Friday, August 15, 2008 Kumbira culinary tilts underway By Cong Corrales
THIS year's Kumbira, the 12th culinary show and live competition, with the theme: Kulinarya Mindanao, opening ceremonies at The Atrium in LimKetKai Center Thursday morning, was the grandest yet.
The event sponsored by Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA), a local chapter of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines, was colorful and lively using Higaonon-inspired motif as was well attended.
A first of all Kumbiras, no less than Tourism Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab graced the opening ceremonies.
In his opening speech, Mayor Constantino Jaraula recognized the contributions and support of Gary Spiers, husband of former Vice Mayor Michelle Tagarda-Spiers.
The city's second district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez in his speech reminisced the old and original culinary delights the city offered then and congratulated COHARA president Nelia Lee for a well prepared Kumbira this year.
The city tourism officials attended in full force headed by Promote CDO chair Ruben Vegafria and Councilor Ramon Tabor.
Kumbira is organized by COHARA, it is an annual event that aims to showcase the best culinary creations of the region while incorporating the latest culinary trends.
COHARA, with the event, aims to promote healthy competition and camaraderie among the different hotels and restaurants, hotel and restaurant schools, as well as, elevate the standards of the culinary industry in the region.
This year's Kumbira is featuring Mindanao Chef Wars: The Food Showdown, patterned after the Chefs on Parade (COP) in Manila.
The event has equaled world-class standards.
The live competitions in both professional and student divisions promises to be exciting because COHARA has invited renowned chefs and industry practitioners: Myrna Segismundo, Raul Ramos, Norbert Gandler, Jessie Sincioco, Glenda Baretto, Jill Sandique, Ed Tuazon, Thomas Wenger, Dietmar Dietrich, Colin Mackay, Penk Chenk, Micky Fenix, Ariel Manuel, Christine Dy Un, Bricks Nemenzo, Jay Dimaiwat, Leslie Paynor, Ritchie Almearns, Antonio Hizon, Roel Castillano, Elizabeth Bacalso, Jennifer Alice Abarado, Apsara Larasati, Ferdinand Coderias and Warlito Malait.
They will judge thus help hone the various skills, artistry and creativeness of the food and beverage competitors.
Participants of the professional division are Apple Tree Resort, Besk Bake, Bigby's Cafe‚ Cafe Laguna, Macumba, Casa Crystalla, Cha-li Beach Resort, Countryside Steakhouse, Dynasty Court Hotel, Hotel Conchita, Hotel Koresco, Kagay-anon Restaurant, Mallberry Suites Business Hotel, Pilar College (on premise catering), Pryce Plaze, San Miguel Catering of Iligan City, The VIP Hotel and Xavier Sports & Country Club.
Participating in the student division are Cagayan de Oro College, Cagayan de Oro-Bugo School of Arts and Trade (COBSAT), Colegio de Kidapawan, Iligan Medical Center College, Kinoguitan National Agricultural School, LaSalle University-Ozamiz City, Liceo de Cagayan University, Lourdes College, Mindanao Polytechnic State College, Mindanao State University-Marawi City, Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology-Cabadbaran City (NORMISIST) and Philippine Computer College.
Also joining are Philippine Electronic Communication Institute of Technology, Philippine Women's University, Pilar College-Zamboanga City, Saint Columban College, Saint Michael's College of Caraga and Iligan City, Southern de Oro Philippines College, Southern Mindanao College-Pagadian City, Systems Technology Institute (STI) College of Mindanao, Tagoloan Community College, University of Mindanao, Valencia Colleges, Vineyard International Polytechnic College and Western Mindanao School of Technology.
Kumbira also hosts exhibits with over 50 exhibitors with Mindanao's fresh products, processed food and beverages, hotels, resorts, convention, recreation and fitness facilities, latest hotel and restaurant technology, supplies and equipment headed by sponsoring companies Universal Robina Corporation, Nature's Spring, F & B World, Del Monte, Nestle Professionals, Negros Navigation, Clara Ole, La Germania, Marca Leon, Coca-Cola Philippines and Unilever Food Solutions.
Kumbira, the 12th culinary show and live competitions at the Atrium of LimKetKai Center, is open during mall hours starting August 14 up to 16.
General admission tickets are priced at P60 and P45 for students.
They also have season pass priced at P150 for general admission and P115 for students.
