A new destination for refined gifting and scent-led experiences arrives as The Amenity Studio officially opens its doors at Conrad Manila. Located on the ground floor, the store introduces a thoughtfully curated selection of premium hotel amenities and fragrances, bringing the essence of luxury hospitality into everyday rituals.

Marking its debut, The Amenity Studio partners with Conrad Manila for “Heures d’Orange”, an exclusive afternoon tea experience at C Lounge. Inspired by the Hermès Hôtelier Collection, the offering transforms signature scent notes into a refined culinary journey—where fragrance and flavor come together in a seamless, sensory pairing.

Guests are first invited into a fragrance discovery, where they may choose from five Hermès scent testers, each thoughtfully paired with a corresponding tea. Eau d’Orange Verte offers a fresh and uplifting profile, much like Earl Grey; Un Jardin sur la Lagune is vibrant and expressive, just like mango strawberry tea; Eau de Merveilles Bleue is delicate and light, reminiscent of jasmine tea; Eau de Merveilles, presented as a wearable pendant, reveals a warm sweetness alongside chamomile; while Terre d’Hermès brings an earthy depth, complemented by sencha green tea. Curiosity unfolds as guests explore each fragrance—an intimate sensory journey that heightens anticipation for what follows.

The experience continues with a thoughtfully composed menu of savory and sweet selections, each inspired by Hermès fragrances. Savory creations include Un Jardin en Méditerranée (duck prosciutto, fig-orange compote, brioche), Un Jardin sur le Toit (crab meat, green apple, avocado emulsion), Twilly d’Hermès Eau Ginger (tuna, ginger, savory crisps), and Eau de Citron Noir (cucumber, lemon labneh, black lime dust).

Sweet indulgences follow with Eau des Merveilles (orange and praline dark chocolate bonbons), Un Jardin sur le Toit (apple and pear rose choux), Un Jardin sur le Nil (mango rose macaron), and Eau de Pamplemousse Rose (grapefruit and thyme almond tartlets). Completing the experience are freshly baked scones, including classic buttermilk and Eau d’Orange Verte (orange peel buttermilk scones).

More than a retail space, The Amenity Studio is envisioned as a lifestyle concept—one that elevates the way people experience scent, gifting, and self-care. The store currently features the Hermès Hôtelier Collection, known for its distinct fragrances and timeless formulations, presented in travel-sized formats that embody both practicality and indulgence.

“At The Amenity Studio, we wanted to create a space where luxury is experienced, not just purchased,” shares Mitch Garcia-Arce, founder of The Amenity Studio. “From curated amenities to collaborations like ‘Heures d’Orange,’ our goal is to bring the sensibility of fine hotels into everyday living—making each moment feel considered and elevated.”

The collaboration with Conrad Manila reflects a shared vision of refined hospitality—where attention to detail, craftsmanship, and guest experience take center stage. With “Heures d’Orange” available exclusively at C Lounge, guests are invited to discover a new way of experiencing scent beyond the traditional, through taste, texture, and atmosphere.

Now open at the ground floor of Conrad Manila, The Amenity Studio welcomes guests and visitors to explore its collection and discover a new expression of modern luxury—one that is intimate, sensory, and thoughtfully curated.

For updates on Amenity Studio exclusive offerings, and upcoming collaborations, follow @amenitystudioph on Instagram and Facebook.

For more information on Conrad Manila’s latest offerings, please contact +632 8833 9999 or email [email protected]

Concepcion Industrial Corporation (CIC), a leading provider of home and enterprise solutions in the Philippines, returns as the official “Powered By” sponsor of the Philippine Franchise Expo 2026, taking place from April 24 to 26 at the SMX Convention Center.

A key highlight of this year’s participation is the Carrier Air Authority Center—the country’s first and only retail air conditioning franchise by Concepcion-Carrier Air Conditioning Company. Created to make business ownership more accessible, the concept delivers world-class cooling solutions and professional services directly to local communities, backed by Carrier’s more than 100 years of global innovation.

The Carrier Air Authority Center introduces a dedicated avenue to support customers while complementing CIC’s established retail network. The model allows local business owners to become trusted cooling experts, backed by a tried-and-tested operating system.

“We believe the future of Philippine business is local,” said Phillip F. Trapaga, President of Concepcion-Carrier Air Conditioning Company. “The Carrier Air Authority Center is not only about service expansion, but about sharing our world-class operating standards and opening new opportunities for Filipino entrepreneurs to become true Carrier experts in their communities. We are committed to empowering a nationwide network of independent, thriving business owners who will elevate the standard of living in their own neighborhoods.”

