One of the most dynamic and ever ambivalent industries in the world happens to be the hospitality industry. It provides economic and social developments and relations between countries and because of this, the Philippine Council of Hospitality Management Students (PCOHMS) was created so as to create a brighter future for the industry, in the hands of young professionals.

Formerly known as the National Federation of HRM students, the president of the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Educators of the Philippines (COHREP), Dr. Maria Christina G. Aquino, spearheaded the reactivation of this organization last July 16, 2011 during the 1st Hospitality Management Student Leaders’ Conference held at the University of Santo Tomas. Such initiative was taken as the department has full trust and belief that having a national organization of Hotel and Restaurant Management students would substantiate ties between the future leaders of the hospitality industry along with interaction and connection towards different elements that they would develop, thus bringing forth meaningful projects that can further develop the strengths and skills of its members.

It has been two years since the founders of the board of directors have been elected due to their transparent potential, and the time has come for a new set of student leaders who are willing to take up the responsibility. 

This year, the Hotel and Restaurant Management Society (HRMS) of the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM) of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) was proud to host this convention last July 27, 2013. Popularly known as PCOHMS, presidents from Hotel and Restaurant Management organizations from different universities attended this event wherein different speakers and officers of the Council gave seminars and lectures on effective leadership. 

Among the different schools that have confirmed their presence at PCOHMS were Lyceum of the Philippines Cavite and Batangas, De La Salle University-Dasmarinas, UP Diliman and Far Eastern University to name a few.  The convention lasted from 8AM till 5PM.  The agenda for the day included a team building activity, leadership training seminar and similar activities that aims to improve the communication and people skills of the participants.

The COHREP President, Dr. Maria Christina G. Aquino graced the event by delivering a brief inspirational speech to the participants. Along with Assoc. Prof Evangeline E. Timbang, Board Director in charge of PCOHMS, Dr. Aquino awarded the officers and board members with a certificate of appreciation for the exceptional service they have rendered to the organization as the founding board of directors. 

Other speakers present were Mr. Daryl Ace V. Cornell, Director of Research at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and Ms. Rowena P. Magsaysay, Dean of the College of Hospitality Management at the National University wherein they delivered their talks emphasizing the importance of effective leadership. They also gave their professional perspective and experience regarding being open and ready for change, for knowing what it is like being in the footsteps of a follower and how planning can yield the best results.

After the teambuilding activities and workshops facilitated by the outgoing Board of Directors to further develop the bond between the participants and to give them a chance to get to know each other better, the election proper was then held.

Based on the results of the election, the fifteen (15) newly elected members of the Board of Directors of PCOHMS for Academic Year 2013-2014 are the following:

Jhon Paulo C. Mallari of Cavite State University,

Christian Leo M. Flameño of Colegio de San Juan de Letran,

Marie Caroline D. Cabrejas of De La Salle University- Dasmariñas,

Aaron Aldrin V. Borja of Far Eastern University,

James D. Pacatang of Lyceum of Alabang,

Juan Paolo Masigan of Lyceum of the Philippines University-Cavite,

Justine James C. Bauza of Lyceum of the Philippines University, Manila

Christine Aira Y. De Ramos of Malayan Colleges of Laguna,

Rena Alyssa S. Soriano of Manila Tytana Colleges,

Allan E. Pascual of National University,

Alexander R. Alivio of Philippine Women’s University,

Joshua R. Huete of Polytechnic University of the Philippines,

Zarlyn C. Alidon of St. Jude College,

Edbert Jay DC. Armocilla of University of Santo Tomas and

Louise Andrew V. Quicho of University of the Philippines-Diliman

Thomasian Hospitality Management students, below is the schedule of fees for enrolment and important dates to remember for the first month of the academic year. Please be guided accordingly! 

Another passion – filled activity was successfully conducted by the Hotel and Restaurant Management Society last October 13, the Hospitality Internship Culminating Activity. This is anorg – initiated activity for all the Senior Hospitality Management students of the college, and it was held the Albertus Magnus Auditorium. For sections 4H1 to 4H3 who have already gone through their practicum trainings, this event served as their culminating activity. As for sections 4H4 to 4H5 on the other hand, this served as their general assembly in preparation for their practicum training come second semester. 

The program started at 9 in the morning. A seminar about providing excellent customer service was piloted by the guest speaker, the Managing Director of Great Sights Travel and Tours,
Mr. Paul Lim So. Mr. So shared his past work experiences and tips on how to deal with the current demands of the industry. Understanding cultural differences, enhancing the personality and handling guest complaints were just some of the matters discussed. After the talk, there was an open forum, which gave the students a chance to ask and hear more pieces of advice from the guest speaker. Then there was a panel discussion with the students who have just gone through their practicum training from some of the most prestigious hotels in the country like Sofitel, Mariott and Pan Pacific dubbed as the "Thomasian Brand of Hospitality at the Workplace." The event was made even more entertaining by the song performances of the talented CTHM students. The activity concluded with the conferment of the Excellence in Hospitality Training Award to the best practicum trainees for that semester. Ms. Rugie Beth Abaigar of Sofitel Philippine Plazaemerged as the Most Outstanding trainee.

