The University of the Cordilleras – College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (UC-CHTM) recently showcased its students’ culinary expertise and hospitality skills at the International Food Exposition, held from April 2–16, 2023, at Melvin Jones Grandstand in Baguio City. Hosted by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB) to celebrate Filipino Food Month, the event marked HRAB’s inaugural food exhibition, with proceeds dedicated to supporting hospitality and tourism management students across various colleges and universities.
For UC-CHTM students, the event provided not only a platform to display their culinary creations but also an opportunity to accumulate their initial internship hours for the 3rd Trimester, A.Y. 2022–2023. UC-CHTM’s booth, managed by members of the College Student Council (CHTM-CSC) and officers from the League of Tourism Students of the Philippines (LTSP), with support from the Events Management class, offered a delectable array of food and beverage items inspired by the recently concluded Food Cribs initiative in the university’s Tribu Café. Menu items included a tempting selection of chocolate and red velvet cookies, zucchini, carrot, and banana bread, Thai milk tea, mango drink, and strawberry drink—perfect treats to satisfy visitors’ cravings for sweets and refreshing beverages.
In addition to the booth operations, CFM and HRA students played a key role in product preparation, while notable student bartenders and mixologists, Eula Ariell Paltep and Zoeui Manangan, captivated the audience with their award-winning performances from recent COHREP and Bacardi U-Mix Competitions. Their demonstration not only entertained but also provided visitors with complimentary beverages after each performance, adding an interactive and dynamic element to the booth.
As the exposition drew to a close on April 16, the CHTM-CSC, LTSP, and Events Management class came together to pack up the booth and return all tools and materials to the university, marking a successful conclusion to UC-CHTM’s participation. The International Food Expo proved to be a rewarding experience, allowing students to hone their skills, work collaboratively, and engage with the wider community. This achievement reflects UC-CHTM’s dedication to experiential learning and highlights the college’s commitment to shaping skilled professionals in the fields of hospitality and tourism management.
By:
Mr. RYAN ROY Q. BARTOLOME
Sustainability Program Coordinator, UC CHTM
