ASHA's latest graduates draw strength, confidence from their education

MANILA, Philippines - The Asian School for the Hospitality Arts (ASHA) has now positioned itself as one the most sought-after institution for the food and beverage (F&B) and hospitality education in the country with the recent graduation of its latest batch, who are quickly proving themselves at the forefront of a booming tourism and food industry. 

These successful graduates were recently honored and recognized by ASHA during their third commencement exercises held last April 26 at the C3 Events Place in Greenhills, San Juan City. Angie Blanco, ASHA school director, led the faculty in handing out the certificates and diplomas to its 50 graduates. The latest graduates from the school’s five programs, namely the six-month Professional Cooking with Certificate in Hotel and Restaurant Operations (CHRO), the six-month Barista with CHRO, the six-month Certificate in Professional Cooking Series, the two-year Diploma in Hospitality Management and the nine-month Management Accounting with a Certificate from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, UK (CIMA) stood proudly as their names were called, with the loudest applauses coming from their very own parents and kin. The graduates also received encouraging words from the school’s guest of honor and commencement speaker, Association of Human Resource Managers (AHRM) president, hospitality head hunter, trainer and a stalwart in the Philippine tourism industry, Vic Alcuaz.

Now equipped not only with a certificate or diploma but also the necessary skills to pursue careers in the growing F&B and hospitality industry, the graduates become in-demand here and abroad. More than anything else, their recent feats have effected a transformation in the outlook and character of some of the graduates.

Dennis Leung, ASHA’s admissions and marketing manager mentioned that their graduates’ views about the level of professionalism they learned in school goes back to the culture of immersion that ASHA students get to absorb while studying. “We have established a good name that really means serious business. We have tailored the courses in such a way that they are personalized for each student; the schedules were made flexible but at the same time they maximize their learning potentials,” he explained.

ASHA is backed by its mother company, the Cravings Group, as it is not only a formidable name in the restaurant and hospitality business but the students get to experience real-life working environments because of its network of schools, dining places and hotel-resorts.