The man was Mr. George Pua, president of Meat Concepts Corporation and new owner of Rico’s Lechon. And the restaurant was the biggest one in the chain, which started officially serving the public on June 28, 2019. George had his hands full even before the restaurant opened, but he seemed to have drunk from the well of never-ending energy and enthusiasm as he tirelessly talked with and offered friends and guests a smile. My colleague and I were two of its many recipients. In an exclusive interview in one of the restaurant’s function rooms on the second floor, I learned that George’s enthusiasm went beyond the successful opening of another business. He was happy to not only be eating Cebu’s best lechon but also sharing it with his fellow and potential “lechon fanatics.”
L-R: Assistant to the President Meat Concepts Corporation Mari-Jo T. Barles, Vice President Meat Concepts Corporation Jay R. Lazaro, President of Meat Concepts Corporation George N. Pua, Sales and Marketing Manager Cebu, Rico’s Lechon Michael “Pops” S. Bacatan
A Long-Time Love for Lechon
“Lechon fanatic,” was what George called himself when he told us how his young self fell in love with the dish. “I lived in Baclaran, and every time I opened my window, it’s all lechon. It’s all lechon being paraded. Every time I opened my window I would see lechon and I would ask the maid to buy me ¼ kilo. Every time I opened my window.” The repetition in his response left no room for doubt; he was—is—indeed a real lechon fan.
Rico’s Lechon comes in orignal and spicy variants.
It was this love that brought him on a 5-day trip in the Queen City of the South six years ago, eating nothing else for lunch and dinner but lechon. He was on a mission: to taste the best lechon. He tried all brands he could get his hands on, even when it meant going as far as Talisay and Carcar. One store in the former, which was his host friend’s favorite, secured the second spot in George’s brief list of best lechon brands. Rico’s Lechon came first.
George’s list was no surprise. I’m not the biggest lechon fan—I don’t crave it when I’m overseas—but I appreciate a great dish when I taste one, Rico’s Lechon included. I liked how tender and flavorful the meat was that I didn’t even have to dip it in sauce. The skin was not fatty and had just the right crispness, which saved me from feeling jaw pain because of excessive chewing. There was an added sense of gastronomic satisfaction from seeing how the lechon was chopped before it arrived at our table. I might have eaten more than what I intended to.
A Determined Man
George liked the tenderness of the lechon he tasted in Talisay, but the brand only offered the original variant whereas Rico’s Lechon offered both original and spicy. “If you are a good businessman, or if you have a business acumen, you would want the original and the spicy,” he said.
He soon met Enrico “Rico” Dionson, founder of Rico’s Lechon. At that time, George only wanted to know the man who perfected the recipe to the best tasting lechon; he had no intentions of buying or franchising the brand. But he did ask him of potential plans to open a store in Manila, to which the latter responded with a firm no. Since then, George made it a point to eat at Rico’s Lechon and chat with Rico every time he visited Cebu. The question of opening a branch in Manila would sometimes come up in these conversations. The third time it did, George took a different approach and asked whether he could instead franchise the brand. Rico was steadfast in his initial response.
Things started to take shape when a common friend reintroduced George to Rico in 2015. This connection solidified the former’s love for lechon to the latter, who finally saw George as more than just a businessman eyeing a new venture. And in 2017, amid a busy night of setting up one of his restaurants and preparing for a flight to Japan the next day, George received an unexpected call from Rico. The call caught him off guard that he momentarily forgot who Rico Dionson was. “I should know him because he’s in my phonebook,” he said with a laugh. He picked up the call, and it was then that thoughts of eating Cebu’s best tasting lechon in Manila became reality—Rico offered to sell the entire brand. George had no hesitation in saying yes.
Before the official contract signing in February 2018, George’s Feng Shui master came to Manila to “read” him for the next year. George, who then wanted to know his compatibility with Rico as a business partner, asked his ninong to also do a quick reading of Rico. Rico consented. Then the reading happened. “You have a good heart, but you talk too much,” George quoted.
Nevertheless, the Feng Shui master gave them his blessings and they soon signed a contract. By May of the same year, Meat Concepts Corp. took over the entire operations. In August, they opened their first Manila store in Bonifacio Global City; in September, Glorietta 1; October, Tiendesitas; November, UP Town Center; and in February 2019, SM Mall of Asia. It was a productive year for George.
“Old Cebu with a Twist”
The success of the great RICOmeback seemed to suggest that this year will be as busy, if not more, as the last. The brand’s flagship outlet can accommodate 300 people and has four function rooms, whose names refer to the places where Rico’s Lechon used to stand. “We wanted to be reminded of our roots,” George explained.
