The battle of skills among SMU Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) students during the 1st HTM Culinary Class Wars 2024 with the theme “Taraon: Agsasaruno a Latok” [Translated as Food (wars): Series of Plates] was a resounding success, as the event showcased the exceptional skills and creativity of the HTM students. The culinary, tourism booth, and housekeeping competitions pushed the boundaries of innovation, creativity, efficiency, and excellence, resulting in a truly remarkable experience among the students. 

This event, inspired by the well-known culinary competition Master Chef, was coined by three HTM Instructors Mr. Neil Aldrin S. Cacal, CGSP; Chef Jesusa Ana Maria F. Jacalne, CGSP; and Mr. John Rey C. Piñera. With the approval and support of the HTM Department Head, Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra, this event was held on December 6-8, 2024 in time for the 96th SMU Founding Anniversary of SMU and as an inaugural event of the newest HTM tagline “Inspire, Innovate, and Influence.” 

The heart of the event was the culinary competition among Hospitality Management (2nd, 3rd and 4th Year) students. Armed with mystery ingredients, the aspiring chefs were challenged to create delectable dishes on the spot, emulating the thrilling format of a MasterChef competition. Culinary experts Dr. Ryan A Gamoso, Chef Ybethe Castilo, Chef Rhonagail Apaga, and Chef Dexter Garay served as chef judges for the cooking competition. Meanwhile, Chef Cristina Mendoza and Chef Noel A. Abiva evaluated the Modern Filipiniana Suite Room competition. Lastly, Mrs. Marichelle O. Costales and Miss Flomilyn Dela Cruz evaluated each tourism booth. 

The winners are as follows: 

Day 1 Winners:

Umuna a Latok: Team C.1.4 (Jasper Bacena and Mike Lorenz L. Yanguas) 

Maikadwa a Latok: Team C.2.5 (Hydrian P. Estimada, Joshua O. Sumbilio, and John Aidan P. Cabanag) 

Day 2 Winners: 

Maikatlo a Latok: Team C.3.1 (Carmelo Adriano, Justine Louise A. Gadiano, and Trixia Kae A. Almonte) 

Maika uppat a Latok: Team C.4.1 (Steven Paul B. De Guzman, Jeneva Zen G. Manoddom, and Julius Ervin G. Ramos) 

The Grand Finale: 

Team C.1.4 (Jasper Basena and Mike Lorenz L. Yanguas) emerged victorious, solidifying their position as the ultimate culinary champions.

In a parallel competition, HM 1 students demonstrated their expertise in housekeeping through a rigorous bed-making challenge and suite room arrangement. The following teams were recognized for their exceptional skills: 

Third Place: Code 3627 (Padua, Charles Jr., Saet, Casandra Nicolle M., Alcantara, Jana Grace M., Dela Roca, Pamela Lorraine C., Apolinar, Ralph A.) 

Second Place: Code 3608 (Rosales, Judhea Charmay P., Tolentino, Lester M., Guntang, Trixie Nicole D., Odones, Leonardo Jr. M., Belingon, Pauleen Mae C.) 

First Place: Code 3607 (Asuncion, Amiel Tristan B., Dalinoc, Gian Carlo B., Rejelme, Jericho T., Pinaroc, Karylle S., Verzo, Sophia Nicole G.) 

The Tourism and Hospitality Management 3 students played a pivotal role in ensuring the event’s smooth operation. They diligently served guests with an unlimited supply of delicious pica-pica and refreshing drinks, contributing to the overall success of the event.

Organizers: 4th Year Hospitality Management Students under HMPE 10 Catering Management Headed by: Manager: Miss Erica Apigo, Miss Celine Atienza, Miss Pilar Khaetreen Antonino, Miss Marcelita Domingo and Miss Divine Costales

Written by: Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra