The recently concluded Kumbira themed “EATS MORE FUN IN KUMBIRA”  was no doubt a huge success! Being one of the official eight Core events of the Kagay-an Festival 2012, it surely perked up every Kagay-anon for the coming fiesta. Students, culinary and food enthusiasts and even just  regular shoppers from around the country trouped to Limketkai Atrium to witness this spectacular event that happens only ones a year. The students division undoubtedly was the most cheered and watched category since each participating schools were cheered by their loyal and proud supporters. The Flair Bartending Tandem Competition got the most cheers and applauds from the spectators as students flaunted their bartending skills.

Kumbira 2012 – Eats More Fun in Kumbira (Photo Credits: COHARA Fb Page)

Kumbira  dubbed as the finest Culinary Show in the country showcased the HRM skills of both professionals and students. The 3-day culinary event  was an unending display of foods, craft and food/cooking related products. And may I say, photo enthusiasts were also given the chance to take their best shot capturing a moment for the Kumbira Moments Photography Competition. The events for this year were judged by renowned chefs and food writers from the Philippines and abroad like,Norbert Gandler (Executive Director for Culinary Arts/Owner), Chef Alejandro “Sandy” Daza (Chef/Columnist Philippine Daily Inquirer), Robby Goco, Penk Tan, Gina Navarro, Eduardo Tuazon, Claude Tayag, Myrna Segismundo (Overall Chairperson – National Food Showdown), Michaela Fenix Macabenta, Nancy Reyes Lumen, Raul Ramos,Chef Dietmar Dietrich, Eleanor Nilo, Josefina “Jessie” Sincioco, Jill Sandique, Maricris Encarnacion and Jean Pierre Migne. 

Mindanao Chef Wars – Photo Credit: ChadaCDO.com

After 3 days of culinary competition, Lourdes College emerged as the Over-all Champion (Students division) beating 40 other competing Culinary and HRM schools. On the other hand, the Chef Wars was one of the most awaited showdown in the event. After the challenges and time pressure,  DMC College Foundation emerged as winner of the Mindanao Chef Wars (Student Division)  while MONSTER KITCHEN won in the Professional Division. Both will represent in NFS (National Food Showdown) Grand Finals in Manila.

Again, our congratulations to COHARA ((Cagayan De Oro Hotel & Restaurant Association) for another successful Kumbira! Thank you for making CDOBloggers a part of it and for allowing us to the Kumbira experience.

Here are the winning Kumbira Moments photos as posted in COHARA’s official facebook page. Please follow them to see the complete list of winners and for more photos .

Winning Photo (Event Category): “Whoa” by Jennifer Radke

First Place (FOOD CATEGORY) – “Waiting for my Cake” by Jennifer Radke