The participants coming from different schools nationwide helped themselves to a treat of updates on new trends and other useful information shared by the speakers.
The keynote speech with the theme “AAHRMEI @ 18: Forging New Paths through Excellence & Leadership in Hospitality & Tourism Education” was ably addressed by Ms. Christine Ann Ibarreta, the Director of Sales & Marketing of Golden Phoenix Hotel Manila. She emphasized on the path of what is innovative in the light of technology as used in the hospitality and tourism area. She emphasized on the importance of teamwork and collaboration to achieve innovative practices for the industry.
The other guest speakers who equally delivered competently their talks to the delight of the participants were:
Dr. Reil G. Cruz, Director for Tourism Research & Extension Services, UP AIT who talked on “Developing Skills for Adjectival Tourism as a New Trend in Tourism Industry”. He shared a lot of updates on tourism.
Dr. Adela Jamorabo-Ruiz, Professor, Nutrition & Food Science, Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila discussed “The Tenets of Health for Excellence & Leadership”. The facts she shared on food and well-being tickled the interest of the audience.
Dr. Wilma M. Estaura, Group Director of HR, Ayala Land Hotel & Resorts Corporation -“CRM: a Challenge of Leadership for the Academe & the Industry”.
Dir. Roberto Z. Zozobrado, Executive Director, Lyceum of the Philippines University Manila, Center for Career Services & Industry Relations has very well entertained the participants with the discussion of the topic “Developing Skills to Address the Impact of Growing Elderly in Hospitality & Tourism”.
Dr. Gloria Baken Wong-Siy, AAHRMEI President presented the “Megatrends & Issues in Hospitality & Tourism Industry”. She emphasized the importance of knowing what is happening and what are expected in the near future for Hospitality and tourism industry. As educators, it is the responsibility of faculty members to be equipped with knowledge affecting the industry and the academe, she stressed.
Dr. Ignacio C. Cordova, Jr. , the AAHRMEI Immediate Past President & Corporate Dean, Our Lady of Fatima University talked on the “Impact of Technology in Hospitality & Tourism Industry”. It was so interesting to note what technology can do.
Just like in the past, more and more new members were welcomed. This time there were 58 new members who took their Oath of Loyalty and were invested with their membership pins. This brings the number of membership to a total of more than 2,000 nationwide.
It is worth mentioning that the industry partners poured in their support with items that were raffled off, and some cash donations which made the participants so happy. The event ended with the singing of the AAHRMEI theme song, renewing the camaraderie which has become a trademark of the Association.
