BAGUIO HOSTS 7TH MANGAN TAKU, SHOWCASING INDIGENOUS CUISINE AND CULTURE

Farmers, chefs, and food advocates highlight Cordillera identity through food and tradition

Photo and videos by Mario Oclaman // FNS

BAGUIO CITY (April 23, 2026) — A vibrant showcase of culture, heritage, and gastronomy officially opened with the launch of the 7th Mangan Taku Cordillera Food Fair at the Rose Garden Burnham Park, gathering food enthusiasts, cultural advocates, and local communities from across the region.

Anchored on this year’s theme, “Preserving Traditions, Sustaining Flavors,” the event highlights the rich culinary heritage of the Cordillera, celebrating the stories, people, and traditions embedded in every dish. The fair aims to ensure that these time-honored flavors continue to be experienced and passed on to future generations.

The opening ceremony featured a symbolic unveiling at the arc fronting the Burnham Park fountain, led by DOT-CAR Regional Director Jovita A. Ganongan, alongside Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, Congressman Mauricio G. Domogan, NCCA Deputy Executive Director Marichu G. Tellano, and renowned culinary figures, including Chef Waya Araos Wijangco, Chef Bong Sagmit, Chef Dedet de la Fuente Santos, Chef Chavi Romawac, Chef Stanley Suva, Chef Christopher Guado Carangian, and Chef Kalel Demetrio, together with partners from the World Food Travel Association, Ms. Clang Garcia and Mr. Ramon Uy of Slow Food Southeast Asia, and Provincial Representative from Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province.

A meaningful ritual underscored the opening, featuring the banga (clay pot) as a symbol of nourishment and cultural identity. The ceremonial torch, passed around the exhibit grounds, represented the enduring flame of Cordilleran culinary heritage—signifying traditions that continue to thrive through generations. As the torch lit the banga, it served as a reminder that heritage lives on through every dish, story, and shared gathering.

The five-day event, open to the public from April 23 to 27, features a series of highlights including the Cordillera Food Fair, Mangan Taku Cook Fest, and the Mangan Taku Food Crawl. Following the unveiling, guests toured the exhibition area, exploring the diverse offerings of participating exhibitors.

A total of 46 exhibitors are showcasing an array of local products and traditional dishes at the scenic Rose Garden.

Participants include local food entrepreneurs, farmers, and community-based producers from Abra, Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province, along with Slow Food communities and partner agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. Exhibitors from Regions I and II in North Luzon also joined the event.

Among the featured iconic dishes are Pinikpikan, Etag, Sinursur, Binungor, Pinunog, and Kiniing—all recognized as cultural markers and living expressions of Cordilleran identity.

“Mangan Taku,” which means “Let’s Eat,” has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated food fairs, showcasing heirloom recipes and indigenous ingredients that reflect the Cordillera’s deep connection to land, culture, and community. # Mario Oclaman // Filipino News Sentinel