Something bigger than the usual campus buzz filled National University Dasmariñas—and you could feel it the moment you stepped in.
Thousands of students, faculty, and staff gathered not just for another academic event but for a full-scale experience. At the heart of it was Tatak CavitENYU, the university’s first-ever Hospitality and Tourism Research Seminar and Symposium, carrying the theme “Where Ideas Converge: Advancing Hospitality and Tourism Through Research.” But what truly elevated the day into something memorable was the presence of Our Market, turning the campus into a vibrant hub of creativity, learning, and community.
With an estimated crowd of 4,000 attendees, this marked the biggest campus tour event Our Market has mounted to date—and it didn’t disappoint.
A Campus Transformed into an Experience
From the outside, it looked like a festival. Inside, it felt like one.
Our Market brought its signature energy to NU Dasmariñas through a mix of interactive games, exciting giveaways, food experiences, and—for the first time in its campus tour series—a curated bazaar featuring local businesses. It wasn’t just about engagement; it was about immersion.
Students lined up early, eager to participate. After subscribing to Our Market’s platform for free, attendees were invited to spin the roulette—a simple but thrilling game that guaranteed a prize. But the real crowd magnet? A newly launched three-dimensional puzzle game that showcased partner brands. Complete any side, and you could walk away with an item of your choice.
It was equal parts challenge and reward—and it kept the crowd coming.
Spotlight on Local Creativity
Beyond the games and giveaways, the bazaar gave a meaningful platform to local entrepreneurs—and their stories.
One of the standout exhibitors was Daniel’s Handicraft, led by husband-and-wife team Lea and Daniel Mancera. Their display featured beautifully handwoven items—baskets, handbags, vases, and even delicate fuzzy wire flowers. But what made their products even more compelling was the collaboration behind them: pieces crafted through the combined efforts of Muntinlupa residents and inmates from New Bilibid Prison. Each item carried not just artistry, but purpose.
Meanwhile, long-time partner Aling Patring’s Sari-Sari Store, represented by Patty Lising, brought comfort and familiarity to the mix. Their booth offered free tastings of well-loved Filipino treats—from creamy cheese pimiento and rich peanut butter to classic pastillas, leche flan, and ready-to-drink coffee.
And then there was Matchbox Art Co., easily the crowd favorite. Owned by Shanah Leigh and Johnny Paradox, the brand drew in curious students with its striking original artworks, clothing designs, and custom watercolor pieces. Live painting sessions added a dynamic element, turning their booth into both a shop and a performance space.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
True to its mission of empowering communities, Our Market went beyond entertainment—it created opportunities for learning.
At the demo kitchen, a dessert-making workshop titled “There is Always Room for Dessert” drew in a highly engaged audience, particularly Hospitality Management students. Led by Chef Catherine “Cathy” Yu—a seasoned culinary instructor with 14 years of experience and the current vice president of the Philippine Society of Baking—the session blended practicality with inspiration.
Chef Cathy introduced recipes that were simple, efficient, and high-quality—perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs and future hospitality professionals. Participants learned how to make simplified polvoron, the trending Dubai Chewy Cookies, and creamy egg tarts.
The egg tarts, made using Aokun egg tart shells and filling from Prime Pacific Foods Corporation, were a highlight. Baked in a Cheftop oven provided by Unox Philippines, the results were exactly what every aspiring baker hopes for: soft, crispy, and perfectly creamy.
More Than an Event—A Shared Mission
Behind all the excitement lies a deeper purpose.
Our Market, conceived as a CSR initiative of DTC Promos, Inc., has consistently aimed to create spaces where people can explore opportunities, discover new ideas, and step outside their comfort zones. This event was no exception.
The energy carried through to a live raffle draw, where lucky participants walked away with prizes such as Energizer power banks and Philips Bluetooth speakers—small tokens that added to an already rewarding experience.
But perhaps the most meaningful takeaway wasn’t a prize—it was the sense of possibility.
Strengthening Partnerships for the Future
The event concluded on a high note with a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing between Our Market and National University Dasmariñas. More than a formal gesture, it signaled a shared commitment to continued collaboration—opening doors for future initiatives beyond the OMG! Campus Tour.
For NU Dasmariñas, whose Hospitality Management program emphasizes both theory and hands-on training across various operational areas—from kitchens to front office and beyond—the partnership reinforces its goal of preparing students for real-world success.
And for Our Market, it’s another step forward in building communities that are informed, empowered, and inspired.
What’s Next?
If this event proved anything, it’s that when learning meets creativity and community, something powerful happens.
And this is just the beginning.
Subscribe to Our Market to stay updated on upcoming campus tours, workshops, and opportunities—you might just find your next idea, skill, or inspiration waiting there.
