Chef Fernando Aracama’s modern takes on 6 staple Filipino food
Here are some of the finest dishes of Chef Fernardo Aracama, inspired by the dishes of his hometown, Bacolod. Philstar.com/Efigenio Christopher Toledo IV
Bacolod-born Filipino chef and restaurateur Fernando Aracama Philstar.com/Efigenio Christopher Toledo IV
1. Cheeseburger Empanadas
Cheeseburger Empanadas Philstar.com/Efigenio Christopher Toledo IV
2. Malunggay Mozzarella Dip
Malunggay Mozzarella Dip Philstar.com/Efigenio Christopher Toledo IV
3. Fish balls
Homemade fish balls Philstar.com/Efigenio Christopher Toledo IV
4. Sisig Fries
Sisig Fries Philstar.com/Efigenio Christopher Toledo IV
5. Dulce Gatas and Bunuelos
Dulce Gatas and Bunuelos Philstar.com/Efigenio Christopher Toledo IV
6. Chocnut Ice Cream
Chocnut Ice Cream Philstar.com/Efigenio Christopher Toledo IV
‘Funlasang Pinoy’ Culinary Cook-off
As a staple in dining tables, Filipino dishes rarely get their much deserved appreciation from Filipino diners themselves. But in other countries such as the United States, London, Canada, and Germany, Filipinos' well-loved classics are gaining popularity.
As such, Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) Philippines challenged chefs and cooks across the country to make classic Pinoy dishes more exciting by putting flavorful twists that will bring these dishes to the spotlight. In a culinary competition dubbed as "Funlasang Pinoy," Filipino chefs and cooks are invited to showcase their creativity by innovating the classic recipes of pansit, sinigang, kaldereta, tapa, and sisig with a different and creative twist they could think of.
“Our local cuisine is an amazing treasure that we Filipinos are proud of. However, as the dining scene gets more crowded with a variety of choices and evolving palate of diners for good food, there’s obviously a need to make our classic Pinoy dishes more current and interesting,” said James Benedict Carreon, Managing Director of UFS Philippines. “This is why we have launched this competition—to encourage more culinary experts to unleash their ingenuity in the kitchen and create fun and interesting Filipino dishes with a twist that will surely reignite and pique their diners’ interest for Filipino food.”
All entries will be judged according to the following criteria: creativity of the twist, food presentation, and the use of Unilever Food Solutions products included in the competition. The top 10 finalists to be announced on July 30 will be able to present their chosen recipes in a live cook-off in front of esteemed experts from the Philippine culinary industry and diners during the first "Funlasang Pinoy Twist Fest" slated to happen in August. Their recipes will also be featured in the official Funlasang Pinoy Cookbook to be published soon after. In addition to this, the first-ever Funlasang Pinoy Twist Fest champion, who will have the most unique and delicious recipe among all dishes, will receive an additional P100,000 cash prize and exclusive publicity features.
Apart from launching this competition for the Filipino chefs and cooks, UFS also hopes to use this as an avenue to create a bigger impact in the Philippine culinary scene. “By initiating this endeavor, we hope to put the limelight back to Filipino cuisine and re-ignite the love of our fellowmen for our own local dishes. Through the talents of our genius culinary experts, and with the help of the right products, Pinoy dishes can be more fun, interesting, and keep up with the competitive landscape of the food industry,” added Carreon.
