Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP) secured two championship titles and four other placements in its first participation in the Union of Filipino Tourism Students (UFTS) National Skills Competition and Congress 2026, held at Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation in Lucena City, Quezon Province, on October 8-10, 2026.

Irish Mirabella B. Cruda won first place in ASEAN Tour Guiding, while Aldrin A. Paguio and Cliff Cleofas claimed the championship in Food Styling and Photography.

Janella Charisse C. Carpio, Jane Roxanne Ignacio, and Mitch Suzette L. Valdez placed second in Domestic Tour Package Proposal. Kevin E. Pangan finished fourth in Talking Bartending, followed by Timothy John P. Sevilla in fifth place. Jerome Lee L. De Guzman also secured fifth place in Flair Bartending.

Coach Nikki M. Toga said the college has not participated in a national competition for some time, with its previous participation limited to the regional level.

The team joined this year’s competition to regain national-level experience and test the students’ skills against participants from other institutions.

“Masaya po kami. Hindi namin ini-expect na nag-first place pa yung dalawa,” the coach said, expressing surprise and happiness over the team’s two championship finishes despite the large number of competitors.

Coach Nikki M. Toga, also emphasized that the competition strengthened relationships among students from different year levels and academic programs, many of whom had not known one another closely before the event.

“Yung pakikisama sa bawat isa,” Toga said, identifying camaraderie as one of the most important lessons the students gained beyond their awards.

Crudo, the ASEAN Tour Guiding champion, said the students faced limited preparation time while balancing their academic responsibilities. She also encountered pressure because her category required knowledge of other countries’ cultures.

“We were able to overcome it with the help of our coaches and professors,” Crudo said, crediting their encouragement for helping the students push through their doubts.

She identified faith, self-confidence, and trust in their mentors as essential lessons from the competition. She also stressed the importance of respecting different cultures and traditions in the hospitality and tourism industry.

Timothy John P. Sevilla, who placed fifth in Talking Bartending, said nervousness and overthinking were his biggest challenges during the competition.
“I didn’t do my performance well, but at least I still managed to win,” Sevilla said, reflecting on his performance and fifth-place finish.

He credited his fellow participants and coaches for helping him regain confidence, adding that their guidance and support contributed to the team’s achievements.

Meanwhile, Quiz Bee participant Gianna Carlos C. Enriquez said balancing review sessions with academic responsibilities was one of her main challenges.

She emphasized the importance of effective time management and coordination among teammates, particularly in a competition that required clear communication.

Participants Lian Raisel B. Canlas and Germaine Salvacion also described the experiences as an opportunity to explore their abilities and gain confidence. One of them said the competition was her first in her life.

“It’s also my first competition as well in my whole life. And I do it scared,” Lian Raisel said, emphasizing the importance of taking opportunities despite fear and uncertainty.

In the Domestic Tour Package Proposal category, Jean Roxanne Ignacio said the students initially viewed the competition as an opportunity to prove themselves but later recognized the broader responsibility of representing their institution and province.

“We’re not only representing ourselves, but also the school and the province of Nueva Ecija,” Ignacio said.

Carpio, who competed in the same category, highlighted the personal fulfillment of developing a passion for tourism. At the same time, Mitch Suzette L. Valdez cited the friendships and connections formed throughout the competition.

Participants Cedric Lapitan and Jamie Ann Tabayoyong, who joined the In-flight Safety Demonstration category, also highlighted the practical knowledge they gained. Lapitan said memorizing safety procedures was challenging but became more manageable by following their professor’s instructions and feedback.

Tabayoyong identified patience and perseverance as key lessons from the experience, especially as participants learned unfamiliar procedures involving seat belts and life vests.

Toga said the results introduced WUP to the UFTS community and could encourage the college to participate in the future editions of the national competition.

Article by Emily G. Agumbay (PIO)
Photos by Sean Rhandall Cornes (SA) and College of Hospitality and Tourism Management