Baguio City, Philippines – First-year Hotel and Tourism Management (HTM) students from Saint Mary’s University (SMU) in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, recently participated in an immersive 3-day “Stay and Learn Program” in Baguio City from March 21-23, 2025. The program, which involved 128 students and four instructors, provided valuable hands-on experience and supplemental classroom learning to the students.

On the first day, the participants were energized by a sumptuous breakfast buffet at the Newtown Plaza Hotel that showed the students how a breakfast buffet could welcome guests and give value for fees paid, which they can use in their future careers. Afterward, the group headed to Northern Blossom Flower Farm in Atok Benguet, which boasts hectares of flowers of different varieties and a spectacular mountain view. Lunch was served at the Tayao Gardens, which exhibits growing succulents despite the cool weather of Benguet. The group checked in at Le Monet Hotel, a four-star luxury hotel, to learn from the hotel’s best practices, especially in the areas of service,  new technologies, and innovations that made the hotel the most environment-friendly hotel in Northern Luzon. On the second day, the participants embarked on a familiarization tour of the facilities of the hotel and a seminar on best practices conducted by Ms. Charmaine Joy Rama-De Guzman, the hotel general manager; Mr. Marberto Morales, president of Southeast Travel Corporation; and Ms. Kristine Abando, housekeeping manager of Le Monet. The day ended with a buffet at the Korean Palace.  The last day was another fun and meaningful day as the group went on a city tour and visited the strawberry farm. 

The multifaceted industry of hospitality and tourism was introduced with the help of Travelesque Travel and Tours. Thus, this experience helped the students realize there is more to the industry than an excellent service experience and a scenic place. 

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 future opportunities and roofing among the attendees. 

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