George chose the location because it fits his criteria—not in Cebu City but near it. His friends’ opinion, that the area is a new segment of progress in Mandaue, made decision making easier for him.
The dining area of Rico’s Lechon Mandaue boasts Sinulog colors
He was also very much involved in the conceptualization of the restaurant’s interior design. He wanted to showcase the “Old Cebu with a Twist,” so he incorporated elements of Sinulog into the restaurant. Instead of hanging buntings like people do during fiestas, which can look messy inside a confined space, George asked his Cebuano chair manufacturer to paint the backrests of chairs in bright yellow, green, apple blue, and red. “So, when you lay out the seating arrangement, you all see the different colors. It’s like a bunting,” he said.
Other Cebuano-made items included tables and hanging lamps. What I found most interesting about the restaurant’s interior, however, was the lechon plate chandelier. George revealed that it was the last fixture added and its creation materialized mostly out of a desire to avoid wasting resource. George ordered these plates with the intent of using them for what they really were, but the vendor shipped them to him in the wrong size. Instead of complaining about what went wrong, George focused on the positive and asked his manufacturer to make a chandelier using his oversized lechon plates.
A Foodie’s Menu
Rico’s Lechon’s expansion is evident not only in the restaurant’s space but also in its menu. Other than their renowned lechon, they now serve more Filipino favorites like Special Boneless Bangus, Sizzling Lechon Sisig, Monggos, and Bicol Express. New additions to the list include Grilled Pork Belly, Sinigang na Baka at Baboy, Sisig Fried Rice, and Buttered Mixed Seafoods.
The new management may have tweaked the menu, but George promised that they did not and will never change the original lechon recipe. “There’s no ego here. I always say [that] it’s not who runs it or who owns it. It’s just the way that you present it to be the best and only the best, and make people smile and happy. That’s the most important thing. It doesn’t matter who owns it anymore,” he explained.
As a foodie, George understands the feeling of going to one’s favorite restaurant and finding out—a true foodie will, almost always immediately—that the management changed their recipe. He does not want his food to be “bastardized,” and he assured me that it will never happen in his restaurant.
George shared that he can be adventurous and instinctive when it comes to food. When he goes to a restaurant, he orders a lot and eats them all (food waste is a no-deal). He cited his recent solo travel to Spain as an example, where he ordered about 12 plates of Spanish food for lunch. All for himself. The look on his face as he was narrating this story told me that he still could not believe what he did. And on the 4th day, to change things a bit, he had lunch at KFC.
After sharing a good laugh, I decided to bring the interview to a close. I wished George sincere congratulations and expressed my anticipation for brighter days ahead. With his familiar smile, he thanked me then said: “I promise with all my heart, with all my mind, with all my power, [that] we will maintain the same taste of lechon.”
Visit Rico’s Lechon Mandaue at Unit F1 Jamestown, Mantawi International Drive, Mandaue City. They are open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
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Beach outing
Bird’s eye view of White Beach in Moalboal Cebu
Summer would not complete without a beach outing. Gather your family and friends and plan for the most awesome escapade for the weekend. Prepare your swimwear, tent (if you’re not up for a costly stay) and your food and drinks—lots of them. Always have budget for your transportation, food and accommodation. If you have a private vehicle, then set aside a budget for the gas. Others could either take the bus or rent a van. After preparing for your getaway, then get ready to take your vitamin-sea!
You can travel from North of Cebu to experience the luxurious beaches or you can travel to South of Cebu where you can swim with whale sharks, or you can even chase waterfalls if you’re not up for a salty summer experience. Despite the long hours of traveling, you’ll definitely enjoy the waves that are oozing onto the beach.
Another fun activity to do at the beach is surfing, scuba diving, cliff diving, collecting seashells or burying your friends in the sand. There’s nothing more satisfying than having tan lines and fun memories from a beach outing.
Food Trip
Enjoy Cebu’s best-tasting lechon in the market
Who doesn’t love food trips? In Cebu, there’s always food for a hungry stomach. Cebu can offer a budget-friendly food trip you can experience over the summer. A food trip wouldn’t be fun alone, so call your family and friends because the more people, the less you’ll spend.
Try roaming around the city and enjoy the place for its variety of food. Your summer food trip wouldn’t be satisfying without experiencing Cebu’s best-tasting lechon. Cebuanos love the crunchy skin and unique taste of the lechon. Travel around the city and there’s always a lechon restaurant in every corner.
