Mapua University, founded in 1925 by Tomas Mapua, the country’s first registered architect, is marking its 100th year with, among others, the launch of its newest academic milestone-the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management.
The newest Mapua school will offer degree programs in BS Tourism Management and BS Hospitality Management, recognizing the need for professionals in the industry segment that is projected to continue growing significantly over the next few years.
To stand out from other academic institutions offering similar programs, the Mapua University is partnering with Seda Hotels and Ayala Hospitality as industry partners, thus ensuring that the curricula will be aligned with the actual needs of the industry.
The Ayala Group is in a position to inject real-world applications into the Mapua rigor, given its stake in iPeople Inc., operator of Mapua University, one of the country’s leading academic institutions that has long been known for its engineering program.
Mapua University has, over the past 100 years, expanded into other science courses, architecture and design, information technology, business and health sciences, media studies, and now, tourism and hospitality management.
Tomas Mapua will surely be proud of how far the university that bears his name has come. -Tina Arceo-Dumlao
Viber Dating, anyone?
Technology has completely changed the way people look for and experience connection and intimacy.
With the emergence of online dating apps and social media, one might think it’s now much easier to broaden one’s romantic perspectives and find the perfect match.
But then, some people-this writer included-remain skeptical of online dating apps for reasons that include negative prior encounters and the prevalence of fake profiles and scammers.
Cristina Constandache, chief revenue officer of Rakuten Viber, understands this lingering distrust in online dating apps, but she remains bullish about the prospects of its new service.
Rakuten Viber rolled out its Viber Dating feature in February, which is integrated into the messaging app’s system.
Although she has never used a dating app and is skeptical herself, Constandache said that if she were to get into it, she would prefer to use an app she is already familiar with, like Viber.
‘While I can separate the experiences, it’s an app that I use every day, that I trust, that it comes as a comfortable experience for me, and from there I can use a dating service rather than install yet another app that I have no idea of, that has a certain reputation,’ she added.
Whether you’re searching for a lasting relationship online or offline, Constandache said it was important to do so on your own terms and in a comfortable environment, and never give in to the pressure to behave a certain way. -Jordeene B. Lagare
NUSTAR toasts to Cebu’s resilience
Last Sept. 30, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake rocked the northern Cebu coastal city of Bogo, damaging and destroying homes, roads and utility services.
Official accounts said over 100,000 residents were affected by the powerful earthquake that was felt in other provinces in the Visayas from Samar, Leyte as well as Dinagat Islands in Mindanao and left some 72 dead.
Aside from doing what it can to help those directly affected by the earthquake, NUSTAR Resort and Casino seeks to celebrate Cebu’s spirit of resilience and celebration through its first Holloween Beerfest: Booze and Boos, to be held on Oct. 31 at the NUSTAR Boardwalk in partnership with San Miguel Beer.
Original Pilipino Music exponent The Dawn will be the headliner with homegrown talents Wonggoys and Powerspoonz providing support.
According to NUSTAR, the event will be a ‘symbolic celebration of hope and recovery, showcasing the power of music to unite and uplift.’ -Tina Arceo-Dumlao INQ