CELEBRATING FILIPINO FLAVORS THROUGH THOUGHTFUL STORYTELLING, LOCAL INGREDIENTS, AND CULINARY INNOVATION
Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu — True to its commitment to celebrating local culture and sharing authentic Filipino experiences, Mercure Mactan Cebu proudly brought home multiple recognitions at TIMPLA: Megaworld Hotels & Resorts F&B Culinary Conference 2026, an annual gathering that shines a spotlight on the rich and diverse flavors of the Philippines. This year’s conference, held at Boracay Newcoast, carried the theme TIMPLA, inviting participating properties to rediscover local ingredients, traditions, and stories through food and beverage.
Representing Mercure Mactan Cebu were General Manager Gwen De La Cruz, Executive Chef Paolo Aviso, F&B Manager Raymart Revillas, Hygiene Manager Arlyn Dolor, Sous Chef Raven Aranda, and F&B Outlet Manager Renz Jara.
During the conference’s culminating awards ceremony, Mercure Mactan Cebu received three major recognitions: Best Overall Showcase Experience, Culinary Excellence Award for Best Flagship Dish, and the People’s Choice Award, a special recognition determined through guest votes during the Culinary Food Festival.
At the heart of the winning showcase was Prime Roast Balbacua Pares, a comforting interpretation of two beloved favorites. The dish brings together the rich, collagen-filled broth of Cebu’s balbacua and the familiar flavors of Luzon’s beef pares, creating a bowl that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Every spoonful tells the story of regions coming together—honoring traditions while presenting them through a contemporary lens.
Paired alongside it was Pangaslum, a bold beverage inspired by the Filipino’s love for contrasting flavors. Familiar pantry staples such as green mangoes, bagoong, and the prized Asin Tibuok from Bohol were reimagined into a drink that balances sour, salty, and umami notes in every sip. The pairing reflects the flavors many Filipinos grew up with while offering guests a fresh way to experience them.
Beyond taste, the presentation also reflected the team’s commitment to sustainability. Ingredients were utilized from end to end, with green mango seeds transformed into powder and the fruit’s skin crisped into an edible garnish for the beverage. Even the balbacua broth was repurposed to deepen the flavor of the dish, reinforcing a mindful, zero-waste approach without compromising quality or creativity.
These recognitions mark the second consecutive year that Mercure Mactan Cebu has been honored at the Megaworld Hotels & Resorts F&B Culinary Conference. Last year, the team earned accolades for its Kare-Kare Laksa, another fusion that celebrated the richness of Filipino cuisine through regional influences.
For those who wish to experience these creations firsthand, the Prime Roast Balbacua Pares and Pangaslum are available at Pulô Restaurant and Zabana Bar & Lounge.
Mercure Mactan Cebu extends its congratulations to its Food & Beverage and Culinary teams for this remarkable achievement. Their passion, creativity, and dedication continue to champion homegrown flavors, proving that local stories and ingredients deserve a place on the global table.
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About Mercure
Inspired by Mercury, the Roman god of travellers, Mercure hotels offer far more than just a place to sleep – they are a gateway to the destination, a warm invitation to discover and explore the locale. Since its founding in 1973, Mercure has been dedicated to unveiling the treasures surrounding each address, delivering high-quality standards infused with a deep sense of place. Through its “Discover Local” program, Mercure welcomes guests to Feel Local Everywhere – be it in Rio, Paris, Bangkok and many other destinations across the globe. Every detail, from the decorative arts to our passion for uncovering local food and drink delights is curated to reflect the unique essence of each destination. Mercure hotels are conveniently located in city centres, by the sea or in the mountains, with more than 1,000 hotels in 70 countries. Mercure is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,600 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL, a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.