The Iloilo City Government is collaborating with partners to create the "Iloilo City Cookbook," a showcase of the city's culinary scene. The book will feature recipes, stories, and photos that highlight the unique flavors of Iloilo City.
An initial organizational meeting was held on January 18 to discuss the project. The meeting was attended by government officials, chefs, writers, and artists.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said that the cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes. It is a way to tell the stories of the people who make Iloilo City's food culture so special.
"This is not just about one person, this is all about us Ilonggos, our chefs, our restaurants, our food, culture and rich resources and most of all, the beautiful stories behind it," Treñas said.
The cookbook is expected to be launched in 2024. It will be available for purchase online and in bookstores.
As UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Iloilo will continue to tell its stories through a publication, with much stronger collaboration and involvement of government agencies like the Department of Agriculture (DA)-6, private sector and the arts community.
The first organizational meeting was joined by DA-6 Regional Director Dennis R. Arpia; Tess Solis and Vic Nabor of DA-6; Chefs Cidj Jalandoni, Ding Montelibano, Miguel Cordova, Miner del Mundo ; writers Vic Salas and Ted Aldwin Ong; artists; private sector volunteers; and key officers of Iloilo City Government.
Other equally important and committed partners are PJ Arañador, Chef Wilson Esperancilla, Eric Divinagracia, John Lex Bayombong, Chef Maridel Uygongco, Corona Villanueva de Leon, and Mia Robles Magalona.
The Iloilo City Government also previously collaborated with Chef Rafael "Tibong" Jardeleza, Jr. to publish Flavors of Iloilo, a cookbook with Ilonggo and Western Visayas Cuisine. The book won as Best Book on Food for the 41st National Book Awards.
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