Enderun Food and Wine Society: Honing you to be Industry-Ready
We are often welcomed into the real world right after we graduate college, however, does life really start right when we move our graduation cap’s tassel from one side to the other?
Enderun Colleges is known for its exceptional teachings and partnerships in the hospitality industry not only in the Philippines but all around the world. More than just books and theories, students are honed for practicality both in knowledge and skills to be industry-ready. With this, learning should not just be limited to the four corners of our classroom and so, a student-led organization took the initiative to gather the IHM department and uplift students by inculcating knowledge, involvement, and student development on different facets of the Food and Beverage industry. This then gave birth to no other than the Enderun Food and Wine Society.
Moderated by Ms. Bel Castro, the Associate Dean of Enderun’s College of Hospitality Management, the members of the Enderun Food and Wine Society or most commonly known as EFWS, are given the opportunity to learn more about service, food, wine, coffee, mixology, and everything in between. With this, we believe that experience is the best teacher because members are given the opportunity to not only get exclusive access but also the chance to volunteer in well-known events in the industry such as Grand Wine and Manila Uncorked.
Over the past few semesters, it is undeniable that the hospitality industry has been widely affected by the pandemic. However, this does not mean that we should stop learning altogether. The Enderun Food and Wine Society has continually organized and participated in online events to fulfill its mission to educate and be involved in the F&B industry. Let us take a look back into the last year of the virtual events the organization was able to arrange.
Even apart, EFWS was able to find a way to hold tastings, even if virtually. Through the concessionary rates and discounts from different beverage distributors such as Liquor.PH and XOMM Wines, members are able to gain access to a variety of wines and spirits. This came in handy when last December 2020, EFWS took part in Discontinued Flight Christmas Kits where discontinued special aging whiskey bottles were repurposed and sold as tasting kits available for the holidays.
Next, last February 22, 2021, EFWS organized a panel discussion featuring Enderun alumni in the wine industry namely Pax Tabhan (OENO Village Wine Cellar), Diego Virata (AWC), Mikee Manahan (Estate Wines), Nicollette Ang (S&R Membership Shopping), Yvette Belleza (CoolVines Wines & Spirits), and Jigger League (Origine PH) moderated by Ms. Chie Gatchalian from Five and a Half Twists. During the event, they were able to share their journey, insights, and experiences in the beverage industry with young aspiring hospitality students.
Furthermore, this pandemic won’t stop us from learning through experience from industry leaders themselves. Going back to April 3 and August 29, 2021, the internal officers of EFWS are given the opportunity to attend an online tasting with John Go where they were able to gain more knowledge on white rum and whiskey while tasting from exclusively bought kits.
Finally, we would like to give honor to our outstanding members who were able to pass and excel in gaining their certifications for SWE and WSET Level 2 Award in Wines.
Society of Wine Educators (SWE):
Eduardo Domasig, Jean Park, Rose de Guzman, Natalie Lang, Gabriel Santos, Erica Beato, Ica Dy, Jose Garcia, Miguel Muin, and Jose Villareal
Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 Award in Wines:
Eduardo Domasig, Jesus League, Natalie Lang, and Gabriel Santos
Congratulations and we are so proud of you!
Enderun Food and Wine Society is more than just a school organization, it is a group of people who are focused, determined, and willing to learn the ins and outs of the industry. Previous officers and members continually set the bar high as they win various competitions, land internships, and have been offered jobs even before they graduate. This just proves that knowledge is not all that we need, rather practical experience that can help contribute to our development and growth not just as a student but as a soon-to-be industry professional.
