ASHA prepares globally competitive graduates

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is in the right time and place for booming development, made largely in part by rising tourism arrivals and improved local spending on leisure and travel. In turn, it encourages the creation of jobs related to the tourism and hospitality industry. Global and new hotel brands are changing the way Filipinos and foreigners perceive the country’s accommodations, as new workers are better equipped in terms of skills and hospitality, and are now at par with the world’s best.

That is why the Asian School for Hospitality Arts (ASHA), the most progressive college for developing professionals in the hospitality industry, is preparing its graduates for the most strenuous of challenges, even while still in school, giving them the needed exposure that books alone could not provide. ASHA’s vision is to become the home of future global hospitality leaders, while being true to its mission to imbibe the Filipino hospitality culture, apply experiential learning and provide career opportunities for all ASHA graduates.

ASHA Dean Angie Blanco explained, “Since ASHA started in June 2009, we are proud to say that graduates of our courses have become in demand in the hotel and restaurant industry. That is because an ASHA student or graduate is prepared for the actual rigors of work at the early stage, backed by good training and constantly reminded to become global in their career outlook. ”

Two products of ASHA, one an ongoing working student and the other a recent graduate, have their own share of success stories. Kristoffer Ace Reynes, the 30-year professional cooking course graduate, now works as part of the cooking staff of Spirals, the buffet restaurant of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel Manila.

“Spirals is considered the buffet of all buffets here in Manila. We are trying to market it as the biggest in Asia,” he said. The 3-month OJT did not end just like that; his performance pleased the Chef de Partie so much that he recommended her to Spiral’s Executive Chef, a French known for her exacting standards. Now, he handles French cuisine, which according to him is the most rigorous to prepare, as a cook help.

Irene Ellenmay Pimentel of Antipolo City, currently a 2nd year BS Hotel and Restaurant Management student of the school, applied as a walk-in at the Discovery Suites, a serviced hotel located in the Ortigas business district, and surprisingly got accepted.

Both Kristoffer and Irene agree that as they venture forward to their chosen careers, they would be carrying ASHA’s I SUCCESS (Integrity and Innovation, Social Responsibility, Unity, Customer Orientation, Commitment, Excellence, Stewardship, Service Leadership) values wherever they will go.

ASHA has schools located in Antipolo, Kamias QC, Tagaytay, Santolan Greenhills, and West Avenue QC. For more information, call 0917-5729790 or visit: www.asha.edu.ph.