Belmont Hotel Manila unveiled the third edition of Pamana. This culinary initiative celebrates Filipino food heritage. It is available on weekends at Café Belmont. The event highlighted the rich flavors of Panay Island, brought to life by Chef Rey Parreño II. Known for blending tradition with contemporary flair, Chef Parreño’s dishes honor Ilonggo cuisine through heirloom recipes and childhood memories.
Pamana is more than a dining experience. It is the hotel’s promise to preserve the Philippines’ diverse culinary traditions. This edition focuses on Panay’s flavors, showcased through slow-cooked dishes that balance bold and subtle tastes. Every bite reflects generations of knowledge, passed down like family heirlooms. Chef Rey’s creations, including Bordon Mechado, Piangang Manok, and Inadobadong Apahap, blend history with hearty satisfaction.
Bordon Mechado stands out as a slow-cooked beef dish, layered with smoky spices and tender textures. Piangang Manok, a Mindanaoan favorite, features chicken grilled with charred coconut and local herbs. Inadobadong Apahap reimagines classic adobo using fresh Asian sea bass, highlighting Panay’s coastal abundance. Each dish tells a story, rooted in regional pride and personal memory.
Chef Rey Parreño II grew up in Negros Occidental, where food was a family affair. His childhood kitchen, filled with sizzling kandola and simmering stews, shaped his passion for Ilonggo cuisine. “These dishes are not just recipes,” he says. “They carry the spirit of our heritage. By sharing them, we honor the hands that prepared them and the people who loved them.”
The collaboration was a team effort. Executive Chef Dan Jason Acido of Belmont Hotel Manila teamed up with Chef Rey. Together, they curated a menu that respects tradition. It also invites modern discovery. Media tastings celebrated the project’s launch, with guests raving about the harmony of flavors and textures.
Pamana’s mission extends beyond the plate. It seeks to connect diners with the Philippines’ cultural roots. Hotel Manager Mayann Malapote explains, “We believe food is a bridge between generations. By reviving heirloom recipes, we strengthen our bond with our past and our pride in who we are.”
Visitors can experience Pamana weekly at Café Belmont’s Weekend Dinner Buffet. The set menu (₱ 1,700) is served Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Reservations are recommended, as tables fill up quickly. Each dish invites diners to savor Panay’s soul, one bite at a time.
From the first sip of salabat tea to the last crumb of biko, Pamana becomes a journey through the Philippines. It is a tribute to the farmers, cooks, and families who have kept their traditions alive. At Belmont Hotel Manila, every meal is a step toward preserving a legacy.
For details, call 5318 8888 or email info@belmontmanila.com. Pamana continues to grow, proving that Filipino cuisine is as vibrant and enduring as its people.
