Benilde IHM Students Break Barriers and Win at RIAT 2025
Benilde IHM Students Break Barriers and Win at RIAT 2025
23 April 2025
A team of exceptional students from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde has brought pride to the College by winning the renowned STARTUP RIAT 2025 competition. Hosted online by the Russian International Academy for Tourism (Vatel Moscow), the event drew 13 participating teams from Russia, Belarus, India, and the Philippines. The competition challenged the participants to present innovative projects under the theme “Russia–Asia: Projects of International Youth Initiatives.”
Representing the College, the Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management (BS-IHM) students delivered an outstanding pitch for their project, BHeard. This mobile app addresses the communication challenges faced by the Deaf community while creating opportunities for employment and travel. BHeard integrates real-time sign language translation, job assistance, and travel accessibility in a single platform, standing out as an innovative and comprehensive solution.
Team Captain Corin Alaan shared her excitement and pride in the team’s success. “Winning this prestigious competition is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and social responsibility – core values that were instilled in us by our institution,” she said. She went on to describe the app as “more than just a project” but rather “a promise to a future where everyone, especially the Deaf community, is seen and heard.” Alaan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their hard work on a global platform and emphasized how much it meant to her team to represent Benilde internationally.
The team’s inspiration stemmed from Benilde’s advocacy for Deaf rights and fostering an inclusive culture, a principle that guided their work throughout the project. Alaan added, “As Vateliens, this successful endeavor reflects the knowledge, values, and skills we’ve developed throughout our learning journey in the IHM course. Every opportunity given to us has honed us to becoming critical thinkers, problem solvers, collaborators, innovators, and leaders.“
The winning team comprised Corin Alaan, Felicia Alfonso, John Carlo Capuz, Samantha Jasmine Datan, and Princess Norela Remo, with guidance from Academic Advisor Ferdinand Honesto III De Leon. De Leon praised the team for addressing real-world challenges with their groundbreaking project. He noted, “This pioneering mobile application project not only promotes inclusivity but also enhances employment opportunities and travel accessibility for the Deaf community. Claiming the esteemed startup competition at the Russian International Academy for Tourism truly reflects our passion for making a difference and creating positive change in the world.”
De Leon also highlighted the program’s role in preparing students for global challenges. “Through our program, we cultivate leaders who excel in cross-cultural communication and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. I am incredibly proud of how this project reflects the innovative thinking and dedication instilled in our students,” he said.
This success demonstrates the global connections and standards that the Vatel network brings to Benilde. As Vatel Philippines, the College partners with Vatel’s corporate headquarters in Lyon, France and its 50+ campuses worldwide, offering a double degree recognized in both countries. The College continually strengthens these international ties through Vatel’s Marco Polo Program, allowing students to study abroad at other Vatel campuses while gaining cross-cultural experiences and expanding their global perspective.
Benilde students’ triumph at RIAT demonstrates the values of creativity and excellence instilled by the College’s IHM program. It also highlights their ability to compete and succeed on a global stage, showcasing the College’s mission to prepare its students for leadership roles in the international hospitality industry.
For more information on Benilde’s undergraduate programs, contact us at (63) 2 8230 5100 local 1801 or admissions@benilde.edu.ph. You may also visit our website at www.benilde.edu.ph.
