Parañaque City preserves Heirloom Recipe with Kingsford Hotel Manila

Every city tells its story in its own unique way, and often, its most authentic narratives are discovered not inside museums or historic landmarks, but through the flavors of its local cuisine. Today, Parañaque is celebrated as one of Metro Manila’s leading entertainment, tourism, and lifestyle destinations, offering visitors world-class hotels, integrated resorts, shopping centers, and leisure attractions. Yet beyond its modern skyline lies the rich heritage of Palanyag, the city’s historic name, where generations have preserved traditions that continue to define the community. Among these treasured culinary legacies is Lauya de Palanyag, a hearty heritage stew that embodies the city’s history, culture, and enduring spirit.

As culinary tourism continues to inspire travelers to experience destinations through authentic local flavors, Parañaque is strengthening its cultural identity by preserving and promoting dishes that tell the story of its people. Supporting this initiative is Kingsford Hotel Manila, which has become the first hotel to officially feature Lauya de Palanyag on its menu. Located in the heart of Entertainment City, the hotel invites guests to enjoy a genuine taste of Parañaque’s culinary heritage while experiencing contemporary Filipino hospitality.

Expressing the city’s appreciation for the collaboration, Parañaque City Mayor Edwin L. Olivarez said, “Our heritage gives us our identity, but it is through the hospitality of our people and the commitment of our partners that we bring that identity to life for every visitor. This is why we deeply value the partnership of Kingsford Hotel Manila in helping the City Government of Parañaque preserve and promote the rich cultural identity of our beloved city.”

For Jorold Montelibano, General Manager of Kingsford Hotel Manila, serving Lauya de Palanyag is only the beginning of the hotel’s heritage-driven culinary journey.

“This is only the beginning. We plan to introduce even more traditional Parañaqueño dishes to our menu as part of our commitment to promoting the city as a premier culinary destination. We are deeply honored to partner with the City Tourism Office on this journey,” he shared.

Destination Stewardship Through Heritage

To commemorate this meaningful partnership, Kingsford Hotel Manila welcomed community leaders, tourism stakeholders, and members of the media to an exclusive culinary preview showcasing Lauya de Palanyag. The event was attended by Mayor Edwin Olivarez, his wife Janet Olivarez, and Parañaque City Tourism Officer-in-Charge Cisette Ricardo, highlighting the city’s collective effort to preserve and promote its cultural identity.

The collaboration aligns closely with Megaworld Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to sustainability, heritage preservation, and responsible tourism through its Sampaguita Brand of Service. More importantly, it reflects a shared vision of encouraging domestic tourism through authentic culinary experiences that support local farmers, celebrate regional ingredients, and preserve cherished home-cooked traditions.

By sourcing ingredients locally and embracing traditional cooking techniques, Kingsford Hotel Manila demonstrates that progress and urban development can coexist with cultural preservation. Through its culinary offerings, the hotel continues to share the rich stories of old Palanyag with local guests, balikbayans, and international travelers alike.

More Than a Heritage Dish

The origins of Lauya de Palanyag date back to the early settlement of Palanyag, when farming and fishing sustained everyday life. According to local tradition, inland farming communities contributed fresh vegetables such as cabbage and sweet kamote, while coastal fishermen supplied patis (fish sauce), resulting in a nourishing stew that reflected the abundance of both the land and the sea.

Prepared through hours of slow cooking while families worked in the fields and along the coast, Lauya eventually became the comforting meal that welcomed them home after a day’s labor. Today, the dish remains one of Parañaque’s most treasured culinary symbols, preserving flavors and traditions handed down through generations.

Like many heritage recipes, Lauya de Palanyag has evolved across different barangays, with each community adding its own distinct touch. Some households prepare it with tender beef, while others favor pork. Some include squash, while others prefer sweet potatoes. Despite these regional variations, heritage communities such as La Huerta, Tambo, and Don Galo continue to preserve the dish’s defining elements: generous portions of cabbage, sweet saba bananas, fragrant kutchay (Chinese chives), and its signature reddish broth naturally colored with atsuete (annatto) and balanced with panutsa (palm sugar), creating its unmistakable savory-sweet character.

No serving of Lauya de Palanyag is complete without its traditional companion, ensaladang talong (eggplant salad). Depending on local custom, the eggplant is either boiled or charcoal-grilled before being mashed with garlic and vinegar, adding another layer of flavor and tradition to the meal.

Ultimately, Lauya de Palanyag is more than just comfort food—it is Parañaque’s living history served in every bowl.

Reflecting on the significance of the dish, Executive Chef Angelo “Chubby” Timban said, “Lauya de Palanyag is more than just a dish; it is a celebration of Parañaque’s rich culinary heritage and the warmth of Filipino hospitality. Our goal was to honor this traditional recipe by preserving its authentic flavors while presenting it with the refinement expected in a hotel setting. Every ingredient reflects our commitment to supporting local producers, promoting sustainability, and creating a meaningful dining experience that connects our guests with the culture and history of Palanyag.”

A Taste of Home That Brings Families Together

Food has always played a central role in Filipino family life, bringing generations together through shared meals, treasured memories, and stories passed from one generation to the next.

As a gesture of appreciation to the local community, Kingsford Hotel Manila is offering an exclusive dining privilege for residents and professionals working in Parañaque City. Guests can enjoy 20% off their total bill at Kingsford Café with every order of Lauya de Palanyag, priced at ₱700—a hearty heritage dish perfect for sharing with family and friends.

To avail of the promotion, diners simply need to present a valid ID confirming their residence or workplace within Parañaque City.

For complete promotional mechanics and updates, guests may visit Kingsford Hotel Manila’s official Facebook page. Reservations and inquiries may also be made by emailing dine@kingsfordmanila.com or calling +63 917 805 3585.

Through this meaningful partnership, Kingsford Hotel Manila and the City Government of Parañaque invite everyone to rediscover the city’s heritage one bowl at a time—where every serving of Lauya de Palanyag offers not only comfort and flavor, but also a deeper appreciation of the history, traditions, and hospitality that continue to define the heart of Palanyag.