Cebu Goes Culinary 2025: Showcasing the best of local flavors and creativity

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.