COMPELLING VOICES ON FOOD

IFESTVIE Tes

- kripotkin ALFRED A. YUSON

A record number of entries marked the 22nd Doreen Gamboa Fernandez Food Writing Awards, with a total of 75 received on the year’s theme of “Minatamis and Sweet Merienda Staples.” Talk of a sweet tooth among Pinoy foodies.

Unanimity prevailed among the judges: Exie Abola, Mol Fernando, Alya Honasan, Thelma San Juan, Felice Sta. Maria, and this writer. For the second consecutive year, chef Myrna Segismundo served as chair for the awards, while Micky Fenix coordinated the judging process. Final deliberations were held on August 31 at Commune + Bar + Roastery in Poblacion, Makati, courtesy of Ros Juan.

Four entries gained Honorable Mentions. Kristen Nicole Tengco’s essay was titled “Boljoon’s Baked Labor of Love.” As a communications practioner in the public sector, she has contributed to national publications. Sigrid Marianne Gayangoes wrote “A Wilderness of Dulces.” Her debut collection, Laut: Stories, was published by the UP Press in 2022.

Jonalyn Arnaiz’s entry was “Sweet Memories of Iriga.” Majoring in Philippine Studies at Polytechnic University of the Philippines, she is a Fellow of the 3rd Palihang Rene O. Villanueva and the MTAT Poetry Writing Workshop 2025. Chef Giney Villar submitted “A Sweet in Four Movements: The Reprise of Pasulbot.” A Certified Executive Chef (CEC) of the American Culinary Federation and a graduate of the American Hospitality Academy, she has earned honors and a certificate in Culinary Arts and Entrepreneurship.

Third Prize was earned by Desiree Assumpta Mendoza Lopez for her essay, “Monday Sans Mayukmok,” which will eventually be anthologized along with the first and second prize works.