Market Friday is Foodie Fair Friday

#marketfriday is hosted by @dswigle. This will be my first time to post under this hashtag. I have been wanting to since I have come across it and finally I am able to.

"Mangan Taku" is a Kankana-ey phrase meaning "Let's eat!" This was week-long food fair held at Rose Garden in Burnham Park, Baguio City. I was not aware of this until the last couple of days of the event. By chance I was passing this area on my home. I was in a rush then so I only took a quick detour and took photos.

An artist by the initials/signature of vcna or vchance shared his/her paintings of Cordilleran people in their native garb. During the early times, our ancestors only covered their privates, g-string for men and wrap around skirt for women. Their bodies are adorned with tattoos and jewelries.

Tables and tents were set up on one side of the Panagbenga tree. This tree was the city's Christmas Tree last year. It was a different design then. After the holidays, it was not taken down but decorated anew for the Panagbenga Flower Festival. Because of the mushroom decorations, someone jokingly said that because the tree had been there for so long mushrooms already sprouted of it.

The inside of the tree is hollow. I really like how they design this tree for it looks beautiful inside and out and day and night. At night, colorful lights brighten up the tree.

This is a miniature replica of a traditional nipa hut and how the homes of Cordillerans look like. Booths of participating provinces, universities and other establishments were inspired by this.

The participating provinces of this food fair are: Baguio City, Benguet, Abra, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province and Ifugao.

University of Baguio and University of the Cordilleras also joined the fair along with some local cafes and establishments.

This is being cooked at the center in front of the dining tables. What's cooking is "pinikpikan", a Cordilleran dish of chicken and pork.

"Pinikpikan" comes from the "pikpi" or "pikpik"meaning to hit repeatedly. A live chicken is first beaten with a stick. After which, it is scorched in fire. This process is said to improve the flavor of the chicken added by the burned skin.

It is then cut limb by limb and cooked in a pot of water. Some would use plain water or etag (cured pork) broth.

There are various ways to cook this dish but ingredients could include chayote, ginger, onions, some leafy vegetables and seasoned with salt. Others add etag or cured pork to the dish.

Here is a sample combo meal from one of the booths. It includes red rice, vegetables, and choices of meat dish.

Aside from traditional food and dishes, other products/produce grown in each provinces are were also sold. The most common of which is coffee. The proliferation of cafes, coffee shops and coffee lovers brought about the cultivation of coffee.

Wine, peanut butter, jams, organic food, fruits, vegetables, and chocolates were also sold in some booths. Kalinga sold earthen jars which they are also famous for.

Traditional accessories made from colorful beads and woven fabrics were also sold. Bags, purses, wallets, g-string, skirt, etc attracts lots of people to this booth. You can have your pictures taken by renting their traditional attire - complete with accessories.

There were also those (probably students) who danced the traditional dance in full costume. They would dance their way around the booths every now and then.

When there are events about Cordillera, expect a traditional dance anytime.

"Mangan Taku: Cordillera Food Fair" is the first of its kind. It is the Department of Tourism's idea to showcase the traditional Cordilleran food. Food is one of the center, if not the center, of culture. Aside from promoting local cuisines, it is also a learning experience knowing process of doing it, what ingredients are needed, etc. It raises awareness and inspiration especially to chefs, businesses, and food lovers.

Cuisines, food and dishes are ever evolving. We like to infuse. We like to experiment for dishes people will love. Through this food fair, may the Cordilleran culture be more known. By showcasing the different dishes of each province, it serves as inspiration to others and see the creativity in mixing different flavors and food, bringing those to other places and to other homes.

Of note, a wall was set up beside one of the booths. This is to raise awareness about our environment and how can you contribute. I think this was taken lightly.

All photos were taken by my phone.