ITHM leads rolling tour for foundation anniversary

The Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM), in partnership with ITHM Tams Travel Hub and the PATA Philippines FEU Student Chapter, led a rolling tour in Manila titled “Manila, My Manila: Braving Diversity in a Journey through Time of Heritage, Heart a History,” in celebration of FEU’s 98th foundation anniversary. Engaging directly with heritage sites is an essential part of learning how cultural narratives are interpreted, preserved, and responsibly shared with visitors, making experiences like this a valuable component of tourism education. 

Through the Manila Loop Tour, this learning took place beyond the classroom. Held in two sessions, the Manila Loop Tour transformed the city streets into a learning environment. Students were brought around Manila’s iconic landmarks, turning the capital into a “moving classroom” where lessons in history, culture, and tourism came to life beyond textbooks and lectures. 

The tour highlighted Manila’s rich heritage and cultural diversity, allowing participants to witness firsthand the stories embedded in its historic sites and urban landscape. Organizers emphasized the importance of experiential learning, encouraging students to connect theoretical concepts in tourism management, heritage conservation, and sustainable practices with real-world observations. 

A total of 53 students from ITHM and the Institute of Accounts, Business, and Finance (IABF) joined the activity, fostering interdisciplinary engagement and shared appreciation for local history. 

For many participants, the experience deepened their understanding of Manila’s historical significance.  

“Seeing these landmarks in person made me appreciate how layered Manila’s history is. It’s different when you’re not just reading about it but actually standing where history happened,” one ITHM student said. 

“The rolling tour helped me realize how tourism and business intersect. Preserving heritage sites is not just about culture, it also supports communities and local economies,” said another participant from IABF.  

“As future tourism professionals, it’s important for us to know our own history first,” an ITHM participant added. “This experience reminded me that promoting the Philippines starts with understanding and valuing our heritage.”

As FEU approaches its centennial, initiatives like “Manila, My Manila” demonstrate its continued commitment to meaningful, immersive learning experiences—equipping students with both knowledge and a deeper appreciation of the country’s cultural identity.