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When it comes to lechon in Cebu, one of the brands that ring a bell includes Rico’s Lechon.

Despite the fame and popularity that Rico’s is enjoying right now, it wasn’t always that way. But, with the help of endorsements from politicians, celebrities and other personalities, the brand has finally claimed its place in spotlight.

Want to get to know a bit more about the celebrities who just couldn’t get enough of the mouthwatering pork dish?

Former President Joseph Estrada

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One of Rico’s biggest endorsements came from former President Joseph Estrada. Their now famed roasted pigs weren’t the only choice: the ex-president had to choose from three top names when it came to Cebu lechon through a taste test.

Founder Enrico “Rico” Dionson was then flown to Malacañang Palace after the former president told him to prepare dozens of the national dish for his guests.

Everything became history since.

Kris Aquino

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The queen of all media has long been a fan of Filipino talent and ingenuity and would always make it to a point to endorse (for free!) when she sees rising talent through her TV shows and magazines.

Back in 2012, Kris Aquino, along with Erich Gonzales and Daniel Matsunaga, featured Rico’s Lechon in her show Kris TV. They came to Cebu City and gave the restaurant a try. It was even Mr. Dionson himself who chopped the lechon and served them.

One of the secrets to Rico’s best-tasting lechon lies in the pig itself. The pigs that are being supplied to Rico’s are did not eat mass-produced feeds but instead go on a “grass” diet.

Kris says that Rico’s roasted pigs are “super duper sarap”.

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Sharon Cuneta

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We all know Sharon Cuneta to be a big fan of lechon and she even gets a few pieces flown to Manila from time to time.

In 2012, Sharon Cuneta visited Cebu and dropped by the actual place where Rico’s roasts their mouthwatering lechon. Everybody had a great time but it was Sharon, who had a taste of one of Cebu’s best lechon, who enjoyed the visit the most.

Billy Crawford and Luis Manzano

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Perhaps through the influence of Kris Aquino, who was once a Pilipinas Got Talent judge, Billy and Luis headed to the Queen City of the South to visit the place where all the magic happens at Rico’s Lechon.

Isabel Oli

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It isn’t surprising why Isabel Oli made her way to Rico’s Lechon. After all, Liv was born and she grew up in Cebu, before he moved to the capital city to pursue her career in showbusiness.

The Banana Split Gang

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The Banana Split Gang which included Pooh, Angelica Panganiban, Zanjoe Marudo, Pokwang and Jason Gainza held their anniversary special at Rico’s Lechon back in September 2009. From the looks of it, everyone had a great laidback time with Mr. Dionson and his daughters.

Liberal Party: Bam Aquino, Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan

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During the heat of the political campaign, Liberal Party candidates Bam Aquino, incoming Vice President Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan visited the famous lechon place in Cebu. Right behind, members of the BOPK Cebu also enjoyed their sumptuous lechon meals.

Aiza Seguerra and Liza Diño-Seguerra

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Clearly beauty titlist and actress Liza Diño is not just in love with Aiza Seguerra, she is also in love with Rico’s Lechon’s juicy meat and crispy skin. Just look at the way Liza looks at both the lechon and her spouse Aiza.

Kuya Kim Atienza

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Solenn Heusaff

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Rico’s restaurants are not just the ones being frequented by the big names in Philippine politics and show business because their commissary get pretty much the same amount of exposure as well. Tripinas TV’s Solenn Heusaff and Stephen Rey Tagud once had a fun shoot during one of their trips to Cebu.

Sam Oh

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Oh Sang-Mi, better known as Sam Oh, is a Korean expatriate who has been living in the Philippines for 20 years. The Rated Oh! TV host and The Manila Times lifestyle columnist visited Cebu and got herself lechon and the Cucumansi Quencher. Yummy!

Grace Poe

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During the campaign period, it wasn’t just the Liberal Party who paid a visit to Rico’s Lechon. Grace Poe, Chiz Escudero, Ace Durano and Shalani Soledad also dropped by the Mactan Promenade Restaurant to get a taste of the best lechon in Cebu.

Shaina Magdayao and Derek Ramsey

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Shaina Magdayao, who hails from Cebu, and Derek Ramsey are new additions to the growing list of celebrities and famous personalities who love Rico’s Lechon. What can they say about the restaurant and their delicious roasted pigs? #DaBestGyud ang Rico’s!

James Yap

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Yet another personality who was probably influenced by Kris Aquino is James Yap, her former husband. During his recent visit to Rico’s Lechon, James Yap dined with his current girlfriend, Michela Cazzola. Indeed, our lechon is just “lami kaayo”!

Atom Araullo

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One of the most recent celebrity sightings is Atom Araullo, who was seen carrying two boxes of Rico’s Lechon takeouts at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

Other big names who have taken a liking to Cebu’s best lechon, Rico’s Lechon, include Piolo Pascual, Kuya Kim Atienza, Martin Nievera, Bong Revilla, Coco Martin, Cesar Montano, Cheska Garcia, Angel Aquino, Ahron Villena, Isko Moreno, Vina Morales, Kat Hermosa, Divine Lee, Karel Marquez and many others.

Rico’s Lechon has also been featured in numerous online and print publications such as When in Manila, The Hungry Chef, Zee Lifestyle, Sunstar Cebu and Superbalita, Mega Magazine, PAL’s Mabuhay Magazine and several other blogs.
Get your Lechon de Cebu fix via Rico’s Lechon by ordering through the website.

President Rodrigo Duterte and Elizabeth Zimmerman

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In the middle of the campaign period, the incoming President Rodrigo Duterte’s group came up with a surprise birthday celebration for his ex-wife Elizabeth Zimmerman. Despite it being a short notice, Rico’s Lechon was still able to serve around 300 lechon lovers who visited the Mactan Promenade restaurant.