The Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) Hospitality Management Society organized a 3-part webinar series entitled: “The Hospitality and Tourism Industry under the Next Normal” for September. Participants were requested to register first before joining the Zoom meeting. The webinar was also made available via Facebook live as the limit for the number of participants in the Zoom meeting has been met. All participants will receive e-certificates after they answer the evaluation form.

The first part was about Career Opportunities in Hospitality and Tourism under the New Normal on September 16 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. The guest was Ms. Valerie Jane Zubia, the Human Resource Manager at Eastwood Richmonde Hotel. The objectives of the webinar are the following: to educate the participants in the new normal procedures in the tourism and hospitality industry; to give valuable insight about the best practices that hospitality professionals use in their operations; to create awareness of the current situation in the industry; to give a glimpse of the opportunities that the industry have to offer during and post-pandemic.

A video presentation showcasing the Department of Arts and Sciences was played while waiting for the program to start. It was followed by a prayer and the Philippine National anthem. Then there were speeches from Mr. Jester S. Leander, ASCOT Hospitality Management Society adviser, and Director Zenaida A. Exclamado, Department of Arts and Sciences. Ms. Zubia then proceeds with her presentation.

The tourism and hospitality industry is one of the industries that is suffering during this pandemic. As lockdowns after lockdowns continue and cases keep on rising, many workers are finding themselves unemployed or struggling to make ends meet. The need to adapt to these trying times emerged. Businesses in the hospitality and tourism industry are trying to cope by implementing strategies to protect workers and customers and keep their businesses afloat.

Ms. Zubia extensively discussed these topics. She also let the students participate during her presentation. Students were sending their comments via Zoom chat and Facebook comments. The participants for the first part of the three-part webinar series were not just from ASCOT. There were participants from Far Eastern University, PHINMA University Cabanatuan, Bulacan State University, Mindanao State University, and Misamis University.

The second part was held on September 23, 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Ms. Christian Lorilla, the Customer Service Manager of the Orchard Golf and Country Club was the speaker. She talked about the topic of  going above and beyond guest services. More schools have joined the webinar via Facebook live. There were approximately 49 schools who participated. Ms. Lorilla engaged the students to participate in the discussion. She answered all of their queries.

The third part of the webinar-series scheduled last Sept 30 has not pushed through due to unforeseen circumstances. It will be conducted at a later date yet to be announced by the organizers.

The success of the first two parts of the three-part webinar was made possible by the effort of the ASCOT Hospitality Management Society, the guidance of their advisers, Mr. Jester S. Leander and Ms. Rose Anne A. Beronilla, and the support of the Department Head, Mrs. Zenaida A. Exclamado, and the faculty.