Experience the Authentic Cuisine of Vigan with Coca-Cola Foodmarks
Vigan City, Philippines – Bagnet, pakbet, sinanglao, empanada, Vigan longganisa—truly Ilocano dishes that one can savor when visiting the ancestral house-laden, centuries-old cobblestone streets of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. This tapestry of rich history, cultural treasures, and culinary heritage made the UNESCO-inscribed city the next stop of Coca-Cola Foodmarks, the soda brand’s campaign that honors iconic food landmarks worldwide.
Vigan City Tourism and Coca-Cola Philippines officials during the launch of Foodmarks Vigan
The global campaign so far has directed the spotlight towards the prime food hubs of New York, Brazil, India, Thailand, China and the Philippines.
Following Iloilo City, which recently found its prestigious spot in UNESCO’s list of Creative City of Gastronomy, and the Binondo district in Manila, the world’s oldest Chinatown and a popular food crawl venue in the capital, the campaign went to Vigan, becoming the third Foodmark city in the Philippines and the first in Northern Luzon region.
“Vigan is more than just a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a living testament to the harmonious blending of Filipino, Spanish, Chinese and indigenous influences… that continues to inspire and delight visitors from around the globe. And at the center of this vibrant heritage is food, a universal language that brings people together,” said Joan Gutierrez in her message on behalf of Vigan City LGU.
“It is therefore fitting that Coca-Cola Foodmarks is being launched here in the city that has mastered the art of flavor and hospitality,” she added.
The city government of Vigan and Coca-Cola Philippines inked a partnership to bring in the list of diners where city visitors can experience Vigan’s unique dishes, which are often paired and complemented with an ice-cold glass of Coca-Cola’s equally timeless flagship drink.
“Coca-Cola has always been a drink, a symbol of connection, celebrations, and shared moments, and today, it becomes a partner in preserving and promoting the flavors of Vigan,” Gutierrez said, underscoring the collaboration.
Around 30 cafes and restaurants were recognized as Vigan’s culinary landmarks, which represent the city’s beloved dishes, both modern and traditional. Most of these diners are in the heritage village, housed within its rows of repurposed historic buildings, while a few are located in barangays beyond the poblacion and as far as the neighboring Caoayan municipality.
Finding these Foodmark restaurants is easy. The storefronts are decorated with wooden planks with embossed names of the restaurant and the Coca-Cola Foodmarks logo—leave-behind installations that match the aesthetics of the city’s bahay-na-bato.
Coca-Cola Foodmarks Vigan officially kicked off with a short program and luncheon at Cafe Evelyn, one of the restaurants located along the historic Calle Crisologo. Members of the media, city tourism staff and Coca-Cola Philippines officials in the region attended the launching.
Also present at the event are the Foodmark restaurant owners, whom Josh Montañez, Coca-Cola Philippines Franchise Manager for Northern Luzon, described in his opening remarks as the pillars of Vigan’s culinary scene.
More than celebrating the city’s heritage sites, distinctive cuisine and the joy of eating together, the Foodmarks initiative also shines the spotlight on the stories, traditions and hard work behind every dish. It is about empowering local chefs, entrepreneurs and culinary artisans to showcase their talent to the world.
“Our vision is to transform more local food hubs into global landmarks, sharing the rich flavors of Filipino cuisine with the world. From Vigan’s iconic dishes to other regional specialties, we want every corner of the Philippines to shine on the global stage,” said Montañez.
From the different traditions in food preparation, taste preferences, eating practices, to the native ingredients unique to each region, the Philippine islands offer a diverse gastronomical experience. The Coca-Cola Foodmarks doesn’t stop in Vigan because the country has so much in store for every one’s appetite. And that is something to look forward to on your next trip.
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