Tagum City recently witnessed a spectacular celebration of local flavors and heritage as NutriAsia, the country's top condiments and sauces manufacturer, teamed up with Tagum City Tourism to present the Humba Festival 2025. This vibrant three-day event, held from November 12 to 14, 2025, successfully highlighted the rich culinary traditions and creative spirit of the community.
A Partnership for Culinary Excellence
Spearheaded by the Tagum City Tourism Council and NutriAsia Foodservice, the festival became a major gathering point for the region's hospitality sector. The collaboration brought together hotel and restaurant owners, professional chefs, and aspiring culinary talents through a series of engaging activities. NutriAsia proudly featured its portfolio of beloved Filipino brands, including Datu Puti, Silver Swan, Papa, UFC, Mafran, Jufran, and Mang Tomas, with additional support from co-sponsors Solane LPG, Chingu PH, and Locally.
Three Days of Flavor and Competition
The festival kicked off on November 12 with an inspiring live cooking demonstration led by Guest Chef Decker Gokioco. He captivated an audience of over 100 industry professionals, demonstrating innovative techniques that celebrated Tagum's local cuisine and aligned with NutriAsia's Taste of Success program.
On the second day, November 13, the focus shifted to professional competitions. The NutriAsia Foodservice Culinary Professional Competition and the Blended Juice Drink Competition for the Professional Division showcased top-tier talent. The afternoon saw Barangay representatives presenting their unique interpretations of the classic Humba dish, adding a layer of community pride to the festivities.
The final day, November 14, was dedicated to the next generation of culinary stars. Student-chefs from Tagum, Panabo, Davao, and neighboring areas competed in the Inter-School Culinary Competition, presenting their signature Humba creations. The excitement continued with the Inter-School Mocktail and Cocktail Showdown, sponsored by Locally, where students displayed their beverage craftsmanship. The festival concluded with an official Awarding Ceremony at the Jesus V. Ayala Hall in Apokon, Tagum City, honoring the winners from all categories.
Strengthening Community Through Cuisine
Now in its fifth year, the Humba Festival remains one of Tagum City's most anticipated cultural events. The 2025 edition powerfully demonstrated how food can unite people and celebrate shared heritage. Through this partnership, NutriAsia reinforced its commitment to nurturing culinary talent across the Philippines, championing skill development, innovation, and a deep passion for Filipino flavors.
