HAPPY FIESTA!

How do you describe a Filipino fiesta? Well, it's the typical vibrant celebration with colorful banners, delicious native foods, fun games, loud music, joyful shouts, and most importantly, the camaraderie of the people. This lively spirit was in the air from May 6-8, 2024, at the Outdoor Volleyball Court and A.R. Valdez Hall. The B.S. Tourism Management students celebrated Tourism Management Week with the theme, “Pista Ng Bayan: Linggo Ng Kultura, Musika at Ligaya.”

Hiyawan sa Lansangan

Tribe Parade

Day one began with a grand Tribe Parade starting from WalterMart Sucat and ending at the Outside Volleyball Court of PATTS College of Aeronautics. The BS Tourism Management students were divided into five groups, each representing a well-known festival in the Philippines: the Sanduguan Group, Pasundayag Group, Higalaay Group, Dinagat Group, and Hinugyaw Group. During the parade, they showcased their best to represent their tribes with banners, flags, headwear, and loud cheers. The Hinugyaw Tribe clinched the Bituin ng Parada and Tapestry Award.

A Lively Beginning

Opening Ceremony

The volleyball court underwent a festive transformation, adorned with banners and a sprawling canopy overhead. Esteemed guests, including Engr. Jose Eduardo S. Valdez (College President and COO), Dr. Emelita I. Javier (VP for Student Affairs), and Dr. Alma A. Tan (OIC for BS Tourism Management), graced the ceremony.

Dr. Tan delivered the opening remarks, setting the tone for a fun-filled event, followed by a message from Engr. Valdez, who uplifted everyone's spirits and emphasized the pivotal role of the tourism students in the industry. Ms. Maria Roxanne Angela P. Zuño, the event’s Guest of Honor, an alumna of the institution's BS Tourism Management Program, and a notable success in the field, delivered an inspirational speech, sharing her industry experiences and imparting words of encouragement to the aspiring students.

Following these speeches, the ribbon-cutting ceremony officially marked the commencement of Tourism Week 2024. Each of the five tribes then took the stage to present their tribe chant and audio-visual presentation, showcasing their team spirit and unity. The Hinugyaw Tribe received the Best in AVP award, while the Pasundayag Tribe was honored with the Dakilang Hiyaw award.

Tiny Wonders of the Philippines

Heritage Tourism Exhibit

After the ceremony, miniatures of famous heritage sites and landmarks in the Philippines were showcased. This event, featuring second-year BS Tourism Management students, required participants to create models from scratch using only sustainable materials. Notable works included a miniature of Mt. Mayon and a scale model of the Banaue Rice Terraces. The most eye-catching miniature, created by the group consisting of Ashaira Sto. Tomas, Ashly Cabatingan, CJ Fernandez, Fiona Garcia, Jacob Mishiqo Dancel, Jordan Gio Alvarez, Judge Bartolome, Kyla Maureen, Margaret Elliane Pateña, and Niña Balignasay, was declared the winner of the exhibit.

Talentadong Turismo

Tourism Magpasikat

Following the Heritage Tourism Exhibit, a display of talent and expertise took center stage. Eleven students from the BS Tourism Management program showcased their skills in singing and dancing, staying true to the tagline, "Ganda, Galing, at Talino." Applause resounded throughout the venue as each performer captivated the audience with their performances. In the end, Earl Azardon claimed the 2nd runner-up spot, Viviene Mangalindan secured 1st runner-up, and Aaron Rodriguez was crowned the champion of Tourism Magpasikat.

Reliving the Fun in the Past

Palaro ni Kabayan

Fiestas are not iconic without the traditional Filipino games played on the streets. This was showcased by the students during the afternoon of Day 1. The games included the Pabitin Game, Calamansi Relay, Eggplant Relay, Chinese Garter, Limbo Rock, Tug of War, and Man Vs Food, where participants raced to eat the classic Filipino Chicken Inasal. Everyone unleashed their competitive spirits to represent their tribe, but after all, the Sanduguan tribe garnered the most wins, declaring them the overall winner of the event.

Filipino Delicacy, Yummy!

Barrio Turismo

Throughout the event, booths manned by first-year BS Tourism Management students showcased an array of delicacies from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Vibrant and festive, their booths offered a culinary journey unlike any other, with flavors that lived up to the students' marketing promises. Section 1T swept all the awards, earning recognition for the Most Organized, Top Seller, and Best Booth.

