7-Eleven Unveils City Café Christmas Blind Cups to Bring Extra Holiday Charm

Convenience store goers went crazy over 7-Eleven’s City Cafe Blind Cups, selling out the

YUMO collaboration down to the last box. The excitement for more is loud and clear, so

everyone’s go-to convenience store is playing Santa to bring on the charm and cheer

once again this holiday season, with the City Cafe Christmas Blind Cups.

Get a hold of this new line of limited-edition, Christmas-themed YUMO bag charms that

will add a dash of cuteness to your next coffee run. Customers can simply grab a cup of

their favorite energy booster, any small, hot City Cafe drink for P249, and tear off the perforation in the middle to reveal one of eight toys.

They say the more the merrier, so there’s now even more charming besties to collect, including Fluffy Glove, Warm Snowman, Reindeer Baby, Wish Bell, Surprise Gift, Santa Claus, and Christmas Stocking. If luck is on their side, they might even find the Lucky Parol Secret Charm.

The City Cafe Christmas Charms featuring YUMO are exclusive to 7-Eleven, so hurry

over to a City Cafe branch as they launch on November 26, 2025—only available while

supplies last! And in the spirit of the giving season, everyone’s Paboritong Kapitbahay

has also made sure that these fluffy cuties are available in more stores nationwide.

Whether it’s a treat-yourself gift or a surprise for a loved one, collectors and coffee lovers can sip, unbox, and savor the Yuletide joy with 7-Eleven, City Cafe, and YUMO.

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

TikTok for more information.Customers can simply grab a cup of their

Smart Infinity Elevates the Holidays with Exclusive SMEG Rewards for Members

This holiday season, Smart Infinity, the premium postpaid brand of Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) partners with SMEG Philippines to make the season more rewarding and stylish for its valued members.

From November 21, 2025 to February 23, 2026, existing Smart Infinity members can take part in an exclusive raffle, with a chance to bring home SMEG’s most coveted kitchen appliances, a perfect blend of form and function that elevate everyday living into an art. 

Up for grabs are the iconic SMEG FAB 5 Mini Refrigerator and the SMEG Espresso Coffee Machine with Grinder, statement pieces that embody timeless design and Italian craftsmanship. Members can also win other SMEG essentials - from blenders and coffee machines to toasters and kettles, designed to transform every kitchen into a showcase of style. 

To join, members must opt in to the raffle by texting SMEG to 5858. Members may also register via the Smart Infinity website or coordinate directly with their Relationship Manager. A confirmation SMS will be sent, indicating the number of raffle entries earned.

Raffle entries are awarded to members who:

•             Upgrade their plan (from 3500 to 5000; 5000 to 8000; or 8000 to 9500)

•             Add a new line under Plans 5000, 8000, or 9500

•             Successfully refer a new subscriber to Plans 5000, 8000, or 9500

Each plan corresponds to raffle entries: Plan 5000 earns one entry, Plan 8000 earns two, and Plan 9500 earns three, giving members more chances to win as they move up to bigger plans. Winners will be announced on February 27, 2026.

 

“Our partnership with SMEG is a celebration of loyalty and lifestyle. As we honor our members this holiday season, we bring them experiences that reflect the elegance and exclusivity of the Smart Infinity way — rewarding choices that elevate everyday living,” said Tina D. Montinola, Head of Smart Infinity.

 

For more details, visit  https://smart.com.ph/Postpaid/infinity-smeg or contact your Smart Infinity Relationship Manager. Your next timeless reward awaits. #

FROM RAMBO TO WICK: HOW PAIN, NOT POWER, SHAPED TODAY’S ACTION GENRE

 Long before John Wick turned stylized violence into an emotional story of loss, one man redefined what it meant to fight back — His name was Rambo. 

The Birth of a Hero

When First Blood premiered in 1982, it wasn’t just another survival story. It introduced a new kind of action hero: one burdened by trauma, haunted by memory, and shaped by a society that didn’t know what to do with him. The conflict does not unfold on a battlefield overseas. It happens in a quiet American town, where John Rambo finds himself fighting the same country that once sent him to war and later abandoned him.

Sylvester Stallone didn’t just play Rambo. He carried him. The way he delivered silence, restraint, and emotional breaking points made Rambo’s pain feel real. Stallone built the character from the inside first. The thousand-yard stare, the defensive tension in his body, the way his voice cracks when the weight of memory becomes too much. He showed that beneath the soldier was a man who never wanted violence, but those whose past left him with no other language.

First Blood made violence personal, and that emotional core changed the action genre forever. It taught audiences that a hero is not defined by how hard he fights, but by how much he has endured.

Beneath all that firepower, Rambo’s heart remained the same. He showed that a hero does not seek conflict. He reacts because his past has given him no other path.

From Rambo to Wick: The evolution of the modern action hero

That emotional core continues in some of the strongest action films today. You can see it in several character-driven titles on Lionsgate Play, where the struggle is both internal and external.

