APacCHRIE is pleased to announce that the hybrid induction ceremony of Eta Sigma Delta (ESD) Honor Society – UP Alpha for the academic year 2024-2025 was held at the College of Home Economics, University of the Philippines on 23 November 2024. The ceremony not only introduced new officers and members but also celebrated the core values of the society: excellence, leadership, creativity, service, ethics, and research.
The virtual welcome message from Dr. Lawrence Hoc Nang Fong, President of APacCHRIE, provided an international perspective, emphasizing the importance of global collaboration and research in advancing the hospitality and tourism industries.
The introduction of the ESD and induction of 17 new members and officers led by Prof. Shirley V. Guevarra, PhD, Dean of the College of Home Economics and Director of Member Services and Development of APacCHRIE highlighted the ceremony. The inductees pledged to uphold the ideals and lead with integrity, embracing the significant responsibility that came with their ESD Honorary membership.
Distinguished guests, Mr. Kennedy Kapulong, Senior General Manager of Seda Vertis North, and Associate Professor Maria Criselda Gatchalian-Badilla, PhD, from the Asian Institute of Tourism of the University of the Philippines, shared valuable insights on leadership and academic excellence, enriching the experience for all attendees. Asst. Prof. Lilibeth J. Baylosis, Adviser of ESD-UP Alpha Chapter and Chairman of the Department of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management led the ceremonial lighting of candles, symbolizing their commitment to the ESD core values.
This induction marked a milestone for the ESD UP Alpha Chapter, reinforcing its continued success in shaping future leaders in the hospitality and tourism industries. The new chapter leadership, headed by President Sofie Alessandra Villamor, includes Vice President Shanelle Kelsey, Secretary Micah Ann Monloy, Treasurer Kathleen Mogol, Events Director Abigail Colline Ngo, and Public Relations Director Christian Laurence Castañeda. ESD UP Alpha Chapter has a total of 85 members, 42 of which are active creme ala creme students of BS HRIM and BS Tourism students. They are poised to make a significant impact.
A special highlight for this year was the recognition of two distinguished ICHRIE Registered, ESD Honorary members: Chief Operations Officer of Potato Corner, Jose Arnold “Joey” Alvero, recipient of the “People of the Year 2024” award by People Asia, and Senior General Manager of Seda Vertis North and Cluster GM Kennedy V. Kapulong. Both are graduates of the University of the Philippines’ BS Hotel and Restaurant Administration program (now BS Hotel Restaurant and Institution Management), adding a personal and professional touch to the event.
This event further solidified the commitment of the ESD UP Alpha Chapter to develop future leaders who will continue to drive excellence and innovation in the hospitality and tourism industries.
For more information about ESD please check here: https://www.chrie.org/esd-info .