ANGELES CITY, PAMPANGA - The rich, smoky aroma of sizzling pork sisig and the delicate sweetness of traditional Kapampangan heirloom rice cakes took center stage at the prestigious ASEAN Creative Industries Expo 2026. Held from September 17 to 19, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Aura, the international exposition served as a grand showcase for Southeast Asia's cultural trailblazers. Recognizing culinary arts as a powerful driver of the creative economy, the Angeles City Tourism Office launched a major cultural push at the event, proving that the true heart of a city's identity can be shared through its flavors.
A Powerful Culinary Alliance
The city's high-profile participation was actualized through a strategic partnership between the local government, academia, and private industry. The Angeles City Tourism Office linked arms with Susie's Cuisine—a legendary culinary institution celebrating over five decades of food mastery—and Holy Angel University (HAU), the region's leading academic vanguard for cultural preservation. Together, the delegation transformed their exhibition booth into an immersive gateway to Central Luzon. Visitors from across the ASEAN region queued up to experience the complex tastes that earned Angeles City its reputation as a premier food destination.
From Street Food to Global Masterpieces
At the absolute forefront of the display was the city's crowning achievement: the iconic, authentic Kapampangan sisig. Curated food historical panels from Holy Angel University educated international delegates on the humble beginnings of the dish—from its origins in Balibago to its declaration as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Angeles City. Complementing the savory profile was a vibrant spread of kakanin (traditional rice cakes) provided by Susie's Cuisine, highlighting artisanal desserts like tibok-tibok (carabao milk pudding) and mochi with coconut sauce. "Food is more than sustenance; it is our finest medium for story-telling," a representative from the Angeles City Tourism Office shared. "Through every dish we served at SMX Aura, we shared the traditions, grit, creativity, and deep-seated identity of the Angeleño people."
Fueling the Malikhain Pinoy Movement
The three-day expo, staged under DTI's national Malikhain Pinoy Program, aims to position the Philippines as a primary creative hub in Asia by integrating design, heritage, and gastronomy into global trade sectors. By taking their local heritage straight to an international corporate platform, Angeles City successfully expanded its tourism reach. This showcase serves as a delicious reminder that when a community honors its culinary roots, it doesn't just preserve the past—it positions itself proudly on the world stage.