Cagayan de Oro (August 15)– The most awaited largest culinary show and competition in Northern Mindanao, Kumbira, launches its grand opening, with the theme, “Kitchens of Mindanao.”
Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA), the organizer, seeks to promote the diverse Mindanaon culinary culture and for everybody to explore and experience the distinctive cuisine. Aside from being the biggest competition, Kumbira, is also the longest recognized culinary show here in the Philippines, running for 22 years, showcasing different culinary establishments, schools, talents, and cuisine across the region.
In the culinary competition, participation is divided into five categories, Professional and Student are the two major categories in the competition. While the remaining categories are composed of Kiddie, Junior, and Open division.
Twenty establishments from Cagayan de Oro City; one from Misamis Oriental Province; two from Bukidnon; three from Butuan City, Agusan del Norte; participating from the professional category. For the student category, there are school participants from Pagadian City,Region 9. Zamboanga Peninsula; Region 10, Nrothern Mindanao,Schools from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Iligan City, and Province of Lanao del Norte.
Eileen San Juan, Kumibra chairperson, announced that next year Kumbira will shift into another format. “This is a challenge to Cohara, Kumbira will shift into another format. While we continue to run events and copetition for our students, the professionals now will be focused in sharing and showcasing expertise in developing products of the region, to choose to promote Mindanao. In so doing, more awareness, improve our local products.” San Juan said.
One of the highlights of this year’s competition is a live competition, a competition under the National Food Showdown, called Classica Culinaria, featuring Inun-unan as a menu, using a Pedlayan as a main ingredient, done by professional chefs.
Eduardo “Bong” Pelaez, COHARA President, said, that the organization is starting to recruit younger members to succeed on what they started 22 years ago. “Whether we stay or not, and the rest, we can assure you Kumbira will always be here—COHARA will always be with us.” Pelaez Said. COHARA will be holding the 22nd edition of Kumbira, from August 15 to August 17, 2018. Hensell Prince Hebaya/ NewsLine
