SMU HTM

25/04/2026

𝗦𝗠𝗨-𝗛𝗧𝗠 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁-𝗮-𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁-𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝗽 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗸𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗯, 𝗜𝗯𝘂𝗻𝗴, 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗲

The JTHMAP–SMU Chapter advisers and officers, together with dedicated volunteers, successfully conducted an Adopt-a-Tourist Site Clean-Up Drive Project at Purok Mangkelleb, Barangay Ibung, Villaverde on April 25, 2026.

With the guidance of Mrs. Jesusa Ana Maria F. Jacalne, CGSP, JTHMAP-SMU Chapter HM Adviser, and Ms. Rowena Vennessa C. Gayagoy, MBA, CGSP, JTHMAP-SMU Chapter TM Adviser, the activity brought everyone together to take action in protecting and preserving our local environment.

Special recognition is also extended to Rev. Fr. Evedi B. Adiwan, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Fatima Church, and Hon. Joemar Lorenzo Sr., Barangay Captain of Ibung, Villaverde, for their support and assistance in the success of the activity.

This initiative is a reminder that every tourist site deserves care, respect, and responsibility. Through simple yet meaningful efforts, we help sustain the beauty of our communities and strengthen the values of environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism.

SMU HTM upholds its commitment to developing responsible future tourism professionals who actively contribute to environmental preservation and sustainable community development.

24/04/2026

Culinary Creativity at Its Finest!

The Hospitality Management students enrolled in HMPE 2: Food Styling and Design proudly showcased their talent and innovation during their Second Term Examination last April 22.

Students were challenged to recreate beloved Filipino traditional dishes into modern plated presentations, combining heritage flavors with contemporary culinary artistry. Featured dishes included:
🥘 Dinakdakan
🍗 Adobo
🥜 Kare-Kare
🍖 Kaldereta
🥬 Pinakbet
🍲 Sinigang
Using Molecular Gastronomy Techniques, students elevated each dish through:
✨ Fruit Caviar
✨ Foaming
✨ Spherification
✨ Sous Vide
✨ Edible Soil
To complete the experience, students also presented a stunning Deconstructed Halo-Halo, transforming the classic Filipino dessert into a sophisticated modern masterpiece.

This activity highlights the students’ creativity, technical skills, innovation, and passion for preserving Filipino cuisine while embracing global culinary trends.

Congratulations to our future chefs and hospitality professionals for an outstanding performance!

23/04/2026

From Saint Mary's University to the shores of Boracay — bringing the vibe wherever we go! 🌊🔥

“Hawak Mo Ang Beat” dance trend with 31 HTM Student Interns and the incredible leaders of SMU: Academic Dean of the School of Accountancy and Business, Dr. Regina D. Ramel, CPA and JTHMAP SMU Chapter Governor, Mr. Mark Anthony S. Domingo.

Other tourists joined the dance craze.
When passion, leadership, and energy come together, you don’t just follow the beat—you own it. 💃🕺✨

21/04/2026

21/04/2026

Serving 90s vibes with a modern slay 📼✨

All out support for Daniz Ann D. Gawan, First Year Tourism student, proudly representing HTM under the School of Accountancy and Business in her journey to Campus Personality 2025–2026 💙🔥

Rocking the school uniform with a fresh 90s throwback twist—confidence, style, and attitude on point! We’re rooting for you all the way, Daniz! 💃👑

Candidate #5
Daniz Ann D. Gawan
SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY AND BUSINESS (SAB)

21/04/2026

POV: When your Dean and Department Head understood the assignment 😎💃🕺

Pure good vibes during a TikTok moment with Dr. Regina D. Ramel, CPA, Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra, CGSP, CHP, MSHRM, and Mr. Mark Anthony S. Domingo, Governor of JTHMAP-SMU Chapter, as they visited our OJT students from Nueva Vizcaya here in Malay, Aklan — Boracay 🌊✨

From campus to the island, they still brought the same energy, support, and solid vibes we love 💙🔥 Because leadership also means showing up, dancing with us, and reminding us we’re family.

Food tastes better, TikToks hit harder, and chitchats turn into core memories when shared with people who truly care.

21/04/2026

Dinner nights hit different when it’s with the OJT fam 🍽️✨

Tonight was extra special — we shared good food, good chitchats, and lil laughters by the island 🌊 with our very own Dean of the School of Accountancy and Business, Dr. Regina D. Ramel, CPA, and HTM Department Head, Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra, CGSP, CHP, MSHRM. 💙

Food always tastes better when shared with the whole family, and the night got even sweeter thanks to a surprise cake — a sweet treat from Dean Ramel — for our March & April birthday celebrants 🎂🥳 Because in this family, every milestone deserves to be celebrated.

