1st Cebu Youthfest

The Way to go is Tourism

Few responded to the call but the vision has remained as strong as ever.

The first Cebu Youthfest 2006 held last Feb. 2-3 at SM City Cebu had a good start in gathering the youth for tourism advocacy. The organizers have envisioned that the 2nd Cebu Youthfest be held in February 2007, this time with many more number of delegates.

With the theme "Empowering Speech Independence and Shaping a Youth Tourism Advocacy", the event kicked off with the ribbon cutting at the "I Love Cebu Photo Exhibit" graced by Cebu Visitors and Convention Bureau Founding Chair Patrick Gregorio, who was a speaker at the event, as well. Along with him as guests of honor were: GMA 7 Station Manager Ann Marie Tan, Rotary Club Zone 1D Assistant Governor Mars Benitez, businesswoman Rose Wekkeling, and EJ Mcknight, president of Standing Ovations based in Florida, USA.

Not as fully packed as expected, it was nonetheless able to convey its message to the youth: To be empowered as tourism advocates and be effective catalysts in economic development. At the opening, young and active Rotarian Benitez emphasized in his keynote speech that "tourism, for one, is an industry we (the youth) aren't much told of. Thus, many youngsters are often misled and don't recognize its value. Not only is tourism a huge industry supported largely by the public and private corporations, it is also an up-to-date field affecting education, business and trade, and the community. For lack of awareness campaign, many young people perceive tourism as synonymous to luxurious travels and expensive trips. With this event, significant topics and areas shall be discussed."

Distinguished speakers who were invited to talk on various topics imparted laudable and informative inputs.

Gregorio, who is also president of Hotel Link Management Company, delivered his lectures on "Brand Destination Marketing" and "Shaping a Youth Tourism Advocacy". He pointed out that young people are more open to change than other components of society and that they share a vision of the future where humanity prospers without compromising the integrity of the planet.

"Youth worldwide bring energy and enthusiasm to tourism, so why not give the youth a head start in tourism awareness? Introduce basic tourism concepts as early as secondary education as electives or as extra curricular activities," he proposed.

Following his talk was the motivational lecture by E.J. Mcknight, president of a training company based in Florida. His was a unique lecture delivery because he integrated some magic into it. The audience were fascinated by his during his two lectures on "Public Speaking Power" and "Make It Happen: Discovering Potentials and Taking Off". "Always try to inspire" he said, which the youth should adopt. He motivated the youth to become active in anything that involves their talents and skills. "Your potentials can make a difference in society."

Eddie Nuque, Managing Partner of Incentivation Asia Consulting, Inc., discussed issues about developing a "Culture of Tourism". He mentioned the career opportunities that await tourism and hospitality graduates, which encouraged the delegates to participate in the interactive forum.

Ian Giatti, the Marketing Communications Officer of International Academy of Film and Television (IAFTV), spoke last. He said that "Cebu is envisioned to be the Hollywood in Asia." At the forum, he mentioned that directing, script writing and all aspects about film & TV production are offered in the school. At the moment, IAFTVl (located in Punta Engaño, Mactan) is focused on finishing the site while positioning its name to the target market, which is mostly Asians.

Cebu Youthfest founder Rudynah Entera pointed out that the event was just the beginning of a continuing legacy to develop the youth to become tourism advocates, active players in economic development and effective public speakers. "With dynamism, the youth can always make a difference. Our long-term vision here is to form a strong pool of young tourism advocates who are at the same time catalysts for socio-economic progress," she stressed.

The event was organized by Rotary Club of Cebu Business District and Episodes Pro in cooperation with Commission on Higher Education, Department of Education, Cebu Pacific Air, SM City Cebu, International Academy of Film and Television, Body Tune Day Spa & Massage, Freedom Handicrafts, Pepsi, Dunkin Donuts, Monde Nissin Corporation, The Freeman, i-FM, Charlie FM, Home Radio, GMA 7 Cebu, A. Salonga Music Center and Microdata.