Tamaraws score 1st runner-up spot at skills Olympics

Students from the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM) brought pride to Far Eastern University (FEU) after securing Overall First Runner-Up at the 5th National Tourism and Hospitality Student’s Skills Olympics last Feb. 21 at the University of Baguio.

The competition formed part of the 10th International Tourism and Hospitality Student’s Convention, where delegates from institutions across the country gathered to showcase their expertise, creativity, and professional skills in various tourism and hospitality-related categories.

Representing Far Eastern University, the ITHM Tamaraws earned a total of 12 medals, demonstrating excellence, teamwork, and professionalism across multiple competitions. The strong performance highlighted the students’ dedication to applying the knowledge and skills they developed throughout their academic and practical training.

Chriszer Fernandez, 3rd Year, Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management student

Leading the medal tally was Chriszer Fernandez, who secured a Gold Medal in Local Virtual Tour Guiding, showcasing effective storytelling and destination interpretation through digital platforms.

Several teams also earned Silver Medals in their respective events. Layza Tolomia won in Travel Infographics, while Maria Alezza Luzon, Cayro Dizon, and Alliah Fe Camacho received recognition for Convention Planning. Ramiel Batao and Margarette Micole Magno earned silver in Hotel Product Presentation, while Czarina Mariscotes, Jem Mesina, Zion Palomino, Elliona Robasto, and Josef Lexfil Babasa were awarded for Singing Tourism and Hospitality. Devic Beloa and EJ Christian Foronda also secured a silver medal in Travel Vlog.

The team likewise collected several Bronze Medals across different categories. Bernadette Jose and Charisse Mirandilla placed in Travel Vlog-Team A, while Antonette Zaballero and Unisse Torrano were recognized in FA Showmanship-Team C. John Cedric De Guzman and Kris Manalang earned bronze for Tour Package Proposal, while Erich Anne Marcelino and Theresa Marie Alcantara were awarded for Destination Marketing. Sofia Nicole Telles, Richjohn Agosto, and Dwayne Alcasabas received recognition in Front Office Dream Team, and Gwyneth De Ocampo earned a bronze medal for UGC Creation.

Dr. Harold Bueno, dean of ITHM, commended the students and coaches for their dedication and for representing FEU with excellence throughout the competition.

“I am extremely proud of our students and coaches who participated in this competition. Win or lose, they have embodied the core values of FEU throughout their preparation and even in the nerve-racking moments of the competition itself. Pinatunayan nila ang ganda, galing, talino, at talento—ang tunay na tatak ng ITHM (Translate to English),” said Bueno in Filipino.

Bueno also acknowledged the efforts of student organizations that supported the team throughout the competition journey.

“I would also like to commend the FEU PATA Student Chapter, the HRM Society, and the ITHM Student Council for their dedication and teamwork in ensuring that all ITHM representatives were well taken care of from the very beginning of their journey in the competition,” he said.

“You did not merely participate—you showed up with the spirit of a true FEU Tamaraw: bold, prepared, and unrelenting. Stepping onto a national stage demands not only technical excellence and professional skill, but also the courage to carry the name of our institute and university with dignity and grace,” said ITHM Tourism Department chair Chrisdie Flores-Tongol.

“What you demonstrated in the competition is a reflection not only of your individual talent, but of the values that FEU ITHM has sought to cultivate in each of you. Whether you stood on the podium or not, know this: in the eyes of the Institute you are all winners,” she said.

The recognition marks another milestone for ITHM as its students continue to earn accolades while representing the university in national competitions and demonstrating the standards of excellence expected of future tourism and hospitality professionals.

From left to right: Guests of Chriszer Fernandez; Ms. Rosalyn Jagolino (Coach of Chriszer and Tourism Management Faculty Member); Chriszer Fernandez; Mr. Johncent del Rosario (Tourism Management Faculty Member); Dr. Chrisdie Flores Tongol (Tourism Management Department Chair); and Ms. Vanessa Bridgette Ngo (Tourism Management Associate Department Chair)

To learn more about the ITHM program offerings, please visit: https://www.feu.edu.ph/institute-of-tourism-and-hotel-management