LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—In celebration of Filipino Food Month this 2024, the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, through the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), staged the second Ponsia – Pista’y Dayat Culinary Challenge last April 13, 2024 at the Pangasinan Training and Development Center II.
Board Member Marinor De Guzman from the Fourth District represented Hon. Governor Ramon V. Guico III at the event, expressing collective gratitude for all of the participants and guests at present. “This contest serves as a beacon of innovation and creativity, inviting chefs and culinary enthusiasts to showcase their talent and passion for our local cuisine. As we celebrate Filipino Food Month this April, let us not only indulge in the flavors that unite us as Pangasinenses, but also pay homage to the culinary artisans who keep our traditions alive… May this contest serve as a testament to the richness of our culture and the boundless possibilities of our culinary landscape,” Board Member De Guzman said in her message, likewise underscoring the significance and excitement drawn from the participation of national and local media, influencers, and vloggers from the 2024 NLEX Lakbay Norte as they, too, later joined to watch the cook-off.
Meanwhile, Chief Tourism Operations Officer Gay Gapas from the Department of Tourism Region 1 (DOT-R1), who represented Regional Director Francisco Joseph “Jeff” Ortega, shared the importance of Ponsia as its creation coincided with that of Maykan last year. Maykan, a term that originates from the Ilocano word umay (invitation) and the Ilocano and Pangasinan term makan (food), is a tourism circuit established by the DOT-R1 that centers on discovering and promoting the many and diverse culinary offerings of the region.
The culinary challenge saw six (6) teams consisting of a chef and sous-chef prepare a three course meal: a seafood-based appetizer or soup, a meat-based main dish, and a tropical-themed dessert made of Pangasinan fruits, sweets, and dairy products. GMA celebrity chef JR Royol also joined the event where he treated everyone to a cooking demo and up-close interviews with the participants. After an intense one hour and thirty-minute cook-off and with the discerning expertise of judges Chef Raymond Martin Reyes (Lu Asian Cuisine), Chef Christian Yakie Takanashi (Shiok, A Taste of Singapore), and Chef Karina Mantes (Sweet Sense), the team of Chef Rizal Viray and Sous-chef Jomar de Guzman from Abong ni Tio Berto of Hiraya Wellness Resort and Ecopark in Aguilar emerged victorious, with Chef Ryan Cortez and Sous-chef Johara Dytianquin from Jem’s Cuisine in San Carlos City coming in second place, and Chef Jesus Viliran and Sous-chef Jetlie Garcia of D’Brinks Resto Cafe in Binalonan in third place. Other talented and passionate Pangasinan chefs who took part in the cook-off were Chef Daryll Magalong and Sous-chef Allan Datuin (KapeLuna Restaurant, Bayambang), Chef Victor Luis Tandoc and Sous-chef David Emmanuel Pascua (Cajun Republique Restaurant, Binmaley), and Chef Gerald Quinit and Sous-chef Jane Carla Payopay (Quinit Eco Integrated Farm, Calasiao).
This year’s Ponsia – Pista’y Dayat Culinary Challenge was made possible through partnerships with GMA Regional TV, Señor Tesoro College School of Culinary Arts, and Solane LPG.
/MCDG-U
Photos: KFC & RSR
