Zamboanga City came alive in flavor and pride on Sunday, October 5, as the Wow Sardines Festival 2025 at R.T Lim Boulevard brought together the city’s major sardine producers, local officials and guests in a vibrant showcase of culinary creativity and cultural heritage, reaffirming its title as the “Sardines Capital of the Philippines.”

The Wow Sardines formed part of this year’s Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, themed “Celebracion de Fe y Esperanza de Todo!” Spearheaded by the city government through the City Tourism Office, the activity highlighted not only the city’s devotion to its patroness Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar, but also Zamboanga’s resilience, unity and enduring pride in its sardine industry that continues to fuel its local economy and cultural identity.

In his message, Mayor Khymer Olaso underscored Zamboanga’s unmatched role as the country’s hub for sardine production. He said the festival is not only a celebration of the industry but also a tribute to the fishermen, factory workers and Zamboangueño community whose livelihood and identity are deeply connected with sardines.

Aquatic Food Manufacturing, Corp. emerged as the first-place winner and took home P30,000, followed by Universal Canning, Inc. with P20,000 and Mega Fishing Corporation securing third place with P10,000. In what was described as a “battle of creativity and flavor,” the competition showcased the best of Zamboanga’s sardine industry, with each company bringing forward its unique strengths and innovations.

Consolation prizes of P5,000 each were awarded to non-winning participants, which included ZC E & L Corporation, Permex Producer and Exporter Corp. and Century Pacific Food, Inc.

Beyond the competition, the festival also featured a wide array of sardine-inspired dishes prepared by participating companies and local culinary talents. From traditional favourites like sardines lumpia with sauce, to innovative recipes such as sardine pasta and sardine empanadas, visitors enjoyed a flavorful showcase that highlighted both the versality of the fish and the creativity of Zamboangueño cuisine.

The festival was also graced by Vice Mayor Beng Climaco, Assistant Majority Leader and First District Congresswoman Kat Chua, First and Second District Councilors, Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Mayor Celso Lobregat, City Administrator Percival Ramos, His Excellency Dato’ Abdul Malik Castelino Bin Anthony [Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines], Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Myra Paz Abubakar, city department heads and employees, members of the barangay councils, vloggers, and several others. (Arvin Midel) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)