Comfort in Every Bite: Delicious Pairings to Brighten Your Holiday Season

 Between holiday shopping, last-minute get-togethers, and the nonstop playlist of Christmas tunes, the days can start to blur in the best way possible. Good thing there’s always time for little pockets of comfort—the kind that can come from your favorite snacks. Whether it’s the cool morning breeze, a rainy afternoon, or a chill night in, these small moments call for big flavors and cozy bites that make the season extra satisfying.

 

This is your cue to grab your favorite snack pairings—sweet and savory duos that match every Ber month mood. Here’s how some well-loved goodies from Universal Robina Corporation (URC) can keep you company through the rush and make every bite feel like home.

 

For rainy afternoons: Warm and hearty with a crunchy twist

 

When the skies turn gray and the rain begins to pour, a cup of steaming Nissin Cup Noodles hits the spot. Its flavorful broth and soft noodles bring warmth and comfort in every sip. Pair it with a bag of Nova or Vcutfor that extra crunch—because nothing beats the combo of hearty noodles and a satisfying, savory sidekick.

 

For movie nights or family bonding: Sweet meets savory

 

Nothing says cozy bonding time like a good movie and a snack spread to match. Enjoy the gooey caramel and chocolate goodness of Cloud 9 for a satisfying sweet treat. Then balance it out with Granny Goose Tortillos—a savory, crunchy contrast that keeps everyone reaching for more. It’s the kind of pairing that makes family nights twice as fun.

 

For afternoon merienda or study breaks: Flavorful comfort food

 

When you need something to power through a busy afternoon or to keep you company during study time, go for a hearty mix. A comforting bowl of Payless Instant Mami delivers the warmth and satisfaction of a home-cooked merienda, while a pack of Presto Peanut Butter Sandwich adds a nutty sweetness that hits the spot. It’s a duo that can fill you up—both body and mind.

 

The perfect finish: sweet, creamy, and refreshingly cool

After dinner, indulge in the sweet and chocolatey goodness of Cream-O cookies—just enough to satisfy your dessert cravings. Then top it off with a Maxx candy for that cool, fruity-fresh finish that leaves you refreshed and ready to unwind.

 

Whether it’s slurping noodles on a rainy afternoon, pairing sweet and savory treats for a cozy movie night, or savoring a fruity-fresh candy after dinner, these simple snack rituals can bring warmth and joy to every day during the hectic season leading up to the busy holidays.

  

Universal Robina Corporation (URC) produces iconic brands such as Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Cloud 9, Maxx candy, Cream-O, Payless, C2 Cool and Clean, and Great Taste coffee, which have been part of Filipinos’ lives for decades. To learn more about URC, visit its website (www.urc.com.ph), Facebook page (@URCPhilippines) and TikTok account (@URCPhilippines).

HONOR on a Roll: 9 New Stores Opened Nationwide

Global AI device ecosystem company HONOR Philippines continued its expansion with nine new stores across the country. The three-year-old tech giant has shown one of the most commendable growth trajectories in the industry, as evidenced by its continuous opening of store after store. 

“We are obviously expanding, and we are very proud of it. It has been the vision ever since, and it feels really great to see our dreams come to life. This success is because of our loyal HONOR fans who have supported and believed in us from the moment we stepped foot again in the Philippines,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. 

The new HONOR Stores are located in SM City Olongapo, SM City Telabastagan, SM City La Union, KCC Mall of Zamboanga, KCC Mall of Cotabato, Ayala Malls Feliz, Abreeza Mall Davao, Robinsons Palawan, and Market! Market! 

Never miss the latest updates—visit HONOR’s 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/.

How the Anker SOLIX C300 DC Keeps Filipino Homes Running During Outages and Emergencies

 The Philippines faces some of the world’s most frequent outages, caused by typhoons, heavy rains, and sudden power grid failures. When electricity cuts out without warning, homes can lose access to lighting, communication, essential devices, and even the everyday comforts families rely on.

 

When the lights go out, the Anker SOLIX C300 DC provides steady, reliable backup power, helping Filipino households stay connected and prepared through any interruption. It functions as a modern emergency kit—portable, dependable, and built for today’s unpredictable conditions.

 

Designed for Life’s Unpredictable Outages

Compact, ultra-safe, and built for rapid charging, the Anker SOLIX C300 DC gives households a dependable source of power during sudden blackouts, weather-related disruptions, and emergencies.

