As Simbang Gabi Starts, Jollibee Launches “Buo ang Saya ng Pasko” Holiday Campaign

 

Jollibee is celebrating the Christmas season with its biggest holiday campaign yet as Filipinos across the country welcome the start of Simbang Gabi with back-to-back treats. The “Buo ang Saya ng Pasko”(The Joy of Christmas is Complete) campaign highlights the many ways Filipino families and communities celebrate the season today, creating a more joyful December for customers nationwide.

 

“This Christmas, Jollibee wants to remind every Filipino that the true joy of the season comes from being together. No matter where or how we celebrate, what really matters is celebrating with the people we love,” said Dorothy Ching, Jollibee Philippines’ vice president for marketing. “Totoong mas buo ang saya ng Pasko kapag magkakasama tayo at pinagsasaluhan ang mga paborito nating mga pagkain.”

 

A heartfelt film for the changing Filipino family

 

This year’s “Buo ang Saya ng Pasko” campaign features a touching Christmas film made in partnership with Forsman and Bodenfors Singapore. The film captures how Filipino families continue to evolve, showing real moments across different walks of life. It follows hospital workers sharing a Christmas meal during their shift, security guards bonding over simple food, couples treating their pets like family, single parents enjoying time with their children, and large families reuniting across generations.

 

Jollibee said the film celebrates the idea that while traditions change, the spirit of love and connection that defines a Filipino Christmas remains strong.

  

Joyful Christmas Stores illuminate the nation

 

Now on its third year, Jollibee’s Joyful Christmas Stores have returned brighter and bigger. This 2025 season marks the largest rollout to date, with 300 decorated branches nationwide. Each store features festive lights and community inspired touches to bring happiness to neighborhoods, including areas affected by recent calamities.

 

Customers may locate these decorated stores through the Jolly Christmas Tours digital map powered by Google.

 

A new nationwide celebration for Simbang Gabi 

 

To bring the Christmas spirit to communities early, Jollibee launched the first ever Christmas JOY Day during the opening of Simbang Gabi. The brand joined dawn masses in select Manila churches such as San Agustin Church, Our Lady of Remedies Parish, Sta. Ana Church, and San Fernando de Dilao Parish (Paco Church). Churchgoers received free Jollibee treats as part of the nationwide countdown.

The celebration continued in select schools like Pinaglabanan Elementary School in San Juan, Kapt. Jose Cardones Integrated School in Taguig, and St. Mary’s Elementary School in Marikina. Students received Jollibee Kids Values Books and treats for free, bringing early Christmas cheer to young learners.

  

New offerings that complete holiday gatherings

 

Inside the stores, customers can get their hands on the Christmas Bundle, available nationwide for ₱399, which includes a collectible Jollibee Bag Charm and items like Chicken Fillet with Pepper Cream Sauce and Jolly Spaghetti, offering a festive treat for the whole family. Promo runs until December 31, 2025.

 

Customers can also enjoy the new Family Super Meals, starting at ₱599, perfect for Noche Buena, featuring Chickenjoy, rice, drinks, and sides. Jollibee is also expanding its Christmas Big Order Service, making holiday celebrations easier for families, offices, schools, and communities looking for delicious, hassle-free party food.

 

Celebrating the Filipino spirit of togetherness

 

Through its inspiring film, festive store transformations, special on-ground activations, and exciting holiday offerings, Jollibee hopes to bring families and communities closer this December. The brand said its “Buo ang Saya ng Pasko” campaign reinforces a simple message: Christmas joy feels complete when it is shared with the people we love.

 

Whether people gather in churches, schools, workplaces, homes, or their favorite Jollibee store, the brand aims to make every moment of the season more joyful and meaningful for Filipinos everywhere.

 

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com/, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!

 

Ballet Manila's Holiday Cheer Series returns with Snow White

 Ballet Manila continues its cherished Holiday Cheer Series, a family oriented program that has become a staple of the Christmas season since 2022. This year, audiences are invited to experience the enchanting and timeless story of Snow White, running from December 25 to 29, 2025 at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City.

For Ballet Manila’s CEO and artistic director; and Snow White choreographer,  Lisa Macuja Elizalde, the Holiday Cheer Series has brought nostalgic tales to life year after year, making ballet accessible entertainment for everyone and an experience that families can share. 

“Holiday Cheer Series is our way of bringing people together through ballet,” shared Lisa. “These productions are not only about artistry, but about using ballet to tell stories that parents and children can enjoy together, year after year.”

