Written by James Alfred Ominga and Lara Jean Soriano
On May 21, 2025, a familiar warmth found its way into the elegant interiors of The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. The occasion was the Culture Day Luncheon hosted by J1 Cultural Exchange Interns under the BridgeUSA Program, an event that gathered employees in anticipation of something both new and deeply rooted in tradition. What unfolded that afternoon was a celebration of Filipino culture presented through food, conversation, and community.
Representing the University of Baguio, particularly the School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (UB-SIHTM), the interns prepared a selection of traditional Filipino home dishes—Pork Sisig, Ginataang Gulay, and the well-loved Chicken Adobo—recipes often served during family gatherings and festive occasions in the Philippines. The dining area soon carried the rich, comforting aromas of these well-loved classics. Plates were arranged with care, each dish offering a glimpse into the country’s diverse culinary heritage.
Colleagues approached the table with genuine curiosity. Many had been looking forward to the luncheon, eager to experience flavors they had only heard about in passing conversations. As servings were shared, questions naturally followed. Conversations moved from ingredients and cooking techniques to stories about how certain dishes are prepared in Filipino households. Laughter surfaced when similarities were discovered between Filipino specialties and Southern comfort food. In those exchanges, unfamiliar flavors became points of connection rather than difference.
Within a globally recognized luxury property known for its high standards and multicultural workforce, the luncheon created space for cultural appreciation in a personal way. It allowed international interns to contribute something meaningful to their professional community, beyond their daily operational roles. The event strengthened workplace relationships by encouraging openness and dialogue, proving that hospitality is as much about understanding people as it is about delivering service.
For the University of Baguio, moments like this reflect a broader commitment to developing students who are prepared for opportunities beyond national borders. Through international programs such as the J1 Cultural Exchange Internship, UB-SIHTM students gain exposure to world-class hospitality environments while carrying with them the values and traditions that shape their identity. The Culture Day Luncheon demonstrated how those two elements—global competence and cultural pride—can coexist seamlessly.
The university’s aim to embrace diversity is realized when students confidently represent their heritage in international spaces. By sharing Filipino cuisine in a setting as distinguished as The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, the interns highlighted the warmth, generosity, and sense of community that define Filipino hospitality. Their participation in the luncheon was not simply about introducing new dishes; it reflected the kind of graduates UB strives to produce—professionals who are skilled, adaptable, and grounded in who they are.
As the afternoon drew to a close, what remained was more than the memory of a satisfying meal. The Culture Day Luncheon stood as a reminder that education extends beyond academic preparation. It shapes individuals who can build bridges across cultures with confidence and sincerity. From the classrooms of Baguio to the shores of Florida, the University of Baguio continues to affirm that when students are empowered to explore the world, they enrich it—one shared table at a time.
