

January 9, 2025 – The University of Baguio School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (SIHTM) has officially launched its brand new VR Playroom, a pioneering space where education meets innovation and students can experience a new world of learning.
Through this new facility, students can immerse themselves in the Food and Beverage virtual room, which uses AI-powered avatars to build immersive simulations for honing skills and techniques. This marks the first-ever VR playroom to be established in Northern Luzon, and it also makes UB the first university in the world to immerse its students in a Food and Beverage Virtual Room, highlighting the university’s dedication to ensuring that its students receive excellent training using state-of-the-art equipment that can supplement classroom and practical learning.



This facility was established in collaboration with Ediphi, one of UB’s partner institutions. The university first established a relationship with Ediphi in July of 2022, initially focusing on student internships. In keeping with the fast-paced nature of the industry, Ediphi and UB began collaborating on merging technology with hospitality to create unique and unparalleled learning experiences for the students. In October of 2023, Ediphi started pilot testing for the Virtual Room. Now, in 2025, after more than a year of preparation, students can unleash their potential and explore a dynamic industry through virtual simulations designed to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
The official launching and ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the SIHTM Laboratory Room. In attendance were several university officials, Ediphi team members, Ms. Vanessa Jopillo, and the VR team alongside students from the program eagerly awaiting to experience this exciting new learning opportunity. Following the opening program, the UB officials experienced the VR tool kit firsthand, testing out the Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction Management Module for Fire and Earthquake scenarios.






The University of Baguio is dedicated to pursuing excellence, ensuring that its students have access to the best resources to support their learning. The School of IHTM is leading the charge toward a new frontier of education, embracing the future of hospitality education as more advanced technology becomes readily available for academic integration, elevating student skills and adaptability in a dynamic and ever-evolving sector.
Welcome to the VR Playroom: a pioneering space where education meets innovation, and dreams of excellence take flight. Get ready to experience hospitality education like never before with the University of Baguio School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management!