 

With a 288Wh battery and up to 300W of output, the high-capacity backup power device supports the essential electronics families rely on when the grid becomes unstable, including phones, Wi-Fi routers, LED lamps, small fans, and other household devices that help maintain basic routines.

 

1. Lightweight, Ultra-Portable Build

Though light, the Anker SOLIX C300 DC delivers the functions needed for dependable use during outages. With a vertical layout that makes it 30% more space-efficient than industry-standard power stations and a weight of just 6.18 lbs, the device remains easy to move and store. An optional attachable carrying strap also supports quick, grab-and-go mobility.

 

2. Versatile 7-Port Layout

The Anker SOLIX C300 DC features a seven-port layout that allows households to power multiple essentials at once. It includes a 120W car socket, two 140W USB-C PD 3.1 ports for ultra-fast two-way charging, a 100W USB-C port, a 15W USB-C port, and two 12W USB-A ports, offering flexibility for a wide range of electronics.

 

3. Battery Technology

Powered by a 288Wh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO₄) battery rated at 90,000 mAh, the Anker SOLIX C300 DC uses a safer, more stable chemistry similar to the batteries used in electric and hybrid vehicles. It can be charged fully to 100% without accelerating battery wear, ensuring consistent performance over time. This reserve supports more than 20 smartphone charges, three to four laptop charges, and several hours of use for essential electronics during outages.

 

The device restores power quickly, reaching up to 80% in about one hour through its dual 140W USB-C PD 3.1 ports. Charging remains flexible during longer disruptions, with support for 100W solar input using compatible Anker 100W or 60W panels (not compatible with PS30, PS200, or PS400) and car charging for mobile or evacuation scenarios.

 

 

4. Built-In LED Light

A built-in, pop-out, extendable LED light provides immediate brightness during nighttime outages. The Anker SOLIX C300 DC offers clear visibility for navigating dark spaces, checking surroundings, or performing quick tasks when the power is cut out.

 

With the light integrated directly into the unit, households have a reliable source of illumination on hand—no need for separate flashlights or candles.

 

Indoor Safety Features

The Anker SOLIX C300 DC operates silently and produces no fumes or emissions, making it suitable for enclosed homes and condominiums where fuel generators cannot be used.

 

At its core is a Battery Management System (BMS) that continuously monitors temperature, voltage, and current to prevent overheating, short-circuit damage, and voltage spikes. With these protections in place, the device maintains safe, consistent performance throughout long outages and challenging weather conditions.

 

Practical for Everyday Use

The Anker SOLIX C300 DC is built for versatility, performing reliably not only in emergencies but also in day-to-day situations. Compact for indoor use and portable for outdoor plans, the backup power unit works well for powering devices at home and during camping trips, picnics, or open-air gatherings.

 

Always ready for use, the Anker SOLIX C300 DC provides dependable power across different settings and supports everyday needs and sudden disruptions.

 

Price and Availability
The Anker SOLIX C300 DC is available for PHP 12,595 through official online channels, including Anker.ph, the Anker Philippines store on Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop, and selected retail partners nationwide.

 

French–Philippine Cinema Steps Into the Spotlight at the 28th French Film Festival

 The 28th French Film Festival marks a historic milestone in Philippine and French cinema as it unveils the inaugural French–Philippine Co-Production Conference, a two-day industry platform designed to catalyze new partnerships, investments, and joint film projects between the two countries. 

The two-day event was recently held at SMX Aura,BGC, Taguig City. ,The conference serves as the first major initiative following the signing of the France–Philippines Film Co-Production Agreement during the 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 14, 2025, by Gaëtan Bruel, President of the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’Image Animée (CNC), and Jose Javier “Joey” Reyes, Chairman of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

Strengthening Bilateral Creative Ties

French-Philippine film cooperation has long been a dynamic component of bilateral relations, with Filipino filmmakers increasingly gaining prominence at international festivals and participating in prestigious workshops such as La Fabrique organized by the Institut Français in Cannes and the Cinéfondation of the Cannes Film Festival. Over the years, Filipino productions have benefitted from French producer support and grants including Fonds Sud Cinéma and the Aide au Cinéma du Monde, enabling numerous projects to reach global audiences.

