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| L-R: Quezon City Public Employment Services Office (PESO) Manager Rogelio Reyes, Quezon City University President Dr. Theresita Atienza, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Solaire Resort North Chief Operating Officer Damian Robert Bond Quayle, Solaire Resort North Vice President for Finance Michael Diopenes, Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc. (BCFI) Executive Director Filipina Laurena (Image Source: Corner Magazine PH/Quezon City Government) |
Solaire Resort North, in partnership with the Quezon City Government, has formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement to launch the Solaire Hospitality Academy, a program designed to develop a skilled hospitality workforce and expand access to employment opportunities for Quezon City residents. Solaire Resort North Chief Operating Officer Damian Quayle and Vice President for Finance Michael Diopenes joined Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, alongside representatives from Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Quezon City University, and the Quezon City Public Employment Services Office (PESO), for the official signing ceremony. The agreement marks the formal launch of the program and underscores the strengthening collaboration between the private sector and the local government.
The Solaire Hospitality Academy reflects Solaire Resort North’s commitment to building a sustainable talent pipeline while supporting the development of its home city. In partnership with the Quezon City Public Employment Service Office and Quezon City University, the program delivers structured, industry-aligned training that bridges education and employment. Participants will undergo training in key hospitality functions, including food and beverage service, culinary arts, housekeeping, and guest services, with a curriculum aligned to the operational standards of an integrated resort. Dedicated lecture and training facilities will be established at the Quezon City University Main Campus, combining classroom instruction with hands-on learning to prepare participants for real-world roles in the hospitality industry. Quayle said the initiative reflects a commitment to expanding access to opportunity and creating clear pathways to employment. He added that the Academy aims to equip individuals with the skills and confidence needed to build meaningful careers in hospitality. Mayor Joy highlighted the significance of the partnership in advancing the city’s workforce development agenda, noting that the Academy strengthens local efforts to provide residents with industry-relevant training and direct pathways to employment through strong public-private collaboration.
Beyond the Academy, Solaire Resort North and the Quezon City Government have collaborated on various community development initiatives. These include the showcasing of intricately crafted handbags made by women persons deprived of liberty at the Solaire Boutique, as well as the Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc.’s partnership with the local government in supporting the reopening of La Mesa Ecopark in 2024. Through these initiatives, Solaire Resort North and the Quezon City Government continue to reinforce a shared commitment to inclusivity, skills development, and sustainable progress to create opportunities that empower individuals and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant city.
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SM Malls In Batangas Hosted Media Gathering
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| (Image Source: Facebook/Lipa Status) |
A meaningful afternoon of appreciation and collaboration unfolded as SM Supermalls hosted its Media Gathering last April 10, 2026 at Kuya J Restaurant in SM City Lipa, bringing together members of the media and the growing community of digital vloggers who have continuously supported SM Malls in Batangas. The event served as a heartfelt tribute to the invaluable role of media partners in amplifying SM’s events, promotions, and community initiatives. It was also an opportunity to strengthen ties and share exciting plans for the months ahead.
Guests were given an exclusive preview of SM’s upcoming campaigns and activities, including the much-anticipated 3-Day Sale, the stylish “Tote-Tally Yours” launch set this May, and the vibrant “Gala To The Max” campaign highlighted by its very own theme song designed to engage the TikTok community. Attendees also learned about local festivities lined up across SM branches in Batangas, as well as the most awaited annual Grand Christmas Parade, promising a bigger and more festive celebration this year. Key leaders from SM graced the gathering and expressed their gratitude through inspiring messages. SM City Lipa Mall Operations Manager John Mauhay warmly welcomed the guests and acknowledged their continued support while SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President for Marketing Communications and Public Relations Kitchie Limoanco emphasized the importance of strong media partnerships in building meaningful connections with the public. Meanwhile, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin personally thanked each attendee, reinforcing SM’s commitment to collaboration and innovation. Other attendees are key personalities from Marketing and PR of SM City Lipa, SM City Batangas, SM City Sto. Tomas, and SM Center Lemery.
The gathering was made even more memorable with a sumptuous feast courtesy of Kuya J Restaurant, offering guests a delightful dining experience. Adding excitement to the program, participants engaged in a fun and interactive trivia challenge centered on SM Batangas Malls, bringing out friendly competition among attendees. As a token of appreciation, all participants received gift vouchers and special items from partner brands such as Florista Flower Shop, Havaianas, Sunnies, and SM Malls. The SM Media Gathering not only celebrated partnerships but also reaffirmed SM’s dedication to creating engaging experiences and fostering strong relationships with the media community in Batangas. As the year unfolds, guests can look forward to more exciting events and collaborations that will continue to bring communities together.
(With words by Arven Bravo, Lipa Status)
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LG Electronics' WashTower™ Surpasses 3.2 Million Units Sold Worldwide
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| (Image Source: LG Electronics) |
LG Electronics’ (LG) WashTower™ all-in-one laundry solution has reached a major milestone, surpassing 3.2 million units in cumulative global sales. Combining a washer and dryer in a single space-saving unit, the WashTower features LG’s core technologies and a design focused on everyday convenience. First launched in 2020, LG WashTower is now available in 77 countries. The producthas continued to prove popular with consumers worldwide – reaching cumulative sales of more than 1.6 million units in North America, 160,000 units in Latin America, and 130,000 units in Asia. This strong international demand reflects a growing customer preference for convenient laundry solutions that offer enhanced space- and energy-efficiency.
