BAGUIO CITY – The Hotel Restaurant and Tourism (HRT) Weekend will feature different exciting activities related to tourism and hospitality as announced by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB).
From the comeback of Rice and Shine 3.0 to the Mr. and Ms. HRAB 2024, and the different competitions in the hotel, restaurant, travel, and tourist industry, these are just some of the lined-up activities for the upcoming festivity.
Last year’s HRT Weekend featured the largest wedding cake and mass wedding, with more than 30 couples exchanging vows. This year, it will be the much-awaited comeback of the Rice and Shine 3.0 with eight Filipino staple fried rice flavors and the most-awaited Mr. and Ms. HRAB pageant.
The HRT Weekend is an annual event that helps Baguio City promote its tourism, culture, and mouth-watering dishes. It is more than just festivities; it’s a platform for meaningful initiatives that benefit communities and organizations, particularly within the tourism sector. HRT Weekend uplifts and empowers all stakeholders involved in Baguio’s hospitality and tourism industry, from community outreach programs to initiatives focused on continuing professional development.
The Rice and Shine is a tribute to Filipino farmers because despite the agricultural sector being one of the country’s major sectors, it is evident that it still needs support. Thus, the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio supports Filipino farmers by showcasing the different varieties of fried rice.
“So we have eight establishments that will be contributing to one of the highlights of the Hotel and Restaurant Tourism Weekend this year. This will be done again in the SM Atrium, SM City Baguio. We always qualify our statements. It is capable of feeding 15,000 people. We’re not saying we fed 15,000 people, pero yun yung quantity that we’re prepared to hand out for free to the public.” Baguio Country Club General Manager and HRAB President, Mr. Anthony R. De Leon, said.
Furthermore, the HRT Weekend will feature the prestigious Mr. and Ms. HRAB 2024. Different beauty titlists will also be present as judges. It was the same pageant where Justine Tara Valencia of the University of Baguio won the title of Ms. HRAB 2023 alongside the Best in Evening Gown awards. Now, on her journey as the Miss Supranational Philippines 2025 and the 3rd runner-up in the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant.
There will also be various competitions in the hotel, restaurant, travel, and tourist industry that focus not just on students but also on instructors for further growth and unlocking new skills. These events, scheduled in the month of October, offer opportunities for professionals and students alike to showcase their talents, network with industry experts, and gain valuable insights.
As preparations for HRT Weekend continue, the HRAB remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting diversity and excellence in Baguio’s tourism and hospitality management industry. By Hazel Rose N. Infante