FROM HEART TO SERVICE: FBSE TRAINING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BAGUIO HIGHLIGHTS FILIPINO VALUES

MABUHAY! It is a simple greeting of Filipinos showing the warmth of their welcoming. The recent training seminar entitled FBSE or "The Filipino Brand Service Excellence" was held at the University of Baguio, Cafe Fernando. The trainings were held from February 5 - 7 and April 22 - 23 with different batches to accommodate all the students. This event brought together the SIHTM students and its mentors to explore and understand the essence of Filipino hospitality and service in the real world. The FBSE aims to enhance the knowledge , values and understanding of future professionals in our industry of what makes a real Filipino service unique and how one can embody these learnings on a day - to - day basis. The "Filipino Brand Service Excellence" is an event facilitated by the Department of Tourism and was spearheaded by the DOT - Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Office which emphasizes the importance of warmth, compassion, and a unique desire to provide service, and these are the qualities that are deeply engraved in the Filipino Culture.

At the beginning of the seminar, the Department of Tourism reiterated the core values and principles of a Filipino that serve as a foundation for delivering exceptional service, these are the Maka-Diyos, Makatao, Maka-Kalikasan, Makabansa, Masayahin, May Bayanihan and May Pag - asa. Moreover, the students also learned about the practical service techniques in enhancing customer interactions, it is the GUEST Technique - it was to Greet, Understand, Satisfy, and Thank.

Furthermore, the event also reiterated the importance of how to handle a complaint properly and make these complaints an opportunity for improvement, these are the HEART method which is Hear, Empathize, Apologize, Resolve and Thank. The seminar did not only revolve around listening to the lectures, it also had interactive sessions where the students engaged in different activities such as role - playing, teamwork activities, and other games that practiced the strategic thinking skills of each student. These activities allowed the students to practice what the had learned, enhancing their comprehension of how to apply those concepts in real - life situations.

The Filipino ?Brand Service Excellence does not only focus on the educational experience hence, it was a celebration in honor of our own identity as Filipinos. After the seminar, the students felt revitalized standing with pride and having a deeper understanding of how important branding is in today's competitive market. In a world where hospitality and service are the heartbeats of the tourism sector, mastering FBSE is the key! With this training, the participants aren't just learning; they embody the essence of warmth, professionalism and excellence that define our Filipino hospitality.