Spend Smarter This Season: Practical Ways to Avoid Overspending During the Holidays

Mall hours have extended and every store seems to have a big 50% off sign. Christmas has transformed into this spending spree, often viewed as a dedicated time of the year to shop for gifts to give our loved ones. However, there are times when the pressure that comes with the season of giving is increasing people’s tendency to overspend—a common pitfall to starting the new year with financial burden. 

Still, you don't have to deprive yourself to avoid overspending this season. Instead of a one-time big material purchase, invest in something more productive and that will strengthen your healthy financial habits for the next year. To help you keep your wallet full throughout the holidays, here are four ways you can try:

 

1. Create a holiday budget

While budgeting seems to be a very common practice among Filipinos, many still overlook other costs beyond just planning for gifts and noche buena groceries. It is also important to set limits for decorations, travel, entertainment, and even gifts that are helpful in having realistic expectations. This is the number one way to avoid spontaneous buys that may lead to inaccurate tracking of purchases, improper use of savings, or worse, having none at all. 

2. Check the prices and track your total

Not just because an item is on sale, means it’s already worth buying. It is good practice to consider that heavily discounted items may be part of a seasonal clearance or may occasionally have minor packaging or display imperfections. Always compare the price and quality against similar items as this pause allows you to make more informed decisions and ensures the purchase aligns with your set budget.

 

3. Consider non-traditional/hand-made gifts

Sometimes, hand-crafted or non-traditional gifts carry more meaning than expensive, store-bought items. You can either opt for activities, DIYing gifts, or offer valuable gestures like a "One Home-Cooked Meal of Your Choice", or you can also support small local businesses that would genuinely benefit from your purchases. These practices cost little to no money but are surely high in sentimental value, reduces clutter, and perfect for those who already seem to have every material thing.

 

4. Set smart financial goals

Beyond spending, Christmas also offers a gift of time and rest, letting you use the holiday to reflect and pivot from seasonal spending to long-term saving. It is important to use this downtime to create a clear financial plan so you can fund future major milestones—be it your next holiday, or life investments such as buying a house, setting up a business, or building an emergency fund.

The fun in the season of giving should not come with the pressure and common misconception that equates material gifts with love or worth. It is important to reframe the holidays away from consumerism. By prioritizing sustainable financial habits during this time, you can easily safeguard your budget and proactively manage your money just in time for the new year.

 

As a financial partner for long-term growth, Tala equips customers with the right tools and knowledge to help them ultimately reach their financial aspirations, all accessible just by using 1 valid government issued ID and their Android phones. With its hassle-free approval with zero collateral, Tala empowers Filipinos to take on their financial decisions, helping them start or expand their business with capital they can use for growth.

 

Its convenient and flexible online credit also lets users have complete control over their repayment date, as well as the amount they want to borrow within their loan limit. This allows customers to choose when to repay from a period of 15 to 61 days, enabling them to strategically align the schedule with their upcoming cash flow, such as their monthly salary or annual 13th-month bonus.

 

Tala’s award-winning financial literacy program, TALAkayan, also guides customers in better saving and budgeting to achieve their life goals. This workshop is designed to make personal finance simple, practical, and relatable for the everyday Filipino, teaching basic financial management topics and how to avoid potential risks and scams. 

 

You can check out its digital content with new episodes coming out every Saturday on Tala’s official pages, further expanding its reach and impact from TALAkayan’s successful on-the-ground workshop series. This is part of its commitment to make financial education even more accessible to Filipinos and to bridge the gaps in financial inclusion. Visit Tala’s social media platforms, tala.ph, or get the official Tala app to know more.  

#AcerTahanan: SB19’s Guide to a Brighter Digital Home SB19 takes us on a Kaohsiung tour in #AcerTahanan MV

They say home is where the heart is, but it's also your safe place you'd want to return to after being away. In this ever-changing world, where technological advancements are rapid and people are always glued to their screens, they still long for home.

