Everyday Holiday Snacks You’ll Actually Make

 Transform URC favorites into crowd-pleasing holiday treats

The holidays have a way of turning all of us into ambitious home cooks—but sometimes, all you really want is something delicious without the stress. The secret? Some of the best holiday treats don’t require fancy ingredients at all. In fact, they’re probably already hiding in your snack stash.

With a little imagination (and your favorite Jack ‘n Jill snacks), you can magically turn everyday merienda into festive, feel-good dishes. These easy, clever recipes are perfect for Noche Buena spreads, barkadaparties, potluck moments, or those sweet holiday surprises you throw together at the last minute—but pretend you planned the whole thing.

Check out these easy recipes you can try, featuring your favorite Jack ‘n Jillsnacks:

Piattos Nacho Bake

This quick, flavor-packed party tray transforms Piattos chips into a warm, cheesy, crowd-pleasing nacho bake. The crispy chips serve as a savory base that pairs perfectly with gooey melted cheese, salsa, and your favorite toppings—ideal for barkada movie nights or last-minute holiday entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 3–4 packs Piattos (Nacho Pizza recommended)
  
  

• 1–2 cups grated cheese (quick melt or cheddar)
  
  

• ½ cup salsa
  
  

• Optional toppings: cooked ground meat or beans, jalapeños, olives, onions, sour cream
  
  

Directions:

1. Arrange Piattos chips on a baking tray or oven-safe dish.
   
   

2. Sprinkle generously with cheese.
   
   

3. Add salsa and any optional toppings you prefer.
   
   

4. Bake for 5–7 minutes or until the cheese melts.
   
   

5. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.
   
   

Nova Snack Mix

This colorful and crunchy snack mix brings together the best textures from Nova, Vcut, and Knots, combined with nuts and chocolates for a sweet–savory blend. It’s the perfect grab-and-go treat for holiday road trips, game nights, or family gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 pack Nova
  
  

• 1 pack Vcut
  
  

• 1 pack Jack ’n Jill Knots
  
  

• ½ cup nuts (peanuts, cashews, or mixed nuts)
  
  

• ½ cup chocolates, marshmallows, or other mix-ins
  
  

Directions:

1. Combine Nova, Vcut, and Knots in a large bowl.
   
   

2. Add nuts and sweet add-ins of your choice.
   
   

3. Toss until everything is evenly mixed.
   
   

4. Serve in a bowl and enjoy

Cream-O Cake

This no-bake Cream-O cake turns a classic cookie snack into a soft, layered dessert you can whip up with minimal effort. With its creamy center and steamed cookie base, it tastes like a cross between a refrigerator cake and a moist pudding—perfect for holiday potlucks.

Ingredients:

• 10 packets Cream-O Vanilla
  
  

• 1 ½ cups evaporated milk
  
  

Directions:

1. Separate the Cream-O Vanilla filling from the cookies. Crush the cookies finely.
   
   

2. Mix crushed cookies with evaporated milk until fully combined. Divide mixture into two parts.
   
   

3. Line a pan with parchment paper and pour in the first half. Spread evenly.
   
   

4. Steam for 5 minutes and cool for another 5 minutes.
   
   

5. Spread the Cream-O filling over the cooled layer.
   
   

6. Pour in the second half of the cookie mixture, spread evenly, and tap to remove bubbles.
   
   

7. Steam for 10 minutes. Let cool completely before serving.

Wafrets Chocolate Milkshake

This rich and creamy milkshake blends the chocolatey goodness of Wafrets with ice cream and milk to create a dessert drink kids (and adults) will love. It’s a sweet, refreshing treat that works as a fun recess drink, after-school snack, or holiday merienda.

Ingredients:

• 2–3 sticks Jack ’n Jill Wafrets (plus 1 extra for garnish)
  
  

• 1 cup milk
  
  

• 2 scoops chocolate or vanilla ice cream
  
  

• 1 cup ice (optional, for thickness)
  
  

Directions:

1. Chop Wafrets into small pieces.
   
   

2. Add Wafrets, milk, ice cream, sugar, and ice (if using) into a blender.
   
   

3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
   
   

4. Pour into a glass and garnish with a whole Wafrets stick.
   
   

5. Serve immediately.

Hello Vanilla Wafer Balls

These bite-sized wafer balls are a fun, customizable holiday treat you can coat in chocolate, peanuts, powdered milk, or even coffee. They’re easy to make, delightful to eat, and perfect for gifting—each piece delivers a creamy, crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

Ingredients:

• 4 Hello! Vanilla Wafers, crushed
  
  

• 1 tbsp chilled all-purpose cream
  
  

• 1 tsp condensed milk
  
  

• 2 tbsp coating of your choice (crushed Hello! Chocolate Wafers, crushed peanuts, powdered milk, or instant coffee)
  
  

Directions:

1. Mix together crushed Hello! Vanilla Wafers, all-purpose cream, and condensed milk.
   
   

2. Divide the mixture into six portions.
   
   

3. Roll each portion into a small ball.
   
   

4. Coat each ball in your preferred topping.
   
   

5. Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving or gifting.
   
