Running on its third-year partnership with the University of Baguio, teaching staff, representatives, and fourth-year students from the School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (SIHTM), along with delegates from involved offices and top management, gathered on September 10, 2025, for the second Career Fair with one of the top rated luxury resorts found in Florida USA, the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island.
In collaboration with the University of Baguio and ZIP Travel Philippines, a total of 110 participants (comprising 82 collated students from SIHTM) from the mentioned schools and offices, came together to learn more about the cross-cultural exchange program, as an ode to academic excellence, and inspiration for career building for dozens of aspiring student applicants to expand their career journey overseas and set foot in worldwide standards.
A steadfast lead towards the exquisite Hospitality industry
Presenting the theme, “Where Learning Meets Luxury”, representatives from the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island visited and gave students a virtual showcase of the various cultures, culinary prospects, and a feel of western elegance to entice SIHTM students to apply and start their practical applications in Amelia Island, Florida. The event is dedicated to students pursuing Hospitality, Tourism, Culinary Arts, and Business Management, fostering a deeper understanding of the industry, particularly in a prestigious environment like the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.
Alt text: Snapshots from the UB Career Fair in partnership with the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island and ZIP Travel Philippines. Including top management, President Dr. Javier Herminio Bautista, VPAA Dr. Janice Kaylyn Lonogan, SIHTM Dean Ms. Jenelyn Magpatoc, and ZIP Travel Philippines Program Head, Ms. Mary Jean De Guzman
Opening the program was a warm message from the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Janice Kaylyn Lonogan, followed by the University President, Dr. Javier Herminio D. Bautista, to officially welcome guests and members of the outbound board for a warm welcome to the vibrant and breezy culture of Baguio City, and the Philippines. Raising their glasses for a toast to celebrate excellence in partnership for academic excellence and a strong organizational threshold for institutional development.
Alt text: Snapshots from the UB Career Fair in partnership with the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island and ZIP Travel Philippines
Messages from Leaders and Innovators of the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island and ZIP Travel
Spokespersons and executives from ZIP Travel Philippines have also been present throughout the event to support students with their application through the offered B.R.I.D.G.E. USA J1 Program. A partnered program with the University for students who plan to have their desired cultural immersion outside of the Philippines. Exclusively for the School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (SIHTM), the program offers aspiring students to showcase and immerse themselves in theoretical and practical skill sets, dive into real-world scenarios, and contribute to intercultural competence and global awareness for personal and professional growth.
Director of Operations, Ms. Mary Jean De Guzman, and Program Head Ms. Malou Wana, opened the discussion on program arrangements and important reminders to prepare and complete documents and requirements, for willing students to be accepted under the care of ZIP Travel Philippines.
Alt text: ZIP Travel Philippines Program Head, Ms. Mary Jean De Guzman (left), and Director of Compliance for Alliance Abroad Group, Ms. Abby Hennessey (right)
Along with understanding the flow and technicalities of the cross-cultural exchange program, Ms. Abby Hennessey, Director of Compliance for Alliance Abroad Group, explained and spearheaded the offerings and vital information brought by the collaboration between UB, Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, and ZIP Travel Philippines. Explaining the ins and outs in terms of technical and logistical processes, and handing student delegates a smooth pathway throughout their experience, from initial interviews, screening, and final application.
Giving a brief introduction to the background and culture of the world of hospitality and tourism management in Amelia Island, Director of Human Resources Ms. May Lyn G. Marshall, presented the organizational structure, overview, and other tips and tricks that the students would need to enhance their applications and ace the screening process to be eligible for the international program in Amelia Island. Explaining effective talent acquisition and other metrics, students have been encouraged to present their best foot forward for immersion in one of the leading resorts on the northeast coast, providing an authentic experience of the island’s lush natural environment.
Alt text: Director of Human Resources, Ms. May Lyn Marshall (left), and executive Sous Chef Zane Nesbitt (right)
Following Ms. Marshall was a talk from one of the steadfast leaders and innovators within the culinary industry, Executive Sous Chef Zane Nesbitt, who presented formalities and other exciting opportunities for applicants on work experiences and commitments to achieve culinary expertise. Sharing his journey from a lead cook to now handling the Executive Sous Chef (Banquet Chef) position at the resort, advising students taking the specialization in Culinary Arts to give it their all for a bright career and progressive advancement along the way.
Closing the session were footnotes and testimonies from existing student delegates and alumni (Ms. Restine Mae Sipsip, Mr. Clifer P. Buya, and Mr. Vince Henry Padilla) who experienced the vast culture and workforce at the Amelia Island resort. Sharing notable experiences, tips, and tricks to make sure that the aspiring students are fully equipped with the right mindset and drive for a great cultural exchange program ahead.
Timeless elegance meets quality, knowledge building, and cultural immersion
Bridging cross-cultural excellence between the Philippines and the United States, collaboration supports Sustainable Development Goal 17 (partnerships for goals) that helps revitalize and create broader opportunities for future leaders, innovators, and successors from the university and to their chosen affiliations down the line. Following suit in providing quality education for immersive academic and nourishment in lifelong learning, knowledge, and practices in support of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (quality education).
Alt text: Snapshots from the UB Career Fair in partnership with the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island and ZIP Travel Philippines. Photos taken by Rene Pasua and Gabriel Madriaga
The Career Fair hosted by the University of Baguio in collaboration with the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island and ZIP Travel Philippines is an exciting opportunity for students to connect with top-tier professionals in the luxury hospitality industry. Emphasizing the importance of bridging academic knowledge with hands-on industry experience, it brings fair and equal opportunities for students and faculty members to venture into the international realm of cultural immersion. Serving as a platform to expand their perspectives to a global setting, and for industry professionals to seek new talent.
Alt text: A toast to the successful partnership for inbound and outbound programs of the University of Baguio. Photo taken by Rene Pasua
