Lifting A Page From Our Culinary Heritage at the Book Launch of Gastronomic Expressions of Our City, Iloilo: Nature, Culture and Geography

The vibrant richness, diversity and colorful tapestry of our local cuisine shaped by geography, tradition and history is delicately revealed as noted author, independent food scholar and culinary historian takes a closer look at one of the country's many gems in a star-filled constellation of festive local flavors...

With over 18 administrative regions, 82 provinces and 7,641 islands in the archipelago, our vast culinary landscape is defined and celebrated by diversity. Each region brings its own distinctive medley of flavors and stories in a multi-colored weave that binds us together for our unique identity. Understanding our national cuisine in all its iterations has to be appreciated one region and dish at a time, and Guillermo "Ige" Ramos of the Ugnayan Center for Filipino Gastronomy does exactly that by unveiling the flavors from the City of Love down south. In celebration of National Heritage Month, Iloilo City through the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts unveils the landmark publication Gastronomic Expressions of Our Our City, Iloilo: Nature, Culture and Geography. Read on for a visual feast from a page out of Iloilo's storied cuisine...

The celebration of Ilonggo gastronomy is part of the National Heritage Month's aim to promote awareness, respect and appreciation for the diverse cultural legacies of the Filipino people under this year's theme "Preserving Legacies, Building Futures: Empowering Communities through Heritage." It's a national effort to engage local communities in heritage conservation, with the publication of Gastronomic Expressions of Our City, Iloilo: Nature, Culture and Geography as one tangible, relevant and meaningful way toward the goal of immortalizing regional cuisine. The 244-page book captures both the spirit and essence of Ilonggo cuisine, made real with the words from some of the country's best writers. 

The much anticipated launch of Gastronomic Expressions of Our City, Iloilo: Nature, Culture and Geography at the Manila House in BGC brought together some of the province's key personalities led by Mayor Jerry P. Treñas and his wife Rosalie Sarabia Treñas who initiated the concept for the book. What began as an idea has become a collaborative effort from the collective output of noted writers, historians and artists led by Guillermo "Ige" Ramos resulting in a deep and comprehensive exploration of Ilonggo gastronomy. 

That afternoon, the Manila House was transformed to represent the very best of Iloilo...

...as the elegant setting for the launch of Gastronomic Expressions of Our City, Iloilo: Nature, Culture and Geography. Originally launched in Iloilo City for the second anniversary of its UNESCO Creative City recognition, the collaborative effort led by Guillermo "Ige" Ramos of the Ugnayan Center for Filipino Gastronomy with PJ Arañador as cultural consultant and assisted by renowned editor Michaela "Micky" Fenix brings both traditional recipes and cultural narratives connecting regional cuisine to food, family and community for an immersive Ilonggo experience. 

The published work is a beautiful homage to Iloilo, a celebration and fitting tribute to one of the country's cultural destinations. "The book instills a profound sense of pride among Ilonggos," shared Mayor Jerry P. Treñas. "It's more than just a compilation of recipes and culinary stories, it's a heartfelt endeavor created for every Ilonggo. We aim to celebrate and preserve our rich gastronomic heritage, ensuring that each dish, each story, and each memory is shared with the world."

At the launch, Mayor Jerry P. Treñas is joined by Guillermo "Ige" Ramos and NCCA Executive Director Dr. Eric Zerrudo as they welcomed guests to the exclusive milestone event at the Manila House. 

Gelo Lopez of Vibal Global then moderated a casual round table discussion detailing the colorful stories of Ilonggo cuisine spanning geography, ethnicity, endemic ingredients, technology and core memories from childhood to paint a personal picture of the Ilonggo experience through its flavors. 

To complete the book launch, the Manila House prepared a sumptuous Tasting Menu of classic and traditional Ilonggo dishes...

...starting with the salad course of Ensaladang Dahon ng Kamote, a rustic dish with fresh, clean and comforting flavors to open up the palate. 

Next, the savory Mushroom Lumpia with its delectable play on contrasting textures and deep earthy and nutty notes of mushrooms teased the palate with its unique flavors. 

The Adobo Nga Lucos is an adobo variation featuring succulent squid gently simmered in garlic, chili, onions, vinegar and soy sauce. The briny sweetness from the squid comes through with each tasty bite, perfectly finished by the supporting cast of ingredients for the classic adobo. 

The Lengua Estofado is a nostalgic dish with each bite draping the palate with a lingering savory richness like a comforting hug. The festive dish remains an integral part of our collective memories taking you back to carefree childhood summers. 

The Ilonggo Valenciana brings the exquisite fusion of multi-cultural influences in a lavish dish with its flavorful medley of seafood, pork, chicken, egg and vegetables. The rich and bountiful harvest from the land and sea are celebrated in this one dish reflecting a shared history from the colonial past. 

And for dessert, a decadent trio of Maruya, Suman Latik and Muasi caps a memorable feast of Ilonggo flavors at the Manila House. 

More than just a compilation of recipes and stories, it's a celebration of everything Ilonggo shared in words, cherished memories, photos, art and family kitchen secrets reflecting the richness of our culinary diversity. Gastronomic Expressions of Our City, Iloilo: Nature, Culture and Geography is under the Gastronomia Filipina imprint of Vibal with Ige Ramos as Editor-at-large. The imprint showcases established and emerging voices in Philippine food writing while reflecting the evolving narrative of Filipino food. 

Get your taste of Iloilo with Gastronomic Expressions of Our City, Iloilo: Nature, Culture and Geography, now available at Shopee, Lazada, Vibal's online shopping portal and partner bookstores like Fully Booked, Mt. Cloud Bookshop, Ayala Museum, Firma, Tesoros, Yuchengco Museum, Mara's Art Salon, San Agustin Museum, Solidaridad Bookshop, The Manila Collectibles Inc., Tradewinds Bookshop, Ortigas Foundation, Ateneo Art Gallery, Popular Book Store, Powerbooks, TriNoMa, Vargas Museum, Art Bar Serendra, Limketkai Center and Fine Philippine Books branches in Lucky Chinatown Mall, Ramada by Wyndham Hotel in Binondo and Casa Vallejo Baguio. 

Visit the online portal at https://shop.vibalgroup.com/ for a full listing of titles or the FB Page and IG Feed at https://www.facebook.com/vibalgroup/ and https://www.instagram.com/vibalgroup/ for more information and updates. 

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