Sven Toune has been appointed General Manager of Taal Vista Hotel, bringing more than 20 years of international hospitality experience to lead the iconic heritage property into its next chapter.
SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC) has appointed Sven Toune as General Manager of Taal Vista Hotel (TVH), ushering in a new chapter for the iconic 262-room heritage hotel overlooking Taal Lake and Taal Volcano.
A Belgian national with more than 20 years of international hospitality experience, Toune has held senior leadership roles across luxury resorts and global hotel brands in Southeast Asia. Over the past decade in the Philippines, he has built a strong track record in hotel operations, commercial strategy, and people-centered management.
Most recently, Toune served as General Manager of Park Inn by Radisson Davao, the first Park Inn by Radisson property in the Philippines under SMHCC. During his tenure, he strengthened the hotel’s market position, elevated guest satisfaction, and cultivated strong partnerships with local communities and stakeholders. Fluent in Dutch, French, German, English, and Filipino, with conversational proficiency in Bisaya, Toune is known for his ability to connect with guests, associates, and partners across cultures.
“I am honored to join Taal Vista Hotel and become part of a team with such a strong reputation for hospitality excellence,” said Toune. “Taal Vista Hotel is a beloved landmark with a rich heritage and a unique place in the hearts of many travelers. I look forward to working closely with our talented team to build on the hotel’s success, elevate the guest experience, and create meaningful opportunities for innovation, professional development, and sustainable growth.”
Taal Vista Hotel, SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation’s iconic heritage property in Tagaytay, welcomes Sven Toune as its new General Manager, reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality and guest experiences.
A food and beverage specialist by training, Toune is recognized for cultivating high-performing teams and fostering workplace cultures rooted in accountability, innovation, continuous learning, and respect. His people-first approach complements Taal Vista Hotel’s tradition of delivering heartfelt Filipino hospitality and world-class service.
“Sven’s appointment marks an important step in strengthening Taal Vista Hotel’s position as a premier heritage destination,” said SMHCC Executive Vice President Peggy Angeles. “His expertise and strategic vision will be instrumental in accelerating growth across the MICE and leisure travel segments, forging meaningful partnerships, and elevating the exceptional guest experiences that define our brand.”
Toune assumes the role at a pivotal time as Taal Vista Hotel continues to enrich its offerings, deepen guest engagement, and build on its legacy as one of the country’s most cherished hospitality landmarks. His appointment also reflects SMHCC’s commitment to building a future-ready hospitality portfolio, ensuring that its roster of properties remains responsive to the evolving needs of today’s travelers while setting new benchmarks for hospitality excellence.
BlueWater Day Spa endorsers (from left)Teejay Marquez, Janeena Chan, David Licauco, Marquez, Ellen Frojd, and Fabio Ide gather outside BlueWater Day Spa Eton Greenhills during the brand's "Summer Unwind" event celebrating wellness and self-care.
In an industry where long shooting days, endless commitments, and demanding schedules have become the norm, making time for wellness has become more important than ever.
This was the message shared by BlueWater Day Spa endorsers David Licauco, Fabio Ide, Ellen Frojd, Teejay Marquez, and newest endorser Janeena Chan during the brand’s recently held “Summer Unwind” event at BlueWater Day Spa Eton Greenhills.
Hosted by Jerome Sangalang, the gathering brought together members of the entertainment media, lifestyle personalities, and friends of the brand for an afternoon focused on self-care, wellness, and meaningful conversations about maintaining balance amid busy lifestyles.
One of the event’s highlights was the official introduction of Janeena Chan as the newest member of the BlueWater Day Spa family. The singer, host, and content creator shared her excitement about joining a brand whose values align with her own advocacy for wellness and positive living.
Meanwhile, actor and entrepreneur David Licauco reflected on his long-standing relationship with BlueWater Day Spa, a partnership that has grown alongside his career over the years. Known for remaining grounded despite his continued success, David shared that taking care of one’s well-being is just as important as achieving professional milestones.
Fabio Ide and Ellen Frojd also spoke about the role wellness plays in their family life. The celebrity couple revealed how wellness experiences have become opportunities for quality family bonding, emphasizing the importance of teaching children the value of balance, self-care, and healthy habits at an early age.