   

Tip: Crush the wafers using a hand blender, stand blender, food processor, knife, or rolling pin.

Holiday Snacking Made Creative

This season, let your favorite Jack ‘n Jill snacks shine beyond everyday merienda. With these easy and versatile recipes, you can turn simple pantry staples into delightful holiday creations perfect for sharing, and celebrating all month long.

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).

TCL’s All-Category Growth Powers Forward into 2026

 TCL, the Philippines' No. 1 Panel TV brand and a global leader in both TV and air conditioner sales, delivered an extraordinary performance throughout 2025. This achievement is a significant feat, solidifying the brand's leadership and competitive dominance in the market.

Celebrating a 25-year legacy, TCL has been instrumental in integrating technological progress into the Filipino lifestyle. The brand offers solutions tailored to Filipino consumers, from TVs that deliver immersive viewing experiences to energy-efficient washing machines that make laundry effortless to smart AC units that keep homes comfortably cool in the tropical heat. This commitment to innovation and pushing boundaries has successfully made more intuitive, efficient, and powerful technologies readily accessible to families across the country.

 

This success is built on deep trust from loyal customers who have fully invested in the TCL ecosystem. This widespread loyalty is a direct result of the brand's steadfast commitment to delivering premium quality, continuous innovation, and reliable after-sales support, proving that sustained consumer confidence is the ultimate driver of market supremacy.

“We are immensely pleased to have secured this significant achievement and market recognition. 2025 has been an overwhelmingly rewarding and successful year for TCL. We are now strategically focused and look forward to building on this momentum with even more exciting milestones in the coming year,” said Peter Chen, TCL Philippines CEO.

 

Leading the Future of Television

As the Philippines' undisputed No. 1 panel TV brand for two consecutive years, TCL maintains a leadership position that underscores a critical strategy: continuous, aggressive innovation coupled with a commitment to market accessibility.​

“We aim to deliver an elevated home entertainment experience through superior picture quality, outstanding sound quality, and seamless overall performance. The shift in consumer demand toward premium TV categories such as QLED and Mini LED is driven by technological advancements, lifestyle changes, and greater market accessibility. It indicates that consumers are no longer satisfied with standard LED performance and are actively seeking a superior viewing experience,” said Charlie Huang, Deputy Product Director of Brownline at TCL. 

 

TCL is advancing its 2030 TV vision and continues to push the boundaries of display technology. The core objective is to make premium, large-screen viewing experiences accessible to the mass market.

He stated, “TCL aims to be the reliable partner for every Filipino home, delivering smart appliances that simplify and enhance daily life. This commitment is underpinned by the continuous establishment of QD-Mini LED as the core technology, ensuring industry-leading extreme brightness, superior contrast, and vibrant color accuracy for high-end streaming and gaming.

The Core of TCL's New Air Strategy

Marking a key strategic shift, TCL Philippines is expanding its residential air conditioning success into the commercial HVAC sector. The brand aims to aggressively compete with established players by focusing on cutting-edge technology, attractive pricing, and comprehensive project support.

Bert Cheung, Deputy Director of Air Solution and B2B Business, outlined TCL Philippines’ roadmap to enter the commercial market without sacrificing its strong trajectory in residential innovation.

“As we expand our market coverage from Residential to Commercial applications, we highlight our TMV6 VRF System, with its key features boasting flexibility and reliability of the products, the hero products of our Residential lineup, featuring our T-AI technology for highly efficient and cost-effective requirements. Our strengthened portfolio brings confidence to the partnerships we are working with, from major developers up to key organizations and consultants in the industry,” he said.

Bert continued, “Being focused on distribution in the past, we are now shifting our business model into an HVAC company to be able to work with projects on a larger scale. We will continuously build a team of professionals to grow the commercial side of our business, for us to be able to  be at par with the current market leaders in this segment.”

 

Engineered Super Drum Excellence

The introduction of the TCL Super Drum C682 washing machine marks a strategic pivot in TCL’s smart home journey. This product embodies the brand’s new focus on technological mastery and superior engineering, aiming to provide high-quality, seamless consumer experiences. 

As Senior Product Manager Eric Li noted, the C682 is an 'anchor product' designed to 'recalibrate the consumer's perception' of TCL, establishing it as a premium, high-durability, and high-technology innovator rather than a value-driven manufacturer.

