Reyma Deveza

Netong's La Paz Batchoy. Photo by Reyma Deveza, ABS-CBN News

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ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:655px;display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1775801605091c487b909-176b-49f2-82ca-239970825d75.jpg" style="width:655px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Netong&#x27;s La Paz Batchoy. Photo by Reyma Deveza, ABS-CBN News</span></span></span></div><p>ILOILO -- Known as the country’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Iloilo City takes pride in its culinary heritage — most famously, the comforting bowl of La Paz batchoy.</p><p>Last Wednesday, as part of Filipino Food Month 2026, ABS-CBN News and other guests visited Netong’s Original Special La Paz Batchoy, where third-generation owner Patrick Guillergan showed how the beloved dish is made.</p><p>According to Guillergan, the real secret behind the dish&#x27;s flavors comes from its secret beef and pork broth, which is prepared hours before the store opens and continuously boils throughout the day.</p><p>For Netong’s La Paz Batchoy, miki (egg noodles) is typically used, though guests may opt for other noodle variants such as sotanghon or misua.</p><p>It is topped with homemade chicharon (pork cracklings), pork, liver, and beef, then finished with spring onions and a sprinkle of homemade toasted garlic.</p><div><br/></div><p>For the Mega Bowl, Netong&#x27;s includes bone marrow for added flavor. La Paz Batchoy is best paired with white puto (steamed rice cake).</p><script data-wid="auto" type="text/javascript" src="https://content.viralize.tv/display/?zid=AAFz8gWM8iRADsJr&amp;cid=AB2V_UmzR5Al7RYQ"></script><div><strong></strong><em>Netong&#x27;s Patrick Guillergan demonstrated to guests how to assemble iconic Iloilo City&#x27;s La Paz Batchoy.</em><strong></strong><strong></strong></div><p>When asked about what sets Netong’s apart from other batchoy houses, Guillergan told ABS-CBN News: “I think sa saltiness and sweetness. Other batchoys are sweet, kami we maintain the saltiness kasi that’s the original flavor, salty talaga siya.”</p><p>According to Guillergan, their family considers themselves fortunate to have been running the business for decades.</p><p>&quot;Actually parang na-realize ko lang later na &#x27;oh my God! We are so lucky to have this kind of business, family business,&quot; said Guillergan, who is actually a nursing graduate.</p><p>&quot;But in the familly, I&#x27;m the more inclined to continue the business. So Grade 4 pa lang I&#x27;m already involved with the business. Then when I graduated in high school, that&#x27;s the time that I started managing already the business.&quot; </p><p>If given a chance, Guillergan said their family is hoping for Michelin recognition.</p><p>Netong&#x27;s Original Special La Paz Batchoy is located in Iloilo&#x27;s La Paz Public Market, one of the five major public markets that were redeveloped by the Iloilo City government.  </p><p>Apart from La Paz Public Market, the comprehensive redevelopment project covers the city’s primary commercial centers --  the Iloilo Central and Iloilo Terminal Public Markets, alongside the district markets of Jaro and Arevalo.</p><p>“Rather than put people&#x27;s lives at risk just for selling at the market and making a living, we wanted them to have a place where they can feel good about their livelihood, and wherein buyers can feel safe and comfortable too,” Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas said in a press release.</p><p>The five overhauled public markets in Iloilo City are now fully open to the public. </p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/food-travel/2026/4/7/filipino-food-month-2026-kicks-off-in-iloilo-city-1136" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Filipino Food Month 2026 kicks off in Iloilo City</a></div>

<p>Netong’s Original Special La Paz Batchoy preserves Iloilo’s iconic noodle soup tradition, staying true to its signature salty broth and a family recipe passed down through generations.</p>

Netong’s Original Special La Paz Batchoy preserves Iloilo’s iconic noodle soup tradition, staying true to its signature salty broth and a family recipe passed down through generations.

How Netong's La Paz Batchoy in Iloilo keeps culinary heritage alive

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How Netong's La Paz Batchoy in Iloilo keeps culinary heritage alive

Reyma Deveza,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 10, 2026 03:20 PM PHT

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La Paz Public Market

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