Vena Energy Delivers Second Community Fund Turnover to Quezon Indigenous Peoples

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Quezon Wind Energy Corp. (QWEC), a subsidiary of Vena Energy, a leading green energy solutions provider across the Asia-Pacific region, marked another key milestone in its community relations efforts through a check turnover ceremony today in Quezon City for its host community, the Dumagat/Remontado Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of General Nakar, Quezon.

The event demonstrated Vena Energy’s continuous efforts in supporting its host communities beyond respecting their rights and heritage. The turnover formalizes the Quezon IPs’ receipt of their community funds under the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process, through the Pigtaanan ne Dumagat – Remontado de General Nakar, Quezon (PDRGNQ), the Implementing IP Organization.

This partnership reflects Vena Energy’s support for community-led development initiatives based on the priorities identified by the host IPs. These include infrastructure improvements, access to education, sustainable livelihood programs, and improved healthcare.

Dr. Carlos Buasen, Jr. - NCIP Region 4A Regional Director; Thelma P. Aumentado - IPMR (Quezon Province); Melecio Rotaquio - Chairman of the Board of Directors, Pigtaanan ne Dumagat Remontado de General Nakar Quezon (PDRGNQ), Inc.; Mia Jarumayan - Vena Group, Head of Business Development - Project Development; IPs: Yolanda Monica, Gloria dela Cruz, Rea Reyes, Orlando Surbano Jr., Lorena Petores, Macario dela Cruz, Brgy. Captain Orlando Surbano Sr., Solita Vertrodis, Leonardo Pranada; Dr. Donato B. Bumacas - Provincial Officer, NCIP Region 4A, QPO

Vena Energy representatives led by Mia Jarumayan, Head of Business Development, Project Development, attended the event alongside Quezon IP leaders and elders. Samrinder Nehria, Head of Vena Energy in the Philippines, stated, “Empowering the Quezon IPs is at the heart of our mission. We are dedicated to ensuring that our green energy initiatives translate into tangible, long-term benefits for the communities that graciously host us, fostering a future built on mutual respect and sustainable progress.”

A Sustainable Partnership

Such partnerships have proven to be a successful model for private-public collaborations in the renewable energy sector. As Vena Energy strictly adheres to the FPIC process, all of the company’s projects continue to be built based on transparent communication and mutual respect. “Ang matatag na suporta mula sa Vena Energy ay nagbibigay ng lakas ng loob sa aming komunidad na isulong ang makabuluhang pag-unlad habang pinapangalagaan ang aning pamanang kultural. ” shared Melecio Rotaquio, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Pigtaanan ne Dumagat Remontado de General Nakar Quezon (PDRGNQ), Inc.

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region 4A Regional Director Dr. Carlos Buasen, Jr. added, “It is inspiring to witness a corporate partner truly value the ancestral domains and the people who protect them. Vena Energy sets a remarkable standard for responsible and inclusive community engagement.”

This second check turnover ceremony, following the 21 April ceremony with the Tanay Dumagat Remontado Indigenous Cultural Communities, is a further demonstration of Vena Energy’s commitment to its partnerships with indigenous communities across Quezon, grounded in shared growth and mutual respect. By integrating community-led development into its core operations, Vena Energy reinforces its dedication to honoring ancestral domain rights and supporting self-determination. This reflects how renewable energy can contribute not only to the national grid, but to the long-term aspirations of the Filipino people.

Reload your PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid via Maya

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PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid users can now reload their internet faster and more conveniently through the Maya Shop on the Maya app and via nearest Maya Business Centers. 

 

This new loading option gives customers greater flexibility in managing their home internet, offering both cashless digital payments and assisted over-the-counter transactions within their communities. With just a few taps on the Maya app or a quick visit to a local retailer, users can stay connected for work, school, and entertainment hassle-free and on their own terms. 

 

“By expanding our loading channels through Maya’s consumer app and Maya Business Center retailer network, we’re making PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid more accessible, flexible, and aligned with how Filipinos live and use digital payments today,” says John Y. Palanca, PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business. 

