ISSUE NO. 4 | APRIL 2022
GAZETTE
TALK SHOW WITH JOHN REANO
SAILING AROUND THE WORLD: GUATEMALA EDITION
THE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE AND TRAVEL SHOW
COVER PHOTO BY IRINA ROJO
CONTENTS
o l l e H ! g n Spri
pg.3
pg.8
THE WAY WE ARE
MEET YOUR FRIENDS AND PEERS
Magic Trees
Pedro Oliveira, IBM Club's President
pg.4
pg. 10
OUT & ABOUT
PROFESSIONAL TALK
Sailing around the world : Guatemala Edition
The Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show
PHOTO BY VERONICA ELIAS
Talk Show with John Reano PHOTO BY ERIKA GONZALEZ
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MAGIC REES - YUNONA GOGIA, BHM TEACHER
Do you pay attention to trees when you go hiking? Then, you must have noticed something like this in BC forests: a tree falls but continues with the purpose by giving life support to the seeds of future trees that hold on tightly on the decaying nurse log while gaining strength to sprout and plant the roots, grow and embrace the sunshine.
The new trees could be different species! I learnt that nurse stumps are more abundant than logs, and now I find them everywhere I go and think about the universal law of energy that “can neither be created nor destroyed; rather, it can only be transformed or transferred from one form to another".
PHOTOS BY YUNONA GOGIA, MUNDY PARK & ASPEN WOODS, COQUITLAM
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SAILING AROUND Guatemala THE WORLD Edition - LAURA M. FARQUHAR
Firstly, I would like to thank the Hospitality Club for allowing me to share what I have been up to recently.
Since January 1st, my husband and I have been in Guatemala living and working on our 50' sailboat,
The Rio Dulce is a fresh water river in a breathtaking gorge (fiord) surrounded by high cliffs with the jungle coming down to the riverbed. We are surrounded by large lush green tropical rain forests, fragrant exotic wild flowers (some the size of my little finger nail) that bloom vivid shades of colors. In the morning while we are sipping our coffee on the deck of our sailboat we can hear the “OU!,OU!,OU!’ call of the visiting Howler monkeys who sit high atop the teak and bamboo trees.
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Secondly, I miss all of you and your smiling faces. It was such a pleasure teaching the BHMT program. I experienced such joy mentoring the HC Executive Board members, and helping them to acquire new leadership skills. I feel privilege to be able to stay in touch with the HC via social media.
docked in a marina on the Rio Dulce (Sweet River).
I am thrilled to see an unbelievable array of colourful birds, like the wine-throated hummingbirds, white peacocks, orangebreasted falcons, and the spectacular quetzal; with its yellow beak, lush green and blue feathers, ruby red breast and tail that is three times as long as its body. The Quetzal is actually Guatemala’s national bird, symbol on their flag; even Guatemala’s currency is named after it. The people of Guatemala have a strong cultural heritage that blends indigenous Mayan, European, and Caribbean influences. Ethnic diversity is visible in the various languages and lifestyles that exist throughout the country. In order to get to the closest town of Fronteras from our marina, we have to take a 10-minute dinghy ride. I love walking through this colourful town, watching street vendors and exploring different offerings. I find it fascinating watching as they prepare and cook local food; like freshly rolled corn tortillas, pinching a ball of dough, patting it with their hands in a clapping motion to form flat tortillas then baking them on a flat grill. You can’t get much fresher than that! As you probably figured out, one of my passions and subjects that I enjoyed sharing with BHMT students is: Culinary Tourism, otherwise known as Gastronomic Tourism or Food Tourism. Near the top of most travellers’ to-do list, and most definitely at the top of mine, is sampling the delicious local food available in the places I travel. I love shopping at local farmers' markets exploring ingredients grown locally and seeing and smelling unusual fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices.
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Being the Foodie that I am, I have been talking with local Chefs and restaurateurs about traditional Guatemalan food, sharing my curiosity about learning local recipes using cooking methods based on generations of indigenous collective wisdom. I find it spiritual, regenerative and enables a strong connection to nature and the place.
When possible during your travels, try to visit local farmers’ markets, make connections, experience the taste of the place, and get inspired by local communities and their stories.
