COHARA (Cagayan De Oro Hotel & Restaurant Association)
COHARA is a non-profit organization composed of Hotel and Restaurant Members Sports and social activities among the members are also in the offing.
The Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association or COHARA was organized in 1996 through the initiative of the Regional Office of the Department of Tourism, Region 10
COHARA mounts an annual culinary festival aptly called, KUMBIRA, showcasing the talents of the chefs and food service personnel from the different hotels and restaurants in Mindanao. The longest-running regional culinary show, KU
MBIRA has helped promote the local food service industry to world class standards. Students also participate in the culinary festival and live competitions lending inspiration to these budding talents. KUMBIRA is also the home of the Mindanao Chef Wars, a regional elimination of a live team competition of the NATIONAL FOODSHOWDOWN. Aside from a culinary festival, COHARA continuously updates the skills of its employees through trainings and workshops with competent lecturers and professionals in the Hotel and Restaurant industry. It has worked with Expert Advisers of the Canadian Executive Service Organization or CESO, mentoring hotel and restaurant staff and conducted trainings on different aspects of hotel and restaurant operations. The Association has also opened itself to new ideas by attending Marketing Incentive Conferences, Chefs on Parade in Manila and other culinary festivals in the country as well as the Thailand Food Expo in Bangkok, Thailand, HOFEX , Hongkong and FHA in Singapore. Playing a vital role in the promotion of Tourism in Cagayan de Oro City, COHARA has endeavored to host conferences, conventions and events. It is affiliated and represents the hotel and restaurant industry of the region to various organizations โ the City Tourism Board, Promote CdeO Foundation, the Tourism Congress, and a chapter member of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP). The Association has also involved itself with outreach programs through annual gift giving and sponsorship of meals for orphans and needy. Quality service, world-class standards, value for money and constant skills training are the precepts with which COHARA lives by.
11/04/2026
COHARA General Membership Meeting 2026 ๐โจ
Navigating the Impact of the Current Global Economic Situation on the Hospitality Industryโtodayโs gathering brought together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to share timely insights and strategies shaping the future of hospitality.
We were honored to hear from our distinguished speakers:
โข Ms. Marie Elaine S. Unchuan, Regional Director, Department of Tourism โ on tourism outlook and support programs
โข Ms. Maricris I. Gabia, Division Chief โ on the current business environment, pricing, and assistance initiatives
โข Mr. Patrick Elim, Marketing Specialist III โ on food supply and agricultural concerns
โข Atty. Roy Raagas, City Administrator โ on price monitoring and the current commodity situation
โข Sultan Faizal โCocoyโ Benaning Bansao, Private Sector Representative & Chairman of the Philippine Halal Board, Fiqhi and Halal Council of the Philippines
The event concluded with inspiring closing remarks from Mr. Jerome F. de la Fuente, President of the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association and General Manager of Limketkai Luxe Hotel.
Together, we continue to strengthen our industry through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and resilience in the face of global challenges. ๐ผ๐ฝ๏ธ
03/04/2026
In response to the current global situation, COHARA held an Emergency Meeting last March 31, 2026 via Zoom.
Grateful for the unity and shared commitment of our members as we navigate these challenges together. ๐ค
03/04/2026
05/03/2026
๐ฅ KUMBIRA 2026: Three Decades, One Culinary Legacy!
Be part of Northern Mindanaoโs premier culinary event! KUMBIRA 2026 is now inviting partners and sponsors from the food, beverage, and hospitality industry.
๐ October 14, 15 & 16, 2026
๐ The Atrium, Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City
Showcase your brand, support culinary excellence, and connect with chefs, restaurateurs, and industry leaders.
15/12/2025
Thank you to Mindanao Daily for featuring the Induction of COHARA Officers. We truly appreciate your support!
12/12/2025
COHARA successfully held its Induction of the New Officers for FY 2026โ2027 during the General Membership Meeting yesterday, December 11, at Cucina Higala Restaurant.