 

This year’s “Snow White” features two alternating casts in the lead roles for the very first time. Real-life couple Abigail Oliveiro and Mark Sumaylo bring their chemistry to the stage, while NanamiHasegawa and Romeo Peralta offer a fresh pairing that highlights the production’s spirit of renewal and discovery. Together, they embody the themes of love, resilience, and hope that make Snow White a perfect holiday story.

 

With enchanting choreography, vibrant storytelling, and performances that capture the spirit of the season, Ballet Manila invites audiences to make ballet part of their Christmas celebration by watching “Snow White” at Aliw Theater from December 25 to 29, 2025 at 4PM. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. To know more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph

Borrow, Spend, and Unlock More Chances to Be a Twinyonaryo with Maya

 Holiday spending hits differently when it comes with a chance to win big; and this year, Maya is making every peso work harder and smarter. As the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, Maya is giving you the easiest way to become a Twinyonaryo: win ₱1 million for yourself and another ₱1 million for your chosen person just by borrowing or spending with Maya.

And here’s the plot twist: the fastest way to rack up entries? Borrowing — responsibly.

 

Maya Easy Credit: Your Instant, Smart Extra Budget

Need a little holiday boost for noche buena grocery, gifts, reunions, or last-minute bills? Maya Easy Credit gives you up to ₱30,000  revolving credit you can use instantly. No paperwork, no waiting, just tap and go. And every ₱1,000 you borrow or pay using Maya Easy Credit earns you 5 raffle entries, one of the highest multipliers in the promo. And since you can use it to pay directly at stores via QR, using your borrowed credit is fast, seamless, and holiday-rush ready.

 

 

Maya Personal Loan: Bigger Borrowing, Still Zero Hassle

For larger holiday budgets: from getting your dream gadget to booking that much-awaited trip, Maya Personal Loan lets you borrow up to ₱250,000, payable up to 24 months. Once approved, the full amount lands straight in your Maya Wallet. Every ₱1,000 you borrow gives you 5 raffle entries, too. So your big-ticket plans come with big ticket chances to win.

 

Borrowing isn’t your only way in—your everyday Maya habits earn raffle entries too: 

• 5 entries — Pay ₱1,000 via Maya Easy Credit

• 1 entry — Pay ₱1,000 using your Maya Card, QR, Wallet, or Maya Credit Cards

• 1 entry — Buy ₱1,000 load, transport, and more in Maya Shop

• 1 entry — Pay any ₱1,000 bill in the app

• 1 entry — Buy a Maya Card

• 10 entries (the highest!) — Refer a friend using your @username and get them to upgrade

 

Whether it’s borrowing for your holiday gastos or simply doing what you already do every day, every move gets you closer to that ₱1M win. Who knows? You and your chosen person might just be the next Twinyonaryos this Christmas.

 

Check out www.maya.ph/xmas, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for updates. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1million per depositor.

HONOR 500 and 500 Pro Debut Worldwide with 200MP Camera and MagicOS 10

Global AI device ecosystem company HONOR today announced the launch of the all-new HONOR 500 Series, comprising the HONOR 500 Pro and HONOR 500. The HONOR 500 Series redefines the mid-range segment with flagship-class portrait imaging, all-scenario live capture capabilities, extended endurance, and an upgraded MagicOS 10 experience designed for the next generation of young, always-on creators.   

“With the HONOR 500 Series, we are redefining what consumers should expect from a standard, mid-range smartphone. The HONOR 500 is ‘standard’ done right, delivering a complete, well-rounded user experience that is engineered to impress. The HONOR 500 Pro goes a step beyond, building upon the solid foundation to improve upon every facet of the experience, just like what a ‘Pro’ model is expected to do,” said Fei Fang, President of Products at HONOR.  

200MP Portrait Engine: All-Scenario Live Photo   

Both models in the HONOR 500 Series feature the new 200MP AI Ultra-Clear Main Camera, equipped with a category-leading 1/1.4-inch CMOS sensor, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. The HONOR 500 Pro also comes with a 50MP telephoto camera that supports HONOR’s self-developed SOIS stabilization system, delivering flagship-grade CIPA5.0 image stabilization performance to ensure images remain crisp and steady even during fast-paced or handheld shooting. 

 

The HONOR 500 Series delivers a comprehensive live imaging experience with industry-first front-and-rear Live portrait modes that add background blur, beauty effects, and atmosphere to every frame. It also introduces an industry-leading range of immersive film-inspired color options, offering six distinct Film Live modes for users to choose from. Additionally, the innovative Live Passerby Removal feature ensures that dynamic moments remain free from distractions, keeping you the focal point at all times. The series also supports effortless 4K-to-Live conversion, enabling users to easily transform 4K videos into 4K Live clips for seamless sharing on social media. 

