In 2009, the Asian School of Hospitality Arts (ASHA) had a vision to improve the lives of those who aspire to be in the hotel and restaurant industry by honing their skills and increasing their employability.
A decade later, ASHA has become the top training center for those who want to become globally competitive hospitality leaders of the future.
“For the last 10 years, we have exposed our students to the real world and ensured high-quality training for them to be ready and fully equipped,” said Angelina Blanco, dean and director of Career Development and Placement at ASHA.
The tourism industry is booming so is the demand for services from these fields. To fill in the gap, ASHA has been taking a holistic approach in providing hospitality education through the years. From theories, skills, and the right working attitude, its trains its students to be highly competitive through its courses and training.
“ASHA offers ‘a real world’ education, meaning what we teach is actually what’s really going on in the industry. Our instructors are industry practitioners. For example, we have an executive housekeeper who’s teaching housekeeping; we have an actual f&b manager who’s teaching food and beverage service,” said Dean Blanco.
ASHA school offers both college and short courses in its two branches: Antipolo City, and Kamias, Quezon City. It offers two four-year courses and certificate programs.
For its 10th year, ASHA has been granted the permission to operate the Senior High School Grades 11 and 12 with the ABM (Accountancy, Business, and Management) track, as well as the technical vocational track in hospitality arts which includes culinary, f&b service, housekeeping, and front office.
Also in line with ASHA’s 10-year milestone is the strengthening of partnerships with government agencies, such as the Department of Tourism, TESDA, and the Commission on Higher Education. The institution also continues its strong relationships with different private companies regarding internships abroad for its students.
Keeping a small student-and-teacher ratio offers a more focus session with the instructor and its students in the classroom. The school has students coming from different backgrounds, and are fueled with the same dreams and passion with the institution.
Misha Musngi, a 35-year-old student of Batch 2019, is one of the students that can attest to its good environment. Breaking the barriers and defying the odds as she’s a living proof that age will not stop one in achieving their dreams.
“I admit, the hospitality industry is a glamorous field and some industries are discriminating when it comes to age. But when I entered ASHA, I learned from Dean Angie that age is just a number. ASHA will help you pursue your dreams,” said Musngi.
Marcial Pimentel, who’s also part of Batch 2019 and is the recipient of ASHA’s Environmental Management System Award, also has a story to share about his experience. Pimentel who was once a medical technology student found himself changing hearts in the middle of the semester to pursue hotel and restaurant management.
“I just felt that it wasn’t for me so I went back to my first love and my passion which is cooking,” he shared.
Go to www.asha.edu.ph to know more.