The College of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM) at the University of the Cordilleras (UC) recently welcomed new and returning students through two key events: the Freshmen Orientation on September 11-12, 2023, and the Facilities Tour and LTSP Membership Caravan on October 9-10, 2023. Both events were organized by the CHTM – College Student Council (CSC), the League of Tourism Students of the Philippines (LTSP), and faculty members, led by CHTM Dean Michelle Mamaril. Together, the events laid a strong foundation for academic, social, and career engagement, underlining CHTM’s commitment to holistic student development.
Freshmen Orientation: Building Connections and Community Awareness
Held at Cañao Creativity Hall, the Freshmen Orientation aimed to introduce students to university life, CHTM policies, and the various opportunities available for involvement and growth. The morning session welcomed Hospitality Management freshmen, while the afternoon focused on Tourism Management freshmen. Dean Mamaril emphasized the swift pace of the program, encouraging students to connect, make friends, and build lasting networks.
CHTM-CSC adviser Mr. Ryan Roy Bartolome and LTSP adviser Ms. Cristina Mirasol introduced the student council and LTSP, inviting students to join and participate actively in college activities. Ms. Mirasol also introduced the revitalized Serving People, Opening Opportunities, Nurturing Societies (S.P.O.O.N.S) Community Extension Program, which offers students a chance to serve and make a positive impact in their communities.
The orientation also covered essential guidelines, including proper uniform and grooming, netiquette, and protocols for both online and in-person interactions. Students engaged in interactive sessions on library resources, led by Mr. John Lloyd Canillas, and health protocols, facilitated by Mr. Eldon Harris Soriano from the Office of Student Affairs and Services. Mr. Soriano also discussed student benefits, including scholarships, insurance, and behavioral guidelines, urging students to familiarize themselves with the UC Student Handbook. The sessions concluded with a fun “Grab That Cup!” icebreaker, followed by closing remarks from Mr. Paolo Binoya and Ms. Janine Arielle Cusi-Laranang.
Facilities Tour and LTSP Membership Caravan: Immersing Students in CHTM’s Learning Spaces
Following the orientation, UC CHTM hosted a Facilities Tour and LTSP Membership Caravan for freshmen on October 9 and for continuing students on October 10. This tour allowed students to experience firsthand the specialized facilities that support their education in hospitality and tourism management. Starting at the Cañao Creativity Hall, the event featured an opening ceremony, an icebreaker, and an introduction to student resources, including the CHTM ID laces, T-shirts, nameplates, and LTSP membership benefits.
The tour took students through different operational areas across the CHTM building, allowing them to visualize and understand how these facilities are used daily. The journey began on the 9th floor, with an exploration of the culinary kitchens primarily used by Culinary and Food Service Management (CFM) students. The students then visited the 8th-floor laboratories and offices utilized by Hospitality and Restaurant Administration (HRA) and Tourism students, followed by a look at classrooms on the 7th floor, and hotel rooms on the 6th floor used for practical training by HRA and Tourism students. The tour concluded at Tribu Café on the 4th floor, managed by CFM and HRA students, where students received a glimpse into real-world operational settings in the tourism and hospitality industry.
In each area, faculty members provided insights into daily operations, helping students identify potential career paths and specialization areas. The event concluded with a closing ceremony and an icebreaker activity, reinforcing the department’s goal of creating a welcoming and engaging learning environment.
Through these foundational activities, UC CHTM is committed to guiding students toward academic success and professional growth. By familiarizing students with UC’s values, resources, and industry-focused facilities, the orientation and facilities tour ensure that each student feels part of the UC CHTM community while being prepared to excel in their chosen field.
By:
Mr. RYAN ROY QUIRANTE BARTOLOME
Sustainability Program Coordinator, UC CHTM
