Pursuing their passion with the help of ASHA

MANILA, Philippines - In just a few months after its opening, the Asian School of Hospitality Arts (ASHA) has enhanced the hospitable nature of Filipinos with its fast-track courses and programs. The ASHA students, who come from different backgrounds, from different leanings and even from different generations, are now ìoneî in their fulfillment from pursuing a career in the hospitality industry.

In fact, two ASHA students are from different fields of profession and share differing interest. But a common thread binds them ñ the love for challenges to improve one self and oneís outlook in life.

Estela Liban is a woman with many roles. Despite being a daughter, a mother, a wife and a businesswoman, she still finds time to pursue the things she loves. Despite the many successes under her belt ó a degree of Law from the Far Eastern University , a Bachelorís degree in Political Science and Advanced Culinary certificate from CCA, Manila ó she is now pursuing a Certificate in Hotel & Restaurant Operations in ASHA.

“My passion for constant learning is what makes me pursue education in ASHA. I am very much impressed with the teaching and curriculum in ASHA, and the fact that it is affiliated with some of the best and most-respected names in the hotel and restaurant industry,” said Liban, who is also the wife of Quezon City Councilor Voltaire “Bong” Liban III.

Liban can always be seen with her trusty Canon SLR. This is in itself a manifestation of her pursuit of her passions. Along with her love for portrait and landscape photography, she is also captivated with culinary arts.

“Five years from now, I envision myself as a successful business owner of a specialty restaurant and coffee shop. With my passion also for photography, I also plan to become a food photographer.” she said.

Liban’s passion for learning is also evident in Andrew Cohun who grew up in Davao. Though he is just only 24 years old, his desire for achievement is fueled by his obedience and love for his family.

A graduate of Industrial Psychology from the De La Salle University Manila and a Mandarin Language student from the Beijing Language and Culture University, he enrolled at ASHA in order to equip himself further especially now that he is groomed to handle his familyís business.

“My father believes in my ability to lead and manage our family business. But both of us are aware that I need to be equipped with the necessary skills in a short span of time. This is where ASHA’s short courses become useful and timely for me,” Andrew said. 

Andrew had decided to take-up CHRO (Certificate in Hotel and Restaurant Operations) after being in a recruitment firm for almost a year. He added: “I only want to be involved with the best and I want to be trained by the best in the industry. This is what I have experienced at ASHA.”

Like Liban, Andrew plans to be doing something significant five years from now. “I plan to enter the hotel and restaurant industry, either managing our family business or in a five-star hotel working as part of the HR administration. Anyway, one thing is for sure: I will be the best in whatever field I decide to endeavor in.”

ASHA offers a One Year Certificate in Hotel and Restaurant Operation and a two-year diploma in Hospitality Management. There are also various fast-track courses which can help graduates get employed easily and be immersed in an industry. In six months, one could be employed as a line cook, or as a barista, professional butler, among others.