Richmonde Hotels Keep Romantic Traditions Alive

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Some traditions never lose their charm—especially those that invite people to pause, reconnect, and celebrate the relationships that matter most. This Valentine’s season, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, and Richmonde Hotel Iloilo present thoughtfully curated dining experiences and staycation escapes designed to turn meaningful moments into lasting memories. Through inspired cuisine, attentive service, and immersive seasonal offerings, Richmonde Hotels continue to honor the timeless ritual of celebrating love together.

“Occasions like Valentine’s Day remain meaningful because they give us a reason to slow down and appreciate one another,” shares Cluster General Manager Jun Justo. “At Richmonde, we see hospitality as a way to nurture these traditions by creating spaces where genuine connections and unforgettable experiences naturally come to life.”

Richmonde Hotel Ortigas: A Love Story Told Through Filipino Flavors

At Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, romance takes center stage with Ang Kwento ng Pag-Ibig, a pre-Valentine’s dinner on February 13, 2026 at Richmonde Café. The five-course Filipino-themed degustation captures the evolving stages of love through thoughtful storytelling and elevated flavors.

The journey begins with cured tuna tartare brightened with calamansi, followed by heritage-inspired bringhe arancini that blends nostalgia with contemporary flair. A comforting guava-sinigang broth paired with salmon ravioli brings warmth and depth, while the main course offers a choice between slow-braised beef adobado or spirit-kissed halabos prawn. The evening concludes on a sweet note with tibok-tibok panna cotta drizzled with muscovado syrup, complemented by curated wine, cocktail, or mocktail pairings.

“Our intention was to create a menu that reflects the emotional arc of love,” says Food and Beverage Manager Ria Rosal. “And Filipino flavors provide familiarity, allowing diners to connect with the experience on a deeper level,” adds Sous Chef Rowell Manahan.

Guests wishing to extend the celebration may take advantage of the “Lucky Match” room promotion throughout February, blending Valentine’s festivities with the auspicious spirit of Chinese New Year. On February 13, special bundled packages combine an overnight stay with dinner for two, offering a seamless romantic escape.

Eastwood Richmonde Hotel: Shared Indulgence for Every Kind of Love

At Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, Valentine’s Day embraces every expression of affection with Relish in Love, an intimate dinner on February 14, 2026 at Eastwood Café+Bar. Designed around the idea of shared indulgence, the experience features a plated entrée of U.S. prime rib with local sea bass alongside a buffet selection of fresh salads, roasted garlic and cinnamon pumpkin cream soup, comforting sides, and decadent desserts. A dedicated kid’s menu, with an option of chicken or bratwurst served with spaghetti, ensures that celebrations remain inclusive for families as well. Each meal includes a round of drinks, from house wine to chilled juices and coffee or tea.

“Valentine’s celebrations today extend far beyond couples,” shares F&B Manager Dave Banez. “Many of our guests choose to mark the occasion with family or close friends, so we intentionally designed a dining experience that embraces every expression of love.” Executive Chef Pete Paluga adds, “Our aim was to craft a menu that feels inclusive and enjoyable for everyone—bringing together beloved date-night classics with familiar favorites to create a meal that’s both special and satisfying.”

Complementing the dinner is the “Lucky in Love” accommodation package, with overnight rates on February 14 bundled with the Valentine’s dinner for two. Discounted room offers throughout the month further enhance the festive mood, blending the spirit of Valentine’s Day with the good fortune of Lunar New Year.

Richmonde Hotel Iloilo: Ilonggo Warmth and the Spirit of “Palangga”

In Iloilo, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo celebrates the Ilonggo spirit of palangga—a word that speaks not only of romance but also of care, warmth, and community—through Angga, a Valentine’s Day dinner on February 14, 2026 at The Granary.

The experience highlights generous, shareable dining with buffet-style appetizers, charcuterie, desserts, unlimited plated selections, bread baskets with assorted spreads, and a glass of wine. “The concept of palangga inspired us to create something heartfelt and welcoming,” says Executive Sous Chef Rey Parreño II. “We wanted the experience to feel abundant, comforting, and distinctly Ilonggo.”

Guests may continue the celebration with the “Sweet Escape” Valentine room package, available from February 12 to 18 and inclusive of breakfast, dining credits, and themed amenities. For those seeking flexibility, the month-long “Feel-Good February” promotion offers additional staycation options.

