ILOILO — Chef Ej Guzman and Sous Chef Carlo carried the flavors of Iloilo to the world stage this week, representing the city at the UNESCO Creative Cities Network 2026 Annual Conference in Kuching, Sarawak. Their contemporary take on the classic Ilonggo dish Linutik captured the essence of cultural exchange through food.
A Global Stage for Ilonggo Flavors
The annual gathering of UNESCO Creative Cities brought together culinary capitals from across the globe, providing a rare platform for Iloilo to showcase its rich gastronomic identity. Chef Ej and Sous Chef Carlo joined a select group of international chefs invited to present their heritage cuisines at the prestigious event. The conference theme centered on how food can foster cross‑cultural understanding and sustainable development.
The Iloilo delegation participated in the Plates with Purpose Charity Dinner, an event designed to prove that gastronomy can drive meaningful social impact. Proceeds from the dinner supported local community initiatives, reinforcing the UNESCO ethos that creative cities must serve their people. The charity angle added depth to what was already a celebration of global flavors.
Reinventing Linutik with Bornean Inspiration
Linutik, a beloved Ilonggo comfort food traditionally made with mashed squash, coconut milk, ginger, and shrimp, underwent a remarkable transformation in Kuching. Chef Ej collaborated with Sarawakian chef Laura Jane Bara, a champion of indigenous Dayak cuisine, to infuse the dish with Bornean wild herbs and local botanicals. The result was a contemporary soup that honored Iloilo’s roots while embracing the distinct flavors of the rainforest.
The collaboration required both chefs to step outside their comfort zones. Chef Ej learned about Sarawak’s native ingredients, while Chef Bara discovered the subtlety of Ilonggo coconut‑based cooking. The fusion dish symbolized how two distant cultures can find common ground in a shared respect for local produce and traditional techniques. Diners at the charity event experienced a flavor profile that existed nowhere else in the world.
Food Diplomacy in Action
The partnership between Iloilo and Kuching extended beyond the kitchen. Kuching South City Council Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng welcomed the Iloilo delegation, noting that gastronomy is a powerful tool for building international friendships. The UCCN Gastronomy Pavilion, which ran from August 3 to 9, featured chefs from China, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, India, and the Philippines, each sharing their distinct culinary traditions.
For Iloilo, the conference was an opportunity to strengthen ties with fellow Creative Cities and explore future collaborations. The city’s participation underscored its commitment to using food as a driver of tourism, cultural preservation, and economic growth. Every dish presented at the pavilion told a story, and Iloilo’s story resonated deeply with the international audience.
A Proud Moment for Every Ilonggo
The success of Chef Ej and Sous Chef Carlo in Kuching reflects the deep culinary pride that runs through Iloilo. Their achievement highlights the talent and creativity that the city continues to nurture within its local food community. The delegation returned home not only with new friendships but also with a renewed sense of purpose in promoting Ilonggo cuisine to the world.
Iloilo City has firmly established itself as a culinary destination where tradition and innovation coexist. The Linutik that once graced humble kitchen tables has now been tasted and celebrated by an international audience, proving that heritage dishes can transcend borders when placed in the right hands.
