Mga Kuwentong Pagkain, (MKP), annual storytelling contest highlighting Filipino food heritage received over 350 entries from countries such as the USA, Sweden, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Malaysia, among others, by its December 31 deadline. A panel of six judges from various academic and culinary backgrounds will now choose the best entries in the essay, photo essay, and video categories.
These experts understand the importance of good storytelling and preserving Filipino food heritage to foster connections in a globalized world. The six-member judging panel includes:
Felice Prudente Sta. Maria is a renowned Filipino culinary historian and author known for her groundbreaking works on food literature, including “Pigafetta’s Philippine Picnic” (2021) and “What Kids Should Know About Filipino Food” (2017).
Rosario O. Lapus, Ph.D., is a well-rounded professional with a focus on academic administration, teaching, research, and community service. She holds post-graduate degrees from local and international universities, including Harvard, and has served as the president of Miriam College and Chairperson of the Consortium of Women’s Colleges in the Philippines.
Micky Fenix is one of the country’s most respected food writers, serving as president of the Food Writers Association of the Philippines and chair of the Doreen Gamboa Fernandez Food Writing Award. Her book, “Country Cooking: Philippine Regional Cuisines,” won the National Book Award in 2014.
Ige Ramos is a multi-talented book designer, food writer, and culinary advocate. He runs IRDS Books-Republic of Taste Food Network, a platform for publishing, research, and promoting Philippine culinary heritage. His latest book, “Dila at Bandila,” was published in 2022.
Nina Daza-Puyat is a celebrated home cook, author, and advocate for Philippine cuisine. As Editor-in-Chief of Appetite, she made Philippine cuisine more accessible and relevant. She has authored several cookbooks, including a revival of the classic “Let’s Cook with Nora” by her late mother, culinary icon Nora Daza.
Paolo Ven B. Paculan is an educator, historian, writer, and Filipino language teacher. He is the author of “Florante at Laura: Kritikal at Interaktibong Edisyon” and “Noli Me Tangere: Edisyong Panghayskul,” both aimed at young readers. He has served as a facilitator and resource person for the “Mga Kuwentong Pagkain” international webinars.
A decade of Filipino food stories
The Mama Sita Foundation’s MKP is a decade-old storytelling contest promoting Philippine culinary heritage. It started in 2012 with the aim of building a collection of fascinating food tales from different regions. Now, it’s even more important in fostering a connection to Filipino roots through food and culture, especially for overseas Filipinos and younger generations.
Submissions typically showcase treasured family recipes, regional food traditions, folklore, and locally grown ingredients and spices. MKP celebrates the distinctiveness of Filipino food and the stories behind it. To encourage more diverse storytelling styles, the contest offers separate categories for essays, photo essays, and videos, with cash prizes up to ₱20,000. The winners of MKP 2022 will be announced in March.