For Teejay Marquez, whose work often takes him to different countries, maintaining physical and mental wellness has become essential to keeping up with his fast-paced lifestyle. The actor and content creator shared how making time to recharge allows him to continue bringing positive energy both online and offline.
Beyond the conversations, the afternoon was filled with laughter as the endorsers participated in interactive games alongside members of the media. The friendly challenges gave attendees a glimpse of the celebrities’ personalities outside their usual on-screen roles, creating memorable moments throughout the event.
Endorsers and members of the media participate in interactive wellness-themed games during BlueWater Day Spa’s Summer Unwind celebration.
The gathering also highlighted some of BlueWater Day Spa’s most sought-after services, including the signature Chiang Mai Massage, the restorative Thai Yoga Massage, and the advanced 5D Laser Treatment.
According to BlueWater Day Spa President and CEO Mary Simisim, the event was designed to remind people that wellness should not be viewed as an occasional indulgence but as an essential part of everyday life.
As summer continues, the brand hopes to inspire more Filipinos to prioritize themselves, slow down when needed, and make time to recharge. After all, as the campaign’s message reminds everyone, sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is simply pause, recharge, and unwind.
For over two decades, BlueWater Day Spa has remained one of the country’s leading wellness destinations, offering a wide range of treatments designed to help guests achieve relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall well-being.
While the classic pairing of buffalo and blue cheese has long been a favorite among chicken wing fans, Kenny Rogers Roasters is taking this legendary flavor duo to a whole new level. The brand is bringing the iconic combination of fiery heat, tangy zest, and rich, creamy goodness to its signature roast chicken and everyday meal offerings.
The best part? Flavor lovers don’t have to compromise on their health. Staying true to its “deliciously healthy” promise, Kenny Rogers Roasters provides certified nutrition facts for each menu item, giving guests complete transparency while indulging in every bite.
Fiery Heat Meets Creamy Cool
Designed to satisfy cravings of all sizes, the Buffalo Blue Cheese lineup delivers bold flavors with smart nutrition. Here’s a peek at what’s coming:
Buffalo Blue Cheese Whole Roast – The ultimate crowd-pleaser, Kenny Rogers Roasters’ signature roasted chicken gets a bold upgrade with a spicy buffalo marinade, perfectly paired with a rich and creamy blue cheese sauce. Ideal for sharing with family and friends, this showstopper delivers 73% of the recommended daily protein requirement.
Buffalo Blue Cheese Solo B – The perfect solo feast. This complete meal features the Buffalo Blue Cheese Roast served with rice, a signature muffin, and a choice of two side dishes. Providing 63% of the recommended daily protein requirement, it’s a filling and convenient option for everyday dining.
Buffalo Blue Cheese Burger – The newest heavyweight contender. This hearty burger features a 1/3-pound beef patty infused with buffalo flavors, topped with crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and creamy blue cheese, all served on a wheat bun. It also provides 59% of the recommended daily calcium requirement, proving that bold flavors can be just as nutritious.
Big Flavor, Zero Guilt
The launch of the Buffalo Blue Cheese lineup proves that indulgence and healthy eating can go hand in hand, giving diners a legendary meal without compromise.
“With the Buffalo Blue Cheese line, we wanted to take a flavor combination that people already recognize and give them more ways to enjoy it through the Kenny Rogers Roasters experience,” shared Frederick Siy, CEO and President. “Whether shared with family, enjoyed as a complete solo meal, or tried in burger form, the lineup delivers bold and satisfying flavors while staying true to our deliciously healthy promise, supported by verified nutrition facts.”
Flavor fans can officially sink their teeth into the Buffalo Blue Cheese Whole Roast, Solo B, and Burger starting July 20, 2026.
Newly crowned queens Bb. Pilipinas International 2026 Gwendoline Soriano, Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2026 Sasha Lacuna, 1st Runner-Up Julianne Antonio, and 2nd Runner-Up Tracy Sunio pose on stage during the Binibining Pilipinas 2026 Grand Coronation Night.
A new chapter in the Binibining Pilipinas legacy unfolded as the 62nd Binibining Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night crowned a new generation of queens before a packed Smart Araneta Coliseum, capping NUSTAR Online‘s successful first year as Official Presenter under its three-year partnership with Binibining Pilipinas.
