Tela Tales: Weaving Stories of Sustainability

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Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod and SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC) launched Tela Tales Visayas in the cities of Bacolod and Iloilo recently.

This groundbreaking initiative aims to empower local communities and promote sustainable practices through the upcycling of discarded linens and fabrics from Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod and Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo, as well as other SMHCC hotels and properties.

Tela Tales Visayas is a pioneering project designed to empower local artisans and provide them with sustainable livelihood opportunities.

In Bacolod, the initiative collaborates with Negrense Volunteers for Change (NVC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to community development and environmental sustainability.

NVC’s advocacy aligns seamlessly with SMHCC, as both are dedicated to empowering marginalized communities and promoting sustainable practices.

Reljun Oloroso, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod’s Human Resource director and sustainability champion; Ria Lacson Avinante, NVC Foundation’s manager for Artisans of Hope; and Leah Magallanes, vice president for Sustainability and Quality Assurance at SMHCC (l-r) at the Tela Tales launching.

This partnership, along with Artisans of Hope, aims to support NVC’s projects and contribute to their mission of creating a more equitable and sustainable future.

The finished products will be showcased and available for purchase at Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod and Iloilo. This provides an avenue for the artisans to generate income, with the proceeds directly benefiting NVC’s charity programs, such as the Mingo Meals Nutrition Program.

More than just recycling

Tela Tales is more than just a recycling program; it’s a story of transformation.

Launched in partnership with renowned social entrepreneur Zarah Juan, this initiative breathes new life into condemned linens from SM hotel properties.

At the Negrense Volunteers for Change workshop center
Millie Kilayko, founding president and chief executive officer of NVC Foundation

Inspired by the belief of “Transforming lives, one textile at a time”, Tela Tales creates a circular economy while uplifting communities.

By empowering individuals with new skills, the program aims to improve socioeconomic conditions in areas surrounding SM hotels.

Used linens are given a second chance as they are transformed into stylish and sustainable products and bags. These fashionable accessories are not only eco-friendly but also provide a source of livelihood for women in the community.

Open for pre-orders

Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod said Nov. 10 that preorders for decorative ornaments and stylish and sustainable products are now being accepted. “With creativity and ingenuity, we’re not just making art… we’re making a difference. Worn-out bedsheets, once destined for the landfill, are transformed by NVC’s Artisans of Hope into beautiful decorative ornaments, while repurposed Nespresso pods add a unique, sustainable touch.”

Nian Liwanag-Rigor, assistant vice president of Public Relations of SMHCC, and Bacolod City Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office head Frances Mae Llamas (5th and 4th from left) with other guests at the launching of Tela Tales
SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. assistant vice president of Public Relations Nian Liwanag-Rigor and Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod chef Fines Dungca

For orders and inquiries, those interested may contact 034 706-8888 or 0917-822-1558, or email frontdesk.bacolod@parkinn.com.

Sustainable five-course lunch

In conjunction with the Tela Tales launch, Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod also hosted a special event featuring a sustainable five-course lunch prepared by their culinary team, led by executive chef Fines Dungca.

The lunch showcased the hotel’s commitment to sustainable dining practices, emphasizing local sourcing, reduced meat consumption, and minimal waste.

The event also highlighted the hotel’s participation in the SMHCC’s Sustainable Diner program, “Plate for the Planet”. This program demonstrates the company’s dedication to the circular economy by repurposing food waste into compost and producing locally-grown vegetables, herbs, and fruits for use in the hotel’s culinary operations. | Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod photos