Aquahobbies Adventures

08/06/2025

BEHIND A SUCCESSFUL LEARNING TOUR TO EIGHT TOURISM BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS ACROSS FOUR BICOL TOWNS, ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDENT-LEADERS SHINES BRIGHT FOR SORSOGON STATE UNIVERSITY

(Last of seven-parts series.)

SORSOGON CITY --- "Through this event, our teacher really brought out the very best in us, as she saw to it that from event conception, planning, and to its implementation all were managed by students", said Relly Geronimo, a 3rd year Entrepreneurship student. Provided with a "Love the Philippines" lanyard and ID holder, it served as recognition for class officers-in-charge like him and their assistants for showing leadership and responsibility during the seamless flow of each and every activity. Respectively, for Section 3E (Dianne Camonias, Arlyn Mae Barteta, Jaymheil Dometita and Christine Leop); Section 3F (Relly Geronimo and Christine Pantua,); Section 4C (Eusheen Madrelijos and Princess Oquindo); and Section 4D (Jessabel Carillo and Ma. Joselle Evasco). Additional workforce included, for Secretariat, were: 1) Joan Detera; and 2) AJ Dreu, and for Documentation, 3) Hannah Doloiras and 4) Gian Paul Jebulan.

"Our teacher, having learned that we underwent an emergency response training prior to the event, gave us a unique responsibility and lend us new first-aid bags received from the European Union (EU)", explained another Entrepreneurship student, Jason Patria. Together with other group of selected students they were assigned as "wellness checkers" to monitor the health of their fellow classmates for motion sickness while travelling on the bus. The wellness-checkers cm first-aiders were: 1) Jay Anne Lagata; 2) Eddamae Biguiras; 3) Allyza Escober; 3) Jason Patria; 4) Erwin Samoray; 5) Jan Ruebin Detera; 6) Joshua Mendoza; 7) Sophia Dichoso; 8) Gigi Bartolay; and 9) Wilma de Leon.

"I never thought that my photo while on a Hobiecat sailboat can still be captured very clearly from a distance of maybe 500 meters", Princess Oquindo said. She and her classmates explained their various surprises after a learn-to-sail activity at Albay Gulf, in Legazpi City. It was later learned that, through their teacher, private individuals lent photograpy equipments that includes one (1) Nikon D3100 with lens, and one (1) Fuji with two (2) sets of lenses. Such were all provided to a select group of students belonging to a start-up known as Academic Adventures composed of Sorsogon State University (SorSU) students, namely: 1) Anthony Janapin; and 2) Joshua Olavere as part of the Documentation Team. (JSW)

08/06/2025

FARMPLATE – BICOL GENEROUS HOSTING OF SORSOGON STATE UNIVERSITY'S LEARNING TOUR HIGHLIGHTED WITH PERFORMANCES BY TWO ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDENTS

(Sixth of seven-parts series.)

GABAWAN, DARAGA, ALBAY --- Farmplate-Bicol, a pioneering agritourism and community-centered tourism destination, warmly welcomed students and faculty from Sorsogon State University (SSU) for a dynamic and insightful early evening visit. As another proudly Bicol-based initiative promoting local food, farm tourism, and inclusive agripreneurship, it showcased how grassroots entrepreneurship can drive community development while preserving cultural heritage and biodiversity.

The above last leg of the journey was part of an off-campus learning tour that spanned three (3) Albay towns with the primary aim to expose Entrepreneurship students to real-world entrepreneurial practices and community-based innovation in sustainable tourism and agribusiness. Drawn by the farm-to-plate concept, which later became a Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited farm tourism site, Farmplate offers a glimpse of life on a typical farm with carabao-drawn rides, kite flying and the majestic Mayon Volcano on the background. Students interacted with the local enterprise owner, learned about value-adding strategies in agriculture, and gained firsthand experience in farm-to-table practices that align with both profit and sustainability.