 

Reloading via Maya seamlessly fits into customers’ daily routines, especially for those who already use the app for bills payment, money transfers, and shopping. For households that prefer in-person transactions, Maya Business Center outlets can also process PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid reloads. This brings essential internet services closer to home while providing small business owners with additional income opportunities.

 

“Digital payments play an important role in expanding access to essential services,” said Renan Santiago, Head of Retail & MSME Maya Business. “Enabling PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid on Maya gives customers a simple, cashless way to manage their home connectivity while supporting our initiatives to make digital payments inclusive across communities, whether via online or Maya Business Centers.”

To buy PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid load, customers can easily go to the nearest Maya Business Center in their community or purchase via the Maya app:

• Go to the Shop tile and click Broadband 

• Select PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid and choose your preferred Load 

• Enter your PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid account number and pay 

Once payment is successful, the load is instantly credited, allowing customers to continue enjoying reliable and uninterrupted fiber internet. Customers may check their myHome account to view the purchase details. 

PLDT Home continues to expand its digital and over-the-counter channels to make reliable and affordable home internet more accessible to Filipino families nationwide.

For more information on PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid and available loading options, visit pldthome.com/fiberprepaid. 

Kaagapay sa Kalinga: Bell-Kenz Brings Healthcare Within Reach Through Lab for All

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On March 17 in Marikina City and March 24 in Santa Rosa, Laguna, public sports complexes became centers of compassion and accessible healthcare as thousands of residents gathered for the LAB for All medical missions.

Held at the Marikina Sports Center and the Santa Rosa Multipurpose Sports Complex, the initiatives brought together local government units, healthcare workers, volunteers, and private sector partners to provide free laboratory services, medical consultations, prenatal check-ups, and essential healthcare assistance to underserved communities.

Among the key Kaagapay partners supporting the initiative was Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc., which helped address a critical healthcare gap by providing free medicines to beneficiaries on-site.

Expanding Access to Medicines and Care

For many Filipino families, access to healthcare services and medicines remains a financial challenge. Through its participation in LAB for All, Bell-Kenz Pharma enabled patients to receive immediate access to prescribed medicines, helping reduce treatment delays and easing the financial burden on low-income households.

One of the beneficiaries, Evelyn Ballaran, 40, an expectant mother who is eight months pregnant with her fourth child, shared how the initiative provided both relief and reassurance.

“Malapit na po akong manganak kaya mas kinakabahan ako,” she said. “Hindi laging madali magpa-check-up kapag may ibang gastusin sa bahay.”

Receiving free medicines during the medical mission helped ease her immediate concerns. “Mas nakakagaan po sa loob. Hindi na ako mag-aalala kung saan kukuha ng gamot,” she added.

Her experience reflected the realities faced by many beneficiaries who attended the outreach activities in both cities.

According to Dr. Luis Raymond T. Go, Bell-Kenz Pharma Medical Director, the company’s involvement aligns with its commitment to making healthcare more accessible to Filipino communities.

“At Bell-Kenz Pharma, we believe healthcare should not be a privilege reserved for a few,” Dr. Go said. “Through initiatives like LAB for All, we are able to extend meaningful support to communities by helping provide not only medical consultations, but also the medicines patients need to begin their recovery and care immediately.”

He added that stronger collaboration between the private sector, local governments, and healthcare organizations remains essential in addressing healthcare accessibility gaps nationwide.

Strengthening Public-Private Collaboration

Across both venues, healthcare professionals, volunteers, and partner organizations worked together to serve senior citizens, parents seeking medical advice, and pregnant women requiring prenatal care.

In Marikina, the large-scale operation required coordinated crowd management and security support from the Philippine National Police under the leadership of Police Colonel Jenny Tecson. Police personnel assisted elderly attendees, pregnant women, and children while ensuring orderly movement throughout the venue.

Tecson also acknowledged the cooperation of the local government led by Marjorie Ann "Maan" Teodoro and Mark Castro, emphasizing that initiatives of this scale succeed through strong coordination among civic institutions, healthcare partners, and local communities.

