The 6th Cebu Lechon Festival was a pork lover's paradise. Imagine the anticipation of a trip to attend a lechon fest touted as the largest congregation of lechoneros in the province!
More than 10 of the finest lechoneros from Mactan Island in Cebu converged for a three-day celebration of lechon, that world-famous pork dish known for its crisp skin and tender, flavorful meat. This grand event unfolded in the heart of Megaworld's expansive, 30-hectare The Mactan Newtown township.
Our hosts for this unforgettable festival were the gracious people of The Mactan Newtown, a testament to modern living at its finest. With over 2,000 residential condo units, ample office spaces, and the Newtown School of Excellence, it's a thriving township that seamlessly blends work, life, and leisure. The township also boasts two exquisite hotel properties from Megaworld Hotels & Resorts: the elegant Savoy Hotel Mactan and luxurious Belmont Hotel Mactan. These hotels offer not just comfort but also an experience that complements the beauty of Cebu.
Our enchanting weekend in Cebu was made even more memorable thanks to the warm hospitality of Harold Geronimo, SVP and head of PR and Media Affairs at Megaworld, and Johnson del Valle, the general manager of Belmont Hotel Mactan. They, along with Marco Grajo, took care of us during this incredible trip.
We had a pleasurable walking tour of the expansive and impressive Mactan Newtown. As we explored, our excitement grew for the developments on the horizon. The two-level convention space, the Mactan Expo Center, promises to be a game-changer, capable of accommodating large gatherings. A museum and “beach mall” are also in the works, adding even more entertainment options for future visitors.
Megaworld Hotels and Resorts’ diverse base of properties is strategically located across different parts of the archipelago. Managing director Cleofe Albiso said that “Our passion lies in bringing distinct travel experiences to every guest that stays in our hotels located in major tourist destinations across the country.” Even before the new year, PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards program bestowed Megaworld Hotels and Resorts with the first ever “Best Operational Hospitality Portfolio” award for its hotels with 12 properties, six brands and 4,500 rooms.
As if that wasn’t enough, their Megaworld property in Tagaytay, Twin Lakes Hotel, recently garnered the Tripadvisor Travelers choice award.
There's something truly magical about embarking on a culinary adventure with a dear friend; in this case, my ever-adventurous best friend and travel companion, Bum Tenorio. Traveling to Cebu, as we settled into the luxurious business-class section of Philippine Airlines, our excitement reached new heights.
Once there, we walked around the Pork Party lechon food park, where the finest lechon varieties from the region were roasted. The Lechonfest is a three-day gastronomic and cultural showcase that began in 2017, putting the spotlight on the history and the flavors behind the world-famous Cebu lechon. We realized that this festival certainly highlighted the art of roasting pig, as we had the opportunity to taste the different delicacies with their own recipes, like with lemongrass, garlic, and other herbs and spices.
We observed the Royalty of the Roast, a grand parade celebrating culture through well-decorated floats, lively costumes, and the glistening centerpiece of lechons. Bum gamely participated in the creative dances of The Waves of Tradition, which featured timeless cultural values.
The Cebu Lechon Festival was an opportunity to savor exceptional flavors and learn about the unique cooking techniques cherished by Cebuanos behind this iconic dish. Lechoneros from across the entire Cebu province, led by renowned houses like Ayer’s, Rico’s, and CNT, gathered for an unparalleled culinary experience. Tourists and festival visitors were treated to one of the most diverse arrays of lechon varieties gathered in one place.
The Cebu Lechon Festival also presented visitors with a chance to enjoy their favorite lechon by the kilo at Mactan Alfresco, thanks to special, limited-time discounted promos offered by these esteemed lechoneros.
During our stay, we were treated to a sumptuous lunch at Belmont Hotel Mactan, crafted by talented executive chef Paolo Niño Aviso. His creations were nothing short of a gastronomic masterpiece. The Lechon Cebu Croquetas were a fusion of local lechon goodness and international flair. Each crispy croquette was a symphony of flavors.
Next came the Pasyote, a unique treat that originated from a Carcar trader in Acapulco.
The Laksa Soup, a Southeast Asian favorite, took center stage as the main course. This rich, aromatic bowl combined the creaminess of coconut milk, crispy egg noodles, local seafood from Mactan, and the irresistible crunch of a lechon crisp. As we indulged in the laksa, fragrant Sampaguita flowers adorned our table and provided a delicate fragrance.
For the grand finale, we were presented with the Mango Tuna Lechon salad with mango dressing, sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Skilled chefs demonstrated their expertise by crafting whole pigs into crispy and succulent masterpieces in a live roasting session aptly named “A Roast to Remember.” Visitors also had the chance to immerse themselves in Cebuano culture through various activities. The Waves of Tradition featured captivating dance performances that epitomized the city’s rich heritage, history, and values. Festival goers also enjoyed listening to local bands who serenaded them with soulful tunes during “Lechon and Listen.”
We concluded our Cebu visit with a visit to Simala, an architectural wonder just a two-hour drive away. Its resemblance to an expansive Disney castle made it a unique destination. Devotees flock here to pray for miracles, and many have found solace and answers to their prayers.
It was a fitting and serene end to our memorable getaway. From our sweet suite at the Belmont Hotel, the modem airport of Cebu is just a hop and a skip away. No need to drive far to experience the luxury and hospitality of Megaworld’s Belmont and Savoy Hotels.
Cebu has always been one of our cherished destinations. We have visited this marvelous province countless times, but experiencing the lechon fest was our most sumptuous sojourn yet. We will definitely be back for more.
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Philippine Airlines flies to Cebu daily. Book at www.philippineairlines.com.
For reservations at Belmont and Savoy hotels, email them at info@belmontmactan.com.ph and reserve@savoymactan.com .
For more information about Megaworld properties, go to www.megaworldhotels.com .