A standout moment of the visit was the special performance by two (2) SSU Entrepreneurship students, Airol Maine Amador sung, and, Johnpaul D Romualdo performed beat box, captivating the audience with their artistic talents. “Farmplate is more than a farm --- it’s a living classroom and we’re really thankful for the warm reception given to us. It may have been just a brief visit but it already brought value and inspiration for our academic and entrepreneurial future” said Jessabel Carillo, a 4th year Entrepreneurship student. (JSW)

06/06/2025

LOCALLY BREWED CRAFT BEER FOR LEGAZPI'S ELITE TASTE-TESTED BY SELECT ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDENTS OF SORSOGON STATE UNIVERSITY DURING A LEARNING TOUR ACROSS THREE ALBAY TOWNS

(Fifth of seven-parts series.)

RAWIS, LEGAZPI CITY --- "The price may be roughly US $5 dollar for a 330ml glass, but the potential of the business is very enticing for me to hopefully brought it soon to Sorsogon.", said Jo Albert Carlos, a graduating Entrepreneurship student of Sorsogon State University (SorSU). He is part of a very selected few students who were given the chance to visit the Oragon Craft Brew House at Legazpi City and tasted one of their signature craft beers as part of their learning tour involving eight (8) tourism business establishments and across three (3) towns of Albay Province. According to its owner, Ms. Jessica Wong: "Your teacher brought you here to show something distinctive—not necessarily brand new, but purposefully different. Everything you see: P&B Residences (hotel tourism) Bicol Beyond Travel and Events Services (travel and tours tourism) Fun Dive Asia (scuba diving tourism), and, Seadog Diner and Oragon Craft Brew House (culinary tourism) all started from familiar ideas."

What sets apart their abovementioned businesses was how they built each one around what they love and believe they can make a market for. For example, "craft beer" is a beer specially manufactured by craft breweries, often privately and independently owned, which produces smaller amounts of beer rather than by larger breweries. These breweries are generally perceived and marketed as emphasising enthusiasm, new flavours, and varied brewing techniques. Mr. Rico Calleja, Owner, Oragon Craft Brew House, thanked and inspired the students saying, "May this visit ignite your entrepreneurial spirit, start with an idea, follow what brings you joy, understand what people need, and, work with passion until your vision takes flight."

Meanwhile, other group of mostly female students went to visit the regional center site, where most of the Regional Offices are located, such as the Department of Tourism (DOT-5), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) among others. It was even made more enjoyable with a sip of iced coffee and non-coffee beverage for each student from a nearby outlet of Daily Joe's. (JSW)

05/06/2025

MODERN POTTERY-MAKING AND CERAMICS INTRODUCED TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDENTS OF SORSOGON STATE UNIVERSITY DURING A LEARNING TOUR ACROSS THREE ALBAY TOWNS

(Fourth of seven-parts series.)

PUTSAN, TIWI, ALBAY --- A visit to Philippine Ceramics Arts and Crafts Center (Philceramics) provided an enriching opportunity to witness the evolution of pottery and ceramic art through modern technologies and techniques. Guided by local artisans and experts, students were introduced and later experienced, contemporary methods of ceramic production with a merger of traditional craftsmanship and modern entrepreneurial innovation. All of these, as they welcomed entrepreneurship students from Sorsogon State University (SSU) during their learning tour at Philceramics.

Around one hundred ninety (190) students, four (4) teachers and other volunteers learned how to mold and shape a ceramic masterpiece from a simple clay --- an experience that truly resonates to the core of their creativity no matter of status, gender and ideology. The deeper appreciation for the Bicolano craftmanship gave each student a realization that talent and skills can pave way to becoming a good entrepreneur. Notably, the ceramics are very intricate in designs yet very affordable, so students and teachers alike had a chance to purchase a souvenir item and for personal use.

"Our sculpting experience brought us to a new level of learning by being in the shoes of a local artisan-turned-entrepreneur. We have bought more souvenirs, talked with the wonderful workers at the pottery, and made more memories just by taking pictures of the different designs of their products. We hope there will be more of this learning activity in the future for Entrepreneurship students.", commented Christine Grace Pantua, a 3rd year Entrepreneurship student. Collectively, her purchase of souvenirs and that of other students and teachers brought close to PhP 15,000 amount of sales to Philceramics in just an hour of visit. (JSW)

04/06/2025

EUROPEAN UNION-DONATED FIRST AID BAGS USED BY SORSOGON STATE UNIVERSITY'S GOOD SAMARITANS, HELPED INJURED MOTORISTS DURING A LEARNING TOUR ACROSS THREE ALBAY TOWNS

(Third of seven-parts series.)

