MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) -- Eighteen (18) municipalities showcased various Maranao dishes during the 1st Inter-LGU Culinary Festival conducted by the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur in celebration of its 64th founding anniversary.
Cooks from the municipality of Sultan Domalundong showcased not only their cooking skills but also their main course which they called "Matarintis a manok."
"The main dish [we prepared] is the whole chicken which we call "Matarintis a manok." The term "matarintis" means perfect or whole package. Since the trend nowadays is fried chicken and in our culture the way of cooking the chicken is piyaparan (with shredded coconut), so in honor of our culture, we decided to combine them," said Majar Mariga.
Mariga also shared that all of their dishes were coined from the main ingredients, such as the appetizer "Parezan" which is a combination of pareya (bitter gourd) and puzan (small salted fish).
The "Matarintis a manok" of the Municipality of Sultan Domalundong is a whole fried chicken combined with shredded coconut. The dish is a combination of traditional Maranao cuisine represented by shredded coconut and fried chicken which is a trend now for the new generation (MJP/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
Farhana Lomudag who represented the municipality of Tugaya also shared that it was her first time to join a culinary competition. She and her teammates were nervous but excited at the same time as they would be able to showcase their Maranao dishes at the culinary event.
"Yung main course namin is beef randang. Yung beef randang kasi is parang kultura at tradition na yan ng mga Maranao. Lahat ng handaan, mga events natin tulad ng Eid'l Adha and Eid'l Fitr, kahit na may kambing ay nandiyan pa rin yung beef," she said.
(Our main course is beef randang. The beef randang is like the culture and tradition of the Maranao people. All our feasts, events like Eid'l Adha and Eid'l Fitr, even if there is a goat, the beef is still there.)
She also added that if the provincial government will hold the competition again next year, they will participate again as they find their first experience memorable and meaningful.
Participants from the other different municipalities also expressed their gratitude to the Provincial Government for conducting the event. They also believe that Maranao cuisine can compete not only nationally but internationally as well. (JND/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
A cook from the municipality of Masiu in Lanao del Sur is happy and excited to showcase his cooking skills and introduce their special Maranao cuisine to the judges and the viewers of the 1st Inter-LGU Culinary Festival of Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur (JND/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
