FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

The disreputable Adobo Ilonggo, a popular meal not only among Ilonggos but Filipinos from all walks of life, has come under fire from fellow culinary treats in Iloilo for conduct unbecoming, gross misrepresentation, etc. The legendary La Paz Batchoy , whose exploits and reputation has long surpassed the boundaries of Iloilo, has lodged a complaint with the Iloilo Culinary Association’s Board of Governors (ICABOG) saying that Abodo Ilongo has disgraced Iloilo Cuisine. “Adobo’s recent behavior is bringing disrepute to Ilonggo food and the people that love them unconditionally,” Mr. Batchoy said. Mang Inasal , ICABOG chairman, said Adobo Ilonggo, if found guilty of the charges, will suffer the penalty of prison correctional (being relegated to the kitchen, for the minor offense), or prison mayor for the major offense, which means cancellation of membership and a total ban from the franchise and other association member outlets. Here’s a litany of charges against Adobo Ilonggo: ●...

I had my first bite of this mango biscocho when I bought a pack at the Trappist Monastery in Guimaras. It was an impulse buy that time since I wanted to have a souvenir of my visit and this mango biscocho was one of their better packaged products. When I got back home, that was the onyl time I got to taste it and I got so addicted. It's just ordinary biscocho with some mango essence added but it seemed very delicious. Maybe the monks added some prayers in making these biscocho-lol. But whatever it is, a pack of these biscocho is a good buy much more a pasalubong. Good thing these are available in most grocery stores and pasalubong shops in Iloilo City.

"Podpod" are leftover, oversupply or those breads that nears expiration, that are baked/toasted again to prolong their shelflife . I first thought of them as the forerunners of biscocho since they fit the description to a tee. Though they might be considered as one but at least they have their own "identity". Among the breads that became "podpod" in this batch were pan de leche, spanish roll, pan de coco, pogi, star bread , catalugan and mamon . (Clockwise from top-left) Catalugan are those breads filled in the center the most famous of which those colored red. Pan de leche of course are those mini hamburger buns. Spanish bread meanwhile are rolled bread with sweet filling. Pan de coco are charatecrized by the yellow filling mostly made from desiccated coconuts. (Clockwise from top-left) Pogi is a variation of the star bread which has a field center. The next one is a fileld bread I can't identify. Star bread is a monay like bread shaped like a...

One of the more, if not the most, expensive brands of biscocho in the city, Wewin's easily overcame that obstacle since it is most famous brand of biscocho, even eclipsing Biscocho Haus itself. Or maybe its their being the most famous that came with this tag price. No matter what just enjoy this visual feast. I actually am having a bite of Wewin's biscocho now but still hazy on what made this one of the top pasalubong items and brands. Ofcourse, everybody has their own opinion BUT I never had been wrong (almost) when it comes to "what and where to buy Iloilo pasalubong". BUT then I havent bought pasalubong to everyone, so I guess this boils down to personal preference. Glad to say that there's a more affordable pack of Wewin's biscocho when you wish to try it yourself. Its less than 30 pesos compared to their usual of P61 to 75.

For most Ilonggos, Wewin's is synonymous with pasalubong especially biscocho and pinasugbo. But for me (and this blog), it will always be their sio pao. During my high school years, it was their spagehtti that made me a regular in their foodshop in front of our school. Suddenly, I felt I was back in time when I decided to have a snack at their Iznart branch yesterday. While waiting for my spaghetti and sio pao, I observed what was going on around me. Buzzing with activity was their main display area (for breads and cakes) where orders are being made. Going inside brings you to their old fashioned tables and chairs and beside it are their pasalubong displays. It seems to me that this set up is almost the same 20 years ago and little has changed. My order came and I had to hide my laughter since my spaghetti came with fork and SPOON, and a quartered meatball as topping. It didn't matter since how it would taste was more important. Their spaghetti changed obviously but still some ...