Written by Shammah Grace Macanip & Rachel Grace Liclican
Paying homage to Filipino heritage, students from the University of Baguio-School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (UB-SIHTM), participating in the Bridge USA Program, hosted a Filipino-themed lunch and dinner at Sea Island Resort, Georgia, on January 29, 2025.
Inspired by the resort employees’ interest in diverse cuisines, UB-SIHTM students Shammah Grace Macanip, Zyryl Avellanoza, Charles Lennon Cucal, and May Ann David seized the opportunity to showcase the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines before concluding their internship. With the support of the resort’s Human Resources Office and a talented chef, they curated a menu to introduce a taste of the “Pearl of the Orient Seas” to Sea Island. Embracing the tradition of “salo-salo,” they brought together people from various nationalities to enjoy the different delicacies of the Philippines in a dining experience.
With just three days of preparation, the students, alongside fellow Filipino interns, managed to cook and serve Filipino favorites to nearly a thousand guests. The menu featured pork lumpia, ube cheese pandesal, pancit, adobo, buko pandan, and steamed rice—each dish reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines.
The event was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with employees expressing their appreciation for the food and ambiance. Messages of gratitude flooded the resort’s Beekeeper communication platform:
Quesha: “Lumpia omg! I love this it’s sooooo delicious”
Sara: “This was (a) fun themed lunch and dinner. This was my first time trying this cuisine and now I am proud to say I am a huge fan of Philippine cuisine! It was so delicious and the decorations and music was great…”
Levi: “Thank you to all the interns who helped make this delicious food! You are all amazing!”
Filipino employees at the resort also shared their pride in seeing their culture celebrated, making the event even more meaningful.
The event not only showcased Filipino cuisine but also served as an opportunity for the students to connect with their roots and share their heritage with others. Apart from that, the students embodied the school’s culture of excellence by leading and collaborating to make Filipino Day a resounding success.
Indeed, Filipino food is more than just a meal—it’s a story of love, tradition, and togetherness!
