Written by Israel Balian
The University of Baguio remained the Presidential Awardee and Overall Champion for 17 straight years at the 17th Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Week, and the 15th National Food Showdown with a theme “Kusina Filipina: Keep the Momentum . . Full Speed Ahead!”. , conducted from October 24 to 26, 2024, at Baguio Country Club by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio.
The 17th annual Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism (HRT) Week, organized by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB) in cooperation with the National Food Showdown (NFS) and led by Overall Chair Ms. Myrna D. Segismundo, was successfully held from October 24 to 26, 2024, at the Baguio Country Club in Baguio City. This was an opportunity for students and hospitality professionals from all walks of life to come together through a series of 37 competitions, knowledge sharing, and idea exchange. Competitions in hotel services, culinary arts, beverages, and floral arrangements; seminars, lectures, and demonstrations by culinary authorities of international repute. Additional hotel facility tours, a job fair, and an exhibition on the latest hotel and restaurant equipment, amenities, and products were offered.
Every year, the University of Baguio painstakingly selects a team of talented student delegates for school participation in hospitality and tourism competitions, which would fit the strengths of each participating student with the requirements of every category. The main participants in the competition are picked after undergoing a rigorous process, using mentors who closely observe the technical prowess, skills, and skills development of the students. This will ensure that students do not only shine in their categories but also get the experience required to compete at the national level, leading towards UB’s standard of excellence in hospitality and tourism.
As the days of competition approach, one can sense excitement among the delegates and their hearts full of pride to exhibit their exceptional training under the name and legacy of the University of Baguio, which exhibits an inch-perfect movement and professionalism. It goes to show that the performers do not only work with great passion but also represent great educational and mentoring processes which tend to be long-lasting impressions by judges and audiences alike.
With unwavering dedication and exceptional effort, the University of Baguio has emerged as the Overall Champion in the academe category at the recent hospitality competitions, achieving the highest overall scores among all official entries. The university also secured the Overall Presidential Award in the student and professional division, winning the highest number of gold medals. The University of Baguio claimed the title of Overall Champion in the Klasika Moderna Kulinarya food showdown and received the Overall Champion award from Potatoes USA. Marking a historic achievement for the university.
This year’s event saw UB awarded a remarkable 6 Golds with Distinction for the very first time in the history of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB). The university proudly brought home 17 Gold Medals, 26 Silver Medals, 14 Bronze Medals, and 5 Diplomas, solidifying its position as a leading entity in hospitality and tourism education. These accolades not only highlight the students’ remarkable skills and hard work but also reflect the university’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the field.
This demonstrates that the University of Baguio stands as a true home for champions, cultivating remarkable talents in the fields of hospitality and tourism. The School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management plays a pivotal role in this success, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience necessary to excel in a competitive industry. With a strong emphasis on practical training and mentorship, the school equips its students to navigate the dynamic landscape of hospitality and tourism. The dedication of both faculty and students to uphold the highest standards of excellence ensures that graduates emerge as well-rounded professionals ready to meet global demands.
