Summer doesn’t always come with time off. For many, it looks like regular workdays, back-to-back tasks, and squeezing in mini breaks where you can. But even without a getaway, there are still many other ways to feel the season.

 

If your days are spent working through the heat, those in-between moments start to matter more: a quick pause, something cold to recharge, or a meal you don’t have to think too much about. It’s not about taking time off, but finding small pockets of ease within the day.

 

With the launch of its first hotel in Seoul, South Korea, HOP INN Hotel, a well-known affordable hotel chain with more than 80 locations in Thailand, the Philippines, and Japan, increases its footprint in the Asia Pacific.

(From L-R) Ms. Noppatsorn Phatiwutthipat, Vice President of Business Development; Mr. Apichan Mapaisansin, Executive Vice President of Project Development, Property Renovation, and Operating Maintenance; Ms. Pichanun Boonpromgul, President of HOP INN Hotel Public Company Limited; Mr. Kirill Mokronosov, Senior Vice President of International Operations; Mr. Park Sungsu, HOP INN Seoul Myeongdong Hotel Manager

Last February 25, I had the opportunity to attend the TikTok Davao Fashion Creators Connect, a TikTok Shop Creators Masterclass held at Mr. & Mrs. B. The event gathered content creators, aspiring TikTok affiliates, and industry experts to share strategies on how to create engaging content that not only entertains viewers but also drives real consumer action. It was an insightful learning experience where creators like me were given practical tools and strategies to grow in the world of TikTok Shop and affiliate marketing.

 

Learning from the TikTok Shop Creatos Masterclass

 

The masterclass focused on helping creators improve their content strategies and maximize the tools available in TikTok. From content creation tips to product selection strategies, the discussions offered valuable insights for creators who want to grow their presence and increase sales through TikTok Shop.

 

One of the highlights of the event was learning how creators can stay ahead of the game in the world of UGC (User-Generated Content).

 

Jeanina Gualbereto, TikTok Shop Representative

How to Stay Ahead as a Content Creator (UGC)

The National Arts Month opening ceremony in Davao was graced by (L-R) Alcantara Foundation Executive Director Ryan Vidanes, NCCA Project Officer Corrinah Olazo, Davao City Office for Culture and the Arts Division Head Oscar Casaysay, Councilor Atty. Petite Principe, Alsons Dev Vice President and General Manager Jolla A. Soriaga, NCCA Commissioner of the Sub-commission for Culture and the Arts Dr. Lordinio A. Vergara, Councilor Al Ryan S. Alejandre, Davao City Tourism Operations Officer In Charge Willento Tormis Jr., NCCA National Head of the Committee on Visual Arts Al-Nezzar B. Ali, and NCCA National Executive Member of the Committee on Visual Arts Abraham A. Garcia Jr. 

Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev), a leading real estate development firm in Davao City, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing culture and the arts as part of community development by serving as a strategic partner for the Davao leg of the National Arts Month, held February 20-21, 2026.

 

The celebration was organized in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc., bringing together public and private stakeholders in support of local arts and culture.

 

The opening ceremony at Rizal Park featured performances by the students under DepEd’s Special Program for the Arts (SPA), highlighting the region’s emerging artistic talents. In the afternoon, the Davao Choreographers Forum brought together local dance practitioners for a session of learning and exchanging ideas. The day concluded with a concert by the Kaliwat Performing Arts Collective entitled Ang Yuta, ang Tawo ug ang Kalinaw (Ang Bayan, ang Tao, at ang Kapayapaan).