The Hawaii-Pacific Ecclesiastical District held a family chef cooking competition on September 8, 2024 at the compound of the house of worship of Ewa Beach Congregation.

Brethren residing in Hawaii’s outer islands, such as those of Wailuku Congregation in Maui, Kalaheo Congregation in Kauai, and American Samoa Congregation, as well as those in Big Island witnessed the competition via videoconferencing.

A total of 16 families from different local congregations in the district showcased their culinary skills. With pork belly as the main ingredient, they prepared various entrées, such as roasted pork belly, pork stew, and the Filipino dish sisig.

“Each family has their style in terms of crispiness … I enjoyed each of the dishes,” commented one of the judges, Shayna Visitacion, choir member in the Local Congregation of Wailuku. “What tops all other criterion,” she added, “is definitely the presentation and amount of effort they did in working together, especially as a family.”

Declared champion was the Blas Family from Kalihi Congregation; Galang Family of Waipahu Congregation, 2nd place; and Marin Family of Kunia Congregation, 3rd place.

“This event is important as it’s  spending time with family.  It’s fun to do it with the family,” said Claython Blas. Meanwhile, second-placer Norivic Galang expressed, “It’s a good experience. Having this kind of gathering not only helps us get to know other brethren but also strengthens our faith.”

Brother Israel Pacheco, district Christian Family Organizations (CFO) overseer, stated that “through activities like this, the brethren are able to show how they value the love of brotherhood, while at the same time showcasing their God-given talents.” — With reports from Bruce Tan of INC News Section