Malabon City Highlights Culinary and Cultural Tourism
The Malabon City government warmly welcomed delegates from the Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday, May 28, with a lively culinary and cultural tourism showcase. This event celebrated the city’s rich food heritage and vibrant cultural traditions, demonstrating why Malabon remains a key destination for cultural tourism.
Organized by the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (CTCAO), the program featured an exciting food crawl that focused on Malabon’s signature dishes. This initiative supports the city’s growing tourism efforts by inviting visitors to experience the authentic flavors and traditions that define Malabon.
Showcasing Malabon’s Unique Flavors and Market Tourism
According to local sources, the event was part of the DOT’s “Salo-Salo: Taste the Flavor, Experience the Culture” campaign, which aims to honor the Philippines’ diverse culinary heritage. It also emphasized the importance of market tourism as an active means of preserving and promoting local culture.
“Pinagmamalaki po natin ang mga pagkaing sariling atin na sumasalamin sa pamana at tradisyon ng Malabon. Ang mga ito ang nagbibigay sa atin ng pagkakakilanlan bilang mga Malabueno—kaya’t ating tangkilikin, gaya ng Pancit Malabon,” said Mayor Jeannie Sandoval. She highlighted that these dishes give Malabueños their unique identity and urged everyone to continue supporting local cuisine, especially Pancit Malabon.
Food Crawl Featuring Local Favorites
The visiting delegates explored five well-known local food establishments: Hazel’s Puto, Jay’R’s Okoy, Original Dolor’s Kakanin, Nanay’s Pancit Malabon, and Ellet’s Sweet Halo-Halo. Each stop included live cooking demonstrations and tastings of beloved dishes such as Pancit Malabon, okoy, puto, puto pao, halo-halo, and various rice cakes.
Additionally, the group toured Concepcion Market, sampling a variety of local products and gaining deeper insight into the city’s culinary landscape. This hands-on experience highlighted how market tourism plays a vital role in cultural preservation.
Promoting Safety and Culture Alongside Tourism
Beyond food, Malabon’s local government showcased its commitment to disaster preparedness and public safety. The Malabon Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) exhibited rescue equipment outside City Hall, demonstrating the city’s readiness to protect its residents and visitors.
Cultural performances enriched the event, with Tanghalang Bagong Sibol and the Hiyas ng Sining Folkloric Dance Troupe presenting traditional Filipino dances. These performances underscored the city’s dedication to preserving and celebrating its cultural heritage.
Celebrating a Guinness World Record
Delegates also visited the Guinness World Record Exhibition and Tourist Center at Malabon City Hall. Earlier this year, on March 21, the city earned a Guinness World Record for the longest line of noodle bowls by serving 6,549 bowls of Pancit Malabon, a testament to the dish’s iconic status.
The event was attended by DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco and various undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, directors, and officials from national and local agencies, highlighting strong government support for cultural and culinary tourism initiatives.
Mayor Sandoval concluded, “Today, we not only showcased the delicious and well-loved dishes of Malabon, but we also highlighted our vibrant culture—an essential part of our identity as Malabueños and, more importantly, as Filipinos. You can be assured that the city government will continue to strengthen and promote Malabon’s culture and tourism even further.”
For more news and updates on culinary and cultural tourism, visit Filipinokami.com.