E. B. Magalona hosts first Saravia Culinary Contest

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BACOLOD CITY – E. B. Magalona, formerly known as Saravia, in Negros Occidental hosted the 1st Saravia Culinary Contest on April 27, 2024.

The event, part of the 35th Ugyonan Festival, celebrated the region’s culinary gems: blue crabs and Canlusong coffee.

The festival, which serves as the main fiesta for E. B. Magalona, saw 23 barangays compete in two categories showcasing these local specialties.

In a statement, Mayor Marvin Malacon expressed pride in showcasing their versatile local cuisines.

“The Ugyonan Festival is a perfect stage to present our blue crab dishes and Canlusong coffee-based drinks and desserts to the world,” he said.

The blue crab, thriving in the waters off E. B. Magalona, has branded the town as “The Blue Crab Capital of Negros Occidental.”

Meanwhile, Canlusong coffee, derived from robusta, excelsa, arabica, and liberica beans grown at over 1,600 feet above sea level, is noted for its sustainable farming practices.

The competition was fierce, with 13 coastal barangays competing in the Crab Category and 10 upland barangays in the Coffee Category.

Expert judges from diverse culinary backgrounds, including Chef Anthony Abad of Vikings Luxury Buffet and Chef Nico Millanes, owner of Gorda Pasteleria Artesania Terrasse, evaluated entries on taste, practicality, presentation, and hygiene.

In a display of culinary excellence, Poblacion 2 claimed the champion title in the Crab Category with Ugyonan Crab Curry & Tempura, while Barangay Cudangdang topped the Coffee Category with innovative creations like Orange Canlusong Cold Brew Coffee Spritz.

The victors in each category received awards from Mayor Malacon and Executive Assistant Matthew Louis Malacon, celebrating not just the savory success of the dishes but also the cultural richness and potential of E. B. Magalona’s culinary landscape.