Iponan holds Humba Festival

THE booming village of Iponan recently gathered its best “local chefs” for its yearly Humba Festival, which is now on its third year.

The Humba Festival, which has already gained prestige from other villages in the city, drew 35 organizations and zones whose members presented their best and delicious humba as they vied for top prizes.

I was one of those who was invited by Iponan village chief Anthony “Gaga” Brilleta to judge the best humba along with artist Enrico Ramon Lluch, Nanette Paulita Roa of the city’s Historical Commission and Imma Rae Gatuslao of the City Tourism Office.

CAGAYAN DE ORO. Judging the 35 entries of humba during the Humba Festival in Iponan village. (Joey P. Nacalaban)

Humba is a very common dish and is one of my favorite food. At home, my husband has his own version of humba.

The Humba Festival was held in celebration of July as Nutrition Month.

According to Kapitan Brilleta, the celebration was held for everyone to enjoy, including students, residents in all zones and organizations.

“As my cardinal rule, those zones that will not participate will not be entertained and any benefits will be forfeited,” he said.

During the contest proper, I felt worried at first after seeing those delectable humba in front of me. I was afraid that I might not be able to perform my duty well as I don’t know the basis of my judgment.

According to cooking experts, humba is somehow similar to the famous pork adobo in terms of appearance. It uses the same basic ingredients of pork adobo. However, there are ingredients added for it to have a different taste.

Relying on my instinct and sense of taste, I chose the best humba that was exceptionally tasty. Everything was in balance, the meat so tender with a sweet-and-sour taste.

All in all, I judged at least 35 humba recipes. With the huge number, my tummy expectedly crumbled.

Adding to that was the 33 entries of vegetables that we also judged.

The activity was indeed, fun. Everybody had a good time, young and old alike.

“The Humba Festival is now part of the activity of Barangay Iponan as we vie to be called as the village with the best humba in Cagayan de Oro. We hope it will become part of the tourist destination of the city,” Kapitan Brilleta said.