Shanell Jay Aguinaldo, Stratcom Intern 

As part of the women’s month celebration, the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) held this year’s Ilocano Food Innovation Cookfest Competition today, March 22, at the University Covered Court. The Office of the Gender and Development Focal Point System spearheads the event.

Teams from various colleges went head-to-head, whipping up appetizers, main courses, and desserts with a twist. The competition featured appetizers like Bugnay Shots (Shredded Squash infused in Bugnay Wine), Palm Seafood Delight, Seafood Mango Pickle, Ilocano Bento (Chicken Igado Skewers), Bananarama Ilocano Blossom Bites, and Arakop ni Susai (Blue Marlin Cubes).

Ilocano main courses were also highlighted, such as KImbap-Bet, Bran-ssels (Tahong Dinakdakan), Lenten Creamy Seafood Pinakbet, Salsalusig (Sea Slugs) Dinakdakan, and Piquant Pinakbet-Stuffed Bun (Pinakbet Siopao).

Furthermore, dessert creations like Molasses-Infused Gelato De Iloco, Ilocos Bento, Pat’Chulok (Glutinous Rice in Coconut Milk), Camote and Suman Sapin-sapin, Seaweed Tupig, and Maja Blanca Cum Mango Tapioca sweetened the competition.

Dr. Marlowe Aquino, MMSU director for planning, shared the importance of showcasing Ilocano dishes at the university. “We Ilokano, known for having original culinary delights, have to highlight our different kinds of foods and to step up our traditional dishes,” he said.

The winners will receive their awards during the 2024 Women’s Month Celebration culminating activity on April 8. The champion team will represent MMSU at the WoBEX Philippine Culinary Cup and potentially at the PhilCanEDUCON Magic 7+ Indigenous Knowledge System and Cultural Management Program - Food System and Culture in August. (MKA_StratCom)