HRAB Pasta Festival opens hospitality month in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY — The SM City Baguio Atrium transformed into a culinary arena on October 2, 2025, as the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio (HRAB) launched the 18th Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism (HRT) Month and the 16th National Food Showdown – Regional Edition through a vibrant Pasta Festival.

Far from being just a gastronomic showcase, the event served as a public affirmation of HRAB’s industry mission — uniting hospitality stakeholders to build a more resilient, skill-driven tourism sector.

Participating establishments included Baguio Country Club, El Cielito Hotel, Hill Station, Lafayette Luxury Suites, Le Monet Hotel, MV Alabanza Longganisa, Sotogrande Baguio, The John Hay Hotels, The Orchard Hotel, and Fairways and Greens Bed & Breakfast / The Other Office.

HRAB President and Baguio Country Club General Manager Anthony de Leon emphasized that the festival reflects a broader commitment to inclusive sectoral development.

He noted that HRAB was established to bring together hotels, restaurants, allied suppliers, tourism operators, academe partners, and the local government under one platform for collaboration.

“Our moral obligation is to develop the future leaders of hospitality and tourism,” de Leon said, highlighting HRAB’s ongoing scholarship initiatives and training programs for students and practitioners.

With the Pasta Festival setting the tone, HRAB signaled that HRT Month 2025 will not only celebrate culinary excellence but also reinforce industry partnerships, talent cultivation, and long-term tourism leadership for Baguio and the region.