PUTSAN, TIWI, ALBAY PROVINCE --- "As Entrepreneurship student, I realised now that being trained and prepared during a medical emergency, can only cause minimal disruption to a certain business", said Allyza Escober. She and two (2) other students, Jan Ruebin Detera and Erwin Somoray, administered first-aid to two (2) strangers involved in a minor road accident while the former were on their way to Philippine Ceramics Arts and Craft (Philceramics) pottery factory as part of their school's learning tour across three (3) Albay towns.

According to a group of bus drivers, a motorcycle tried to overtake one of the tour buses, on a narrow road. It went out of balance and fell on the ditch by the roadside, and two of its occupants sustained minor cuts and abrasions at right knee and right arm. Early on, two (2) well-stocked first-aid bags were detailed to above-named certified first-aid providers for the learning tour of Entrepreneurship students of Sorsogon State University (SorSU).

It was donated by a a French/UK and German/UK nationals to a school travel organizer whom helped during the tour. Said foreign observers were assigned at Sorsogon Province from May 7th to 15th as part of the European Union (EU) - Election Observation Mission during the 12 May 2025 National Mid-term Elections. They were assisted by two (2) local residents of Sorsogon City, respectively as driver, and administrative assistant. (JSW)

02/06/2025

FAMOUS FIRST COLONIAL'S SILI-ICE CREAM TAUGHT TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDENTS OF SORSOGON STATE UNIVERSITY DURING A LEARNING TOUR ACROSS THREE ALBAY TOWNS

(Second of seven-parts series.)

PACIFIC MALL, LEGAZPI CITY ---
Entrepreneurship students from Sorsogon State University (SorSU) gained firsthand exposure to innovation and enterprise as they explored three key towns in Albay during a recent learning visit, highlighted by an exclusive session on the famous Sili Ice Cream of 1st Colonial, at Pacific Mall, Legazpi City. The educational trip brought the students, aside from Tiwi-Albay, to Legazpi City and Daraga --- towns recognized for their thriving food and tourism industries. A standout feature of the visit was the interactive demonstration and business talk, where students learned about the conceptualization, production, and marketing of the 1st Colonial's signature creation: the Sili Ice Cream. From its roots in Albay, the concept is now expanding across the Philippines through Colonial Creamery, bringing Bicolano flavors to a national stage.

"Our ice cream is proudly made in-house from scratch using real, local ingredients -- a key part of what makes our flavors stand out.", explained by Ms. Maria Victoria "Jing" Muñoz, Area Supervisor of 1st Colonial. Not just a novelty — it’s a pioneering product that celebrates Bicolano identity and culinary creativity, a family legacy of Bicolano entrepreneurs, Mr B**g Aspe and Dr. Rowena Aspe, whose mission is to make Bicol as the Ice Cream Capital of the Philippines. The learning visit aimed to immerse students in real-world entrepreneurial practices, offering insights into product development, brand differentiation, and strategic market positioning.

Beyond the chilly treat, students engaged with various local enterprises and tourism ventures that demonstrated how homegrown businesses fuel regional economic growth. “This was more than just a field trip, as we have experienced how iconic products like Sili Ice Cream are developed and commercialized gave us a deeper understanding of what it takes to turn an idea into a successful business.”, said Diane Camonias, a 3rd year Entrepreneurship student.

On the other hand, as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was also located at the same shopping mall, some of the students visited its Regional Consular Office. An orientation was given by its Administrative Officer, Mr. Ted Cortes, explaining to students the basic mandates of DFA such as handling consular functions, issuing passports and providing assistance to Filipinos overseas. (JSW)

31/05/2025

MILLION-WORTH OF PROFESSIONAL SAILBOATS MADE AVAILABLE TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDENTS OF SORSOGON STATE UNIVERSITY DURING A LEARNING TOUR ACROSS THREE ALBAY TOWNS

(First of seven-parts series.)

