Consumer Choices are Driven by Sensational Experiences

Today’s consumer landscape is no longer driven by novelty, but by utility. Discerning users are now moving away from disposable trends and instead are demanding devices that can keep up with their ever-evolving needs. Rather than fleeting moments of novelty, consumers are seeking experiences defined by precision engineering, durability, and practical design.

For brands, this shift means continuous innovation is survival, and products must evolve functionally to keep pace. In the space of heated tobacco, JTI Philippines exemplifies this shift through its latest heated tobacco device, Ploom AURA.

Made with Japan-precision engineering under the campaign theme of “experience sensational,” this new hardware platform marks a major technological step forward, focusing on battery efficiency, thermal performance, and streamlined maintenance.

Refined Usability and Power: Slimmer, Smarter, Smoother

Designed around a “slimmer, smarter, smoother” product architecture, the evolution of the Ploom platform is marked by practical hardware upgrades that elevate daily usability and aim for what the brand describes as “amplified pleasure”—achieved here through consistent, uninterrupted sessions.

When fully charged, Ploom AURA’s upgraded battery keeps the device running throughout the day while delivering a consistent tobacco experience with every puff. Leave that charger at home and enjoy up to 20 consistent sticks wherever you go.

Ploom AURA’s Smart HeatFlow technology heats tobacco instead of burning it, giving you consistently rich notes and smooth toasted tones from the first puff to the last. It’s designed to deliver a perfectly timed tobacco ritual. With each session lasting five minutes, consumers can enjoy unlimited puffs and pleasurable moments that fit neatly into the day and provide consistent sensory satisfaction.

Ploom’s exclusive EVO ActivBlend™ sticks are crafted from quality tobacco leaves and come in a range of flavors to suit every taste. The precise cutting process exposes more tobacco to heat, delivering true taste and pleasure throughout the stick.

Explore EVO for Ploom’s collection of sensational flavors:

  • True Tobacco: Revisit a timeless tobacco taste with Bronze, Burgundy, and Gold;
  • Menthols: Stay cool with the fresh hit of Ice Cold Menthol.
  • Capsules: Amplify flavor and intensity with our Purple Option, Ruby Option, and Baize Option capsules.

Ploom’s distinctive silhouette and superior finish provide the elegance and durability demanded by modern life, giving Ploom AURA an essential blend of style and purpose.

Exceptional materials and cutting-edge design were combined to create an all-in-one device with a familiar feel and satisfying grip. The satin-finish frame and reflective front panel, which encase Ploom AURA’s compact form, make it easier to handle and carry. 

A Functional Step Forward

Ultimately, the release of the Ploom AURA highlights how consumers are shifting focus, emphasizing the need for functional durability, battery longevity, and seamless user experiences for amplified pleasure.

For adult smokers, these upgrades deliver a more reliable, engineered alternative designed to fit modern usability standards.

For more details on Ploom AURA, visit ploom.ph.

EastWest Brings Back Donny Pangilinan, Doubles Down on the Next Generation

EastWest Chief Marketing and Cash Management Officer Martin Reyes with EastWest Brand Ambassador Donny Pangilinan

He’s back! East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) has renewed its partnership with actor and digital personality Donny Pangilinan, officially extending his role as brand ambassador for another year. Together, they’re on a mission to make banking something younger Filipinos actually want to talk about: the EastWest app, new products and services, real conversations in communities, and a shared conviction that banking should just be easier.

“Donny doesn’t just reach young Filipinos, he connects with them” said Martin Reyes, EastWest Chief Marketing and Cash Management Officer. “We want this generation to see EastWest as their bank, the one that understands what they need, whether it’s a better app experience, products that make sense for their lives, or just banking that doesn’t feel like a chore. Donny tells that story better than anyone.”

As brand ambassador, Pangilinan steps into the center of EastWest’s push to reach younger Filipinos where they actually are: on their phones, on their feeds, and in their communities. He will front campaigns for the EastWest app, spotlight new products and services as they roll out, and join activations across the country that bring the bank’s easier banking promise to life.

“Honestly, what keeps me here is that EastWest is always working on something: the app, digital payments, new products and services, getting out to meet people,” Pangilinan said. “For a lot of people my age, banking still feels like this complicated thing you have to figure out on your own. I genuinely want to help change that. And with EastWest, I feel like we actually can.” 

