As people known for hospitality and friendliness, it’s not surprising to see a great number of Filipinos working in service and hospitality industries–locally and abroad. Whether in restaurants, hotels, or travel agencies, often succeeding in the industry are Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) graduates.

HRM professionals who have completed their degree from Centro Escolar University (CEU) have been among the notable practitioners here and abroad. Not only are they armed with academic competence, they also embody notable virtues that their Alma Mater instilled in them.

with academic knowledge from his BS HRM degree but also with confidence, professionalism, and a strong work ethic gained at CEU, he navigated his way through the fast-paced world of food and beverage service.

“CEU didn’t just teach me the technical side of hospitality—I also gained confidence, professionalism, and a strong work ethics. The values I learned from CEU, especially ‘Ciencia y Virtud,’ continue to guide me in every task,” he explains.

From this humble beginning, he now serves as a part-time line cook in the pan section at The Meat & Wine Co. in Sydney, Australia. He works both behind the line—dish preparations and maintaining kitchen standards—and customer-facing. “I’m dealing with customers or working behind the line in a high-end restaurant. It’s a challenging yet rewarding environment that pushes me to constantly improve my skills and precision,” he shares.

Asked how his course prepared him for the real world, he believes that one of the highlights of his academic experiences are the culinary classes. “We got to plan and execute actual food service events. We had impressive training facilities—from a mock hotel front desk and rooms to a full-scale commercial kitchen. It really helped having that hands-on experience while learning. The tools we used were industry-standard, so when I entered the workforce, I wasn’t lost at all.”

Jim Harley is currently taking up Diploma in Hospitality Management at Kingsford Academy Australia where he also finished his Certificate IV in Kitchen Management. Kingsford Academy Australia is an Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO) operating under the National Vocational Education and Training (VET).

Beyond quality academic training, Nerissa Santos Caparas, owner and CEO of Adventures Hub Travel and Tours, attributes part of who she is today to practical experiences during her college years at CEU as an HRM student. “CEU taught me a lot more than just academics. It shaped who I am today. I learned the importance of discipline and perseverance. It taught me how to act with professionalism and integrity in every situation,” she says.

Before becoming a business owner, Nerissa started as a manager at Teriyaki BoyGroup Inc., handling operations, customer service, and team management, where she acquired her knowledge and skills on business operations. Now, through her business, she is able to share knowledge, wisdom, and skill with her fellow Escolarians, providing them with an avenue to experience the real world.

“As a CEU alumna, I see myself as a bridge between current students and the professional world,” she shares. “Through Adventures Hub Travel and Tours, we’ve been fortunate to provide some CEU students with valuable on-the-job training opportunities in our office, helping them build their skills and take important steps toward their professional goals.”

Fittingly enough, it’s also one of the experiences that had the biggest impact on her. “Being able to work in actual hotels and restaurants gave me real-world experience and helped me develop practical skills that classroom learning alone couldn’t provide. Those hands-on experiences

taught me a lot about teamwork, problem-solving, and staying calm under pressure.”

Experience is a critical factor in ensuring that students are “real-world ready.” This is also very apt in the field of hospitality and service. That is why undergraduate programs that provide hands-on training through competent instructors allow for future practitioners to excel. CEU offers a ladderized curriculum that provides flexibility should students desire to practice while completing the course. Students may choose between two specializations under the Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management program:

Cruise Integrated Resort Operations

1st year completion: Certificate in Food and Beverage Services

2nd year completion: Diploma in Integrated Resort Operations

3rd year completion: Associate in Cruise and Integrated Resort Management

4th year completion: Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management with Specialization in Cruise and Integrated Resort Operations

Hotel, Restaurant, and Culinary Operations

1st year completion: Certificate in Hotel and Food and Beverage Services

2nd year completion: Diploma in Hotel and Food and Beverage Operations

3rd year completion: Associate in Hotel and Restaurant Management

4th year completion: Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management with Specialization in Hotel, Restaurant, and Culinary Operations

Discover more about CEU’s Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management.