By Mike Baños
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Luminaries of the country’s culinary industry today stressed the imperative of sustaining gains made by Filipino cuisine in the global gastronomic world.
During the launching of the 28th edition of Kumbira! Culinary Show and Competitions at a local mall, Norbert Gandler, chairman of the Board of Judges, remarked how things have changed so much since he moved here from Austria 35 years ago.
Chefs Norbert Gandler and Melchor F. Taylo compare notes while judging the first event during the Kumbira 2024 Live Competitions. (Mike Baños)
“The Philippines was not yet in the world map of culinary scene, but that has changed a lot. Now everybody talks about the Philippines, Filipino food, and of course, Filipino service, the most friendly in the world. This has a lot to do with the quality of Philippine chefs, and other working in the hospitality industry around the world who are known as the best employees,” Gandler noted.
Jeffrey Limbonhai, president of the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA) which has been unfailingly organizing Kumbira! for the past three decades, concurs.
“The surge in interest in Filipino food locally and internationally have given us all a sense of pride and joy in our capability to shine in the international stage,” Limbonhai remarked.
He stressed the need to continue learning and reminding ourselves of our beautiful heritage, culture and cuisine. But while we hold on to our identity and remember our traditions, we should likewise strive to move forward, and seek new ideas, innovative methods, and enhanced techniques. The past may remain the same, but the future will always change: trends fade, challenges arise.
Chef Sandy Daza closely observes a competitor during the first day of Kumbira 2024. (Mike Baños)
Palates are becoming more sensitive, more discerning, The market is becoming more educated with issues regarding climate change, sustainability, and cost cutting. We have the responsibility to improve ourselves so we may improve the world around us so this in turn will also benefit us, he added.
In a video message streamed from Bacolod City, Myrna Segismundo, Chairman of the National Food Showdown and a frequent Kumbira judge, similarly recognized the rising global interest in Filipino cuisine.
“History and tradition will be our anchor and radar on this ship we adoringly call Kusina Filipina which has lately been making waves in the vast seas of world cuisine,” Segismundo observed.
One of the opening day competitions. (Karen Chayne Sanchez via CDO Lifestyle)
However, she likewise perceives the need for a “major overhaul” in our world renowned Filipino hospitality and service, as it has seen better days. There are lots of problems happening in the dining rooms these days which really need looking into.
To help us keep our edge, she stressed the need for sustainability which equates to lower food costs, kitchen waste management, more use of local ingredients, and of course, better profits.
For his part, Gandler said the Board of Judges has already included a few topics where competitors can score points for sustainability.
One way through which Kumbira has been pushing sustainability in the industry is the professional judging the judges bring to the table.
“I think there is much more to winning medals and trophies in competitions like this. It should be about learning, about sharing ideas, which will then reflect in the industry,” he reflected.
The huge crowd in Kumbira 2024 opening day. (Karen Chayne Sanchez via CDO Lifestyle)
Gandler shared how all judges conduct debriefings for the competitors after every competition where every entry is discussed, what was done well, and where there was still room for improvement, where the coaches and teachers should also be present.
“Let us keep the momentum, stay the course, push the envelope further, full speed ahead na, all aboard na sa Kusina Filipina, let the showdown begin!” Segismundo exhorted.
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 27 years. A prelude event dubbed Hala Kumbira Food Festival was held on August 16, 2024 to officially launch this year’s festival.
