By Patricia Pedroso, BA-Communication 4, The Centralian Link Intern
A student group performs their official dance entry at the Rose Memorial Auditorium, one of the many cultural highlights of the “UGNAYAN: Bridging Cultures” event.
In a vibrant display of culture and tradition, the College of Hospitality Management (CHM) recently transformed the Rose Memorial Auditorium on May 5, 2026, into a bustling hub of international heritage through “UGNAYAN: Bridging Cultures.” The event served as an intercontinental tour, bringing the hall to life with rhythmic dance performances, innovative entrepreneurship booths, and world-class gastronomic exhibitions.
The festivities saw participation from the entire CHM student body, ranging from first to third-year levels. The program commenced with a solemn invocation led by Ma’am Judah-El A. Bañas, followed by inspiring opening remarks from Dean Medalla P. Baliao. To officially signal the start of the cultural immersion, CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy presided over the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
The “UGNAYAN” culminating activity was meticulously designed to immerse students in the rich cultural diversity of the globe. Each group was tasked with exploring the soul of a specific region through: traditional music and dance, gastronomic presentation via a three-course culinary showcase featuring an authentic appetizer, main course, and dessert, and a booth exhibition.
From intricate decorations to interactive displays, participating students bring history, cuisine, and commerce to life through their creatively designed booth exhibitions.
The morning session was filled with dance and song presentations from the nation, booth tasting and evaluation, and intermission numbers and icebreakers to keep the momentum going. The afternoon session celebrated global regions coming from Central America, South America, Africa, Oceania, Asia, North America, and Europe. While the event celebrated unity, the competitive spirit of the CHM students shone through as various groups were recognized for their exceptional execution and dedication to authenticity.
Luzon secured the first place, bagging both best booth exhibition and gastronomic presentation. Mindanao followed, earning the award for second place, best in traditional attire, and best in dance presentation for their entry featuring “Sayaw sa Kadayawan.” Visayas won third place and best in song presentation with their tearjerking rendition of “Ili-Ili.”
Following the awarding of certificates, photo opportunities, and class photos per stub code, Ma’am Banas and Dr. Bernabe Pagara closed the ceremony with final remarks and prayer respectively.
“UGNAYAN” proved to be more than just a requirement; it was a testament to the CHM students’ understanding and appreciation of global heritage, preparing them to be true ambassadors of hospitality in an interconnected world.