This season, Acer is that tahanan, the Tagalog word for home, rooted in "tahan," meaning "be comforted" or "be at peace." Digitally, Acer Aking Tahanan is a space of warmth, creativity, and togetherness. Through technology that adapts, empowers, and feels personal, Acer helps make every moment a homecoming.

 

The music video shows Acer brand ambassadors SB19 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Each member is in a different location in Kaohsiung on their respective creative journeys, but connected through their Acer devices, their “digital tahanan.” There are special moments, like Justin revisiting a warm memory and Pablo’s brief check-in call. 

 

Pablo sends a new song idea to Stell, Justin, Josh, and Ken, and they begin making their way toward one another. Their paths finally lead them to the Kaohsiung Music Center, where they reunite in person, underscoring that home isn’t a place but a special connection you carry with you.

 

For the MV, Acer Philippines worked with the Kaohsiung City Government to assist with filming at key locations, including the Kaohsiung Music Center, the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda, and Pier2 Art Center.

 

"The song #AcerTahanan captures how we feel about our home, or Tahanan, as we Filipinos call it. We will always return to our Tahanan because that is where we feel most comfortable. It may take years or even decades, but we will always come home. We at Acer are happy to be your digital Tahanan, where you can get the best gadgets for your needs," said Sue Ong-Lim, Acer Philippines Managing Director.

 

Acer consumer notebooks are designed for everyday tasks, including productivity, entertainment, and communication, offering a balance of performance, portability, and value for money.  Acer and Predator gaming laptops elevate your performance with modern AI and graphics.

 

With Acer's holiday promo, you can enjoy up to Php20,000 in discounts and/or vouchers from SM Appliance Center when you purchase any participating Acer consumer or gaming notebook by January 18, 2026.
 

Customers must register their purchased product for warranty within one (1) week of purchase by visiting https://warranty.acer.com.ph/. After completing the registration, Acer will verify the customer's information within five (5) business days. Once validated, a warranty registration certificate will be sent to the customer's provided email address. 

 

If the registered product qualifies for the promotion, an eGift Voucher will be sent to the customer's provided email address and mobile phone number within five (5) days of the warranty registration. To redeem the eGift Voucher, customers must present it at their selected SM Appliance Center.

 

Only purchases made from Acer Concept Stores, Acer Authorized Resellers, and/or the Acer Philippines Online Store qualify for the Acer Aking Tahanan promo.

Listen to “Tahanan” by SB19 on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. Stream the music video on the Acer Philippines YouTube channel and Facebook page.

For more information about Acer, follow Acer Philippines on social media: @AcerPH on Facebook or visit www.acer.com.

5 Stranger Things Moments That Still Hit Close to Home

Stream the final season (or rewatch the entire saga) this holiday season only with PLDT Home Fiber Netflix Plan 1599

 

 

When you think of Stranger Things, you probably picture Demogorgons, epic 80s fashion, and Kate Bush saving the day. But every real Stranger Things fan knows that at its core, without the monsters and the mayhem, the hit series is a story about love.

 

From the first flicker of the Byer’s iconic Christmas lights back in 2016 to the most recent heart-stopping moments in its top-trending fifth season, the Duffer Bros’ entire masterpiece is a testament to the power of family, friendship, and sheer courage combined. Here’s a recap of the best moments that truly stick – the ones that remind us why we root for our band of everyday heroes and why they always find a way to survive.

 

Spoiler alert!

 

1. Finding the light (Season 1, Episode 3: “Holly, Jolly”)

One of the show’s first iconic moments goes all the way back to its premiere run. After days of grieving and being told she’s delusional, Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) finally connects with her missing son Will (Noah Schnapp) from the Upside Down. Using a wall covered in painted letters and tangled Christmas lights, she realizes the terrifying, beautiful truth: Will is alive.

