Hospitality and tourism students are taught many theoretical foundations and skills that identifying which to prioritize might get confusing. However, according to an industry expert, it all goes back to the essentials: determination and compassion.

For Mrs. Grace Dimapilis-Garcera, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Laguna Events Association of Professionals (LEAP), “working hard and working with the heart” form essential parts of the events and hospitality management, underscoring the values that must be at the forefront of service-giving.

She also left a challenge of transforming the “invisible” into “invincible” and investing in self-improvement through training and seminars during her talk at the “3rd Upturning the Globalization in the Hospitality Industry for the New Generation: The Artistry and Business of Hospitality” held at the Laguna Sports Complex, Sta. Cruz, Laguna, May 21.

With this year’s theme “A Deep Dive into Events, Pastries, Baristas, and Bartending Essentials,” the MICE Class of 2024 hosted this one-day event composed of seminars, demonstrations, and workshops among students of three LSPU campuses: Sta. Cruz, Siniloan, and San Pablo City.

Dr. Charmine V. Rivera, CHMT Dean, explained that the event served as a culminating activity of third-year students for event organizing and conferences. In her opening remarks, she also expressed her optimism for the success of the students, manifesting their involvement in the same activity as speakers someday.  

Mr. Christian P. San Luis, Chairperson for the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), encouraged the students to dream big, work hard, and believe in their capabilities. Meanwhile, Mr. Peter Jaynul V. Uckung, Head of the History, Arts, and Culture Division of the Laguna Tourism Culture and Trade Office (LTCTO), reminded the participants to promote not only the natural resources of Laguna but also its arts and culture.

Also serving as one of the event speakers, Ms. Patricia Kaye Peneyra, a young entrepreneur and owner of a small cafe restaurant in Palawan, went over the different types of coffee beans and the art and science of making coffee drinks. After her talk, she demonstrated the step-by-step procedure of using different kinds of coffee machines and mixing different blends of coffee available in a typical coffee shop.

In the afternoon, Hon. Edgar “Egay” San Luis, Mayor of Sta. Cruz, Laguna, graced the event with his words of inspiration for the students to be successful in their crafts.

For the bartending essential seminar, Mr. Jun Marcelo, Mrs.  Apple Delos Santos, and Mr. Joel Delos Santos of Evolve University Class shared the importance of providing unique propositions that set one apart from the others and of setting the bar higher for a successful business venture. Their talk was followed by live cocktail mixing and bartending.

Meanwhile, for the pastry essential seminar, Chef MJ Lituco highlighted the technical skills to produce high-quality products, which can be acquired through multiple practices. He also spearheaded the workshop on sugar flower making.

The MICE advisers, Mr. Zhamuel Cruz, Mrs. May Ann Sancon, and Mrs Diana Rose Apundar, concluded the event with their words of gratitude to the administration, faculty, and students. Finally, Mr. Alexis E. Banasihan, Overall MICE Chairman, was thankful to his advisers, committee, and the rest of the BSHM 3rd year students for their contributions to making the event possible.