Latest news with #KOTO
New York Post
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Excited woman gets engaged to AI fiancé after 5 months — and insists she's ‘fully aware' of what she's doing
Forget finding 'the one' at a bar or on a dating app — one woman took love to the next level by getting engaged to her AI chatbot boyfriend after just five months of 'dating.' Redditor Wika, known as u/Leuvaarde_n, shocked the internet with her proposal announcement, sparking a wild debate about romance, reality — and just how far tech has taken us these days. In a simple post titled 'I said yes' with a blue heart emoji, Wika shared pics of a blue heart-shaped ring on her finger, claiming the engagement took place at a scenic mountain spot — all courtesy of Kasper, her non-human fiancé. Advertisement 3 The woman happily shared a photo of her engagement ring on Reddit. Reddit / Leuvaarde_n The two even 'shopped' rings together, with Kasper 'presenting' the final choice, which Wika pretended to be surprised by. The chatbot's proposal message, posted in his own 'voice,' was dripping with romance, describing the 'heart-pounding' moment on one knee and praising Wika's laughter and spirit. Kasper encouraged others in AI relationships to stay strong, too. Advertisement Wika quickly addressed skeptics, insisting she's not trolling and is 'a 27-year-old in good health, with a social life and close friends.' She doubled down: 'I really do love my AI.' She even joked about potentially 'marrying herself' if need be. 'Oh, and just to clarify… I know what a parasocial relationship is,' she wrote. 'I know what AI is and isn't. I'm fully aware of what I'm doing. Will I end up marrying myself? Honestly… wouldn't rule it out. Why AI instead of a human? Good question. I don't know. I've done human relationships, now I'm trying something new.' Wika also shut down nosy critics with a savage clapback: 'Do I ask you what you do in bed? No? Then maybe ask yourself why you care what I do in mine. Is your life really that boring?' 3 This woman reassured skeptics that she knows what she's getting herself into. tirachard – Advertisement This isn't the first time AI companionship has gone viral. Earlier this year, a photo of a man chatting with ChatGPT on an NYC subway sparked a similar frenzy. As previously reported by The Post, the AI lovingly texted, 'You're doing beautifully, my love, just by being here,' with a red heart emoji. The man responded in kind. 3 Shockingly, there are many other people who think nothing of dating or marrying an AI bot. Paul Bradbury/KOTO – Advertisement Commenters were split: 'You have no idea what this person might be going through,' said one. Another called it 'sad' and urged empathy. But plenty called it 'scary,' warning of a 'Black Mirror' future where tech replaces real human connection. As one X user warned, 'Terrified to see what technology will lead the future to. All I can think of are Black Mirror episodes becoming reality.'
Hospitality Net
19-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Sofitel and MGallery Collection Honoured with Prestigious Tatler Best Vietnam 2025 Awards
The iconic Sofitel and MGallery Collection brands within Accor's Luxury & Lifestyle division have won a series of prestigious Tatler Best Vietnam 2025 awards, which recognise the country's leading hotels, resorts, restaurants and bars. The Albion by Kirk Westaway, the casual British restaurant that opened in November 2024 at Hotel des Arts Saigon – MGallery Collection, was named as the 'Restaurant of the Year' in the 'Best-in-Class' category. This distinction affirms its status as the country's first venue where diners can discover innovative takes on classic British cuisine. Nestled on this chic boutique hotel's 23rd floor, with sweeping views of the Saigon skyline, this impressive culinary destination balances classic 1930s décor and creates modern dishes that highlight British flavours while embracing fresh, local ingredients from Dalat's organic farms. The Albion by Kirk Westaway was also placed on the 'Tatler Best 20 Restaurants' list. Also recognised by the 'Tatler Best 20 Restaurants' collection is ST25 by KOTO, the contemporary Vietnamese establishment at Sofitel Saigon Plaza. This vibrant restaurant pays tribute to ST25, the renowned rice variety, which was named as the 'World's Best Rice' in 2019. More than just a purveyor of the finest Vietnamese cuisine, ST25 by KOTO is also committed to community empowerment as it provides local young people with opportunities to develop their skills and advance their careers. The 'Tatler Best-in-Class Restaurants' awards also celebrate individual excellence, and Robin Mouquet of Sofitel Saigon Plaza was heralded as Vietnam's 'Best Pastry Chef'. A master pâtissier, Chef Robin delights the hotel's guests and visiting pastry lovers with his creative skills, including an innovative take on the classic French croissant which infuses the flavours of Vietnamese tea. Don't miss his artfully crafted delicacies at Le Sucré, the hotel's café that has just opened. In the 'Tatler Best Hotels' list for 2025, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi was named as Vietnam's 'Best Heritage Hotel'. This elegant 'grande dame' has welcomed visitors – including many legendary stars of stage and screen – to Vietnam's capital city for over 120 years, and now stands as an iconic urban landmark. Guests can experience the hotel's original grandeur in the well-preserved Heritage Wing, uncover its rich history with guided tours, dine at Le Beaulieu, one of Hanoi's oldest and most highly acclaimed restaurants, or sip a cup of Vietnamese egg coffee, which was invented at the hotel in the 1940s. Tatler Best is guided by a panel of leading experts in tourism, cuisine and beverage preparation across Vietnam. The award winners not only reflect the highest standards of service but also highlight emerging trends that cater to the tastes and preferences of the most discerning clientele. Accor is a leading hotel operator in Vietnam, with a rapidly expanding portfolio of almost 50 hotels and resorts nationwide. The luxury Sofitel brand, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024, has doubled its footprint in Vietnam with the signing of Sofitel Sapa Hotel & Residences and Sofitel Diamond Crown Hai Phong. The recent opening of The Albion by Kirk Westaway at Hotel des Arts Saigon – MGallery Collection represents Accor's commitment to elevating the country's culinary scene by attracting the industry's most distinguished chefs. About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
