Parine Sa Bulacan: The Showcase Of The Finest Products *Perla
Abstract
Recent studies concluded that one of the reasons people travel now is for the food, which has an essential multiplier impact on tourist locations. Food has always been a significant draw to any location and is frequently highlighted in marketing materials by numerous locations. This occurrence is one of the indications that food has to be offered as a travel item. Bulacan is a province home to the best “pasalubongs,” or take-home gifts, but its rich culinary culture does not stop there. From the culinary heritage of Malolos City to the exquisite seafood of Hagonoy, a special longganisa breakfast from Calumpit, and many more. This study assessed the awareness of Bulakenyos of these local delicacies/products, their perception of their market profitability, and their suitability in gastronomic tourism by employing a quantitative method design. A survey questionnaire was distributed to 20 participants from each of the six municipalities in the 1st District of Bulacan, which gives us a total of 123 respondents. Malolos City deviated from the rest with 23 respondents. The researchers intended to focus on the impact of highlighting different local delicacies from Bulacan’s 1st congressional district and how it may benefit Bulacan if they were to be promoted as tourism products. As a result, this study concluded that Bulakenyos are aware, familiar, satisfied, and positively perceive the local delicacies in Bulacan. The assessment of the local delicacies in terms of the awareness of the product receive a high approval rating from the respondents. The respondents also approved that the local delicacies in Bulacan play a vital role in the market and in economic growth. In addition, the local delicacies in Bulacan have significant potential in the tourism industry. As used in this study, gastronomic tourism pertains to the tourist attraction through local delicacies, boosting the economy and promoting and preserving the culinary culture here in Bulacan.