Across all properties, Richmonde Hotels blend timeless romantic traditions with contemporary experiences, inviting guests to celebrate love in its many forms while creating stories worth remembering long after the season ends.

For reservations and inquiries, guests may contact Richmonde Hotel Ortigas at (632) 8638 7777, email stay@richmondehotelortigas.com, or visit www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph. Eastwood Richmonde Hotel may be reached at (632) 8570 7777, stay@eastwoodrichmonde.com, or www.eastwoodrichmondehotel.com.ph. For celebrations in the City of Love, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo is available at (6333) 328 7888, stay@richmondeiloilo.com, or www.richmondehoteliloilo.com.ph.

Gerard Salonga Orchestrates Harmony as Toshiba’s Takumi Master of Harmonious Sound

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Toshiba’s Takumi Master of Harmonious Sound is Gerard Salonga

Award-winning Musical Director Gerard Salonga steps into the spotlight as Toshiba’s Takumi Master of Harmonious Sound, orchestrating a seamless fusion of artistry and precision. In partnership with Toshiba Lifestyle, a global leader in premium home appliances, they bring musical mastery and innovative design together to elevate the modern living experience.

Gerard Salonga is one of the Philippines’ most respected figures in music. As a celebrated musical director and Resident Conductor of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, he is known for his mastery of harmony. His work reflects a profound understanding of how structure and creativity come together to move people, an approach that aligns seamlessly with Toshiba’s commitment to thoughtful, purposeful design.

“Each appliance in this Japandi suite is vital to create harmony in your kitchen and your home. The same way that each instrument and each musician is crucial in an orchestra. They flow together, and they all work together in harmony,” said Gerard Salonga.

For Gerard, this collaboration represents a natural synergy between sound and space, where the environment nurtures creativity, focus, and well-being. With Toshiba Lifestyle, they redefine modern living, demonstrating how technology and design can create a more harmonious home.

Just as Gerard transforms the stage with vision and craftsmanship, Toshiba’s Japandi Suite exemplifies the same dedication to thoughtful design and functional excellence.

The Toshiba Japandi Suite

The Toshiba Japandi Suite is crafted for those who value both function and form. Inspired by Japanese-Scandinavian design, the collection combines minimalist aesthetics, smart innovation, and everyday convenience across key home essentials: the Japandi Refrigerator, Washing Machine, Water Dispenser, Rice Cooker, and Microwave Oven.

Together, these appliances embody the Japandi philosophy, where calm, balance, and purpose meet everyday living.

“Gerard Salonga embodies the very essence of harmony, where discipline meets creativity,” said Ms. Anna Marie Alejandro, General Manager of Toshiba Lifestyle Philippines. “His approach to music mirrors Toshiba’s own commitment to thoughtful design and innovation. Through this partnership, we aim to show how beautifully crafted technology can shape not just spaces, but everyday experiences at home.”

As Gerard Salonga brings harmony to the stage, Toshiba brings harmony into the home, elevating quiet luxury living spaces through design and innovation.

Watch the seamless blend of sound, vision, and technology that Gerard Salonga and Toshiba Lifestyle Philippines have crafted here: bit.ly/ToshibaxGerardSalonga

For more information on Toshiba Lifestyle’s newest product line-ups and campaign, visit

https://www.toshiba-lifestyle.com/ph and follow Toshiba Lifestyle Philippines on Facebook,

Instagram, and TikTok.

Perfect Pairings: Enjoy Dewberry Yogurt Cake with These Delicious Drinks

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Match your favorite Dewberry Yogurt Cake flavor with the perfect drink for a sweet, refreshing treat anytime.

Enjoy a cozy afternoon with Dewberry Yogurt Cake Strawberries ‘n Yogurt with Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate.

Some days call for something sweet and satisfying—a little pick-me-up that feels indulgent but easy to enjoy. Whether it’s after lunch, during a mid-afternoon break, or while watching your favorite show, there’s always that craving for dessert. But who has the time to bake, prep, or wait in line at a café?

Indulge in the exciting tropical flavor of Dewberry Yogurt Cake Mangoes ‘n Yogurt with a refreshing bottle of C2 Green Tea.

With Dewberry Yogurt Cake, you can enjoy a café-style dessert experience wherever you are. Each pack combines soft, fluffy cake layers with tangy yogurt cream and a luscious fruity topping, perfectly balancing sweetness and refreshment in every bite. Available in three delicious flavors: Strawberries, Blueberries, and Mangoes, Dewberry Yogurt Cake makes dessert moments effortless.

