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Cagayan Valley and Northern Philippine Islands

1st Regional Pancit Festival Wraps Up with Flavorful Success

The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 2 proudly concluded the highly anticipated 1st Regional Pancit Festival at the Cabagan Squarepark, Cabagan Isabela. Held last January 23, 2025, this groundbreaking event brought together local panciterias and food enthusiasts in a vibrant showcase of innovation and tradition.

In partnership with LGU Cabagan through Mayor Christopher Mamauag, the festival highlighted the region’s culinary excellence and community spirit. Adding to the excitement, a special pansi cooking demonstration was led by Vice Mayor Lovier Masigan, further enriching the experience for attendees.

The event saw the active participation of the Region 2 – Cagayan Valley Tourism Council Chair and Former Governor of the Province of Nueva Vizcaya, Madam Ruth Padilla, DTI Regional Director Sofia Narag, as well as Provincial Tourism Officers from Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino. It also welcomed national and local vloggers and media representatives, who amplified the festival’s reach and impact.

The star of the festival, the Pansi Cabagan, a beloved specialty of Cabagan, Isabela, took center stage throughout the event. Known for its rich, savory flavors and unique combination of miki noodles, pork, quail eggs, and fresh vegetables, the Pansi Cabagan represents the culinary pride of the region. The festival provided a platform to showcase its versatility and cultural significance, further cementing its status as a hallmark of Isabela’s heritage.

One of the festival’s highlights, the “Pansi Cabagan with a Twist 2025” cooking competition, captured the hearts of attendees and food critics alike with its innovative takes on the beloved dish. After a thrilling showdown, the winners were declared as follows:

  • 1st Place: Jo-Chel’s Panciteria
  • 2nd Place: Mariloi’s Panciteria
  • 3rd Place: Manggahan Panciteria

The competition saw participation from a diverse lineup of esteemed panciterias:

  1. Aling Kikay’s Panciteria
  2. Josefina Resort and Hotel Panciteria
  3. Tambayan ng Tamad Panciteria (Contact: 0967 968 9926)
  4. Manggahan’s Panciteria
  5. Triangle’s Panciteria
  6. Jo-Chel’s Panciteria
  7. Joy’s Panciteria (Contact: 0905 818 3613)
  8. Mariloi’s Panciteria

Adding to the excitement, the festival unveiled the “2025 Biggest Bilao Pansi Cabagan,” an awe-inspiring creation that showcased the region’s unmatched culinary expertise. This record-breaking bilao measured a staggering 12 feet in diameter and featured:

  • 104 kilos of miki noodles
  • 150 kilos of pork
  • 800 pieces of quail eggs
  • 7 bales of chicharon
  • 25 kilos each of cabbage and carrots

The colossal bilao not only celebrated the rich flavors of Cabagan but also symbolized the unity and dedication of the community in promoting the region’s gastronomic pride.

DOT Region 2 Regional Director, Troy Alexander Miano, expressed his gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and attendees who made the festival a success. “This event is a testament to the vibrant culinary culture of Cagayan Valley. We look forward to making the Regional Pancit Festival an annual tradition that further elevates our local cuisine on the national and international stage,” he remarked.

The 1st Regional Pancit Festival underscores DOT Region 2’s commitment to preserving and promoting Cagayan Valley’s unique culinary heritage while fostering innovation and creativity among local entrepreneurs.#

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