A Landmark Agreement Signed in Cannes

The signing of the co-production agreement now formalizes and expands these opportunities, allowing Filipino producers and directors to access French funding mechanisms, grants, tax incentives, talent networks, and distribution channels, strengthening both creative and commercial pathways. French Ambassador Marie Fontanel delivered the opening remarks, noting that this marks a new era for French–Filipino cinema. FDCP Chairman Jose Javier Reyes and DFA Undersecretary for International Economic Relations Maria Andrelita S. Austria also gave special messages emphasizing that the collaboration enriches cultural ties while supporting creative industries and economic growth.

Spotlight on Award-Winning Filipino Works

The sessions highlighted acclaimed works such as Brillante Mendoza’s Serbis and Kinatay, which earned the Best Director award in Cannes in 2010, Avid Liongoren’s Saving Sally, and projects produced by Bianca Balbuena including Above the Clouds with Pepe Diokno and Filipiniana with Rafael Mendoza. The roundtable also featured industry insights from line producer Martin Arnaldo on De Sang et d’Argent.

French Support Systems and Producer Partnerships

This was followed by a comprehensive presentation of the French Cinema Support System and the implementation framework of the co-production agreement with the Philippines, delivered by Michel Plazanet, Deputy Director for International Affairs at CNC. The afternoon sessions continued with a discussion on applying the agreement in practice, featuring perspectives from the production of Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah, and concluded with a French Producers’ Panel that introduced the companies, filmographies, and future projects of Franck Priot, Angele de Lorme, Natacha Devilliers, Francois Belot, and Xenia Maingot, setting the stage for active development collaboration.

Pitching, Panels, and Premiere of Elsewhere at Night with French Actress Garance Marillier

The second day of the conference centered on project development activities, beginning with one-on-one pitch-dating sessions between French producers and Filipino filmmakers. The program continued with a panel discussion and projection of Elsewhere at Night, a Filipino–Canadian co-production featuring French actress Garance Marillier alongside Filipino cast members Sue Prado, Kyrie Allison, Enchong Dee, and producer Wilfredo Manalang.

From Cannes to Manila: Call My Manager Takes the Spotlight

Another highly anticipated session is Call My Manager, the Filipino adaptation of the hit French series Dix Pour Cent (Call My Agent). The casting of the Philippine version includes actor Edu Manzano, actress and singer Judy Ann Santos, and a panel discussion ensued with director and producer Erik Matti.

Red Carpet Finale and Gala Screening with Renowned French Actress Garance Marillier

The conference will conclude with a closing ceremony followed by a red carpet reception and gala screening of Dix Pour Cent xCall My Manager in the presence of distinguished guests featuring French actress Garance Marillier and director Brillante Mendoza, celebrating the strengthened cultural and professional bridge between the two film industries.

Creative Economy Impact

Beyond cultural exchange, the co-production agreement is expected to generate significant economic impact, with increased foreign investment in Philippine film production, job creation in creative and technical sectors, enhanced international distribution opportunities for Filipino content, and strengthened positioning of the Philippines as a competitive production hub in Asia. The platform also fosters cross-border knowledge transfer and talent mobility, supporting the growth of the broader creative economy.

Presented by Leading Cultural Institutions

The Co-Production Conference is presented by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia and the Film Development Council of the Philippines, in cooperation with the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, Inc.

For the 28th French Film Festival at SM Aura and SM City Manila schedules and information, visit the French Embassy’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FrenchEmbassyPH  

#

Samsung Boosts Everyday Wellness with the New Galaxy Watch8 Series

 In today’s fast-paced world, true wellness has become more essential than ever. With the latest Galaxy Watch8 Series, Samsung brings calm to the chaos, offering a refined and intelligent wearable designed to help you sleep better and live more mindfully this holiday season.

 

Seamlessly fusing advanced sleep tracking, real-time stress monitoring, and an elegant minimal design, the Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic are your everyday partners in restoring balance, building healthier habits and navigating life with greater ease and intention.

 

Where performance meets peace of mind, right on your wrist

The Galaxy Watch8 Series makes staying active and managing stress feel natural. From easy jogs to serious runs, the Running Coach adapts to your level and goals, while Together turns motivations into a social game with friends and family.

 

When the day gets overwhelming, the Galaxy Watch steps in with High Stress Alerts to keep you mindful. The Mindfulness Tracker guides you through quick breathing breaks, and the Energy Score, equipped by Galaxy AI, helps you know when to push forward and when to rest and recharge.