Continuing Commitment to Community Healthcare

Bell-Kenz Pharma’s participation in LAB for All reflects the company’s continuing commitment to community-centered healthcare initiatives that promote inclusive and accessible medical support for Filipinos.

As the Marikina and Santa Rosa medical missions concluded, the impact extended beyond healthcare services delivered. Families received much-needed medical attention, expectant mothers gained reassurance, and communities experienced firsthand the value of accessible and compassionate healthcare.

For beneficiaries like Evelyn Ballaran, the initiative demonstrated how timely healthcare intervention — supported by private organizations committed to public welfare — can create a meaningful and lasting impact in everyday lives.

For more information about Bell-Kenz Pharma, visit www.bell-kenz.net

Solaire Resort North Makes Things Twice as Fun for its 2nd Year Anniversary

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This May, special occasions, date nights, and gatherings level up as Solaire Resort North brings double the fun with its special anniversary offers. Find more reasons to celebrate everyday, and discover that two is always better than one as Quezon City’s first luxury integrated resort welcomes its 2nd year with amazing deals and discounts on food, stays, and more. Whether for solo visits, spending time with friends and loved ones, or treating the family out, Solaire Resort North shares the best this May 23 to 25.

For its 2nd anniversary, better turns into best with Php 2 steaks, pizza, gelato and more. Savor succulent steaks grilled to perfection by Finestra’s very own Italian Chef Joel Manchia, or grab a bite of hand-made Neapolitan pizzas fresh from the oven along with a sweet scoop of gelato at Trattoria e Dolci for twice the fun. At Lucky Noodles, guests may also indulge in a warm plate of siomai ready 24/7, while Cafe Mangrove serves up its signature Sticky Toffee Pudding for a sweeter aftertaste. Relish in these exclusive treats for just Php 2 with every Php 525++ spent at Solaire Resort North’s various outlets.

Continue the Php 2 weekend revelry with the finest whiskey, gin, Macallan, or Dalmore shots available at Quezon Club, Skybar, Pool Cafe, or Dragon Bar. Refreshments and speciality beverages such as milktea and an ice cold draft beer at Food Court and Pool Cafe make beating the summer heat even easier at Solaire Resort North.

This anniversary weekend, turn Sunday brunch with family and friends into something unforgettable with mouthwatering dishes and feasts at Solaire Resort North’s best outlets and bars for every occasion. Dine with the family at Yakumi for authentic Japanese cuisine, and indulge in fresh seafood brought in from Japan’s famous Toyosu Market, and marvel at a live tuna-cutting event for Php 3,588++ per person to complete a hearty Sunday Brunch on May 24. Start the week with sumptuous unlimited dim sum plates perfect for catching up with friends and family at Red Lantern for just Php 1,688++ per person on May 25.

Make the most of this milestone weekend with a staycation perfect for the entire family. Enjoy the exclusive Double the Fun Family Escape offering an indulgent breakfast at FRESH, all Spa and Salon services at 20% off, and a Php 1,000 nett dining voucher at Quezon Club or Finestra for stays until May 31.

At each level, experience the best of the north with exciting promos to be found all over. Kids get to double up on the fun with playtime access at Kids Club offered for two children at the price of one this May 25, while a rejuvenating training session with PACE at the Gym offers two personalized individual sessions at 20% off, or a relaxing visit to the Spa & Salon with 25% off all services for mom and dad. Guests may also travel to and from the hotel with a special Php 525 off all transportation services.

Double up on special occasions with the Solaire Rewards program to make the most of Solaire Resort North’s anniversary weekend with these member-exclusive rebates, perks, and privileges for the best dining experiences, accommodations, and more.

Celebrate another year of fun and more with Solaire Resort North for its 2nd anniversary this May. For reservations and inquiries, visit sn.solaireresort.com/offers/rooms-suites/fun-two-stay, call +632 8888 8888 or email snrestaurantevents@solaireresort.com to book your table today.