Pangilinan said the choice to continue was easy. EastWest is a bank that’s always moving forward. It invests in its digital platforms, grows its branch network, and consistently shows up for customers in ways that feel practical and less complicated.

“I think young Filipinos should take banking seriously. Banks just need to meet them halfway,” he added. “EastWest is doing that, and I’m proud to be part of telling that story.”

Beyond the campaigns, Pangilinan will take the partnership on the road, joining EastWest at events and activations across key cities, where the bank engages customers directly and brings its products and digital tools closer to the communities they serve.

“I’m excited to get out there and actually talk to people, not just post about it,” Pangilinan said. “Show them the app, walk them through products, answer the questions they didn’t know they could ask. That’s the kind of thing that actually makes a difference.”

With Pangilinan back as brand ambassador, EastWest heads into the rest of the year with clear intent: to be the bank that younger Filipinos choose, trust, and keep coming back to, because banking with EastWest is just easier.

From Olango Island to Makati: Casa Selma Suite at Ascott Makati Showcases Filipino Craftsmanship and Community-Led Design 

From Left: Casa Selma CEO Isabella Selma-Galarza, Ascott Makati Area General Manager, Cecille Teodoro, and Casa Selma Founder Vito Selma

Every year, Ascott Makati unveils a themed suite designed to immerse guests in art,  culture, and refined living — all within the comfort of their own accommodations. This initiative forms part  of Ascott’s global campaign, Savor the Art of Living, which celebrates curated lifestyle experiences across its  properties worldwide. Most recently, the five-star serviced residence introduced its latest themed suite in  collaboration with Cebu brand, Casa Selma. 

For 2026, one of our themes is confluence — where places, people, and cultures come together,” shared  Cecille Teodoro, Area General Manager of Ascott Makati. “We wanted the experience to reflect the beauty  of Filipino culture alongside Ascott Makati’s signature hospitality. One of our team members suggested  Casa Selma, a world-class local brand widely recognized for its innovative furniture designs and its  commitment to Filipino craftsmanship. When we approached them with the idea, they immediately came on board for the collaboration.” 

Founded by Vito Selma and CEO Isabella Selma-Galarza, Casa Selma is a team of creatives that produces a wide range of items shaped by thoughtful craftsmanship, careful curation, and meaningful collaboration. For  the partnership, the team transformed one of Ascott Makati’s Two-Bedroom Executive Suites into a space  filled with handcrafted furniture and accessories inspired by and created in collaboration with the artisans of  Olango Island, a community that Casa Selma has supported through sustainable livelihood initiatives.

Ascott Makati and Casa Selma have so many similar values in common, like sustainability, community, and  of course, our love for everything Filipino. With that, our vision was clear. We wanted to create a suite that  is shaped by the hands and stories of the communities of Olango Island. It really gives it more meaning and  gives the suite more life,” shared Isabella Selma-Galarza.

One notable aspect of the collaboration is the story behind Casa Selma’s pieces. The lifestyle brand has been  supporting the communities of Olango Island through the Payaw Project. Payaw are fish aggregating  devices or floating structures made of bamboo poles and coconut fronds. The project provides fishermen  with sustainable technology that discourages dynamite fishing and helps protect the marine environment  while creating a more stable source of food and livelihood for the community. 

On the island, Casa Selma also met shell crafters, mostly women and partners of the fisherfolk, who are  highly skilled in creating beautiful pieces from raw shells. Their works have become part of some of Casa  Selma’s most sought-after pieces. With every purchase from Casa Selma, 5% of the profits go toward  encouraging sustainable coastal fishing.

The Casa Selma Suite at Ascott Makati brings together Filipino design, culture, and artistry rooted in  community in a thoughtfully curated living space that celebrates the beauty of local craftsmanship.

Guests are invited to stay in and personally experience the suite until August 13, 2026. An overnight  stay in this Two-Bedroom Deluxe Suite is priced at Php 15,000 nett and includes breakfast for four  persons, access to leisure facilities, and parking space for two vehicles. Guests will also receive a  keychain handmade by the shell crafters of Olango Island. To book this room, fill up this booking  form Casa Selma Suite Booking Form – Fill out form or email reservations.global@the-ascott.com or call +632 8550 3200. 

Guests can also purchase items from Casa Selma by visiting their pop-up shop at the lobby of Ascott Makati.  Each purchase will help sustain the Payaw Project and the communities that Casa Selma support. 


