(Photo courtesy of the Ormoc City Government)
TACLOBAN CITY— Ormoc City officially launched ‘Homemade: A Taste of Ormoc’, unveiling a coffee table cookbook that documents the city’s rich culinary traditions through treasured family recipes and personal stories in a bid to preserve its food heritage for future generations.
The launch, held at the Sports Complex Badminton Center in Barangay Juaton on June 27, marked the culmination of a three-year project dedicated to documenting and celebrating Ormoc’s culinary identity.
The book features 77 cherished recipes contributed by Ormocanons, each accompanied by personal narratives that reflect family traditions, cherished memories, and the cultural significance behind every dish. More than a cookbook, the publication captures the city’s heritage, illustrating how food serves as a bridge between generations and strengthens community bonds.
During the launch, Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez said she hopes readers will discover more than recipes within the pages of the book.
“I hope that each Taste of Ormoc instills a deeper appreciation for the stories, emotions, and values that define Ormoc today,” the mayor said, adding that the publication aims to preserve not only the city’s culinary traditions but also its history, culture, and way of life.
The cookbook is part of the local government’s continuing efforts to promote Ormoc’s cultural identity through gastronomy. By documenting traditional recipes and the stories behind them, the project helps safeguard the city’s intangible cultural heritage while supporting culinary tourism, an emerging driver of local economic and tourism development, Torres Gomez said.
As food tourism continues to gain popularity across the Philippines, initiatives such as Homemade: A Taste of Ormoc help preserve traditional cooking methods, highlight local ingredients, and introduce visitors to the distinctive flavors that define communities. Through the publication, Ormoc hopes to inspire both residents and tourists to appreciate the city’s rich culinary legacy and its growing reputation as a food destination in Eastern Visayas.
Joining Mayor Torres Gomez during the unveiling were Rep. Richard Gomez, daughter Juliana Gomez, members of the city council led by Vice Mayor Leo Carmelo Locsin Jr., among others.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