The Guatemalan people are so friendly and wanting to please. One of the Chefs I spoke with invited me into her restaurant kitchen. I was so honoured to have my own private cooking class with one of the best Chefs on the river. Together we made several traditional dishes, helping her prepare her restaurant menu for that evening. Some of these dishes included Guatemala's national dish, 'Pepian.'
Tapado is a traditional dish from the Caribbean coast of Guatemala, and it tastes delicious!
I was told it is among the oldest dishes in the country that combined the Mayan and the Spanish cultures in its preparation. Chicken is the main ingredient that we used for this dish, but pork and beef can be used.
I look forward to continuing to merge my passion for food, exploring cultures, nature, and travel through gastronomic tourism in the next country we visit, Belize. Until we meet again, enjoy all that life has to offer. All the best! Laura M. Farquhar
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We also made 'Tapado', a delicious seafood soup with a fragrant coconut broth, packed with fresh fish, lobster, shrimp, plantain, yucca and fresh herbs and spices.
When possible during your travels, try to visit local farmers’ markets, make connections, experience the taste of the place, and get inspired by local communities and their stories. Learn the tradition behind the food as well as to best uphold them.
THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING AND
PHOTO BY MARKY MEZA BANFF, ALBERTA
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I MUST GO
MEET YOUR FRIENDS & PEERS - PEDRO OLIVEIRA
S
o when I arrived at Acsenda school of management in 2018, the first thing that dragged my attention was the slogan: International thinking, individual focus. I believe that that slogan built my path into Acsenda for being a student who had never
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started a bachelor's degree before, I kind of had in mind that even though this degree was not from a well-known school, I was sure that if I wanted, Acsenda would do anything possible to make my degree stand out. I enjoyed everything during the first two years because there were just regular classes. The interaction with folks and classmates was much harder, but then, right in between, be broke down…covid started. So let’s just say that, at the beginning, I was enrolled in accounting, and covid made me think twice if I wanted accounting as a career path. It was as soon as covid hit when I was in my accounting class, and I thought…I can’t take it anymore. Then I spoke with Melissa edrige and asked her to change concentration. What I was not expecting was that she was already sure accounting was not for me. She already knew before I did. I think that Student Services, the staff and all the tips and support she provided to me were essential for me to be able to choose the right concentration for me, which is International Business Management. The following two years, I just focused on international business management until my last six months, when I was also able to be part not only as a student ambassador and a mentor to the students but I was also able to become the President of the international business club and provide all my creativity and thoughts into the club my peers came up with. And it’s essential to remember that since my first year, I became part of the student service programs the school offer outside the classroom, which definitely increased my knowledge about the faculty, students, and everything we can develop with them. Acsenda’s slogan already says International thinking, individual focus, and I believe these extra programs really put you to work towards what you really want.
SMALL ACTS OF SUSTAINABILITY
LET'S TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE!
Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth and while soaping in the shower. Save greywater to water plants. Turn lights off in rooms that aren’t being used. When you switch your lights off, it saves more energy than it takes for the light to start up, regardless of the bulb type. Only fill the kettle to the amount of water needed. Only buy what you need. 20-50% of the food we buy ends up in a landfill. Use fewer plastic products, and reuse before recycling. Recycle used paper and go
PHOTO BY GABRIELA BANOS
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paperless where possible.
The Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show
- NAGOUR SANDHU
My initial views about joining the hospitality club were not super exciting. I joined the club with an attitude that is exactly the opposite I feel after attending the "Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show" at Vancouver Convention Centre on March 6, 2022. A night before this, I had to cover my friend's shift, so I was unsure about attending the event.
But I survived the whole night; I had a triple espresso shot in the morning and went for the event. The foremost exciting part was I got to see my classmates without a mask. The atmosphere outside the class was so fun because, for the first time, we were not looking at the slides and listening to long lectures. Instead, we all were determined to have fun at the event. It was a nice sunny day. At around 10, everyone gathered outside the College building with Professor Nirmal Vasant. Then, we went to VCC on foot. You would not believe that I even enjoyed walking in the downtown streets that day because a student like me, who had attended most of the classes online, did not get any chance to make friends.
