“You are not just being trained and prepared inside the classrooms and laboratories … but you are [also] provided with other opportunities for learning.” These were the words of Dean Yolanda Manalili of the BS Hospitality Management (BSHM) during a webinar, November 18.
Manalili acknowledged that while the BSHM students need to have a theoretical understanding of their industry, it is also crucial for them to have a conversation with industry leaders.
“You are being prepared to enter the tourism and hospitality industry,” Manalili added. “You deserve to be given opportunities to be empowered and become more competent. Even during this time of the pandemic, the search for knowledge should not be hindered by the challenges of times.”
The webinar, organized by the BSHM department, centered on the challenges, changes, and trends of the hospitality and tourism industry amid the pandemic.
The first session of the webinar was conducted by Executive Chef Rhon James C. Aguilar, who is also a culinary consultant and a TV chef.
What’s in
Chef Rhon has been working in hospitality, particularly in restaurants, for about 12 years now. He said he has seen many trends come and go. That is why for future hospitality and tourism professionals to adapt and survive the demands of the industry, they have to study the trends.
He told the students: “This will play a major role para makatulong sa trend sa ating industriya.” This is one way to break into the culinary and hospitality industry, he said.
In this time of the pandemic, Chef Rhon explained, these are what’s in:
- Healthier foods
- Contactless transaction
- Artisan home cooking
- Personalization
- Sustainability
- Delivery
- Personalization of service
- Staycation
Chef Rhon also gave some tips for students on deciding which particular career they can pursue in the hospitality field: hotel and resort, tourism management, events management, etc. BSHM graduates have a wide array of job opportunities here and abroad.
Becoming a professional
Apart from Chef Rhon, the department also invited Mr. Jay Aquino, Ph. D., a Department of Tourism (DOT)-certified trainer to discuss basic professionalism qualities with the Crucians.
Professionalism and good presentation are at the center of the hospitality industry, explained Aquino. Now, though, it is also important for the practitioners to know how to present themselves virtually.
“Through virtual presentation, one can reach [a] broader audience … This is relevant to the changing industry landscape,” shared Aquino.
Among what he taught are preparing for a virtual presentation by choosing the appropriate location, dressing properly, being mindful of lighting, sound, and one’s physical appearance.
According to Jaramie Manalaysay, program chair of the BSHM, webinars like these are important for future hospitality professionals. She said, “There have been changes in the industry. There are skillsets that need to be updated.”
Missed the webinar? You may watch it here: https://bit.ly/3DzZeBn
###
The BSHM program offers online learning conducted by industry professionals, as well as laboratory sessions, which will be implemented when the school opens its gates for physical classes.
To know more about the program, contact us here or talk to us on Facebook.