Senior Hospitality and Tourism Management students participated in a series of pre-OJT seminars to bridge academic learning with real-world industry experience. The event featured expert speakers from various sectors who shared practical knowledge and professional insights to prepare students for their on-the-job training.

Industry Experts Share Key Insights

The seminar series was designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse facets of the hospitality and tourism industry, fostering practical knowledge, entrepreneurial thinking, and ethical practices. The seminars featured industry experts and educators, each bringing experience and knowledge. Here’s a recap of the sessions and the invaluable lessons shared by the distinguished speakers:

Mr. Noel A. Abiva (Topic: Food and Beverage Excellence) highlighted excellence in food and beverage service, emphasizing quality, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.

Mrs. Gleddy Mae V. La Corda (Topic: Housekeeping Excellence: Unlocking Professional Success Through Roles, Responsibilities, and Certifications) emphasized the critical role of housekeeping, professional responsibilities, and the importance of certifications for career advancement.

Mrs. Aira Leigh S. Rumbaua (Topic: Practical Tips for Graduating Students: Building a Successful Career in the Tourism Industry), the Department Chair of Hospitality Management at Nueva Vizcaya State University— Bayombong, shared practical career advice for graduating students, emphasizing attitude, planning, preparation, and resilience.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bren Karlo P. Agustin (Topic: Beyond the Basics: Delivering Exceptional Guest Experiences), part-owner of Cafe Manna, focused on personalization and attention to detail to create memorable guest experiences and foster customer loyalty.

Mrs. Marichelle O. Costales (Topic: Empowering Future Professionals: Skills for a Successful Tourism Journey) stressed essential skills like cultural awareness, communication, and adaptability using the TOURISM acronym— Time-conscious, Outstanding, Understanding the organization, Realistic expectation, Initiative/Inquisitive, Studying, Empowering.

Ms. Windell Marie M. Colobong, CGSP, LPT (Topic: Navigating Success: Real-Life Journey of Tourism Management Alumni) Shared her experiences as an alumna, highlighting the importance of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning.

Mr. Jose Karlo Mari T. Tottoc (Topic: Entrepreneurial Mindset: Turning Challenges into Opportunities) inspired students to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, emphasizing innovation and creativity in overcoming challenges.

Lastly, Mr. Sherween Jerry Paul V. Saquing (Topic: Professional Ethics for Practitioners), addressed the importance of integrity, accountability, and ethical decision-making, including the TIP acronym (To Insure Promptness). According to the Department of Labor and Employment and the Civil Service Commission, he also shared insights into the workplace accountability structures.

The seminar series equipped students with practical knowledge, professional values, and industry insights essential for their OJT. With lessons from seasoned professionals, Marian HTM interns are now better prepared to thrive in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Written by: Mr. John Rey C. Piñera