On April 3-6, 2025, the second-year BSTM and BSHM students went on a fun learning experience to Cebu and Bohol for their Stay and Learn Program (SLP). 

The first day was filled with visits to historical attractions of Cebu, like the Yap-San Diego Ancestral House, the Heritage of Cebu Monument, Magellan’s Cross, Fort San Pero, and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. On the second day, a series of seminars were conducted at Bai Hotel, focusing on basic front office operations, food and beverages operations, housekeeping operations, and M.I.CE. Speakers were from the roster of trainers of the Bai Hotel, a 4-star independent hotel located in Mandaue City. On the third day, the students went on an adventure on nature trails in the province of Bohol. 

The students visited several sites like Baclayon Church, had lunch at the Rio Verde Floating Resto in Loay (a river cruise), Bilar Man-made Forest, Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area, and the Chocolate Hills Viewpoint, where they captured some stunning views of the Chocolate Hills, a UNESCO Geological monument. Afterward, the students headed to Panglao Island. On the fourth day, the students visited Cebu’s Little Amsterdam – Sirao Garden and Temple of Leah, a rolling tour at the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, and the panoramic views of the 10K Roses. 

The success of the SLP 2025 reflects the core values of Saint Mary’s University Hospitality and Tourism Management (SMU HTM) – We Inspire, We Innovate, We Influence. 

By strengthening students’ technical skills through exposure to industry and engaging in meaningful discussions with the experts, the tour and seminar have paved the way for opportunities and future roofing among the attendees. 

Indeed, SMU-HTM is faithful to its mission and is driven by excellence.