A Toast to Success: TM Week 2026 Concludes

October 9, 2026

Fresh out of a demanding midterm season, Lapulapu-Cebu International College came alive with a festive shift in energy. What could have easily been a normal week of classes turned into a vibrant celebration of passion and purpose across the department of Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM).

Guided by the theme “TARA! Transforming Adventures, Reimagining Accessibility through Technology and Innovation”, the week-long event was built around a high-spirited festival and carnival concept. Four suit-themed teams—the Ace of Spades, Jack of Diamonds, Queen of Clubs, and King of Hearts—brought friendly rivalry and camaraderie to the forefront. But beyond the bright lights, booth set-ups, and cheering crowds, TM Week was designed as an avenue to let students explore themselves through a journey of creative expression, professionalism readiness, academic pride, and leadership.

The celebration opened with a surge of glamour and talent. Highlighting the opening ceremonies was the search for Mr. and Ms. Tourism Management 2026, where Prince Carl Romanos and Maria Ignacia Ayuman were crowned as the new faces of the department. The stage remained alive throughout the week as iconic musical figures came to life in the inaugural “Your Face Sounds Familiar” competition. The star-studded lineup of artists portrayed included Megan (KATSEYE), Chappell Roan, Taylor Swift, Shakira, the late Elizabeth Ramsey, and Ariana Grande. However, it was John Edwin Canales who stole the show, winning over both the crowd and judges with his sensational portrayal of Britney Spears.

Alongside the performing arts, academic and technical skills took center stage. Students engaged in an intellectual face-off while testing their knowledge about the industry in the Bangga sa Kinaadman (Quiz Bowl), as well as practical showcases in tour guiding, tour packaging, and flight demonstrations and announcements. A major highlight of the day was LCIC’s first-ever Flairtending & Cocktail Mixing Competition, where Sheila Remoreras clinched 1st place with her fiery performance and winning drink, the Flaming Lamborghini.

As the festivities progressed, the focus shifted from friendly competition to professional growth and department pride. Recognizing that learning extends beyond four walls, 4th-year students organized the annual TM Congress, bringing industry practitioners directly to campus.

Insights from Bai Hotel’s Learning & Development Officer and Training Manager gave incoming OJTs a realistic look into world-class customer service standards, hospitality dynamics, and operational excellence. This spirit of excellence carried into the Academic Recognition of Honors and the formal Pinning Ceremony for the 3rd- and 4th-year students— a significant milestone marking their transition from eager learners to future industry leaders.

In a dramatic conclusion to events that made BSTM history, a neck-and-neck points race came to a tie: both the Queen of Clubs and the King of Hearts were crowned Overall Champions with identical scores of 485 points. In a way, it was a fitting climax for a week where every team poured equal measure of heart and hustle into their accomplishments.

Yet, as the curtains fell and applause faded, the true value of TM Week 2026 was not found on the tally board. For the Student Tourism Advocates Response to Service (STARS) Organization, the event was a test of resilience executed through late nights and tight schedules.

Reflecting on the accomplishment, STARS President Hon. Rojan Padilla emphasized that true leadership extends far beyond executing successful events: “If, after this year, even one student looks at the work of the STARS officers and says, 'Someday, I want to lead too. I want to contribute too. I want to make a difference too’ —then I would consider our work truly meaningful."

Padilla emphasized that they are not just building an event but also building people, creating memories, and opening doors for those who follow: "And perhaps that is the most beautiful legacy we can leave behind: not that people remember who we were, but that they remember what we inspired them to become. “

As TM Week 2026 draws to a close, the BSTM department steps forward with renewed pride—raising a final toast to an unforgettable week of passion, purpose, and success. Indeed, the festivities may have ended, but the memories and the leadership inspired will continue to shape the future of LCIC’s tourism pioneers for years to come.

And until the next opportunity arrives, the BSTM department stands ready at the frontline, holding out an encouraging hand: “𝑻𝒂𝒓𝒂 𝒏𝒂!”