The University of Batangas (UB) hosted LIRIP BATANGAN: Kultura, Kamalayan, Kulinarya, a cultural and culinary festival that highlighted local traditions, gastronomy, and student creativity, on November 28, 2025 at the Batangas City Campus.
Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) Class 2025 – Batch ANINAW (Aspiring Networks for Innovations, Nurturing Arts, and Wonders of Culture) organized the event featuring competitions and presentations that merged Batangueño culture with international hospitality standards.
The festival opened with HAPAG BATANGAN: The Tulingan Culinary Cup, featuring both Senior High School (SHS) and professional categories. Senior High School participants came from STI Colleges Batangas City, Alangilan Senior High School, Lemery Colleges, Sta. Teresa College, Talahib Pandayan Integrated High School, and Gulod Senior High School.
The culinary entries underwent evaluation by distinguished judges, including Chef Richard Ramirez, Culinary Instructor at Lyceum of the Philippines University Batangas and Head Chef of Yumi’s Kitchen Lab; Chef Marie Venice Verano, a specialist in bread and pastry production and maritime safety; and Chef Benilia Besana Legaspi, Executive Chef Consultant and Culinary Program Manager for Apicius Culinary Arts and Hotel Management.
Festival participants also showcased dance and performance in the SAYAW BATANGAN: Ritmo at Diwa Festival Dance Competition, which served as a creative output for the Philippine Culture and Tourism Geography (PTG) course. The competition featured 2nd Year Tourism and International Hospitality Management students and was judged by Ms. Mary Rose Rivero, Station Manager of Balisong Channel; Ms. Lailanie Maristela, entrepreneur; and Mr. Cris Villostas, hospitality graduate and National Cheerleading coach in Southern Luzon.
In the LASYANG ASYA: A Culinary Fusion Journey segment, 3rd Year International Hospitality Management students presented innovative dishes that blended Asian culinary traditions with Batangueño flavors. Judges included Chef Kimberly Velasquez, Pastry Sous Chef at Starbites by Starlite Ferries, and Mr. Michael Dennis Estigoy, aviation professional and UB College of Business, Accountancy, and Hospitality Management (CBAHM) faculty member.
The festival emphasized professional growth and experiential learning. Mr. Brent Roi Gutierrez, Tourism MICE Adviser, stated, “Most of all, being part of planning and execution teaches them professionalism. They learn the importance of time management, coordination, and flexibility. These skills will stay with them long after graduation and will be useful in whatever field they choose within tourism, hospitality, or events.”
The festival benefitted from the guidance of CBAHM Dean Dr. Erwin Lumanglas, program heads Ms. Arian May T. Esguerra (Tourism) and Dr. Melina B. Andayon (IHM), as well as instructors across disciplines, including Ms. Sofia April H. Hernandez, Ms. Cyrene Catimbang, Ms. Erica Ramirez, Chef Ven Verano, Ms. Bernadeth Bautista, Chef Jess Roxas, and Chef Redd Agustin.
The event reflected the university’s commitment to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 4 (Quality Education), as it combined practical learning, cultural awareness, and skill development. LIRIP BATANGAN demonstrated how academic programs in tourism and hospitality can foster creativity, leadership, and applied knowledge among students.
LIRIP BATANGAN concluded as a celebration of Batangueño culture, culinary artistry, and student excellence, highlighting the next generation of tourism and hospitality leaders.