THE largest culinary competition and trade show in Northern Mindanao is set to take place in November, a month after it was postponed due to the backing out of the event's sponsors.
This was confirmed by Cagayan de Oro City Councilor Jay Roa Pascual, the chairman of the committee on tourism, who added that the Kumbira was never canceled but was only postponed to a later date.
On July 1, a post in the Kumbira Facebook Page said the event was postponed due to unforeseen events but it was only on July 11 when it was confirmed by the tourism committee chairman.
Pascual said the postponement of Kumbira did not affect in any way Cagayan de Oro City's tourism and the city's hotel and restaurant industry.
At present, Pascual said, the preparations for one of the most-anticipated culinary event in Cagayan de Oro is ongoing.
Kumbira 2017, according to its Facebook page, will be held on November 22 and 23 at the Atrium, Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City, with the theme: “Eat Right.”
Kumbira is a Cebuano term for "feast" or a "food festival" and the event showcases the talents of the chefs from the different restaurants in the city.
Pascual said Kumbira aims to promote and give importance to the city's foodies (gourmets), chefs and restaurants.
"What Kumbira celebrates is the passion of the people towards the food you get to eat in the city," Pascual added.
The committee on tourism chairman said the food served in the city can affect the place’s tourism, adding that good food can bring in several foodies.
"So ma boost ang atong tourism (So the city's tourism will boost) through our food industry," Pascual said.
Pascual added that he’s expecting food-aholics, foodies, chefs and food addicts to join the Kumbira on November.
The very first Kumbira was held at the Grand Ballroom of Pryce Plaza Hotel on August 23, 1996, according to its Facebook page.
“Patterned after the annual Chefs on Parade in Manila, these culinary festivals have equaled world class standards and helped boost the morale of the food and beverage community within the hotel and restaurant industry,” it said.
Kumbira is initiated by the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurants Association.