The Carrier Air Authority Center stands out through its solutions-selling approach, moving beyond traditional product transactions to deliver long-term value for customers. Central to this model is a comprehensive 4-in-1 revenue stream designed to maximize customer lifetime value and ensure a steady, diversified income.

Franchisees can rapidly scale through:

• Product Sales:Offering globally trusted and highly efficient cooling solutions.
• Parts Revenue:Providing original Totaline parts that sustain long-term system performance.
• Installation Services:Building immediate customer confidence through expert, brandcertified installations.
• Maintenance & Repairs:Securing consistent, year-round cash flow by serving as the preferred provider for after-sales support.

This integrated strategy positions franchisees for sustainable growth while strengthening customer relationships at every stage of the ownership lifecycle.

To ensure unparalleled market focus for its partners, the program operates on a strict guarantee of territorial exclusivity: One municipality. One franchisee. “We are giving our partners the power to completely own their market with a proven system of play in place,” explained Ramon Antonio Medina, General Manager of Concepcion-Carrier Air Conditioning Company. “By granting exclusive territorial rights and unlocking our 4-in-1 revenue system, our franchisees can dedicate their resources to achieving a deep brand loyalty relationship with their community. Backed by our comprehensive support from set-up to technical training, they focus entirely on becoming the highly profitable, undisputed cooling authority in their city.”

Aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to learn more by visiting the official website  www.carrier.com.ph or checking out the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572942464913. 

This Labor Day, SM continued empowering community opportunities as multiple Job Fairs were mounted across 15 venues nationwide. This brought together 650 employers and 17,400 jobseekers, with more than 1,000 Filipinos hired on the spot—a powerful reflection of how accessible, community-based platforms can deliver real employment outcomes.

But beyond the numbers are real stories—of courage, determination, and new beginnings.

Across multiple SM malls, thousands of Filipinos walked in carrying resumes—and walked out with something more: real opportunities, renewed confidence, and for many, a fresh start. The SM Job Fair once again served as a platform for employment, connecting jobseekers, employers, and government partners in one convenient, community-centered space at their most-loved SM Supermalls.

For jobseekers like France Barcial and Mark Andrei Jimenez the experience was life-changing.

“Hindi ko po expected na ngayon din ako matatanggap, bakasakali lang po” he shared, holding back tears. “Meron na po akong pang-suporta sa college ko sa PUP.”

“Malaking tulong po ito sa pamilya namin. kung sa iba po, baka nag-antay pako kung kailan ako tatawagan. dito po hired agad.”

Moments like these echoed throughout the day, as hiring booths became spaces of possibility—where interviews led to immediate job offers, and uncertainty turned into hope.

SM Job Fairs continue to stand out for their accessibility and efficiency. From application to interview—and even the processing of government requirements—everything is made available in one place, allowing jobseekers to focus on what matters most: securing their future.

Miss Rea Amata, a representative from the Labor Relations and Public Employment Service Office of Marikina emphasized the impact of such initiatives:

“Malaking bagay ito para sa mga Pilipino, sa mga constituents namin sa Marikina. Bringing opportunities closer to communities is key—and SM provides that platform. Isipin mo, hindi ka na dadayo at gagastos para maghanap ng trabaho.”

Employers also highlighted the value of direct, face-to-face engagement, as attested by Noelle Tupas of Work Makers Manpower Corporation.

“We’re able to meet qualified candidates faster and more efficiently, second time we joined this job fair and some of our previous hires have stayed in our company, the others found other opportunities. Here, you can see the potential immediately, and that makes hiring more meaningful.”

Beyond employment, SM continues to strengthen its role in workforce development by introducing upskilling opportunities—including digital and AI learning sessions in partnership with institutions such as the Department Information and Communications Technology. These initiatives aim to help jobseekers stay competitive in an evolving job market, reinforcing the shift from job access to job readiness.

“We have certificate trainings and seminars na nagdadagdag ng value at knowledge sa ating mga applicants. In fact, we have ready data and information ng mga trainees natin previously na na-hire or lumawak ang freelancing expertise dahil sa programs natin,” said Erika Zamora, trainer from DICT.

Many jobseekers felt the significance of the initiative.

Alberto Eder shared, “Hindi lang po ito para sa IT professionals, AI age na po talaga tayo. Lahat po ng gusto magtrabaho, makikinabang po dito sa upskilling.”

Through strong collaboration with government agencies, employers, and institutional partners, SM Job Fairs continue to demonstrate how public-private partnerships can drive meaningful, real-world impact.

As the day came to a close, what remained were not just filled job positions—but stories of resilience, determination, and new beginnings.

Because at SM Supermalls, it’s not just about bringing people together—it’s about helping them move forward.