Hosted by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, alongside fellow Binibining Pilipinas queens Nicole Cordoves, MJ Lastimosa, and returning host Miriam Quiambao, the evening celebrated the best of Filipina strength, beauty, and sisterhood. Performances by P-pop sensation ALAMAT, Kyle Echarri, and Jericho Rosales energized the audience, while reigning Miss International Catalina Duque of Colombia and The Miss Globe Chayathanus Saradatta of Thailand joined the celebration alongside the outgoing queens, who crowned their successors.
The evening culminated in the crowning of Gwendoline Meliz Soriano of Baguio as Binibining Pilipinas International 2026 and Sasha-Juli Belle Lacuna of Tarlac as Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2026, the next Filipina queens set to represent the Philippines on the international stage. Completing the new court were Julianne Raine Antonio of Dumaguete as First Runner-Up and Tracy Mae Sunio of Bacolod City as Second Runner-Up.
Among the night’s defining moments, Anne Klein Castro of Pampanga was named the inaugural NUSTAR Online Binibini, a special distinction recognizing the candidate who not only captured the hearts of fans through online engagement but also best embodied Beauty, Body, Personality (BBP)—the core pillars of NUSTAR Online. In recognition of her achievement, Castro received Php 250,000 in cash, an exclusive talent contract with NUSTAR Online worth Php 1,000,000, the official NUSTAR Online Binibini sash, and a bouquet of flowers.
The 62nd Binibining Pilipinas was judged by a distinguished panel of respected personalities, led by Senator Risa Hontiveros as Chairperson of the Board of Judges. The panel also included Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz, the first Filipina to win the Miss Universe crown, alongside other notable leaders from various industries.
NUSTAR Online Icon Jercy Cruz takes a photo at the NUSTAR Online Photo Vignette
As Official Presenter, NUSTAR Online elevated the Binibining Pilipinas experience through exclusive digital content, interactive online voting, nationwide campaigns, and immersive on-ground activations that brought fans closer to the pageant. Guests also enjoyed the NUSTAR Online Photo Booth, where they took home complimentary printed photo souvenirs, and the brand’s elegant Photo Vignette, which welcomed queens, personalities, and pageant fans for photo opportunities throughout the evening.
Reflecting on the successful partnership, NUSTAR Online Brand Manager Alexander Barcela expressed his gratitude to Binibining Pilipinas for the opportunity to become part of one of the country’s most enduring pageant institutions.
“We’re truly honored to have shared this milestone year with Binibining Pilipinas. This partnership has allowed us to celebrate Filipinas who embody Beauty, Body, Personality while bringing fans closer to the pageant through meaningful and innovative experiences. Congratulations to Anne Klein Castro, our first-ever NUSTAR Online Binibini. We look forward to seeing what she’ll accomplish as part of the brand. This is only the beginning, and we’re excited to create an even bigger and more memorable experience for Binibining Pilipinas in the coming years,” said Barcela.
As the newly crowned queens prepare to represent the Philippines on the international stage, NUSTAR Online proudly celebrates a remarkable first year with Binibining Pilipinas—one that honored a storied legacy, embraced innovation, and ushered in a new era where Beauty, Body, Personality continues to inspire every Filipina.
For more exclusive content, events, and premium lifestyle experiences, follow NUSTAR Online at @nustaronline.
Representatives of Landco Pacific Corporation, Landco Lifestyle Ventures, and John Hay Hotels join the Saleng Festival celebration, supporting the distribution of Benguet pine seedlings to promote environmental stewardship and community participation.
Advancing destination stewardship through conservation, community partnerships, and responsible hospitality
Landco Pacific Corporation and Landco Lifestyle Ventures (LLV), the hospitality and leisure real estate arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) Group, reinforced their commitment to environmental stewardship through John Hay Hotels by planting 300 trees and supporting the distribution of 500 Benguet pine seedlings in celebration of International Arbor Day and Baguio City’s annual Saleng Festival. These initiatives help preserve the natural heritage that has earned Baguio its distinction as the City of Pines.
“Sustainability is simply part of who Landco is. It’s ingrained in the company’s DNA. We don’t do it because it’s trendy. We do it because it’s the right thing to do,” said Erickson Y. Manzano, President and CEO of Landco Pacific and Landco Lifestyle Ventures.
