By Tito Mike
The Philippines longest running culinary festival kicks off today with a prelude event in one of the city’s shopping malls.
“We invite everyone to join and witness Hala Kumbira on August 16, 1-5 PM at the Centrio Activity Center, “ said COHARA President Jeffrey Limbonhai. “This will serve as the prelude for the main Kumbira Event which will be held on October 16-18 at the Limketkai Atrium.”
KUMBIRA is the Philippines’ longest running live competition for students and professionals, and largest culinary show outside of Metro Manila which has been staged by COHARA for the past 28 years.
For 2024, KUMBIRA will be presented in two stages – Hala Kumbira will be held on August 16 as the traditional prelude to KUMBIRA, while the 28th KUMBIRA Masters Live Competition and Culinary Show will be held on October 16-18.
Nollie Arguelles, COHARA’s Executive Officer, confirmed the following event highlights for Hala Kumbira: Fondant Cake Decorating by Chef Mich Uapal (Sweet House Pastry School); Cooking Demo Filipino Style Pad Thai by Chef Maximo Rodriguez III (Asian Food Specialty Chef); Chicken Humba cooking demo by James Robert L. Glomar and Micole A. Estorba, 2023 Inter-Barangay Champions from Bgy. Bonbon, and Flairtending Exhibition by the Flair Masters as expert flair bartenders showcase their incredible skills with flair, creativity, and precision with Arron Paco A. Beronio and Rey Kevin A. Carcosa of Tipsy Manahattan Mobile Bar, and Gil Christian S. Lapidez and Kent B. Edrozo of Cocktail Ace Mobile Bar.
Taking off from last year’s 1st Mindanao Coffee Festival, Alexander Sumania presents Exploring the resilience of Robusta Coffee, which will delve into the unique qualities and enduring characteristics of Robusta coffee. As the head instructor at Jamaican F&B Training Center CDO and co-owner of Innovative Cuppa Coffee Roaster, Mr. Sumania brings a wealth of expertise to the subject.
His presentation will cover the Characteristics of Robusta Coffee (understanding the distinctive flavor profiles, growth conditions, and resilience factors that set Robusta coffee apart from other varieties); Challenges and Solutions (gain insights into the challenges faced by Robusta coffee growers and how innovative practices can enhance sustainability and quality) and, Brewing and Tasting Techniques (learn about effective brewing methods to bring out the best flavors in Robusta coffee, with practical demonstrations).
Another unique presentation is “Bamboo: The Grass of Hope” by Mercedes Litlit Pelaez Mejia. With 37 years of experience as Managing Director at SLERS Industries and a strong advocacy for bamboo, Litlit will share her expertise on utilizing bamboo shoots and products for a greener future.
In addition, COHARA Member Establishments will also have their individual food exhibits featuring Humba, Sinuglaw and Binaki.
The food festival will climax with the Grand Launching of Kumbira, celebrating 28 years of Culinary Show and Live Competitions to be held on October 16-18, 2024 at Limketkai Center Atrium. Kumbira features 50+ Exhibitors, 5,000+ attendees and more than 300+ participants from different regions. -30-
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