CATARMAN, Northern Samar’ — This province’s rich culinary heritage took center stage at the Ibabao Festival Heritage Cuisine Competition, where 12 home cooks showcased their skills and paid homage to the region’s culture through an array of traditional dishes.
Top Honors for San Isidro’s John Mark Pedamato
Emerging as the overall winner, John Mark Pedamato from San Isidro impressed the judges with his innovative dishes: “Labong Chips” made from banana tree stems, “Spicy Ginataang Tuway (Bebe),” and “Banana & Buko Minatamis,” featuring sweetened banana choplets with coconut meat noodles.
Ricardo Padida of Catarman Secures Second Place
Ricardo Padida from Catarman claimed second place with his “Turingan sa Gata” (Skipjack Tuna in Coconut Milk), “Kilaw na Puso sa Saging” (Banana Blossom Salad), and “Nilupak,” a traditional Ninorte Samarnon snack.
Third Place Goes to Paul Pormento of San Antonio
San Antonio’s Paul Pormento took third place with his “Kinunot” (a local fish dish), “Kinilaw na Isda” (Fish Ceviche), and “Pakumbo.”
Noteworthy Participants and Special Awards
Among the other remarkable entries, Lazaro Rodriguez’s “Native Chicken Caldereta sa Gata” and “Nilupak Cheesecake” stood out, earning him the Tidiest Chef award. Meanwhile, Myrna Tilbe impressed with her classic “Chicken Adobo with Cacao Beans” and a cacao chocolate bar, receiving the Dish with the Most Intricate Narrative award.
Celebrating Northern Samar’s Culinary Heritage
The Ibabao Festival Heritage Cuisine Competition not only delighted taste buds but also served as a platform to preserve and promote Northern Samar’s cultural identity.
By honoring local ingredients and cooking techniques, the competition ensures that the legacy of Nortehanon cuisine continues to thrive for generations to come.
Below are some photos of the competition as provided by the Provincial Northern Samar FB page / Gov. Edwin Ongchuan:
