ASHA graduates a new generation of hospitality stars

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is in a bright spot today in the world, and one of the country’s leading source of potential income is the tourism and hospitality industry.  In the cut-throat world where good compensation and other benefits are the rewards, workers for the hospitality and tourism industry have to prove their intelligence, ability and strategies to win the nod of potential employers.

It is in this line that the Asian School of Hospitality Arts (ASHA) has grown by leaps and bounds to become one of the country’s most progressive school for the industry. Since its establishment in 2010, ASHA has produced graduates who are not only skilled and technically qualified but also at par with the world’s best when it comes to quality hospitality and hotel and restaurant training.  Not content with just giving their students an edge in training, they have also come up with a baccalaureate program that will give their graduates cutting-edge skills and experience as they venture out into the world on their own.

 In the school’s recent commencement exercises held recently at C3 Events Place in Greenhills, the school is proud to present their first batch of graduates for their Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management along with graduates from their certificate and diploma courses. Not only that, two of their graduates have garnered top honors as they received their bachelor’s diplomas while 2 graduates recently finished their apprenticeship program at the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Resort in Amelia Island, USA.

Topping her batch is class valedictorian Bianca Jaira Espejo of Marikina City. She graduated with a BS HRM degree, summa cum laude. This 26-year-old lady credits her teachers and family for making it possible for her to achieve this rare honor.  “I did not expect to become class topnotcher; I just did my best to get good grades and learn the tools of the trade,” she said.

Therese Dedel of Antipolo City, through hard work, was able to graduate with honors, finishing her BS in HRM degree magna cum laude.  One of her most unforgettable experience while doing OJT for ASHA was the chance to serve the president of the country during his brief stint at the hotel. “I was doing OJT for Richmonde Hotel in Ortigas and prepared the quesadillas, not knowing that the food I prepared was to be served to President Aquino,” she recalled. “I only found out about it when my superiors told me about it.”

For ASHA graduates Corinthia Gretl Pastor and Joshua Andrew Dello, given their qualifications and job experiences, it was a feat worth celebrating, as they were chosen from over 40 people who applied for a one-year culinary apprenticeship at the famous Ritz-Carlton Resort in Amelia Island in Florida, USA.

“It was a dare worth taking,” according to 23-year-old Joshua, who recently returned to the country along with Gretl to receive their diplomas.  “I know I wanted it, but knowing that you are going to get it, out of the 40+ people who probably want it more than I do, it was a mind-blowing experience,” said Gretl.

 Their victories are just some of the achievements that ASHA has made possible.  As the country’s most dynamic school for the hotel, restaurant and tourism industry today, it has turned most of its graduates’ dreams into fulfillment, and many of them are now reaping the fruits of their success thanks to the school’s tireless guidance and vision to be the home of future hospitality leaders.

ASHA has branches located in Antipolo; Kamias QC; Santolan, San Juan, and Tagaytay. For more stories of successful hospitality arts graduates, call 0917-5729790 or visit: www.asha.edu.ph/ or facebook.com/ashaschool.