The University of Baguio continues to set the gold standard in hospitality and tourism education as its School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (SIHTM) brought home the prestigious Presidential Award for garnering the highest number of gold medals across professional and student divisions. SIHTM also clinched the Overall Championship in the student division, besting nearly 30 schools across Northern Luzon with a remarkable total score of 2,824 during the 18th Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Month Competition held at the Baguio Country Club from October 9 to 11, 2025.
This success highlights UB’s strong commitment to excellence and inclusive, skills-based education that equips students for real-world challenges and global standards.
Across 31 categories, UB amassed 5 Gold Medals with Distinction, 16 Gold, 19 Silver, 12 Bronze Medals, and 10 Diploma Awards. In addition, UB topped two major competitions: the Quiz Bee Championship trophy for achieving the highest score and the Klasika Moderna Kulinarya Championship trophy for earning a perfect score.
Gold Medals with Distinction were awarded to teams that achieved flawless execution and scoring in the following categories: Wedding Cake – Heritage and Harvest, Best Traditional/Modern Regional Recipe – Bulanglang, Best Regional Ingredient – Bagoong, Bellman’s Hour – Trust and Confidence, and Klasika Moderna Kulinarya – Pagsasalo ng Kalikasan at Kultura.
These achievements highlight UB’s strong commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education, particularly Targets 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, and 4.7. Through inclusive, skills-based learning and active participation in national competitions, the School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (SIHTM) equips students with technical and professional competencies that prepare them for global careers. The integration of culturally inspired entries such as Bulanglang, Bagoong, and Pagsasalo ng Kalikasan at Kultura also supports Target 4.7, promoting cultural preservation, sustainability, and appreciation of local heritage.
Furthermore, the initiative advances SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth (Target 8.3) by fostering creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship among students. By blending education with real-world industry experience, UB ensures that its learners are not only competitive but also contributors to sustainable tourism and economic development.
The theme “Balik Isla: Foraging in the Philippine Countryside” and UB’s entries highlighted local products and tourism villages, contributing to the preservation of the Philippines’ culture, crafts, and cuisine. Through its participation in the 18th HRT, UB promoted community-based tourism and amplified the voices of heritage bearers and community champions. The event also fostered rural-urban connections and aligned with initiatives to strengthen sustainable tourism and rural development—supporting SDG 11.4 on protecting and safeguarding the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
Furthermore, in this year’s HRT, food sources that are naturally occurring and characteristic of a specific region, such as edible plants, animals, and insects that are not cultivated or reared in captivity, and the indigenous cooking techniques, are highlighted and showcased in the various competitions. UB competitors also contributed to advancing SDG 12.5 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through their ingenuity and resourcefulness.
The annual Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Month is an avenue for students and professionals in the hospitality and tourism industry to convene through a series of competitions, exchange of ideas, and sharing of knowledge.
Here’s a list of the UB-SIHTM winners and their respective categories:
Klasika Moderna Kulinarya – Pagsasalo ng Kalikasan at Kultura
Coach: Chef Robenson Dasalla
- Champion/Gold with Distinction: A-jay S. Sarmiento, Gemsei Mapanao, VJ Adriane J. Mabag
- Apprentices: Malik Zeus Ebrada, Deebhon Ballesteros | Working Committee: Sherlyn Balantan, Juan Manuel Caballero, Nicole Delos Angeles
Best Regional Ingredient – Bagoong
Coach: Chef Carlo John Carpio
- Gold with Distinction: Critzelle Ruth C. Kabigting, Thessa Bero
