First Biliran Street Food Festival Draws Food Enthusiasts

Live events included an OPM Pop Music Singing Competition on Sept 16 to highlight local talents, and the Spoken Poetry Competition on Sept 17 to celebrate the Filipino language. Gov. Espina thanked DOT 8 Karen Tiopes for the tourism agency’s support and presence of Judges Chef Elgie Sabello and Chef Myla Lapuz-Mabute and Dr. Victor Canezo for Judge Arlene Obejero. Likewise the support of SDS Judella Lumpas for co-organizing the spoken poetry contest is much appreciated by the Governor, as well as Judges Mr. Ralph Arvic Arcenal, Mr. Jeson Vinas, and Mr. Ryan Japay.

 

As explained by Vice Gov. Kokoy Caneja, the Street Food Festival is being envisioned by Gov. Espina as an annual event to encourage friendly competition among food establishments and level up the quality of food and services offered, to Increase awareness among Biliranons and guests alike of the presence of local cooks, restaurants, karenderyas, food stalls adn even street food vendors who offer tasty and quality dishes, and usher-in the recovery of the food sector which was badly hit by the pandemic due to closures.

As an annual event, the winners will defend the glass trophies in each category which might be coveted by other competing food establishments in the future.

 

Biliran’s Best Lutong Pinoy Winners:
•1st Place (P15K+ Glass Trophy) Mondelo’s Nature Park winning entry – Caldereta;
•2nd Place (P10K+plaque) Tacong’s Grill, winning entry – Larang
•3rd Place (P8K+plaque) Cafe Inna, winning entry – Pork Sisig ala Naval.

 

Biliran’s Best International Flavors Winners:
•1st Place (P15K+ Glass Trophy) Kusina SA Butay, winning entry – Sushi Selection;
•2nd Place (P10K+plaque) Den’s Bistro, winning entry – Basil Pesto Cream Salmon;
•3rd Place (P8K+plaque) Mondelo’s Nature Park, winning entry – Baked Shrimp.