Experience the real hospitality industry as the Institute of Hospitality Management launched a colorful and extravagant HM Days 2023 last April 19-20.
Students and teachers proved the resiliency of the industry as they participated in the opening cultural parade that showcased different festival dances in the Philippines. The hospitality industry is now on full blast to recover the vigor of the country’s tourism by opening the borders and bringing back the festivals for tourists.
In line with this effort, Holy Cross College teachers and employees joined hands in showing they can be innovative and diverse in the new era as they highlight the theme “Convergence towards Diversity in Hospitality.”
“Diversity helps in bringing new perspectives and innovative ideas to execute events and has many advantages if managed successfully, which is why I created four houses (House of Hilton, House of Chef Careme, House of Escoffier, and House of Thomas Cook) to represent each competition. Teamwork, togetherness, discipline, competitiveness, dedication, and diversity all contribute to creativity. In the hotel industry, we support diversity and inclusion,” BSHM Program Chair Jaramie Gonzales said.
Dessert making, flair-tending, cocktail mixing, fruit carving, and table set-up are among the skills competition participated by students during the opening of the 2-day celebration.
Shre Samuel, 3rd-year student, joined the skills competition to asses his skills in culinary arts. He said collaboration, time management, attention to detail, and flexibility are among the values he learned during the competition.
“Participating in BSHM Days is a great way to meet new people, and have fun. By joining the market basket competition and HM night, I had the opportunity to showcase my culinary skills, work as a team, and socialize with my fellow HM students. This can help you build my confidence, expand my network, and develop my social and communication skills,” he said.
“The hospitality industry is all about providing excellent customer service, building relationships, and creating memorable experiences for guests. By participating in BSHM Days, we can learn important values and lessons that are essential for success in this industry,” he added.
An Entrepreneurship Day was launched to let HM students cook and prepare food for fellow Crucians and let them taste different local and international cuisine. This also taught student participants to manage their mini-store and engage with customers.
Students demonstrating their various abilities in their field of specialty are among the goals of the HM days, making it worthwhile and significant from the previous celebrations.
“It is significant because this is the first time a BSHM day has been celebrated with a big number of students under the BSHM program; previously, we just celebrated it within the classroom with a few activities and snacks. It is much more enjoyable in hospitality since everyone enjoys and participates in all events and they are competitive. This is one of the most unique and unforgettable days in the history of hospitality management,” Gonzales said.
In addition to showing passion and skills in culinary, HM students also displayed beauty and wit as they participate in the Mr. and Ms. HM 2023.
Ma. Angelika Lising was hailed as Ms. HM 2023 as she flaunt her beauty and confidence while performing on stage. She said this pageant became a platform to boost her confidence and meet new friends.
“What I learned from this pageant is that you have to be strong. We should overcome all our fears and this, in turn, would make us stronger. Through this pageant, I became stronger to face all my fears in front of many people surrounding me,” she said.
HM students also proved they are talented during the HM Got Talent, some students sing or dance but a unique and comedy interpretative performance captured the hearts of the audience.
HCC gymnasium was filled with applause, laughter, and music as they end the HM Days with a party to celebrate the hard work of all students and teachers. #