LEGAZPI BOULEVARD, LEGAZPI CITY – “We thought we would cause a delay on the agreed itinerary, then came along an adventure professional whom sponsored our hotel", explained Joshua Mendoza, one of the few students whom resides outside of Sorsogon City and worried about arriving very late. They were instead billeted, on discounted rate, at a nearby hotel the night before the schedule of their off-campus learning visit across three (3) Albay towns involving eight (8) tourism establishments. Legazpi City, Tiwi-Albay, and Daraga served as vibrant backdrop for their educational tour which showcased a mix of adventure tourism, community-based tourism, culinary tourism, and farm tourism.

Arriving at Legazpi City on board eight (8) of rented public utility buses, the participating organisations that warmly welcomed Sorsogon State University (SorSU) students were the Mayon Sailing Club (MSC) and Albay Yacht Club (AYC). They were greeted by an American-national Mark Macnamara, MSC Founder, and Japanese-national George Nakano, AYC Vice-Commodore, at the first activity station were orientation and briefing was held. Assisted by well-trained and experienced young sailors, whom prepared an expensive Hobiecat catamaran and their iconic sailboats (dinghies) at Legazpi Boulevard for a learn-to-sail activity towards Albay Gulf, students later boarded seven (7) dinghies by pair, and, the catamaran by group of eight (8).

“We might never experience this kind of watersports at Sorsogon Province, we are therefore blessed and lucky to have participated to such a very meaningful activity.”, commented Camille Fabilane, a 4th year Entrepreneurship student of SorSU. According to the above-named sailing business organizations, it was by far the largest number of participants whom availed of learn-to-sail experience. Being a related learning experience, Camille was one of the students enrolled to a three-unit subject entitled "Industry Trends and Innovations in Tourism and Hospitality" under the tutelage of Ms. Cristina J. Racelis, EnP, a SorSU part-time faculty and a Senior Tourism Operations Officer, Sorsogon Provincial Tourism, Culture and Arts Office. (JSW)

22/03/2025

FIRST-EVER CLASSROOM-BASED FLOOD EMERGENCY DRILL CONDUCTED IN TOURISM SUBJECT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP STUDENTS AT SORSOGON STATE UNIVERSITY

SSU MAIN CAMPUS, SORSOGON CITY --- In a pioneering move towards mainstreaming on disaster preparedness, Entrepreneurship students of Sorsogon State University (SorSU) conducted its first-ever classroom-based flood emergency drill. This initiative aimed to equip students with essential survival skills and awareness in the face of flooding, a common natural hazard in the region. The drill was designed to simulate real-life flood scenarios within a classroom setting, allowing students to learn response protocols in a controlled environment. It was facilitated by a swiftwater and flood-rescue technician, whom covered basic flood preparedness strategies, such as simulation on being at higher ground, quick donning of PFDs (personal floatation device) or lifejackets, crossing a river of weak rapids as group, safely staying afloat if swept downstream, and community sandbagging.

According to Ms. Cristina J. Racelis, a part-time faculty member involved in the drill, the initiative is a proactive approach to integrating disaster resilience into education. “Entrepreneurs need to be prepared not only in business but also in emergencies that could affect their operations and personal safety,” she said. Students also expressed appreciation for the drill, noting that it enhanced their awareness of flood risks and provided them with practical knowledge on how to react in an emergency. One participant, Althea Millare, shared, “This activity taught us how to stay calm, think critically, and take action during a flood. It’s an important skill that goes beyond the classroom.”

The classroom-based flood emergency drill is hoped to become a regular part of the university’s disaster preparedness program as it emphasize towards integrating such activities into the curriculum to foster a culture of readiness among students, ensuring they are not only skilled entrepreneurs but also responsible and safety-conscious individuals. This initiative marks a significant step in disaster education, setting a precedent for other academic institutions to incorporate similar activity with climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, preparedness measures like this drill are crucial in building a more resilient community. (JSW)

14/03/2025

08/03/2025

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