Discover the Flavors of Mindanao
Manila, Philippines- The Department of Tourism (DOT) recently brought together members of the diplomatic corps and international community to showcase Mindanao’s halal cuisine and culture at an event titled “Bismillah: An Evening of Faith, Love, and the Flavors of Mindanao” held at Dusit Thani Manila, Makati on Tuesday (Nov. 22).
The event aimed to highlight the cultural unity and gastronomic richness of the region, aligning with Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco’s initiative to reopen Mindanao to tourism, a priority of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s administration. According to Secretary Frasco, the DOT’s efforts to build confidence in the region and raise awareness about its security stability would also help in persuading certain countries to reconsider travel restrictions.
In May of this year, Secretary Frasco led the signing of an agreement with the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to promote Mindanao as a peaceful and viable destination for domestic and international travelers.
“Beyond enjoying the delicious halal meals, this event symbolizes the beginning of a new journey that opens your eyes and palate to the endless possibilities that Mindanao offers. As our President has said, Mindanao is the land of promise to be fulfilled,” expressed Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco in her speech.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of Mindanao’s diverse halal cuisine to an international audience. Ambassadors, dignitaries, and officials from various foreign embassies in the Philippines were present to experience the flavors of Mindanao and hopefully promote the region as a tourist destination to their respective countries.
Encouraging tourists to reconsider their perception of Mindanao, Secretary Frasco urged both local and international travelers to explore the vibrant island.
“To reinforce the country’s image as a halal-friendly destination, the Department of Tourism has pursued various programs and projects initiated in the previous administration and continued under our President’s administration. Another new initiative that reflects the commitment of the Marcos administration to fully reopen Mindanao to tourism is the milestone agreement we signed with the Department of National Defense and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to ensure that the reopening of Mindanao to tourism is firmly based on a data-driven approach, considering the very stable peace and order situation in the Mindanao regions,” she added.
The DOT’s Undersecretary Myra Paz Abubakar, whose office organized the event, thanked all attendees, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange and appreciation in fostering global connectivity.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Chief of Security Operations Division Coronel Crisaleo Tolentino provided an overview of the current safety environment in the Mindanao regions.
“The issuance of EO 70 (creation of NTF-ELCAC) and its implementation in Mindanao Island formalized the whole-of-nation approach in achieving sustainable peace in Mindanao,” PCol. Tolentino highlighted.
“Looking ahead, we will continue our current efforts, particularly in deploying tourist police in identified areas with high tourist activity, enhancing the capability of tourist police units in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, strengthening partnerships with tourism stakeholders to improve their services, and conducting oversight activities to enhance existing policies and strategies,” the police officer emphasized.
Indulging in Culinary Delights
The event, formally opened by Chef Jam Melchor, featured a specially curated halal degustation prepared by renowned Muslim Chefs such as Datu Shariff Pendatun II and Miguel Cabel Moreno. These culinary experts crafted an exceptional spread introducing guests to the intricacies and richness of Mindanawon cuisine.
Exquisitely presented at the dinner tables were Kinilaw (scallops, sea urchin, and Spanish Mackerel in Three Lime Dressing) from Muslim Mindanao, Pisawawan a Sapi (Beef Shoulder, Turmeric, Chili, and Cassia Leaf Broth, Roasted Bone Marrow) from Lanao, Piyanggang Manuk (Grilled Free Range Chicken, Burnt Coconut Sauce) from Sulu, Dinilutan a Seda (Grilled Swordfish, Coconut and Lime Dressing) from Maguindanao, and Piyaren a Udang (Prawn, Coconut Meat Saute, Palapa Scallion Relish) from Lanao. These carefully crafted delicacies were paired with Davao, Tausug, and Pandan rice.
The sumptuous feast culminated with Mindanao Bounty, a dessert made from Malagos Dark Chocolate, Coconut Milk, Durian Ice Cream, Saba Banana Compote, Mango Compote, Dehydrated Pineapple, and Coconut Dacqoise.
More than just a culinary experience, the dinner aimed to immerse guests in the diverse features of southern Philippines food. Throughout the event, the program provided insights into prominent tourism destinations across the five (5) Mindanao Regions and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The event was attended by various ambassadors to the Philippines including H.E. Megawati Manan of Brunei, H.E. Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino of Malaysia, H.E. Marielle Geraedts of Netherlands, H.E. Marat Pavlov of Russia, H.E. Imtiaz Ahmad Kazi of Pakistan, H.E. Mohamed Obaid Alqataam Alzaabi of UAE, H.E. Ahmed Shehabeldin Ibrahim of Egypt, as well as representatives from foreign embassies. Also present were officials from the British Embassy, German Embassy, Japan Information and Culture Center, Qatar Embassy, Singapore Embassy, Royal Thai Embassy, and the Embassy of the United States of America.
The DOT views the event as a celebration of cultural harmony, showcasing the beauty of diversity through the universal language of food.
As Secretary Frasco aptly concluded in her message, “May this experience be as savory as it is memorable, and most of all, may the culinary delights of Mindanao, reflecting the region’s diverse, vibrant, and rich heritage, encourage all of you to invite others to visit Mindanao and explore the varied offerings of Muslim Mindanao. May the love and skill poured into the Halal Mindanao Cuisines this evening, as demonstrated by our Mindanaoan chefs’ masterful artistry, inspire you to Love the Philippines even more.”