The LG WashTower’s performance is supported by proprietary technologies including Artificial Intelligence Direct Drive™ (AI DD™) and DUAL Inverter HeatPump™. AI DD detects load weight, fabric type and soil level, then selects a suitable washing pattern to help clean items optimally while minimizing fabric damage. Utilizing LG’s DUAL Inverter Heat Pump, the WashTower delivers low-temperature drying that isgentle on garments and linens. This core intelligence is complemented by features such as AI Wash. Adding to convenience, the model also features Smart Pairing™, which allows the washer to communicate with the dryer and automatically select an appropriate drying cycle. The Prepare to Dry function further enhances usability by preheating the dryer before the wash cycle ends, helping reduce overall laundry time. LG continues to expand its laundry lineup to better address customers’ evolving lifestyles. The company plans to introduce new models, AI features and color options to suit a wider range of user needs, preferences and space requirements.
LG is set to celebrate its WashTower sales milestone by hosting a range of promotional activities in South Korea, with similar initiatives planned for overseas markets. “The LG WashTower leverages our proprietary core technologies and advanced AI todeliver a more convenient clothing-care experience to customers around the world. We will continue to build on our understanding of customers’ lifestyles and earn the trust of global customers through products and solutions that deliver greater convenience,” said LG Home Appliance Solution Company President Baek Seung-tae.
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NBA Superstar James Harden Partners With Utopai Studios For AI Animated Short
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| (Image Source: Business Wire/Utopai Studios) |
Utopai Studios has announced a new collaboration with NBA superstar James Harden on a short-form animated video inspired by one of the most recognizable trademarks in sports: his beard. Available now on Harden’s Instagram and X accounts, Harden is one of basketball’s biggest stars and one of the most recognizable figures in global sports culture. He is known not only for his accomplishments on the court, but for the signature beard that has become central to his public identity and inspired fans for years. The new animated short turns that larger-than-life persona into a playful, character-driven story.
The collaboration began after members of Harden’s team were shown PAI, Utopai Studios’ proprietary cinematic storytelling AI, and brought the technology to him. What started as an introduction quickly became a creative test. Harden responded strongly to the platform, completed an initial video with Utopai Studios, and has now returned for a second – a sign that PAI is resonating not just as a demo, but as a real storytelling tool for professionals. “I love playing around on PAI. We were able to cook up this animated short about my beard real quick. It’s been fun working with Utopai Studios and we got more on the way,” said Harden. PAI is Utopai Studios’ proprietary cinematic storytelling AI and the company’s current deployment layer into the filmmaking ecosystem. Designed for screenplay-to-screen workflows rather than prompt-based experimentation, it transforms a screenplay, concept, or story world into consistent characters, cinematic shots, and coordinated sequences through a structured production pipeline. The platform is already being used in real film and television workflows, where those deployments help Utopai Studios learn directly from professional production needs and improve the next generation of its technology.
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MAD Summit 2026: Creativity Beyond Limits, Taking The XTRAMILE
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| (Image Source: Facebook/Lipa Status/MAD Summit) |
Creativity takes center stage once again as MAD Summit marks a major milestone on its 10th year of inspiring, connecting, and empowering the creative community. With the theme “Creativity Beyond Limits”, this year’s edition promises to go further than ever before, challenging boundaries and redefining what it means to create with purpose and passion. Set to happen on May 2, 2026 at the De La Salle Lipa Sentrum, MAD Summit 2026: XTRAMILE is more than just an even. It’s a movement that brings together visionaries, storytellers, artists, and innovators under one roof. As it celebrates a decade of creative excellence, the summit is taking things up a notch by delivering a more immersive and engaging experience for attendees.
Participants can expect a dynamic space filled with fresh ideas, meaningful conversations, and inspiring collaborations. MAD Summit has long been known as a platform where creativity thrives not only as a form of expression but as a powerful tool for connection and growth. This year, it continues that legacy by providing opportunities to learn directly from industry professionals, gain insights into evolving creative landscapes, and build lasting networks with like-minded individuals. What makes MAD Summit 2026 even more exciting is its focus on community. It invites creatives from all backgrounds to step out of their comfort zones and go the “XTRAMILE” to push boundaries, explore new perspectives, and embrace innovation. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a seasoned professional, or simply someone passionate about creativity, the summit offers something valuable for everyone.
As the countdown begins, anticipation continues to build for what is shaping up to be one of the most impactful creative gatherings in the region. With its bold theme and renewed energy, MAD Summit 2026 stands as a testament to how far creativity can go when limits are left behind. Aspiring participants and supporters may visit the official Facebook page of MAD Summit 2026 page for more details.
(With words by Arven Bravo, Lipa Status)
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SM Supermalls And DNA Invite You To ‘Gala To The Max’ In New Collaboration
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/SM Supermalls) |
SM Supermalls is turning up the energy this season with the launch of its latest campaign “Gala To The Max”. In an exciting partnership with ABS-CBN Music subsidiary Star Pop, the campaign encourages mall-goers to embrace a lifestyle of music, movement, and maximized moments at their favorite SM destinations.
The campaign is headlined by the rising P-pop girl group DNA who star in a vibrant new music video that serves as the official anthem for the collaboration. The video captures the group’s infectious energy as they showcase how to elevate a typical “gala” into an unforgettable experience. For those new to the group, DNA is composed of three talented sisters: Ezri, Julia, and Tasha Mitra. While they are fresh faces in the P-pop scene, music is literally in their genes. They are the daughters of renowned composer Raul Mitra and singer Cacai Velasquez-Mitra and nieces of Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid who has been a vocal supporter of their journey into the industry. Known for their “honest and artistic” approach, DNA debuted in late 2025 with the single “Don’t Ask Me Why”, establishing themselves as a group that blends powerful harmonies with a modern pop aesthetic.
Through “Gala To The Max”, SM Supermalls and DNA invite everyone to rediscover the joy of going out and making the most of every second.
