USM Hailed Overall Champion at GenSan’s Tuna Festival 2025

The University of Southern Mindanao through the Society of Hotel and Restaurant Progress (SHARP) dominated the 18^th Tuna Festival Skills Olympics 2025 by bagging the Championship after series of wins on September 4 to 5, 2025 at the Veranza Mall, General Santos City.

Among 11 competitions, USM garnered 3,140 points securing first place leading the team to clinch the overall champion. USM secured first place in Fruit and Vegetable Carving with fruit platter, Extreme Bartending (Team A&B), Wine Parade, Market Basket, Tuna Pasta (Team B); second place in Tuna Pasta (Team A), Food Platting, Cake Decorating (Team B); third place in Hotel Lobby Grand Floral Arrangement, and Cake Decorating (Team A).

The Skills Olympics is a regular institutional event that is part of the celebration of Tuna Festival in General Santos City aimed at recognizing the value of skills, competencies, and high technical skills of the students in the hospitality industry.

With the theme, “Lasa, Galing sa Fiesta”, the competition gathered 26 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Mindanao.

Here are the contested events and participants:

Fruit and Vegetable Carving with fruit platter
Coach: Melchie G. Palapar, DM

1. Edgardo Daquiado Jr.
2. John Rico Pedro
3. Cyruz John Catalan

Extreme Bartending
Coach: JMJson C. Bautista

Team A

1. Jowen Gamiao

Team B

2. Lae Ann Miranda

Market Basket
Coach: Rubelyn V. Gamolo & William T. Gonzaga

1. Edsel Kent B. Calibayan
2. Mark Gray Dominado
3. Angel Blessy Mamaclay

Wine Parade
Coach: William T. Gonzaga/ Preciosa B. Valmores

1. Jay Dela Cruz
2. Liam Samaon
3. Christian Angelo Mide
4. Kenneth Bagolong
5. Theo Española
6. John Roem Linsangan
7. Omar Mascara
8. Selwyn Patrick Navarez

Tuna Pasta
Coach: Avegale S. Roy, DM

Team A

1. Keith Czarvin Louie A. Embestro
2. Severino Prejas Manuel

Team B

1. Kirby Vanz L. Cabrido
2. Edmar J. Fuestes

Food Platting
Coach: Rubelyn V. Gamolo

1. Jandelle Malinao
2. Dan Grace Dorig

Cake Decorating
Coach: Aileen P. Sarmiento, PhD

Team A

1. Donna Necesito
2. ‎Anthony Berdejo
3. ‎Lyza Yvonne Delfin

Team B

1. Cindy Necesito
2. ‎Elyssa Bastian
3. May Arcayena

Hotel Lobby Grand Floral Arrangement
Coach: Apple R. Ureta/ William T. Gonzaga

1. Jimboy Basañes
2. Shane Hannalyn Modo
3. John Mark Cabana

Table Skirting with Centerpiece
Coach: William T. Gonzaga

1. John Joseph Bandico
2. Harris John Gamueta
3. Jodelyn Banhao
4. Christine Mae Cerbas

Table Napkin Folding
Coach: William T. Gonzaga

1. Joreen Sta Teresa
2. Jasper Jay Umblas

Table Setting
Coach: Apple R. Ureta

1. Casandra Mae Lao
2. Selwyn Patrick Navarez
3. John Joseph Bandico
4. John Roem Linsangan