Fathers Deserve All the Love They Can Get This Father’s Day

This Father’s Day, Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery invites guests and patrons to celebrate the important men in their lives with a weekend of indulgent dining experiences, relaxing stays, and well-deserved pampering.

From June 20 to 21, 2026, the luxury boutique hotel presents specially curated Father’s Day offerings designed to create memorable moments for dads and their loved ones. Whether through a festive buffet feast, a restful overnight stay, or a rejuvenating grooming treatment, guests can enjoy meaningful ways to honor fathers who deserve appreciation every day.

The celebration begins early on Father’s Day Weekend, starting Saturday, June 20, with indulgent buffet offerings perfect for families looking to spend quality time together over great food. Guests can enjoy a lavish Lunch Buffet, featuring a wide selection of international and local favorites prepared by the hotel’s culinary team. As evening falls, the celebration continues with a dinner, inclusive of beverages, offering a warm and festive setting for memorable family gatherings.

On Father’s Day itself, Sunday, June 21, families can treat Dad to an elevated brunch experience complete with live entertainment. The Father’s Day Brunch Buffet includes beverages and live band performances, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere where families can share stories, laughter, and meaningful moments together. For those wishing to continue the celebration into the evening, the Dinner Buffet will once again be available, inclusive of beverages. Lunch buffet is priced at Php 3,898 nett while dinner buffet is at PHP 3,288 nett per person.

Beyond the dining experience, guests may also turn the occasion into a well-deserved weekend escape with room accommodations available at the Best Available Rate starting at PHP 7,380 nett for two (2) guests with dates from June 19 to 21. Whether it is a spontaneous staycation or a quiet overnight retreat for Dad, the hotel offers the perfect setting to unwind and reconnect.

To make the celebration even more special, Benibana presents its exclusive “For Him” grooming package designed especially for fathers who deserve a moment of relaxation and self-care. Priced at PHP 3,100, the package includes a Scalp Nourishment treatment and Men’s Cut — a refreshing experience that allows dads to look and feel their best.

Father’s Day is a chance to celebrate the men who continue to support, guide, and care for their families in countless ways. This year, families can make the occasion extra meaningful with memorable experiences shared together at Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery.

For reservations and inquiries, guests are encouraged to connect directly and secure a celebration that is as meaningful as it is memorable. Follow Admiral Hotel Manila – MGallery on its official social media pages for updates.

BingoPlus VIP Club Awards First BMW Winner at Exclusive Night Gala

BingoPlus VIP Club's First every winner of the BMW X1 Hybrid

A celebration of luxury, loyalty and unforgettable moments took center stage as BingoPlus VIP Club hosted its highly anticipated BingoPlus Night 2026: Step into the Next PLUS, an exclusive red carpet gala dedicated to honoring VIP members and celebrating the Club’s growing community of high-value players.

Held as one of the brand’s biggest and most prestigious gatherings to date, the evening brought together VIP members, distinguished guests, executives and special attendees for a night filled with premium entertainment and milestone celebrations.

The highlight of the evening was the recognition of the first official BMW winner from the ongoing BingoPlus VIP Club BMW Giveaway Series; an exclusive campaign available only to BingoPlus VIP Club members.

As the winner officially received his brand-new BMW, the moment marked more than just a luxury prize giveaway. It became a symbol of the elevated experiences and exclusive opportunities that define the VIP Club lifestyle.

“This still feels surreal to me,” the winner shared during his interview at the event. “I never expected something this big to happen. Being part of the VIP Club has truly been an unforgettable experience.”

The BMW Giveaway Series, running from May to September 2026, rewards one BingoPlus VIP Club member with a BMW every month — further reinforcing the Club’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating its loyal VIP community in bigger and more meaningful ways.

More than just a rewards program, VIP Club continues to position itself as the country’s first experience-driven luxury VIP community under a gaming and entertainment platform; offering curated events, premium rewards, travel experiences, personalized engagements and exclusive member privileges unlike anything else currently available in the Philippine market.

As BingoPlus VIP Club continues to grow, the brand aims to redefine what VIP means in the modern entertainment space; transforming loyalty into lifestyle and creating a community where members are not only rewarded, but celebrated.

