The culinary travelogue series Lasang Lokal, Proudly Pico continues its exploration of Filipino food heritage as it returns with its second episode, this time journeying to Calatagan, Batangas. The episode places cassava at the center of its narrative, highlighting how this humble root crop connects local agricultural traditions with modern Filipino dining experiences.
In this installment, cassava is presented not only as a widely used ingredient but also as a cultural symbol rooted in the daily lives of communities in Calatagan. The series continues its mission of showcasing the origins of Filipino cuisine by following the journey of ingredients from farm to table.
A key connection in the episode is the role cassava plays in shaping dishes served at Pico de Loro Cove, where local sourcing is highlighted as part of its culinary philosophy. The feature underscores how ingredients grown in nearby provinces contribute to the dining experiences offered within the property.
Cassava Bibingka highlights Lagoa restaurant’s Filipino-Asian cuisine
A major focus of the episode is the Cassava Bibingka served at Lagoa restaurant, a well-known dining destination within Pico de Loro Cove. The restaurant is recognized for its Filipino-Asian cuisine, offering dishes inspired by familiar local flavors presented in a refined and modern style.
Among its most popular desserts, the Cassava Bibingka stands out for its soft texture, comforting taste, and nostalgic appeal. It has become a signature offering that reflects both tradition and innovation in Filipino dessert-making.
The episode draws a clear connection between the cassava farms of Calatagan and the creation of this dessert. By showing this journey, Lasang Lokal, Proudly Pico emphasizes the importance of understanding where ingredients come from and how they are transformed into dishes that guests enjoy at the table.
This farm-to-table narrative reinforces the idea that Filipino cuisine is deeply rooted in local agriculture, craftsmanship, and community knowledge.
Exploring farm-to-table storytelling in Filipino cuisine
Beyond showcasing food, Lasang Lokal, Proudly Pico continues to position itself as a platform for storytelling that highlights the people and communities behind every ingredient. The Calatagan episode features immersive storytelling and conversations with locals, offering insight into how cassava is cultivated, harvested, and prepared.
This approach allows the series to present Filipino cuisine not just as a collection of dishes, but as a cultural experience shaped by tradition and livelihood. The episode highlights how agricultural practices in Calatagan contribute directly to culinary offerings in destinations like Pico de Loro Cove.
By focusing on cassava, the series emphasizes how everyday ingredients carry cultural meaning and historical significance within Filipino food culture. The storytelling also reinforces the connection between rural communities and hospitality destinations, showing how both play a role in preserving culinary heritage.
A shared commitment to local sourcing and cultural appreciation
The episode also reflects the broader advocacy of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation in promoting local sourcing and sustainability in its culinary programs.
Vice President – Quality and Sustainability Leah Magallanes shared the vision behind the series:
“With Lasang Lokal, Proudly Pico, we aim to create a deeper appreciation for the ingredients we use and the stories behind them,” shared Vice President – Quality and Sustainability for SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, Leah Magallanes. “The Cassava Bibingka at Lagoa is a perfect example—what guests enjoy at the table is rooted in the hard work, heritage, and heart of communities like Calatagan.”
This statement reinforces the series’ commitment to highlighting the connection between food, culture, and community. It also emphasizes how culinary experiences can serve as a bridge between producers and diners.
Continuing the journey across Batangas culinary destinations
As Lasang Lokal, Proudly Pico continues its journey across Batangas, it remains grounded in its mission to honor Filipino flavors and the communities that sustain them. Each episode expands the narrative of local sourcing, showing how regional ingredients shape the identity of destination dining experiences.
The Calatagan episode strengthens this vision by showcasing cassava as more than a culinary ingredient. It becomes a representation of tradition, livelihood, and cultural continuity between farmers and chefs, producers and diners, and rural communities and hospitality spaces.
Through this storytelling approach, Lasang Lokal, Proudly Pico reinforces its role in promoting Filipino culinary tourism and deepening appreciation for the origins of everyday dishes. The series continues to build a meaningful connection between food, place, and heritage, making each episode both educational and culturally significant.