Snapdragon Flagship Power: Smooth, Fast, and Reliable Performance 

The HONOR 500 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, while the HONOR 500 Pro upgrades to the Snapdragon 8 Elite, delivering flagship-level speed and responsiveness across both models. Paired with the HONOR Phantom Engine 3.0, which accurately anticipates graphical workloads and optimizes rendering processes, the HONOR 500 Series delivers remarkably stable gaming performance, with consistent frame rates in popular titles including Honor of Kings and Genshin Impact.   

8,000mAh Battery: Two-Day Endurance in a Slim 6.55-inch Body 

The HONOR 500 Series features the class-leading 8,000mAh HONOR Silicon-carbon Battery, with an incredible energy density. HONOR 500 Pro and HONOR 500 also support 27W Wired Reverse Charging, providing a convenient way to power accessories and other devices on the go. The standard model also supports 80W wired charging, while the Pro model supports 80W wired charging and 50W wireless charging for effortless, rapid battery top-up. 

Flagship-Level Experience: Display, Connectivity, and MagicOS 10 Intelligence 

HONOR continues to lead the industry in eye-protecting display technology. The HONOR 500 Series supports a wide range of eye protection features, helping to alleviate discomfort from natural light fluctuation, flicker, brightness, and more. It also supports features such as AI Defocus Display and AI Motion Sickness Relief to enhance the viewing experience in everyday use.  

The HONOR 500 Pro also features the self-developed HONOR C1+ RF Enhanced Chip, which significantly improves signal reception, network stability, and uplink speed, ensuring smoother streaming, faster uploads in high-traffic and signal-weak areas.  

The HONOR 500 series is equipped with the all-new MagicOS 10 operating system, featuring the industry’s only tiered AI Button. This customizable one-touch button provides instant access to frequently used functions, delivering a more convenient and intelligent interaction experience, making smart living effortlessly accessible. 

Stunning Crystal-Clear Straight Display: Redefining Texture Standards with Exquisite Craftsmanship 

The HONOR 500 Series features an industry-leading integrated cold-carved unibody design, in which the camera module and rear glass are crafted as a single seamless piece. This creates a unified, sculptural surface with a refined hand feel. Benefiting from the redesigned body architecture, the device achieves an ultra-slim 7.75mm profile and an industry-leading narrow 1.05mm bezel. Its new horizontal camera layout emphasizes clean aesthetic lines while freeing internal space for a larger battery, and offers a more comfortable, unobstructed grip in both portrait and landscape orientation. With IP68 / IP69 / IP69K water and dust resistance, the HONOR 500 Series raises the bar for durability and tactile sophistication. 

 

Color and Availability 
 

The HONOR 500 Series is available in four crystal-inspired color options: Blue, Pink, Silver and Black. The HONOR 500 Series will be available in China. 

Never miss the latest updates—visit HONOR Philippines’ official website at www.hihonor.com, or follow their social media platforms: Facebook (@HonorPhilippines), Instagram (@honorph), and TikTok (@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Life Doesn’t Slow Down in Your 30s—It Finally Gets Interesting

Getting in your 30s is often seen as the age when things start to slow down, when fun and spontaneity fade, and routine takes over. But what if it’s actually the start of something more exciting?

Your 30s bring a unique mix of freedom, adventure, and vitality. It’s a decade where you can do more with the right mindset and proper nourishment from healthy food and drink like Birch Tree Adult Boost, which helps you stay strong, sharp, and full of life. Birch Tree Adult Boost shares some of the reasons to be excited about your 30s and how you can make the most of them.

 

Opportunities to explore the world with strength and energy

 

 

 Birch Tree Adult Boost brand ambassador Bea Alonzo embraces new adventures with strength and energy.

 

You’ve learned from your 20s and built the confidence to try new things. Whether it’s traveling, pursuing passions, or meeting new people, your 30s are your chance to live fully, and it’s easier when your body feels its best. Birch Tree Adult Boost, with its Vitamin C, Vitamin D, B-vitamins, Iron, and Zinc, supports the adult body to become strong enough to travel the world in their 30s. According to research released by the Philippine Social Science Journal, Filipino millennials show that they tend to travel more often and actively seek new experiences, reflecting a strong desire for exploration and personal growth. 