And because every dessert deserves a drink to go with it, we’ve rounded up three easy pairings that bring out the best of each Dewberry flavor. Whether you’re winding down or looking for a quick energy boost, these duos are made for your relaxation moments.

Swiss Miss + Dewberry Yogurt Cake with Strawberries

For cozy afternoons or cool evenings, this pairing feels like a warm hug in dessert form. The rich, chocolatey taste of Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate blends beautifully with the fruity, slightly tart notes of Dewberry Strawberries. Together, they create that café-style indulgence you can enjoy right at home—perfect for rainy days or winding down after work.

C2 Green Tea + Dewberry Yogurt Cake Mangoes

If you need a refreshing mid-day mid-day pick-me-up, the clean and crisp taste of C2 Green Tea balances the tropical tang brought by Dewberry Yogurt Cake Mangoes. The result is a light, revitalizing combo that keeps you energized without feeling too heavy, which makes it great for office snack breaks or study sessions.

Vitasoy Original + Dewberry Yogurt Cake Blueberries

For mornings or snack time, pair Vitasoy Original with Dewberry Yogurt Cake Blueberries. The smooth, nutty flavor of soy complements sweetness and creamy texture of blueberries, creating a balanced bite that feels both wholesome and indulgent. It’s a duo that fuels your day while satisfying that dessert craving.

Satisfy your cravings with the sweet and smooth taste of Dewberry Yogurt Cake Blueberries ‘n Yogurt with Vitasoy Café Latte.

Each of these pairings proves that dessert doesn’t have to be complicated. With Dewberry Yogurt Cake, all you need is your favorite drink to turn any moment into a sweet escape: simple, delicious, and perfectly satisfying.

Try all flavors of Dewberry Yogurt Cake, available at select convenience stores and drug stores nationwide. For more information and update, please follow Dewberry on Facebook.

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) produces iconic brands such as Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Cloud 9, Maxx candy, Cream-O, Payless, C2 Cool and Clean, and Great Taste coffee, which have been part of Filipinos’ lives for decades. The newest addition to Dewberry – Dewberry Yogurt Cake brings a balanced sweetness and fruity flavor for a delightful snacking moment. To learn more about URC, visit its website (www.urc.com.ph), Facebook page (@URCPhilippines) and TikTok account (@URCPhilippines).

A legacy fulfilled: Lisa Macuja Elizalde marks 40th homecoming celebration with a season of curated performances and a landmark collaboration with The Dawn

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Exactly forty years ago, Lisa Macuja Elizalde made the defining choice to leave behind a flourishing career at the Kirov Ballet (now Mariinksy Ballet) in Moscow and return to the Philippines. That homecoming became the cornerstone of her mission to bring ballet to the people and people to ballet, a mission that has shaped generations of dancers and audiences.

(L-R) (first row) Ballet Manila principal dancer Joshua Enciso, company artist Shamira Drapete with principal dancers Jessica Pearl Dames, Abigail Oliveiro and Junmark Sumaylo;

(second row) The Dawn members Bim Yance, Rommel Sanchez, Jun Boy Leonor, Francis Reyes and Jett Pangan; Ballet Manila CEO and artistic director Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, associate artistic director and resident choreographer Gerardo Francisco Jr., and resident choreographer Martin Lawrence; The Manila Symphony Orchestra president Maan Hontiveros and music director Maestro Marlon Chen

Forty years later, Lisa marks her homecoming milestone through Ballet Manila’s PRIMA Performance Season, a curated program of classical works that highlight the company’s Vaganova roots and its commitment to sustaining excellence while making ballet accessible to Filipinos. The landmark year also features a special collaboration with The Dawn, staged at Aliw Theater on February 20 and 21 at 8:00 p.m. Both Lisa and The Dawn are icons of their generations, and this production links their parallel 40-year journeys through a fusion of ballet and rock music. The performance will showcase some of The Dawn’s most popular and iconic songs reimagined through dance, underscoring Ballet Manila’s continuing effort to make ballet relevant and accessible.

The collaboration is being presented as part of the Ballet & Ballads series and produced by Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC). A brainchild of Fred J. Elizalde in the early years of Ballet Manila, Ballet & Ballads has contributed immensely to the mission and vision of Macuja-Elizalde to make classical ballet more accessible to the general public by performing alongside mainstream artists and keeping ticket prices either free or minimal.