“Our Washing Machine business in the Philippines is projecting strong momentum, with an estimated 30% revenue growth in 2025. We are fully committed to this market, and will continue to enhance both our products and customer service aggressively.”

The Super Drum C682 signifies a significant step forward, leveraging its unique 540mm drum, intelligent sensing, and smart control to meet the demands of contemporary homes. Crucially, the C682 functions as a strategic flagship, driving TCL’s brand repositioning as a premium, high-technology leader in the Philippines.

 

Sustained Momentum Plan

Overall, TCL's 2026 strategy includes the launch of significant technological innovations that extend well beyond expected product updates. Soon, the Whitelines category will be undergoing a major refresh, introducing an all-new design and model lineup for TCL Refrigerators.

 

In addition, TCL is prioritizing substantial improvements in its customer post-purchase service and support.

Eric adds, “TCL recognizes that a superior customer journey—from purchase through a decade of use—is essential for transforming initial sales into long-term brand loyalty. By 2026, TCL's enhancements to customer service, post-purchase support, and warranty offerings will be driven by data gathered in the current year, focusing on speed, accessibility, and proactive ownership.”

Log on to https://www.tcl.com/ph/en for more information.

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!

 

mWell Introduces ECG Ring, the Country’s First Smart Ring with Heart Monitoring

mWell, the Philippines’ health and wellness mega app by Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation, strengthens its leadership in digital health with the launch of the mWellECG Ring, the country’s first wellness ring with built-in ECG monitoring. This latest innovation follows the successful launch of the mWell Ring in May 2024, the first smart wellness ring of its kind in the Philippine market.

 

“mWell envisions a future where every Filipino has access to preventive healthcare that is both accessible and affordable,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, mWell Chairman and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation Chairman, President. “The ECG Ring helps us deliver medical insights that fit into real life. Everyone should be able to take the right steps for their health every single day, and not only when they're sick.”

 

The mWell Ring introduced Filipinos to a new way of monitoring health through sleep and lifestyle data. Known for its accurate sleep tracking, it captures light, deep, REM, and total sleep, and provides essential metrics that support those with sleep-related concerns. It also generates the mWellness Score, giving users a clear, daily snapshot of their overall health. By offering these capabilities at an accessible price, it helped open the wearables category to more Filipinos.

 

“The new mWell ECG Ring builds on this foundation by adding everyday heart monitoring,” said Chaye Cabal-Revilla, President and CEO of mWell and Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer of MPIC. “On top of all existing mWell Ring features, users can now view ECG results directly on the mWell app and share them with their doctors as a PDF file through messaging apps or email, making it easy to get timely medical advice. These readings, along with other health data, can be securely stored in their mWell Health ID to support continuity of care and make it easier to track progress over time.”

 

Heart health remains a priority in the Philippines. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, ischaemic heart diseases were the leading cause of death in 2024. For many Filipinos balancing busy routines, regular screenings are not always accessible. Simple, wearable tools that encourage consistent monitoring can help bridge this gap by empowering users to stay more aware of their health every day.

 

 

“As a physician, I believe wearable devices like the ECG Ring are a game-changer for personalized care,” says Dr. Raymond Francis Sarmiento, Chief Operating Officer of mWell. “They make it possible to monitor vital signs effortlessly and detect early warning signs, helping turn prevention into an everyday habit.”

 

The device includes an ECG monitor, heart rate monitor, blood oxygen monitor, sleep monitor, and electrical heart sensor. Crafted from titanium with a scratch-free finish, it features a lightweight design, top-grade sensors, IP68 water resistance, and a seven-day battery life. It is available in a stylish two-toned design.

 

Many popular smart rings around the world cost significantly more and still don’t offer ECG features, as noted by tech reviewers from publications like TechRadar and Wareable. With built-in ECG monitoring and no subscription fees, the mWell ECG Ring delivers more advanced health insights at a more accessible price.

 

The mWell ECG Ring is now available for a special introductory price of P12,999 with free shipping and no monthly subscription fee. Regular price is P13,999. Purchase it through the mWell app’s eShop or online at https://shop.mwell.com.ph/pages/mwell-ecg-ring.

 

Beyond the new ECG Ring, mWell also offers a growing wearable ecosystem to support proactive health monitoring. The mWell Smart Watches help users stay active with over 100 sports modes and track blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels. Together with the mWell Ring and mWell ECG Ring, they complete a suite of devices designed to democratize proactive healthcare and deliver actionable health insights through the mWell app.

 

Because protecting your health does not have to be complicated. Start now and choose a future where care feels closer, clearer, and truly made for you.

 

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As part of the MPIC Group, mWell is committed to working towards the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. It also supports the MVP Group’s Gabay Kalusugan advocacy focusing on quality and affordable healthcare.

Download the mWell app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

 

Follow mWell on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more updates.