ILOILO CITY – The City of Love, proudly recognized as the Philippines’ first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, is set to showcase its finest local flavors and culinary heritage at the World Food Expo (WOFEX) 2025, happening at the World Trade Center in Manila on August 6 to 9, 2025.
True to its title, Iloilo City will bring to the international spotlight a selection of homegrown food products, delicacies, and hospitality brands that reflect its rich culinary traditions and thriving creative economy.
Among the Ilonggo exhibitors are iconic names such as Netong’s Original La Paz Batchoy, Pat-pat’s Kansi, RGies Delicacies, Kape Iloilo, Prince Baker, Carlo’s Bakeshop, Kap Ising, and Sabor Ilonggo. Also joining are top establishments, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo and Damires Hills Tierra Verde, that will showcase Iloilo’s excellence in food and tourism services.
A highlight of Iloilo City’s participation is “LaMeza Ilonggo: Flavors of Iloilo on our Modern Table,” a daily culinary showcase happening at the WOFEX Kitchen Theater from 11:00 AM to 12:00 NN. Esteemed Ilonggo chefs will demonstrate elevated Ilonggo dishes to showcase classic recipes and endemic ingredients bringing the flavors of Iloilo to a wider audience.
“I invite everyone to visit the Iloilo City Pavilion at the World Food Expo,” said Mayor Raisa S. Treñas, who will personally attend and support the city’s delegation.
“Join us as we showcase the rich and diverse flavors of Ilonggo cuisine on our Modern Table. Through ‘LaMeza Ilonggo,’ our chefs will present not only our food but our story, why Iloilo is a proud UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Taste our batchoy, kansi, coffee, tablea, and pasalubong favorites. Come and experience what makes our culinary identity truly world-class,” she added.
Iloilo’s participation is supported by the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc., Metro-Iloilo Guimaras Economic Development Council, Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., Iloilo Chapter, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Iloilo Chapter, Inc., Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Panay Chapter, Iloilo Hotels Restaurants and Resorts Association, Fiesta Souvenirs, Iloilo MICE Alliance and the Department of Trade and Industry.
Iloilo City earned its UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designation in 2023, making history as the first and only city in the Philippines to achieve this global recognition.
It joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), a group of 350 cities from over 100 countries committed to using creativity as a strategic driver for sustainable development. The network covers seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music.
In 2024, Iloilo City actively engaged in the UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy (COGs) Annual Conference in Thailand (May 9–13), joining fellow COGs in global dialogue, project sharing, and cultural networking.
The city also represented the Philippines at the International Gastronomy Forum in Macao, where it strengthened its international ties and showcased its culinary innovations.
Through WOFEX 2025, Iloilo City once again asserts its place on the gastronomic map as a city of good food, culture, creativity, and community. (GSTayona/Iloilo City PIO)
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Read Iloilo City Government‘s Post Here
https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1165380442291295&id=100064580503534&rdid=gFkMaU450R4ynGb0
