By Dolly Yasa
For the second consecutive year, the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation is hosting the highly anticipated MassKaNamit Culinary Showdown from October 15 to 17 at the SMX Convention Center.
The event is expected to draw hundreds of participants from culinary and hospitality management schools across Negros Island, eager to showcase their talents. Renowned celebrity chefs will judge the competition, adding their expertise and flair.
“Nineteen schools have confirmed their participation, including those from Kabankalan, Dumaguete, San Carlos, Iloilo, and more,” said Food Committee Chairperson Ana Tison.
Tison added that guest chefs will share their “experiences and trade secrets” during a seminar scheduled on October 15, as well as throughout the competition.
The event will feature table setting, flower arrangement, and various food and dessert categories, Tison explained.
Among the celebrity chefs participating are Robby Goco, cookbook author Nina Daza-Puyat, Myrna Segismundo, cheese master Olive Puentespina, Virginia de Guzman, Glenda Barretto, Cheong Yan See, Nino Angelo Comsti, Raul Ramos, Cristina Legarda, F&B consultant Beth Romualdez, and Kalel Chan.
Well-known Bacolodnon chefs Tom Bascon, Fern Aracama, Jomi Gaston, Sunshine Puey, and Tonyboy Escalante will also be present.
The MassKaNamit Culinary Showdown is organized in partnership with the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Negros Occidental (HRANO), National Food Showdown (NFS), Council of Hotel and Restaurant Educators of the Philippines (COHREP), and Sabor Bisaya.
Food Crawl
The Bacolod Yuhum Foundation is also featuring a month-long food crawl in October, celebrating the city’s rich gastronomic culture. It is an excellent opportunity to savor local delicacies such as chicken inasal, cakes, piaya, and cansi.
A food booklet, featuring a curated list of restaurants, street food vendors, and local specialties, is being distributed at various Bacolod ports, providing travelers with a guide to exploring the city’s diverse culinary offerings.
Food enthusiasts are invited to enjoy a variety of dishes from Bacolod City’s restaurants and food stalls during a five-day culinary event hosted by the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation at Upper East, Megaworld, from October 23 to 27.
