Before they welcome passengers with a smile at 35,000 feet, they first learned the values of professionalism, safety, and service on the ground. On June 17, 2026, the Hospitality and Tourism Management Department’s pioneer batch of flight attendant trainees celebrated the successful completion of a journey toward a future above the clouds.

The four senior BSTM students, Ms. Rose Ann San Andres, Mr. Bobby Soriano Jr., Ms. Angelene A. Clariño, and Ms. Alliah Marie Marquez, successfully completed and graduated from a 15-day intensive flight attendant training program under PTC Aviation in Parañaque City from June 1–17, 2026. This memorable achievement marks a milestone not only for the students but also for the department, which continues to create new pathways for student development. 

All four students received recognition during their commencement exercises for their outstanding achievements. Ms. Clariño was honored as a member of the Best Team during their culminating activity, while Mr. Soriano and Ms. Marquez both received the Situational Awareness Award for demonstrating exceptional hands-on skills in handling unexpected emergencies. Additionally, Ms. San Andres earned distinction as one of only two Honorable Mentions in their graduating cohort of 34 students, which brought together 30 peers from PHINMA and 4 from Saint Mary’s University.

The partnership between Saint Mary’s University and PTC Aviation Training Center Inc. was officially announced in November 2025, reflecting a shared commitment to preparing future tourism and hospitality professionals. Through this collaboration, students are given a unique opportunity to experience specialized flight attendant training, equipping them with valuable skills that extend beyond the traditional classroom.

The partnership was established under the leadership of HTM Department Head Mr. John Michael Ibarra, driven by the department’s 3i core values: We Inspire, We Innovate, We Influence.

This accomplishment paves the way for more tourism students to explore opportunities in the aviation industry. With the knowledge, discipline, and confidence they have gained, these graduates are now ready to embark on new journeys, bringing pride to the institution and inspiration to future trainees. 

As they set their goals to soar higher, these BSTM students carry with them not only their dreams but also the commitment to excellence that defines the Hospitality and Tourism Management Department. The sky is no longer the limit; it is only the beginning.

#galingSMU #SMUHTMInspireInnovateInfluence