From Ballet & Ballads, the PRIMA Performance Season of Ballet Manila will unfold with a series of landmark productions. Sleeping Beauty will be staged on March 14 and 15, 2026 at Aliw Theater, accompanied by the Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Alexander Vikulov. The season continues with Paquita on June 20 and 21, 2026, featuring a showcase of the company’s Vaganova heritage and classical precision. Finally, the season will culminate with La Bayadère on August 22 and 23, 2026, featuring the triumphant return of guest artists Renata Shakirova and Kimin Kim of the Mariinsky Ballet, who made their Philippine debut in 2025 with Don Quixote.

(L-R) Paquita Pas de Trois featuring Ballet Manila principal dancer Jessica Pearl Dames with company artists Rafael Perez and Nanami Hasegawa.

 (L-R) Ballet Manila company artist Shamira Drapete and principal dancer Joshua Enciso perform an excerpt from Sleeping Beauty.

Reflecting on the milestone, Lisa shared: “Forty years ago, I came home with a mission to make ballet part of Filipino life. To see that vision continue through Ballet Manila and the PRIMA performance season is deeply meaningful not just for me but for everyone in the company. It proves that ballet can endure, adapt, and belong to everyone.”

Other performances throughout the year include Ibong Adarna in Dumaguete in February and at Ateneo’s Areté in October, an international tour in Kuala Lumpur in September, and the Holiday Cheer Series in December.

These events frame 2026 not only as a year full of performances but as a cultural cycle completed, a legacy fulfilled, and a future opened by a ballerina who chose to come home even while at the cusp of international success.

Lisa Macuja Elizalde’s 40th homecoming year is more than a personal milestone. It is a testament to endurance, to the completeness of a vision, and to the fulfillment of a promise —that ballet also belongs to the Filipino people.

(L-R) Ballet Manila company artists Samantha Garay, Rodney Catubay, and Ana Graciela Andes; with principal dancers Abigail Oliveiro and Junmark Sumaylo; and company artists Ana Katharina Andes, Jos David Andes and Celine Astrologo in a scene from La Bayadère.

Keep up-to-date with Ballet Manila’s schedule of performances and celebration events by visiting Ballet Manila’s website www.balletmanila.com.ph or Ticketworld page www.ticketworld.com.ph

Boy Abunda Hosts PDAX Conversation Series on Money, Investing, and Financial Goals for 2026

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As Filipinos set sharper financial goals for the year ahead, the Philippine Digital Asset Exchange (PDAX) introduced “Tara, Bonding Tayo!”, a conversation video series hosted by the “Philippines’ King of Talk” Boy Abunda that makes money discussions timely and grounded in real-world experiences.

The series brings honest, relatable discussions about money, wealth, and everyday financial realities into the open, which is timely for this new season of reassessing financial goals. It centers on how Filipinos from different walks of life think about money, responsibility, and long-term security.

Instead of focusing on numbers, jargon, or financial products, the series centers on real-life stories where money decisions affect relationships, self-worth, and family dynamics. These are conversations many Filipinos recognize but rarely have out loud.

“Wealth can mean many things. For some, it’s peace of mind. For others, it’s time, freedom, or legacy. But one thing is for sure—everyone deserves a shot at creating their own definition of wealth. You could do it alone, but you don’t have to. This is where real journeys meet real lessons,” Abunda shared in his opening for the series.

The episodes focus on a mix of familiar faces and practical perspectives. Sam YG, celebrity radio and TV host, shares how investing in government bonds became his go-to approach for steadier, more secure money moves that helped him sleep better at night. Randell Tiongson, Director and registered advisor of the Registered Financial Planner Institute (RFPI), breaks down simple steps Filipinos can start today and explains why small, consistent actions often matter more than chasing big returns. While Dianne Medina, a celebrity mom, opens up about the financial challenges she has faced and the habits that helped her rebuild stability for her family.

The conversations featured in the series are anchored on PDAX’s broader effort to make investing and wealth-building more accessible to Filipinos.

PDAX is a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas–licensed virtual asset service provider that pioneered the tokenization of Philippine government bonds through Project Bayani, a landmark white paper estimating that the Philippines' tokenized-asset market could reach US$60 billion by 2030 across government bonds, mutual funds, equities, and other investment assets.

