The UNP College of Hospitality and Tourism Management, specifically the BS in Tourism Management and BS in Hospitality Management programs, was the overall champion in the AMPAYAG 2024: 2nd International Hospitality and Tourism Research Conference and Skills Convergence at Northwestern University, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on May 22-23, 2024.

With the theme “Pioneering Tomorrow’s Hospitality and Tourism,” the event aimed to provide an avenue for researchers, academic community members, and young industry professionals to present research findings and gain experience in the same field, as well as unleash the talents of tourism and hospitality management students through skills convergence.

The UNP-College of Hospitality and Tourism Management’s BS in Tourism Management and BS in Hospitality Management programs excelled at the event, showcasing their talents and capabilities. Their performance at the conference earned them the prestigious title of Overall Champion in the Skills Convergence.

The students bagged 10 gold medals in the event. The following were the winners: Krizel Anne Molleno and Ryan Jay Fabro (centerpiece design–lobby); Chimwen Morwell T. Ebojo, Jay R Mangaoay, and Divino Karl Pacada (table setting with floral centerpiece); Philip Racadio and Richmund Bulaon (napkin folding); and Fionah Mickaela Eugenio and Mark Ethel Cabana (cooking showdown).

Other winners of gold medals were Ralph Flores (barista showdown); Rose Bernadette Rionguigui and Rhedine Valdez (creative cake decoration); Kurt Bless Flores, JC James Ramos, Karyle Dimple Novida, Ariane Santiago, and Angela Pinto (events planning exercise); Charmaine Joy Rabino, Jamie Mariz Baldoria, and Bonifacio Peruna (flight attendant showmanship); Dianne Alexa O. Reyes and Reina Izza Tagura (tour package competion); and Yasmene Kaye D. Salanio (travel photography).

Meanwhile, Irish Rhea Hagad and Von Carlos Sibayan bagged second place in fruit and vegetable carving.

Article by Kevin Cesar Martinez. Photos by Joel Tipon.