Yoshinoya gyudon eating contest now on 4th year

MANILA, Philippines - There’s no stopping Yoshinoya, a popular fast-food chain that specializes in all-time favorite Japanese culinary fare, from going forward with its remarkable gyudon eating challenge.

Now on its fourth year, this much-awaited event has earned the respect of many hungry Filipinos who want to test their mettle when it comes to gastronomic challenges. If Coney Island in New York has the world-famous Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, then the Philippines definitely has Yoshinoya.

And just like in the previous editions, the Yoshinoya Gyudon Eating Contest promises to be nothing short of exciting. Qualifying rounds for male and female participants aged 18 and above were held in all Yoshinoya stores from April 30 to May 30.

All weekly winners are automatically entered in the grand finals, which will be held on June 14, 1 p.m., at the Activity Center of Glorietta in Makati City.

During the final match, all finalists will compete by eating the most number of beef bowls in 15 minutes. The top three finalists with the most number of bowls consumed and the least weight of food left after 15 minutes will be declared winners of the Yoshinoya Gyudon Eating Contest 2014.

This year’s prizes get even better — and bigger — especially for the first placer, who will receive P150,000 in cash and two roundtrip tickets to Japan courtesy of Cebu Pacific, which flies two flights daily to Japan via Narita (5:25 a.m. and 11:25 a.m.) and via Nagoya every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday (3:20 p.m. and 9:10 p.m.).

The second placer gets P50,000 while the third placer takes home P25,000. Non-winners will each be given consolation prizes of P2,000 worth of Yoshinoya gift certificates.

For more details about the Yoshinoya Gyudon Eating Contest 2014, visit the Yoshinoya store nearest you (SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Manila, SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Galleria, Glorietta, and Fairview Terraces). Visit the Yoshinoya Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/YoshinoyaPhilippines), follow Yoshinoya Instagram or Twitter accounts or go to www.yoshinoya.ph.