- Apprentices: Juderick D. Bay-an, Zenan Cabulay | Working Committee: John Paul B. Bayan, Deaniel W. Antonio, Naomei D. Hugo, Benjamin Leonel Navarro
Best Traditional/Modern Regional Recipe – Bulanglang
Coach: Chef Sweet Eulynette C. Garcia
- Gold with Distinction: Van Rio B. Dela Cruz, Jasmin F. Martin
- Apprentices: Avelyn Pacis, Earl Mendez | Working Committee: Raschynne Santiago
Wedding Cake – Heritage and Harvest
Coach: Chef Racquel C. Tacwigan
- Gold with Distinction: Jhan Carl P. Casticimo, Nadine F. Cara, April Jane U. Habbiling
- Student Coach: Mikaela Isabel Pulido | Apprentices: Champagne Mangangey, Dorothy Banco, Aslove Anyth Pintado | Working Committee: Rogene Gift Bayeng
Bellman’s Hour – Trust and Confidence
Coach: Ms. Jennifer G. Sese
- Gold with Distinction: Kreig Damien B. Go
- Gold: Felicitti Jeyme B. Rodrigo, Princess Janynne Abreu, Keorrow Ken Klister A. Sabio
- Apprentice: Evangelos Benedict Obdin | Working Committee: Princess Dianne Esteban
Best Regional Ingredient – Kilawen sa Sukang Iloko
Coach: Chef Klyde Anjello Mortel
- Gold: Kristine Nickole S. Almojera, Andrei B. Dacayanan
- Apprentices: Jamela Raganit Bambalan, Breanna Isabel Almoite | Working Committee: Nicko R. Felipe, Jemaidan Gera N. Magday, Debrielle Pascua
Regional Pica-Pica – Root Crops and Wild Fruits
Coach: Chef Robenson Dasalla
- Gold: Roniel E. Torrejos
- Apprentice: Eurika Janes Elloran | Working Committee: Cris Joshua Danglose, John Lliod Flora, Reuel Matay-on, Vence Ryjh O. Atrero
- Silver: John Hoshea H. Lizardo
- Apprentice: Allyna Palangeo | Working Committee: Kyle Von Mari Kamura, Dave Angelo, Moclo, Dayshaun Janwill C. Doria, Jhazzie Olod
Pralines – Mountain Herbs
Coach: Chef Ailene C. Manecla
- Gold: Jan Gareth C. Falinchao
- Apprentice: Simon Paul Ponadon | Working Committee: Venesse Banglig, Katie Lumadeo, Leean Brylle Cuyahon
Best Regional Ingredient – Coastal Heirloom Rice Medley
Coach: Chef Sweet Eulynette C. Garcia
- Gold: Dina C. Fanitog, Melver L. Tiw-ac
- Apprentices: Abegail Atayan, John Gabriel Mendoza | Working Committee: Mei Ling Grace Ip
Mocktail Mixing – Wild Fruit Juices
Coach: Mr. Jumel Oliver T. Salva
- Gold: Prince Charles L. Ventura
- Silver: Ma. Kristanna Renowa C. Naboa, Kasandra M. Zuñega, Aries Jhel A. Ugay
- Apprentices: Irish Nicole Mayos, Grace Shyll Cadag | Working Committee: Carlo Antonio Tayag, Giane Dale Ashrin Maala
Tea Concoction – Mountain Tea
Coach: Mr. Mark Anthony M. Santos
- Gold: Mark Earl M. Gagaoin
- Silver: Justin IV L. Pascua, Jarzen Jay B. Lomahan
- Bronze: John Czar E. Lipaen
- Apprentices: Lei Ann K. Dionisio, Yasmien Kate M. Tuangco, Gwen Anne B. Bagsan, Ryan Riley P. Mendoza | Working Committee: Mikaela Jireh M. Malabanan
Table Set-up – Kundiman
Coach: Ms. Kresdale May Pacalso
- Gold: Charls Vincent L. Angeles, Sophia L. Daluping, Rudee L. Dolipas
- Silver: Kenji Charles D. Paguel, Rhona Mae S. Soriano, Yrica D. Dalay-on, Kyllie Jhoane Sta. Maria, Ivan Glenn D. Magtanong, Jonathan P. Dominguez
- Apprentices: Raiza G. Macario, Dinrem Sidney F. Palangdan, Nasha B. Macadangdang, Gabriela C. Cois, Robert Angelo C. Mesa | Working Committee: Naithan Job S. Cayabas, Kurt Zion B. Malong, Charlson S. Dizon, Kristoffer Joseph T. Magnabihon, Myke Bruinson C. Bañaga
Regional Jams and Preserves Traditional – Forest Berries
Coach: Chef Racquel C. Tacwigan
- Gold: Bien Haniel Regines Acutin
- Apprentices: Hydrann Klyne Cubana, Von Denzel Buen | Working Committee: Justine G. Hacyabon, Recca Mae Kilakil
Travel and Tours – Jungle Journey
Coach: Ms. Joanna Marie V. Villavicencio
- Gold: Kristel Kate Luza, Angelina June M. Oreiro
- Silver: Nicole T. Balabag, Powell Gabriel S. Duatin, Mark Timothy M. Andal, Peachy M. Dicipulo, Janah Rhyl B. Lumidao, Kate Winslet V. Villa
- Apprentices: Erica G. Ramos, Adrian U. Bisquera, Tehya Rafayelle J. Nuñez, Erika Mae G. Casilian, Ailha Crisha D. De Jesus, Nicole Joy B. Tianan, Dwayne Jamaar F. Camero, Maria Christina A. Taag | Working Committee: Princess Carlyn E. Gomez, Gabrielle Franz B. Runes, Jush Matthew T. Sagun, Gwyne Marielle D. Marquez, Iris Gwyneth T. Bernan
Events Planning – Traditional Town Fiesta
Coach: Ms. Rachel Grace A. Liclican
- Highest Gold: Shantal Gwen M. Paleyan, John Bernie M. Lem-ew, Stephanie P. Sacla, Joebelle Joy K. Lipaen, John A. Marquez Jr.
