LECHON FESTIVAL CEBU (history)

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu—There is no denying that the best lechon anyone can get their hands on—a
succulence fit for royalty, so to speak—can only be savored in the “Queen City of the South.”

Admit it or not, any festival wouldn’t be quite the celebration without everyone’s beloved dish: the
famed lechon that Filipinos and the entire world has come to love. Now, in celebration of this culinary
pride, The Mactan Newtown, in partnership with the city government of Lapu-Lapu, is once again
putting the spotlight on the world-famous Cebu lechon, along with the rich history, artistry and skill that
goes into preparing this celebrated dish, with its very own “Lechon Festival.”

From now to August 12, foodies can indulge in the finest lechon right off the grills of Cebu’s best lechon
craftsmen as The Mactan Newtown Lechon Festival entices the palates of tourists and guests alike in an
authentic showcase of Cebu’s mouthwatering culture.

“This annual gastronomic and cultural celebration is aimed at bringing awareness to small-scale and
less-commercialized lechon businesses,” says Kevin Tan, head, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls. “Apart from
giving local businesses the platform to showcase
their lechon products, we are also looking to raise the status of this great dish as a main pillar of food
tourism in Cebu.”

Tan adds: “Through this, we hope to grow Cebu’s reputation further as a top tourist attraction, while
also becoming a catalyst for regional economic growth and more livelihood opportunities.”

Weeklong ‘lechon’ festivities get under way

Experience a dining celebration like no other at the 500-seater Mactan Alfresco where you can savor the
best iterations of Cebu’s beloved pork dish. Sample the signature lechon varieties from Cebu’s best
lechon-makers, including delicious arrays of lechon-themed dishes and lechon pairings.

Making this delicious gathering even more appetizing is The Mactan Newtown’s introduction of
exclusive lechon deals throughout the weeklong festival. From August 3 to 12, guests can avail
themselves of a whooping price drop of P400 per kilo of lechon for a imited time only from all
participating lechon sellers.

Festivalgoers can also immerse themselves through the entire lechon preparation process at Mactan
Alfresco’s very own Lechon Pit. Here, they can witness how a lechon is made right before their very
eyes—from seasoning to roasting at the coal pit, to portioning and serving on their own plates.

A festival of culture and colors

IN true Cebuano fashion, the festivity will also feature different cultural activities highlighted by the
Grand Lechon Parade on August 3. Cebu’s best lechon-makers will also showcase their own creative
lechon masterpieces during the parade, which will also feature lechon-themed floats, performers, and
marching bands.

A street-dance party follows the grand parade with the celebration culminating in the evening at Lechon
Night, where guests can feast on lechon, grilled meat and seafood while being treated to live
performances from local bands. A mobile bar will also be stationed at the venue during the event, which
will be capped off with a grand fireworks display.

More must-see cultural performances will be unraveled on August 4 and 5 and August 11 and 12 to give
the crowd a glimpse of the province’s proudest moments in history. Immerse in Filipino culture and
enjoy a fun twist to classic Pinoy games through exciting pocket activities that include giant versions of
piko, tumbang preso and habulang biik also at the Mactan Alfresco from August 3 to 5 beginning 5 pm.
As an added treat, guests can also shop for gifts, souvenir items and other delicacies at the Lechon
Festival Fair.

The 30-hectare Mactan Newtown of Megaworld is the country’s first “live-work-play-learn” lifestyle
township with its own beachfront in Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan Island, Cebu.