13 March 2026
The 72nd Young Hoteliers’ Exposition opened on March 3, 2026 at the Angelo King International Center (AKIC) Campus with the blessing of the newly renovated Halles de Rheims. Students and guests saw the refreshed venue as proof that Benilde keeps its campus facilities updated to match industry standards. The relaunch followed last year’s expansion of the Airbus A320 Cabin Service Trainer, showing that the School of Hospitality, Restaurant and Institution Management continues to grow with modern spaces for learning.
In the morning, the TopFlite Academy Roadshow took place inside Halles de Rheims. Actor and pilot Xian Lim joined TopFlite CEO Capt. Sahl Onglatco to share their aviation journey with Benilde students. Both are Benildeans through the ETEEAP program, with Lim currently enrolled in Music Production and Onglatco having completed his HRIM degree in 2025. Their stories connected directly to new career pathways in aviation.
The roadshow followed Benilde’s new partnership with TopFlite Academy, signed earlier this year, which opens aviation pathways for SHRIM students and positions Benilde as a Civil Aviation Authority-approved satellite ground school. TopFlite also offered exclusive discounts during the event, with up to half off Ground School fees and extra savings on flight training.
The afternoon session featured entrepreneur Hans “King Panda” Tan. Known for his ventures in luxury cars and his recent work in road safety, Tan spoke about building businesses and adapting to change. His talk gave students a look at how lifestyle branding and social responsibility can shape careers in hospitality and tourism.
The rest of the week carried on with competitions and demonstrations. Students joined culinary challenges like the chocolate cake showdown and pasta presentations. Others tested their skills in tour guiding, cocktail mixing, and sommelier training. There were management games, in‑flight safety demos, and a sake masterclass from the Japanese Embassy. The exposition closed with an awarding ceremony that celebrated the creativity and teamwork of the participants.
For more information on Benilde’s undergraduate programs, contact us at (63) 2 8230 5100 local 1801 or admissions@benilde.edu.ph. You may also visit our website at www.benilde.edu.ph.
