More than 740 culinary participants are gearing up for Cebu Goes Culinary 2025, the region’s largest culinary competition, set on September 26–27 at the Sky Hall of SM Seaside City Cebu.
Organized by the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association
of Cebu Inc. (HRRAC), this year’s event carries the theme “Balik Isla –
Foraging in the Philippine Countryside.” The competition will feature 32
professional establishments and 18 hospitality schools from Cebu, Bacolod, Leyte, Ormoc, Camotes, Bohol, and Negros. There
will be two categories— Professional and Student.
“Both groups will have the opportunity to showcase their
skills,” said Carmela Malagar, co-chair of Cebu Goes Culinary 2025 and HRRAC
corporate secretary. “To ensure fairness, contestants will not be identified by
their institutions during the competition.”
Competitions
Participants will test their skills in 17 categories
divided into five main clusters:
Battle Royale: Klasika Moderna Kulinarya – Sutukil
Compleat Chefs: Best Regional Ingredient, Best
Traditional Recipe, Regional Pica-Pica, and Pantry Chef – Regional Vegetable or
Fruit Salad
Culinary Flair: Flairtending, Cocktail Making, Mocktail
Making, Coffee Concoction, Cacao Concoction, and Table Setting with Floral
Centerpiece
Sweet Revenge: Kakanin – Puto Maya, Wedding Cake,
Creative Cake Decoration, and Pralines
Special Competition by Potatoes USA – Pica-Pica Appetizer
The student category will have contestants from 18 schools while the professional category will showcase the talent of chefs
and teams from 32 hotels, resorts, restaurants, and institutions.
Honoring local roots
“One of the core pillars of Cebu Goes Culinary 2025 is a deep respect for local
produce,” Malagar explained. “We want contestants to not only cook with indigenous
and seasonal ingredients, but to understand their roots — literally and
culturally.”
To uphold this, participants are encouraged to source
from local farmers, markets, and suppliers, ensuring every dish reflects the
richness of Cebu’s culinary heritage. Judges scrutinize everything — from the
tools used to the origin of each ingredient — and often engage contestants in
conversations about their sourcing choices and techniques.
“Ultimately,
the spotlight shines not just on the taste of the final dish, but on the
integrity of every choice made along the way — reinforcing the value of
Filipino flavors and sustainable culinary practices. Every sense is put to the test, culminating
in the ultimate measure of excellence: taste,” Malagar emphasized.
To help contestants embrace the theme Balik Isla, HRRAC
conducted a special briefing on September 9 with culinary advocate Chef Myrna
Segismundo and Event Chairperson Julita Urbina of the Laguna Group, in
partnership with Potatoes USA. The session highlighted the importance of
rediscovering indigenous ingredients and telling the story of the countryside
through food.
More than a competition
“Cebu Goes Culinary is a celebration of passion,
perseverance, and talent,” said Alfred Reyes, HRRAC executive vice president
and sponsorships chair. “For students, it’s a stepping stone to discover their
potential. For professionals, it’s a chance to sharpen their skills and share
their artistry.”
He emphasized that the competition helps shape future
chefs and hoteliers by instilling discipline, resilience, and teamwork. Winners
stand to gain more than just recognition — with scholarships, mentorships, and
career-building opportunities on the line, they may also represent Cebu on
national and global stages.
Reyes emphasized that the competition’s commitment to
sustainability is equally vital. “By choosing to highlight indigenous
ingredients, seasonal harvests, and traditional techniques, contestants bring
sustainability to the forefront of modern dining,” he explained.
With its strong participation and countryside theme, Cebu
Goes Culinary 2025 is expected to once again put the spotlight on Cebu as a hub
of talent, creativity, and world-class Filipino flavors. Cebu Goes Culinary, a
biennial event, last took center stage in 2023 and is set to return with fresh
talent and flavors in its upcoming edition.
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