Belmont Hotel Mactan continues to champion Cebuano gastronomy on the national stage, blending heritage recipes with modern and innovative culinary techniques that celebrate the richness of local culture. This commitment shone brightly at the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu, Inc. (HRRACI)’s Cebu Goes Culinary 2025– Balik Isla: Foraging the Philippine Countryside, held on September 26–27 at SM Seaside City Cebu and endorsed by the Department of Tourism Central Visayas.
The event, which spotlighted heritage flavors and the timeless stories of Filipino cuisine, became a platform for Belmont Hotel Mactan’s culinary team mentored by Executive Chef Paolo Aviso to showcase their artistry. Their performance earned an impressive 3 Silver, 3 Bronze, and 3 Diploma Awards, affirming the team’s passion, creativity, and dedication to bringing the region’s culinary roots to life in fresh and inspiring ways.
Belmont Hotel Mactan’s F&B and Kitchen Teams at the Cebu Goes Culinary 2025: Balik Isla
Silver Awards
Mocktail Mixing (Bisaya Regional Fresh Mango): Jhaliel Tangoan
The Pantry Chef (Regional Fruit/Vegetable Kinilaw): Zona Pilipinas & Marnelyn Sana-an
Kakanin (Puto Maya): Angelie Taghoy & Edmar Alcosero
Bronze Awards
Best Traditional/Modern Regional Ingredient (Puso): Alfonso Sacil & Benjie Igot
Best Traditional/Modern Regional Ingredient (Coconut Vinegar): Raven Aranda & Franz Alutaya
Klasika Moderna Kulinarya (Sutukil): Raven Aranda, Franz Alutaya & Dhen Rey Lagunay
Diploma Awards
Bisaya Regional Pica-Pica (Cebuano Bar Chow – Pungko-Pungko): Joan Jojo Aro & Aldren Wiggy Monteron
Best Regional Ingredient (Bagoong): Leo Dano & Dhen Rey Lagunay
Cocktail Mixing (Bisaya Regional Spirit/Liquor): John Iyaz
The Kakanin (Puto Maya) dish, crafted by Chef Angelie Taghoy and Chef Edmar Alcosero, won the Silver Award in its category
Each accolade reflects not only the team’s skill but also their resilience, creativity, and the spirit of hospitality that Belmont Hotel Mactan stands for. These achievements serve as an inspiration to continue striving for excellence and celebrating the flavors of Cebuano heritage.
For future inquiries about reservations, please contact us at 0917 861 1019 for bookings, 0917 819 7395 for dining reservations, email fb@belmontmactan.com.ph, or visit www.belmontmactan.com.ph.
