Cooking competition held at 4th Las Piñas Food Festival

A cooking competition participated in by all 18 barangays of Las Piñas City was held during the 4th Food Festival at Villar SIPAG, Pulang Lupa Uno in the city. The barangays competed for the best viand cooked in a Filipino way with native ingredients and a dessert.

Sen. Cynthia Villar, director of the Villar Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance (Villar SIPAG), 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," Villar 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%; 2. Taste, 30%; 3. Creativity and visual appeal, 15%; 4. Technique used, 15%, and 5. Hygiene and sanitation, 10%.

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.

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.