Any first good experience will always be a memorable one, and this can be said by each of the 1,800 students who attended and competed at the 1st inter-school skill competition conducted by the Astoria Culinary and Hospitality Institute (ACHI) and Association of Administrators in the Hospitality Hotel and Restaurant Management Educational Institution (AAHRMEI).
The 1st ACHI-AAHRMEI Inter-school Skills Competition 2019, as it is officially called, was held last September 27-27, 2019 at the Chardonnay by Astoria events venue in Pasig city and was attended by 1,800 students from 23 universities. The contestants, who mostly study tourism and hospitality management showcased their skills to win the coveted prize and gain pride for their school.
The theme “Enhancing Hospitality and Tourism Skills: Meeting the Challenges of IR 4.0.” in itself was exemplary, considering the value of enhancing one’s skills to meet the ever-changing demands of culinary and hospitality consumers.
With such a powerhouse theme, it is right to say that it deserves its own powerhouse set of speakers to mark this momentous event. Pasig congressman Roman Romulo gave his opening remarks followed by talks from some of the most respected people in the industry—Singapore Institute of Multidisciplinary Profession president Glenn Cabacang, Zaidi Kassim, tourism attaché from Malaysia, Jacqueline Ng, digital marketing and business development head of Astoria Group, and Gloria Baken Wong-Siy, founding president of the AAHRMEI and dean of Trinity University of Asia.
After inspiring talks, the culinary and hospitality students now felt the pressure as they would be judged no less than professionals in their respective fields including former Tourism undersecretary Edu Jarque, Jr., Asian Grand Legacy president Miguel Cerqueda, chef Jessie Sinsioco, and celebrity chefs Rhon Aguilar and Zheryl Jacinto.
With each contestant’s pressure and excitement rising, it was time to face challenges of epic proportions. These next generation chefs and hoteliers were pitted against each other to see which school would reign supreme. One challenge that actually set the bar was the contest to complete a wedding cake in just three hours!
The final quintessential moment that sealed the deal for the 1st ACHI-AAHRMEI Inter-school Skills Competition 2019 was the school who took the most wins. The Lyceum of the Philippines University system raked up recognitions left and right with Lyceum Laguna winning 1st place in the culinary challenge, fruit and vegetable carving, cake decorating, dessert flambé and virtual tour, while Lyceum Manila won gold in flight attendant showmanship and waiter’s relay. Lyceum Batangas won 8 awards, ranking first in the Cocktail Mixing and Flairtending event.
Like all good things, the 1st ACHI-AAHRMEI Inter-school Skills Competition 2019 had to end. After competitors got through challenges with panache, the students from culinary and hospitality schools all came together to bond and show the world the skills they so have tirelessly developed. With people adapting to COVID-19, it won’t be long before the 2nd inter-school is planned and for new challengers to step up and gain recognition for their school.