Indulge yourself in the barbecues of Larsian in Fuente Cebu, especially when you’re up to small eateries where different stalls hawk their products. Don’t skip the famous siomai in Tisa, Labangon. The stalls are located beside the national highway and it only costs P7.00.
Shop for new clothes
Look for your outfits in these Ukay-ukay clothing for sale
Cebu has always been offering a variety of products, whether local brands or international brands. And since summer is almost over, it’s the perfect time to buy your last-minute summer and rainy season outfits.
Always reward yourself with shopping after a stressful month. Before summer ends, you’re going to need outfits for the next season, probably your OOTD for a rainy day. You can also shop for new casual outfits for school or work. Maybe you would want to shop for shoes and bags, too.
You can stroll around the city’s malls to buy your outfits—dresses, jumpers, jeans, sweaters, etc. Here, you’ll find local brands that offer high quality products at a lower price.
You can also wander around the oldest and largest market in Cebu City, the Carbon Market. You can always buy your #OOTD goals at their Ukay-Ukay stalls without having to spend much. As it’s located in the downtown area in Cebu, it’s convenient and accessible.
Night Out
Enjoy your night out with friends in the city’s many bars and clubs
Go for a night out! Dress up and put on your make-up. You need a break from work or school overload in the past few months. Summer is the season for self-healing, so go out with friends, drink and sing your heart out.
Nightlife in Cebu is still growing, even in this summer season. There’s often a new bar or pub popping up in the city. Sing your heart out at KTV bars, dance until your feet ache and sip on your favorite cocktail.
You can always enjoy a night out in Cebu; explore the infamous Mango Avenue, IT Park or even Mandaue City. Whether you’re a couple on a date or a group of friends looking for fun on a Saturday night, don’t miss out the Cebu nightlife to complete your summer experience.
Watch sunset
Stop for a breathtaking sunset view at Balamban Bay Walk
You know you’re enjoying the day if you’re able to watch the sun set with your very eyes. It’s that feeling of satisfaction that you’re making the best of your summer vacation. After having sand in your toes or climbing a mountain or driving to nowhere, you can sit back and enjoy watching an everyday miracle.
There’s something alluring about sun sets that will leave you in a state of awe. Sunsets are best at a beach or on top of a mountain. After checking summer adventure number one: Beach Outing, don’t leave the place until you witness a spectacular sunset scene.
For a few minutes, gather your loved ones and feel at peace and be drawn to the sunset’s raw beauty. To make the experience more enticing, take some stunning silhouette sunset shots.
There’s so much to do before the summer ends, and it’s up to you to enjoy until the very last day of the season. Catch up with friends, get sun-kissed and embrace the ocean waves before we can kiss the summer season goodbye
]]>Here then are the five places where you can indulge with the best tasting Cebu Lechon. (in random order)
Rico’s Lechon
(photo from the wires)
A popular choice among tourist and locals, Rico’s Lechon is believed to have pioneered spicy flavored lechon throughout Cebu. Mixed with special herbs like leeks and garlic, dashed with the secret spicy ingredients, the spicy lechon with its succulent and classical taste proves to be a big hit among its customers! Mactan Promenade, Airport Road, Lapu-Lapu City
Carcar Town Market
(photo from the wires)
Aside from its usual delicacies of sweets, Carcar Town Market is also a concentration of the delectable lechon. Its own version of bathed in pig broth and roasted pig drippings, it produces a lechon with crispy golden red skin, thin layer of fat and extra tender meat which has been deemed as “Queen of all Lechons.” Come visit the Carcar’s market with an hungry stomach consider yourself full afterwards. Carcar City, Cebu
House of Lechon
(photo from the wires)
Close to Carcar’s familiar taste of lechon, is this. It serves one of the most raved about Lechon recipes. The amber-orange color of the lechon skin says so much about how it is evenly roasted and it gives off that perfect crackling sound people love so much to hear. Acacia Street, Cebu City
Zubuchon
photography Kurt Fick
Zubuchon’s lechon is blended with herbs such as lemongrass and green onions, as well as seasonings, including sea salt, peppers and other secret ingredients, making its taste unique from its competitors. It also takes pride to serve additive-free and MSG-free lechon. Escario Central, N. Escario St., Cebu City
Alejo’s Lechon
(photo from the wires)
Tasty, juicy and oozing with goodness, that is Alejo’s. What sets apart their own take of lechon among others is the way it is stuffed with lemongrass to give off an aromatic effect. The sightly salty roasted pig is considered to be one of the tastiest and crunchiest among Cebu’s famous lechon recipes. Surely, Alejo’s mouth-watering lechon satisfies one’s craving to the peak. El Salvador, Labangon, Cebu City
Talisay City Lechon
photography Steffen Billhardt
The Talisay City was once the Lechon Capital of Cebu, but even that, its lechon still taste what’s the locales themselves identify tastefully the best. No wonder, the local government initiated a Lechon Festival of this city. Talisay City, Cebu
Where else to get the best Cebu lechon? Let us know!
