Eleven home cooks from barangays Malagasang 1-A to Malagasang 2-G showcased their culinary skills during the first-ever Menudo Competition in Imus City, held on January 4, 2026. The event took place at the Mandarin Homes Covered Court in Barangay Malagasang 2-B and highlighted the city’s rich tradition of preparing the fiesta-favorite dish, menudo.
A Celebration of Local Talent
The contest was organized through the collaborative efforts of the Office of the City Tourism and Heritage Officer of the Imus City Government, Comité de Festejos 2026, and Cluster 9 led by Barangay Captain Armando Fauni. The program aimed not only to celebrate local cooking talent but also to strengthen community pride by highlighting unique takes on a dish that has become a staple at celebrations across the Philippines.
Filipina Monzon from Barangay Malagasang 1-E was named the champion of the competition after her menudo recipe impressed the judges. She was followed by Ernesto Saria of Malagasang 1-C in second place and Reggie De Leon of Malagasang 1-F in third. Organizers noted that the contest offered residents a platform to showcase creativity, refine their cooking skills, and preserve the culinary heritage of the barangays.
Culinary Heritage Beyond Menudo
Imus is also widely recognized for its longganisa, a garlic-forward, savory Filipino sausage that draws crowds at the Imus Public Market in Barangay Poblacion. This Spanish-influenced dish has been uniquely adapted with local ingredients like annatto, vinegar, and soy sauce, making it a signature product of the city and a source of pride.
The Menudo Competition, alongside these established culinary traditions, underscores how local food can serve as both cultural heritage and community identity. Events like the Menudo Competition foster camaraderie among neighbors, celebrate Filipino culinary traditions, and reinforce pride in local culture.
For residents of Imus and Filipinos nationwide, such contests inspire creativity in home cooking while promoting awareness of regional dishes that form part of the country’s rich gastronomic tapestry.
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