PlayTime Secures Direct Invite to Esports World Cup 2026

Congratulatory banner shared by PlayTime on its official social media channels, celebrating the team's qualification to the Esports World Cup 2026

In a stunning display of resilience and competitive fire, PlayTime’s Dota 2 roster has officially qualified for the Esports World Cup 2026, securing the final direct invitation to the prestigious $2 million dollar tournament.

The recently acquired PlayTime roster clinched their spot after a breathtaking run at DreamLeague Season 29. With their backs against the wall, the team delivered a statement victory against BetBoom Team — winner of PGL (Professional Gamers League) Wallachia Season 8 just a month ago — to secure a Top 6 finish at the tournament.

DreamLeague Season 29 is a premier Dota 2 tournament under the ESL (Electronic Sports League) Pro Tour circuit, where top teams from around the world compete for points that serve as one of the pathways to the Esports World Cup. The Esports World Cup is one of the most, if not the most, prestigious esports tournament in the world, featuring only the best teams across 24 game titles — this year running from July 6 to August 23 in Paris, France, with a record-breaking $75 million prize pool.

The recent result at DreamLeague guaranteed PlayTime enough ESL Pro Tour points to climb the leaderboard, surpassing powerhouse organizations including Parivision, Team Liquid, and Tundra. PlayTime now stands as the only Philippine-based organization to secure an entry to the Esports World Cup 2026 for Dota 2.

“We’re ecstatic that a Philippine-based organization is represented on the world stage through a roster capable of competing with the best teams internationally. This is just the start of a continuous development that we aim to build long term, especially for our Dota 2 program.” said Rocelle Cadavos, Manager of PlayTime’s Dota 2 team. “Just weeks ago, we welcomed this roster to the PlayTime family. Today, they have proven that they belong among the world’s elite. We couldn’t be prouder of WITS, DARKMAGO, FRANK, SCOFIELD, ELMISHO, Coach VINTAGE and our Analyst, Luan for their incredible fight”. With PlayTime qualifying, it just proves that Philippine-based organizations can compete and belong among the world’s elite.

The road to qualification was anything but smooth. The team entered DreamLeague Season 29 with less than 500 EPT points. After serving a very competitive group stage, and having to play tiebreakers for an Upper Bracket slot, the team advanced to the Playoffs through the lower bracket. The team came off a back-to-back stretch, playing 3 tournaments prior — PGL Wallachia, DreamLeague Division II, and 1win Essence.

Since then, the team has shown remarkable endurance, first eliminating group leader Natus Vincere 2-1 before taking down BetBoom Team in a similar fashion in the playoffs.

Dota 2’s Esports World Cup will take place from July 6 to July 18 in Paris, France, featuring a $2 million prize pool. PlayTime joins an exclusive list of direct invitees that includes Aurora, Team Spirit, Team Falcons, Team Liquid, OG, and Virtus.pro, among others in the biggest Esports tournament.

This qualification marks a historic milestone for PlayTime, which launched its PT Sports division earlier this year as part of the company’s expansion of its business verticals, globally. PlayTime recently signed this roster to a multi-year contract, reflecting its long-term commitment to building a championship-caliber Dota 2 program.

Head Coach Juan David “VINTAGE” Angulo Nicho celebrated the achievement on social media: “We officially qualified for Esports World Cup 2026. We gave it our all. Thank you everyone for the support!” The Dota 2 community has hailed PlayTime’s run as a historic moment for the brand.

PlayTime ended its run at DreamLeague S29, falling against last year’s TI (The International) winner Team Falcons. The International (TI) is Dota 2’s biggest tournament annually, boasting a multimillion-dollar prize pool.

After a long month of tournaments, the squad is heading back to Peru for a break and will be back in action on June to prepare and play for The International Qualifiers. Fans can stay updated on PlayTime’s journey to the Esports World Cup 2026 and the International through the team’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/playtimesportsnow

The New Value of Home

SMDC highlights a growing lifestyle shift: homebuyers are choosing homes that do more than impress. They make everyday life smoother, easier, and more livable.

Beyond Appearance

For a long time, homes were sold on appearance—a good façade, a promising address, a polished amenity deck. For many buyers, that was enough to make a property feel aspirational.

Today, that is no longer enough.

More and more, homebuyers are asking a different question: beyond looking good, how does a home actually make life better?

