MANILA — Authentic Filipino food such as chicken adobo and lechon (suckling pig) will be among the dishes that will be served to Pope Francis during his visit to the country in January 2015.
Steve Tamayo, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tamayo’s catering, said he was informed by his priests friends to prepare as his company might possibly be asked to prepare food for the Holy Father and guests during an event in Manila.
“Actually, we are on the planning stage but I was advised about it. I am the usual caterer of big events sponsored by the Church. I can’t give you details yet but we already have plans,” he said in an interview.
Tamayo added, “We don’t know yet the number of guests. Honestly, we have no details on the catering yet but I was told to prepare since organizers are also busy preparing and doing other things in connection with the papal visit.”
The businessman said he would want the pontiff to taste authentic Filipino food aside from Italian dishes.
“We would serve him and the guests some famous Filipino dish, chicken adobo…and lechon, which is always present in most celebrations in the country,” he said.
However, Tamayo noted that it would be the decision of the organizers of the Pope’s visit on the kind of food that would be in the menu.
The Pope might visit the Manila Cathedral (Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Concepcion) in Intramuros.
Last July, Vatican inspectors reportedly visited the minor basilica.
He narrated that the first time his company catered for a Pope was in 2003, during the World Meeting of Families held in Manila. He served some 28,000 people in that event.
Tamayo added that he also served packed food during the World Youth Day in 1995, the same year his catering business started.
At the same time, he is excited and looking forward to personally serve Pope Francis.
The Catholic Church in the Philippines is still waiting for the announcement of the Vatican on the official schedule of the four-day Apostolic Visit.
Tamayo noted that he always gives discount to events of the Church that he catered.
“Yes, I’ll give them discount. In fairness to the Church, they pay. Of course, we will have special rates for them, it’s also our way of giving support to the Church,” he said.
Tamayo’s restaurant is located at the back of the Manila Cathedral.