 

Opportunities to build deeper, healthier relationships

 

You’ve realized that connection matters more than convenience. Investing in meaningful relationships means showing up as your best self, energized, balanced, and emotionally grounded. A study published in the Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal on the values of Filipino millennials, shows that while they still value fun and social interaction, they’re now placing greater importance on relationships rooted in authenticity and emotional depth.

 

Opportunities to give back to others

 

Your 30s often bring a deeper sense of purpose. Many find fulfillment in volunteering or supporting their communities, all of which require the energy and clarity that come from good health. From the same study in the Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal, Filipino millennials reveal that caring for others and contributing to the community rank among their most important values. 

 

Opportunities to put yourself first

Bea prioritizes self-care and stays strong for what matters most. 

 

You’ve learned that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. From sleeping well to eating right, you make intentional choices for your body and mind. With the right nutrition and habits, you can sustain your vitality for everything and everyone you love. Birch Tree Adult Boost, which contains support nutrients like Vitamin C and Iron, helps increase energy and immunity to ensure your body is strengthened for the long run. A recent study on Filipino millennials by Inquiro shows that many of them are now prioritizing wellness and self-care, proving that putting yourself first means staying strong enough to live and give your best.

 

Experts agree that your 30s are a critical window for laying the foundation of long-term wellness. According to Carmina D. Olivenza, MRDM, RND, this decade marks the early onset of measurable shifts in metabolism, immunity, and cognitive load. “This is the stage when wellness must become proactive rather than reactive,” explains Olivenza. 

 

“Current Philippine nutrition studies consistently show that many adults are not meeting recommended intakes for Vitamins C and D, Iron, and key B-vitamins – nutrients that directly support immune defense and energy metabolism. We also see the importance of nutrients like Zinc and B vitamins in sustaining cognitive performance, which becomes essential as daily demands increase in your 30s.” Olivenza emphasizes that protecting your health during this life stage starts with addressing these gaps consistently. “Ensuring adequate intake of these nutrients every day helps maintain strong immunity, steady energy, and sharp mental focus – all of which are vital for thriving in your 30s,” she adds. 

 

To support this, fortified milk drinks like Birch Tree Adult Boost, formulated with Vitamin C, Vitamin D, essential B-vitamins, Iron, and Zinc, provide a convenient and reliable way to meet daily nutritional needs and stay at your best.

 

 Bea Alonzo thrives in her 30s with strength and confidence, fueled by Birch Tree Adult Boost

 

Your 30s aren’t a countdown or a scary moment in time. They’re a decade to live for yourself, full of confidence and vitality. For Birch Tree Adult Boost Ambassador Bea Alonzo, award-winning actress and wellness advocate, being in her 30s is a time for balance and becoming. “You’re wiser, stronger, and more confident in your own skin. I started to really focus on what truly makes me happy: my health, my growth, and the people I love. It’s liberating to realize that age doesn’t define you; how you take care of yourself does,” she shares.

 

With small, consistent habits like staying active, eating well, and nourishing your body with Birch Tree Adult Boost, you can live life with vitality and balance. Turning in your 30s isn’t the end of something, it’s the beginning of everything.

 

For more information, visit https://www.birchtree.com.ph/ or follow Birch Tree on Facebook at facebook.com/BirchTreeAdultBoost and on Instagram @birchtreeadultboost for more updates.

Zed Raises $16.5M in Series A Round Backed by Accel

Zed, the credit card startup reinventing banking for the next generation of Filipinos, today announced it has raised US$16.5 million in Series A funding led by Accel, the top-tier venture capital firm known for backing industry-defining companies like Facebook, Spotify, Slack, and Dropbox.

This investment marks a significant milestone for the Philippine startup ecosystem, bringing one of Silicon Valley’s most prestigious investors to the country. Accel joins existing investors Valar Ventures and notable angels including Immad Akhund and Dalton Caldwell, bringing Zed’s total funding to $22.5 million.

Philippines-based credit card startup Zed has raised $16.5M in a Series A round led by Silicon Valley-based investor Accel. This marks a key milestone in expanding credit access across the country and the Southeast Asian region. (L-R: Kathryn Vitug, Matthew Bernardo, Steve Abraham, Danielle Cojuangco Abraham, Matthew Steinpreis.)

AI-Native Banking For a New Generation

Zed is solving a problem that millions of young Filipino professionals face: a banking system stuck in the past. Despite having college degrees, stable incomes and professional careers, many young people are rejected by traditional banks due to credit factors embedded in their credit score that don't actually reflect their risk – like the age of their existing credit accounts. This leaves a huge segment of potentially prime customers unserved.