A Reflection of How People Live Today

That shift reflects the way people are living now. Life has become fuller, faster, and more demanding. A normal day can easily disappear into work, errands, traffic, family commitments, and the constant effort of getting from one task to the next. In that kind of environment, the homes that matter more are not just the ones that look good on paper. They are the ones that make everyday living feel less heavy.

Where Value Begins to Change

That is where the idea of value begins to change.

The new value of home is not just in finishes, floor area, or amenities. It is in how well a home supports the rhythm of real life. It is in being closer to essentials. It is in having dining, retail, services, and transport within easier reach. It is in living somewhere that allows daily routines to move with less friction.

Designed Around Everyday Living

This is where SMDC continues to resonate with today’s buyers.

Many of its developments are located within or near established SM communities, where everyday life is already in motion. This gives residents access to an environment that extends beyond the unit itself. Shopping is nearby. Dining is easy. Services are accessible. Leisure is within reach. Places that would otherwise require more planning and travel become part of a more seamless daily routine.

The Value of Small Things

These may seem like small things. In real life, they are not.

They shape how much time is saved. They influence how tiring a day feels. They affect whether a home simply serves a purpose or genuinely supports the way a person lives. Over time, these things become part of quality of life.

A Better Setup for Daily Life

A well-located home today does more than provide a good address. It creates a better setup for daily life. It makes ordinary days feel lighter, more manageable, and more livable.

That is why more buyers are being drawn to homes that feel immediately relevant to the way they live now—not just beautiful, but practical; not just aspirational, but supportive; not just impressive at first glance, but rewarding over time.

A Better Setup for Daily Life

A well-located home today does more than provide a good address. It creates a better setup for daily life. It makes ordinary days feel lighter, more manageable, and more livable.

That is why more buyers are being drawn to homes that feel immediately relevant to the way they live now—not just beautiful, but practical; not just aspirational, but supportive; not just impressive at first glance, but rewarding over time.

The SMDC Advantage

For SMDC, this has long been part of the proposition. Its developments are built around accessibility, connection, and the practical advantage of living close to what matters. In today’s environment, that advantage feels even more meaningful.

Because in the end, the homes people value most are rarely just the ones that impressed them at the start.

They are the ones that quietly make life better every day.

For those looking for a home that offers more than appearance, SMDC’s ready-for-occupancy and pre-selling developments offer communities designed around real everyday living.

Visit www.smdc.com to learn more.

Owning EDSA: Why Its Best Advantage Is Not the Road Itself  

For years, EDSA has been viewed and discussed primarily as a traffic problem. While that perspective is understandable, it is also incomplete.

Because the real value of EDSA has never been the road itself. It has always been the access the road provides, and in Metro Manila, that still counts for a great deal.

EDSA remains the spine of the metro. It links Makati, Mandaluyong, and Quezon City. It connects rail lines, business districts, offices, commercial centers, institutions, and the routines that keep the city moving. Few corridors hold together as many parts of daily life in a direct way.

That is why it continues to matter.

The more useful question now is not whether EDSA is busy. It is why properties along it continue to stay relevant, desirable, and in demand despite that fact. The answer is straightforward: people do not choose EDSA for the road. They choose it for what opens up around it.

That distinction changes the entire conversation.

In Metro Manila, the most useful address is often not the one farthest from the city. It is the one that gives better access to more of it. For many buyers, the real premium today is not distance from the urban core, but the ability to move through it with less friction, less wasted time, and more control over the day.

This is where the EDSA story shifts.

The old POV reduces the corridor to congestion. The more accurate one is that EDSA still organizes how the metro works. It ties together places where people work, transfer, meet clients, run errands, go out, and head home. That overlap is not incidental. It is exactly what gives nearby addresses their everyday value.

This is the idea SMDC Heights has built on with clarity.

Rather than treating EDSA as a one-off location advantage, SMDC Heights has established a presence across several of its most strategic points. In Makati, Jade Residences sits close to the country’s premier financial district. In Mandaluyong, Light Residences 1 and 2 and Fame Residences occupy one of the most practical locations in the metro, with direct access to Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City. In Quezon City, Glam Residences places residents near government offices, media networks, universities, and a northern district that continues to expand.

Seen one by one, these are strong locations. Seen together, they reveal something bigger: a clear understanding of how Metro Manila actually functions.

The advantage here is not simply north, center, or south. It is presence across the corridor that still brings those parts together. That matters even more now because the buyer has changed.

