MANILA, Philippines - Declared by Time magazine as the “Best Pig” on its Best of Asia 2009 list, the lowly lechon has definitely come a long way since Anthony Bourdain hailed it as the “best pig ever” on his popular TV show No Reservations.
Well, who can resist the aroma of a steaming, newly roasted pig that’s oh, so crunchy and juicy? In fact, just about every special occasion on a Pinoy’s life features the delectable swine. And since ‘tis the season to indulge, foodies have more reasons to give in to their lechon cravings. But this time, in a form of a pizza.
Pizza Hut, known for its world-famous Pan Pizza and the phenomenal Cheese-Pizza Creations such as Stuffed-Crust Pizza, Cheesy Volcano, Cheesy Crust, and the Ultimate Cheese Pizza, reinforces its claim as the Philippines’ Pinaka-Pizza with its new and most exciting flavor to date — the Lechon Pizza — just in time for the holidays.
“Traditionally, Pizza Hut always comes up with a holiday pizza topped with the sweet ham, pineapple and cherries. This year, we want to make it more festive and very Pinoy. Lechon is considered as the national celebratory food for Filipinos. Paskong Pinoy is never complete without lechon on the noche buena table. Thus, offering lechon on a pizza this season is perfect fit,” enthuses Edgar Allan Caper, advertising and promotions manager, Pizza Hut Philippines.
Based on our consumer survey, diners wanted something different for Christmas. When the (product test and survey) results came out, that was our ‘a-ha!’ moment. The positive response we got served as our go-signal to offer lechon pizza this holiday season,” explains Caper.
Lechon Goodnes In Every Slice
Pizza Hut’s Lechon Pizza was launched recently at Pizza Hut Bistro in Glorietta 4 with basketball star Vince Hizon together his wife, sportscaster Patricia Bermudez-Hizon, and their two boys Vicente and Paul. The intoxicating aroma of lechon filled the air as the Hizons got their fill of the delectable treat.
“Our family always have lechon for noche buena. And the taste of the Lechon Pizza really made me feel like it’s Christmas already. Surely, you would want to wrap the box, put a red ribbon on it, and give it as an early Christmas present once you’ve tasted it. We’re confident that friends and families will enjoy a grand holiday fiesta each time they come together over Pizza Hut’s Lechon Pizza,” says Vince.
The Hizons are certified Pizza Hut and lechon lovers.
“They’re our regular customers. And since Christmas is all about family bonding, Vince, his wife Patricia and kids are the perfect endorsers for Pizza Hut Lechon Pizza,” Caper adds.
“With this new pizza innovation, Pizza Hut captures Filipino ingenuity with each crunchy lechon bite,” Caper says.
Pizza Hut’s Classic Crust is smothered with a layer of traditional lechon sauce, premium lechon meat, mozzarella cheese, and garlic roasted to sweetness. A generous portion of that crispy balat ng lechon is neatly arranged on top for a truly appetizing gourmet meal.
“We’re really excited about this one because it’s the first time Pizza Hut is celebrating Christmas the Filipino way. We’re grateful that we have received excellent feedbacks to the first set of peole who tasted it — our press friends, they all loved it. Just like our traditional lechon, the Lechon Pizza is absolutely a Filipino classic, done the Pizza Hut way,” enthuses Caper.
And since pizza goes with pasta, Pizza Hut offers the Holiday Feast bundle. For only P799, indulge in a medium lechon pizza with fettuccine a la king, spaghetti Bolognese, four orders of mushroom soup and four glasses of Pepsi.
It’s perfect for family and barkada bonding. You’ll save P164 if you order the bundle. Pizza Hut Lechon Pizza is offered until Jan. 10, 2011.
“Want to get a free Lechon Pizza treat? ‘Like’ us in Pizza Hut Philippines Facebook, download the Lechon Pizza Image tag and share a slice to your friends and tell us why you are sharing the Lechon Pizza slice,” adds Caper.
One winner per week will be chosen until the end of December 2010.
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Try the new Pizza Hut Lechon Pizza in any of Pizza Hut’s dine-in restaurants, or call 911-1111 for Metro Manila delivery. Visit its website at www.pizzahut.com.ph <http://www.pizzahut.com.ph/> or “be a fan” of Pizza Hut Philippines in Facebook to get the latest updates and promotions. Want to get a free Lechon Pizza treat? “Like” Pizza Hut Philippines on Facebook, download the Lechon Pizza Image tag and share a slice to your friend and tell Pizza Hut why you are sharing the Lechon Pizza slice to him/her. One winner per week will be chosen until the end of December 2010.