Continuing its commitment to uplifting the local community, Solaire Resort Quezon City visited Quezon City University (QCU) as part of its ongoing support for the Solaire Hospitality Academy. The visit brought together leaders from Solaire Resort Quezon City, QCU, Solaire Cares, and Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc., along with the local urban farmers, for a meaningful day celebrating urban agriculture, Filipino cuisine, and hospitality education.
Led by Solaire Resort Quezon City Chief Operating Officer Damian Quayle and QCU President Dr. Theresita V. Atienza, together with executives from both institutions, the visit included a tour of the University’s Center for Urban Agriculture and Innovation, where guests learned about the university’s urban farming initiatives and the role they play in promoting food sustainability within the city.
The day’s activities culminated in a live cooking demonstration by Manyaman Chef de Cuisine Jeffrey Fong and Sous Chef Arnel Velasquez, who transformed freshly harvested produce from the Quezon City urban farmers into traditional Filipino dishes. Participants later gathered over a communal meal, celebrating the richness of locally grown ingredients and the shared value of supporting homegrown communities. As part of this collaboration, Solaire Resort Quezon City hopes to eventually feature produce from the urban farmers as key ingredients in a signature dish at Manyaman, further highlighting the quality of locally sourced ingredients while creating meaningful opportunities for the community.
Beyond celebrating urban agriculture, the visit also reinforced the growing partnership between Solaire Resort Quezon City and Quezon City University through the continued development of the Solaire Hospitality Academy. The delegation toured the academy’s future training facilities, which are being prepared as dedicated learning spaces designed to foster hands-on learning, critical thinking, and industry-ready hospitality training.
Also present during the visit was Senior Vice President for Talent Management Haresh Chainani, who shared the vision behind the partnership with Quezon City University. In his remarks, he recalled Solaire’s commitment to Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte to create meaningful employment opportunities for city residents. Beyond providing jobs, he emphasized the importance of equipping aspiring hospitality professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to build successful careers in the industry. This shared vision led to the establishment of the Solaire Hospitality Academy, which is set to welcome its first batch of students soon.
Launched in April 2026 through a partnership between Solaire Resort Quezon City and the Quezon City Government, the Solaire Hospitality Academy was established to provide a dedicated hospitality training program for the local community. Its curriculum focuses on food and beverage service, culinary arts, housekeeping, and guest services, preparing students to meet the operational standards of a world-class integrated resort while expanding employment opportunities for Quezon City residents.
The initiative reflects the shared commitment of Solaire Resort Quezon City, the Quezon City Government, Quezon City University, Solaire Cares, and Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. to bridge education, sustainability, and livelihood creating opportunities that empower local communities and help build a more future-ready Quezon City.