ZAMBONGA DEL NORTE — Six associations competed in the cooking contest organized by the City Tourism Office during the celebration of the ‘Pista Turismo de Dapitan’ (Dapitan’s Tourism Track) held this week.
Among the dishes cooked by the entrants were Chili Miso Soup, Sauteed Mung Bean and Salted Milkfish, all favorites of national hero Gat Jose Rizal.
The Barbecue Vendors’ Association, represented by Norman Morgia and Jovelyn Maygon, emerged as the winner in the competition. It beat five other associations, the Women’s Sidlak in Barangay Banonong; Women’s Association of Barangay San Pedro; Susan Eatery in Barangay Bagting; Music Industry in the city, and the K2M Kitchenette in Barangay Polo.
Morgia and Maygon expressed their gratitude that they were given the opportunity to showcase their ability to cook variety of dishes.
City Tourism Officer Apple Marie Agolong said they still have activities in place in line with the development of tourism in the city amidst the pandemic, such as putting up of restaurants for the oyster, crab and shrimp industry.
The ‘Pista Turismo de Dapitan’ that kicked off on Friday, September 24, aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage and history of Dapitan City as the “Shrine Capital of the Philippines.” Anchored on the theme, ‘Pagpatunhay sa Industriya sa Turismo Mao ang Sumbanan sa Pagbangon (Sustainability is the key to Tourism Industry’s Recovery),’ the ‘Pista Turismo de Dapitan’ will run until October 3.-With Taher G. Solaiman