Ormoc City has found a meaningful way to preserve one of its greatest assets — its food. The launch of Homemade: A Taste of Ormoc marks a significant step in documenting the recipes, traditions and stories that have shaped the city’s culinary identity for generations.

Designed as a premium coffee table book, the publication goes beyond showcasing local cuisine. It captures the heritage of a community where every dish reflects family history, shared celebrations, and the enduring warmth of Ormocanon hospitality.

The volume features 77 signature recipes, ranging from time-honored family specialties to beloved local comfort food. Accompanying each recipe are personal narratives that reveal the cultural roots and memories behind the meals, transforming the cookbook into both a gastronomic guide and a historical archive.

The project was officially unveiled during a special gathering at the Ormoc City Sports Complex, capping three years of research, documentation and collaboration. The editorial work was led by award-winning journalist Bum Tenorio Jr., together with a team of writers, researchers and contributors dedicated to preserving the city’s culinary traditions for future generations.

For Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, the book represents far more than a collection of recipes. She hopes readers will discover the character of Ormoc through its cuisine and appreciate the stories that have helped define the city’s identity.

“I hope that every taste of Ormoc inspires a deeper appreciation for the stories, emotions and values that continue to shape our city,” the mayor said.

The milestone launch gathered local leaders, including Congressman Richard Gomez, Juliana Gomez, Vice Mayor Leo Carmelo Locsin Jr., members of the 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod, city officials, contributors and guests who celebrated the completion of a project that honors Ormoc’s rich food culture.

Even as the first volume begins its journey to readers’ hands, Mayor Torres-Gomez revealed that the work is only beginning. She shared plans for a second installment that will continue uncovering the people, recipes, and culinary traditions that have made Ormoc one of the country’s most distinctive food destinations.