 

This scene is the genesis of the show’s central theme: family ties transcend dimensions. Joyce refuses to accept the world's logic, relying purely on a mother’s intuition. Her fierce, protective love for Will turns a mundane suburban home into a supernatural Ouija board, and herself as the medium. It's this devil-may-care display of unconditional love that grounds the entire series in emotional reality.

 

2. Billy’s redemption (Season 3, Episode 8: “The Battle of Starcourt”)

Billy Hargrove (Dacre Montgomery) is introduced as a bully on campus and a volatile stepbrother at home. But possessed by the Mind Flayer, he finds himself face-to-face with Eleven (Millie Bonnie Bongiovi). When El reaches into his memories and reminds him of his loving mother, he breaks free of the Flayer’s control for a precious moment and sacrifices himself, taking the brunt of the monster’s attack to save El and the rest of the kids.

 

This unexpected act of heroism is a devastating lesson in compassion. It proves that even the most damaged person has a core of pure good that can be awakened by love – in this case, El’s empathy and his own lingering childhood memory. It’s a tragic, powerful conclusion to his character arc that reinforces that anyone, even a villain, can choose to be an everyday hero.

 

 

3. Max’s run to “Dear Billy” (Season 4, Episode 4: “Dear Billy”)

Trapped in Vecna’s (Jamie Campbell Bower) psychic prison, Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink) is moments from death. As Vecna feasts on her grief, Max’s friends – Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), and Steve (Joe Keery) – race against time in the real world to play her favorite song, Kate Bush’s iconic “Running Up That Hill.” Hearing the music, a lifeline thrown by the power of friendship, she finds the strength to run, breaking Vecna’s hold and rocketing back to her body.

 

This scene is the ultimate affirmation of love as the driving force, on top of being a fantastic musical sequence. (It has become legendary in the real world, too, inspiring so many memes online!) Max is saved not by superpowers, but by the determined, loud, physical devotion of her friends. It showed that even when facing down ultimate trauma, you are never truly alone if you have your chosen family to pull you back.

 

4. Hopper’s letter to Eleven (Season 3, Episode 8: “The Battle of Starcourt”)

Following Chief Jim Hopper’s (David Harbour) presumed death in the Starcourt Mall explosion, Joyce finds the heartfelt speech he wrote for Eleven and Mike – a letter he planned to use to talk to them about navigating coming of age, setting boundaries, and growing up. The contents of the letter are read aloud in a tear-jerking voiceover.

 

Though he's gone, Hopper's voice echoes the difficulty of fatherhood and the universal truth of letting go. His message to El about keeping the door open three inches shows the complexity of their unique family ties and his struggle to protect her while allowing her to grow. It’s a bittersweet moment that defines their bond, only to be made sweeter when they finally reunite later in Season 4.

 

5. Will's new power and Mike's pep talk (Season 5, Part 1: "Sorcerer")

As the final confrontation begins in Part 1 of Season 5, Will struggles with the emotional weight of his lifelong connection to Vecna. Just before the group attempts a risky tunnel mission, Mike pulls Will aside to remind him that his power – his empathy, his ability to feel the danger – is an innate, sorcerer-like strength, not a weakness.

 

This pep talk, coupled with Robin's earlier advice to Will, unlocks a new ability in Will, allowing him to telepathically command Demogorgon-like entities during the subsequent battle. This scene is the ultimate payoff for Will's long journey of coming of age and the "chosen family" theme. Will had felt sidelined and traumatized, but Mike’s unconditional love and belief transformed his greatest fear – his connection to the Upside Down – into his greatest strength. It’s a powerful moment of emotional validation where friendship quite literally saves the day and turns a survivor into a champion.

 

Relive all of heartwrenching moments of love and friendship from Stranger Things, now on its fifth and final season. Stream Stranger Things on Netflix and enjoy more unli-entertainment only with PLDT Home Fiber Netflix, the most value-packed internet & entertainment plan with a complimentary Netflix Basic subscription. To learn more and apply for a PLDT Home Fiber Netflix Plan 1599, visit pldthome.com/fiber-netflix. 