In Redemption, Jason Statham plays a former soldier trying to outrun his past. Violence is not triumph here. It is the only way he knows to survive. Memory, starring Liam Neeson, follows a man who has spent his life doing harm. His real fight is now with his conscience. Every decision has weight he can no longer ignore. In The Next Three Days, an ordinary man is pushed far beyond his limits. When love is on the line, survival becomes personal and morality becomes complicated.

In John Wick, grief becomes precision, discipline, and controlled fury. These films inherit and evolve what Rambo began: the action hero who is not heroic because of strength, but what pain has turned him into — a man shaped by war, memory, loss, and the world’s failure to give him peace.

The Legacy lives on

Four decades later, the genre has evolved. The fights are tighter, the choreography cleaner, and heroes speak less but feel more. Yet the emotional center remains the same. Every hitman, vigilante, and ex-soldier carrying emotional scars owes a little something to the man who drew first blood.

For those who want action with meaning, where every choice has a cost, the Rambo series and the films influenced by it offer something deeper. The hardest battles are often the ones that happen after the war is over.

All three Rambo films — First Blood, First Blood Part II, and Rambo III — are now streaming on Lionsgate Play in the Philippines, alongside other character-driven action titles.

Moving Out? Here Are 5 Essentials You’ll Need to Live on Your Own

 Adulting is expensive. There’s no clearer proof than the growing number of Filipinos delaying moving out of their parents’ home.According to a study conducted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), today’s Gen Z and millennials are “putting off living independently as housing prices and the overall cost of living continue to climb.”

Still, there comes a time when independence calls and you’llneed to step out, even if it means starting small. Whether you’re moving out for the first time, saving to rent your own place, or slowly building your dream home, the game plan stays the same: to be budget-savvy from day one and save where you can.

 

Think small steps, smart choices, and long-term value. Here’s how to get started.

 

1. Pick a fast and flexible internet plan that fits your budget.

For young adults who work from home or are in a hybrid office setup, no home is complete without a strong internet connection. It’s the first thing they ask their landlords or brokers: “Is the home internet-ready?”

 

However, long-term contracts and hidden fees can complicate short-term leases that can last for less than two years.

 

Thankfully, Red Fiber just launched its new, no-frills, pure fiberbroadband plans at affordable price points and no lock-in period—perfect for young adults or renters who value flexibility. Whether you’re working remotely, streaming your favorite shows, or catching up on calls with family, Red Fiber keeps you connected, minus the hassle.

 

Red Fiber’s tagline “WiFi lang, Walang eme” directly addresses the practical and straightforward mindset of Gen Zs and millennials. With them in mind, Red Fiber is offering practical packages to suit them best: Plan 1000 with speeds of up to 100 Mbps, perfect for solo earners on a budget; Plan 1400 with speeds of up to 300 Mbps, ideal for young professionals and condo dwellers; and Plan 1900 with speeds of up to 500 Mbps for small families balancing work and entertainment at home.

 

Red Fiber plans are simple and uncomplicated: no add-on fees, no lock-ins—just pure fiber connectivity. Subscribers can also avail themselves of a 50 percent discount on installation fees until Dec. 31, 2025.

 

2. Start with the essentials and skip the excess.

When setting up your space, it’s tempting to buy everything on your Pinterest mood board. Don’t do it! Instead, invest first in what matters: a comfortable bed, a sturdy dining table (that can double as a work/study table), and reliable appliances. You can always upgrade later. Minimalism isn’t just an aesthetic—it’s astrategy.

 

3. DIY your decor and storage.

You don’t need to splurge on designer furniture or overpriced storage bins. Check out home stores that offer design pieces at affordable prices, surplus stores, or online marketplaces for quality secondhand pieces. Get creative—paint your own wall art—and learn basic DIY fixes. Don’t just move in—build your own cabinets or storage solutions, so you can make your place truly yours.

 

4. Choose smart over fancy tech.

Don’t fall for every “smart tech” or “upgrade” ad. Begin with devices that make everyday living easier, such as power-saving aircons, durable rice cookers, or a laptop that can take hours of continuous work and play. You can add those voice-activated or smart gadgets much later, when you’re already settled. 

 

5. Enjoy today but plan for the long run.

Being budget-savvy isn’t about depriving yourself, but about spending wisely. This way, you can enjoy what truly matters as you enjoy your new-found independence: comfort, convenience, and connection. Build slowly, live simply, and celebrate small wins (like finally paying off the installment plan on your sofa).

 

At the end of the day, a practical home isn’t just a space. It’s about you being independent and fully embracing the exciting life ahead of you, without having to break the bank.

 

Subscribe to the new Red Fiber plans through www.redfiber.comand get the latest updates on @RedFiberPH on Facebook and Instagram.

Make Your Home Holiday-Ready with Up to ₱20K Off from Acer Aking Tahanan

 Home is the perfect place to spend the holidays because it's where you feel most comfortable – a place where you can truly be yourself and where your story unfolds.