Our sincere appreciation goes to our invited inducting officer, Vice Mayor Jocelyn โBebotโ Rodriguez, for gracing the occasion.
Congratulations to the new Board, and we look forward to a productive and successful term ahead!
The stage is set for Kumbira 2025: A Feast of Flavors and Heritage.
Join us as we celebrate 29 years of culinary excellence, innovation, and Filipino hospitality. Experience three days of competitions, trade exhibits, and industry showcases that bring together the best of Mindanao and beyond.
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We encourage all interested visitors to complete their FREE online registration in advance to ensure a smooth and organized entry during the event. Early registration will allow you to bypass long queues and focus on what matters most โ exploring the trade exhibits, attending seminars, and networking with industry leaders.
For the first time, Kumbira is launching an official online Press Center โ a dedicated space where you can access news, features, and official announcements about Kumbira 2025.
As the countryโs longest-running culinary festival, we are proud to share stories that highlight _โA Feast of Flavors and Heritageโ_ โ from competition updates to trade exhibits and festival highlights.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our COHARA Past President, Mr. Jeffrey Limbonhai, and the entire De Luxe Hotel team for being honored with the Tourism Pillar Award (Enterprise Category) during the 1st Philippine Tourism Awards held on September 8, 2025. ๐
This prestigious recognition is awarded to institutions that have stood the test of time, serving the hospitality industry for at least five decades while consistently upholding standards of excellence. With 58 years of dedicated service, De Luxe Hotel has become a true pillar of the tourism and hospitality sector in Cagayan de Oro and beyond.
We are proud to celebrate this milestone and commend their continued commitment to excellence in service and hospitality.
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Contact The Organization
Send a message to COHARA (Cagayan De Oro Hotel & Restaurant Association):
The Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association or COHARA was organized in 1996 through the initiative of the Regional Office of the Department of Tourism, Region 10
COHARA mounts an annual culinary festival aptly called, KUMBIRA, showcasing the talents of the chefs and food service personnel from the different hotels and restaurants in Mindanao. The longest-running regional culinary show, KUMBIRA has helped promote the local food service industry to world class standards. Students also participate in the culinary festival and live competitions lending inspiration to these budding talents. KUMBIRA is also the home of the Mindanao Chef Wars, a regional elimination of a live team competition of the National Food Showdown.
Aside from a culinary festival, COHARA continuously updates the skills of its employees through trainings and workshops with competent lecturers and professionals in the Hotel and Restaurant industry. It has worked with Expert Advisers of the Canadian Executive Service Organization or CESO, mentoring hotel and restaurant staff and conducted trainings on different aspects of hotel and restaurant operations. The Association has also opened itself to new ideas by attending Marketing Incentive Conferences, Chefs on Parade in Manila and other culinary festivals in the country as well as the Thailand Food Expo in Bangkok, Thailand, HOFEX , Hongkong and FHA in Singapore.
Playing a vital role in the promotion of Tourism in Cagayan de Oro City, COHARA has endeavored to host conferences, conventions and events. It is affiliated and represents the hotel and restaurant industry of the region to various organizations โ the City Tourism Board, Promote CdeO Foundation, the Tourism Congress, and a chapter member of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP).
The Association has also involved itself with outreach programs through annual gift giving and sponsorship of meals for orphans and needy. Sports and social activities among the members are also in the offing.
Quality service, world-class standards, value for money and constant skills training are the precepts with which COHARA lives by.
Our Vision
COHARA is the voice of Northern Mindanaoโs sector on hotel, restaurant and resort committed to professionalize the members:
Trainings
Linkages
Work standards and values
Social Responsibilities
Our Missions
Undertakes programs and trainings for the members
Protects the interest and welfare of the organization
Promotes unity and cooperation among members
Adopts ehical standard for fair and honest competition
Participates in government regulatory policies, laws and ordinances affecting the organization and industry
Represents the Northern Mindanaoโs sector on hotel, restaurant and resort in the national and international events relative to the tourism industry
