Kumbira 2012 opens today

EXPERIENCE one of the highlights of the Kagay-an Festival as the Cagayan de Oro Hotels and Restaurants Association (Cohara) formally opens today the Kumbira 2012 at Limketkai Atrium, this city.

Now on its 16th year, the anticipated three-day event which will run until August 17 has taken a fresh concept by promoting fun and strengthening its educational aspect at the same time adopting the theme “Eats more Fun in Kumbira”.

Joanna Yu, COHARA president, said that this year’s event is much bigger and fun-packed with seven new exciting activities prepared for everybody.

Yu said for a minimal entrance fee, guests will feast their eyes on the colorful exhibits from different establishments and enjoy the culinary live competition participated by 41 schools and 21 establishments in the entire Mindanao.

Participating schools and establishments are from Cagayan de Oro City, Bukidnon, Quezon City, Cabadbaran City, Dipolog City, Pagadian City, Butuan City, Davao City, Iligan City, Marawi City, Maigo Lanao del Norte, Kinoguitan, Ozamis City, Claveria, Tagoloan, Kidapawan, Surigao City and Cotabato City.

There are also 21 participating establishments from Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental and Dipolog City.

Yu said in the culinary competition, Cohara added a new version of protégé in which member-establishments are mentored by renowned chef-judges that will prepare a professional culinary display of various gourmet dishes.

She said this is to continuously update and elevate the culinary services as well as promote friendly competitions among Cohara member-establishments and other industry practitioners.

“Thus in this year’s showdown, we will showcase demonstration of the skills, artistry and creativity of the food and beverage business players and the students as well,” Yu said.

Adding to the prestige of the most anticipated event, they invited culinary luminaries of prominent chefs and industry professionals in any parts of the country as the board of judges for the different competitions.

The event will also feature seminars with various topics in relation to the industry. It will also feature trade exhibits that will showcase the latest and state of the art of hotels and restaurants equipment and supplies.

There will also be a Food Event Photography Competition wherein all photo enthusiasts are required to join, Yu stressed.

Yu said the seminars on topics related to food and beverage industry will start on the first day of the Kumbira.

The topics are: Test Your Basic Knowledge on LPG, Good Housekeeping: Do’s and Don’ts, Food Safety Through HACCP, The Art and Science of Mixology, Linamnam: A food insight into Filipino Eats, Food Styling, Organic Pot Herb Production, Breaking Into Food Writing, Cooking Demonstration and Coffee Fest-tips on Making Latte.

“We also installed a food corner in our “Eats Corner” where guests can enjoy indulging variety of food displayed by renowned food establishments in the city,” Yu said.

Kumbira 2012 is a flagship project of Cohara and a major event of the Cagayan de Oro City fiesta in honor of St. Augustine. It is the longest running culinary show in the Philippines since 1996.