• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The 2nd Sabor Victorias cookfest on December 14, sponsored by Victorias Milling Company (VMC), VMC Foundation, and Victorias Foods Corporation as part of the 11th Kalamayan Festival celebration of Victorias City, Negros Occidental, was described by its organizers as a “successful activity.”
VMC president Linley Retirado disclosed on Saturday that 14 barangays of Victorias City participated in the cookfest which showcases the products of Victorias Foods Corporation.
Unlike in previous cookfests, this year will not be a contest but rather, an opportunity to foster community spirit and sharing the bounty with our community protectors, according to Retirado, who is also the VMC Foundation president.
The cookfest will showcase the creativity of local cooks in using VMC food products like Spanish and Bangus sardines, VMC ham, and other meat products.
Members of the Victorias City Police Station, 605th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6, traffic enforcers, members of the Bureau of Fire and Protection, and volunteer mangrove tree panters joined Victorias City officials, led by Vice Mayor Abelardo Bantug III, in partaking of the cooked food.
“It is part of our thrust to strengthen community bonds and what better way to foster this bond than through a meal,” Retirado said.
The participating barangays were provided VMC food products to feature the company products in their dishes without the use of MSG, artificial coloring, or seasoning.
While it is not a contest, Retirado said participating groups will receive cash incentives, and special awards will be given out, based on creativity and presentation and they are encouraged to post their dishes using the hashtag #SaborVictoriasVMCFoodProducts.
Victorias City formally kicked off the 11th Kalamayan Festival on December 13, with Vice Mayor Bantug, representing Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, officially declaring the festival open.
The opening ceremony featured several events, including the Parade of Christmas Tricycles, the Lantern Dance Competition, and the awarding of the PYAP Christmas Tree Making Contest winners.
Rey Tuazon of PBTODA emerged as the champion of the Christmas Tricycle Competition, while Michael Doblar from MATOMCO and Ninfa Jocson Amado from CRESTODA secured second and third places, respectively.
In the Lantern Dance Competition, Los Portador De La Luz clinched the first place, followed by Ang Paglaum Sang Kapawa in second place and El Selencio De La Luz in third.
Special awards were also given, with Mezcla De Luces winning Best in Music, Las Luces Brillantes earning Best in Lantern hand props, Ang Paglaum Sang Kapawa receiving the Most Disciplined award, and Los Portador De La Luz recognized for Best Choreography.*
