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 on site certification audit at Newdawn Hotel Plus’ Aster kitchen, a dedicated Halal kitchen. Sertu and ritual cleansing also done on same day.

The achievement builds on Newdawn Hotel Plus’ earlier milestone where-in 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 , Quoran & Prayer mats, a 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 dining, catering & banquet food service, as well as 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, together with the certification process of MMHCBI, in achieving the 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 Halal certified Pasalubong products supported by DTI. 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 provides accommodations, meetings, conferences, banquets and dining services 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: Sales@grandcityhotelscdo.com, Website: https://www.grandcityhotelscdo.com/newdawnplus/
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