Mga Kuwentong Pagkain (MKP) joyfully announces the champions of Pamaskong Pagkaing Pilipino 2023, the holiday edition of its annual food storytelling competition. With nearly 300 submissions, Pamaskong Pagkaing Pilipino shines a light on Filipino celebrations, renowned worldwide for their meticulous preparations and heartwarming traditions. Continuing the tradition of previous MKP contests, last year’s edition emphasizes the role of Filipino cuisine in uniting families and communities, particularly during festive gatherings such as town fiestas and holidays.
Fostering a deep appreciation for culinary heritage among Filipino youth through food narratives, the Mama Sita Foundation, the driving force behind the MKP initiative, intensified efforts to promote the contest in both local and international schools. This aligns with the Foundation’s mission of inspiring Filipino youth to cherish Philippine culinary heritage by sharing and retelling stories centered around food.
A significant portion of last year’s entries originated from high school students in the Philippines and abroad. To express gratitude for the active support from schools that enthusiastically promoted the MKP 2023 contest to their student bodies, the Foundation awarded cash prizes and plaques to Timoteo Paez Integrated High School in Tondo, Manila, and the International Philippine School in Jeddah, KSA, for submitting the highest number of entries among participating schools.
Pamaskong Pagkaing Pilipino 2023 winners
Joey Rodrigo clinched the third prize for his essay titled “Sumang Pasko ng Bulakan (Bayanihan sa Kapaskuhan)”. Crafted in vibrant and eloquent Filipino, Joey’s piece pays homage to the camaraderie of the Bulakan townsfolk, who gather early on Christmas Eve to prepare Sumang Pasko—a delectable delicacy comprising glutinous rice and purple yam sauce. The enduring tradition of crafting this delicacy, passed down through generations, serves as a testament to the robust community spirit in Bulakan and their dedication to preserving their town’s culinary legacy. Joey currently serves as the Executive Secretary of the Dangal ng Bulacan Foundation, Inc., an organization devoted to safeguarding Bulacan’s cultural heritage. With a history of winning essay-writing competitions since his student days, Joey has also made appearances on TV, radio, and online platforms as a resource person on Bulacan’s history and cultural heritage.
Mark Caranzo secured the second prize for his essay, “An Asthmatic’s Idea of a Feast”. Crafted in impeccable English, Mark advocates for Filipino inclusivity through the lens of his own unique experience as an asthmatic individual with limited culinary adventures. Alternating between humor and introspection, Mark’s narrative also highlights a mother’s unwavering and fervent love, embodied in an unnamed dish—chunks of beef seasoned with readily available condiments—a dish his mother always had ready, capable of being whipped up in an instant in case the potluck table lacked suitable options for his consumption. Currently, Mark is a scholar under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, pursuing Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. On the side, he engages in campus journalism and content creation.
Claiming the top prize is Reynadel Cayetano with her piece “Pochero ng Aking Kabataan”. Penned in exquisite and melodious Filipino, Reynadel’s essay offers poignant glimpses of childhood nostalgia, profound familial ties, and the pivotal role of food in nurturing these bonds, interspersed with snippets of historical trivia. She effectively employs these elements to frame her central subject—her mother’s delectable Pochero—generously sharing its recipe. Known as Edel, she works as a writer for multimedia platforms and achieved top honors at the 21st Doreen Gamboa Food Writing Awards in 2022 for her essay on Philippine Ube.
The Mama Sita Foundation representatives adjudicated the three winning entries based on the following criteria: 40% Cultural Significance, assessing the entry’s ability to convey a cultural aspect in Philippine Christmas celebrations or holiday traditions intertwined with Philippine cuisine; 20% Narrative Effectiveness, evaluating clarity and pacing in storytelling; 20% Theme Relevance, seeking strong alignment with the initiative’s overarching theme of uniting people through Filipino cuisine; and the remaining 20% for Creativity and Originality, pertaining to the entry’s unique storytelling approach, style, and technique. Each winner received cash prizes and Mama Sita’s gift packs.
More than a decade of Filipino food stories
Now entering its 13th year, MKP remains steadfast in its mission to promote Philippine cuisine, particularly among the youth whose tastes and preferences are influenced by various factors in the digital realm and beyond. This includes diasporic communities where there is a growing desire to explore cultural roots and identity through food and its origin stories.
By weaving narratives around treasured family recipes, hometown culinary traditions, regional food folklore, and locally sourced ingredients, MKP aims to showcase the richness and diversity of Filipino cuisine, positioning it as a formidable contender among the world’s finest culinary offerings.
Stay tuned for further updates on MKP 2024, which seeks to foster deeper engagement with schools both locally and abroad through meaningful and enduring partnerships focused on Philippine culinary heritage and the narratives that continue to shape it.
