Fate has been good for Gesucamo C. Manubag, or Zhim as his peers call him, who was chosen to undergo a six-month on-the-job training at Sodexho Singapore, an international restaurant last October 2006. Thanks to Center for Hospitality Arts Management, Philippines (CHAMP) for its partnership with Hospitality Services Philippines, Inc. (HSPI), a manpower company specializing in deploying Filipino hotel and restaurant executives and staff worldwide.

A local from Cebu, Zhim's motivation to reach for success is his family. His life experiences are enough justification on how hard he worked for a living just to provide something for his family and to attain an education as well. Financial difficulty is the main reason why students with low economic status tend to choose certificate programs instead of a four-year college degree. However, short courses had proven in the case of Zhim that ambition, determination and right quality of education can indeed take you places.

If not for the newspaper ad, Zhim would not have discovered CHAMP's program wherein students can earn and learn at the same time. He took the crack, gained both experience and monetary benefits while studying under CHAMP's cost-effective curriculum. And after his six months training with Sodexho, he will have the opportunity to be absorbed by the employer upon the completion of his Food & Beverage course.

I was so happy when I found out that I got the internship. I know that there will be a next intake of CHAMP students this coming October. If anyone else would like to have the same opportunities that were given to me, I would not hesitate to tell them to go to CHAMP. Who would have believed that in a few months, I would be going to Singapore? CHAMP has truly changed my life, and I now see a brighter future ahead for me and my family, Zhim uttered in high spirits and optimism before he left the country.

"I learned a lot of things within a short span of time. In Champ, our teachers focused more on hands-on training which is more important. Aside from that, we were able to learn from those who have experienced working in the coffeeshop industry. That's an advantage we had at Champ," he added. Ryon is now a barista supervisor of an up-and-coming coffeeshop chain.

Hernando Tulio, 25, is now employed in the food and beverage service of a leading hotel in Manila.

What he learned from Champ is now put into good use at his work. But more than the rudiments of work, what he cherishes most is the fact that he learned "professionalism, courtesy and punctuality."

"I learned that a person should have the right attitude when working in the hospitality industry. You must have patience and most of all, be hardworking," he said.

Aside from Ryon and Hernando who are both bringing the Champ stamp of excellence to their respective work, two graduates of Champ are making a mark in other countries.

Maximo Beltran, 31, is now in China, while Harvey Tenecio, 26, is currently in Singapore.

Both are working in the booming hospitality industry which is in need of professionals such as Champ graduates. Maximo finished a three-month course in bar operations while Harvey took up basic kitchen operations.

Champ's curriculum includes a barista course where students will be taught how to concoct hot and cold drinks, how to use a coffee machine, basics in putting up a coffeeshop and more. There is also a Certificate in Hotel and Restaurant Operations (one year) and a Diploma in Hospitality Management (two years), while a Certificate of Competency can be acquired for three months.