IHTM Student Council

𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒’ 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟏 - September 22, 2026

IHTM Student Council Governor Keeshia Aipha G. Laguisma and Vice Governor Sean Kyle J. Liwanag proudly participated in Day 1 of the Youth Leaders’ Convergence 2026 at 𝐇𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐭 & 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐥, 𝐒𝐭𝐚. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚, 𝐋𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐨, 𝐏𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚.

Together with fellow youth leaders from various organizations, they took part in a meaningful day filled with learning, connection, reflection, and personal growth.

The program opened with an Invocation, the Philippine National Anthem, and the Mabalacat City Hymn, followed by the welcoming remarks of 𝐌𝐬. 𝐋𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐥 𝐎. 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐲𝐮𝐭, OIC of the City Youth Development Office. Afterwards, a special message was delivered by 𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞 𝐏. 𝐓𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐜𝐨, SK Federation President and MCYDC Chairperson, inspiring participants to embrace their roles and responsibilities as young leaders.

One of the highlights of Day 1 was “𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲: 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟” facilitated by 𝐌𝐬. 𝐄𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝. The session emphasized a powerful reminder: “𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞” Participants were encouraged to reflect on the true essence of leadership—not simply being visible or recognized, but creating meaningful influence. Ms. David left the participants with a thought-provoking question: “𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞?”

The seminar also proceeded with a discussion on mental health and its importance, highlighting the need for young leaders to care for themselves while fulfilling their responsibilities and positively influencing others.

Day 1 concluded with an engaging team-building activity, strengthening camaraderie and connections among the participating youth leaders. It was an opportunity to learn, connect, reflect, and grow—a reminder that meaningful leadership begins with leading ourselves and continues through the positive influence we create in our communities.

Creatives/Captions: Sean Kyle J. Liwanag

MCC HOLDS “FROM FEAR TO STRENGTH” SEMINAR FOR STUDENT LEADERS

The Guidance Services Unit of Mabalacat City College (MCC) held a seminar “From Fear to Strength: Empowering Students in Safety and Resilience” on September 18, 2026, at the MCC Cultural Hall led by the GSU Head, Ma'am Bernadette L. Galang. The seminar brought together MCC student leaders, including the IHTM Student Council, LTSP President, and CHMS President, for discussions and activities on mental health, emergency preparedness, and self-defense.

The program opened with remarks from the SASS Director Dr. Edmon Y. Sampana. The first resource speaker, Sir Kenzi T. Valentin, RPsy, RPm, CHRA, focused on the importance of addressing mental health issues among students. The effects of the environment a child lives, and other significant related topics. Moreover, he facilitated an activity among the student leaders that encouraged camaraderie and critical thinking. Afterwards, FOI Kristoff Dayle V. Mallari followed with a discussion on prevention and proper responses to emergencies, and incidents that might happen inside the institution. He highlighted the significance of staying calm at all times when faced with critical situations.

Meanwhile, Sir Glendino T. Gopez conducted a session on self-defense, demonstrating techniques for responding to potential attacks involving knives and fi****ms. Mr. Gopez emphasized that having knowledge about protecting ourselves is essential so we know how to handle such circumstances.

The seminar concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Sampana. This meaningful seminar not only gave importance to the physical well-being of our committed student leaders but also tackled emotional aspect, making them more prepared to lead and serve the MCC community.

Written by: Winona Saraspi Suing
Photos by: Lizcelle Joyan Chua
Layout by: Glendale De Ocera

📣UPDATED MIDTERM EXAMINATION SCHEDULE📣

Please be informed that the Midterm Examinations for the 1st Semester of A.Y. 2026-2027 are scheduled September 28, 29, and 30, 2026. High scores cutie! 🩷✈️⚓️

IHTM RECOGNIZES ACADEMIC ACHIEVERS AND OUTSTANDING STUDENTS�A.Y. 2025–2026 | 2nd Semester

Excellence deserves to be recognized, and on September 11, 2026, the Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Management (IHTM) honored its exceptional students during the Academic Honors Recognition for the 2nd Semester of A.Y. 2025–2026, held at the MCC Cultural Hall. The ceremony brought together students, faculty members, and academic leaders in celebration of perseverance, academic excellence, and achievements that reflect the commitment of IHTM students to their chosen fields.

Spearheaded by the IHTM Student Council (IHTM-SC), with the support of the League of Tourism Students Philippines (LTSP) and the Council of Hospitality Management Students (CHMS), the recognition was conducted in two batches, with Tourism Management students recognized first, followed by Hospitality Management students.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Joven G. Ocampo, IHTM Dean, highlighted the significant increase in the number of academic awardees compared with previous years, emphasizing that the growing number of achievers reflects the students’ dedication, hard work, and pursuit of excellence. His message set the tone for a celebration centered not only on recognition, but also on the value of perseverance and continuous growth. Adding inspiration to the occasion, Dr. Sonny S. De Guzman, MCC College President, encouraged the awardees to carry their achievements with humility and use them as motivation to pursue greater goals in their academic and professional journeys.

