Filipino experts and professionals will share their wisdom and experiences on raising the bar of the country’s hospitality, culinary, and tourism industries through a public colloquium entitled SHRIM Talks.

The consortium aims to provide insightful topics in seminars to inspire and motivate students, educators, and practitioners.

Organized by the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), the public discussion will be headlined by government technocrats and specialists who will share their knowledge and expertise on the relevant and relatable trends in the fields.

Atty. Shereen Gail Yu-Pamintuan, Department of Tourism (DOT) Finance and Administration Undersecretary, represented by DOT Assistant Secretary Maria Rica Bueno, will highlight the local brand of service excellence that sets the country apart from the rest of the world.

Prior to joining the DOT, Yu-Pamintuan was a partner at the Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles Law Office and specialized in project development and finance. She formerly served as the Executive Director of the League of Cities of the Philippines.

Eugene Yap, Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP) President, on the other hand, is set to equip the participants with the soft skills for career readiness.

As a hotelier, Yap strengthened the HRAP’s international presence in the ASEAN region by participating in programs such as the Global Restaurant Association Executives Leadership Summit, the ASEAN Hotel and Restaurant Association, and the ASEAN Tourism Association. He is a graduate of the General Managers Program of the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University in New York, USA.

To understand the varied cuisines of the Philippines, World Food Travel Association Philippine Ambassador and award-winning author Clang Garcia will walk the audience through the rich culture and diverse food of the country.

Garcia is currently a member of the Benilde SHRIM Council of Advisers for the Master of Science and Doctorate Programs of Tourism and Hospitality Management. The Philippine Gastronomy Tourism advocate helped various communities preserve and promote heritage and economic activities. Her book entitled Philippine Food Holidays garnered the 29th Gourmand Awards for Best Food Tourism Book in the World.

SHRIM Talks will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Interested participants may register at https://forms.gle/iRLecUCdZSuCBWF66.