The urban professional no longer moves within one fixed routine. Work shifts across districts. Meetings happen in different business centers on the same day. Daily life is split across multiple points on the map. In that kind of environment, living near transport links, commercial centers, and major employment hubs is not a small convenience. It changes the structure of the day.

This is also why walkability carries more weight than many developers admit.

Being within walking distance of an MRT station, major retail, or daily essentials can do more than save time. It reduces dependence on road travel alone. It gives residents another way to move when traffic builds. It makes daily life less vulnerable to delay. In a city where plans can easily unravel because of distance and congestion, that is a serious advantage.

The same logic applies to investment.

Rental demand in Metro Manila has always favored locations that make daily life easier. Places that help tenants get to work faster, move across the city more easily, and stay close to transport and commercial areas tend to stay attractive over time. Accessibility is not just a selling point. It is one of the strongest reasons a property keeps its value.

That also explains why EDSA continues to hold weight even as new roads and infrastructure projects are introduced across Metro Manila.

New projects may improve mobility in different parts of the metro, but they do not erase the fact that EDSA still sits at the center of so many overlapping systems. Businesses remain along it. Transit remains tied to it. Everyday movement still runs through it. The corridor evolves, but it does not become irrelevant.

For years, EDSA has been treated as something to complain about. In real estate, that has made it easy to miss the more important story.

The corridor many people reduce to traffic is also the corridor that still gives some of the best access in the metro.

That is what buyers are starting to understand.

And that is what it now means to own EDSA.

SM Hotels’ Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo Marks Seven Years of Heartfelt Service

Façade of Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo

Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo officially marks its seventh year in the City of Love and Creative Gastronomy, celebrating a journey defined by Ilonggo hospitality, culinary showcase, and deep-rooted community partnerships.

The hotel’s continued success underscores the strength of the long-standing alliance between Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) and SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC). As the property celebrates this seven-year milestone, it reflects SMHCC’s larger commitment to developing world-class properties that boost local economies, foster regional tourism, and bring global hospitality standards to booming urban centers outside of Metro Manila.

“Seven years ago, we envisioned Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo as a landmark property that would add to the vibrant tourism landscape of Western Visayas,” said Ms. Peggy Angeles, Executive Vice President of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation. “Seeing it flourish into a beloved destination that marries global standards with local heart is immensely rewarding. This achievement is a testament to SMHCC’s enduring mission to create meaningful experiences and support sustainable community growth across the Philippines,” Ms. Angeles added.

Since its opening in 2019, the hotel has evolved into a cornerstone of Iloilo’s tourism landscape. This year’s anniversary theme, “Seven Years of Ilonggo Hospitality,” serves as a tribute to the warmth and authenticity that team members bring to every guest interaction.

Global Standards, Local Flavors

The past year has been marked by notable accomplishments that reflect the hotel’s pursuit of excellence while staying rooted in local identity. Most notably, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo earned the Safehotels Certification, an internationally recognized benchmark affirming the property’s rigorous safety and security standards, while reinforcing its commitment to delivering trusted, world-class hospitality.

At the same time, the hotel continued to elevate regional flavors on the national stage. During the 16th National Food Showdown, the property’s culinary team earned a Gold medal for its signature Bibingka and Silver for Valenciana in the Professional Category, celebrating recipes deeply inspired by Ilonggo heritage. “Food is more than nourishment. It is one of the strongest connections we have to our culture,” said Rouel Guanzon, General Manager of Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo. “These recognitions honor the passion and dedication of our chefs, who continuously elevate the traditions that inspire us every day,” Mr. Guanzon added.

Beyond culinary recognition, the property has embraced innovation as a way to deepen guest engagement and create more meaningful experiences. Recently, the hotel introduced StayPlease, a digital platform that allows guests to conveniently browse menus and order dining services directly from their devices that bring added ease and personalization to every stay.

That same spirit of innovation extends into preserving and sharing local narratives. Through Beyond the Plate, a masterclass developed in partnership with the Iloilo MICE Center, the hotel provided 

students and digital creators with opportunities to explore gastronomic storytelling and discover how food can become a medium for culture and identity.

