THE COUNTRY made it again to the Guinness World Record after its National Federation of Hog Farmers achieved the record for “Most Variety of Pork Dishes on Display.”
Photo Courtesy: Department of Agriculture, Philippines | Facebook
This record was set at the recent National Hog Festival 2024 in Cubao, Quezon City. The event sought to promote food security, safety, local agricultural sovereignty, and tourism through food.
A total of 340 pork dishes were brought to the exhibition area for the Guinness World Records personnel to examine. Sonia Ushirogochi served as the main adjudicator and official from Guinness. Before beginning the meticulous evaluation of the number of items prepared, she expressed her gratitude for being here in the country.
“I’m happy to be here in the Philippines to adjudicate the official Guinness world attempt for most variety of pork dishes on display,” Ushirogochi said.
“The dishes must follow the following criteria: meat used must be pork, must have at least 3kg contained in each dish and each dish must be unique. I wish you all the best,” she added, before going through the recipes.
Out of the 340 dishes, only 313 were qualified. Despite this, the Hog Festival still established the record by featuring at least 300 dishes using pork as the major ingredient.
Chef Michael Santos, a Vikings Group participant, shared his excitement about the event since it allowed them to create distinctive meals that represented the country.
“We’re all proud, we’re all excited, halos wala pa tulog. We’re just proud to be part of it. Almost a month ago, we thought what dishes to make, how to execute, make it unique, para di magdoble-doble sa count, and of course make it delicious,” he said in an interview with ABS-CBN News.
Chef Joemar Inducil showcased regional recipes made from locally obtained ingredients. He demonstrated that these cuisines were not only meant to satiate our tummies but can also be a powerful reflection of the country.
“Most of it, we’re focused on Filipino dishes, this came from different regions in the Philippines, may Pampanga, Ilocano, may Western Samar, Zamboanga, local ingredients na makikita sa Pilipinas,” he said.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., Sen. Cynthia Villar, and Quezon City mayor Joy Belmonte attended the event, along with National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc. (NatFed) chair Chester Warren Tan.
“We are truly breaking boundaries with our efforts. This international event positions the Philippines as a premier food tourism destination. Tourists will not just visit us for the pristine beaches but for the irresistible taste of our local pork delicacies,” said Laurel.
He also committed to hastening the hog industry’s recovery from the effects of the African Swine Fever (ASF), which had been a problem in the hog sector for many years.”This event will definitely increase awareness sa mga consumer that there is a huge hog industry in our country that needs support. Being on the Guinness Book of World Records will be an achievement in itself, if we do make it on the book of records, it’s something that we can be proud of,” remarked Laurel.
