 2023 and are still eager to indulge in the unique and authentic flavors of the region’s indigenous cuisine, may catch up until Monday, April 24 at the Rose Garden in Burnham Park, here.
Since its institutionalization in 2019, the food fair has become an eagerly anticipated annual tradition, showcasing the very best of Cordillera’s indigenous cuisine, as the country celebrates Filipino Food Month or Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino.
The four-day event features a wide range of dishes that are unique to all six provinces in the region, including the vibrant city of Baguio.
Visitors can expect to taste upgraded versions of the already popular “Pinikpikan”, as well as popular Filipino and international dishes with the addition of Cordillera’s indigenous ingredients, like “Kinuday Sisig” and “Tapuey Ice Cream”, among others.
This year’s event pays homage to the region’s beloved beverage, the “Tapuey” or rice wine, a staple drink for important occasions such as weddings, harvest season, cultural fairs, and fiestas, that goes perfectly with the region’s native cooking.
According to the region’s Tourism Department (DOT-CAR) director Jovita A. Ganongan, the “tapuey” is a traditional brew that holds immense cultural and historical significance in Cordillera’s rich heritage and traditions.
“In the spirit of festivity, no celebration in the cordilleras is complete without indulging in the delicious ‘tapuey’,” Ganongan stated in her opening remarks during the fair’s opening ceremony on Friday, April 21.
Ganongan also highlighted the art of “tapuey” making, which has been passed down through generations among the Cordillerans.
She said the craft represents the resilience of a culture that has withstood the test of time, preserving its traditions and customs for centuries.
“Every aspect in the process of “tapuey” making is a testament to the Cordilleran way of life. It represents the connection between the people and the land they call home… not just a craft, but a part of who we are,” Ganongan said.
Ganongan also encourages visitors to sample the various versions of this beloved beverage, which are prepared in distinct ways across the different provinces of the region.
The Director also reminds fair-goers to join the Food Crawl Challenge for a chance to win exciting prizes.
Food Crawl passports are available at the Mangan Taku Secretariat Booth at the Rose Garden until the fair’s last day on Monday, April 24th.
The Closing Ceremony will be held at 3:00 o’clock pm.
Meanwhile, the region’s Agriculture Department (DA-CAR) stated that the department’s role is to ensure food security with the support of farmers who continue growing and producing raw materials used as main ingredients in the preparation of indigenous dishes.
“Let us continue to plant and encourage our farmers to plant wisely and continue the Plant, Plant, Plant program [of the government]. It is a way to lower the fuel consumption and cost of logistics, creating livelihood opportunities, and promoting a healthy lifestyle by making available nutritious food,” Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) chief Aida Pagtan said.
For his part, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong said that the event is more than just a culinary event.
He said it is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the dedication and hard work of our local community, farmers, and all the others involved in the food preparation and production.
“They are the unsung heroes of the food industry, working tirelessly every day to bring fresh and healthy produce to our table,” Mayor Magalong stated in his welcome address during the opening ceremony. ### Merriam del Rosario // FNS
