Students from different schools and universities went head-to-head, reimagining the world-class Dagupan bangus as street food during this year’s Bangusine, held April 21 at the City Plaza.
Spearheaded by Councilor Danielle Francine “Danee” Canto, Event Chair for Nutrition, this year’s Bangusine took a bold turn, shifting its focus from international cuisine to local flavors to empower local vendors.
“Inaanyayahan ko ang lahat, halina’t tikman at suportahan ang Bangus Street Food Experience kasabay ng Filipino Food Month. Sama-sama nating ipakita at ipagmalaki ang galing at lasa ng pagkaing Filipino at ng Dagupan,” she said.
With the support of the City Nutrition Office, led by Ms. Mariel Visperas, the initiative highlighted community driven food innovation while strengthening opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Mayor Belen Fernandez also welcomed the audience, emphasizing that this year’s edition features a historical highlight that showcases local creativity and provides a platform for Dagupeños to share their stories through innovative interpretations of bangus cuisines.
“This Bangus Streetfood Experience is about celebrating our identity as Dagupeños. It is about giving our local cooks, vendors, and entrepreneurs a space to shine, to experiment, and to share their own take on bangus. From familiar flavors to new twists, every bite tells a story of our culture, our hard work, and our love for our city,” the local chief executive said.
Gracing the event were Vice Mayor BK Kua; Councilors Michael Fernandez, Cristel Hilary “Tala” Paras, Jeslito “Jigs” Seen, Marvin Fabia, Dra. Jaja Cayabyab, Marcelino Fernandez, Bradley Benavides; Dagupan City Police Office (DCPO) City Director Arnold Solomon, Unilever Philippines represented by Key Account Manager Shai Franco; Dr. Ashok G. Vasandani; and Mr. Vijay Vasandani. Also in attendance were social media content creators and influencers JP Bagtas TV, What’s Up Dagupan, and Sarah Pyle Vlog.
Serving as members of the Board of Judges were AJ C. Aquino, owner and pastry chef of Manna Coffee and Pastries; Tom Ora, Akar ng Pangasinense content creator; and Gianna Sembrano, Foods Commercial Planning Manager of Unilever Philippines Inc.
The featured event showcased creative twists on Dagupan’s iconic bangus, highlighting homegrown talent and celebrating the richness of Filipino street food culture.
The City Government of Dagupan extends its heartfelt gratitude to Knorr and Akxel Gas for serving as partners and for their continued support in staging the event successfully.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS AND TO ALL OUR PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS!
BEST BOOTH
Señor Tesoro College – Ilocos Region
BEST DISH
1ST PLACE – Señor Tesoro College (Ilocos Region)
Bangus Dinakdakan Ilocos Tacos and Fried Bangus Dinakdakan Skewers
2ND PLACE – STI College Dagupan (Western Visayas)
Bangus Inasal con Leones
3RD PLACE – UdD (Northern Mindanao)
Steamed Bangus Piaparan with Knorr-infused Coconut Sauce
Participating Schools and Universities:
- Philippine College of Science and Technology (PhilCST) – CENTRAL LUZON
- Systems Technology Institute College Dagupan (STI) – WESTERN VISAYAS
- Universidad de Dagupan (UdD) – NORTHERN MINDANAO
- University of Luzon (UL) – CENTRAL VISAYAS
- PHINMA University of Pangasinan (PHINMA Upang) – CALABARZON
- Señor Tesoro College (STC) – ILOCOS REGION
- Philippine Institute for Maritime Studies and Technology (PIMSAT) – ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA
- Lyceum-Northwestern University (L-NU) – BARMM
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