Jeffrey G. Limbonhai of De Luxe Hotel has been inducted into office as the new president of the city’s premier organization of hotels and restaurant.
Limbonhai was inducted as the new president of the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA) on January 12, 2023 along with the new set of officers during the association’s traditional Post-Christmas Party held at the Mallberry Suites Business Hotel.
In a symbolic turn-over of leadership, Limbonhai was presented by outgoing President Eduardo ‘Bong’ Pelaez with COHARA’s gong and gavel. Pelaez further presented the new president with a whisky glass comparing COHARA to a good blended malt whisky, with a diverse membership who freely share their best practices with one another.
“We are the COHARA Family”, Pelaez stressed.
After having been with COHARA for 10 years, Limbonhai welcomed his election as an opportunity to give back.
“I hope to be of much use to my company, your establishments, our industry and our city. There will be a lot of challenges for 2023, and I’m already bracing myself for the difficulties. But we have the leadership of the Board, the members, our government, and the strength of our city that will make it sail smoothly,” Limbonhai said.
The new officers were inducted by Councilor Jay Roa Pascual, Chairman of the Committee on Tourism of Cagayan de Oro City Council, representing Mayor Rolando “Klarex” A. Uy.
Pascual expressed his appreciation for COHARA’s support of government’s response to the pandemic and recognized the challenges the hotel and restaurant industry experienced through this difficult period.
More empathically, he lauded COHARA’s big contributions towards the City’s economic development growth and the promotion of tourism through the association’s annual flagship project- KUMBIRA. The event has been recognized as the longest running annual culinary show and competition in the country. KUMBIRA is also one of the core events of the City Fiesta’s Higalaay Festival.
Now on its 28th year, COHARA is now a leading institution in the tourism industry of Mindanao. What started with 11 members has now grown to 75 members including hotels, restaurants, allied members (suppliers), and associate members (hospitality/culinary schools).
The turn-over ceremony and induction of officers was followed by the Oath of Commitment of all the members present.
The new set of Officers for the year 2023-2024 are the following: President- Jeffrey G. Limbonhai (De Luxe Hotel); Vice President for Hotels-Eileen E. San Juan (The VIP Hotel); Vice President for Restaurants- Catherine L. Dano (Thai Me Up Restaurant); Secretary-Jocelyn G. Balbon (Cagayan River View Inn); Treasurer – Blanquita C. Marco (Boy Zugba); P.R.O. – Carol V. Valdez (Seda Hotel).
Directors for Hotel Division: Alexis A. Chaves (Chali Resort & Conference Center); Tricia Grace Ranises (New Dawn Hotel Plus); Marielles Clarence O. Argayoso (Bridge Hotel).
Directors for Restaurant Division: Joanna Cris L. Yu (Bigby’s Café/Missy Bon Bon Breadshop); Nelia B. Lee (Ah Fong Asian Cuisine); Jose L. Almodobar (Cucina Higala).
Immediate Past President – Eduardo F. Pelaez (Duka Bay Resort)
The event was attended by owners, General Managers and Supervisors of COHARA member hotels and restaurants.
