Local culinary talent took center stage as ten Mabalaqueño chefs showcased their kitchen skills during the first-ever Master Chef Cook-Off Challenge held January 31 as part of the Fiestang Balen 2026 celebration.

The cook-off was a personal concept of Mayor Geld Aquino, inspired by the American TV show ‘Master Chef’. The mayor said the competition aims to highlight festive dishes commonly shared during local celebrations.

With the theme “Lutong Fiesta,” participants faced an on-the-spot cooking challenge where they randomly selected a main ingredient—pork, chicken, beef, or fish—and rushed to gather additional ingredients from a mini-market set up at the venue. Each contestant was given one and a half hours to complete their dish.

Rex Salunga, owner of Choy’s Tambayan, won first place with Sweet and Sour Lapu-Lapu with Chopsuey and Potato Wedges, earning ₱20,000 as grand winner and an additional ₱5,000 for Best in Plating. Bryan Mungcal of Baku-Baku Unlimited secured second place with Crispy Pork Belly Kare-Kare with Gata, while Mark Lorenz Pangilinan of Side Griller placed third with Grilled Beef Caldereta.

Other participating chefs who also showcased their signature dishes received ₱5,000 consolation prizes.

Mayor Aquino expressed gratitude to local officials and the City Tourism Office for the successful staging of the city’s first Master Chef Cook-Off, which highlighted Mabalacat’s vibrant food culture as part of the city’s fiesta celebration.