This initiative also digitized the Bureau of the Treasury’s Retail Treasury Bonds, making government-backed investments more accessible through digital platforms. These bonds are distributed by PDAX in partnership with its licensed bonds broker-dealer, PDAX Securities Inc. (formerly bonds.ph Inc.).

Today, PDAX provides access to a range of products, including government bonds requiring low investment amounts, allowing Filipinos to have more access to more stable, long-term investment options.

The digital asset exchange also offers products such as PDAX Gold, where users can trade gold digitally for as low as P500 through the PDAX app. It is also priced in grams, a unit used by Filipinos in jewelry or gold trading.

“Tara, Bonding Tayo!” reflects PDAX’s belief that financial understanding begins with conversation. It speaks to a generation balancing care, ambition, and responsibility, and reminds viewers that talking about money can also be an act of connection.

Episodes of “Tara, Bonding Tayo!” can be watched on PDAX’s official YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/@PDAXPH).

The Metrobank Travel Fair returns this February with travel deals you can’t miss

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If seeing more of the world is in your 2026 vision board, consider this your sign to book that trip. The Metrobank Travel Fair is back from February 20-22, 2026 at the Glorietta Activity Center, bringing together top airlines, hotels,  luxury cruises,  travel agencies, tourism boards, and other travel essentials under one roof.

Whether you’re planning a solo backpacking trip across Southeast Asia, a family cruise, or a long-awaited luxury getaway, the three-day event is designed to help travelers secure exciting deals for their 2026 adventures.

The fair officially opens on February 20 (Friday) with an exclusive early morning access (10:00 AM to 12:00 NN) for Metrobank World Mastercard and Metrobank Travel Signature Visa credit cardholders, offering them first pick of the deals. Then from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM of February 20 and 10:00AM to 8:00 PM of February 21 to 22, the event welcomes all Metrobank credit, debit, and prepaid cardholders.

This year’s travel partners features the industry’s heavy hitters, including:

• Airlines: Philippine Airlines, AirAsia | TravelOnline PH, All Nippon Airways, Cebu Pacific (bookings facilitated by select travel agencies at the fair) Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, Jeju Air, Korean Air, SAUDIA, STARLUX Airlines, Sunlight Air, Thai Airways, Qantas Airlines, and United Airlines
• Hotels and Resorts: Accor Plus, Ayala Land Hotels and Resorts, Crimson Resort and Spa, Boracay, Discovery hotels and resorts, El Nido Resorts, Edsa Shangri-La, Manila, Makati Shangri-La, Manila, Quest Plus Conference Center, Manila, Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu, and The Ascott Limited 
• Travel Agencies: Ark Travel Express, Inc., AMKOR Travel and Tours, Constellation Travels Inc., D’World Specialists Travel & Tours, Island Resort Club Tour Services, Inc., Rakso Air Travel & Tours, Inc., Sharp Travel Service
• Cruises: Executive Resources, Inc., Disney Cruise Line, Amawaterways, Swan Hellenic Expedition Cruises, Riverside Luxury Cruises, and Star Dream Cruises
• Other Services: Enjoy discounts for your travel essentials from American Tourister, AXA, Big Sky Nation, Klook, Power Mac Center, and Samsonite.
• Tourism Boards: Featured booths from the tourism boards of Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, and Thailand
• Online Merchants: You may book via the self-service online merchant counters at the fair or through the online platform of Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Agoda, Booking.com, AirAsia MOVE, and Trip.com

And beyond discounted fares, Metrobank is layering on rewards to make your spend even sweeter:

• Win a Dream Vacation to the Land of Hallyu: Spend at least PHP10,000 single-receipt at the fair for a chance to win a 5-day, 4-night trip to Seoul, South Korea for two (2 winners) or a get full cashback of your total spend, capped at PHP100,000 (five winners).
• Metrobank Mastercard Exclusive: Get PHP1,000 Giftaway eGC for a minimum single-receipt spend of PHP10,000 at any participating merchant.
• Metrobank Visa Cashback: Enjoy up to PHP10,000 cashback when you purchase from participating airlines:
• PHP2,500 cashback for a minimum single-receipt spend of PHP25,000
• PHP10,000 cashback for a minimum single-receipt spend of PHP100,000
• Online Booking Bonuses: Planning to book via Agoda or Booking.com? Get PHP5,000 OFF for a minimum single-receipt spend of PHP30,000 (registration required).
• On-the-Go Treats: Play the Travel Fair Game on-site! Choose the right suitcase and you could win 1 pc. Chicken McDo with Drink to keep you fueled while you shop.