This season, Acer invites you to celebrate your digital tahanan, where you can tell your story your way and be your most productive and creative with the “Acer Aking Tahanan” holiday promo. Enjoy up to Php 20,000 in discounts and vouchers from SM Appliance Center when you purchase any participating Acer consumer or gaming notebook until January 18, 2026.

 

The gift of technology

 

Acer consumer notebooks are built for a variety of everyday tasks, including productivity, entertainment, and communication. They provide a balance of performance, portability, and value for money. 

 

Acer and Predator gaming laptops take your performance to the next level. Whether you're taking your Acer or Predator gaming laptop on the go or using it at your desk at home, both deliver high performance in a compact, portable design.

 

“For Acer Aking Tahanan, we are giving back to our loyal customers who continue to trust us with their consumer and gaming laptop needs,” said Sue Ong-Lim, Managing Director at Acer Philippines.

 

Every purchase of a qualifying Acer or Predator laptop entitles the customer to receive up to Php 20,000 in discounts and/or up to Php 20,000 in free SM Appliance Center eGift Vouchers.

 

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.

 

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

About Acer

Founded in 1976, Acer is one of the world’s top technology companies with a presence in more than 160 countries. The company continues to evolve by embracing innovation across its offerings which include computers and displays, while branching out to new businesses. Acer is also committed to sustainable growth, exploring new opportunities that align with its environmental and social responsibilities. The Acer Group employs over 7,800 employees that contribute to the research, design, marketing, sales and support of products, solutions, and services that break barriers between people and technology. Visit www.acer.com for more information.

Mr. Hat Gulaman Brings New Inspiration to Classic Christmas Creations

 For many of us, the holidays are built on traditions—classic dishes, handwritten grocery lists, and favorite recipes that bring comfort year after year. But there’s also something special about adding a twist to the familiar. Whether you're hosting a full Noche Buena or contributing to a potluck with family and friends, the season is the perfect time to mix a little creativity into the menu.

One ingredient quietly making its way into more Christmas kitchens this year? MR. HAT GULAMAN. You might know it from summertime snacks or childhood meriendas, but this powder-based gulaman is showing up in surprising, festive ways —and it’s an easy-to-make and affordable way to refresh your menu.   

 

A Familiar Ingredient, Made Fresh

MR. HAT GULAMAN is flexible and available in a wide range of varieties—seven flavored and six unflavored. This extensive selection makes it easy to tailor each recipe to your own tastes and even match your holiday color theme.

 

Since it doesn’t require baking and sets quickly, gulaman is ideal for busy holiday prep. Whether you’re cooking in a full kitchen or working with a single burner in a shared space, it’s a stress-free way to bring something different to the table without the added effort. With a wide range of variants, MR. HAT GULAMAN opens you up to new food and drink recipes during Christmas.

 

Not Just Dessert—A Holiday Centerpiece

Gulaman is already a fixture in classics like Cathedral Window Jelly , but this year’s recipes take things a step further. Ever tried Coffee Delight Jelly Cake or Lychee Jelly Cups that look elegant but take less than 30 minutes to prepare?

 

MR. HAT GULAMAN can be used for new recipe ideas like Creamy Leche Flan, Coconut Langka Jelly, or the no-bake No Steam Chocolate Pudding Cake. These options bring nostalgic flavors in a new format—especially great for family members who like something light after a rich holiday meal.

 

And for those who want a chilled drink to serve alongside the handaan, gulaman blends beautifully into creative beverages too. Think Mango Tapioca Jelly Drink or Thai Iced Milk Tea with gulaman to sip after all the eating is done.

Check out these recipes:

Merry & Bright Ornaments Jelly

Mr. Hat’s Holiday Lychee Brulee

 

Holiday-Ready, Potluck-Approved

Aside from taste, one of the underrated joys of MR. HAT GULAMAN desserts is that they travel well. Whether you’re contributing to an office party or sending trays to a neighbor, gulaman-based recipes hold their shape, look impressive, and can be prepped in advance. Remember, you can control the consistency of Mr. Hat Gulaman from firm to wiggly by adjusting the water measurement between 1L to 1.5L.

That also makes them great for make-ahead dishes during the busiest time of year. No last-minute frosting or complicated steps—just cook, chill, and serve. A win for hosts and guests alike.

Rediscovering Creativity in the Kitchen

The holidays will always be about tradition—but every now and then, a small change can bring big joy. With MR. HAT GULAMAN, you get a simple, affordable way to create dishes that feel personal, surprising, and worth sharing.

This Christmas, make your celebration special with MR. HAT GULAMAN—available in leading groceries, supermarkets nationwide, and through the orange and blue apps.

Discover new and creative holiday recipes with MR. HAT GULAMAN. Ano mang panahon, ano mang dahilan, #NasaHatKoYan.