 

Your wellness partner, around the clock

Whether you are up before the sun or winding down at night, the Galaxy Watch8 Series is engineered to support your well-being 24/7. Powered by Samsung’s most advanced BioActive Sensor yet,  the Galaxy watches deliver next-level health insights, tracking sleep patterns, heart rate, and stress signals in real-time.

 

Advanced sleep coaching, intuitive sleep apnea detection, and innovative features, such as the Bedtime Guidance, go beyond counting hours to help you understand your circadian rhythm and recommend the ideal sleep window for a more restorative sleep.

 

While you sleep, the Vascular Load keeps tabs on the stress on your system, and the new Antioxidant Index measures carotenoid levels in just five seconds, empowering you with significant data to make smarter and healthier lifestyle choices as you age.

 

Tailored elegance meets Galaxy AI wellness

The Galaxy Watch8 Series is built for elevated living, launching first with Wear OS 6 and powered by built-in Google Gemini. Thanks to its voice commands, you can now check your schedule, track your workouts, and even update your wellness goals — all hands-free. The new One UI 8 Watch update introduces intelligent touches, such as the Multi-Info Tiles and the Now Bar, giving you quicker access to the information that matters most, right when you need it.

 

Redesigned with precision, both watches are slimmer and lighter than ever. The innovative Dynamic Lug System ensures an impeccable fit to your every move. The Galaxy Watch8 achieves its slimmest form yet, thanks to a 30% more efficient internal layout, resulting in an 11% thinner silhouette.

From the sleek minimalism of the Galaxy Watch8 available in 44mm and 40mm sizes and finished in Graphite or Silver to the timeless sophistication of the Galaxy Watch8 Classic with its iconic Rotating Bezel, available in a 46mm case, in Black or White, there is a model that fits seamlessly into your everyday style. 

 

Wellness Made Accessible with Galaxy Watch8 Series Special Offers
Elevate your everyday well-being with thoughtful savings on the Galaxy Watch8 Series until December 31, 2025! Enjoy up to 30% off when you purchase the Galaxy Watch8 Classic or Galaxy Watch8 with any of the following devices: Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7, Galaxy S25 Series, Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S11, or Galaxy Tab S10 Lite, perfect companions for a more balanced, connected lifestyle.

 

For those seeking even more accessible wellness options, you can also enjoy a 20% discount when you buy the Galaxy Watch8 Classic or Galaxy Watch8 with the Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, or Galaxy A26 5G. Plus, get 10% off when you bundle it with the Galaxy A17 or Galaxy A07.

 

To make your upgrade even smoother, you can trade in your previous Galaxy Watch or a similar smartwatch and receive ₱2,000 off the Galaxy Watch8 Classic or ₱1,000 off the Galaxy Watch8.

 

 

For more information on Galaxy Watches, visit

 

Galaxy Watch8: https://www.samsung.com/ph/watches/galaxy-watch/galaxy-watch8-40mm-silver-bluetooth-sm-l320nzsaasa/buy/

 

Galaxy Watch8 Classic:

https://www.samsung.com/ph/watches/galaxy-watch/galaxy-watch8-classic-46mm-black-bluetooth-sm-l500nzkaasa/buy/

 

 

Terms and conditions apply. Per DTI Fair Trade Permit Nos. 239205, 240117, 238724 Series of 2025. 

 

For more info, visit Samsung Philippines Newsroom or Samsung.com.

PLDT Enterprise Earns Global Recognition as Tech Week PH Wins at the 2025 IBAs

 PLDT Enterprise, the corporate arm of PLDT, has been recognized at the prestigious 2025 International Business Awards (IBA) for its successful launch of Tech Week PH, the telco group’s first multi-city technology roadshow designed to advance digital inclusion, ecosystem collaboration, and technology adoption in high-growth regions across the Philippines. 

The Stevie® Awards, organizers of the IBAs, are the world’s premier business awards, honoring the achievements and positive contributions of organizations and professionals worldwide since 2002. The International Business Awards® are open to all organizations across the globe and celebrate accomplishments in all aspects of work life.

Tech Week PH 2025, which won Bronze in the Art, Entertainment & Public – Roadshow category, brought together startups, developers, government stakeholders, enterprise leaders, and other regional ecosystem players in an education and business platform that connected them with global technology partners. Each stop was tailored to local contexts and sector-specific needs to make enterprise technology more relatable, actionable, and inclusive.