Not a Metrobank credit cardholder yet? You can apply for a Metrobank credit card ahead of the Travel Fair at https://apply.metrobank.com.ph/ or apply on-site. 

Ready to book? Don’t let your travel goals stay on paper. Mark your calendars for February 20-22, 2026 and head to Glorietta Activity Center to turn your 2026 travel plans into reality, made even more rewarding when you pay with your Metrobank credit and debit card.

Find out more about The Metrobank Travel Fair at: https://www.metrobank.com.ph/promos/2026-the-metrobank-travel-fair.

Vena Energy Turns Over 1,000 “Seats for Sustainability” to Talim Island Schools, Improving the Learning Environment for Students While Creating Livelihood for Locals

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Vena Energy, a leading green energy solutions company in the Asia-Pacific region, has successfully turned over 1,000 handcrafted armchairs to elementary schools in the municipalities of Binangonan and Cardona on Talim Island.

The initiative, titled, “Seats for Sustainability,” was led by Vena Energy’s subsidiary, Island Wind Energy Corp. (IWEC). It marks a significant milestone in the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, delivering a dual impact: improving the learning environment for thousands of students while providing sustainable livelihood opportunities for the island’s residents.

Empowering Education in Remote Communities

The turnover ceremonies were held on 22 January 2026 at Kasile Covered Court (Binangonan) and 23 January 2026 at Lambac Covered Court (Cardona). The donation benefits multiple schools, including Kasile Elementary School, Bombong Elementary School, Kinagatan Elementary School, and Lambac Elementary School.

For remote areas like Talim Island, logistical challenges often hinder the delivery of school facilities. This donation addresses a critical infrastructure gap, ensuring that students have access to comfortable, DepEd-standard furniture that fosters a better learning environment.

From Skills to Livelihood

What sets the “Seats for Sustainability” project apart is its commitment to the local circular economy. Rather than sourcing furniture from external suppliers, Vena Energy partnered with local communities to manufacture the chairs.

Residents were trained by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in carpentry and craftsmanship. Following their training, these local community members were hired by Vena Energy to build the 1,000 chairs. This not only ensured the furniture met quality standards but also injected income directly into local households, turning a charitable donation into a driver for economic empowerment.

A Commitment to Host Communities

“Seats for Sustainability” aligns with Vena Energy’s broader CSR strategy, which prioritizes Education, Infrastructure Development, and Community Well-being. By engaging the community in the solution, the company reinforces its core value of enabling sustainable social and economic development within its host communities.

“We believe that empowering a community means giving them the necessary tools to build their own future,” said Samrinder Nehria, Head of The Philippines at Vena Energy. “This project is special because the fathers and neighbors of these students built the very chairs their children will sit on. It is a story of pride, resilience, and sustainability.”

The event was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from IWEC, local government officials from Binangonan and Cardona, school officials, and residents of Talim Island.

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About Vena Group

Vena Global Group Pte Ltd (“Vena Group”) is a leading green solutions provider driving the energy and digital infrastructure transition across the Asia-Pacific region. Through its renewable energy and digital infrastructure arms, Vena Group delivers integrated, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions that enable the region’s transition to a low-carbon, AI-driven future.

For more information, please visit www.venagroup.com.

About Vena Energy

Vena Energy is a leading green energy solutions provider in the Asia-Pacific region, accelerating the transition to sustainable and affordable renewable energy that delivers lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits to host communities and stakeholders.

We deliver green energy solutions through a renewable power portfolio of 38GW across Onshore Wind, Solar, and Offshore Wind projects[1], and a green energy infrastructure pipeline including 25GWh of BESS[2] and 848 KTPA of Green Hydrogen and Ammonia.

Protect your home, upgrade your space with PLDT Home Life’s Smart Home Starter Kit

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Ring in 2026 with this topnotch tech package, which has everything you need to start your smart home journey

With way more modern and technologically advanced threats these days, smart home devices are a must when building a safer, more secure, and more convenient household. These devices not only support a more connected home experience, but also provide added reassurance for you and your family’s well-being.

