The town of Villasis in Pangasinan flexed its status anew as largest producer of eggplant in Region 1 through the Talong Festival 2024. 

The festival highlighted a Talong Cookfest where various dishes made use of eggplants creatively.

"Ang Villasis is [the] number one producer ng talong dito sa Northern Luzon, actually Region 1, kaya pino-promote namin ang aming talong [para] mas maraming gamit ang talong [at] maraming mabebenta [kapag] makita nila na very versatile ang talong," Nita Abrenica, Chairwoman of the Talong Cookfest, said.

Unique twists were added by participants by creating dishes like Talong Lasagna, Talong Graham, Pork Talong Embutido, and Talong Sisig with Pork and Tofu.

"Ito ang naisip kong lutuin kasi wala pa namang masyadong nagluluto ng ganito," Darwin Pamintuan, one of the participants, said.

Residents and visitors alike enjoyed tasting these eggplant-infused delights.

Joanna Mae Fernandez praised not only the nutritional value but also the delicious taste of the eggplant creations.

"Hindi lang siya nutritious [but] very delicious [din]. Swak din sa panlasa sa amin na matanda pero pati [rin] sa mga bata," she said.

Meanwhile, young children took center stage in a Retro Dance Competition, showcasing dance crazes from the '70s to the '90s, before the cooking competition.