Piaya, chicken inasal showcased at int’l food confab

BACOLOD City - Bacolod’s piaya and chicken inasal with a twist are among the food products getting exposure in the five-day World Street Food Congress (WSFC) 2017 that opened Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds in Pasay City.

Ramon Uy Jr. of Fresh Start Organics introduced his piaya with various flavors while chef JP Anglo presented his chicken inasal with pita bread.

The two food items were selected by the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines to be showcased in the event until June 4, themed “Re- Imagine Possibilities,” which gathers more than 30 different products from 12 countries with indelible contribution to the world’s street food culture.

Cristine Mansinares, supervising tourism operations officer of Negros Occidental, said the province’ s thriving culinary tourism industry was expected to get boost through the food event.

“Our participation in the international street food gathering can be a significant platform to share our unique street food heritage to the world,” Mansinares said. In March this year, the organizing committee of WSFC 2017 embarked on a three-day food exploration in Negros Occidental for the selection of participating hawkers and dishes.

Teresita Landan, officer-in- charge of Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions Department, i nformed Department of Tourism Region 6 director Helen Catalbas that Uy and Anglo were among the three “marketers” from Western Visayas chosen to represent Philippines.

The other one is chef Rafael Jardeleza from Iloilo City with his Batchoy Ice Cream and Beef Tongue Lengua Con Setas Oliva Gua Bao.

Landan said the selected marketers were provided with airfare, accommodation and onsite culinary student volunteer-assistant.

According to the WSFC website, the event includes a two- day dialogue aimed a t gathering t ogether industry’s global movers and shakers, leaders and innovators, entrepreneurs, chefs, street vendors, and food aficionados to share i deas, development and opportunities in a collaborative environment.