“For us, taking care of the environment isn’t separate from the business—it’s how we build something that lasts. You can’t give guests a great experience if you’re not also taking care of the place they came to experience. When we protect what exists naturally and support the communities around us, we’re making sure these destinations remain worth visiting for decades to come,” Manzano added.
John Hay Hotels in Baguio City serves as the venue for Landco Pacific Corporation and Landco Lifestyle Ventures’ environmental and community initiatives in celebration of International Arbor Day and the Saleng Festival.
Through John Hay Hotels, Landco Pacific and LLV put this philosophy into practice in Baguio.
“Baguio is home to this hotel, so looking after it matters just as much as looking after our guests. Every tree we plant and every Benguet pine seedling we give away is an investment in Baguio’s future. If it inspires our employees, guests, and the community to think a little more about protecting this place—and to fall a little more in love with it—then we’ve done our job,” said Manzano.
These initiatives reflect Landco Pacific and LLV’s belief that caring for the destinations they develop and manage is an essential part of delivering meaningful hospitality, with John Hay Hotels serving as a model of how that philosophy translates into local action.
Stewarding the Country’s Premier Mountain Destination
At the heart of the celebration was “300 Trees, One Shared Mission,” a Landco Pacific and LLV-led tree-planting initiative carried out through John Hay Hotels. The program aims to restore green spaces while promoting environmental awareness and long-term ecological resilience.
Through John Hay Hotels, Landco Pacific and LLV also supported the distribution of Benguet pine seedlings at Malcolm Square, encouraging residents, visitors, and community stakeholders to help preserve the iconic tree species that has long defined Baguio’s landscape.
Benguet pine seedlings prepared for distribution as part of Landco Pacific Corporation and Landco Lifestyle Ventures’ efforts to encourage environmental conservation and help preserve Baguio City’s iconic pine trees.
Celebrating Local Culture Through Hospitality
Extending Landco Pacific and LLV’s destination stewardship philosophy into the guest experience, John Hay Hotels welcomed visitors with complimentary locally grown Benguet cabbages in their rooms. This thoughtful gesture supports local farmers, celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage, and offers guests a meaningful connection to the community beyond their stay.
The initiative builds on Landco Pacific and LLV’s continuing support—through John Hay Hotels—for homegrown enterprises, regional artisans, and local producers. Through previous collaborations such as Baguio Mountain Man, led by Chef Chavi Romawac, the hotel has showcased Cordillera-inspired cuisine while highlighting the work of local food artisans, farmers, and producers. John Hay Hotels has also featured locally sourced and handcrafted Kokomo Artisan Chocolate, introducing guests to the distinctive flavors and craftsmanship of the region.
Together, these initiatives reflect Landco Pacific and LLV’s belief that memorable hospitality extends beyond exceptional service to caring for the destinations they develop, celebrating local culture, and creating lasting value for the communities they serve.
Building a Legacy of Mountain Destination Stewardship
As a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) Group, chaired by Manuel V. Pangilinan, Landco advances the group’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments through responsible tourism, conservation, and community partnerships. Across its hospitality and leisure developments, including John Hay Hotels, the company continues to champion initiatives that create lasting value for local communities while helping preserve the destinations entrusted to its care.
Celebrating Nature, Community, and Heritage
International Arbor Day is observed worldwide to promote tree planting and environmental conservation. In Baguio City, it coincides with the annual Saleng Festival, a month-long celebration honoring the Benguet pine, the city’s forests and biodiversity, and the community’s shared commitment to protecting them.
If you think using Salmon feels good, it’s about to get even better.
Following the launch of its latest ad, where every swipe, tap, and money win earns comedian and host Sam YG an explosion of confetti, Salmon is bringing the celebration off-screen and into real life. The company introduces the Salmon Feels Good Raffle, offering over PHP 1 million worth of prizes to customers who use credit responsibly. The promo runs from July 15, 2026, to September 15, 2026.
The ad playfully showed that every financial win—big or small—deserves to be celebrated. Now, the raffle brings that message to life. Every qualifying transaction with Salmon becomes a ticket toward something truly confetti-worthy.
More Reasons to Celebrate
The Salmon Feels Good Raffle puts over PHP 1 million worth of prizes on the table—all for doing what responsible Salmon customers already do: using credit wisely and keeping their accounts in good standing.
