| 1 |
Author(s):
Ray L. Pagulong, Rene D. Osorno.
Page No : 1-12
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Perceptions of Impacts and Challenges of the Panaghiusa Festival in Claver, Surigao del Norte
Abstract
The Panaghiusa Festival, celebrated annually in Claver, Surigao del Norte, Philippines, is a 13-day cultural and religious event that honors Saint Peter Claver and symbolizes resilience, unity, and gratitude. This study examined the opportunities and challenges of the festival as a driver of community development and tourism. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed, involving 150 respondents equally divided among residents, business owners, and festival participants. Data were collected through a validated researcher-made questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, ranking, and Pearson’s chi-square test. Findings revealed that the festival had a high impact across four domains: community participation, community development, business, and tourism. The strongest impact was observed in business, where local enterprises benefited from increased sales, brand exposure, and partnerships. Community participation also scored high, reflecting strengthened social cohesion and civic involvement. However, operational challenges such as parking shortages, waste management issues, overcrowding, and heavy traffic were consistently reported. Significant relationships were found between respondents’ gender and educational attainment and their perceptions of the festival’s impact, while age, civil status, and employment status showed no significant influence. The study concludes that the Panaghiusa Festival is both a cultural celebration and a catalyst for socioeconomic growth. To sustain its benefits, the local government and organizers should adopt strategic measures addressing infrastructure, sustainability, and inclusivity. The findings provide insights for policymakers, festival managers, and tourism stakeholders in designing culturally authentic and economically viable festivals that foster long-term community development.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Alvijean S. Weti, Rene D. Osorno.
Page No : 13-27
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Customer Loyalty in Casual Dining Restaurants
Abstract
This study examined the factors influencing customer loyalty in selected casual dining restaurants in Ormoc City, Leyte. Using a quantitative descriptive research design, data were collected from 100 purposively sampled respondents who dined at the target restaurants at least three times a month. Findings revealed that customer loyalty was highly manifested across repeat purchase, positive word of mouth, higher spending, and brand advocacy. Food quality, service quality, hygiene and sanitation, location, price, and ambiance were all identified as highly influential factors, with food and service quality emerging as the strongest drivers of loyalty. Statistical analysis showed that demographic variables such as age, civil status, and educational attainment significantly influenced specific loyalty behaviors, particularly spending and repeat patronage, whereas gender had no significant effect. These results underscore the multidimensional nature of loyalty, encompassing behavioral, attitudinal, and emotional dimensions, while highlighting the importance of socio-demographic moderators. The study concludes that consistent delivery of high-quality food, reliable service, and visible hygiene practices, coupled with targeted promotions for different customer segments, are essential for sustaining loyalty. The findings offer theoretical contributions to loyalty frameworks and practical insights for restaurant managers and policymakers in strengthening the competitiveness of the casual dining sector in regional Philippine cities.
Keywords: Customer Loyalty; Casual Dining Restaurants; Food Quality; Service Quality; Hygiene And Sanitation; Ormoc City; Demographic Factors; Customer Satisfaction
| 3 |
Author(s):
Ma. Nellie L. Mapa.
Page No : 28-38
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Assessing Program Outcomes and Employability of Hospitality Management Graduates for Global Competitiveness
Abstract
This tracer study assessed the program outcomes and employability of Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) graduates of West Visayas State University–Calinog Campus from 2016 to 2019. A descriptive–evaluative design was used, and 193 graduates were traced through purposive sampling, representing approximately 70% of the total graduate population. Data were gathered using a survey instrument adapted from Commission on Higher Education (CHED) guidelines and analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, t-tests, and ANOVA. Results showed that the majority of graduates (82%) were 21–24 years old, with 51% female, and 55% employed outside the hospitality sector. Despite this employment mismatch, respondents rated their attainment of program goals highly (M = 4.70, SD = 0.36, “much more than expected”). Significant differences were found by year of graduation (F(3,189) = 39.85, p < .001) and age (t(191) = -2.04, p = .04), while sex, employment type, and job alignment showed no significant differences. Notably, the 2019 cohort reported lower attainment compared with earlier batches, reflecting the disruptions in experiential learning at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings highlight the effectiveness of the program in meeting curricular objectives, yet emphasize the need for strengthened industry linkages, career adaptability initiatives, and continuous tracer studies to enhance graduate employability and global competitiveness.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Jed B. Luna, Grayfield T. Bajao.
Page No : 39-51
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Economic Impact of Resort Destinations in the Southern Part of Cebu
Abstract
Tourism remains a central driver of local economies, particularly in resort areas where employment, business growth, infrastructure, and community welfare are shaped by tourism activities. This study examined residents’ perceptions of the economic contributions of resort destinations in southern Cebu, focusing on the municipalities of Moalboal, Badian, Alegria, Alcoy, and Oslob. Using a correlational-quantitative research design, data were gathered from residents directly engaged in or affected by tourism. Results revealed that resort destinations were perceived to contribute positively to employment opportunities, local business development, infrastructure improvement, and overall economic welfare. Statistical analysis using the Chi-Square Test of Association showed no significant relationship between the respondents’ demographic profile—comprising age, gender, civil status, educational attainment, occupation, and years of residency—and their perceptions of the economic impact of resort destinations. This finding indicates that positive views about tourism’s economic benefits were consistent across demographic groups. The study recommends strengthening policies that promote sustainable tourism, reduce employment seasonality, and ensure equitable distribution of benefits so that the economic gains from resort tourism in southern Cebu remain inclusive and resilient.
Keywords: Resort Destinations; Economic Contributions; Residents’ Perceptions; Tourism Development; Employment; Business Growth; Infrastructure; Community Welfare; Southern Cebu
| 5 |
Author(s):
Steveson M. Rita, Joyce R. Tuhao, Glen Richimee T. Panes, Joseph P. Maquiling, Mercerose E. Rafil, Stella A. Recaido.
Page No : 52-65
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Social and Emotional Dimensions of Coffee Shop Culture in Himamaylan City, Philippines
Abstract
Coffee shops are increasingly critical social spaces where people navigate ideas of belonging, emotional support, and regular routines. This study analyzed the social and emotional dimensions of coffee shop culture in Himamaylan City, Philippines, through the stories of ten regular customers of Ian's Coffee Shop. Using a qualitative approach and a narrative inquiry, participants were selectively selected through criteria of loyalty and were interviewed with semi-structured protocols, further informed through observational research on each setting to enrich contextual understanding. The data were coded through thematic clustering and narrative re-storying to discern repeated themes in interviews and motivations for customer presence. Results showed that discussions at the café were framed around four major themes: academic life, gossip and informal chats, family and personal matters, and issues of the community. Influencing customer patronage were the ambiance and quietude, the quality and taste of coffee, and social encounters marked by the warmth and friendliness of personnel. These themes demonstrate that coffee shops exist as more than just business operations but also as third places that promote social connection, emotional fitness, and informal learning possibilities. The research contributes to hospitality and cultural studies through locating third-place theory in a Philippine provincial context and extending the current literatures of place attachment, ambiance, and relational hospitality. Practical contributions reflect the importance of ambiance architecture, product quality, and personnel training as mechanisms of customer loyalty cultivation, while community-level insights note cafés as community and emotional infrastructures.
