SURIGAO CITY - Local government officials here and key tourism players of the Caraga Region noted an influx of tourists, both foreign and domestic, during the opening day on Sunday of the three-day ''Tilaw sa Pagkaong Surigaonon (A taste of the Surigaonon food) Food Festival and Exhibit 2010'' at the Luneta Park here.
The event is one of the highlights of the celebration of the city's 40th Charter Day slated on Tuesday, August 31.
The opening day of the three-day gastronomic affair was stormed by Surigaonons and tourists at the park where food competitions were lined up after City Mayor Ernesto T. Matugas gave his message.
Top government line agency officials and guests were also present during the opening ceremonies.
The food competition is organized by the city government headed by Matugas through the City Tourism Office and Surigao Caterers' Association led by Lydia Ga.
During the opening day, various cooking groups in this city, schools and other areas in the region participated in various events like the: Open Category; Barangay A Category for the native delicacies contest; Open B Category for the barangay level in exotic ''kinilaw;'' Barangay Category for native cuisines; and for the ''Best Barbecue'' contest category.
While different Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) schools in the city and other parts in the region also participated in bartending, table skirting and obstacle setting competitions, fruit and vegetable carving, napkin folding and wine mixing/cocktail competition.
''It's really a spectacular event for the three-day food competition here,'' said Department of Tourism (DoT) Region 13 Director Leticia Tan.
''Marajao, I welcome you all to this opening ceremony and it is only the beginning of the series of exciting events in the coming days,'' Matugas said in his opening message.
