By Niña Delos Reyes- Overall Chairman, 19th Voyager 2026
“Prism of Cultures: 19th Voyager” at the Rose Memorial Auditorium showcased inclusive tourism and student excellence through the College of Hospitality Management’s HPC 2206 students, highlighting the future of halal tourism through cultural performances, expert discussions, and student-led experiential learning.
The Rose Memorial Auditorium came alive with color, culture, and purpose as second-year Tourism students of HPC 2206: Introduction to MICE from the Dr. Lucio C. Tan College of Hospitality Management successfully mounted “Prism of Cultures: 19th Voyager,” a flagship academic event that highlighted the evolving landscape of global tourism.
Now in its 19th year, Voyager continues to stand as a hallmark initiative of the College—demonstrating not only tradition and excellence, but also the ability of students to conceptualize and execute large-scale events grounded in industry relevance. This year’s theme, “The Future of Halal Tourism: Bringing the World Together Through Inclusive Travel,” reflected a timely and forward-looking perspective on one of the fastest-growing sectors in global tourism.
Organized under the guidance of Asst. Prof. Denie Erwin W. Tan, the event seamlessly blended academic discourse, cultural appreciation, and experiential learning. It served as a platform where students moved beyond theoretical understanding, stepping into professional roles as event planners, creatives, and facilitators.
The program opened on an elegant note with the Kambuyang Dance, whose graceful movements and flowing fans immediately captured the audience’s attention. More than a performance, it set the tone for a celebration rooted in cultural respect and artistic expression. This was followed later by the An-Nur Dance Ensemble, whose visually compelling presentation—enhanced by a synchronized light show—symbolized unity, enlightenment, and the beauty of diversity. The interplay of light and motion elevated the atmosphere, reinforcing the event’s central message of inclusivity.
At the heart of the seminar were two distinguished speakers who provided both local and global insights into halal tourism.
Ms. Isabella Ann P. Biscocho, Executive Assistant IV from the Office of Halal Tourism and Muslim Concerns of the Department of Tourism, opened the discussion with her talk, “Hello! Salaam! Mabuhay! The Philippines and Its Halal and Muslim-Friendly Tourism Landscape.” She offered a comprehensive overview of the country’s initiatives in positioning itself as a Muslim-friendly destination, emphasizing accessibility, cultural sensitivity, and service readiness. Her presentation highlighted how the Philippines continues to strengthen its commitment to inclusive travel while embracing cultural diversity.
The second session expanded the conversation to the international stage. Prof. Rulli Krisnanda, Program Head of the Hospitality Department at Universitas Merdeka Malang, Indonesia, delivered an engaging discussion on “Delivering Insights Related to Halal Tourism and Its Role in Shaping the Future of Global Travel.” He underscored the growing influence of halal tourism in shaping global travel patterns, particularly in fostering sustainability, inclusivity, and cross-cultural understanding across destinations.
What set the event apart was the level of engagement from the audience. Students and faculty members actively participated in discussions, transforming the sessions into meaningful exchanges of ideas rather than passive learning experiences. The curiosity and insights shared reflected a growing awareness of tourism’s role in building bridges across cultures.
Beyond the morning seminar, the momentum continued in the afternoon with a dynamic showcase led by Transportation Management students. The presentation highlighted the integration of land, air, and sea transport systems, creatively demonstrating how future professionals can position and market the transportation sector. Through innovative concepts and promotional executions, the students illustrated the vital role of transportation in supporting tourism development and enhancing traveler experience.
Overall, “Prism of Cultures: 19th Voyager” stood as a testament to the capability, creativity, and professionalism of the students. It successfully merged cultural performances with academic rigor, offering a holistic and immersive learning experience. More importantly, it reinforced the importance of inclusive tourism—preparing future industry leaders to navigate a global landscape that values diversity, accessibility, and meaningful connections.
As Voyager continues its legacy, it not only celebrates tradition but also inspires the next generation of tourism professionals to lead with purpose, innovation, and a global mindset.