- Gold: Annabelle D. Labargan, Charmee R. Balucan, Neil Micko R. Gototos, Cristian Anthony D. Pagador, Mark Shanity N. Rivera
- Apprentices: Hannah Mae Reyes, Acel Gindap, Jio Jame Rilloraza | Working Committee: Mitchie Ann Nimer
Centerpiece Design – Lobby – Fiesta! Fiesta!
Coach: Chef Robenson Dasalla
- Gold: Jimuel Vince L. Aquino, James A. Collado, Marc Angelo T. Tabadero, Andrie Yaric Mongalini
- Apprentices: Reynaldo C. Maglay, Jayson G. Cayabyab, Nygel De Castro, Elijah Macasinag
- Working Committee: Johnrey G. Castaneda, Fayebraianne Avril V. Longos, Thyrene May Marqueses, Sheena G. Esiong, Neill Gariell Panaligan, Jhon Marc Romano Ubongen, Jericho Miguel Bacani, Jether Hanan Timpac
Best Traditional/Modern Regional Cooking Technique – Pasta with Native Bird
Coach: Chef Klyde Anjello Mortel
- Silver: Briliant Deanlord G. Bodoy, Lois Mae B. Balagtas
- Apprentices: Angelo Velo, Zaireen Albior | Working Committee: Jaycee Cabingas, Rena Lizzeth Donato, Megan Klein L. Hidalgo
Coffee Concoction – Kape Kordillera: Brews from the Mountains
Coach: Mr. Fernando C. Bagay
- Silver: Alejo B. Valdez
- Bronze: Syrex O. Landingin, Agnes Ruth C. Chua
- Diploma: Ivee Julien Tacad
- Apprentices: Terence Joshua Razo | Working Committee: Candace Jirah A. Ang, Michael Gerrard G. Reyes
Panghimagas – Pineapple Flambe
Coach: Mr. Mark Anthony M. Santos
- Silver: Lyle Oliver B. Dulnuan
- Bronze: Lionel Shuheb S. Khan
- Diploma: Marius Niño N. Rabang
- Apprentices: Russ B. Antonio, Jherren Lee Doculan, Kim Aldrieck L. Kindipan
Plated Dessert – Tsokolate at Iba Pa!
