THE LARGEST and longest running culinary event in the Philippines (outside of Metro Manila) did it again. Kumbira 2015, the annual culinary show and live competitions organized by the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association, successfully showcased the culinary skills and talents of the region from August 12-15 at the atrium of Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City.
During the three-day event, students and professionals vied for the coveted titles as they competed in the live and display culinary matches. Industry authorities, such as International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management executive director Norbert Gandler; Restaurant 9501 managing Myrna Segismundo; chef and restaurateur Sandy Daza; food writer Micky Makabenta; and Aubergine executive chef Stefan Langenhan, to name a few, were invited to evaluate the said competitions.
Aside from the culinary events, highlights of this year’s Kumbira included seminars and updates on food, beverage, and hospitality services; culinary trade exhibit that showcased a variety of homegrown food products and F&B suppliers; business matching and jobs fair; the 4th Kumbira Moments photo contest; and a display of some of the city’s delicacies as prepared by local food establishments.
Jamaican F&B Training Center owner Rey Sumania, Heritage Hotel executive housekeeper Eleanor Nilo, Enderun College culinary head Chef See Cheong Yan, food stylist and chef Eugene Raymundo, and World Barista 2015 champion Aldrin Lumaban flew to the City of Golden Frienship to facilitate workshops prepared by COHARA.
For the Professional Category, Limketkai Luxe Hotel bagged the Over-All Champion title, with The VIP Hotel as First Runner Up. Meanwhile, in the Student Category, Monster Kitchen Academy was hailed as Over-All Champion, with Father Saturnino Urios University as First Runner Up, and the Lourdes College, Liceo de Cagayan University and Tagaloan Community College sharing the 2nd Runner Up place.
COHARA estimated a total of around 18,000 participants and visitors from schools, restaurants, hotels and allied culinary establishments from all over Mindanao joined and witnessed this year’s show.
Kumbira was first introduced in 1996 as a avenue to showcase the region’s best culinary creations and trends. Today, it has become the most awaited annual culinary event in Southern Philippines. This year’s Kumbira is anchored on the theme “Let’s Talk Ingredients.”
Additional photos courtesy of Clement Dampal.
MARCO POLO DAVAO’S MID AUTUMN FESTIVAL. In celebration of the Mid Autumn/ Mooncake Festival, Marco Polo Davao will have a special dinner buffet in Lotus Court for Php 1,200 nett for adults and PhP 600.00 nett for kids on September 27. Lotus Court buffet spread will highlight the lechon, premium seafood and mooncakes. Marco Polo Privilege Card Members shall be extended a 10% discount for the buffet offerings and senior citizens can also avail of their 20% discount. Moon cakes will also be sold in a box of (4) four at PhP 1,288 nett. Available varieties are Lotus Cream (Lin Yang) and Black Mongo (Red Tausa). Guests can also visit Marco Polo Davao’s Mid Autumn festival booth located at the hotel’s lobby and purchase boxes of moon cakes as take away for family or gift for friends and relatives.