(10 June 2024, Jakarta) - The Philippine Embassy and Sentro Rizal Jakarta in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Trisakti Institute of Tourism successfully hosted a culinary event entitled “Dulang: Cooking Demonstration and Lecture on Culinary Arts and Gastronomy of Muslim Mindanao” featuring renowned Chef Datu Shariff Pendatun on 10 June 2024 at the Trisakti Institute of Tourism in Jakarta.

Dulang means a feast that is prepared during special occasions as part of the tradition of the Muslim ethnolinguistic groups of Mindanao and Sulu, and throughout Southeast Asia. The tradition which is similar to other Filipino practices like handa, alay, atang, alad or apag, conveys generosity and community. This practice is often prepared for celebration or as offering in its ritual context. 

During the lecture, Chef Pendatun shared stories behind the dishes of the Bangsamoro he showcased and prepared: Palapa Maguindanaon, a spicy condiment; Piyaparan a manok of the Maranaos, chicken with coconut; Kiyuning of the Tausugs, turmeric rice; and Maguindanao’s Sangkerat, a desert made of banana and coconut milk. He also shared the history and similarities of dishes in Southeast Asia, particularly between the Philippines and Indonesia.   

The event was attended by 150 culinary students from Trisakti Institute of Tourism, select media representatives, Mr. Wawan Yogaswara of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (MoECRT), Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at the Trisakti Tourism Institute, Agus Riyadi; and Head of the Hotel Management Department, Trisakti Tourism Institute, Robiatul Adawiyah.

The event was in conjunction with the celebration of the 126th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence and the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Indonesia. END