ANT'S eggs on stuffed bell pepper? Meat fermented inside a gourd until worms form? Pork head shredded and fried to a crisp?

Sounds like the reality show "Fear Factor"? Actually they were entries in the Chefs on Parade held recently in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Organized by Ishore (Ilocos Sur Hotels, Restaurants and Related Enterprises Association), it drew contestants from schools, hotels and restaurants throughout Ilocos.

Ant's eggs, fermented meat and shredded pork head are actually staples in Ilocano cooking and they were used creatively by the contestants in the Cordillera and Ilocano fusion categories.

JP Randolf Peria and Marlon Palacol of Divine World College of Vigan won gold for fermented meat-called etag in Ilocano-which they grilled and served with mountain rice.

Ervic Albano and Michelle Argote of St. Paul College won second place for roasting ant's eggs (called abuos) and using the dish as stuffing for red bell pepper topped with cheese. The shredded pork head (ladec) was fried to a crisp and served with pasta.

Admirable was the way the contestants managed to work so well despite the oppressive heat in the gymnasium of the University of Northern Philippines, where the contests were held. Some who had come from faraway towns even spent the weekend in tents pitched on the grassy lawn behind the gymnasium.

Learning process

The competition was one way by which Ishore is helping to upgrade the skills of those in the hospitality industry, said indefatigable executive director Winona Santos. It was an important learning process for the contestants. Not only did the judges rate their skills, artistry and creativity, they also gave contestants pointers for improvement.

Particularly helpful were the impromptu lectures given by award-winning creative consultant Benjamin Go and Chef Nick Rodriguez, a graduate of Les Roches School in Switzerland and chef-owner of Candon Bistro.

Even Ilocos Sur Gov. Deogracias Victor Savellano pitched in by sponsoring the training last year of some provincial teachers in the culinary school of Heny Sison. Sison, with chefs Vicky Villanueva, Ed Quimson, Tristan Bayani, Jackie Ang Po, Catherine Sion and creative consultant Benjamin Go, have helped coached Ishore contestants in regional competitions.

Their efforts seem to be paying off. Last weekend, Ishore contestants won three gold and six bronze medals and some diplomas in the competition organized by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio.

Winners' list

Table Setting with Menu Card or Folder

1st place - Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College -
Reinier Manalo
Cherry Mae Guillermo
Kevin Keith Ramos

Mocktail Mixing Free Style

1st place - Ilocos Sur Community College (Love Fern)
Fernand Tabilon
2nd place - St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur (Arizona Cooler)
Michael Cabasa
3rd place - Divine Word College of Vigan (Virgin Piña Colada)
Shyanne Mae Ragudo

Floral Design and Presentation Bouquet

1st place - St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur
Aries Jay-R Fule
2nd place-St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur
Jacinto Tacata
2nd place - Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College
Michael Florentino
3rd place - Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College
Rizalino Christle Crisostomo
3rd place - Ilocos Sur Community College
Allan Sagucio
3rd place - Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College
Marie Rose Cabalar

Floral Design Centerpiece (Wedding Theme)

1st place - Data Center of the Philippines
Mary Rose Ramirez
St. Paul College of Ilocos sur
Aries Jay-R Fule
St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur
Jacinto Tacata
University of Northern Philppines
Jeffrey Cabais

2nd place - Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College
Allen Borge
Data Center of the Philippines
Jobelle Rodriguez

Cordillera Cuisine Fusion Free Style

1st place - Divine Word College of Vigan (Grilled Etag in Mountain Rice)
JP Randolf Peria
Marlon Palacol
2nd place - St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur (Roasted Abuos with Red Bell Pepper)
Ervic Albano
Michelle Argote
3rd place - Divine Word College of Vigan (Stir-fried Chicken Liver, Blood with Sweet Onions)
Brigham Carl Molina
Mark Anthony Raquepo

Ilocos Cuisine Fusion Free Style
1st place - Divine Word College of Vigan (Poki-Poki Lasagna)
JP Randolf Peria
Marlon Palacol
2nd place - University of Northern Philippines (Dinoydoy)
Michael Paul Perez
Emmerson Aragoza
3rd place - Ilocos Sur Community College (Bola-lunggay)
Manny Balderama
Sunny Rose Noriega

Wedding Cake Decoration Free Style

1st place - University of Northern Philippines
Katrina Sanidad
Rochelle Bacris
2nd place - St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur
Cristy Llamas
Cristy dela Cruz

Longganisa Cuisine Fusion Free Style

1st place - St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur (Longganisa Balls with Labong)
Ervic Albano
Michael Argote
2nd place - Ilocos Sur Community College (Longganisa in Malunggay Ravioli)
Gladys Joy Rayray
Ma. Tesa Vel Baldemor
3rd place - University of Northern Philippines (Longganisa Steak)
Michael Paul Perez
Charlou Roedel

Cocktail Mixing Free Style

1st place - St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur (Viola Valentino)
Fj Baclig
2nd place - Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College
Joel Floria
3rd place - University of Northern Philippines (winner)
Joe Ann Cerna

Master' Flair Tending Competition

1st place - Ilocos Sur Community College (Arizona Cooler)
Ignacio Reyes
2nd place - Ilocos Sur Community College
John Paulo Teano
3rd place - St. Paul. College of Ilocos Sur
Fj Baclig

Fruit & Vegetable Carving Individual

2nd place - Divine Word College of Vigan
Alexander Robert Panayiotis Poca
3rd place - Ilocos Sur Polytechnic state College
Rizalino Christle Crisostomo
-University of Northern Philippines
Johndell Baltazar
-Ilocos Sur Community College
Julius Baclig
-St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur
Aries Jay-R Fule

Fruit & Vegetable Showpiece Team

1st place - Ilocos Sur Community College
Julius Baclig
Hazel Benitez
2nd place - Divine Word College of Vigan
Jesson Julius de Peralta
Danilo Basallo Jr.
3rd place - St. Paul College of Ilocos Sur
Lorraine Rivada
Vanessa dela Cruz

Market Basket Filipino Live Cooking

1st place - Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College
Jackie Manglibo
Joel Floria
Aries Tutor
2nd place - Divine Word College of Vigan
Brigham Carl Molina
Mark Anthony Raquepo
Arvin Howell Anaya