BACOLOD CITY: Bacolod City in Negros Occidental, known for its sugar production, is emerging as a potential “Pastry Capital of the Philippines,” as highlighted by chef Myrna Segismundo during the 2nd MassKanamit Culinary Showdown. The event, organized by the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation, showcased the city’s growing reputation in the culinary world, coinciding with the ongoing 45th MassKara Festival.
According to Philippines News Agency, chef Segismundo, a judge at the culinary competition, noted Bacolod’s abundance of pastries, cakes, and desserts as a natural extension of its sugar industry, dubbing it “Sugarlandia’s capital.” She observed that student participants have been elevating their pastry-making skills in competitions, drawing a connection between the city’s local sweet flavors and its cultural identity.
The city’s homegrown cake and pastry shops have become popular destinations for both locals and tourists, adding to Bacolod’s appeal as a food tourism hub. Segismundo also acknowledged Bacolod’s pote
ntial to become Asia’s slow food hub. Bacolod is set to host the first Terra Madre Asia-Pacific event next November, following a recent agreement signed by Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez with Slow Food International.
The 2nd MassKanamit Culinary Showdown attracted over 300 students from 18 culinary and hospitality management schools across Negros Island. The University of St. La Salle-Bacolod emerged as the overall champion, with individual honors going to La Consolacion College-Bacolod, VMA Global College (Main), and Asian College of Dumaguete in different competition categories.
Coinciding with the 8th Sabor Bisaya Food Expo, the culinary event emphasized Bacolod’s rich gastronomic culture, focusing on food sustainability and environmental protection. Ana Tison, chairperson of the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation food committee, highlighted the festival’s growth with more competitions and participants this year.