7-Eleven Levels Up the Pokémon Adventure with New TCG Expansions and Themed Stores

When it comes to fun and fan-favorite moments that are within reach, 7-Eleven is the place to go. As the Pokémon fan base continues to grow bigger, everybody’s paboritong kapitbahay evolves once again to be a part of it! Fans and everyday 7-Eleven goers alike get a chance to experience the Pokémon phenomenon firsthand with additional wrapped stores, new Pokémon Trading Card Game expansions, and Pokémon-themed product packaging.

The Pokémon adventure continues with the latest wrapped branches. Another 7-Eleven store

has become a portal to the Pokémon fandom for the first time ever in Cebu! This Pokémon-wrapped store in Aboitiz Street, Cebu City is decked out in vibrant decorations and displays so everyone will feel like they are among their favorite Pokémon. 

Not only that but to bring the experience closer to more people, 7-Eleven will also be wrapping another branch soon in Antonio Arnaiz Avenue, Makati. 

While waiting for this newest themed store in Metro Manila, people can still drop by the first Pokémon-wrapped branch in Eton Centris, Quezon City.

Assemble the ultimate deck with the latest Pokémon Trading Card Game expansions!

Customers can now unleash more Pokémon power and trade their way to victory with new arrivals for Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution booster packs –worth ₱259 each at select 7-Eleven stores. Battle with fellow Trainers as all 7-Eleven branches still remain on the famous mobile game, Pokémon GO.

 

People can unleash their inner Pokémon and fuel up for the adventure at 7-Eleven with the special product packaging for their favorite convenience store food finds like Crunch Time, Big Bite, and 7-Fresh Siopao.

Whether you’re new to Pokémon or a master in the making, catch all this legendary fun at 7-Eleven! Everybody’s paboritong kapitbahay keeps its doors open 24/7 for people to come through and find exciting surprises. Join the Pokémon adventure until December 31, 2025. 

To find  out which 7-Eleven branches have the newest Pokémon Trading Card Game expansions,

visit the 7-Eleven webpage: https:/ /www.7-eleven.com.ph/products/pokemon-tcg-store-list/.

Like us at 7-Eleven Philippines on Facebook, follow @711ph on Instagram, and @711philippines on

Twitter and TikTok for more information.

LG SIGNATURE Redefines Premium Home Living with AI at CES 2026

LG Electronics (LG) is presenting the next evolution of its premium LG SIGNATURE brand at CES 2026 in Las Vegas (January 6-9). Marking a decade of innovation, the latest LG SIGNATURE collections introduce an expanded range of products that blend powerful AI capabilities and elevated design – while preserving the brand’s timeless aesthetics of quiet luxury.

Powered by LG’s AI Core-Tech, the new LG SIGNATURE lineup brings enhanced

intelligence and seamless convenience to everyday living. With a suite of AI-driven features and generative AI functions, the appliances provide personalized experiences designed to maximize user convenience.

As the centerpiece of the showcase is the new LG SIGNATURE refrigerator, which embodies LG’s vision for the intelligent kitchen. Equipped with conversational AI based on Large Language Model (LLM) technology, the refrigerator supports natural-language-based interactions to provide tailored suggestions.1 A new 6.8-inch LCD display complements LG’s advanced AI technologies, helping maintain cooling levels for optimal freshness.

Additionally, the AI Fresh feature monitors temperature fluctuations based on user patterns

and pre-cools the interior – up to two hours before an anticipated door opening.For even greater convenience, the LG SIGNATURE Smart InstaView™ refrigerator streamlines food management through ThinQ™ Food, which uses an internal camera to help identify ingredients, suggest recipes and offer creative substitutions based on the items inside.2 

When not in use, you can set elegant visuals to appear on the T-OLED InstaView panel, enriching the ambience and transforming the kitchen into an expressive, inspiring space.

