Proving themselves to be the best in the field of tourism management, four students from CBEA brought home two first prizes from the Regional Tourism Quiz Bee and Tour Guiding Competition held during the 1st Ilocos Norte Travel Mart on Sept. 25-27. The event was organized by Department of Tourism (DOT)-Region I.

The team of Frelyn Baraoidan, Evanny Kris Duque, and Jericho Puyaoan, all tourism management students, bested 23 other teams from private and government colleges and universities in Region I in the quiz bee competition held in Vigan City.

The team garnered a total of 39 points, over the second placer’s 29. The third placer settled with 25 points. Coached by their instructors Rhea Lyn P. Yanos and Cherie B. Orpia, the team won certificates and P20,000 cash.

Meanwhile, Hilario Porto Jr., a BSTM II, was adjudged first place in a national tour guiding competition, while Chloe Castro, BSTM III, was chosen as this year’s Ms. Regional INTAA (Ilocos Norte Travel Agencies’ Association) in another contest held at Robinson’s Mall on Sept. 27. Rainyer Ilaga, MMSU’s bet for Mr. INTAA, was second runner-up.

The winning students will represent Region I in the Philippine Travel Mart in Manila, July next year.

Highlighting the World Tourism Day, the activities brought together students from various colleges and universities in Region I to share, in the spirit of friendly competition, their knowledge and aptitude about tourism with emphasis on the theme: “One billion tourists, one billion opportunities.”

Martin S. Valera, DOT regional director, said the theme was most appropriate because tourism creates opportunities in fostering understanding between people by creating connections and providing unique economic benefits and possibilities for development. (By Reynaldo E. Andres)