04/08/2026
NORSU-CTHM Shines at ASEAN Celebration with Tour Guiding Title, Culinary Runner-Up Finish
BACOLOD CITY, Philippines โ The College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM) brought home top spots at the 2026 ASEAN Celebration in the Negros Island Region, winning the ASEAN Tour Guiding Competition and securing First Runner-Up in the NAM-EATS: Flavors of Southeast Asia Culinary Competition.
Held in celebration of the 59th ASEAN Founding Anniversary, the two-day event was organized by the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office XVIIIโNegros Island Region (CHEDRO XVIIIโNIR) in partnership with the University of St. La Salle (USLS). Anchored on the theme, โNavigating Our Future Together,โ the celebration brought together higher education institutions, government agencies, industry leaders, educators, and students to strengthen regional cooperation, celebrate cultural diversity, and advance internationalization across the ASEAN community.
The program featured the ASEAN Tour Guiding Competition, NAM-EATS: Flavors of Southeast Asia Culinary Competition, the GastroASEAN Forum, cultural exhibitions, and intercultural learning activities highlighting Southeast Asiaโs shared heritage, tourism potential, and culinary traditions.
As the only participating higher education institution from Negros Oriental, NORSU distinguished itself among participating institutions through the outstanding performance of its student delegates. Aella Habagat emerged as Champion in the ASEAN Tour Guiding Competition, demonstrating exceptional destination interpretation, communication, and cultural presentation. Meanwhile, the culinary team composed of Angelo Dejos, Sherwin Cenas, and Austin Sareno earned First Runner-Up in the NAM-EATS: Flavors of Southeast Asia Culinary Competition, impressing the judges with their technical precision, creativity, and innovative interpretation of Southeast Asian cuisine.
The Universityโs delegation was led by Dr. Tulip F. Lopez, Dean of the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management, together with Dr. Millard Vaughn Tubog, Associate Dean; Dr. Rose Marie Pinili, ETEEAP Director; Prof. Jane B. Leyva, Chairperson of the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management and Tour Guiding Coach; Prof. Helen T. Cabije, Culinary Coach; and Ms. Varian Saldua, representing the Office of International Relations.
The achievements reflect CTHMโs sustained commitment to academic excellence, experiential learning, and international engagement. They also underscore the Collegeโs continuing efforts to develop tourism and hospitality professionals equipped with global competencies while remaining grounded in ASEAN values, cultural appreciation, and service excellence.
The College of Tourism and Hospitality Management expresses its profound gratitude to the Negros Oriental State University Administration, under the leadership of Dr. Noel Marjon Yasi, University President, for their unwavering support and commitment to advancing opportunities that elevate the Universityโs presence on regional and international platforms. The College likewise extends its appreciation to Dr. Raul C. Alvarez, Jr., Regional Director of the Commission on Higher Education Regional Office XVIIIโNegros Island Region (CHEDRO XVIIIโNIR), for championing initiatives that foster academic excellence, regional collaboration, and ASEAN engagement. The College also recognizes the invaluable contributions of the competition organizers, coaches, mentors, and partners whose dedication and support were instrumental in the delegationโs successful participation.
Congratulations to our student champions, faculty mentors, and the entire NORSU CTHM delegation for bringing honor to Negros Oriental State University and the Province of Negros Oriental.
๐ท USLS | CHED NIR
