The vibrant streets of Barangays Pasil and Suba in Cebu City were filled with the rich, savory scent of a beloved local dish as the community hosted its 11th annual Tuslob Buwa Festival on January 8, 2026. This event celebrates more than just food; it honors a culinary tradition that defines the area's identity and supports many families.
A Festival of Flavor and Community
Now in its eleventh year since the festival's inception in 2015, the celebration transformed the barangays into a massive open-air dining area. Hundreds of tables were set up specifically for serving tuslob buwa to residents and visitors alike. In Barangay Suba alone, local officials prepared an impressive 300 tables, as confirmed by Barangay Captain Francisco De Gracia Jr., 60.
Each table generously offered approximately 30 pouches of hanging rice (puso), which were freely given to guests to enjoy with the main dish. This scale of preparation highlights the festival's role as a major community gathering and a point of local pride.
More Than a Meal: The Story of Tuslob Buwa
Tuslob buwa is a distinctive Cebuano delicacy with a history dating back to the early 2000s. The dish is a flavorful stew made from pig's brain, liver, and intestines, sautéed with garlic, onions, chili, and spices. It is traditionally eaten by dipping the hanging rice into the shared pot of stew.
Praised for being both affordable and filling, it gained popularity among students and workers. While it is a cherished part of the local diet, residents wisely advise consuming it in moderation due to its high cholesterol content. For many, tuslob buwa is a powerful symbol of Cebu's unique food culture and working-class resilience.
A Livelihood and a Legacy
The festival underscores the economic importance of this dish. For vendors like 80-year-old Nanay Cecilia Rondina, who has been selling tuslob buwa for 15 years, it represents her family's sole source of income. The proceeds help her support her children and grandchildren, illustrating how traditional foodways are intertwined with survival and legacy.
Organizers and residents emphasize that the annual event is a powerful force for unity in Pasil and Suba. It goes beyond celebrating a tasty dish; it shines a light on the livelihoods, traditions, and communal spirit that are cooked into every pot of tuslob buwa. The festival successfully preserves a piece of Cebu's soul, one savory bite at a time.
