CDO gov’t backs Hala Kumbira

“KUMBIRA is more than just a culinary competition; it is a celebration of creativity, passion and the drive to excel in the culinary arts. It is a platform where professionals, students, and passionate homemakers come together united.”

Thus, said Councilor Suzette Magtajas-Daba as she delivered on behalf of Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy his message of support to the Hala Kumbira Food Festival, a prelude activity of Kumbira 2024, staged in Ayala Centrio Mall on August 16, 2024.

Mayor Uy praised the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA) for creating a legacy of putting Cagayan de Oro on the map as a center of culinary innovation and tradition in Northern Mindanao.

In his message, COHARA President Jeffrey Limbonhai said, “Kumbira 2024 aims to support this push and this growth by promoting and sharing our cultural heritage, experience, and knowledge with every Kagay-anon, Mindanaoan, and Filipino.”

Anchored on the theme “Keeping Traditions and Growing Innovations”, the event aims to balance and preserve tradition with innovation in a world that is ever-evolving. With Kumbira, COHARA envisions to address the challenges faced by the modern-day culinary industry such as rising prices, tough competition, and high expectations by promoting best practices, innovative techniques and sustainability, he added.

In a show of commitment and solidarity, Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, Councilor Jay Roa Pascual, and Councilor Datu Roberto Cabaring, together with COHARA officials and dignitaries, attended the said kick-off in preparation for the 28th Kumbira Masters Live Competition and Culinary Show to be held on October 16-18, 2024 at Limketkai Center Atrium.

Kumbira – the longest running culinary festival in the Philippines – is set to feature more than 50 exhibitors and over 300 participants from different regions.