Last March 30, 2025, the air at The Upper Deck, Pasig City, was thick with the irresistible aroma of grilled meat and smoked BBQ as Pitmasters Club of the Philippines Inc. (PCPi) fired up one of the most epic barbecue gatherings of the year, the BBQ Meat Up 2025.
With over 200 BBQ enthusiasts from across the country in attendance, this celebration of live-fire cooking and smoking culture was more than just a feast, it was a community reunion, a masterclass in meat, and a flavorful display of passion and craft.
Live Fire, Real Smoke, and Serious Skills
Throughout the day, smoke rose from an impressive range of live fire cookers and smokers, each manned by pitmasters and hobbyists showcasing their techniques. Whether it was low-and-slow smoking or searing hot grilling, the variety of cooking styles gave attendees a front-row seat to the magic of barbecue and get to dig in to every meat and food cooked ala minute.
Some of the featured activities included:
Smoked Pork Ribs – fall-off-the-bone goodness packed with flavor with Herbert Delfin leading the way in teaching new crafters about smoked BBQ Ribs.
Salmon Deboning and Smoking – Reinrich Smokehouse also showcased precision and finesse in preparing and smoking fresh salmon.
Pizza Napoletana – yes, a wood-fired pizza oven joined the fun, as RUG Pizzeria taught how to make Napolitana Pizza and served everyone a slice or two that day.
Sausage Making – Rubbed & Smoked brought in some equipment, where the crowd got a glimpse into the craftsmanship behind handmade, cured and smoked sausages.
Hot and Spicy BBQ Sauce Contest – headed by our fellow crafters from the Philippine Hot Sauce Club, bringing in more heat to the Meat Up.
PCP Pit Boys Bring the Heat
Taking the spotlight were the PCPi Pit Boys, who didn’t hold back when it came to serving top-tier meats. The crowd was treated to:
- Grilled Ribeye and Picanha Steaks – seared over hot flames, sliced to perfection, and served fresh off the grill.
- Smoked Brisket and Beef Dino Ribs – tender, juicy, and deeply flavorful.
- Smoked Salmon and Sausages – offering a balance of smoky richness and seasoned punch.
- Slow Roasted Lamb Rack and Grilled Lamb Chops – one of the highlighted meat for its superb flavor and taste.
- Open-flame roasted Cochinillo – this one, gone in seconds too.
- Sausages and Blood Links – Brought in by PCPi members to share to the group.
Each bite was a testament to the time, care, and expertise these pitmasters put into their craft. Whether you were a seasoned griller or a newcomer to the BBQ world, the experience was a masterclass in meat perfection.
A Community Bound by Smoke and Fire
More than just a food event, BBQ Meat Up 2025 was a celebration of community. Barbecue lovers, hobbyists, professional chefs, and curious foodies traveled from various parts of the Philippines to share stories, swap techniques, and simply enjoy the camaraderie that only great barbecue can bring.
The event proved once again that barbecue is more than just food, it’s a lifestyle, a shared passion that cuts across age, profession, and background. It was heartwarming to see friendships forged over smoked ribs and hand-pressed sausages, with laughter and learning happening at every grill and smoke station.
Until the Next Meat Up
As the sun set and the last cuts of brisket were served, BBQ Meat Up 2025 wrapped up with full bellies, happy hearts, and a renewed sense of excitement for the local BBQ scene.
Huge kudos to Pitmasters Club PH and all the organizers, sponsors, and volunteers who made the event a flavorful success.
If you missed it, don’t worry, the fire’s still burning, and the next BBQ Meat Up promises to be even bigger and smokier.
See you at the next pit! 🔥




