Daven Tamayo

Cebu Food and Wine Festival returns amid challenges for dining, tourism sectors

Article (news)

Jeeves De Veyra

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178099663987120220618_175701.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Scenes from last year&#x27;s Cebu Food and Wine Festival. <em>Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>CEBU -- The Cebu Food and Wine Festival is back, bringing together local and international chefs, hotel groups, and farmers at a moment when the region’s food and hospitality sectors are still finding their footing.</p><p>This year’s edition leans heavily on collaboration and necessity.</p><p>Much like when the first festival was held back in 2021, there is an alarming decline in people going out to eat. At that time, it was because the world was just coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. This time, restaurants and hotels are experiencing slower traffic due to rising prices in fuel and commodities from the instability in the Middle East.</p><p>“If people are to spend their money, it has to be worth it.  We have to make it value for money and abundant,” remarked Kate Anzani, chair of Cebu Food and Wine Festival committee.</p><p>The festival has already received strong support from Cebu’s foodies as several festival events are already fully booked.</p><p>Beyond chefs and restaurants, a major push this year is directly connecting the city’s food scene with farmers and producers.</p><p>The festival is working with farmers from across Cebu, highlighting regional specialties from the north and south, and integrating them into the festival’s month-long calendar of events.</p><p>“We had to connect the farmers again to like the F&amp;B concepts,” the organizer said, pointing out that many producers are currently struggling.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1780996603213DSCF5108.JPG" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Scenes from last year&#x27;s Cebu Food and Wine Festival.<em> Jeeves de Veyra</em></span></span></span></div><p>The effort extends beyond symbolic inclusion. Hotels and restaurant groups have begun sourcing directly from farmers. For example, a hotel group purchased large quantities of sweet potatoes directly from Cebuano farmers for their monthlong offers.</p><p>At the government level, the Province of Cebu is also stepping in, organizing a farmers’ market in the city to help bridge access between producers and consumers.</p><p>A key addition this year is the participation of the Australian Trade Commission and Meat &amp; Livestock Australia, which have supplied participating chefs with Australian beef and lamb throughout the festival run.</p><p>“The chefs were also given an allowance of meat to play around and elevate beef,” the organizer said, noting that each restaurant will feature dishes under an “I Love Aussie lamb” campaign.</p><p>The initiative has translated into a range of menu interpretations across the island. Chefs will be preparing lamb dishes at the festival’s Grand Tasting at Crimson Resorts and Spa. While restaurants will showcase dishes, from lamb empanadas to pastry-based lamb dishes,  through special entrees and offers during the festival.</p><p>Apart from headline dinners and the grand tasting, the festival is also expanding into experiences such as market visits and farm tours, including guided walks led by a food historian.</p><p>These activities aim to give a broader context to Cebu’s food culture — linking ingredients, history, and the people behind them.  </p><p>Below is the updated event calendar as of publication. Please visit @cebufoodandwinefestival on social media for updates.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>June 10</strong></div><div><strong>The ASEAN Menu by Anzani at Anzani Restaurant</strong></div><p>A celebration of bold flavors, rich traditions, and modern artistry — thoughtfully crafted to bring the vibrant taste of the ASEAN region to your table. From comforting classics to elevated creations, every dish tells a story of culture, connection, and cuisine.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>June 11</strong></div><p>Cebu Market Display at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>June 12</strong></div><div><strong>Tree to Treats: A Chocolate Journey at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan</strong></div><p>A Culinary Workshop at Enye Celebrating the world of chocolate followed by a special Sagada Cellar Door Rum pairing experience.</p><div><strong>Malaya: Flavors of  Freedom at Fili Restaurant, NUSTAR Resort Cebu</strong></div><p>In collaboration with Michelin Bib Gourmand chef Miguel Cabel Moreno of Palm Grill and Cabel, NUSTAR Resort Cebu brings the best of the Visayas, Mindanao, and Luzon for one night only through Malaya: Flavors of Freedom.</p><p>This collaboration also puts the spotlight on NUSTAR Resort&#x27;s own chefs, Chef Lloyd Rommel Cabalhin who is a Cebuano, and Executive Chef Martin Rebolledo Jr. who hails from Luzon. NUSTAR Resort is the proud titleholder of overall champion of the 2025 Cebu Goes Culinary by Hotel Resort &amp; Restaurants Association of Cebu, Inc.</p><p>Malaya: Flavors of Freedom is a creative expression of local flavors and is an exclusive six hands experience like no other.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>June 13</strong></div><div><strong>Signature Flavors By Crimson at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan</strong></div><p>An evening showcasing the signature culinary experiences of Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>CFWF 2026 Grand Tasting at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan</strong></div><p>Select chefs featuring lamb specials in partnership with Meat &amp; Livestock Australia.  </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>June 14</strong></div><div><strong>Chele&#x27;s Sunday Brunch at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan</strong></div><p>A Spanish-inspired brunch experience featuring curated dishes and free-flowing beverages</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Boating Club Race at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>June 18-19</strong></div><div><strong>Elevated Larangan Experience at Pusô Bistro Bar, Cebu</strong></div><p>Discover a refined take on a beloved local classic as traditional flavors meet modern culinary artistry. The Elevated Larangan Experience brings comfort, heritage, and sophistication together in one unforgettable dining journey. Savor Cebuano culture reimagined through bold flavors and elevated presentation at Puso Bistro Bar.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>June 19-21</strong></div><div><strong>Father’s Day at La Gondola, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino</strong></div><p>Dads get a 20% discount when availing any of the Father&#x27;s Day specials</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>June 21<br/></strong></div><div><strong>Boat Cruise at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>June 24</strong></div><div><strong>Raices Renovadas at Socarrat</strong></div><p>The Muñoz duo brings you a 4-course menu featuring Spanish recipes with centuries of history with a sophisticated twist, Socarrat-style, along with wine pairing curated by Bares y Estrellas.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Japanese Food and Sake Pairing Dinner at Nonki</strong></div><p>Experience the harmony of Japanese cuisine and premium sake in an unforgettable evening of refined flavors and culinary artistry.</p><p>Join a Japanese Food &amp; Sake Pairing Dinner featuring expertly crafted dishes thoughtfully paired with exceptional sake selections — a celebration of tradition, elegance, and taste in every course</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>June 26<br/></strong></div><div><strong>AKA: Fresh Summer Japanese Dinner with Sake at Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan</strong></div><p>A refined Japanese dining experience featuring a seasonal 6-course menu paired with premium sake collections.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>June 27<br/></strong></div><div><strong>CFWF 2026 Closing Ceremonies at Radisson Blu</strong></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Festival-wide events and promotions</strong></div><div><strong>Signature Trio at Street Burger by Gordon Ramsay and Gordon’s Combo at Fish &amp; Chips by Gordon Ramsay</strong></div><p><strong></strong>The Signature Trio features two sets of three burgers showcasing the restaurant’s signature and bestselling creations, while Gordon’s Combo is a fish &amp; chips bundle that includes shrimp, chicken, fish, and fries. <strong></strong><br/></p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Rare, Red, and Refined at Savoy Hotel Mactan Newtown</strong></div><p>Indulge in an elegant dining experience crafted for two — featuring a perfectly prepared rib-eye steak, comforting soup of the day, side vegetables, decadent dessert, and a glass of wine for each guest.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Historias de Cocina Weekend Dinner Buffet at Mercure Mactan Newtown</strong></div><p>Step into a celebration of Filipino heritage and flavor.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Le Petit Chef Experience at Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu</strong></div><p>Le Petit Chef Experience is a 5-course set menu with a glass of wine or mocktail. Free one kid up to 16 years old.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>The Ultimate Chef Team at bai Hotel Cebu</strong></div><p>In celebration of Philippine Independence Day and in alignment with bai Hotel Cebu’s commitment to elevate its culinary offerings, we are pleased to announce The Ultimate Chef Team, a collaboration with 7Flames.</p><p>This initiative aims to showcase the rich and diverse flavors of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao through a carefully curated culinary event designed to deliver a unique and immersive dining experience for our guests.</p>

<p>The Cebu Food and Wine Festival is back, bringing together local and international chefs, hotel groups, and farmers at a moment when the region’s food and hospitality sectors are still finding their footing.</p>

The Cebu Food and Wine Festival is back, bringing together local and international chefs, hotel groups, and farmers at a moment when the region’s food and hospitality sectors are still finding their footing.