It is a big deal. We do want to meet all commitments. I have looked into this and spoken with the two staff members involved. It seems one crew member took the order and confirmed it for 5:30pm on Sunday. The last delivery to the airport on Sunday was at 1-1:30pm. And while we had very, very strong sales yesterday, the staff did note your order and did set aside the fresh lechon that arrived at 1pm. However, the crew are also under very strict orders to transfer unsold fresh lechon or orders that are not yet picked up into the freezer after a specific number of hours. This is to ensure freshness and prevent spoilage. We have no preservatives or MSG and follow stringent food safety guidelines. So it is likely that all remaining fresh lechon yesterday afternoon was put into the freezer by 4:30-5:00pm or thereabouts.

When you arrived at 5:30 pm to pick up your order, you were probably dismayed to see the order emerge from the freezer, partially chilled and on its way to being frozen. It was still fresh, but had now spent up to an hour in the freezer.

But I understand your concern. Number 1, we should not have promised a 5:30pm delivery time if it was not likely a delivery of fresh lechon would be made later in the afternoon as is the case during the week, but not always on Sundays. Number 2, you should have at least been contacted by text to advise you of the issue. Number 3, I hope they explained that the lechon, which should not have been frozen through, was still good to go and could be heated for immediate consumption that evening.

Having said all of this, we at Zubuchon aim to please. And totally appreciate your feedback. So if you live in Metro-Manila or reasonably accessible distance, I would like to make sure you get three kilos of fresh lechon (unfrozen) completely on the house. Not to worry, this does not impact crew negatively, instead, I view it as an opportunity to serve customers better. I will email you privately in a little while to give you details. Thanks so much for your comment and feedback.

Regards,
MM

While this isn’t such a big deal, I felt I should still inform you about my buying experience with Zubuchon. I talked to May last Nov. 18 to reserve 3 kilos of fresh lechon for my afternoon flight on Nov. 21. I made it a point to reserve 3 days in advance to make sure that me and wifey will be bringing home the fresh version of “the best pig ever” after our short trip to Cebu. But to our dismay, we found out from Tricia before our flight that our order was not delivered. While we were able to purchase the frozen version, we would have been happier if your crew were able to deliver on their commitment. It’s a good thing you have a ready stock of frozen lechon or else wifey would have been utterly disappointed.

Anyway, the lechon (though frozen) was indeed the best!

I am still laughing after reading your article; just so funny – love that little piggy cherub too! I am coming home from CA with my son very soon. I am taking him to Cebu for a day and enjoy the famous delicasies of my grandfather’s home province. We are looking forward going to BTC to try your Zubuchon. Just wondering if you can give me an idea on shipping cost with Cebu Pacific if I am taking a whole lechon with me flying back to Manila?? Any idea on the cost of the whole small Zubuchon??

Your articles are life savers for travellers like us; very informative.

Best regards!