To elevate the cooking experience, the LG SIGNATURE Oven Range offers functions such

as Gourmet AI, which uses an AI camera inside the oven to identify more than 85 dishes and

automatically select the ideal cooking settings.

The AI Browning feature monitors bread as it

bakes and sends a notification through the ThinQ app when it reaches the preset level of

doneness. Connected smartphone features include real-time monitoring, a time-lapse recap

after cooking and easy sharing on social media.

The new SIGNATURE lineup stays true to its Refined Minimal design identity – a unified

aesthetic defined by sleek horizontal lines, iconic gold accents and meticulous craftsmanship. 

Reflecting the brand’s heritage of excellence, the latest products balance elegant design with maximized capacity and enhanced AI-driven performance.

LG will introduce three new LG SIGNATURE design collections – Seamless, Iconic and

Tailored – giving consumers the freedom to choose products that best fit their needs and personal style. Built to meet the highest performance standards, the collections incorporate bold materials that create a confident presence in the home. Aligned with this approach, LG aims to broaden its premium customer base by strengthening region-specific strategies and accelerating growth across global high-end markets.

In addition, LG SIGNATURE will showcase immersive spaces in collaboration with Italian

high-end furniture brand Poliform, demonstrating how the appliances harmonize with luxury

interiors to deliver thoughtfully orchestrated premium living solutions.

“LG SIGNATURE brings design, performance and experience together in tune, redefining

the future of luxury in the home and setting a new standard for premium appliances,” said

Baek Seung-tae, president of the LG Home Appliance Solution Company. “Marking its 10th

anniversary, the expanded LG SIGNATURE lineup continues to lead the global market for

customers seeking a more expressive, elevated lifestyle.”

Visitors to CES 2026 can explore the new additions to the all-new LG SIGNATURE lineup at

LG’s booth from January 6-9 (#15004, Las Vegas Convention Center).

realme With You Brings Real Moments of Joy to the Kythe Foundation

realme brings joy, hope, and togetherness to children and families through a heartfelt holiday partnership with Kythe Foundation. 

Staying true to its commitment to giving back this holiday season, realme Philippines brought joy and meaningful support to the community through a special Christmas CSR activity under its

realme With You campaign. In partnership with the Kythe Foundation, realme hosted a heartwarming celebration for children and foundation staff last December 16, 2025, at Jollibee P. Tuazon, featuring a Jollitown-themed Jollibee Kids Party.

The event was designed to create a joyful and memorable experience for the children, filled with fun games and light moments. Adding to the excitement, the Jollibee Mascot led the entertainment, bringing smiles to everyone in attendance and embodying the spirit of togetherness that defines the Christmas season.

A celebration of love, sharing, and hope

The program concluded with realme extending its support beyond celebration by donating 15 tablets to the beneficiary children of the Kythe Foundation. These devices aim to help support the children’s learning, creativity, and everyday needs. In addition, realme also provided tablets to the Kythe Foundation staff, recognizing their dedication and continuous efforts in caring for children with critical illnesses.

“This activity reflects what realme With You stands for, being present in real moments that matter,” the realme Philippines team shared. 

“Through our partnership with the Kythe Foundation, we hope to not only bring joy this Christmas but also provide practical support that can make a positive difference in the lives of the children and the people who care for them.”

Making the season more meaningful

This CSR initiative is part of realme’s broader realme With You Christmas campaign, which highlights authentic connections, shared experiences, and purposeful giving. By combining celebration with support, realme continues to champion initiatives that uplift communities and empower the youth during the holiday season.

Through collaborations like this, realme Philippines reaffirms its commitment to making technology more accessible while spreading warmth, hope, and joy, not just during Christmas, but all year round.

For more information on realme With You campaign activities, visit realme Philippines’ official Facebook page.

For more information about the Kythe Foundation, visit their official Facebook page and website for more updates.