On the menu for Duterte inauguration: Monggo, lumpia, pandesal with kesong puti

With only three days to go before the inauguration of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, his camp on Monday revealed details of the food to be served to his around 600 guests at the Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace.

Inaugural committee member Lisette Marques told reporters in Davao City that they will keep to Duterte’s wishes of a simple celebration and serve finger food.

“Iyong ating mga isi-serve sa ating mga bisita basically finger food, meron tayong lumpia, monggo in cups. Meron tayong cheese, kesong puti in pandesal. Iyon iyong mga simpleng bagay na ilalagay natin to also answer to his wishes,” she said.

Presidential spokesperson Ernie Abella told GMA News Online in a text message that the inauguration will be catered by Via Mare, founded by restaurateur and writer Glenda Barretto.

Via Mare’s concept dining arm Cafe Via Mare is well-loved for its take on Filipino classic fare such as bibingka and pancit luglog.

Its catering services provider was picked for the papal visit of St. John Paul II, the Miss Universe pageant in 1995, and ASEAN Summit in Cebu in 2007.

Via Mare was also the go-to caterer of former First Lady Imelda Marcos for galas in the Malacañan during the Marcos years. —Trisha Macas/JST, GMA News