The Provincial Government of Bohol, through the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office (BPTO), welcomed delegates from the Hotels, Allied, Resorts, Restaurants, and Partners (HARRP) Association of Pampanga for a cultural and culinary exchange that underscored the province’s growing position as a hub for sustainable tourism and gastronomy.
Held on April 30, 2026, at the scenic Loboc River Resort, the 2nd “MANGAN” Kapampangan Culinary Showcase featured renowned chefs from Pampanga, widely regarded as the country’s culinary capital, who presented authentic regional dishes to local stakeholders and communities. Among the featured chefs were Manuela Cherry Pasion-Tan of Apag Marangle, Howard Dizon of Diosdado, and HARRP Cook-Off 7 Champion Mike Haizon David. Their curated menu included heirloom favorites such as carabeef tocino, sizzling sisig, adobong kamaru, and lagat paro (shrimp with kamias), bringing Pampanga’s rich culinary traditions to the heart of Bohol.
The showcase, staged as a culminating highlight of Filipino Food Month, not only celebrated Filipino flavors but also reinforced interregional collaboration in tourism development. For Bohol, a recognized UNESCO Global Geopark, the event aligned with ongoing efforts to elevate local identity through gastronomy, culture, and sustainable practices.
Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado has consistently emphasized tourism as a key pillar of Bohol’s Strategic Change Agenda, positioning the province as a globally competitive yet community-driven destination. Under his administration, tourism development is anchored on sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth, ensuring that local communities, farmers, fisherfolk, and micro-entrepreneurs directly benefit from increased visitor engagement.
By hosting initiatives such as the “MANGAN” culinary exchange, the provincial government continues to empower the tourism sector through partnerships, knowledge-sharing, and product diversification. These efforts are particularly significant within the context of the Bohol Island Geopark, where tourism is not merely about destinations but about storytelling, linking geology, culture, food, and people into a cohesive visitor experience.
PHOTO | Hotels and Restaurants Association in Pampanga – HARP – FB Page
On May 1, the collaboration extended to a business-to-business (B2B) networking session between the Bohol Association for Hotels, Resorts, and Restaurants (BAHRR) and the HARRP delegation, held at the Best Western Plus The Ivywall Resort-Panglao. The engagement aimed to strengthen industry linkages, foster partnerships, and explore opportunities for joint promotions and capacity-building among tourism stakeholders.
“May we learn from each other and share stories. We also find inspiration from you, and maybe you find inspiration from our stories and resilience as Boholanos,” said BPTO Head Joanne Pinat in her welcome message, highlighting the value of cultural exchange in building a resilient tourism industry.
BAHRR President Doer Escoto also shared the organization’s initiatives, underscoring its commitment to elevating service standards and promoting Bohol as a premier destination in Central Visayas.
HARRP, a pioneering tourism and hospitality organization in Pampanga for over three decades, comprises key industry players, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, and allied services. Its collaboration with Bohol signals a shared vision of strengthening regional tourism through heritage, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
As Bohol continues to leverage its identity as a UNESCO Global Geopark, initiatives like the “MANGAN” Culinary Showcase reflect a broader strategy—where culture and cuisine serve not only as attractions but also as powerful tools for sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. (Geopark/MLR)
