Transcending Borders Through Leadership and Innovation: SLSU FHTM Delegates at the JTHMAP Bootcamp × J-List 2025

On October 14–15, 2025, young tourism and hospitality leaders from across the Philippines gathered at the University of the Philippines–Diliman for the JTHMAP Bootcamp × J-List 2025, a two-day national event promoting leadership, research, and sustainability in tourism and hospitality management.

Representing the SLSU Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management (FHTM), the HTML Organization, six student delegates — Briel Bronio, Kimberly Mayao, and Lael Christian Joven for the Bootcamp, and Richelle Comilang, Ashlee Jhainne Etable, and Lovelee Narte for the J-List — showcased excellence, collaboration, and dedication throughout the event.

With the themes “Thrive and Lead: Navigating Excellence for Future Leaders in Hospitality and Tourism” and “Sustainovate: Forging Sustainable and Experiential Pathways in Tourism through Research and Practice,” the Bootcamp and J-List programs provided transformative learning experiences that strengthened participants’ leadership, critical thinking, and commitment to sustainable tourism.

The event opened with welcoming remarks from Mr. Yuan Paolo G. Marquez, J-LIST Project Head, followed by a keynote from Dr. Mary Anne Ramos-Tumanan of UP DHRIM, who discussed the Batanes Tourism and Hospitality Monitoring Center (BTHMC) and emphasized the importance of sustainability through community participation and responsible tourism development.  In the afternoon, J-Listers engaged in an Eco-Link Mapping Activity titled “Strengthening Community Engagement in Sustainable Tourism.” At the same time, Bootcampers attended a leadership session led by Ms. Margarette Kate Co, who introduced the HEART Method (Hear, Empathize, Acknowledge, Respond, Think). They reminded delegates that “You are not born a leader, but you are born to be a leader.”

The second day began with the Bootcamp session of Mr. Edison, who delivered an insightful talk on purposeful leadership and the idea of “building your brand before your résumé.” Meanwhile, the J-Listers, including SLSU’s Richelle Comilang, Ashlee Jhainne Etable, and Lovelee Narte, worked on an Advocacy Board Activity expressing their commitment to sustainability, responsibility, and community empowerment. Later in the morning, Ms. Alyssa “Ligaya” Sanchez inspired all delegates through her session, “Youth as Catalysts of Responsible Tourism,” reminding everyone that genuine leadership comes from passion and heart. In the afternoon, Bootcampers and J-Listers gathered for a plenary session led by Mr. Jojo M. Villamin, Founding Chairman of JTHMAP, who shared powerful insights on youth leadership in tourism and hospitality. The session was followed by an empowering talk from Ms. Kiana, who emphasized that “We carry this torch not as a trophy, but as a light for others,” inspiring participants to lead with purpose, compassion, and authenticity.

The two-day event concluded with exit interviews and reflection activities, where delegates from SLSU and across the country shared their key takeaways. The experience left every participant motivated to lead responsibly, champion sustainability, and uphold excellence in the hospitality and tourism industry.

The JTHMAP Bootcamp × J-List 2025 was more than just a leadership and research event — it was a transformative journey that united future tourism leaders under a shared vision. Guided by the themes “Thrive and Lead” and “Sustainovate,” the event emphasized that true leadership transcends borders and begins with the heart.

As the SLSU FHTM delegates — Briel Bronio, Kimberly Mayao, Lael Christian Joven, Richelle Comilang, Ashlee Jhainne Etable, and Lovelee Narte — returned home, they carried with them not only the lessons learned but also the inspiration to serve as catalysts of change. Through compassion, collaboration, and commitment to sustainability, they stand ready to thrive, lead, and sustain the future of Philippine tourism.