LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, through the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), turned up the heat for this year’s Ponsia – Pista’y Dayat Culinary Challenge, culminating in a cook-off on April 27, 2025, at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center II in Lingayen, Pangasinan.
Six (6) participating teams dished out flavors that paid tribute to Pangasinan’s rich food heritage and coastal abundance. Each team prepared 3 sets of gourmet dishes, mainly an appetizer or soup, a seafood-based main dish, and a tropical-themed dessert featuring Pangasinan sweets, fruits, or dairy products.
After a sizzling battle in the kitchen, the crown went to:
Abong ni Tio Berto – CHAMPION
Jem’s Cuisine – 1ST PLACE
D’Saints Grill & Restobar – 2ND PLACE
Bani Hidden Paradise
B&T Seafoods Restaurant
Amo’s Unli Wings
Department of Tourism – Region 1 (DOT-R1) Chief Tourism Operations Officer Ms. Gay Nora Marie Gapas graced the event on behalf of the DOT-R1 Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Evangeline Marie M. Dadat. She said in his notable speech, “Today, we do more than enjoy good food. We celebrate the very soul of Pangasinan—the warmth of our people, the abundance of our land and seas, and the richness of our culinary traditions.” The DOT-R1 remains committed to showcasing the unique heritage of every locality. By April next year, they will return to the province for “May-Kan”—a food tour that brings together food vloggers, influencers, content creators, celebrity chefs, and also tour operators to immerse themselves in the flavors and food culture of our region.
Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department Head, Ms. Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan, was represented by the Tourism Operations Officer II, Mr. Marco S. Sales, who highlighted the immense potential of the province’s gastronomic treasures in tourism. He further stated: “By promoting our local cuisines, we do not only preserve our culinary traditions but also boost our local economy and create opportunities for our farmers, fishermen, and small businesses.”
The panel of distinguished judges was Chef Francis Joseph Buhay, Chef Miguel Leonides Valdez, and Chef Marco Enrico Badillo. The event was also attended by GMA celebrities Chef Jose Sarasola and Vaness Del Moral, Señor Tesoro College of Culinary Arts represented by Ms. Sezen Coquia, Association of Hospitality and Tourism Trainers, Educators, and Professionals of Pangasinan (AHTTEPP) President Dr. Jerry Ceballos Jr., and its member institutions such as Pangasinan State University, Universidad de Dagupan, and TESDA-Pangasinan School of Arts and Trades (PSAT).
The event coincided with the commemoration of Filipino Food Month 2025, which had the theme “Sarap ng Pagkaing Pilipino, Yaman ng ating Kasaysayan, Kultura at Pagkatao.”
Thank you to our sponsors and event partners: Department of Tourism-Region 1, GMA Regional TV, Señor Tesoro College School of Culinary Arts, and Café Maxima.
/MJGE
Photos: JOCT
