NEWS

Alumni guests together with the CTHM administrators and academic staff and OAR

The UST College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM) gathered its distinguished alumni, faculty, and students for a meaningful afternoon of connection and reflection for its Alumni Hour last February 26, 2026 at the Sentro Turismo, 7th Floor, Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building, UST Manila.

The theme, "A moment of engagement & fellowship", served as a bridge between generations where stories of resilience and redirection met the aspirations of students preparing to enter the tourism and hospitality industry.

OAR Director Dr. Rocamora welcomes the alumni during her speech.

The program commenced with the welcome remarks from the Office of Alumni Relations (OAR) Director Assoc. Prof. Joreen T. Rocamora, PhD. She described the alumni as a bridge connecting UST's excellence to the next generation of practitioners. Beyond inspiration, Dr. Rocamora emphasized the vital role alumni play in sharing corporate knowledge, industry trends, and market insights that improve the college's programs, curricula, and development strategies.

Ms. Dumal delivers her keynote speech to students.

Delivering the keynote address was Carmela Prospero-Dumol, who serves as the Administrative Manager and Executive Assistant to the Office of the President & Chief Operating Officer of Philippine Airlines. She spoke candidly about discovering purpose within the tourism industry. Dumol shared her personal experience of redirection, in which she initially aimed to become a flight attendant but found her calling in the marketing team of Mabuhay Miles.

CTHM Academic Staff Asst, Prof. Medina serves as the program's emcee. Assistant Dean Dr. Timbang is the facilitator of the main activity.

A central highlight of the event was the Alumni Talk, facilitated by CTHM Assistant Dean Assoc. Prof. Evangeline E. Timbang, PhD. The dialogue featured a diverse panel of alumni from Tourism and Hotel & Restaurant Management (HRM) programs. Representing Tourism were Rey Michael Leyva, an entrepreneur and fashion designer; Ivy Galang Ganza, Assistant Director for International Marketing and Hotel Sales at Newport World Resorts; Carmela Prospero-Dumol of Philippine Airlines; and Ma. Concepcion Ang, a member of UST CTHM Academic Staff, Student Welfare and Development Coordinator, and a member of the Dean's Council. Joining them from the HRM program were Chef Donna Morales, Culinary Services Manager at Century Pacific Food, Inc.; Vanessa Jopillo, Founder of Planes and Places Travel Services and Co-founder of Ediphi; Michael Barrozo, Manager of La Piazza Ristorante Italiano at Okada Manila; and Cedric Allen Mendoza, Owner and Partner of Re-craft Company.(L-R) CTHM Academic Staff Asst. Prof. Ang, PAL Administrative Manager Ms. Dumol, Newport World Resorts Assistant Director for International Marketing & Hotel Sales Ms. Ganza, Fashion Designer Mr. Leyva, CTHM Assistant Dean Dr. Timabang, Planes and Places Travel Services Founder Ms. Jopillo, Okada Manila La Piazza Ristorante Italiano Manager Mr. Barrozo, Century Pacific Food Culinary Services Asst. Manager Chef Morales, and Re-craft Company Owner and Partner Mr. Mendoza.

During the session, the guests reflected on the question, "Why UST?" The alumni discussed the resilience and discipline the university instilled in them, as well as how the college guided them toward their respective career paths. They also provided a realistic view of the professional world, addressing rejection, redirection, mental health issues, and financial planning.

Snippets during Alumni Talk.

This led to an interactive segment in which students engaged with alumni. Practical advice was given when asked about saving. Mr. Barrozo shared that consistent saving enabled him to establish a business that now generates passive income. He encouraged the students, especially those who plan to work abroad, to prioritize saving early and to think long-term.

More snippets during Alumni Talk.

Another student sought advice regarding client interactions from Mr. Leyva, which opened a discussion on professionalism and adaptability, qualities strengthened by academic training and lived experience.CTHM Dean Granado concludes the program.

The afternoon concluded with closing remarks from the CTHM Dean Prof. Gezzez Giezi G. Granado, DCL. He expressed gratitude to the alumni and described them as concrete evidence of UST CTHM's ability to produce top-notch professionals. Dean Granado also highlighted the college's 20th Anniversary, a significant milestone in its continued commitment to excellence in tourism and hospitality management education.The Alumni Hour is initiated by CTHM to celebrate Thomasian identity, rooted in resilience, molded by discipline, and strengthened by connection. It offered encouragement and inspiration for the students while it was a meaningful homecoming and a way of giving back to the University for the alumni. For CTHM, it was a reaffirmation that its greatest measure of success is found in the lives and journeys of its graduates.