Barangay Taloto emerged as the grand champion of Kumbira sa Tagbilaran 2025, the city’s annual inter-barangay cooking contest and a major highlight of the Saulog Festival, held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the Island City Mall (ICM) Carpark.
Kumbira sa Tagbilaran annually brings culinary teams from various barangays to showcase Boholano cooking techniques, flavors, and creativity.
The event, organized by the City Government of Tagbilaran and sponsored by Solane, is aimed at preserving and promoting local culinary heritage while encouraging community participation.
This year’s competition featured traditional and modern interpretations of Boholano dishes, with each barangay presenting carefully crafted meals using local ingredients and indigenous flavors.
Barangay Taloto impressed the panel of judges with a dish that highlighted both culinary technique and cultural storytelling, ultimately securing the top spot in the competition.
Barangay Ubujan placed second, while Barangay Poblacion III clinched third place.
Mayor Jane Yap congratulated the participants and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to promoting local identity through food. She said,
“Kumbira is more than a contest—it’s a platform for our communities to share their culture and pride through cuisine.”
Judges praised the quality of the entries and the thoughtfulness behind each dish, noting how the competition continues to raise the bar for culinary excellence in the city.
The event drew supporters, food enthusiasts, and festival-goers who gathered to cheer for their barangays and sample the dishes after judging.
Kumbira sa Tagbilaran has grown into one of the most anticipated events of the Saulog calendar, drawing attention not only for its competitive spirit but also for its celebration of Tagbilaran’s culinary roots.