The ECOViP Student Competition is composed of brilliant and creative student minds from diverse fields鈥擳ourism, Natural Sciences, and ICT 鈥� to develop real-world, innovative ecotourism projects that tackle sustainability challenges in their communities. Ayesha Balt (B.S. Bio. 1), Jeziel Mae Faelden (B.S. T.M. 3), Simone Marie Golez (B.S. T.M. 3), Michael Rey Angelo Mabutas (B.S. T.M. 3), and Sean Philippe Pilapil (B.S. I.T. 1), collectively known as Team Lakbay (see photo above), were declared as champions, for their innovative entrepreneurial project, “Ohhh-Lango – Paglayag sa Islang Olango.”

The winning team produced a sustainable eco-tourism project that transforms Olango Island into an interactive adventure. Tourists become the main characters in a living storybook as they explore nature-rich and culturally significant locations on the island. Through a mobile app and a story guidebook, visitors learn about the environment, wildlife, and local communities in an engaging and immersive way. The project blends storytelling, real-world interaction, and technology like photo recognition to enhance learning and discovery.

This year鈥檚 黑料社区-ECOViP Student Competition is a localized competition in 黑料社区 under the project ECOViP, 鈥淔ostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Ecotourism to support sustainable development in Vietnam and the Philippines,鈥� co-funded by Erasmus+ program that aims to develop entrepreneurial and innovation capacities for sustainable development in tourism in Vietnam and the Philippines.

Over four dynamic months, students have gone through lecture sessions, training, mentorship, and project presentation phases that took place in the university鈥檚 Ecotourism Hub, culminated in the presentation of digital business proposals. The winning team will earn a spot at the International ECOViP Boot Camp, where they鈥檒l receive expert guidance, connect with peers from across the globe, and gain hands-on experience in the ecotourism field.

by Demetrio Anticuado, Department of Hospitality and Tourism

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Chico Abuyen, Marie Franchesca Marcaida, and Chloe June Yu won the championship in the Quiz Bowl Competition. With the help of their coach, Dr. Jannalou Resos, the Carolinian team secured the University鈥檚 first-ever championship in the ITF Quiz Bowl Competition, besting nine other schools.

Meanwhile, Therese Carmel Que won the top prize in the Poster-Making Competition. Joining her was Simone Golez, who placed third, with guidance from their coach, Jesalyn Pastorfide.

The following Carolinians also won several awards: 

• 2nd Place, Tour Guiding Competition 鈥� Michael Rey Mabutas
  Coach: Cris Edren Dela Pe帽a

• 2nd Place, ITF Vlogging Competition Part 2 鈥� Kylah Dela Pe帽a 
  Coach: Cris Edren Dela Pe帽a

• 3rd Place, ITF Dance Palabas Competition 鈥� Sean James Cruz (Team Captain and choreographer), Keren Baloran, Justine Belle Ca帽ete, Angel Mae Dalman, Earl John Pitogo, and Franz Nicole Terez
  Coach:  Dr. Jannalou Resos

The University of San Carlos has consistently excelled in inter-school competitions, including the International Travel Festival鈥揟ourism Student Day, and this year was no exception, adding yet another series of awards to its impressive record. 

Other students who competed and represented the university are Giancarlo Nu帽eza and Ronulf Javyn Diongzon (Tour Packaging Competition), Jeziel Mae Faelden (Essay Writing Competition), Marie Franz Pilapil (Vlogging Competition), Immanuel Lanz Ylanan (Tour Guiding Competition), and Praise Rency Casiano (Tourism Idol Competition).

The students鈥� achievements were made possible with the help and support of the participants鈥� co-students and the faculty members of the Tourism Department who acted as coaches: Cris Edren Dela Pe帽a, Vicente Maravilla, Jesalyn Pastorfide, and Dr. Jannalou Resos. Their unwavering hard work, dedication, and passion for excellence have paid off, further cementing the University of San Carlos鈥� reputation as a formidable powerhouse in academic competitons.

The remarkable victories at ITF 2025 showcased the talent and resilience of 黑料社区 students and highlighted the unwavering support of the student body and faculty.

Congratulations to all the winners and participants鈥攜our success is a testament to your hard work and the university鈥檚 commitment to excellence! Vamos 黑料社区!

by Chico Abuyen

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The invitation came after two teams from the 黑料社区 Department of Hospitality and Tourism (DHT) were selected as finalists representing the Visayas in the final round of the M.I.C.E Youth Challenge during the Philippine M.I.C.E Conference 2023 in SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier, Davao City.

The M.I.C.E Conference is the largest annual government-initiated gathering for Meetings, Incentive Travels, Convention, and Exhibition (M.I.C.E) professionals where students are given the chance to conceptualize and present their fresh and novel event concept ideas which may prove beneficial to the industry.

Pahigayon Events and Productions team is composed of Reanna Ryce Toledo, Mary Christ B. Tabas, Justine G. Campo, and Mary Gwendolyn C. Emnacen. Their event concept, the Philippine Sustainable Food Conference 2023, is anchored on the promotion of Cebu鈥檚 endemic grain, the kabog millet, adlay, and the mais tinigib. 

The second team, Eventology 032, is composed of Steve Lorenz D. Espiritu, Richard P. Yap Jr., and Karl Vincent Lamanilao. Their event concept, the Philippine Travel Trade Summit 2023, is central to the theme 鈥淚 S.E.E. Philippines: Investing in Sustainable, Environmentally-Sensitive, Experiences Philippines.鈥�
Pahigayon鈥檚 concept of the Philippine Sustainable Food Conference bagged the Rex Bookstore鈥檚 Fresh Idea Award. Their win prompted the Philippine Association of Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers, Inc. (PACEOS) to invite them to compete and represent the country in the upcoming Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations (AFECA) in November.

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