Cooking contest held in Albay town just to keep residents inside their homes

STO. DOMINGO, Albay — Residents of this town in Albay province showcased their creativity and skills in cooking different menus of chicken after the local government launched a cooking contest while observing general community quarantine (GCQ) due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Dubbed “Bawal Lumabas, Sto. Domingo Edition, Chicken Cooking Contest,” the competition aims to entertain the residents while staying at home due to the pandemic.

The contest was launched Tuesday morning after Mayor Joseling “Jun” Aguas distributed dressed chicken to every family affected by the crisis.

“Sobra 11,000 na pirasong dressed chicken ang ipinamigay natin sa bawat pamilya. Heto po ay binili ng ating lokal na gobyerno as a relief goods para sa ating mga kababayan,” Aguas said.

Aguas said the contest was open to all residents of Sto. Domingo, and contestant should post their picture together with their food entry on Facebook or a video while cooking the delicacy.

The most presentable and elegant plating with most likes will be receiving cash of 13,000.00 for the first price, 12,000.00 for the second prize and 11,000.00 for the 3rd prize.

“Sobrang dami na ang entry kaya we decided to close the submission of entry on Tuesday night,” Aguas narrated.

Different dishes were cooked, such as menudo, pininyahang manok, “Chikerona Inasal” of Kent David Balean of Brgy. San Pedro, Danilo’s Chicken De Afritada of Brgy. Buhatan, and many more.

The town is about to celebrate it “Sarung Banggi Festival” but due to the COVID-19 crisis, the LGU created the contest for residents as part of the celebration.

“Itinaonponaminyung contest ay sa kaarawan mismo ni Lolo Poten (Potenciano Gregorio) na nagpasikat ng kantang “Sarung Banggi,” Aguas said.

According to Aguas, the awarding will be held online on Friday.