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Ilocano embodies distinct culture through Empanada Festival
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BATAC CITY, Ilocos Norte - Batac City’s Empanada Festival
showcased what goes behind the production of its delicacy - the orange-wrapped
Ilocano treat locally known as empanada.
From sowing its vegetable ingredients (grated papaya and
mongo) to cooking and selling the delicacy, the presentation was made to draw
appreciation from the residents, visitors and tourists on how the famous Batac
empanada is produced.
Batac City Mayor Jeffrey Jubal Nalupta said the festival
evolves every year to showcase its uniqueness from other festivals in the
country.
"We want to bring the best in the Ilokano. We are
dedicated in bringing the arts and practices in the production of our
empanada,” Nalupta said.
Colorful floats featured the steps in the empanada production
– from planting and harvesting of rice and vegetables for the filling to the
processing of ingredients until the dish is cooked and ready to be served.
Nalupta said the process of making the Batac empanada
manifests the totality of the socially transmitted patterns of behavior and
characteristics of the Ilocanos.
"It represents Ilocanos' way of
life from being industrious, resourceful, creative and frugal,” he said.
(MCA/FGL, PIA – 1 Ilocos Norte/Photo by Mark Agorilla)
