Coming soon: ILOILO'S FINEST

An online article caught my attention weeks ago. Though, it wasn't mainly about food, it will have an impact in the gastronomical scene of Iloilo City most especially in the pasalubong items. Here's a snippet from the said article:

Speaking at the SME Otop Fair last July 13, 2009, de Vera also witnessed the launching of Iloilo Brand that depicts the Arroyo Fountain fronting the provincial Capitol here with words "Iloilo's Finest" to be incorporated in packaging of local products and stickers showing the best of Iloilo products and services. >>> Read complete article

It reminded me of an other article which speaks of the same thing.

For the Philippines, Mr. Cristobal said, registering the products as GIs will help prevent their misuse and misrepresentation. Using the indicator for branding will help a product increase its market share in the country and abroad, Cristobal said.
He cited Saranggani province for having registered two marks: the “Saranggani Golden Mango” and “Sarap Saranggani.” Bulacan branded its famous sweets “Tatak Bulacan.” Tarlac has registered “Natural Tarlac,” positioning the province as a source of natural and organic products, while Pampanga has “Vida Pampanga” for its delicacies. >>> Read Complete article

It's laudable effort for Iloilo businesses through the help of the local government to finally make an important addition to their products; that is recognize and be proud of Iloilo. But come to think of it, even before this stint was made "public", a few businesses have already done this.

JD Bakeshop has this Proudly Made in Iloilo seal in almost all of their packages. The first time I saw them, I was really thankful for the bakeshop for being proud of its roots. Though I have some skepticism over some of their products, I am very proud of this small effort.

Another one is Rgies Delicacies which is synonymous to great tasting butterscotch. Though not really as conspicuous, it had this Iloilo's Pride written over it's "neat" packaging. They really chose a fitting tagline since they really are makers of great butterscotch, which is in my opinion really the pride of Iloilo.

Going back to the topic, my only concern and question is that, will this Iloilo's Finest tagline be obligatory to all products and brands or just limited to really the real FINEST brands and products. I hope it's the latter but then who will choose/decide if it is really fitting to be "tagged" as one? I mean, there could be products that are not really Iloilo's finest but backed by very influential people or politicians and on the other hand some really good products but coming from a small business. The list continues but and only time will tell if this thrust will really push through.

Fruits from the grocery

These packs of cut up fruits were bought from SM Delgado's grocery. Got enticed by their color and luckily, they were as good as they looked, especially the papaya. Each was just less than Php 22, really a bargain!

Ultimate Ilonggo Favorite: KBL Kadyos, Baboy, Langka

K.B.L. or Kadyos, Baboy, Langka is the ultimate favorite dish of most Ilonggos. It is also one of the most missed native dishes as kadyos and the souring ingredient, batwan , are hard to find when outside of the Ilonggo region. Basically, it is boiled/stewed pork dish owing its "deliciousness" to the combination of the soft and tender pork, the tamed sourness of batwan and the malinamnam na sabaw . One of the "secrets" of the malinamnamn na sabaw , is the fact that the pork, whether just the plain meat or pata (hocks) are first grilled or broiled. This gives the broth a rather smoky taste that makes it more appetizing.. Learn how to make the Ilonggo dish KBL (Kadyos, Baboy, at Langka) with the recipe below. Ingredients 1 kilo Pata (pork hocks) or pork cubes, GRILLED and sliced into bite size pieces 1 unripe Jack fruit, cubed 2 cups pigeon pea (kadyos) 6-8 pieces batwan fruit (or tamarind powder) 1 piece pork broth cube (

An Ilonggo favorite - Valenciana

Found in almost all occasions like fiesta, birthdays, reunions and others, Ilonggos really love valenciana because most if not all have grown accustomed of having it in special gatherings at home. A complete " go, grow and glow " dish because it has the carbohydrates, protein and vitamins and minerals in just one spoonful, Valenciana is really an " occasional dish ". Here's the recipe for Valenciana

Starbucks Coffee to open at SM City Iloilo Southpoint

After more than two years of anticipation, Ilonggos are getting ready to welcome the newest coffee shop in town. Starbucks Coffee is set to open its very first branch in Iloilo City located at SM Southpoint . Soon, anyone will have a taste of the various offerings food and drinks this coffeeshop have and what made Starbucks a hit in the Philippines when it opened years ago. The two-storey extension building of SM City Iloilo will house food shops at ground level and rumors say. a call center on the second floor. It is conveniently located at the crossroads of two larger shopping centers, SM City Iloilo and Plazuela de Iloilo which is set to open on Oct. 10, 2010. Photos courtesy of zynet and lewdsaint of SSC forum

Quix! Mart now open at Stoplight-Diversion Road

Steady but surely, home grown and local convenience store Quix! Mart is on a roll. Opening its 4th branch at the busy intersection known as "Stoplight", the 24/7 mini mart will "make life in Iloilo easy and convenient". With no less than Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog leading the opening rites, the opening of this local brand's fourth branch is a testament of the very good business climate Iloilo City is currently going through. Even with the entry of big developers and international chains, local businesses thrive and go with the business flow. Located near one of Iloilo's very own university belt, Quix! Mart offers snacks on the go like assorted rice toppings, sandwiches, cool treats like sundaes and the slush (Mountain Dew and Mirinda) and lots of desserts choices. That's on top of the 24/7 convenience of the grocery they have. For a quick grab of your favorite ice cream, siomai, sandwich, and many others, Quix Mart is conveniently locate

FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

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