The Department of Tourism Region 1 led by Regional Director Joseph Francisco “Jeff” R. Ortega together with Chef Reggie Aspiras, the leading proponent of the Ilocos Food and Wine Festival (IFWF) successfully conducted the 3-day food and gastronomy adventure in the provinces of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur on January 26-28, 2024. The festival also kicked off Chef Reggie’s Kitchens of the World Culinary Tour. There were around 25 participants coming from the press, bloggers, chefs, and founders and proponents of the Food and Wine Festivals conducted in Cebu, Davao, and Manila.
Highlights of the event were the Everlasting Ilocano Breakfast at Saramsam Resto Bar in Laoag, Vegetable Feast featuring The Many Ways of Dinengdeng and the Pork Dishes of llocos by Chef Pam Aragoza at La Preciosa in Laoag, Modern llocano – A dinner featuring Chef Nic Rodriguez at Sitio Remedios in Currimao, Heritage Dishes of Vigan at Casa Vicente in the City of Vigan, Ilocano American Fusion by Chris Stolk at Smoked Bar and Restaurant, Basi Appreciation at Inuwayan Farms in Adams, and Balikutsa and vinegar making at Barangay Maynganay Community in Sta. Maria.
The IFWF was made possible through the collaboration with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur and its Local Government Units (LGUs) in Bantay, Sta. Maria, and the City of Vigan, as well as the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte and its LGUs in Adams, Bacarra, Badoc, Burgos, Currimao, Laoag, Paoay, Pasuquin, and Sarrat. These local government units provided valuable assistance and support to the IFWF.
The event saw the participation of 10 media personalities, hosted by the DOT Region 1. The department initiated and facilitated the coordination with the concerned LGUs for this exciting food and gastronomy tour.
Our heartfelt gratitude to all who made this event a huge success!
Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the rich flavors of the North through a Gastronomic Experience, MAYKAN!
(Source: Department of Tourism Region 1 Facebook page)