Coach: Chef Ailene C. Manecla
- Silver: Jamae O. Osian, John Art N. Ungria
- Student Coach: Mikaela Isabel Pulido | Apprentice: Ashley Jasper Guzman, Christopher Dion Dispo | Working Committee: Joshua Balusdan, Khurt Samyuwl Mayos
Creative Cake Decoration – Free Style
Coach: Chef Ailene C. Manecla
- Silver: Charles Albert Buenvenida, Esadhora D. Belino, Deavy Angelie B. Kilongan
- Student Coach: Mikaela Isabel Pulido | Appendices: Kyla Victoria Balisong, Vince Allen Unay, Nimfa Grail Bigno | Working Committee: Christina Janelle Romero
Baby Cake – Free Style
Coach: Ms. Ailene C. Manecla
- Silver: Maria Alexandra Feliciano Gervacio
- Student Coach: Mikaela Isabel Pulido | Apprentice: Aira Cyril Minimo | Working Committee: Dariel Huyo-a, Julienne Nish Baquiran, Trisha Culaling, Keziah M. Buking
The Housekeeper – The Maharlika Suite
Coach: Mr. Mark Anthony Y. Alvar
- Silver: Rafael V. Tugade, Joshua K. Tayaban
- Bronze: Joselito M. Calixtro, Don Jasper C. Viernes
- Apprentices: Allen Jesster O. Nuque, Andrei Grant W. Galaus, Jorge Vincent M. Rimando, Carl Joshua R. Baclig | Working Committee: Dorothy C. Banco, Marc Raniel B. Bucasas, Harrison B. Ativan, Edwin Barrientos Jr., Arenn Luke M. Lamsis, Arzhelle M. Baul, Rosalio Roie T. Goze, Marynelle D. Caparos
Bouquet Design Competition – Bloom with Grace with a Forest Haven Bouquet
Coach: Ms. Kresdale May G. Pacalso
- Silver: Justine Paul A. Bermudez
- Bronze: Airah B. Estepa
- Apprentice: Alex Gwynneth B. Alban | Working Committee: Niño Osler Krison M. Villamar, Fritzie Faye P. Viernes
HRT Quiz Bee
Coach: Ms. Rachel Grace A. Liclican
- Champion/Bronze: Maria Gabrielle L. Vazquez, Maria Isabel D. Caretativo, Edward Ian V. Chan
- Bronze: Ma. Sophia Angela R. Padiwan, Cendriole Louisse R. Segwaben, Rachel Lianne A. Pugong
- Apprentices: Desiree Bulos, Jaliyah Ryzia Caluza | Working Committee: Helena Alecxa Zarate
Fruit and Vegetable Carving – Team – Flavors of the Forest
Coach: Mr. Fernando C. Bagay
- Bronze: Miles Cortado, Lyzle Kate Inhumang
- Diploma: Hero Molina, Laurence T. Dela Cruz
- Apprentices: Tejay Locaberte, Jenirose Pascua | Working Committee: Heidi Diwag
Flairtending – Basi Blaze, The Flair of the North
Coach: Mr. Michael B. Tambol
- Bronze: Jiheili L. Poj-agan
- Diploma: Sean Maverick U. Tavara, Antonino Realuyo, Patrick John H. Contawe
- Apprentices: Maverick Perido, Jhaxriel Garcia | Working Committee: Adrianne Joseph Bogsulen, John Rayne Montano, Geanne Panganiban
Cocktail Mixing – Lasing Pinoy
Coach: Mr. Michael B. Tambol
- Bronze: Aleeyah Maceda Gomez, Miguel Francisco Acosta III
- Apprentice: Ezear M. Calantoc | Working Committee: Ace Catbagan, Kristian Joel Cadalig, Diana Mae Tiago, Christine Joy R. Roque
Napkin Folding – Serviette
Coach: Ms. Desiree Anne L. Olimpo
- Bronze: Virginia Ellens B. Bernardo
- Diploma: Julie Mae C. Blante, Zora N. Ballogan, Michael Rey F. Mercado
- Apprentices: Rhyza C. Danao, Condesa Relyrose I. Cuyahon, Arshez C. Binlayan, Jim Chris Tagure
Floral Design Centerpiece – Filipiniana
Coach: Ms. Kresdale May G. Pacalso
- Bronze: Catherine Mae P. Garcia
- Diploma: Ai M. Kurita
- Apprentices: Ann Jhon B. Norel | Working Committee: Hydie L. Cayabas, Jayjay P. Tongali
The University of Baguio’s participation in the 18th Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Month (HRT) Competition brought meaningful benefits to its students, faculty, and community. Through its engagement in competitions and the showcasing of culturally rooted, SDG-aligned innovations, UB strengthened its standing as a top school in hospitality and tourism. The event gave students hands-on experience, industry exposure, and a chance to grow in confidence, creativity, and career readiness. It also reinforced UB’s commitment to sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and inclusive education aligned with global standards.
