The feast of flavors has officially begun as the first-ever One Pampanga Culinary Cup (OPCC 2026) opened today, September 16, at The Event Centre of SM City Clark.
The two-day competition brings together culinary talents for intense kitchen battles, complemented by masterclasses featuring renowned chefs, culinary directors, industry pioneers, and respected figures from the hospitality sector.
Formally opening the event were events manager Chie Basco, mall manager Grace Gavino, Department of Tourism Region 3 director Richard Daenos, Pampanga Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Dana Kursh, Chef Felix Niño Asuncion, Clark Development Corporation president Agnes Devanadera, Clark International Airport Corporation president Jojit Alcazar, and Chef Heinz Pelayo, OPCC co-convenor.
The OPCC features eight competition categories, including ‘Modern Kapampangan Cuisine’ and ‘Celebration Cakes’, putting the spotlight on creativity, technique and the region’s distinctive culinary identity.
The culinary cup serves as the opening salvo of One Pampanga Food and Beverage Expo (OPFBEX) Week 2026, Central Luzon’s five-day culinary and food industry celebration running from September 16 to 20.
Beyond the competition, visitors can look forward to a range of activities designed to bring together the food, beverage, tourism and hospitality communities.
Among the highlights are:
- One Pampanga Food & Beverage Expo 2026 – September 19–20 at SMX Convention Center Clark, featuring F&B suppliers, local delicacies and innovative food products.
- One Coffee & Matcha Fest – September 19–20, offering specialty coffee, beans, matcha and artisan creations.
- OPFBEX Culinary Tour – September 18, taking participants on a full-day journey through Pampanga’s culinary heritage and destinations.
- OPFBEX International Research Conference on Education and Tourism – September 19, bringing together educators, researchers and tourism leaders.
- Food Forward Forum 2026 – September 19, focusing on “From Farm to Finance: Building the Future of Philippine Food,” with discussions on food security, sustainability, tourism, technology and investment.
With competitions, exhibitions, masterclasses, research, industry discussions and culinary experiences, OPFBEX Week 2026 offers a broad showcase of Pampanga and Central Luzon’s evolving food and hospitality landscape.
And for food lovers and industry enthusiasts, the celebration is only getting started.
Entrance to the OPFBEX trade expo is free.