Prize
Quantity
Value
Grand Cash Prize
2 winners
PHP 500,000 each
iPhone 17 (256GB)
4 units
—
E-wallet Vouchers
24 winners
PHP 10,000–PHP 20,000 each
To join the raffle, customers simply need to register at salmon.ph/feelsgood and keep their accounts in good standing with no overdue payments.
How to Earn More Entries
Participants can stack raffle entries by doing what Salmon is designed to help them do—reach their financial goals.
New customers can earn raffle entries by completing any of the following:
Activate a Salmon Credit Line and make a first card purchase of at least PHP 500
Take out a Salmon Product Loan or Moto Loan
Refer friends through the Salmon app
Existing customers can also earn entries by:
Spending at least PHP 500 using their Salmon Credit Line
Repaying their Salmon Product Loan or Moto Loan on time
Referring friends through the Salmon app
The more responsibly customers use Salmon, the more raffle entries they earn—and the greater their chances of taking home a PHP 500,000 cash prize or a brand-new iPhone 17.
A Little Extra on the Side: McDonald’s Rewards
The celebration doesn’t stop with the raffle. As part of the Salmon Feels Good campaign, eligible Salmon Credit Line and Product Loan customers will receive exclusive McDonald’s rewards, redeemable directly through the Salmon app. Because when your finances feel good, even merienda hits different.
The Salmon Feels Good Raffle is just one more reason to feel good about the way you manage your money. Don’t miss your chance to take home these exciting prizes. Register now at salmon.ph/feelsgood.
The Salmon Credit Line, Product Loan, and Moto Loan are offered by Salmon Finance Inc., a licensed financing company regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under CA No. 1241 and CR No. CS201916698. Salmon Finance, powered by the Salmon app, serves as its registered online lending platform.
Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-260680, Series of 2026.
Sustainability Champions. The Aboitiz Foods team onstage at the Content Marketing Awards Asia Pacific 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, celebrating the everymeal campaign’s recognition as the Bronze Award winner for Best Content Campaign for Sustainability. From L-R: Jas Li Hooi Gooh, Assistant Vice President for Purchasing - Malaysia and Brunei; Anna Gail Carreon-Lubrico, Communications Manager, and Carla Camille Marcaida, Brand & Communications Specialist.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — Aboitiz Foods’ flagship sustainability campaign, everymeal, earned the Bronze Award for Best Content Campaign for Sustainability at the inaugural Content Marketing Awards Asia Pacific 2026, presented by NEXT Awards.
The campaign was recognized alongside top regional entries from major organizations, including RHB Bank Malaysia, PT Telkomsel, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Sentosa Development Corporation.
The recognition highlights Aboitiz Foods’ commitment to making sustainability more visible, relatable, and easier to understand across the food value chain.
Making sustainability more accessible
Aboitiz Foods developed everymeal to address a clear communications gap. While sustainability initiatives were already being implemented across its businesses through Pilmico and Gold Coin, many of these stories remained technical, fragmented, or largely untold.
“The everymeal campaign was created to help more people understand that sustainability is not limited to environmental initiatives,” said Joeben Gamatero II, Aboitiz Foods Vice President for Agribusiness Marketing and Brand & Reputation Management. “It is also reflected in how we improve our processes, support communities, use resources responsibly, and strengthen the food value chain.”
The campaign brought sustainability stories together under one cohesive narrative centered on food, using story-driven content to show how sustainability comes to life across the value chain—from responsible sourcing and improved formulations to safer production, animal welfare, community partnerships, and operational improvements.
This approach has helped make sustainability more visible and easier to understand across the region. In 2025 alone, everymeal generated more than 32 million online impressions, featured stories aligned with 13 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and received more than 70 story submissions from team members across Brunei, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
These contributions represented different areas of the business, including production, supply chain, corporate social responsibility, human resources, and quality assurance.
Aboitiz Foods’ everymeal campaign highlights sustainability initiatives across the food value chain, showcasing stories of responsible sourcing, community partnerships, renewable energy, environmental stewardship, and other efforts aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Recognizing progress while continuing the journey
The award marks an important milestone for Aboitiz Foods, but the company recognizes that its sustainability journey is far from over.
Aboitiz Foods Chief Risk Officer Annacel Natividad said, “This recognition affirms our commitment to integrating responsible practices across our operations while reminding us that sustainability is a journey of continuous improvement. Through everymeal, we are able to share our progress, inspire meaningful change, and encourage our team members to take an active role in our sustainability story.”
