The Lechon Chef Wars showcased top talent, including food content creator Jujumao, renowned hotel chefs, and Cebu’s best lechonero, battling it out in a flavorful competition

Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu – The highly anticipated 2025 Cebu Lechon Festival officially opened on August 7 with a grand launch event that sets the stage for ten days of culinary celebration, cultural pride, and community spirit at The Mactan Newtown. Now on its biggest edition yet, the festival opened with an explosive mix of live entertainment, culinary spectacle, and the unmistakable aroma of slow-roasted lechon.

The opening ceremonies were led by DOT Region 7 Director Judy Dela Cruz Gabato, joined by Lapu-Lapu City Congressman Junard “Ahong” Chan; DTI Region 7 Officer Kyle Durano; Marilou Kiunisala, The Mactan Newtown General Manager; and culinary content creators Jujumao and Arion Marin. Together, they performed the ceremonial opening of the Cebu Lechon Festival, marking the start of the festivities with a guided tour to the roast pit, creative lechon displays, and the symbolic turnover of the roasting stick.

Headlining the opening day festivities was the much-awaited Chef Wars, a culinary face-off between powerhouse personalities in the food scene: the beloved food content creator and advocate for Filipino flavors Jujumao, Belmont Hotel’s Executive Chef Paolo Aviso, Savoy Hotel’s Chef de Partie Ian Luta. They were also joined by The Mactan Newtown partner restaurants chefs from Shikisai Japanese Restaurant, Chef Filemon Leguis; Bar Samurai and Geisha Lounge, Chef Therese Yap; and seasoned international chef of MSC cruise line Angel Villarin.

Each chef brought their own style, creativity, and deep love for local flavors to the exciting culinary face-off—a true showcase of Cebuano food at its finest.

Festival guests were treated to the start of daily live lechon roasting demonstrations, where expert roasters showcased the craftsmanship behind Cebu’s most iconic dish—golden, glistening, and crackling straight off the spit.

Attendees also enjoyed the grand launch of the Lechon Fair & Pairing Station at The Mactan Alfresco, a culinary playground where Cebu’s most iconic roasted pork from Carcar, Talisay, Liloan, and Cebu City met expertly crafted local drinks. Visitors got to sample and savor each of the city’s distinct take on lechon, discovering the rich flavors and traditions that make Cebu lechon a national treasure.

The festival offered something for everyone, including young creatives who took part in the Lechon for Little Artists zone. The first 200 children who brought in ₱1,500 worth of receipts from any establishment in The Mactan Newtown received a Paint My Lechon Kit, allowing them to decorate and personalize their own mini lechon masterpieces—thus turning the festival into an interactive celebration for all ages.

“The Cebu Lechon Festival reflects how The Mactan Newtown continues to grow as a cultural and culinary gateway—where food becomes a powerful medium for preserving heritage and shaping new culinary narratives. By turning time-honored traditions into immersive experiences, we celebrate Cebuano pride, elevate local talent, and create a destination where culture, community, and creativity come together through cuisine,” said Marilou Kiunisala, General Manager of  The Mactan Newtown.

Experience the rest of the festival’s exciting events and activities, including the Cebu’s Best Lechonero competition and Culinary School Showdown on August 8, the student-led Sugbuanon Paksiw Wars on August 10, live music performances on August 10 and from August 15 to 17, and daily festivities at The Mactan Alfresco—featuring live lechon roasting, a lechon fair, pairing stations, art exhibits, and family-friendly activities running all the way through August 17.

The Cebu Lechon Festival at The Mactan Newtown runs from August 7–17, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience Cebu’s culture and cuisine like never before. For full schedules and updates, visit facebook.com/MactanNewtownMegaworld and facebook.com/TMN.OfficialTownshipPage.