The Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) Department of Saint Mary’s University (SMU) successfully hosted its inaugural Research Forum on December 4, 2024, themed “Creative Sparks: Igniting Innovation and Imagination.” This event marked a significant milestone in the department’s commitment to fostering a global research presence and collaboration, aligning with SMU’s overarching goal of enhancing its international footprint through impactful research publications. The forum featured esteemed external evaluators from the Lyceum of the Philippines University-Laguna, including Professor Ryan A. Gamoso, Ph.D, DHM, LPT, PD-TQM, and Chef Ybethe Castillo, owner of Yanis Cakesserie, Guest Chef of Umagang Kay Ganda of ABS-CBN Channel, a Diploma Holder of International Baking and Pastry Arts and finished Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics. Their participation underscored the importance of national and international partnerships in achieving high-quality research outcomes.

The event encapsulated the new HTM tagline: “3i of HTM: Inspire, Innovation, Influence.” Six research groups from the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) and eight from the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) presented their projects, successfully defending their research. Congratulations are extended to Team 1 from BSHM and Team 8 from BSTM for achieving the highest grades in their presentations (90+).

• Team 1:
• Title: Chasing the Rainbow: Studying Safe Space For LGBTQIA+ in the Hotels of Nueva Vizcaya
• Researchers: Aaron Ray F. Bautista, Princess B. Cabanag, Xzkyl L. Dela Cruz, Jenna Belle C. Fernando, Samantha Cyrah A. Seraspi
• Adviser: Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra
• Team 8:
• Title: Empowering the Community through Ecotourism Management: The Case of Communal Falls
• Researchers: Gian Carlo E. Barboza, Tabitha Jubel C. Cabot, Jeremiah S. Ebreo, Nick Andrei M. Labasan, Luis Arvin G. Mendoza
• Adviser: Dr. Harrison T. Villanueva

The success of this forum was made possible through the leadership of Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra, HTM Department Head and research instructor. The department expresses gratitude to the SMU administration, particularly the University Research Center and the Office of the Academic Dean of the School of Accountancy and Business (SAB), for their support.

Mr. Ibarra also recognized several individuals for their dedication to research as evaluators and advisers:

• Mrs. Angela C. Garra, MBA (SAB Research Coordinator)
• Dr. Mayvelyn S. Covita, CGSP, CTP (SoGS Academic Dean)
• Dr. Harrison T. Villanueva, CMPE (Assistant Director of IDQAO)
• Chef Jesusa Ana Maria F. Jacalne, CGSP
• Mr. John Rey C. Piñera
• Mr. Mark Ian J. Soriano, MSTM, CGSP
• Mr. Robert S. Aceret
• Mrs. Gayle R. Mercado, MBA
• Miss Aryan L. Yuzon

The HTM Department at SMU remains committed to its mission of excellence in research and education, continually inspiring innovation and influencing positive change within the hospitality and tourism sectors. 

Congratulations to all participating researchers for their hard work and dedication!

Written by: Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra