HARP AT 30. A celebration of Kapampangan hospitality. All photos by Joann Manabat
CLARK FREEPORT – The Hotels and Restaurants Association in Pampanga (HARP) celebrated its 30th anniversary at Clark Marriott Hotel here on Wednesday, December 8.
To commemorate its pearl anniversary, HARP unveiled its coffee table book to promote the heart of Kapampangan hospitality, its history, as well as tourist spots and attractions in the province.
HARP president Fatima Orfinada said the event is a celebration of the Kapampangan hospitality as it also seeks to surpass one of the most challenging times in the industry amid the pandemic.
Orfinada added that as the Covid-19 cases in the province continues to decrease, she noted that Angeles City retained only one isolation hotel facility.
“Personally, we got hit by the pandemic. Right now, the businesses are still more on quarantine hotels but we also have leisure hotels that are slowly welcoming guests,” said Orfinada. “Some of those other hotels that were used as quarantine facilities before are now accepting guests for leisure stay already.”
The celebration was graced by the presence of Angeles City Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting, City of San Fernando tourism officer Ching Pangilinan, HARP officers and its board of trustees led by former DOT regional director Ronnie Tiotuico, as well as its members from the hotel and restaurant industry, and representatives from the local tourism sector.
According to Orfinada, HARP comprises more than 60 hotels and 20 restaurants engaged in the hospitality industry in the province. As their sector reels from the effects of the pandemic, Orfinada hopes that by January or early next year, the domestic tourism and hospitality sectors will regain its state as the economy slowly recovers
The event also recognized its past presidents and an induction and turnover ceremony for its newly elected officers for 2022 led by its president Matt de Castro, vice president for restaurant Mitch Otsuru Park and Jon Castro, vice president for hotels Ave Maria Olalia and Remedona Ravina,director for airport operation Rina La O, director for public relations Edward Dorozan, director for membership Jun Basa, executive secretary Vilma Brazas, corporate secretary Mary Jane Olidan, training and seminar Rjay Payawal, treasurer Peter Henson, and assistant treasurer Janette David.