As Aboitiz Foods continues to advance its sustainability initiatives, everymeal will remain a key platform for showcasing the people, partnerships, and practical actions that help sustainably feed Asia’s growth—from mill to meal.
A side-by-side look at minimalist and maximalist living room designs highlights how contrasting styles can create equally functional and inviting condominium spaces.
For today’s urban homeowners, interior design has become more than a matter of aesthetics. It is increasingly a reflection of lifestyle, personality, and even daily habits. In compact city homes, where every square meter matters, the way a space is designed influences not only how it looks but also how it feels and functions.
Across social media and modern residential spaces, two dominant styles continue to shape contemporary condo living: minimalism and maximalism. While one embraces simplicity and restraint, the other celebrates personality, layering, and self-expression. Despite their differences, both styles share one common goal: creating a home that feels intentional and deeply personal.
This growing desire for customization reflects how Filipinos now view urban living. Homebuyers are increasingly seeking residences that go beyond accessibility and amenities to support their evolving lifestyles.
1. Start With Function Before Aesthetics
A thoughtfully designed bedroom blends comfort, organization, and personal style, demonstrating how curated interiors can elevate everyday condo living.
The most successful interiors begin with purpose. Before choosing décor or furniture, homeowners should first consider how they intend to use the space every day.
Minimalist homes often prioritize efficiency and openness, favoring multifunctional furniture and clutter-free layouts. Maximalist interiors, meanwhile, can remain just as functional by organizing collections, thoughtfully defining different areas, and ensuring each piece contributes to the overall story of the space.
In condominium living, where space optimization is essential, intentional design choices create homes that are both practical and visually appealing.
2. Let Color Shape the Mood
Minimalist interiors typically rely on neutral palettes such as white, beige, soft gray, and earth tones to create a calming, timeless environment. These colors can also make smaller spaces feel brighter and more spacious.
Maximalist spaces, on the other hand, embrace bold color combinations, dramatic contrasts, and vibrant accents that inject personality into the home. Rich jewel tones, statement wallpapers, and artistic finishes can transform even compact condos into visually dynamic spaces.
The key is consistency—choosing a color palette that reflects the atmosphere homeowners want to experience every day.
3. Invest in Pieces That Reflect Your Personality
Whether minimalist or maximalist, every home benefits from pieces that tell a story.
Minimalist styling often features fewer but more intentional furniture and décor selections, allowing craftsmanship and quality materials to take center stage. A sculptural chair, a textured rug, or a single statement artwork can define an entire room.
Maximalist interiors thrive on thoughtful curation, combining books, travel finds, artwork, and layered décor to create spaces rich in character and individuality.
Personalization has become central to modern condo living, especially among younger homeowners who want homes that feel authentic rather than generic.
4. Use Lighting to Transform Small Spaces
An open-concept living and dining area showcases the balance of warmth, functionality, and contemporary design in a modern condominium home.
Natural light enhances minimalist interiors by emphasizing openness and simplicity. Sheer curtains, reflective surfaces, and warm ambient lighting help create a serene and airy atmosphere.
For maximalist interiors, layered lighting—from pendant fixtures to accent lamps—adds depth, drama, and dimension. Strategic lighting can highlight artwork, textures, and focal points while making spaces feel more immersive and expressive.
Good lighting does more than illuminate a room; it shapes how a home is experienced.
5. Embrace Smart Storage Solutions
Minimalist spaces often conceal storage through built-in features, hidden compartments, and streamlined cabinetry that maintain a clean, uncluttered look.
Maximalist homes also benefit from organized storage systems that allow collections and decorative pieces to feel curated rather than cluttered. Open shelving, display cabinets, and vertical storage solutions help balance visual richness with everyday functionality.
As urban living continues to prioritize efficiency, smart storage remains essential regardless of design preference.
6. Design for Flexibility and Growth
A minimalist home may gradually incorporate warmer textures and layered elements over time, while a maximalist interior may evolve into a more refined visual direction as tastes change. The best-designed condos are those that can adapt to changing lifestyles without requiring a complete redesign.
Modern residential developments are increasingly responding to this shift by creating spaces that encourage customization, flexibility, and contemporary urban living.