Zed removes these barriers by using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to underwrite customers based on current income, transaction data, and other data sources outside of just traditional credit scores. The result is a premium credit card optimized for how young people spend today:

• Global Travel: Zero FX fees or markup, making it the most cost-effective way to spend internationally.

• Smart Security: Unlimited virtual cards with custom spend limits, and auto-closure settings (e.g. single-use or 24-hour cards) for safer online shopping.

• P2P on Credit: The ability to split bills and send money seamlessly, settling later with the monthly statement.

Backed by the Best 

The round is led by Accel, a firm with a decades-long track record of identifying global category leaders early. The investment validates Zed’s ambition to harness AI in serving the vast, credit-worthy population that has been shut out of the global banking system.

“In leading Zed’s Series A, we’re backing a team with the skill and ambition to build AI-powered finance that’s transparent, personal, and accessible for customers overlooked by today’s banks worldwide,” said Nafis Jamal, Partner at Accel.

Jamal added, “Young adults navigating the banking system for the first time often find its doors mostly shut. Opaque fees, clunky apps, and impersonal interactions make it clear these institutions were built for a different era (and a different customer).”

Explosive Growth and Future Plans 

Zed has seen massive demand since its invite-only launch. Strictly through word of mouth, the waitlist has swelled to nearly 200,000 sign-ups. Since the beginning of the year, the customer base has grown 10x and transaction volume has surged ~500%—all while the vast majority of the waitlist has yet to be invited.

With this new funding, Zed is accelerating its rollout to the waitlist and scaling its team. The company is actively hiring for Operations, Risk, Growth, and Support roles in Manila, as well as Product, Design, Data Science and Engineering roles in San Francisco.

“We’re reimagining financial tools to match the speed and ambition of this generation,” said Danielle Cojuangco Abraham, Co-Founder of Zed.

“Banks in Southeast Asia are running on infrastructure designed for two decades ago,” added Steve Abraham, Co-Founder. “This round accelerates our plan to rebuild that stack. The world is changing with large language models maturing, and a new generation of experiences across industries will be born. We envision a future where we can deliver a level of personal, proactive banking that used to be reserved for the few, and make it accessible to everyone.”

Stay Crisp, Clean, and Weather-Ready With the LG Styler

 For many professionals, keeping workwear fresh and polished during unpredictable weather has become a seasonal challenge. With the LG Styler, the ultimate clothing care system, you can breeze into the rainy days and head into the next workday looking crisp, refreshed, and ready for any challenge, no matter the season. 

Whether in transit or at work, your clothes naturally absorb trace odors and airborne allergens.  The TrueSteam™ technology eliminates up to 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, with 100% water and no chemical additives. For delicate pieces like rain-soaked blazers or corporate suits, the Gentle Dry function uses the Heat-Pump Technology to dry fabrics at low temperatures, preventing shrinkage and damage while leaving them hygienically refreshed after every use. 

When it comes to uniforms and daily wear, the Moving Hanger simulates hand-waving motions up to 200 times per minute, gently shaking off dust and wrinkles. Paired with the Refresh function, it ensures clothes are crisp and odor-free, making it easy to rewear the same set of clothing. 

Sharp creases aren’t just a detail, it’s a statement of professionalism. With Pants Crease Care, slacks and trousers retain their lines while minimizing wrinkles, ensuring office-ready polish without the hassle of ironing. You can step out looking sharp, whether it’s for an early meeting, a last-minute presentation, or important client calls. 

Designed to create a more comfortable environment, the Dehumidifying function keeps indoor air fresh and free from excess moisture, even on the most humid days. To make life even easier, there’s no need to visit the dry cleaners, the LG Styler brings professional care right into your home. The LG ThinQ™ app gives you the convenience of controlling and monitoring your Styler remotely, so your clothes are ready exactly when you need them. 

In a season where rain showers and long days are unavoidable, the LG Styler eases you back into daily life, helping you look best without the extra effort, even on the dampest days. Step into each morning confident that your clothes are ready to match your schedule, no matter the forecast. After all, Life’s Good when every detail is cared for, letting you shine through the rain. 

Life isn’t just about having the latest technology—it’s about the meaningful experiences it creates and the impact it brings to our everyday lives. Discover more at www.lg.com/ph  and stay connected by following LG Philippines (@lgphilippines) on https://www.linkedin.com/company/lg-electronics-philippines-inc/, www.facebook.com/LGPhilippines/, www.instagram.com/lgphilippines/ and www.tiktok.com/@lgphilippines.