Written by John Bernie Lem-ew and Erika Mae Casilian
On February 21, 2026, the University of Baguio (UB) transformed into a vibrant arena of creativity, competition, and camaraderie as the School of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (SIHTM) hosted the 5th National Tourism and Hospitality Students’ Skills Olympics (NTHSSO), an annual gathering of future tourism and hospitality professionals showcasing skills and competence in various categories.
Opening the program was a vibrant opening number which started with the parade of participants, coaches, and organizers while the UB Graces Dance Troupe filled the gym with energy as they danced to “Mabuhay” by DOCE Creatives, an explosive tribute to Filipino pride and hospitality. This was followed by the Parade of Trophies and a community dance led by the Iyaman Cultural Performing Group, involving schools, to the rhythm of unity.
The solemnity of the moment was marked with a doxology and the Philippine National Anthem, rendered by Nathan Brayle C. Laberinto, 1st year BSTM-IT student of the University of Baguio. Opening Remarks were then delivered by Ms. Joanna Marie Villavicencio, Overall Chairman of the 10th International Tourism and Hospitality Students’ Convention (ITHSC) and the 5th NTHSSO.
Next, Mr. Eunkyu “Nick” Chun, Manager for Membership and Youth Program at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), delivered an inspirational message. He reminded students that tourism is about connection, between cultures, communities, and the environment. On his remark, he emphasized that “experience is experience,” noting that regardless of competition results, what truly matters are the lessons gained.
Tracing the journey of the NTHSSO, an audio-visual presentation showcased how a simple initiative evolved into a national platform for excellence. The oath of sportsmanship, led by Shantal M. Paleyan, SAC Vice Governor for Tourism Management of UB-SIHTM, reaffirmed the spirit of fair play. This was followed by the dramatic lighting of the torch, with a compelling presentation by Laurence Dela Cruz (BSHM-IHBO student). The symbolic flame was then passed to Voltaire Ray Elauria of the Lyceum of the Philippines University–Laguna. As the torch burned bright, it carried the shared commitment of every delegate inside the gym.
Finally, Ms. Roeanne Mylene Yango, the Chairman of the 5th NTHSSO, declared the event officially open as banners of each participating school were unveiled.
Competing across 15 categories, student delegates demonstrated not only technical proficiency but also creativity and innovation. The competitions ranged from International Flight Attendants Showmanship 2.0, TikTok Dance Competition, Singing Tourism & Hospitality Professionals, Tour Package Proposal, Travel Infographic, Tourism Quiz Bee, Local Virtual Tour Guiding, Convention Planning, Destination Marketing, Travel Feature Article Writing, Hotel Product Presentation, Front Office Dream Team, Travel Vlog, Tourism Photography, and the newly added category, the UGC Content Creator Challenge.
Each category reflected the evolving demands of the tourism and hospitality industry, blending digital innovation, communication skills, sustainability, cultural awareness, and service excellence. Furthermore, this year’s competition categories highlighted the Cordillera Administrative Region, home of the organizing institution, the University of Baguio. These efforts contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), underscoring the role of the tourism sector in fostering inclusive, sustainable development.
Among the schools that participated in the 5th NTHSSO are: Nueva Vizcaya State University – Bambang Campus, Kalinga State University, Far Eastern University, Mariano Marcos State University, Pangasinan State University – Lingayen Campus, La Salle University – Ozamiz City, Lyceum Of The Philippines University – Laguna, and National University – Fairview.
Here is a list of the winners and their respective categories:
A.1. International Flight Attendants Showmanship 2.0
- Gold – Pangasinan State University
- Silver – Lyceum Of The Philippines University-Laguna
- Bronze – Far Eastern University
A.2. TikTok Dance Competition
- Gold – Lyceum Of The Philippines University-Laguna
- Silver – Lyceum Of The Philippines University-Laguna
- Bronze – Lyceum Of The Philippines University-Laguna
A.3. Singing Tourism & Hospitality Professionals
- Gold – Lyceum Of The Philippines University – Laguna
- Silver – Far Eastern University
- Bronze – Lyceum Of The Philippines University – Laguna
A.4. Tour Package Proposal
- Gold – Lyceum Of The Philippines University – Laguna
- Silver – Lyceum Of The Philippines University – Laguna
- Bronze – Far Eastern University
A.5. Travel Infographic
- Gold – Lyceum Of The Philippines University – Laguna
- Silver – Far Eastern University
- Bronze – Pangasinan State University
A.6. Tourism Quiz Bee
- Gold – Lyceum Of The Philippines – Laguna
- Silver – Lyceum Of The Philippines – Laguna
- Bronze – La Salle University – Ozamiz City
A.7. Local Virtual Tour Guiding
- Gold – Far Eastern University
- Silver – Pangasinan State University
- Bronze – Lyceum Of The Philippines University – Laguna
A.8. Convention Planning With Theme (International Convention 2028)
- Gold – Lyceum Of The Philippines University – Laguna
- Silver – Far Eastern University
- Bronze – La Salle University – Osamis City
A.9. Destination Marketing
- Gold – Lyceum Of The Philippines University – Laguna
- Silver – Lyceum Of The Philippines University – Laguna
- Bronze – Far Eastern University
A.10. Travel Feature Article Writing
- Gold – National University – Fairview
- Silver – La Salle University – Osamis City
- Bronze – Mariano Marcos State University
A.11. Hotel Product Presentation
- Gold – Lyceum Of The Philippines University – Lagun
- Silver – Far Eastern University
A.12. Front Office Dream Team
- Gold – Lyceum Of The Philippines University – Laguna
- Silver – Mariano Marcos University
- Bronze – Far Eastern University
A.13. Travel Vlog
- Gold – Lyceum Of The Philippines University – Laguna
- Silver – Far Eastern University
- Bronze – Far Eastern University
A.14. Tourism Photography
- Gold – Mariano Marcos State University
- Silver – National University – Fairview
- Bronze – Lyceum Of The Philippines University – Laguna
A.15. UGC Content Creator Challenge
- Gold – Lyceum Of The Philippines University – Laguna
- Silver – Lyceum Of The Philippines University – Laguna
- Bronze – Far Eastern University
The overall results were announced in the afternoon, recognizing the top three schools with the highest number of gold medals earned across all categories. Marking its five-year feat, the Lyceum of the Philippines University–Laguna emerged as the Overall Champion. Meanwhile, Far Eastern University was named the Overall First Runner-up, while Pangasinan State University–Lingayen Campus and Mariano Marcos State University were both declared Overall Second Runners-up.
The NTHSSO has been spearheaded over the years by its Emeritus Event Chair for ITHSC and NTHSSO and UB-SIHTM Dean, Ms. Jenelyn Mangangey-Magpatoc. This year’s organizing committee was led by Ms. Joanna Marie V. Villavicencio, Overall Chair of the 10th ITHSC and 5th NTHSSO, together with Ms. Roeanne Mylene K. Yango as Chair, supported by SIHTM faculty members and students.
The 5th NTHSSO was more than a showcase of technical ability and skills, but was a testament to the aspirations of future industry leaders. Student delegates stepped into roles they will soon embody in airports, hotels, convention centers, travel agencies, and global tourism boards, demonstrating that excellence is achieved through practice, performance, and perseverance. As the event concluded on February 21, 2026, the spirit ignited during the opening ceremonies continued to resonate, affirming that at the University of Baguio, tourism and hospitality are living arts—dynamic, evolving, and enduring.