A dedicated home workspace illustrates how flexible condominium layouts can support productivity while maintaining comfort and style.
A Home That Reflects Modern Living
At its core, interior design is not about following trends—it is about creating a home that supports the way people want to live. Whether defined by minimalist restraint or maximalist expression, thoughtfully designed condominium spaces provide comfort, functionality, and a stronger sense of personal identity.
As more Filipinos embrace urban living, the modern condo is evolving beyond simply being a place to live. It has become a canvas for self-expression, lifestyle aspirations, and everyday experiences.
For developers like SMDC, this evolution reflects a deeper understanding of what today’s homeowners value most: homes that are not only strategically located and thoughtfully designed but also adaptable to the lifestyles, ambitions, and individuality of the people who live in them. Through thoughtfully planned developments, SMDC continues to create communities that prioritize flexibility, comfort, and modern city living.
Want to learn more? Contact the SMDC Sales Hotline at 0917-777-7633.
Guests unwind on the shores of Pico Beach, enjoying quality time with family while taking in the scenic coastal views at Pico Sands Hotel's Pico de Loro Cove in Nasugbu, Batangas.
In today’s always-on world, slipping away midweek feels less like a luxury and more like a necessity. At Pico Sands Hotel, guests can embrace a slower rhythm with Cloud Nine Stays, a weekday escape designed for rest, relaxation, and meaningful connection.
This limited-time offer transforms ordinary weekdays into restorative breaks by the coast. Nestled within the scenic landscapes of Pico de Loro Cove, Pico Sands Hotel offers a tranquil setting for uncomplicated moments. Start the day with mountain views, ease into unhurried mornings, or spend time indoors when the weather shifts. Picture afternoons by the pool or along the shore, followed by evenings spent in comfortable spaces with loved ones. For families and groups of friends, each day unfolds effortlessly, with the perfect balance of activity and relaxation.
With rates starting at PHP 7,560 per night in a Standard Mountain View Room, Cloud Nine Stays combines value and comfort, complemented by practical perks that enhance every stay. Guests also enjoy access to the Country Club facilities and Pico Beach, where they can choose from a variety of experiences, including spa treatments, fitness classes, games, and recreational sports—all within a destination known for its family-friendly leisure offerings.
Guests can also enjoy accommodation privileges, including early check-in from 11:00 AM and late check-out until 2:00 PM, both subject to availability, giving them more time to settle in and make the most of their getaway. The offer invites travelers to step away from routine and rediscover the charm of a peaceful retreat.
Cloud Nine Stays is available for bookings made until 28 September 2026, for stays from 1 July to 17 December 2026.
Ready to #EscapeTheOrdinary? Book directly through www.picosandshotel.com to enjoy the best available rates.
QUEZON CITY — A landmark legislative measure is being pushed in the House of Representatives to provide comprehensive legal protection, fair compensation, and benefits such as hazard pay and night shift differential to approximately 1.5 million Filipino freelance workers nationwide.
Under House Bill No. 17, also known as the Freelance Workers Protection Act, filed by Cong. Martin Romualdez, the proposed measure seeks to address the long-standing challenges faced by freelancers, many of whom experience underpayment or non-payment due to the absence of formal written contracts.
According to Romualdez, the initiative aims to formally recognize the significant contribution of the freelancing sector to the Philippine economy while protecting workers from exploitation. Currently, many freelancers operate without adequate legal safeguards, leaving them vulnerable to unpaid compensation and other unfair labor practices.
“It is high time we put teeth into the law to protect our freelancers. They are not just alternative workers; they are one of the primary pillars of our modern economy, and they rightfully deserve adequate legal protection and fair compensation,” Romualdez said.
One of the bill’s key provisions requires a written contract before any work engagement between a freelancer and a client can begin. It also mandates that clients provide an upfront payment of at least 30% of the total contract value to ensure their commitment and help protect freelancers from payment defaults.
Beyond requiring formal agreements, the bill also grants freelancers key labor benefits, including a night shift differential for those working during late hours and hazard pay for assignments that expose them to significant health or safety risks.
To ensure compliance, the proposed measure imposes substantial penalties and fines on clients and employers who violate its provisions. The bill is expected to help create a safer, fairer, and more secure environment for the country’s growing freelance workforce.
