“Cooking is like a work of art.”

This was highlighted by the speakers throughout the whole event, emphasizing that the notes of a song or the colors of a painting are very much like the ingredients of a dish: when mixed together with love and passion, they could possibly create something wonderful. Or in the case of the Malangsi Cooking Master Chef 2019, something delicious.

The event was held at the St. Vincent’s Catholic School of Bayambang Inc.’s Covered Court on April 4, not only to showcase the various dishes that can be cooked using freshwater fish, but also to display the incredible cooking skills of Bayambangueños. Now on its third year, the contest organized by Municipal Consultant on Museum, Culture and Arts, Ms. Gloria D.V. Valenzuela, continues to live up to its goal: to help in alleviating poverty in town, in line with Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao’s Rebolusyon Laban sa Kahirapan, as well as to promote the agricultural products of Bayambang while discovering local culinary talents. The event was graced with the presence of Vice Mayor Raul Sabangan and Municipal Administrator Atty. Raymundo B. Bautista Jr. as well as an engaging performance by local rap artist Raymark De Guzman.

Prior to the said contest, an elimination round took place last March 20 at the Municipal Library, and fortunately, all 13 contestants advanced to the final round. Unlike in the previous years when there was only an adult category, the Malangsi Cooking Master Chef now offers a separate category for juniors. So among the thirteen finalists, a young girl immediately caught the attention of the audience. Riaja L. Malay, 10 years old, joined the contest and went home as the First Junior Master Chef for her dish, Broiled Tilapia in Rosemary, receiving a trophy and a cash prize of Php5,000. When asked about her thoughts, Mrs. Ivy L. Malay, the proud mother, encouraged everyone who has a passion for cooking to never stop what they love doing.

As for the adult category, the competition was very much intense between the 12 equally competent contenders. Judging took place immediately after all the dishes were served – which took almost two hours to cook. And after a few minutes, Ms. Pamela C. Austria, Mr. Michael Ray B. Geron, Ms. Charissa de Vera, and Mr. Eddxer D.V. Valenzuela – the board of judges – finally came to a unanimous decision.

Mr. James T. Dasig, who amazed the audience with the beautiful presentation of his Crispy Hito with Creamy Aligue Sauce, won as the second runner-up. What made this dish exceptional from the others was, of course, the sauce. The cheesy flavor along with the peculiar taste of aligue (crab fat) truly spiced things up for this dish.

First runner-up was brought home by Mr. Pedro S. Fernandez, who prepared Puchero Dalag. The dish seemed two comprise two parts – the fish and the vegetables. For those who wanted to eat just one, they’re free to do so. But they surely need to keep in mind that all the ingredients of this dish complement each other. Thus, if one really wants to taste the battle of flavors, one needs to eat both parts together.

And of course, the last – but definitely not the least – to be announced was the grand winner. Even before the announcement of winners, there seem to be a crowd’s favorite dish – tempting everyone to take a bite. And that is none other than Mr. John Kenette S. Banaag’s Catfish Coated in Pancake with Tri-Dip. Now, this might sound a little odd, and it is, even the cook himself said so. But that is what made this dish much more unforgettable. According to Mr. Banaag, when we talk about pancakes, we often think of breads. That’s why he thought of something that could possibly be a little different from this. And somehow, it worked. The catfish-pancake combo he cooked exhibits the soft texture of a mashed potato, which was ironic – because the flavors will totally hit your tongue hard! When asked on which among the three dips – sweet sauce, sour sauce, and white sauce – would he like to recommend, he immediately picked white sauce, which is a combination of parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, and ordinary cheese.

The grand winner, first runner-up, and second runner-up received a trophy and a cash prize of Php15,000, Php12,000, and Php8,000 respectively, while the rest of the contestants received a consolation prize of Php1,000.

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