Newdawn Hotel Plus Makes History with Cagayan de Oro’s First Halal-Certified Hotel Kitchen, Banquet & Catering Services
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — September 24, 2026 — Newdawn Hotel Plus marks a milestone for Cagayan de Oro’s hospitality and industry with the Halal certification of Aster Kitchen, the hotel’s dedicated banquet kitchen on the fourth floor, making it the first Halal-certified hotel kitchen in Misamis Oriental.
The MMHCBI Halal Certification #2026-125, granted by the Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Board, Inc., is valid until September 08, 2027, and covers Aster Kitchen’s food and beverage production, hotel breakfast, room service, pastries, banquets, and catering services, with the exception of beef products. MMHCBI’s audit team conducted an on-site certification audit at Newdawn Hotel Plus’ Aster kitchen, a dedicated Halal kitchen. Sertu and ritual cleansing are also done on the same day.
The achievement builds on Newdawn Hotel Plus’ earlier milestone, wherein January 2026, Newdawn Hotel Plus and New Dawn Pensionne were recognized by DOT Region X as the first Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Establishments in Cagayan de Oro and Northern Mindanao. From MF Rooms with Qiblah, Qur’an & Prayer mats, an established prayer area, and Halal Pasalubong, the halal kitchen is the culmination of the hotel’s integrated offer.
With Aster Kitchen’s certification, Newdawn Hotel Plus expands its ability to serve government agencies, corporate organizations, meetings/Convention groups, and event organizers requiring Halal-certified food service. Services include hotel breakfast and room service, catering & banquet food service, and outside catering through packed meals and buffet service. Ramadan meal service available.
The certification culminates a two-year journey of research, training, and operational development undertaken by the team. Newdawn Hotel Plus credits the invaluable support and guidance of the Department of Science and Technology Region X – RediHalal Team, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Region X, Department of Tourism Region X, and the certification process by MMHCBI for achieving this milestone.
For Newdawn Hotel Plus, the achievement also supports a broader goal of strengthening Northern Mindanao’s position as an inclusive destination for meetings, conferences, and government and corporate events.
Alongside its certification, Aster Kitchen is developing a culinary identity inspired by a fusion of Mindanao and Southeast Asian cuisine. Featured catering offerings include Chicken Piaparan, Fish stew with Langka (Biyaran A Badak), Chicken Rendang, Halal-certified Pancit Macau & Roast Chicken, and hotel pastries such as Ube Ensaymada and Butter Torta.
Through Aster Kitchen, Newdawn Hotel Plus aims to establish itself as a preferred Cagayan de Oro venue and catering provider for events requiring Halal-certified food service, from hotel stays and government functions to MICE events, packed meals, and off-site buffet catering.
Also at the event are SME partners with DTI-supported Halal-certified Pasalubong products. Showcasing their products were Camiguin: Sabroso Chocolate Manufacturing (chocolate), Mama Jita’s Food Products ( Tablea), Lanao del Norte: Lozano Food Products (salabat), Heaven’s Bakehaus, Summer Juice Manufacturing (Kalamansi), Misamis Oriental: Agay Ayan MultiPurpose Coop (Coco sugar), Seabeth Food Processing (Mang Kiko Cacao), SC Greengrocery & Food Processing (Mr. Clav Banana Vinegar, Langka Jam), Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperative (Highland Fresh), Hinam-is Cagayan de Oro’s Delight (Yema)
About Newdawn Hotel Plus
Located along Don Apolinar Velez Street in the heart of Cagayan de Oro City, Newdawn Hotel Plus offers accommodations, meeting and conference facilities, banquet services, and dining for business, government, leisure, and group travelers.
For Media, Event & Catering Inquiries
Karen Cutanda / Divina Bayoc
Newdawn Hotel Plus Sales Office
Tel: (088) 850 1888, Mobile: 0975 641 0288 / 0916 221 9986
Email: [email protected], Website: grandcityhotelscdo.com
Facebook & Instagram: @newdawnhotelcdo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the major announcement?
Aster Kitchen at Newdawn Hotel Plus has received MMHCBI Halal Certification, making it Cagayan de Oro’s first Halal-certified hotel kitchen.
Is the entire Newdawn Hotel Plus Halal-certified?
No. The Halal certification applies specifically to Aster Kitchen on the hotel’s 4th floor. It includes food & beverage production from this kitchen, except for beef products. MMHCBI audit team conducted on-site certification & audit at Newdawn Hotel Plus’ Aster kitchen, a dedicated Halal kitchen. Sertu and ritual cleansing are also done on the same day.
Who issued the certification?
The certification was granted by the Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Board, Inc. (MMHCBI). The Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Body is among the nationally recognized Halal certifying bodies by the NCMF. (National Commission on Muslim Filipinos)
How long is the certification valid?
September 08, 2026, through September 08, 2027.
What services can Aster Kitchen provide?
Aster Kitchen supports hotel breakfast buffet, room service dining, banquet and MICE food service, packed meals, and outside buffet catering.
What does Newdawn Hotel uniquely offer
Newdawn Hotel’s offer is threefold: DOT-certified Muslim-friendly accommodations, Halal-certified foodservice for dining, events & catering, and Halal-certified Pasalubong products.
The above complements our existing amenities: modern Car park with elevators & Rooftop Restaurant dining & views.
How long did the process take?
Approximately two years of research, training, sourcing changes, staff hiring, operational preparation, SOP development, kitchen development, and culinary R&D. A new Mindanao Banquets Menu was launched with heritage flavors.
Who supported Newdawn’s journey?
The hotel recognizes the invaluable support of DOST Region X, NCMF Region X, DOT Region X, and MMHCBI’s Certifying Body.
Can Aster Kitchen cater outside the Newdawn Hotel Plus?
Yes. Its services include Halal-certified packaged meals and buffet catering for off-site requirements, subject to the hotel’s booking and operational requirements.
What cuisine is served by Newdawn Hotel – Aster Kitchen?
Mindanao Meets Southeast Asia Fusion at Newdawn Hotel plus
The culinary team is developing an identity centered on a fusion of Mindanao and Southeast Asian flavors, enabling the kitchen to serve food that is both culturally relevant and suited to the diverse needs of hotel guests, government delegations, conferences, and catered events.
To ensure authentic flavors, local ingredients were sourced, and chef consultants specializing in Mindanao cuisine were brought in to create authentic Mindanao dishes.
Media Launch Features
Chicken Piaparan
A Mindanao-inspired dish that provides a natural connection between Aster Kitchen’s culinary offering and the food heritage of the region.
Pancit Macau with Seafood
A Halal-certified seafood noodle offering reflecting the Southeast Asian side of Aster Kitchen’s culinary direction.
Hotel Pastries & Cold Kitchen
A selection of pastry favorites for take-home: Ube Ensaymada & Butter Torta, Savor the sweet flavors of Mindanao with Binaki Cake, Knickerbocker, and Halo – Halo.
Who should organizations contact?
Sales Team – Newdawn Hotel plus | Tel.: (088) 850 1888
Mobile: 0975 641 0288 / 0916 221 9986
Email:[email protected], Facebook & Instagram:@newdawnhotelcdo
Photos
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