Grateful for moments like these that remind us: OJT isn’t just about work, it’s about the people who make the journey worthwhile.



Words by: Mark Domingo
Photo taken by: Kuya Carlo (Cook from Travelesque Tours)

20/04/2026

Good luck to all students taking their Second Term Exams today! We’re rooting for you. Stay focused and give it your best.

After your exams, drop by for some FREE ice cream 🍦

This is an initiative of JTHMAP-SMU Chapter and the HTM Faculty, made especially to show appreciation for your hard work and dedication.

📍 GDB Building, First Floor
🕐 1:00 PM
⏳ Until supplies last

See you there!

19/04/2026

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐑𝐃 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐲 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐆. 𝐌𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨, 𝐋𝐏𝐓, 𝐃𝐏𝐀, 𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐎 𝐈𝐈𝐈!

On this special day, Saint Mary’s University President, Dr. John Octavious S. Palina; Academic Dean of the School of Accountancy and Business, Dr. Regina D. Ramel, CPA; and the Department Head of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra, CGSP, CHP, MSHRM, join the entire SMU-HTM community in extending their heartfelt birthday greetings.

The SMU-HTM family is truly blessed to have a Regional Director who is active, smart, and genuinely supportive. We are deeply grateful for RD Miano’s steadfast support for JTHMAP-SMU Chapter activities and his visionary leadership that continues to drive growth, foster innovation, and uphold excellence in tourism across the Cagayan Valley and Northern Philippine Islands Region. Your dedication fuels opportunities, champions sustainable development, and brings pride to our destinations and communities.

Mr. Mark Domingo, Governor of JTHMAP-SMU Chapter, together with its advisers, consultant, officers and members, also express their warmest greetings and appreciation for your inspiring guidance. You motivate us to lead with integrity, serve with passion, and dream bigger for Philippine tourism.

May this new year of your life be filled with abundant blessings, good health, and meaningful achievements. As you continue to shape the future of our region’s tourism, may you find joy in every milestone and strength in every challenge.

A blessed and cheerful natal celebration to you, RD Miano! Wishing you continued success and purpose in all that you do.

From the Saint Mary’s University Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, its students, and the Junior Tourism and Hospitality Management Association of the Philippines – SMU Chapter.

17/04/2026

𝗦𝗠𝗨-𝗛𝗧𝗠 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱: 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

SMU’s Hospitality and Tourism Management Department (SMU-HTM) celebrates Senior Tourism students Mr. Rodolfo Lim III and Miss Kyneshie Dalpig for earning the Certified Front Desk Representative (CFDR) designation. Developed by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), this prestigious credential is the global benchmark for front-office excellence.

See full story: https://smu.edu.ph/smu-htm-sets-global-standard-tourism-students-secure-international-front-office-certification/

Written by: Mr. Kernel Lim III

14/04/2026

𝙎𝙈𝙐 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙏𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙢 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝘼𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙍𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙉𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙨 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩

The recent Regional Needs Assessment and Focus Group Discussion held at Calao Hall, Go Hotels Plus on April 14, 2026, brought together vital stakeholders from the Cagayan region’s tourism sector. Hotel managers, tour guides, academicians, travel agencies, and provincial tourism officers convened to collaboratively identify key needs and opportunities for growth.

This important initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Tourism’s Office of Human Capital Development in partnership with the DOT Regional Office and led by Dr. Troy Alexander G. Miano, DPA, CESO III, showcased a strong commitment to advancing tourism in the region.

Among the active participants was Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra, CGSP, CHP, MSHRM, Head of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Department at SMU. Serving as secretary, Mr. Ibarra presented the insightful results from the Focus Group Discussion among regional academicians, underscoring SMU’s dedication to fostering meaningful partnerships with government agencies for the betterment of the tourism industry.

This event exemplifies the collaborative spirit driving sustainable tourism development in Cagayan, reflecting a shared vision for a thriving and dynamic sector.

14/04/2026

✨ Birthday Cheers in Ilocos! ✨

During the Stay and Learn Program – Ilocos held on April 11–13, 2026, two of our HTM participants marked their special days.
While birthdays are often spent with family, this educational tour became a reminder that the HTM family is just as loving and supportive.
With a sweet surprise of cake, we celebrated this momentous occasion together!

With joy and gratitude, we wish both of you a very Happy Birthday!
May your journey ahead be filled with success, laughter, and cherished memories. 🌟