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30 June 2025
The Manila Food and Beverages Exposition (MAFBEX) returned for its 19th year from June 11 to 15, 2025 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. Known as one of the country’s largest food and beverage trade shows, MAFBEX welcomed thousands of guests, exhibitors, and culinary professionals. Among its most anticipated features was the Young Hoteliers’ Exposition (YHE), a yearly showcase led by the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM).
Benilde has been a proud co-presenter of MAFBEX since Academic Year 2007-2008, bringing YHE to the expo as a platform for student creativity, hospitality excellence, and industry engagement. This year’s theme, Festival of Flavors: Whispers of the Earth, emphasized a deeper commitment to sustainability, cultural heritage, and innovation. “It is sure to be a vibrant celebration of the food industry,” said SHRIM Dean Dr. Marie A. Castro, “brimming with delicious discoveries and festivities.”
YHE is a SHRIM tradition that continues to evolve with the times. It features seminars, competitions, and hands-on activities that allow students to gain valuable experience while having fun. Dr. Castro described it as “a testament to the talent, passion, and dedication of our students,” and emphasized how these moments help them sharpen their skills, forge lifelong friendships, and prepare for careers in the ever-evolving hospitality and tourism industries.
Benilde’s presence at MAFBEX also demonstrates the strength of its academic programs under SHRIM, which include Culinary Arts Management, Hospitality and Luxury Management, Tourism Management, and International Hospitality Management. These programs are built to develop both practical expertise and professional insight, and events like MAFBEX provide students with valuable exposure to real industry settings where they can observe emerging trends, interact with professionals, and apply their learning in meaningful ways.
The Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts Management (BS-CAM) program, in particular, aligns closely with the spirit of MAFBEX. It combines culinary technique with business insight, encouraging students to explore both the creative and operational sides of food production. Students are trained not only in food preparation but also in management systems, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The program promotes evidence-based practices and technological advancement, while also advocating for the globalization of Filipino food heritage through traditional methods and regional ingredients.
Dr. Castro also acknowledged the importance of collaboration in making YHE possible year after year. “This yearly event would not be possible without the unwavering support of our longtime partner, the Worldbex Services International,” she said, expressing gratitude to sponsors and guests who continue to believe in the potential of Benilde students.
Through its continued partnership with MAFBEX, Benilde strengthens its commitment to shaping future leaders in hospitality and culinary arts, students who are not only skilled but also inspired to create meaningful change in the industry.
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.
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