The Certificates of Academic Honors were presented by Dean Joven G. Ocampo and Ms. Giezel S. Aquino, Tourism Management Program Head, recognizing the students whose academic performance stood out during the semester.

The celebration also highlighted the remarkable work of IHTM students in research through the Outstanding Research Awards, recognizing the following studies:

📚 BSTM 3A�“Travel Arrangement Preferences: A Descriptive-Comparative Study of Traditional Travel Agency and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Booking”
📚 BSTM 3B�“Tourism for All: Accessibility of Selected Parks in Clark Freeport Zone for Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizens”

Beyond the classroom, three IHTM students were likewise recognized with Special Awards for representing Mabalacat City College in regional, national, and international competitions and events—bringing honor, pride, and distinction to the institution.

The program concluded with a congratulatory message from Ms. Aquino, who reminded the awardees that recognition is not simply a reward for what they have accomplished, but also an encouragement to continue striving for excellence and creating meaningful impact through their knowledge and skills.

✨ To all our IHTM awardees, congratulations!
Your achievements are a reflection of your dedication, discipline, and determination. May this recognition remind you of how far your hard work can take you—and inspire you to keep reaching higher. Today, we celebrate your excellence. Tomorrow, we look forward to the greater things you will achieve.
Padayon, IHTM Achievers! Continue to make IHTM proud. 🏆🎓💙

Written by: Keai Laguisma�Photos by: Asher Salavarria and Phoebe Romasoc
Layout by: Glendale De Ocera�Edited by: Shan Lopez

IHTM Academic Honors Recognition: 2nd Semester A.Y. 2025-2026

2nd Batch - Hospitality Management

IHTM Academic Honors Recognition: 2nd Semester A.Y. 2025-2026

1st Batch - Tourism Management

𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐯 𝐊𝐞𝐚𝐢’𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲! 💐

The IHTM family warmly celebrates the birthday of our beloved IHTMSC-Governor. May you continue to lead with integrity, serve with dedication, and inspire those around you.

As you enter another year, may it bring you greater happiness, success, love, and unforgettable memories.

Leadership looks good on you—and so does another year!

Once again, 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐌𝐚𝐦𝐚-𝐦𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐇𝐓𝐌! 🩷✨

HAPPENING NOW: IHTM Academic Honors Recognition

Students from the Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Management gathered today, September 11, 2026, at the MCC Culturall to celebrate greatness, and achievement. May this recognition inspire more students to continue striving for excellence and reaching greater heights!

An awarding ceremony is fulfilling but your safety is our top priority! Due to inclement weather, the IHTM Academic Honors Recognition for A.Y. 2025–2026, 2nd Semester has been RESCHEDULED.

📅 September 11, 2026
📍 MCC Main Campus – Cultural Hall
👕 Attire: Latest IHTM Shirt
1st Batch – Tourism Management
🕣 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
2nd Batch – Hospitality Management
🕥 10:30 AM – 12:00 NN

Begin your countdown as we are about to recognize the hard work, dedication, and academic excellence of our awardees. 🎖️

Visual/Creatives: Glendale De Ocera
Captions: Keai Laguisma

Are you ready to showcase those hidden talent of yours? Grab this opportunity to let your passion and voice ready to be heard. Let the voice speak, and let the music tell story.

🎶 Koro de Balacat Audition Announcement! 🎶

Do you have a passion for singing and a love for making music together? Join us and let your voice be heard! Auditions are coming this September 11-12, 2026—prepare to share your talent, passion, and harmony with us. ✨

Event Details:
When: September 11-12, 2026
Time: 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Where: Mabalacat City College Main Campus: Cultural Hall

Prepare one (1) Filipino song and one (1) English song)

The Audtion will be a 2-Step Audition:
The Initial Audition Friday will be led by Koro de Balacat Officers on Friday (9:00AM to 5:00PM) and Saturday Morning (9:00AM to 12:00NN)

The Final Auditions will be led by Koro de Balacat Conductor Sir John Michael Canlas on Saturday Afternoon (1:00PM to 5:00PM)

How to Join?
Kindly fill up this form:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/cx9kBHNZbH

Or you may do a walk-in audition on Friday (9:00AM to 5:00PM) or Saturday Morning (9:00AM to 12:00NN) for the Initial Audition, then come back on Saturday Afternoon for the Final Audition!

Please do note that Koro de Balacat would not be issuing any Excuse Letters for the Audition.

Let your voice be heard! Join and be a part of Koro de Balacat!