The great comeback of the King of Fruits also known as the Durian Festival has returned here after a 10-year hiatus. From Durian Tastings, Durian Olympics, and Cooking Demonstrations to Educational Forum and Food Fairs local businesses in Tagum gather in one place. The Durian Festival was conceptualized as a collaborative effort that brought together residents, business owners, and civic leaders alike. With a passion for promoting the city’s agricultural heritage and fostering economic growth, the Mayor played a pivotal role in rallying support for the festival.
Tagum City proudly launched its inaugural Durian Festival 2023. Mayor Rey T. Uy himself led the said ceremony, accompanied by Consul General Zhao Xiuzhen of the People’s Republic of China, Tagum City Tourism Arts and Culture Council Head, Ms. Alma Uy, and fruit exporters from China. Photo By: CIO TAGUM
At the heart of the Durian Festival lay an array of delectable treats and culinary delights, showcasing the versatility and flavor of Tagum City’s most cherished fruit. Visitors were invited to indulge their senses in durian tastings, where they sampled a variety of durian cultivars and learned about the unique characteristics of each. Culinary enthusiasts were treated to cooking demonstrations led by local chefs, who shared their secrets for incorporating durian into savory dishes, desserts, and beverages.
As the Durian Festival returns to the city, the spotlight shines once again on the exhilarating spectacle of devouring durians at The Great Durian Eating Showdown, signaling the grand opening of the festival. Photo by: CIO TAGUM
Additionally, The aroma of cooking and the tantalizing flavors of the King of Fruits filled the air during this year’s interschool Durian Culinary Olympics, held as part of the annual Durian Festival. Fifteen schools from across Mindanao showcased their culinary prowess over three days of intense competition, crafting dishes in various categories including Durian Kakanin, Durian Coffee blends, Durian Main Dish, Durian Pasalubong, Durian Cocktails, Durian Street Food, and Durian Celebration Cake. Additionally, students demonstrated their skills in table setup and flairtending, adding flair and finesse to the competition atmosphere.
One of the 15 entries for the Durian Celebration Cake made with purely of durian. Photo by: CIO Tagum
Against the backdrop of food fairs and live bands, the Durian Festival served as a rallying point for community unity, bringing together residents, businesses, and visitors in a spirit of camaraderie and celebration. Local businesses showcased their products and services at vendor booths, fostering connections and collaboration within the community. Meanwhile, attendees mingled and made memories with friends and family, forging bonds that would endure long after the festival had ended.
The band members standing confidently on stage, instruments in hand, ready to perform and to mesmerize the people. Photo by: CIO TAGUM
In summary, the comeback of Tagum City’s Durian Festival isn’t just about the event’s return, but also about the revival of community spirit and pride. After being on hold for ten years, the festival came back stronger, celebrating Tagum’s agricultural heritage and food creativity. With various activities like durian tastings and cooking contests, it brought people together and showcased the city’s unity and entrepreneurial drive. The festival highlighted teamwork among local groups, showing their dedication to boosting the economy and promoting Tagum City as a place of innovation. As the festival filled the air with the scent of durian and lively music, it reminded everyone of the city’s resilience and left behind memories of togetherness and joy.