Iloilo City, Philippines — The book “Gastronomic Expressions of Our City, Iloilo: Nature, Culture, and Geography” has earned top global honors after being named Best in the World in the B25 UNESCO City of Gastronomy Book – Best Publishers Series category at the 31st Gourmand Cookbook Awards, one of the most prestigious recognitions in food publishing.
Former Iloilo City mayor Jerry Treñas announced the win, proudly sharing that the global accolade reflects not only the talent and dedication of the book’s creators but also the spirit of the Ilonggo community.
“Isa naman ka dungog para sa aton tanan nga mga Ilonggo,” Treñas said, celebrating the achievement as a collective triumph.
A Book That Goes Beyond Recipes
Far more than a traditional recipe collection, Gastronomic Expressions of Our City, Iloilo presents a deep academic, cultural, and historical study of the city’s foodways. Creative director Guillermo “Ige” Ramos highlighted the book’s unique contribution to global gastronomic literature, noting how it distinguishes itself among publications from UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy.
According to Ramos, its strength lies in its multidisciplinary perspective on Filipino cuisine, contextualized through Iloilo’s geography, heritage, and evolving identity.
“It takes a city to create a book,” Ramos wrote. “Not just one person, but an entire city.”
A Collaborative Cultural Project
The project was conceptualized and led by former Iloilo City First Lady Rosalie Sarabia Treñas, who serves as executive director. She was joined by cultural advocate PJ Arañador as consultant, with veteran food writer Michaela Fenix as editor under the Vibal Foundation’s Gastronomia Filipina imprint.
The book is structured into six major chapters written by Ilonggo scholars and cultural researchers. These sections explore the region’s:
Geography and landscapes
Ethnic and cultural histories
Endemic ingredients and natural resources
Food technologies and culinary traditions
A curated set of recipes showcasing Ilonggo flavors, led by Treñas and her team
A Milestone for Philippine Food Literature
City officials and cultural advocates hailed the accolade as a groundbreaking achievement for Iloilo and for the Philippines’ culinary scholarship. They emphasized that the award amplifies Iloilo’s status as a gastronomic hub and strengthens ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the nation’s diverse food heritage.
With its global recognition, Gastronomic Expressions of Our City, Iloilo now stands as a landmark contribution to Philippine food literature—celebrating not only dishes, but the landscapes, people, and stories that shape Ilonggo cuisine.
