Content creator Cua prepares P500 Noche Buena feast amid DTI budget claim controversy

Content creator Benedict Cua accepted the challenge of preparing a Noche Buena feast for P500, documenting his grocery and market trip.

His chosen dishes for the budget meal were spaghetti, fried chicken, and fruit salad.

Cua spent P315.90 at the grocery for pasta, fruit cocktail, cream, and condensed milk.

He then headed to the market with his remaining P184 to purchase chicken, ground pork, and other ingredients.

Market vendors expressed skepticism about the P500 budget being sufficient for a Noche Buena spread.

Cua noted that he couldn't afford additional items like drinks due to the strict budget.

The challenge mirrored a statement by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) suggesting that a P500 Noche Buena meal was achievable for a family of four.

However, celebrities and netizens largely disagreed with the DTI's claim, with many finding the budget insufficient for a holiday meal.