The Department of Tourism, Philippines (DOT) under the stewardship of Secretary Joseph Ace Durano recently launched Culinary Tourism dubbed as Kulinarya Filipina as part of the Cultural Tourism Program. Philippine cuisines feature a spicy blend of various cultures namely: Malay, Chinese and Spanish which influences the Filipino’s way of traditional cooking style. Some of their dishes adopted Chinese style while some retained their Spanish names.

A few well-known destinations for food in the country are Bicol, Pampanga and Bulacan which are famous for sweets, while, Negros, Iloilo and Cebu are known for Lechon (pork dish) and Otap (oval shaped puff pastry). On the other hand, Antipolo is popularly known for its Suman (rice cake), Kasoy (cashew) and Mangga (mango) and Ilocos for its Longganisa (sausages), and Pinakbet (mix vegetables steamed in fish).

Quezon Province is well-known for its harvest festivals and culinary specialties such as Longganizang Lucban (native sausage), Pancit Habhab (native noodles eaten directly from a banana leaf), the Kiping (both a delicacy and ornament during the Pahiyas festival) and Broas (local lady’s fingers). Also worth watching is the Pandanggo-Awit, a traditional practice to welcome guests that features the Lambanog – a local vodka-like drink which is one of the province’s most popular products.

In addition to these initiatives, the Department of Tourism, Philippines also explores the possibility of launching and marketing culinary tours to other well-known culinary centers of the country such as Manila, the Ilocos Region, Pampanga, Bulacan, Iloilo, Negros and Davao.

These projects are being undertaken by the Department of Tourism in coordination with the Philippine Tour Operators’ Association (PHILTOA), Philippine Tourism Agencies Association (PTAA), the Local Government Units, and various local tour consolidators.

One of the recently developed KULINARYA tour packages focuses on the Province of Quezon which is already a popular tourism destination. Along with this, some other culinary trips initiated in the Philippines are:

ILOCANDIA CULINARY TOUR – The cooking comes as exclusively as Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte’s majestic historic villages and heritage churches.  Learn to cook the freshest ingredients flavoured by the Ilocano’s penchant for sauces and simple natural cooking . . .

PAMPANGA/BULACAN KULINARYA – Learn why Pampanga is the “Food Capital of the Philippines” and Bulacan, the country’s center for desserts and pastries.  A hands-on cooking lesson highlights the tour complemented by visits to historical sights that provide insights to the Filipinos perseverance in the kitchen that is life!

KULINARYA TAGALA – Nestled around the mystic Mt. Banahaw, Quezon and Laguna provinces offers only the freshness bounty. . .  Savor the fresh air of countryside along with the province’s morsels from snacks to fiesta fare!

BICOL KULINARYA – A sweet and chili hot tour of the provinces of Albay and Sorsogon in the Bicol Region!  Familiarize yourself with hot chili peppers amidst the perfect cone of the Mayon Volcano.  Hop and board the Bicol Express and dash to the nearest water station.

BORACAY FOOD TRIP – Aside from the 3.5-kilometer white sand beach the island is known for, Boracay now has endless dining possibilities to swim for.  From exotic local cuisine to authentic international specialties, Boracay is the ultimate culinary island for you!

It’s more fun in the Philippines

Crescent-shaped beaches dusted with talcum powder-like sand; uninhabited tropical islands, lush impenetrable jungles bristling with unique wildlife, the thrusting soaring capital of Manila, historic cities, a diverse local cuisine and culture …the Philippines has all this and more. Go there and discover some of the 7,107 islands of this vibrant archipelago where English is widely spoken, the people are fun loving and life moves to a lilting beat.

Source : Gurpreet Gandhi