Going Somewhere?

Tour Guiding Competition

The second day began with the Tour Guiding Competition. A representative from each tribe was given a picture of a famous heritage site in the Philippines and tasked with acting as a tour guide. They had to be knowledgeable about the site and explain its details to the viewers and judges. Jacob Mishiqo Dancel from the Sanduguan tribe was declared the best tour guide among the participants.

Showcasing Safety Above

Flight Demo Showmanship

Following the Tour Guiding Competition, a Flight Demo Showmanship contest was held. In this simulation, participants acted as flight stewards on an airplane. Each tribe had one narrator to describe the safety procedures while four members demonstrated these procedures. The Sanduguan tribe emerged victorious, clinching the top spot in this event.

Category is: Santacruzan Eleganza

Santacruzan y Turismo

As the sun began to set on the second day, bright lights and loud music transformed the stage into a vibrant runway. The second-year BS Tourism Management students took part in a culminating activity, strutting the stage with poise and confidence in Filipino-inspired dresses made from sustainable materials. Some participants wore elegant Ternos made from newspapers, while others fashioned Barong Tagalogs from plastics and bottle caps. They also presented their respective advocacies as they graced the stage. The awards were as follows:

• Best Slogan: Kristalyn Faye Mendoza and Johncen Jasie Mendoza

• Best Advocacy: Kimberly Paulino and Lee Cuneta

• Reyna Elena (Champion for the Female Category): Sabrina Mae Raymundo, who also clinched the Bonggang Lambon (Best in Gown) award

• Constantine (Champion for the Male Category): Jordan Gio Alvarez, who also received the Gwapitong Barong (Best in Attire) award.

A Note from Elders

PATTS Tourism Marketing Campaign (AlumniCon)

The final day of the TM Week began with an industry knowledge enhancer and career booster event, featuring successful alumni from the institution's BS Tourism Management program. These alumni shared their experiences in the field and provided valuable insights on transitioning from students to industry professionals. They recounted their time at PATTS College of Aeronautics and offered advice on entering the job market. The alumni panel included Ms. Maria Roxanne Angela P. Zuño, Ms. Ma. Regina Beatriz E. Caleon, Mr. Vince Efraime O. Rovillos, Ms. Jerilyn Mae S. Ingco, and Ms. Elaine T. Hilvano, all of whom are thriving in the tourism and management industry. The session was highly engaging, with students eagerly asking questions and attentively listening to the alumni's stories and advice.

Colorful Culture in Motion

SalesBlitz Competition

The afternoon event was filled with groove and tradition as the five tribes performed the traditional dances of the festivals they represent. Adorned in colorful and extravagant costumes inspired by their respective festivals, the students delivered visually captivating performances, paying homage to the cultural heritage of each region. However, the Sanduguan tribe stood out by creatively incorporating the historical treaty of peace and unity between the Filipinos and Spaniards into their dance, earning them the top spot in the SalesBlitz Competition.

The Grand Festive Finale

Closing Ceremony and Concert

The event swiftly transitioned into the closing ceremony, where the Sanduguan tribe was hailed as the Overall Champion of the Tourism Week 2024. Following this, Ms. Lyka Grace Dollentas (Event Project Head) delivered her closing remarks, expressing gratitude to all participants and commending her fellow officers for their exceptional work.

Soon after, the much-anticipated highlight of the TM Week unfolded with renowned OPM guest artists taking the stage. Eugene Layug, Munimuni, and Kiyo electrified the crowd with their unforgettable performances, igniting euphoria among the attendees. Voices soared as students enthusiastically joined in singing along with the artists. 

But the excitement didn't end there. As the organizers announced the winners of the major raffle draw, the crowd erupted into a frenzy. The anticipation was palpable as lucky winners were called to claim extravagant prizes, including a deluxe room accommodation at Heritage Hotel, a 3-day, 2-night trip to Cebu, and the coveted 3-day, 2-night getaway to Bangkok, Thailand.

As the night deepened, the curtains closed on the festivities of Tourism Week 2024, leaving behind a lasting impression of cultural celebration, musical enchantment, and boundless joy for all students.