The SISC Tourism Society celebrated its annual Tourism Day celebration last, February 18, 2010, with a symposium themed ‘Tourism: Putting You on Track.’ The tourism students were joined by Dr. Marl V. Ferenal, School President; Dr. Violeta A. V. Lazaro, Dean for College of Tourism; Mr. Jerry A. Aguilar, PR and Marketing Director; and Mr. Ed Panlaqui, Tourism Coordinator, along with four distinguished guest speakers who are specialists in the Travel and Tourism industry. Student representatives from the Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) department of South Mansfield College, facilitated by Ms. Joy Lyn Parohinog, were also present in this special occasion.
At the start of the Tourism Lecture Series and CEO Forum, Mr. Paul Lim So, President and Gen. Manager of Action Holidays and member of the SISC Board of Advisers, discussed the career opportunities awaiting tourism graduates in the travel trade industry particularly in hotels, resorts, cruise lines, airlines, food and beverages, theme parks, gaming, travel and government sectors. Moving on with the program, the second guest speaker Ms. Andrea S. Manzano, shared her expertise in the cruise line industry as the current Assistant Vice-President for Sales of Star Cruises Philippines. Ms. Manzano also imparted insights on the promising job opportunities in the cruise line industry both for local and international cruise companies. The third speaker, Mr. Eddie M. Nuque, Chairman of Kalakbayan Travel System-Lakbay.net, delivered a talk regarding the current marketing technology or the e-commerce in the tourism industry with the sharing of his personal experience in establishing a website for Philippine tourism promotions. On the other hand, for career opportunities in the airlines industry, Ms. Jessica T. Pineda, a Sales Manager for Northwest-Delta Airlines, talked about the significant guidelines for tourism students who aspire to work in different airline companies, drawing inspiration and lessons from her work experiences in the industry.
Before the symposium ended, an open forum was conducted where students had the opportunity to raise questions for the guest speakers regarding career concerns and variable considerations in preparing themselves for the innovative and challenging world of Tourism and Hospitality Management.
After the symposium, a dating game followed which aimed to develop the interpersonal and relationship skills of all students involved while at the same time, enjoying and learning from each other during the event.
Indeed, this year’s Tourism Day celebration was a success for it continued to exhibit the tourism students’ resourcefulness, creativity and camaraderie. (Robea Marie V. Tantiongco, BS Tourism – 3)
