In our previous column, we promised to write about the breathtaking wonders and pristine beauty of Northern Samar, which, in my mind then, was a chancy, faraway, and unreachable place, nay a destination.
All these changed as soon as we - together with co-writer, Bob Acebedo (and wifey) - landed in Catarman. After only eight days of stay traversing the coastlines from east to west of the province from the capital town, latitude has truly changed my attitude of Northern Samar and Northehanos.
In this column, I am focusing on my Bahandi Trade Fair experience last Saturday, October 5. I have ample space and time to write about the marvels of the province in my next columns, anyways.
Rich, Unique Culture
Bahandi, meaning fortune, treasure, or wealth depicting abundance of resources, is an apt brandname for the annual trade fair that proudly showcases Eastern Visayas' unique artisanal produce.
Now on its 24th year, the Department of Trade and Industry in Region 8, must be very proud of the 2024 October 3-7 exhibit at the Megatrade Hall at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.
Eastern Visayas consists of the provinces of Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, and Samar. It also includes the cities of Borongan, Calbayog, Catbalogan, Maasin, Ormoc, and Tacloban.
From Northern Samar alone, 43 micro, small and medium enterprises joined Bahandi, occupying very prominent stalls in the trade fair.
On October 5, Gov. Edwin Ongchuan himself led the launch of the Ibabao Heritage Cuisine brand, highlighting the "rich and unique" food culture of the Northehanos.
Proud of the province's high quality food products, among others, Governor Ongchuan supported the transportation and accommodation of local exhibitors.
Gastronomic Wonder
According to Jhon Allen Berbon, head of the provincial economic development and investment promotions office, this incentive to local exhibitors boosted their morale and confidence in their own products to enhance Northern Samar's status and economic growth.
Proudly, DTI Regional Director Celerina Bato boasted of the region's "deeply-rooted culture, forward-thinking vision, and commitment to innovation". Some 158 EV exhibitors displayed their creative ingenuity through very unique products they brought in.
My personal loot consisted of a tikog weave bag, pili candies, piniato, dried fish, and the mouth-watering pinangat. How Northehanos make flavorsome pinangat without meat or dried fish is a gastronomic wonder! Pinangat was what airport vendors offered the moment we stepped out of the terminal. Exhibitor's pinangat stock was almost wiped out on the third of the five-day exhibit!
I also recall that at the Laoang Town Fiesta on September 29, Paul Muncada, Tingog coordinator for Northern Samar, offered us an epicurean variety of sticky rice cakes with coconut milk, moron, cassava cake with macapuno, and their exceptional version of leche flan, aside from the regular fiesta meat dishes.
At Bahandi, I was not able to help it. My early dinner that day consisted of these and many more for free taste of the sweetest flavors participating Northehanos offered.
Indeed, that was a stimulating and unforgettable food fill trip! Burp!
(email opinyon.luchie@gmail.com, luchiearguelles@yahoo.com)
#WeTakeAStand #OpinYon #OpinYonColumn #ColumnbyLuchieAclanArguelles #EqualSpace