SMU HTM Strikes Gold and Takes Home 18 Awards at HRAB 2025

Baguio City, Philippines — The tireless dedication of the students and the expert guidance of their coaches from the Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) Department of Saint Mary’s University (SMU) resulted in a significant achievement at the competitive 18th ANNUAL HOTEL, RESTAURANT & TOURISM MONTH (HRAB) 2025, which featured the 16th NATIONAL FOOD SHOWDOWN held from OCTOBER 9 to 11, 2025. The SMU delegation proudly brought home 18 awards out of 19 total entries—a testament to the department’s high preparation standard with a 94% success rate on its entered items.
The impressive haul included one Gold Medal , two Silver Medals , seven Bronze Medals , and eight Diploma Awards.
The Golden Victory and Dedicated Mentorship
The highest honor, a Gold Medal, was secured in the Student Division for the Plated Dessert – Tsokolate at Iba Pa! category. This sweet victory was earned by Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) second-year students Zyrene Faye N. Mamauag and Keiron Khier R. Ignacio.
Their exceptional skills were honed through the joint efforts of internal and external coaching teams, highlighting the great collaborative effort behind their success:
- Internal Coach: Mrs. Jesusa Ana Maria F. Jacalne.
- External Experts: Chef John Paul L. Estrada, Chef Arxel Reigh A. Catubay, and Chef Joey C. Pascua II.
Silver Medalists Showcase Mixology and Culinary Skill
The department also celebrated two Silver Medal wins, demonstrating excellent prowess in both beverage and culinary arts:
- Regional Fruit Jams and Preserves – Forest Berries: Silver Medalist Krizza Gaile S. Alaman (BSHM 2) was coached by Mrs. Jesusa Ana Maria F. Jacalne, with external experts Chef Arxel Reigh A. Catubay and Chef Joey C. Pascua II.
- Mocktail Mixing- Wild Fruit Juices: Silver Medalist Nicole Ann A. Belmil (BSTM 4) was coached by John Michael C. Ibarra.
Bronze and Diploma Winners Display Teamwork and Resilience
The department’s commitment to competitive excellence was visible across multiple categories, with students and coaches achieving seven Bronze Medals and eight Diploma Awards.
Bronze Medalists and their Categories:
- Rowenna Vennessa C. Gayagoy and Aryan L. Yuzon for Travel and Tours- Jungle Journey (Professional Division).
- Marc Alvin M. Salazar, Joshua O. Sumbillo, and Benjahmin C. Miran for Klasika Moderna Kulinarya- Pagsasalo ng Kalikasan.
- Jessy R. Garma II and Aleena Jaine A. Gamboa for Best Regional Ingredient – Kilawin sa Sukang Iloko.
- Raven Lee C. Padilla and Jheianna May K. Fabian for Baby Cake- Free Style.
- Marie Zea M. Caguioa for Tea Concoction- Mountain Tea.
- Almyra Joy B. Garcia and Nicole Ann A. Belmil for Travel and Tours- Jungle Journey (Student Division).
- Gabriel A. Lorenzo for Bouquet Design Centerpiece- Bloom with Graces: A Sampaguita Story.
The commitment of the coaches was instrumental across all categories. For the Travel and Tours events, internal coaches MR. JOHN MICHAEL C. IBARRA, MS. ROWENA VENNESSA C. GAYAGOY, and MS.ARYAN L. YUZON were supported by external experts MARK IAN J. SORIANO and NEIL ALDRIN S. CACAL. In the competitive culinary fields, internal coaches MR. JOHN MICHAEL C. IBARRA and MR. JOHN REY C. PIÑERA worked alongside external expert CHEF JOHN PAUL L. ESTRADA.
Diploma Awardees and their Categories:
- Steven Paul B. De Guzman, Krizza Gaile S. Alaman, and Hydrian P. Estimada for Klasika Moderna Kulinarya- Pagsasalo ng Kalikasan.
- Kyla Angela V. Martinez and Gabriel A. Lorenzo for Travel and Tours- Jungle Journey.
- Vincent D. Madayag and Sky K. Bumolo for Travel and Tours- Jungle Journey.
- Lister Dan E. Casuga and Khryzzy Shane Aecyanne D. Eraña for Travel and Tours- Jungle Journey.
- Rogelyn Marriel P. Tomas for Regional Pica-Pica.
- Lister Dan E. Casuga for Napkin Folding- Serviette.
- Almyra Joy B. Garcia for Bellman’s Hour- Trust and Confidence.
- Karylle S. Pinaroc for Panghimagas – Pineapple Flambe.
The achievements underscore the SMU HTM Department’s success in providing rigorous, industry-aligned training, which is consistently reinforced by the invaluable support of its coaches and external industry partners.