DAVAO CITY – The Davao Food and Wine Festival, on its third and most dynamic year, is amplifying Davao City’s push toward global culinary recognition — a movement organizers say could soon place Davao on the radar of prestigious institutions such as the Michelin Guide.

Davao Food and Wine Festival Chairperson Carmina del Rosario stated in an interview with reporters that the festival has evolved into Mindanao’s strongest culinary platform, uniting chefs, producers, partners, and audiences in a shared mission to elevate the region’s food culture.

“We try to highlight Davao and Mindanao through its local ingredients and talents and bring them to the global stage,” Del Rosario said, adding that this is the first time they have held a culinary competition among four chefs. “This is just the beginning. It is time for Davao to shine.”

Kitchen Arena served as the highlight of this year’s festival, featuring a fast-paced competition of skill and creativity. It concluded on Saturday night, Nov. 29, at Dusit Thani Residence Davao, with Chef Rhea Rizzo of Mrs. Saldo’s and Little Miss Saldo’s emerging as the champion.

“More than the competition, I am grateful for the camaraderie I’ve seen in the chefs that I admire,” Rizzo said. “As a first-time visitor to Davao City, everyone is so welcoming. People here are so generous with their time and effort. I am happy to be here,” she added.

Rizzo — a proudly Caviteña chef who began her culinary journey after becoming a mother — bested a strong lineup of chefs: Andrew Malarkey of Wild Siargao, who won the crowd’s choice award for Chipirones on Mais Bigas Cremoso; Jeramie Go of Pilgrim; and Dinan of Dusit Davao.

The champion of this year’s competition is a former hotel worker who later pursued her childhood dream of becoming a chef. She said the experience is significant to her, aside from the fact that this is her first time participating in a competition.

In the classic Kitchen Arena, chefs faced timed challenges, specialty equipment determined by a draw, and the suspense of the Secret Black Box, which was revealed before the competition began — containing Odong, a Visayan noodle; crabs fresh from Surigao, and Malagos cheese.

Del Rosario said the festival is part of a long-term effort to help the Department of Tourism elevate the Philippines’ standing in global gastronomy. She added that with the Michelin Guide’s arrival in the country, she believes Davao must seize the moment.

“People think Davao is far or unsafe. For three years, we have been informing them that we are as good as the rest of the country,” she said, emphasizing that Kitchen Arena is more than just a competition—it is a celebration of Davao’s generosity, creativity, and rich culinary heritage.

Jhei Manzanero, Cluster Director of Marketing for the Dusit Thani Davao hotels and resorts, said that the company has partnered with the Davao Food and Wine Festival to deliver its boldest edition yet. “We wanted to end the festival with a bang through a friendly competition,” she said.

The event was emceed by Kyle Jennermann, otherwise known as Kulas of the Becoming Filipino, whose warmth resonated with the crowd, and Kim Liu of the Varigoods, who provided clear and insightful culinary commentary.

A panel of respected judges—food columnist JC Lo, seasoned food and travel writer Pepper Teehankee, and hospitality entrepreneur Nicole Bian Hao—evaluated the dishes, offering a balanced mix of technical, cultural, and industry perspectives.

Guests began the night with tasting stations prepared by the competing chefs, paired with Sula wines. The festival’s pantry showcased Mindanao producers, including Mindanao Butchers & Co., Alsons Aquaculture, Hijo Fresh, Mothers Produce, Italian Specialists, Rafski, Unilever, and others.

The night ended with a guided tasting, final deliberation, and the announcement of Rizzo as Kitchen Arena Champion, a moment celebrated by chefs, organizers, and supporters of Davao’s growing culinary movement.

Del Rosario said Kitchen Arena is not merely a contest but a reflection of Davao’s spirit. As the Davao Food and Wine Festival expands, she added that the city is increasingly poised to join the ranks of the Philippines’ premier food destinations.