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Toshiba Lifestyle Leads the Way in Elevated Summer Living with Tips on Freshness and Energy Efficiency

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Living in a tropical country, Filipinos are no strangers to heat. The summer season brings high temperatures and fuller fridges with more frequent door openings—factors that can accelerate food spoilage and drive-up electricity bills. Toshiba Lifestyle, the world's leading manufacturer of artisanal home appliance solutions, is addressing these challenges with its newest Nature Pure Top-Mount Refrigerator Series. 

By combining advanced preservation technology with superior energy efficiency, Toshiba shares three key tips to maintain food freshness and manage household electricity costs this summer.

Tip #1: Mind your refrigerator’s odor

Foul odor inside the refrigerator is often a sign of food spoilage and can cause cross-contamination between other items in your fridge. To avoid this, consider using proper food storage like airtight containers, foil, or wraps.

Food freshness is more guaranteed if your refrigerator has a built-in filter. Toshiba's Nature Pure Top  sponge and a platinum-ion catalyst to trap odor and decompose bacteria and ethylene gas.-Mount No Frost Refrigerator has a Dual Zone Dual Deodorization feature, which uses a honeycomb sponge and a platinum-ion catalyst to trap odor and decompose bacteria and ethylene gas.

With Citrus Bliss Freshness, your fridge and freezer are infused with a crisp and uplifting citrus scent, neutralizing odor and keeping every corner of your fridge naturally clean and refreshing. It's the first feature of its kind in the market, delivering freshness you can see and smell all day, every day.

The fridge’s built-in color-fade indicator acts as a visual cue, transitioning from vibrant orange to pure white to signal the end of the fragrance module’s six-month lifespan and the optimal time for replacement—ensuring continuous freshness protection.

Tip #2: Find the ideal temperature for food storage

Food spoils faster when it is exposed to heat as bacteria easily multiplies in warm conditions. Leaving your food on the table for even just a few hours in the summer season can cause it to spoil. It is most ideal to place cooled-down dishes in your refrigerator to keep it fresh.

Toshiba Lifestyle’s newest top-mount freezer is equipped with Pure Bio Go technology, which is designed to help keep food fresher for longer, even during the toughest Philippine summers. Pure Bio Go preserves the natural quality of ingredients through optimal temperature control, minimizing bacterial growth and unwanted odors—so freshness lasts longer, nutrients are protected, and spoilage is slowed.

Tip #3: Smartly use the freezer and refrigerator zones

To keep your food items or ingredients fresh, each must be stored properly, whether in the freezer or the refrigerator. For example, a piece of ginger can stay fresh longer in the freezer than in the refrigerator. Green leafy vegetables, on the other hand, are best stored in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer to maintain their freshness.

Toshiba Lifestyle’s Nature Pure Top-Mount No Frost Refrigerator offers spacious storage and precise temperature control for foods with varying storage temperature needs. The new series features a sleek, modern design finished in a premium matte black panel, adding a luxurious feel to your home. The ample storage capacity gives you the confidence to stock up on supplies without worrying about spoilage, while also promoting sustainability by minimizing food waste and reducing the need for frequent grocery runs.

Experience freshness you can see and smell

In response to the need for sustainable home solutions, the Toshiba Nature Pure Series are engineered to keep energy costs low even during the toughest Philippine summers. The refrigerator is equipped with Origin Inverter technology which optimizes power consumption, earning the series a 3-star energy rating for its 8.5 and 9.6 Cu.Ft models.

The Toshiba Nature Pure Top-Mount Refrigerator doesn’t just preserve food, it elevates every fridge moment. Its visible fragrance module is the first in the market to provide freshness throughout both the fridge and freezer, keeping ingredients naturally crisp, clean, and ready to enjoy.

Relax and enjoy the summer season with your family through good food. Experience freshness that outlasts the heat with Toshiba’s Nature Pure Top-Mount Refrigerator Series, available in 7.3, 8.5, and 9.6 Cu.Ft models to complete your dream home setup.

For more information on Toshiba’s brand-new Nature Pure refrigerator series, visit https://www.toshiba-lifestyle.com/ph or visit any authorized Toshiba Lifestyle Philippines dealer nationwide. You may also follow Toshiba Lifestyle Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.