Iloilo’s culinary pride now in a book

The book “Gastronomic Expressions of Our City, Iloilo: Nature, Culture, and Geography” is a tribute to the city’s food traditions, stories, and identity | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of the Iloilo City Government

ILOILO CITY – Unesco’s first Creative City of Gastronomy in the Philippines is bringing its rich culinary heritage to the global stage through a book that captures the heart and soul of Ilonggo cuisine.

The 244-page book “Gastronomic Expressions of Our City, Iloilo: Nature, Culture, and Geography” is a tribute to the city’s food traditions, stories, and identity—an effort championed by Iloilo City’s first lady Rosalie Treñas and key stakeholders.

“This gastronomy book, alongside four others published under my administration, will help us feel proud of our unique identity,” said Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.

The book, which took nearly a year to complete, is a collaborative effort between the Iloilo City government, the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc., and various contributors.

It was launched at the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art on Dec. 14, 2024.

Edited by acclaimed book editor Michaela Fenix and designed by Guillermo “Ige” Ramos, the six-chapter book showcases the hyperlocal flavors that earned Iloilo its gastronomic recognition.

Ramos emphasized the book’s international caliber.

“I am so proud of this book because it’s hyperlocal and it’s a premium book that can stand alongside any Unesco event in the city for Gastronomy, whether it’s in Macau, Mexico, or Texas. We are proud to represent the Philippines through the lens of the Ilonggos,” he said.

Contributors to the book include five Ilonggo writers whose words breathe life into the culinary narratives of Iloilo.

Dr. Clement Camposano, University of the Philippines Visayas chancellor, who provided a blurb for the book, echoed the sentiment that the project confirms the authenticity of Ilonggo identity.

With Iloilo’s growing international recognition, the book is a flavorful reminder of why the city was chosen as a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy.

“Food defines who we are as Ilonggos and Filipinos,” Camposano noted, encapsulating the book’s purpose.

The mayor’s daughter Raisa underscored the significance of food in Ilonggo culture and family life.

“This is maybe one of the reasons why Iloilo City was given the City of Gastronomy title, because food is part of our culture; food is part of our everyday life,” she said.

Raisa also highlighted the importance of documenting Ilonggo cuisine to preserve stories for future generations.

“I am excited to have more collaborations as we continue to have more books and more stories about Ilonggo gastronomy, culture, and heritage all over the world,” she said.