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Cebu

Siomai Festival

Siomai Festival, also popular as Siomai sa Tisa Festival, is a cultural, food, and religious festival every September 28 at Barangay Tisa, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines. It is a festive toast to siomai, a local dish that the area is known for, and a religious fiesta of San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila.

Etymology

The festival’s name comes from siomai, a Chinese steamed dumpling made of ground meat (pork, chicken, beef or seafood) wrapped in thin dough.

In Tisa, food stalls have been selling siomai beginning in the 1990s. The dish was paired with a hanging rice (puso) and a distinct spicy oily sauce made from minced garlic and chili. The sauce is also elevated with the addition of soy sauce and calamansi.

A popular recipe is produced by Julie and Elmer Parba of Julmer Food Ventures, a company that began production in 2001. According to a news article, their dealer Jeffrey Quillosa asked a cook to come up with a dish that would go well with halo-halo (local cold dessert) and siomai was introduced in their shop.

The dish grew in popular and gained loyal patrons within the local area and beyond.

Efforts were underway to trademark and accredit “siomai sa Tisa” to ensure food stalls claiming the brand were selling the dish that were locally produced and sourced in Tisa.

History of Siomai Festival

Siomai Festival was launched in 2014.

The event is held to promote siomai and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of the local folks. According to Joel Alcarazen, a council member and the first festival chairman, the festival was organized as “Siomai sa Tisa has become a household name. It’s already our trademark.”

Additionally, it is organized to promote Tisa as a progressive barangay in Cebu City.

The event was halted between 2020 and 2022 due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Devotion to San Lorenzo Ruiz

The timing of the festival coincides with the yearly religious fiesta dedicated to San Lorenzo Ruiz, the patron saint of the village. Its church was established in 1987.

Siomai sa Tisa Activities

Activities of the fest include religious services such as novena prayers, Eucharistic celebration, and procession; cultural programs, and street dancing competitions.

How to reach Tisa, Cebu City

From the airport or sea ports, take a ride to the city. There are various jeepney routes for public commute from Cebu North Bus Terminal, major malls, and other hubs. One can also take a cab bound for Tisa.

References

Siomai Festival Summary

NameSiomai Festival
ChurchSan Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila Church
CountryPhilippines
DateSeptember 28
Established2014
Other NamesSiomai sa Tisa Festival
PatronSan Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila