A Packed Holiday Calendar? Here’s What to Bring to Every Gathering

Good food, great company, and moments to relax together make the holidays feel extra special. These easy-to-share favorites from Universal Robina Corporation bring hearty flavors and refreshing sips to every holiday gathering.

Never show up empty-handed with these food and drink ideas for your holiday gatherings.

Between office parties, barkada reunions, and family dinners, a packed holiday calendar brings a familiar question: “Ano kayang dadalhin ko?”

These easy-to-share favorites can help you spend less time worrying about what to bring and more time switching to relax mode with loved ones.

For office Christmas parties: Meaty baked pasta

Office potlucks are the perfect excuse to bring everyone's favorite comfort food. And when you're feeding a crowd, a generous tray of baked pasta is always a welcome addition to the buffet.

Think tender El Real Pasta coated in a rich, meaty tomato sauce, topped with plenty of melted cheese and baked until golden. It's the kind of hearty, cheesy dish colleagues will happily make room for on their plates.

Best of all, you can prepare it the night before and reheat it before the party. One tray is easy to bring, portion out, and serve, so everyone can help themselves during the office potluck.

For barkada reunions: Grilled pork belly

When the barkada finally gets together after months of trying to match everyone's schedules, you know there's going to be plenty of catching up. The food should be just as relaxed as the company.

Grilled pork belly fits the bill with its juicy, tender meat, lightly charred edges, and smoky flavor. For an extra punch of savory, tangy goodness, marinate your Robina Farms Pork Belly in soy sauce, calamansi, garlic, and seasonings.

Slice it into bite-sized pieces and serve with rice and dipping sauces for a casual, sharing-friendly spread. It's just the thing to enjoy between stories, jokes, and long-overdue updates.

For family get-togethers: Cream-O icebox cake

Every family celebration deserves something sweet, and a no-bake icebox cake is a fun, fuss-free addition to the dessert table. It's especially handy when you already have plenty of holiday preparations to take care of.

All you need are Cream-O cookies, whipped cream, and a few simple ingredients to create a dessert that's as easy to assemble as it is to share. Layer the cookies with the cream, then refrigerate until everything sets into a rich, creamy treat.

Prepare it ahead of time and bring it out after the main meal. It's a sweet way to wrap up a family gathering, especially when everyone is ready to settle in for dessert and more catching up.

For Christmas dinner: Glazed ham

A Noche Buena spread feels extra festive with ham on the table. Sweet, savory, and easy to share, glazed ham makes a lovely addition to a Christmas dinner without demanding hours of preparation.

Robina Farms Premium Sliced Ham takes on a glossy, flavorful finish with a simple glaze of pineapple juice and brown sugar. The fruity sweetness complements the ham's savory taste, making every slice feel a little more special for the occasion.

Arrange the slices on a serving platter and pair them with bread, mashed potatoes, or other Noche Buena favorites. Because the ham is already sliced, it's easy for everyone to take a serving and get back to celebrating.

For the non-cooks in the group: C2 Litro Lemon

Not every holiday contribution requires time in the kitchen. If cooking isn't your thing, why not take charge of the drinks instead?

Bring a bottle of C2 Litro Lemon to your next gathering and make sure everyone has something refreshing to sip on. With its refreshing lemon tea flavor, it's an easy addition to the holiday spread that everyone can share.

Serve it chilled as everyone settles in for a relaxing break, catching up on life, exchanging stories, and enjoying each other's company.

With your holiday contributions planned, there's one less thing to worry about this season. From hearty meals to sweet treats and refreshing drinks, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has familiar favorites that can help make every gathering a little more delightful.

Whether you're attending a big family reunion or an intimate barkada dinner, remember to make room for what matters: good food, great company, and moments to relax together.

After all, the less time you spend worrying about what to bring, the more time you have to enjoy the people you're celebrating with.

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For 70 years, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has been creating beloved brands that have become part of everyday Filipino life. From Jack ‘n Jill Piattos, Cloud 9, Maxx Candy, Cream-O, and Payless to C2 Cool and Clean and Great Taste coffee, URC’s iconic products have delighted generations of Filipinos, reflecting its enduring commitment to quality, innovation, and bringing joy to every household. B’lue offers a refreshing way to stay hydrated and energized. Designed to keep you going, B’lue combines refreshing taste with functional benefits, making it a convenient choice for Filipinos looking to keep up with their busy, on-the-go days. To learn more about URC, visit its website (www.urc.com.ph), Facebook page (@URCPhilippines), and TikTok account (@URCPhilippines).

Maya returns to PBB Collab 3.0, Giving Mayamayans More Ways to Save Their Favorite Housemates

 

New house, new Housemates, and more reasons to save! Maya returns as The Official Voting Partner of Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Collab 3.0, giving Mayamayans the power to save their favorite Housemates while unlocking exclusive rewards and banking perks along the way.

This season brings a fresh twist to Bahay ni Kuya, with Housemates from the Kapamilya and Kapuso networks competing individually for the coveted Big Winner title. With new personalities, unexpected alliances, and exciting challenges ahead, fans can count on Maya to help them support their favorites every step of the way.

Representing the Kapamilya side are Robbie Jaworski, Nathan Garcia, Cianne Dominguez, Gehlee Dangca, Shea Valerio, Calix Esguerra, Jeo Ong, and Primo Alterado. Joining them from the Kapuso side are Anthony Constantino, Bela Arcal, Ethan Benares, Lans Nagal, Mikee Quintos, Nicole Fortuna, Raheel Bhyria, and Winwyn Marquez.

And with Maya back as the show's Official Voting Partner, supporting your favorite Housemate is just a few taps away.

First Vote? Maya's Got You!

Every vote counts, and with Maya, your first one comes with a little something extra.

New Mayamayans who sign up and upgrade their Maya account can enjoy 100% cashback on their first PBB vote, up to ₱50. That's more reason to show some love for your favorite Housemate, whether you're cheering for a familiar celebrity, rooting for a promising newcomer, or supporting the season's next breakout star.

Voting is easy! Simply open the Maya app, tap the PBB icon, choose your favorite Housemate, and cast your vote.

Save More with Maya, Support Your Favorites

Being a dedicated PBB fan doesn't mean putting your own savings goals on hold.

New Maya users can instantly unlock 15% interest p.a. when they deposit ₱1,000 from their Maya Wallet to Maya Savings in their first month. In the months that follow, they can continue earning up to 15% p.a. by completing qualifying everyday transactions. From paying bills and shopping online to making everyday purchases, Maya helps turn regular spending into opportunities to earn more on your savings.

 

Plus, new Maya Savings users can enjoy a FREE Maya Card with 1% cashback on every purchase when they open a Maya Savings account for the first time when they complete few qualifying activities, giving them another reason to kick start their savings journey.

Save or Spend? Maya Brings the Money Decisions Inside Bahay ni Kuya

The Maya experience doesn't stop at voting. Mayamayans can also look forward to the return of the much-anticipated Save or Spend task, where Housemates are challenged to make decisions that put their priorities, strategy, and teamwork to the test.

Beyond the fun and excitement, the challenge brings everyday money decisions into the spotlight, showing how choosing between saving and spending can make a difference.

New Season, New Favorites. Same Power to Save with Maya.

With a refreshed house, a new mix of personalities, and individual gameplay raising the stakes, PBB Collab 3.0 promises another exciting season for Filipino fans.

And whether you're cheering from home, joining the latest fan conversations, or casting that all-important vote, Maya makes it easier to support your favorites while getting more out of your money.

Catch Pinoy Big Brother Collab 3.0 on GMA Network every Monday to Friday at 9:35 PM, Saturdays at 6:15 PM, and Sundays at 4:55 PM. Fans can also stream the show on Kapuso Stream, ABS-CBN Entertainment's YouTube channel, and iWant.

About Maya 

Maya is the #1 Fintech Ecosystem in the Philippines, with Maya, the #1 Digital Bank, and Maya Business, the #1 Omni-Channel Payment Processor. Maya Bank is a digital bank regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), with deposits insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to ₱1 million per depositor. To learn more about Maya, check out maya.ph and mayabank.ph. Follow Maya at @makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok and @mayaofficialph on Twitter.   

DTI Permits

• New-user 15% p.a. on Maya Savings Promo: DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-252802, Series of 2026

• 1% cashback on Maya Card purchases Promo: DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-265752, Series of 2026

• Free Maya Card Promo: DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-254638 Series of 2026

• “First Vote is Free” PBB promo: DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-271943 Series of 2026

TNT, Viva launch next phase of SayaOke with 48 finalists and a recording contract up for grabs

[27 October 2026] TNT and Viva are turning up the excitement in SayaOke as 48 aspiring singers from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao advance to the weekly live showdowns of the nationwide karaoke competition powered by TNT 5G. One of the seven weekly winners will also get the chance to land a recording contract with Viva.

Selected from auditions submitted through the Vivaoke app, the finalists will compete for P300,000 in cash for each weekly showdown and the opportunity to showcase their talent to a nationwide audience.

Of the 48 finalists, 24 are from Luzon, 12 are from Visayas, and 12 are from Mindanao, highlighting SayaOke’s nationwide reach and its mission to bring Filipino talent into the spotlight.

One of seven weekly winners to get a shot at a Viva recording contract

“Through SayaOke, we are giving aspiring singers from across the country a platform to showcase their talent and connect with audiences. Powered by TNT 5G, the competition shows how connectivity can bring people together through shared passions and experiences,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, FVP and OIC at Smart Communications, Inc.

From the pool of seven weekly winners, Viva will handpick one to receive a recording contract, opening the door to a potential music career.

“TNT SayaOke is an exciting opportunity to discover promising Filipino talent and give aspiring singers a chance to be heard. We are especially excited to offer one of the seven weekly winners a recording contract, allowing a standout talent to pursue a music career,” said MG Mozo, President of Viva Music Publishing, Inc.

Viva artists inspire aspiring singers to dream big

Joining the announcement was Viva artist and singing champion Lyca Gairanod, whose recent viral song “Puede Nang Mangarap” shows how online platforms can help talent reach wider audiences and inspire others to pursue their dreams.

“Minsan, isang  opportunity lang talaga ang kailangan mo sa buhay. Kaya mahalaga ang mga contest tulad ng TNT SayaOke sa pagbibigay sa mga Pinoy ng chance para maipakita ang talento nila sa mas maraming tao at ma-inspire sila na magpatuloy lang sa pagkamit ng  kanilang mga pangarap (Sometimes, one opportunity is all it takes to bring you closer to your dreams. