HATCHED 4.0: Hospitality and Tourism Ideas Take Flight Through Innovation and Excellence

On May 8, 2026, the MICE 2C Hospitality Management (HM) class successfully conducted the much-anticipated HATCHED 4.0 event held at the Plenary Hall led by their adviser Ms. Karyn Mae P. Galleto. Guided by their instructor Dr. Lucila Bacalla and Mr. Kent Ian Torion, the event showcases the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of Hospitality Management (HM) and Tourism Management (TM) students. Now in its fourth year, HATCHED continues to serve as a platform where hospitality and tourism ideas take flight through hands-on learning and real-world simulation.

With the theme “Where Hospitality and Tourism Ideas Take Flight,” the event emphasizes the importance of innovation, collaboration, and business readiness among students. A total of 25 groups or student-run businesses participate, representing both HM and TM programs. Each group showcases their own unique products and services, carefully developed to reflect industry standards and customer-oriented creativity.

The event officially begins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the opening of the trade fair. This symbolic activity signals the start of a dynamic and competitive showcase of student-made businesses. Guests, judges, and participants are then welcomed into an exhibit filled with innovative booths featuring food products, services, and tourism-related concepts.

Throughout the event, students engage in various activities such as product pitching, infographic presentations, and business booth displays. These activities are designed to assess their communication skills, marketing strategies, creativity, and overall understanding of hospitality and tourism operations. The trade fair atmosphere allows students to simulate real industry experiences, preparing them for future careers in the field.

A panel of expert judges evaluates each group based on innovation, presentation, business concept, and overall performance. Their presence adds professionalism and credibility to the event, giving students the opportunity to receive constructive feedback from industry-oriented perspectives.

In the Hospitality Management category, Green Glow stands out and is awarded the Deal Maker Award, recognizing their strong negotiation skills, business strategy, and effective presentation. Meanwhile, MJA Food Corporation earns multiple recognitions, including the Top Business Booth and Infographics Award, highlighting their excellence in both visual presentation and business execution. The Innovation Excellence Award is also given to MJA Food Corporation who demonstrates exceptional creativity and originality in their products and concepts.

On the other hand, in the Tourism Management category, Blue Haven emerges as one of the most outstanding groups. They receive the Deal Maker Award, as well as recognition for Top Business Booth and Infographics, and are also honored with the Innovation Excellence Award. Their consistent performance across all criteria demonstrates their strong understanding of tourism business development and marketing strategies.

Overall, HATCHED 4.0 is a successful and meaningful event that highlights the skills, creativity, and dedication of HM and TM students. It provides a valuable learning experience that bridges classroom knowledge with practical application. Beyond competition, the event fosters teamwork, innovation, and confidence among participants, preparing them for future roles in the hospitality and tourism industry.

HATCHED 4.0 once again proves that when guided with proper mentorship and driven by passion, students can transform ideas into innovative business concepts that truly take flight.