Field experience is the heart and soul of social work education. It is the highlight of every student’s journey, where classroom theories become professional fact, ethics are tested through application and a respect and acceptance of diverse cultures is gained. 

Competence is gained by doing. Together, let us pursue our passion, Thomasian Hospitality Management Students!

Finals Week has set in for the college, but the Hotel and Restaurant Management Society has three more activities to conduct this October!

After the long-delayed Staffers Workshop of the organization, the Sem-Ender Assembly will finally push through this Friday, October 12 at Multi-Function Room 2. Alumni HRM officers will grace the event to facilitate teambuilding activities; moreover, the advisers will conduct the sem-ender assessment for the organization's activities. The executive board will also present its plans for the second semester. The participants of this activity are the committee heads and staff members of the organization.

On October 13, 2012, the Hospitality Internship Culminating Activity will happen at the AMV Multi-Purpose Hall. This is an org-initiated activity for Senior Hospitality Management students of the college. This will serve as 4H1-4H3's culminating activity while 4H4-4H5's general ssembly as they prepare for their practicum training for the second semester.

The top two best performing practicumers per hotel site will be awarded during the event. There will also be a customer service seminar to be conducted by a representative from the Department of Tourism and presentation of a two-year training program by the EDSA Shangrila.

Lastly, the first community development project of the organization will take place on the 16th to 19th of October 2012. The Non-Formal Education is an annual project of the organization.

Join us and together, let us PURSUE OUR PASSION!

The HRMS Executive Board have decided to call for another general assembly with staffers to discuss important matters concerning the organization. It was also the first meeting after roughly three months that the executive board members were all present in one evening.

The organization is happy to have Ms. Pia Alfonso back after her practicum training at Baguio Country Club. She introduced herself to the staff members and vowed to work with them efficiently and harmoniously. She will surely take time getting to know each staffers of the organization. But with her very outgoing and approachable disposition, it will not be a hard task for her. She also brought with her pasalubongs from Baguio.

The meeting was presided by Mr. Pio Sanchez. He first discussed about the long delayed staffers workshop which the organization really tried pursuing for several times. But due to uncontrollable circumstances, the staffers workshop cannot push through anymore and the project design will not be appropriate anymore since the semester will come to an end six weeks from now. The executive assured the staff members that they already have another plan in place of the staffers workshop which will happen on the 12th of October.

Moreover, Pio discussed the upcoming activities the organization has in the coming seven months. He reiterated to the staffers that there should be a level of secrecy so as not to spill out information to others because all presented plans were just rough drafts of what the executive board thought to organize for the students.

He also enjoined the staff members to be active in promoting the organization through the use of social media. Also, he presented the newly refurbished website of the organization which will serve as a gateway for students to know the happenings inside the organization. There were additional features added to complement the needs of students in obtaining information, news, and updates from the organization such as the staff members and committees the organization has; the activity profile page where students can view what happened on the event organized by the organization; and importantly the org vault page where students can view the financial status of the organization.

It was one fruitful night for the executive board because they get to see the staffers who are still true to their vow to assist the organization in achieving our vision to pursue everyone's passion!

HRM students, the best is yet to come! And we assure you that that best has got even better!

Let us pursue our passion together Thomasian Hospitality Management Students!

September 4, 2012 marked the day of Vitam: Fine, Fresh, Fit!, a health and wellness seminar offered by the Hotel and Restaurant Management Society, a day of fitness and relaxation. The guest speakers shared their knowledge and practical tips on how to achieve a healthier lifestyle. Awareness about obesity, proper nutrition and how to evade nutrient deficiencies are just some that were mentioned and tackled during the seminar. Another important topic was the MOVABA, which stands for Moderation, Variety and Balance: the three principles of nutrition for healthy eating. Through the Nestle Wellness Mobile, the participants had the chance to know their Body Mass Index (BMI) to evaluate if the current weight is appropriate to one’s height. Also, everyone was given their Wellness belt – the waist line is a perfect indicator for risk to lifestyle disease. Students also got to bring home special healthy living goodies as Nestle gave away awesome freebies and gifts, which included a bag, pen, recipe book and Wellness Passport. 

A guest speaker from the UST Yoga Club also demonstrated his skills and dexterity as he conducted a brief Yoga talk and Yoga Asana Exercise, teaching the proper way of breathing. The seminar which was held at the Albertus Magnus Auditorium was indeed a success, and was very helpful especially to students who are dealing with a lot of paper works to accomplish and experience stress out of their day to day responsibilities. As John Kennedy said, Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body. It is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity. So the more efficient your body, the better you feel and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results. Health is Wealth, HRM students! 

(Publications Committee)