Published on
November 21, 2025
NutriAsia, the leading manufacturer of condiments and sauces in the Philippines, collaborated with the Tagum City Tourism Council to create the Humba Festival 2025 in an amazing collaboration that honoured Filipino culinary artistry. This colourful three-day event, which took place from November 12 to 14, 2025, was a fantastic display of Tagum City’s rich cultural legacy, culinary inventiveness, and the commitment of regional foodies.
A Festival of Culinary Brilliance and Cultural Expression
The collaboration between NutriAsia and Tagum City Tourism was pivotal in transforming the 2025 Humba Festival into a spectacular event that attracted over 100 culinary professionals, students, and food lovers. This exciting partnership saw leading hospitality establishments, chefs, and aspiring culinary talents come together for a series of competitions, live cooking demonstrations, and cultural exhibitions, all aimed at highlighting the unique flavours and traditions of Tagum City.
NutriAsia, with its diverse portfolio of iconic Filipino brands like Datu Puti, Silver Swan, Papa, UFC, Mafran, Jufran, and Mang Tomas, stood as the central figure in this culinary extravaganza. Their presence and support were instrumental in the success of the festival, alongside co-sponsors such as Solane LPG, Chingu PH, and Locally. The festival not only celebrated the city’s culinary excellence but also paid tribute to the deep-rooted traditions of Filipino food culture, which was further showcased throughout the event.
The Culinary Events: Showcasing Expertise and Creativity
The festival kicked off with an exciting gathering of over 100 hotel and restaurant owners, chefs, and culinary professionals from Tagum City. This set the stage for a series of engaging and inspiring activities aimed at pushing the boundaries of local cuisine.
A highlight of the event was a live cooking demonstration led by renowned guest chef, Decker Gokioco. His session focused on the innovative techniques that could be applied to traditional Tagum dishes. The demonstration was designed to inspire both seasoned chefs and aspiring culinary students, showcasing how modern culinary methods can be applied while respecting and preserving the authentic flavours of the region. The session served as an educational platform under NutriAsia’s Taste of Success programme, which aims to foster innovation in Filipino culinary practices while celebrating the nation’s food heritage.
Competitions: Celebrating Culinary Talent Across Divisions
The second day of the festival was dedicated to competitive events that highlighted the culinary talents of Tagum’s professionals. The NutriAsia Foodservice Culinary Professional Competition was a central event that featured some of the best chefs from the region. This competition was a platform for showcasing culinary skills, creativity, and presentation, all while using ingredients and flavours that represented the heart and soul of Tagum’s food culture.
In addition, the Blended Juice Drink Competition for the Professional Division took place, offering participants an opportunity to create refreshing and innovative drinks. This competition was a celebration of local fruits and beverages, allowing the contestants to present their unique takes on blended juice drinks that resonated with Tagum’s natural bounty.
Meanwhile, local barangay representatives were given a special moment to shine. Each of them presented their unique twists on the classic Filipino dish, Humba. Humba, a traditional pork dish cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar, was given a creative makeover as participants showcased their individual versions, drawing on the rich cultural and culinary diversity of the region.
Celebrating the Youth: The Inter-School Culinary Competition
The final day of the festival was marked by an exciting competition featuring student chefs from Tagum, Panabo, Davao, and surrounding areas. These young chefs were tasked with preparing their own interpretations of the beloved Humba dish, combining youthful creativity with respect for the classic recipe. The Inter-School Culinary Competition demonstrated how Filipino youth continue to innovate while embracing their culinary heritage, paving the way for the next generation of chefs to lead the culinary scene in the country.
The afternoon was equally thrilling, as the Inter-School Mocktail and Cocktail Showdown took place. Sponsored by Locally, this event gave students a platform to showcase their skills in beverage creation. From mocktails to cocktails, the young contestants demonstrated their flair for mixing drinks, balancing flavours, and presenting visually stunning creations, all while integrating local ingredients and techniques.
Awarding Ceremony: Honouring Excellence in Culinary Arts
The festival concluded with a grand Awarding Ceremony at the Jesus V. Ayala Hall in Apokon, Tagum City, where winners from all categories were recognized and celebrated. The event was a fitting conclusion to the five-year-old festival, which has become one of Tagum City’s most anticipated cultural and culinary events. The ceremony honoured those who displayed exceptional talent, creativity, and passion for Filipino cuisine and culinary arts.
The Legacy of Humba Festival 2025: A Triumph for Filipino Culinary Heritage
The 2025 Humba Festival emphasized the value of community cooperation in maintaining and promoting Filipino culinary traditions in addition to showcasing the rich flavours of Tagum’s cuisine. The collaboration between NutriAsia and Tagum City Tourism was a huge success, enhancing the city’s standing as a centre for fine dining. NutriAsia continues to promote the talent, creativity, and enthusiasm that drive Filipino cooking through events like this one, giving aspiring chefs and foodies priceless chances to display their skills on a large scale.
The festival’s success was evidence of the enduring power of food in bringing people together, honouring regional traditions, and cultivating a greater understanding of the Philippines’ many flavours. The Humba Festival 2025 is a proud event in Tagum City’s cultural calendar, and NutriAsia looks forward to supporting future culinary endeavours.