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AN EYEOPENING EVENT
After about 5 min walk, we reached our
Not only that, I have collected tons of
destination. This was the first hospitality-
generals and magazines that are enough for
based and professional event I have attended
my one-year reading- all for free. At the end
so far. One interesting part was that we were
of the event, I was about to make my way
not required to purchase tickets for the event
out, and I heard African music. I went to that
because it was sponsored by the college. I started exploring as soon as I got in. There were numerous stalls by different countries like the Philippines, Tanzania, etc. The event mainly focused on BC adventure, and therefore, travel agencies from all over the BC were there representing their companies and areas they come from. Companies showed their new models of RVs, bicycles, travel bags, and other stuff that you could buy or pre-
stall, the company's representative was dancing, and Bhavisha and I also caught the vibe and started dancing. She was so lovely and invited us inside her booth and dressed us both in traditional Tanzanian dress. We all danced, shared contacts and had so much fun. After this event, I felt so overwhelmed with the joy and knowledge I gained at the event. That day, I promised myself that I
order.
would not miss any of the upcoming events
Stalls were offering free flavoured chocolates,
experience, I urge all the HC members to
candies and drinks. Also, that day almost
take advantage of opportunities like these
every booth had ongoing contests. I don't
that the HC club and Acsenda have to offer.
think there was any contest I did not
Also, now I cannot wait for the "Student
participate in or play at. I not only played but
Chapter" journey to begin.
that the HC club would be offering. After my
won a few prizes too. $500 ferry gas gift card, shades, discount on
I'm looking forward to attending more
travel package by Zara Tours, $40 discount
events and hope to see you guys next time.
promo from Nexebike and Deimos Paragliding.
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TALK SHOW WITH JOHN REANO - ARSHDEEP SINGH
Talking with someone can be a great way to improve relationships and networking. It is more comfortable and meaningful when people feel good about it. Hi, this is Arshdeep. I hope you guys are doing great and did great in the past term. This short article is to tell you a bit about the club's talk we had with John last Monday, 14, 2022. The event was organized by the Hospitality Club and hosted by me. John Reano is from the Philippines, and he is a great student and peer. He has relevant experience in teaching and the hospitality sector. He has been actively involved in community work back home and in Canada too. He will be graduating by March this year. While conversing about Acsenda's Internship with him, I realized that he is working in a hotel as a house person and has a great and valuable experience. During the conference, I learned that he also has a bachelor's degree in philosophy and has a teaching certificate in the Philippines. He loves to meet new people and wants to learn foreign languages and explore different cultures; that is one of the reasons he joined the club since we are a multicultural club with members from different nationalities and cultures. He considers service a personal skill, which is why he was interested in the Hospitality Industry.
Don't forget to share your feedback and newsletter contributions at the club's email address acsenda.hmclub@gmail.com. Lastly, I would like to thank John for taking some time to share his insights with the club members; I wish you a successful life.
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That industry gives him more job satisfaction which he likes. He has been involved in a lot of volunteering work. While working in the hotel, he showed initiative, managed his activities and duties on time, which made his manager and other senior staff pay attention to his performance, and he was recently offered a promotion. This talk gave us the opportunity to learn more about the process and details regarding the internship we are required to fulfill. John explained it very well while sharing his personal experience when doing it with us. Lastly, he encouraged all the students to participate and join the Hospitality Club since he considers this was the place where he was actually able to connect with the industry, peers, make friends, and have a good time. If you would like to watch the entire conference, click here or visit our Facebook channel.
HI, THERE! Want to share your ideas, photos and experiences with our Community? All students, teachers and members of Acsenda can participate! Send your proposal in an editable Word file between 60 and 250 words, or your photos with a high resolution to acsenda.hmclub@gmail.com
Editorial Team for publishing. Can't wait to hear from you!
PHOTOS BY REBECCA RAMLUGUN
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All collaborations will be selected by the
PHOTO BY ERIKA GONZALEZ
HC GAZETTE by ASM Hospitality Management Club
Issue 4 April 2022 Editorial Gabriela Banos Editor and Designer Contributors Arshdeep Singh, Gabriela Banos, Laura Farquhar, Nagour Sandhu, Pedro Oliveira, Yunona Gogia Collaborations acsenda.hmclub@gmail.com
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