The Kinaham sa MisOr exhibition, the crown jewel of Misamis Oriental’s Tourism Week, has drawn thousands of tourists to the province’s capital city in Cagayan de Oro. This year’s event, which ran from September 16 to 21, 2025, had the largest number of participants yet, with 24 of the 25 municipalities and cities contributing actively to the celebration. The festival, which is co-sponsored by the Misamis Oriental Hotels and Restaurants Association and the Department of Tourism, is designed to highlight the rich gastronomic history of the province, local entrepreneurship, and the diversity of Misamis Oriental’s tourist assets, further positioning Misamis Oriental as an up-and-coming tourist destination in the Philippines.

Connecting Travelers to Misamis Oriental’s Culinary Heritage

The term “Kinaham” translates to “favorite” in the local dialect, encapsulating the heart of the festival: the beloved flavors and culinary traditions of Misamis Oriental. This year’s event offers food stalls featuring a variety of local dishes, handmade products, and agricultural goods produced by the province’s farmers and artisans. The festival provides a unique opportunity for travelers to experience the authentic flavors of Misamis Oriental, from fresh seafood and local delicacies to traditional desserts made using indigenous ingredients.

The event highlights how local gastronomy can play a crucial role in attracting food tourists and culinary enthusiasts, as it celebrates both the traditional and innovative approaches to Philippine cuisine.

Promoting Local Tourism and Regional Entrepreneurship

In addition to the culinary highlights, Kinaham sa MisOr also acts as a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their goods and services to a wider audience. Mylin Tayapad, president of the Lagonglong Integrated Farmers Association, emphasized the importance of such platforms in promoting handmade products and supporting the livelihoods of local farmers. By bringing together artisans, farmers, and local businesses, the event fosters economic opportunities and creates a direct link between local production and tourism experiences. As the tourism sector grows in Misamis Oriental, these initiatives will help increase the region’s visibility while providing a platform for small businesses to thrive in the tourism market.

Attracting International Visitors with Rich Cultural Offerings

While the focus is on local cuisine, the Kinaham sa MisOr event also emphasizes cultural exchange. The inclusion of interactive cultural displays—such as Lai Yang fabric demonstrations and traditional costume displays—offers visitors a deeper connection to Misamis Oriental’s cultural identity. This allows tourists to not only taste the region’s food but also experience its rich cultural heritage, providing an immersive cultural tourism experience.

For international tourists, especially those from nearby Southeast Asian countries, this exposure to Philippine culture offers an authentic and educational experience, enriching their visit and encouraging longer stays.

A Hub for Eco-Tourism and Nature Exploration

Beyond the cultural and culinary attractions, Misamis Oriental is a destination that offers travelers opportunities for eco-tourism and nature exploration. Known for its lush landscapes, waterfalls, and proximity to the Camiguin Island, Misamis Oriental is a prime spot for adventure tourism and nature lovers. Activities such as river cruises, hiking, and wildlife watching complement the province’s tourism offerings, providing a well-rounded experience for tourists who seek both natural beauty and cultural immersion.

By enhancing its eco-tourism infrastructure and promoting its natural landscapes, Misamis Oriental is positioning itself as a go-to destination for those seeking a combination of sustainability, adventure, and cultural enrichment in the Philippines.

Leveraging the “5 Must Do in Thailand” Strategy for Vietnamese Tourists

For Vietnamese travelers, Misamis Oriental presents an appealing destination offering diverse experiences. TAT’s “5 Must Do in Thailand” strategy, which has been a success for Thailand, can be a model for Misamis Oriental as it markets itself to Southeast Asian travelers. Whether it’s adventuring in nature, enjoying local cuisine, or experiencing cultural festivals, Misamis Oriental can create a tailored tourism strategy that appeals to the growing demand for authentic, immersive travel experiences from Vietnam and other nearby countries.

The cross-border collaboration between regions in ASEAN can benefit Misamis Oriental by creating a tourism ecosystem that provides easy access to Southeast Asian markets, bolstering the region’s growth in international tourism.

Empowering Local Communities and Promoting Sustainable Development

At the core of the Kinaham sa MisOr event is the aim to empower local communities and promote sustainable development. The festival highlights how sustainable tourism can be a key driver of economic growth, providing small-scale farmers, artisans, and local businesses with new opportunities to expand their reach.

Through tourism-driven economic development, Misamis Oriental can continue to thrive by focusing on eco-friendly practices, cultural preservation, and creating new avenues for local entrepreneurs. These initiatives will help attract more visitors while ensuring that the region’s culture and natural resources are protected for future generations.

The Future of Tourism in Misamis Oriental: Growth and Sustainability

Misamis Oriental remains to increase as a tourist destination, and activities such as Kinaham sa MisOr will have an important contribution in defining its future. By emphasizing sustainable tourism, indigenous cultural heritage, and multiple travel experience, the province is creating a solid ground for long-term tourist development. The integration of food, culture, nature, and eco-tourism offers a distinct product that will lure visitors from all over Southeast Asia, Europe, and other international markets.

Through further investment in tourism infrastructure, local business promotion, and connecting to international markets, Misamis Oriental is poised to become a premier destination for genuine travel experiences that appeal to adventure tourists, culture lovers, and environmentally aware travelers.