This year, 2026, is the 30th anniversary of Kumbira, one of the country’s longest-running culinary competitions and the largest culinary show outside Metro Manila. A 3-day celebration organized by the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA) will happen on October 14 to 16 at Limketkai Mall Atrium here in Cagayan de Oro City.
With the theme “Three Decades, One Culinary Legacy” and “Kumbira Rehiyones: Lasap Pilipino (Philippine Flavors),” this year’s Kumbira celebrates three decades of culinary talent, education, hospitality, and industry development in Northern Mindanao.
30 Years of Kumbira
Kumbira was introduced in 1996 after Mayor Pablo “Ambing” Magtajas declared August 23–31 as Cultural and Culinary Week through City Proclamation No. 01-96. In 2005, the Cagayan de Oro City Council officially established the third week of August as Kumbira Week.
From its early years at the grand ballroom of Pryce Plaza —and with a captivating view of the city — to its long-time home at the Limketkai Mall Atrium, Kumbira has grown from a local culinary show and competition into a major regional event. It gathers culinary leaders, practitioners, institutions, and brands from different parts of the country.
Some of Kumbira’s significant milestones include the launching of the Sinuglaw Festival in 2004, its participation in the National Food Showdown and Mindanao Chef Wars, and the virtual staging of the 25th Kumbira in 2021 at the height of the pandemic.
Building Culinary Talent Across Generations
More than the competitions and awards, Kumbira’s legacy is seen in and felt by the people it has developed, the lives it has transformed, opportunities it has created (and continue to create), the institutions/brands it has strengthened, and the professional relationships built across generations.
Early champions such as Lauremar Beach Resort (1997) and seven-time Professional Division Overall Champion, Bigby’s Cafe, helped establish Kumbira’s competitive tradition.
Student institutions including Lourdes College and Tagoloan Community College, as well as establishments like Pine Hills Hotel in Malaybalay, Bukidnon likewise contributed to Kumbira’s pool of highly skilled culinary and hospitality talents.
Today, Kumbira is an active platform where chefs, students, educators, hospitality professionals, and industry partners can learn, compete, collaborate, and develop their skills.
Kumbira’s Regional Impact
Kumbira supports the growth of Northern Mindanao’s food and hospitality industry through:
•Culinary competitions with professional judges
•Professional Training, mentorship, and masterclasses
•Promotion of Mindanao and Filipino cuisine
•Culinary education and student development
•Industry partnerships and networking
•Support for emerging food trends, as well as local ingredients
•Providing opportunities for regional talents to showcase their skills and compete in national and international competitioms.
COHARA’s network brings together 34 member hotels, 19 restaurants, nine allied schools, industry suppliers, and culinary professionals across the region.
Kumbira 2026 Quick Facts
| Milestone | 30th Anniversary |
| Dates | October 14-16, 2026 |
| Venue | Limketkai Mall Atrium, Cagayan de Oro City |
| Theme | “Three Decades, One Culinary Legacy”/“Kumbira Rehiyones: Lasap Pilipino (Philippine Flavors)” |
| Organizer | COHARA – Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association |
| Network | 34 hotels, 19 restaurants, nine allied schools, suppliers and culinary professionals |
Looking Ahead
Now that it is celebrating its 30th year, Kumbira’s focus is on its history and its future: developing the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals while preserving high standards in the industry.
From its beginnings in 1996 to Kumbira 2026, the event continues to bring together people, talent, education, and Filipino flavors in Cagayan de Oro.