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DRIED MANGOES
These sweet and chewy fruit snacks are a favorite among Filipinos here and abroad. Cebu dried mangoes are parched under the perfect Cebuano weather which gives them a sweet and smooth texture. They also come in variety—strips, chunks, bits and even shaped like balls. There are many dried mango brands available in supermarkets.
DANGGIT
Danggit is a small and thin sun-dried rabbitfish often called the poor man’s dish. This seafood delicacy is split opened, cleaned, salted and spread out in a dry rack. It is a breakfast food that is best paired with sunny side egg, rice and even atsara (unripe papaya pickle). For a great danggit experience, you must eat them with bare hands. Danggit is mostly available in Taboan Market.
LECHON
Lechon is undeniably the center piece of Filipino events. It is crispy, juicy, incredibly appetizing and can also be spicy. What makes Cebu’s lechon the way it is, the secret is its stuffing, basting and way of cooking. It is filled with tanglad, onions, paminta, garlic and soy sauce. Lenchonderos then do basting using cold water sometimes in coconut water 30 minutes before roasting and cooking it over fire to crisp up the pig’s skin. We recommend Rico’s Lechon and House of Lechon.
OTAP
Otap is an oval puff pastry that originated here in Cebu. It is a mixture of flour, coconut, shortening and is sprinkled with sugar. It has a flaky and brittle surface due to its two-way baking process: Baking the dough and topping it off with sugar, then repeat but cooking it a little bit over. So it is fragile to eat, but just make sure you eat it with a palm underneath your mouth. Get your fix of otap in leading grocery stores.
CHICHARON
Chicharon is a well-loved finger food snack that is a staple among drinking crowds and is sold almost everywhere. Chicharon or sitsaron are fried pork rinds best paired with vinegar. There are two kinds—kubal (pure pork skin) and rinds with traces of meat. It is also used as toppings to native vegetable and noodle dishes. Chicharon can be brought in almost all nooks in Cebu but top of mind is Carcar. It is the home of the best chicharon and lechon is one stall away.
by Cloise Mae Abordo
Originally published in Zee Lifestyle Directory. Like on Facebook.
The Cebu Heritage Monument (Photo by Snapholic/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, June 2013)
Pocket activities surrounding the Cebu Heritage Monument are available starting 6pm to 11pm on Friday, September 11, just in time for Cebu City Tourism Month. PICK from the following:
- Tartanilla time! Take a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride around Parian’s festive Bisita night and catch glimpses of the outdoor performances from the Sandiego Dancers, Children’s Joy Foundation Rondalla and eskrima (or arnis, a Visayan martial art). This uniquely Visayan carriage is distinguished by its two rows of seats arranged across each other, a back entrance, and distinctive design element by its maker. It fits only a maximum of 4 per ride, PAY only P25 per adult (minimum 2 adults per ride), children under 12 ride free.
- Museum-hop. Two museums within walking distance from each other are open until 11pm just for the day. The Yap-Sandiego house is widely considered the oldest Chinese house built outside China and houses the Hispanic antiques of the present owner. In the garden, Café Rafael serves Cebu lechon (whole spit-roast pig), chicharon (pork crackling from the town of Carcar, famous for the delicacy), pusô (hanging rice), torta (a pastry made with egg yolk and tubà or coconut wine), sikwate (hot cocoa), and other Cebuano delicacies. A few steps away is the Jesuit House of 1730, the oldest dated house in the country, discovered relatively recently hidden in plain sight inside a working warehouse and houses the well-curated Museo Parian sa Sugbo. PAY entrance fees at P50 for adults and P15 for students.
The Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House (Photo courtesy of PR Works/Originally published in Zee Lifestyle, June 2013)
- Selfie with history. Stop for a quick selfie or self-we with mimes dressed as historical characters pivotal in Cebu’s history: Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, a Spanish friar, Spanish soldiers, the king of Cebu Rajah Humabon and his Queen Hara Humamay. Click, load and hashtag #ThousandJourneysCebu! PAY nothing, but donations are encouraged.
Pick one or all of these adventures, and join us in an evening of time travel. #LakbayLingaw with us and make Cebu your Gateway to a Thousand Journeys this September!
CEBU CITY TOURISM COMMISSION
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