Being the Culinary Capital of the Philippines, the Kapampangan cuisine is truly exceptional and most would even say superior with their food diversity and flavorful dishes. There is no doubt that visitors of the province would be amazed with each bite and can’t refrain from saying “Manyaman!” (delicious in Kapampangan) too .
Each town of Pampanga has their own flair of rich Filipino and Kapampangan dishes that altogether raises the bar of flavors in Pampanga, but of course, Mexico, one of its proudest towns, would not fall back with flourishing the rich culinary culture of Pampanga!
If you always visit Angeles City, or live in that area, surely you do know about the famous founder of the all-time favorite Kapampangan dish sisig: Aling Lucing. I’m here to tell you that she is not the only known chef in Pampanga. Of course, in the Culinary Capital, surely there are others more that are well-known chefs and one of these sensations is Atching Lillian Borromeo of Mexico.
Atching Lillian, Atching being the Chinese term for older sister, was designated as the “The Guardian Angel of Kapampangan Cooking” by the Office of the Governor and Holy Angels. She was rightfully dubbed as such as she has been a food historian for almost 60 years now and has flourished her culinary skills to be unquestionable. And even though she has expanded her horizons in cooking and practiced in different areas around and outside the country, she always comes home to specialize in Kapampangan cooking and gives effort to share her knowledge to the public in various ways.
She began her culinary road when she was just four years old and grew up in a household of cooks. As a child, she recalled that she would focus less on her toys and playtime and more on watching her grandma cook and learn from her.
The Panecillos de San Nicolas cookies are what made her recognized by the whole country. It was believed to have healing powers by the public as based from its biblical root when St. Nicholas heals the sick by praying to Mary and feeding bread to those in need.
During Women’s month last March, she was recognized by the Philippines Culinary Heritage Movement as one of the visionaries whose life’s work continues to influence the enrichment of not just local cuisine but the entirety of the province’s culture as well through giving food accessibility to the public.
