I’ve been watching a lot of TV lately, well, more than I usually do, but I don’t get to watch Kalyeserye that features Yaya Dub. The internet keeps me updated on that one. So I wasn’t surprised to see Maine “Yaya Dub” Mendoza endorsing brands such as 555 Fried Sardines, among others. Her rise to fame is phenomenal.
Anyway, I just learned that 555 Fried Sardines is actually a new line for the brand (I wasn’t paying attention to the details of the commercial) that has 4 variants: Tausi, Hot & Spicy, Bistek and Escabeche. I’m very drawn to the first one, by the way.
I know of a few ways to prepare dishes with Sardines as the main ingredient, but I’m blown away by the dishes that the participants of the Fried ng Barangay Cooking Showdown came up with.
Here, look at them and tell me that you’re not as impressed as I am!
555 Fried Sardines Lumpiang Sariwa by Larry Quinto
This one’s my favorite. Larry Quinto’s inspiration is his family. For him, their health is his top most priority.
555 Fried Sardines Lumpiang Sariwa by Larry Quinto, Grand Prize Winner from Bgy. Sindalan, San Fernando City
Egg Noodles with 555 Fried Sardines by Elsa Dela Cruz
According to Elsa Dela Cruz, her influence in this is the Filipino’s love for noodles.
Egg Noodles with 555 Fried Sardines by Elsa Dela Cruz, Grand Winner from Bgy. Buenlag, Calasiao Pangasinan
Veggie Spicy Cordon Bleau sardines
Maricel Quezada’s inspiration is her family’s love for vegetables.
Veggie Spicy Cordon Bleau sardines by Maricel Quezada, Grand Winner from Quezon
Sosyal! French!
Which reminds me…isn’t Yaya Dub a Culinary Arts grad? I wonder what dishes she can whip up with these new 555 variants.
Showdown Proper
Participants for the 555 Fried ng Barangay Cooking showdown came from chosen barangays in Pampanga, Pangasinan and Quezon. They were encouraged to come up with original dishes with 555 Fried Sardines as the main ingredient in these dishes. The goal was to make a delicious AND nutritious dish.
Reminds me so much of Master Chef. What an exciting event it must have been. Samples of the products were given out during the actual event and there were games and raffles that kept the guests on their toes.
Mind you, there were hundreds of entries that were submitted, but only the top 10 entries were asked to participate in the actual demo. The Top 5 for each town were announced and awarded during the event.
The heart behind the event is to highlight a popular Filipino tradition of bringing together Food, Family, & Friends. That’s who we are. It’s part of our culture. That’s why we always cook from the heart.
555 Fried ng Barangay Cooking showdown was organized by Century Pacific Food Inc. and 88ville Productions. And they’re bringing them to other towns in the following months.
If you’ve got a recipe in mind that stars 555 Fried Sardines, go ahead and put it together. Who knows, your dish might be the next winner.
Sardine Facts
Sardines have always been considered a “poor man’s staple” as poverty continues to rise in the Metro, but they say that Sardines actually contain vitamins and minerals.
It also has Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA which lowers triglycerides and cholesterol levels, which means it’s good for your heart, and it has Vitamin B12 that prevents hardening of arteries and Vitamin D that helps absorbs Calcium and Phosporus that are essential for your bones.
And lastly, 555 Fried Sardines are rich in protein that maintain your muscles and connective tissues. Protein provides our bodies with amino acids that keep our immune system strong.
That’s all good to hear, especially since we enjoy a good serving of sardines in this house.
555 Fried Sardines are now available in your favorite supermarkets and Sari Sari stores in your neighborhood. Can’t wait to get my hands on Tausi