adobo festival 2023

The Adobo Festival is the most anticipated seasonal event of Silay City. It is also the best Cinco de Noviembre celebration in the island of Negros. Returning for 2023, this gastronomic event takes place on Saturday and Sunday, November 4 and 5, 2023 at Casa A. Gamboa. 

the 26th Adobo Festival, 2023

For twenty six years now the turnout for this two-day entertainment has drawn folks from all over. The Adobo Festival is a family-friendly event that starts at 9:00 am and goes until 10:00 pm for these two days. 

Mother-daughter duo, Lyn and Reena Gamboa have transformed their ancestral home, Casa A. Gamboa, into a venue to exhibit Silay’s famous food and entertainment heritage. 

the 26th adobo festival, 2023

The festival weekend features a spectacular culinary showcase that extols island culinary traditions, skills, practices, and culture. Other festivities include music, a food festival, cooking and recipe competitions, attractions for all ages, local arts and crafts sales. 

Participants this year will be treated to acclaimed judges for the writing and cooking competitions. Food writing judges are Marlu Balmaceda, Atty. Rayboy Pandan, and Claude Tayag. While judges for the cooking competition are Ige Ramos, Dennis Villanueva, and April Justiniani.

find out how to join here - competition info

The food fest also commemorates the Negros Revolution - a political movement that in 1898 created a government on Negros Island that ended Spanish control - paving the way for a republican government run by Negrense natives.

In the multi-awarded film Oro, Plata, Mata, directed by Maurice 'Peque' Gallaga, there is a scene depicting local soldiers trekking through jungles carrying adobo in square tin cans rigged on bamboo poles. This is how they fed an army on the run - providing a hearty meal that did not spoil in the tropical humidity. 

movie poster for "Oro, Plata, Mata"

Whether war food or fine dining cuisine, adobo has provided a hearty standard for countless meals and been a beloved recipe hoarded by most Filipino families. Served over piping hot rice or inside fresh baked pan de sal, adobo is comfort food for everyone who has been treated to its flavor. 

Adobo is actually a process of cooking since there is no specific recipe for it. Pick a protein, marinate it in vinegar, garlic, bay or laurel leaves, and peppercorn, all browned in oil, and simmered to tenderness. It is the unofficial national dish of Pinoys around the world. 

the true history of our Philippine recipes

The marinade is slowly reduced over low heat - to evaporate the vinegar's acidity, intensify its flavors, and create the silky smooth, mouthwatering sauce that is its patent signature. Adobo’s long journey, its melding of cultures, and its ardent advocates all come together to tell its diverse and delicious story.

The Adobo Festival has been carefully curated since it launched in 1998 and began featuring the very best aspects of this beloved dish and natural treasure for the past 26 years. Join us once again this year in celebration of the best that life offers. 

Casa A. Gamboa facade & grounds

Food is intrinsic in our lives and for most Filipinos a shared meal is our innate bond to hospitality among friends and strangers, family and community life. How we cook, prepare, serve, and eat a dish defines our psyche. We identify fully with what, how, and why we eat.