Now in its 15th year, one of Laguna’s most anticipated and most “delicious” festivals – the Puto Latik Festival of Biñan City – brought locals and tourists together in a celebration of culture, heritage and cuisine.
From May 15 to 23, Biñanenses and visitors alike were treated to a feast of the senses as the city once again upheld its slogan of “Buhay ang nakaraan, nakamasid sa kinabukasan.”
That, indeed, is the primary reason the city is so keen on promoting not only the Puto Latik Festival itself but also Binan City's culture, according to BJ Borja, head of the Binan City Tourism, History, Arts and Culture Office (BCHATO).
"Ang layunin po talaga ng Puto Latik Festival ay i-promote ang cultural icons of Biñan: ang Puto Biñan na kilala na ng lahat dito sa lalawigan ng Laguna, at ang tradisyunal na sayaw na maglalatik," Borja explained in an interview with OpinYon Laguna.
But more than simply the promotion of Biñan City’s tangible (and intangible) cultural assets, Borja said that the 2025 Puto Latik Festival can also be seen as a critical moment of passing the city's heritage to a new generation.
This is especially true in the context of the recent May 12 midterm elections, where Biñanenses chose a new set of leaders that they hope will carry on the city’s journey towards a progressive future.
“Itong dalawang cultural assets na ito, ang Puto Biñan at ang sayaw na Maglalatik, ay pamana na po sa atin ng mga nakalipas na henerasyon. So yung generation natin ngayon, masasabi ba nating maipapamana natin ito sa mga susunod na henerasyon?” was how Borja put it.
Cook-off challenge
One way of “testing” the current and future generations is the much-anticipated “Puto Biñan 2.0: The Biñan City Cook-off Challenge” which was held on May 21.
Here, competitors from various barangays in the city were invited to put new twists on the traditional Puto Biñan.
Instead of the usual toppings of cheese or salted eggs, contestants were dared to bring in their unique (and sometimes wacky) ideas on how to enhance the appearance and the flavors of Biñan City’s main culinary icon.
"Dalawang tanong po ang nais nating sagutin sa 'Puto Biñan 2.0': ano kaya ang magiging lasa ng Puto Biñan in the coming years? At kaya po ba ng mga contestant na mabigyan ng bagong imahen ang Puto Biñan, notwithstanding na ito dapat ang maging base ng kanilang final product?” Borja explained.
In the end, it was last year’s winner, Barangay Bungahan, which once again reigned supreme over the 22 barangays who participated in the cook-off challenge with their Special Baked Puto Buko Pie.
Meanwhile, Barangay Malaban became the 1st runner-up with their Ube Puto Sobrang Latik Na, while Barangay San Jose (the 1st runner-up during the 2024 Puto Biñan 2.0) became the 2nd runner-up with their Carrot Puto Cake.
Other activities
Aside from highlighting the Puto Biñan itself as a tangible cultural heritage, this year's Puto Latik Festival also showcased the best of the best of Biñanense talent, as well as its growing economy.
Such activities as the Puto Latik Costume Parade and Competition; the Biñan Flair Challenge 2025 (during which local baristas showed off their bartending skills); and the Biñan Singing Idol provided Biñanenses an ideal outlet to show off their talents and skills.
The Biñan Puto Latik Festival also gave the local government the opportunity to honor the contributions of the private sector to the city’s socio-economic progress, through its “City of Life Awards” held last May 16.
Among the local businesses honored during the event include Mango Madness at Barbierro Barbershop (Entrepreneurs of the Year Award); Kare-kare ni Balat (Breakthrough Business Award); Unihealth-Southwoods Hospital and Medical Center (Costumer Service Excellence Award); Splash Island (Child-Friendly Business Award); and Edna's Ampaw Pinipig & Pasalubong (Best Small Enterprise).
Former Mayor Bayani "Arthur" Alonte also received the Industry Leadership Award, while Barangay Santo Tomas was hailed as Biñan City's "Most Business-Friendly Barangay."
Gratitude
In his speech during the City of Life Awards, Biñan City Vice Mayor and Mayor-elect Gel Alonte emphasized that the awards, as well as the Puto Latik Festival itself, is also a way of expressing gratitude to Biñanenses from all walks of life for their contributions to the city's vibrant economy and culture.
"Ang susi ng kaunlaran ng isang lungsod ay ang mga aktibo at progresibong mga stakeholder. Hindi po sapat na pasalamatan ang mga kagaya ninyo, ngunit deserve po ninyo ang suporta at tulong galing sa amin sa pamahalaang lungsod ng Biñan," Alonte said.
For her part, outgoing Representative Len Alonte expressed her pride at Biñan City’s rapid change from a market town to one of the fastest-growing cities in Laguna province – a feat she attributed to the continuing unity of the various stakeholders who stayed true to the city government’s motto: “Sa Lungsod ng Biñan, mamamayan ay maasahan.”
Biñan has proven itself as one of the most progressive cities in the Philippines. The quality of life in the city has improved a lot. At hindi natin maikakaila na iyan ay dahil sa ating magagaling na mga lingkod-bayan na patuloy na ipinaglaban ang karapatan ng ating mga kababayan, at patuloy na napaunlad ang buhay at kabuhayan ng bawat Biñanense," she stressed.
On the other hand, Mayor and Representative-elect Arman Dimaguila emphasized that the Puto Latik Festival is celebrating more than simply the vibrant culture or progressive economy of Biñan City, but also the people who made their own contributions towards that progress.
"Maraming salamat po sa inyo, sa mga taxpayers, sa mga local officials, not only for gracing this occasion, but also for making the Puto Latik Festival a success. Dahil ang totoo po niyan, kayo po ang dahilan kung bakit may Puto Latik Festival. Kayo po ang Puto Latik Festival," Dimaguila said.
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