NEW GENERATION OF HOSPITALITY PROFESSIONALS WAS FEATURED IN MANILA STANDARD TODAY.
source: Manila Standard Today
The Asian School of Hospitality Arts, established in 2010, recently produced graduates who received top-notch hospitality and hotel and restaurant training. ASHA presented the first batch of graduates for the Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management along with graduates from certificate and diploma courses during the commencement exercises held recently at C3 Events Place in Greenhills,
Two graduates garnered top honors as they received their bachelor’s diplomas while two graduates recently finished apprenticeship program at the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Resort in Amelia Island, USA.
“Our recent crop of graduates have proven themselves worthy of the honor of being top graduates and their achievements in and out of school have proven that with the proper training, they can become future leaders of the industry they represent,” said Prof. Angie Blanco, ASHA Dean.
Acacia Hotel general manager Bobby Horrigan, a Mabuhay Awards gold awardee, was the commencement speaker and guest of honor.
Topping her batch is valedictorian Bianca Jaira Espejo of Marikina City. She graduated with a BS HRM degree, summa cum laude. The 26-year-old lady credited her teachers and family for making it possible to achieve the rare honor.
“I did not expect to become class topnotcher; I just did my best to get good grades and learn the tools of the trade,” she said.
Bianca said going to ASHA was the best decision she made. “Being a shy person, I was reluctant to open myself and approach people. But my teachers taught me the value of self-confidence and trusting other people as well,” she said.
She said her practicum in housekeeping and hot kitchen operations opened up her mind. “Working in a professional kitchen put me out of my comfort zone. I also understood the value of housekeeping skills.”
Therese Dedel of Antipolo City was once a reluctant student who wanted to experience the good life, and she used to spend a lot of her time with friends more than her studies. It was one of those moments with friends that served as a wake-up call. “While I was with my friends, it came to me that I was doing a disservice to my mom, who was working hard to send me to school,” she said.
From then on, it was all school for her. “Before, I was not worried about getting low grades. But thinking about my mom’s sacrifices and the problems my family was experiencing gave me a change of heart. I started to overcome the obstacles in my life.”
Through hard work, the 20-year- old lady was able to graduate with honors, finishing her BS in HRM degree magna cum laude. One of her most unforgettable experience while doing OJT for ASHA was the chance to serve the president of the country during his brief stint at the hotel.
“I was doing OJT for Richmonde Hotel in Ortigas and prepared the quesadillas, not knowing that the food I prepared was to be served to President Aquino,” she said. “I only found out about it when my superiors told me about it.”
Meanwhile, ASHA graduates Corinthia Gretl Pastor and Joshua Andrew Dello were chosen from over 40 people who applied for a one-year culinary apprenticeship at the famous Ritz-Carlton Resort in Amelia Island in Florida, USA.
“It was a dare worth taking,” said 23-year-old Joshua, who recently returned to the country along with Gretl to receive their diplomas.
“I know I wanted it, but knowing that you are going to get it, out of the 40 over people who probably wanted it more than I did, it was a mind-blowing experience,” said 27-year-old Gretl.
ASHA said it turned most of its graduates’ dreams into fulfillment, and many of them are now reaping the fruits of their success. The school has branches in Antipolo; Kamias, Quezon City; Santolan, San Juan and Tagaytay.