BSHM students take part in hospitality, tourism ASEAN mobility event 

MALAYBALAY CITY (OP-IPS) Bukidnon State University sent 14 Hospitality Management students to the P2A Virtual Mobility in Hospitality and Tourism held via Zoom from March 21 to April 14, 2022.

The event carried the theme “ASEAN Go, Explore New HoriZon (GenZ).  It served as an open platform with the capacity to engage ASEAN youth regardless of geographical location, opportunity and financial means.

Organizers said the program was designed to encourage cultural exchange, English communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership and problem-solving skills through team-up activities among ASEAN students.

The BukSU participants were Joshua Saldua, Erica Canubas, Eljean Dagohoy, Josh Navales, Khairah Arceo, Mark Leo Mendoza, R Jay Sanchez, Lara Marie Ortega, Khrystelle Anne Bangcog and Michaela Abad (All 3^rd year students), Kristy Maye Muegue and John Mark Urban (both 2^nd year students) Ivan Bacus and Riley Fitzgerald Rezona.

Organizers engaged with a total of 13 universities and colleges in ASEAN.

The universities were:  BINUS University (Indonesia), Bukidnon State University (Philippines), Duy Tan University (Vietnam), Davao Del Norte State College (Philippines), Northwestern University (Philippines), Pamantasan Lungsod Ng San Pablo (Philippines), Panpacific University (Philippines), Phenikaa University (Vietnam), Saint Mary’s University (Philippines), Sunway University (Malaysia), Tarlac Agricultural University (Philippines), Universitas Islam Indonesia (Indonesia), and Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof Dr Hamka (Indonesia). 

One of the highlights of the event was the Tiktok Video Competition, which promoted the tourism, hospitality, culture, and tradition of the ASEAN Region.  Each BukSU participant was assigned to one of the 15 groups to ensure they mingled with participants from other universities in order to share ideas and measure their creativity.

Riley Rezon, said one of the most challenging parts in his participation was the video creation. He said they have to do it from their respective turfs before finalizing the output.

Ms. Annie Leah Roxann L. Emata, Chairperson of the Hospitality Management Department, was part of the team who scrutinized the work of the participants.

The event ended with the presentation of outputs and announcement of winners. Group 12 won the judges’ vote for their amazing and well-thought video as top prize. Mr. John Mark Urbana was part of the said group.

Mr. R-jay Sanchez belonged to Group 11, which won the second prize and Mr. Mark Leo Mendoza, who belonged to Group 10, which won third prize.  Mr. Marven Jan Nadela and Ms. Novem Trazona, served as BukSU faculty coordinators and coaches in the three-week activity.

The event has broadened the understanding of the students of the richness and vibrancy of the ASEAN Tourism, Culture and Tradition. The Hospitality Management Department worked with the International Affairs Unit for the activity.   (Contributed from the Hospitality Management Department)