The new year offers an opportunity to reassess your home technology, especially if you’re considering to level up to a smart home setup. With the Internet of Things (IoT) at the forefront of smart living solutions, upgrading your space proves to be key in keeping your household more connected and protected than ever before.

Further reinforcing the importance of added protection among Filipino families as they embrace a smarter lifestyle, PLDT Home Life launches the Smart Home Starter Kit – security, safety, and automation devices in one powerful but affordable package.

Think of the Smart Home Starter Kit as the backbone of your home, covering all the essentials in one bundle: smart cameras for real-time check-ins, smart plugs to automate and manage home appliances, and sensors to keep tabs on any activity and movement.

PLDT Home Life has especially partnered with trusted electronics brand TP-Link, whose Tapo line of smart home devices offers the most reliable security and automation options. Here are the devices in the Smart Home Starter Kit:

●     Tapo H100 Smart Hub with Chime: The command center of the smart home setup, the hub keeps all your smart devices connected in one seamless and uninterrupted wireless network. It coordinates all functions – including your smart home app and door/window/climate sensors, sounding alarms and chimes, and more.

●     Tapo C110 Indoor Camera: This camera, which connects to your devices including your smartphone, is perfect for those starting a family. With it, you can keep an eye on your home with  2K footage and AI-enabled detection for human motion and sound.

●     Tapo C120 Indoor/Outdoor Camera: With crystal-clear 2K QHD video footage and crisp two-way audio, the outdoor camera works both indoors and outdoors with remarkable recording quality. It’s especially intended for those in bigger homes with AI-enabled detection for pets, vehicles, and human motion and sound.

●     Tapo P105 Mini Smart Plug: The wifi plug lets you create a schedule or establish timers to conveniently automate home appliances from anywhere through your phone.

●      Tapo T310 Temperature and Humidity Sensor: In addition to accurately monitoring your home's climate from anywhere, this sensor helps optimize comfort, prevent home damage from mold during high humid months, improve energy efficiency, and prevent fire risk during hot summer months.

●     Tapo T110 Smart Contact Sensor: Instantly check if someone’s there with this smart contact sensor, which can immediately alert you every time your door or window is opened or when left ajar for a specific time.

These devices work seamlessly together to enable customizable automation, monitoring, and security – delivering a true smart home experience for first-time users. Key features include integrated sound and camera alarms with voice alerts, automated appliance control based on schedules or environmental conditions, and real-time remote notifications even when homeowners are away.

The PLDT Home Life Smart Home Starter Kit is available for only P4,836. It’s exclusive to existing PLDT Home Fiber subscribers and can be purchased one time via your internet subscription.

Safer, more secure homes for all Filipinos

PLDT Home offers fiber-fast, reliable internet speeds to power even the most advanced and widest-reaching IoT devices. Over time, the telco brand has partnered with various international electronics brands such as TP-Link, Tapo, and Eufy – mixing connectivity and security to further build Filipino families a better, more holistic home.  All these brands and more are now officially available via PLDT Home Life.

PLDT Home Life features 100% authentic smart home devices, sourced directly from official partners. Such finds are picked from their user-friendly interfaces, making for an easy plug and play experience for all ages at home.

“Last year saw a decrease in both property crime and cybercrime in the Philippines, according to the latest data from the Philippine National Police. Yet, it’s more important ever to deter further incidents of theft and break-ins by empowering security in Filipino homes,” said PLDT Home Senior Vice President and Head for Consumer Business John Y. Palanca. “We at PLDT Home Life believe the most effective approach is to proceed with upgrading to a smart home ecosystem that incorporates the latest smart and automated home security solutions.”

Palanca added, “This is why we have introduced the PLDT Home Life Smart Home Starter Kit – to make smart home adoption more accessible for Filipino households through seamless wireless control and automation. The kit is organized to help increase safety and security especially for your children, pets, and property while improving energy efficiency for a smarter, more elevated quality of living.”

“We at PLDT Home Life remain committed to expanding our brand partnerships in pursuit of our shared objective to give Filipino families greater peace of mind.”

Learn more about the PLDT Home Life Smart Home Starter Kit by visiting pldthome.com/smarthome/starter-kit. Existing PLDT Home Fiber subscribers can avail the kit via the Next Upgrade Shop page, where they will need to log in or create a new account. To know more about other device add-ons and digital services that could add life to your fiber-powered lifestyle, visit pldthome.com/life.