The property also launched Panubli-on, a documentary-style series unveiled at its signature restaurant, Áni, spotlighting the stories behind iconic local dishes and the families who preserve them. Featured narratives included the Varonas family’s Adobado nga Lukon, Ms. Pinky Gorriceta-Jalandoni’s Bibingka, and the culinary heritage behind Kap Ising’s Pancit Molo.

Together, these initiatives reflect Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo’s belief that hospitality goes beyond service. Rather, it is also about creating spaces where traditions are celebrated, stories are shared, and communities remain connected.

Empowering People, Extending Care

The anniversary celebration also shines a spotlight on the individuals driving the hotel’s continued success. Ms. Lucky Alunan was recently recognized as the Front of House Winner at the SMHCC President’s Go Beyond Awards.

Meanwhile, General Manager Rouel Guanzon continues to strengthen industry collaboration through his leadership roles as Public Information Officer of the Iloilo Hotels, Restaurants and Resorts Association (IHRRA) and Committee Director of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Iloilo.

Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo’s General Manager, Mr. Rouel Guanzon

Beyond professional excellence, the hotel’s anniversary observance reflected its commitment to extending hospitality beyond its walls. In a gesture of gratitude to the city and community it has called home for seven years, the Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo team recently visited the Iloilo City Pound and Animal Shelter, where employees donated essential supplies and spent time supporting local rescue efforts alongside volunteers. “At its core, hospitality is about care,” Guanzon shared. “Whether we are serving a guest, supporting our local business community, or looking out for our four-legged friends, we believe these acts of kindness are what make Iloilo special,” Mr. Guanzon emphasized.

The week-long celebration culminated in a heartfelt anniversary gathering held on April 27, 2026, honoring the team members whose passion and dedication continue to shape the hotel’s story. The following day, Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo hosted a commemorative luncheon in recognition of its valued media partners, whose continued support has helped share the property’s journey and milestones through the years.

As Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo enters its eighth year, the property remains committed to delivering exceptional experiences rooted in heartfelt Ilonggo hospitality while continuing to celebrate local culture, empower communities, and create meaningful connections. More than a destination, the hotel strives to remain a true home away from home that blends modern comfort with the unmistakable warmth and grace that define Iloilo.

From Fields to Plenary: How Local Producers Are Fighting to Reclaim the Rice Market

There was a time when the price of rice in the Philippines followed a predictable rhythm, but today, both the people who grow the staple and those who eat it find themselves at the mercy of a volatile market. Seeking to restore balance, major agricultural groups recently gathered at the House of Representatives to champion a legislative rescue mission: restoring the market intervention powers of the National Food Authority (NFA).

The pivotal moment unfolded during a hearing by the House Committee on Agriculture and Food, led by Quezon Representative Mark Enverga. On the table was the proposed Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment (RICE) Act, a comprehensive measure consolidating 26 different proposals. At the heart of this legislative push is House Bill No. 1, championed by former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, who argued that the current status quo is no longer sustainable for the country.

“Given the persistent price instability, warehouse congestion, and weakened palay procurement, there is now a compelling need to restore to the NFA some, if not all, of its original regulatory and market intervention powers.” — Hon. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez

For years, the local rice industry has operated under the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL). While intended to liberalize the market, agricultural leaders argue it has stripped the government of its shield to protect the public. Raul Montemayor of the Federation of Free Farmers reminded the committee that before the RTL, the NFA could strategically release its own rice stocks to cool down soaring retail prices. Now, he noted, retail prices bounce up and down unpredictably. The tragedy of this current system is that rice farmers, who ironically have to buy rice for their own families, are suffering alongside everyday consumers, while middlemen, traders, and importers pocket the profits. To fix this, Montemayor urged lawmakers to keep the best parts of past and present laws while discarding the failures.

The strategy for the NFA’s comeback, however, is about targeted defense rather than a total return to old monopolies. Jayson Cainglet, executive director of the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), explained that the NFA needs aggressive buying power at the local level. When private traders drop their buying prices too low, the government should step in and procure as much as ten percent of the local harvest to force market prices back up to a fair rate. However, SINAG drew a firm line against letting the NFA import or trade foreign rice again, insisting that taxpayer money should exclusively support Filipino hands, as importing rice only subsidizes foreign farmers.

With momentum building, Representative Enverga gave government agencies a one-week deadline to submit their final position papers. The committee is now moving quickly to finalize the bill and bring it to the House plenary, aiming to give Filipino farmers and consumers the stability they have long been waiting for.