Fifty six hospitality establishments, schools and individuals have signed up to participate in the 30 competitive events lined up for the 30th Anniversary of Kumbira, the longest running and largest culinary show and live competitions outside Metro Manila.
“In 2025 we had 24 competitions and categories, but to match the anniversary number, we have a total of 30, the most number of event’s we’ve ever had,” said Kumbira 2026 Chairman Jeffrey G. Limbonhai.
Some twenty six (26) participating schools from Cagayan de Oro; Initao, Misamis Oriental; Iligan City; Davao City; Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte; Dipolog City’ Cagwait, Surigao del Sur; Valencia City, Bukidnon; Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur; Tangub City, Misamis Occidental; and Claveria, Misamis Oriental are sending teams to join the milestone events.
An equal number of twenty six (26) private hospitality establishments from Cagayan de Oro, Dipolog City, Claveria, Misamis Oriental; and other parts of Mindanao along with four individual participants have likewise signed up.
Milestone Events
The competitions are bannered by twelve (12) events from the National Food Showdown, with their theme Kulinarya Rehiyones Lasap Pilipino. The Kumbira Masters for the younger participants, with juniors and kiddie masters categories and the staple four (4) for adults: – Chef, Bar, Cake, and Brew. In a bow to the to the ever growing coffee craze, the organizers have also included a new category – The Latte Masters.
Outside of the masters, are four Kumbira Creative Display Competitions: Buffet Floral Centerpiece, Best Pinoy Baon Challenge, Pasalubong with Packaging, and, Bread Showpiece.
On the hospitality side, Uratex will again be hosting the bed making competition, both for students and professionals.
CDO Foodsphere with the theme Lasa ng Mindanao: Honoring Heritage, Creating Modern Classics will host three (3): Category 1 Signature Heritage —Tadyang to Table Challenge for professionals; Category 2 Trendy Eat —Patir to Plate Challenge for students; and Category 3 Bento Box —Hinalang Reimagined Challenge Homemakers.
Not the least, the Kumbira Moments Photography Competition Food and Event Categories will be making their comeback since 2014.
“The flavors of the culinary arts aren’t just experienced through the ends of tablespoons. They can be also be savored through our sense of sight through pictures and digital screens,” Limbonhai said.
The COHARA + KUMBIRA Legacy
Eileen E. San Juan, Vice President-Hotel Division, Past President and one of the founders of COHARA, shared the legacy of COHARA and KUMBIRA after 30 years?
It is not simply the number of competitions held.
It is not simply the medals and trophies won.
It is the people we have trained, the careers we have helped build, the partnerships we have created, the traditions we have preserved, and the opportunities we have opened for the next generation.
It is the belief that competitors can become collaborators.
That students can become industry leaders.
That local ingredients can find a wider audience.
That tradition and innovation can exist together.
And that an industry becomes stronger when its members choose to work together.
Thirty years ago, 11 establishments responded to a call to organize.
Today, that small beginning has grown into a community of hospitality professionals that continues to contribute to the growth of Cagayan de Oro and Mindanao.
That is the legacy of COHARA.
And KUMBIRA is one of the most visible expressions of that legacy.
As we celebrate 30 years, we look back with gratitude—but we also look ahead with renewed commitment.
Because the story of COHARA and KUMBIRA is not finished.
For 30 years, we have celebrated excellence in hospitality—not only through food, but through people, passion, partnership, and shared purpose.
And for the next generation, the best chapters are still to be written.
Quick Facts & Fast Stats
* Milestone: 30th Anniversary (1996 – 2026)
* Official Dates: October 14–16, 2026
* Venue: Atrium, Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City
* Official Theme: “Three Decades, One Culinary Legacy” / “Kulinaria Rehiyones, Lasap Pilipino (Philippine Flavors)”
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