• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The owner of a food catering business in Bacolod City belied reports that one of the dishes they served during the State of the City Address (SOCA) at the Bacolod City Government Center was stale.
Darwin Cordova Castañeda, owner of Big Belly’s Food-To-Go, said they been in the catering business for almost five years and this is the first time they received a complaint. He also pointed out that the photo of the lengua estofado, which was circulated on social media, was not the type of dish they served since theirs does not use mushrooms.
Castañeda said the lengua estofado they served during the SOCA was the last dish they prepared at about 3 p.m., to ensure its freshness when served. He also personally supervised its preparation and delivery to BCGC. Had there been complaints, he would have ordered it pulled out.
There were other catering businesses that also served food during the SOCA, including a fast food chain. A different one catered to the VIP area. This is the fourth time they catered to the city government, he said.
Because of the allegations that circulated on social media against their services, several of the customers have cancelled their orders and they were bashed on social media, Castañeda said.
So, they conducted an investigation at the BCGC to verify if there were any complaint against their services, but found none, he said.
Castañeda stressed that they have also catered to national officials during their visits to the province. They were also among the caterers during the first 100 days of Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez at the BCGC last year.
“We maintain a high standard and give our very best, to keep our customers satisfied with our service,” he said.
Castañeda appealed to the public to investigate first before believing any allegation against their business. Their old customers know very well how they operate.*