The roadshow was held in Davao and Cebufeaturing panel forums, technical workshops, and solution showcases on cloud, AI, cybersecurity, and infrastructure. The event welcomed over 1,500 attendees from more than 500 companies across diverse industries nationwide, all eager to explore emerging trends in the regions and technologies to power their growth.

Mitch Locsin, First Vice President and Head of Enterprise Core Business at PLDT and Smart, emphasized that the recognition reflects the company’s mission to put customers at the center of everything it does.

“We wanted Tech Week PH to be a lasting, impactful experience for all participants—it really is a show of our commitment to our customers. By bringing relevant technologies and solutions directly to where our partners and clients operate, we ensure that no one is left behind in the country’s fast-paced digital transformation. This award is the fruit of our dedication to enabling businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive, wherever they are in the Philippines.”

Tech Week builds on the success of PLDT Enterprise’s PH Digicon, expanding its reach to key provincial growth centers and ensuring that businesses nationwide can access cutting-edge solutions and insights. The program aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

To learn more about the digital solutions fit for your business, visit https://bit.ly/pldtenterprise-intl-business-awards-2025

Clean, Play, Win: LG Introduces the CordZero™ Dust Hunt Challenge

 Amazing LG products up for grabs by joining LG Philippines’ photo contest from November15 to December 15, 2025

Ever tried cleaning that one corner of your home where dust just won’t go away no matter

how many times you sweep? Picture this: it’s the weekend; you’re rushing through chores,

broom in hand, and there it is again — the stubborn patch of dust hiding behind furniture or

clinging to narrow edges. You sweep once, twice, even three times, but it stays put.

This all-too-familiar scenario inspired LG Philippines to launch the LG Dust Hunt

Challenge, a nationwide activity that invites Filipinos to uncover these tricky dust spots and

show why the LG CordZero™ Vacuum is a more effective and convenient solution than the

traditional walis.

Running from November 15 to December 15, 2025, the challenge encourages participants

to take a photo of themselves searching for hidden dust at home, post it on Facebook or

Instagram, and explain why the area is difficult to clean with a broom. Participants must also

register at https://lgpromoregistration.ph/lg-dust-hunt-photo-challenge and upload the same

entry.

Here’s how to join:

● Step 1: Like and follow LG Philippines (@lgphilippines) on Facebook and/or

Instagram.

● Step 2: Capture a photo that shows you hunting for hidden dust in your home

then explain why it’s hard to clean that area using just a broom or walis.

● Step 3: Upload the photo on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag

#LGDustHuntChallenge. The post should tag @LGPhilippines.

● Step 4: Register at www.lgpromoregistration.com.ph and submit the following

details:

Full name

Gender

Email addressHome address

Contact number

Image: Photo entry, same as that uploaded on Facebook and/or

Instagram.

● Deadline for submission of entries is December 15, 2025 11:59PM. Only

entries submitted on or before the specific time given above will be considered

valid submissions.

Entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

● Originality: 40% (Entry must be an original concept, not an intentional copy of

existing content)

● Relevance: 30% (Entry must be relevant to the concept of the promo, around

the theme of home cleaning with brooms or basic cleaning tools)

● Creativity: 30% (Entry must take a unique and entertaining approach)

The best entries will be awarded with the following prizes:

● 1st Prize: LG CordZero™ Powerful Cordless Handstick Vacuum

● 2nd Prize: LG Automatic Dust KompressorTM Canister Vacuum in Iron Grey

● 3rd Prize: LG Automatic Dust KompressorTM Canister Vacuum in Iron Grey

● Consolation Prizes: 10 Winners of P1,000 Sodexo Gift Certificates and LG

xboom Buds Lite each.

The LG Dust Hunt Challenge shows how the LG CordZero™ Vacuum makes cleaning

smarter and more efficient, especially in those hard-to-reach spots where dust hides. Log on

now to https://lgpromoregistration.ph/lg-dust-hunt-photo-challenge for a chance to win

exciting LG prizes.

Discover how LG technology can turn everyday chores into easier, more enjoyable

moments. Take part in the LG Dust Hunt Challenge, experience the power of the LG

CordZero™ Vacuum, and see how effortless cleaning can be. 

Stay inspired and connected by following LG Philippines (@lgphilippines) on www.linkedin.com/company/lg-electronics-

philippines-inc/, www.facebook.com/LGPhilippines, www.instagram.com/lgphilippines, and

www.tiktok.com/@lgphilippines/.

* Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-242688 Series of 2025.