First Northern Mindanao Food and Wine Festival Launches in Cagayan de Oro

Celebrating regional flavors, culinary talent, and Michelin-recognized chefs in an eight-day gastronomic event

By Simpol |

March 18, 2026

Northern Mindanao Food and Wine Festival Launch – Culinary enthusiasts gather at Ayala Malls Centrio in Cagayan de Oro City as the region celebrates its first-ever Northern Mindanao Food and Wine Festival, a week-long showcase of local flavors, premium ingredients, and gastronomic creativity from March 20 to 27.

SHARE THIS

Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines — The first-ever Northern Mindanao Food and Wine Festival 2026 will be held in Cagayan de Oro City from March 20 to 27, marking an exciting new chapter in the region’s culinary scene.

A sister event of the Cebu Food and Wine Festival, this eight-day celebration brings premium dining experiences to Cagayan de Oro and nearby destinations, spotlighting the depth, diversity, and evolution of Northern Mindanao’s food culture. Indeed, the Northern Mindanao Food and Wine Festival 2026 aims to highlight the distinct flavors and traditions of the region.

A Celebration of Regional Cuisine – Festival-goers explore stalls at the Gourmet Market, featuring fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, specialty coffee, and fine wines, highlighting the diverse culinary heritage and craftsmanship of Northern Mindanao.

Running alongside Ayala Malls Centrio’s annual Big Bite Festival, a curated showcase of the region’s most promising MSME food entrepreneurs, the twin events offer an inclusive and immersive introduction to the flavors, creativity, and craftsmanship shaping Northern Mindanao today.

Organized by Professional Organizers Unlimited Inc., the festival brings together Northern Mindanao’s most exciting chefs, restaurateurs, and producers through a lineup of events, collaborations, and tastings that showcase both local talent and visiting culinary personalities. For food enthusiasts, attending the Northern Mindanao Food and Wine Festival 2026 will be a memorable experience.

A Mother-and-Daughter Culinary Collaboration – Combining years of experience and a shared passion for gastronomy, Chefs Candy and Chloe Lu showcase their expertise in pâtisserie and cuisine, offering festival attendees an intimate look at the artistry and precision behind Northern Mindanao’s evolving fine dining scene.

The festival opens with the Gourmet Market at Ayala Malls Centrio on March 20, where local and regional suppliers will display prime ingredients such as coffee, fresh produce, cheese, liquor, and wines.

Headlining the Northern Mindanao Food and Wine Festival is a series of four-hands dining collaborations featuring celebrated local and visiting chefs. On March 20 and 21, mother-and-daughter Candy and Chloe Lu, both holders of the prestigious Grand Diplôme in pâtisserie and cuisine from Le Cordon Bleu Paris, will present a five-course French dinner at Candy’s Café in Ayala Malls Centrio, highlighting their shared mastery of classic and contemporary French cuisine.

Visiting Manila Michelin-recognized chefs—Tatung Sarthou, Titing Sobriano, Miguel Cabel Moreno, and Chino Mempin—will lead exclusive festival collaborations on March 24 and 27, offering limited-seat culinary experiences.

Visiting chefs from Manila’s Michelin-recognized restaurants will also lead special festival events. On March 24, chef, author, and SIMPOL media personality Chef Myke “Tatung” Sarthou of Michelin Selected Lore by Chef Tatung collaborates with VIP Hotel head chef Isidro “Titing” Sobriano for a special dinner buffet at the hotel’s Casa Real Ballroom.

The collaborations continue on March 27 at H Proper Coffee Roasters, where Chef Miguel Cabel Moreno of Michelin Bib Gourmand–recognized restaurants Palm Grill and Cabel Restaurant teams up with H Proper’s executive chef Chino Mempin. Together, they will present a six-course exploration of Mindanaoan cuisine. Very limited seats will be available for both lunch and dinner seatings.

Grand Tasting Celebration – A gathering of Northern Mindanao’s top chefs presents a curated selection of regional specialties, offering festival attendees a chance to experience the depth, diversity, and innovation of the region’s culinary landscape.

A signature highlight of the festival is the Grand Tasting on March 25 at Tres Marias inside Chali Beach Resort, which will bring together fourteen of Northern Mindanao’s finest chefs to prepare bites that reflect the region’s culinary richness. Leading the group is Department of Tourism Regional Director for Region 10, Marie Elaine “Mae” Unchuan, who will prepare a spread of regional delicacies. Joining her are Saz Chaves-Eullaran and Chu Bacarro of Chali Resort & Conference Center and Tres Marias, Rosario De Peralta and Pafeq Bacarro of Ribs & Bibs and Balay Kagayan, Arvin Kim Arcay and Vinsyl Chan of Ricardo’s by Cucina Higala, Isidro “Titing” Sobriano of VIP Hotel, Candy and Chloe Lu of Candy’s Café and Restaurant and Chloe’s Bakery and Café, Natish Singh of Khanasutra Indian Cuisine, Daniel Mejia and Apple Kilgour of Demetrio’s Pizzeria, and JJ Javier of Kumaykay River Farms.

Elegant Festival Spaces – The interiors of Ayala Malls Centrio and Chali Beach Resort have been thoughtfully arranged to host the Northern Mindanao Food and Wine Festival, blending modern design with functional layouts to provide a welcoming and immersive culinary experience for attendees.

As part of the Grand Tasting program, visiting chefs Miguel Cabel Moreno and Myke “Tatung” Sarthou will share insights into their careers, discussing their journeys in the restaurant industry and the paths that led their establishments to Michelin recognition. Additionally, the Northern Mindanao Food and Wine Festival 2026 provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage with leading culinary figures.

For the full festival calendar, event details, chef profiles, and reservations, visit www.northminfoodandwine.com or follow @northminfoodandwine on Facebook and Instagram.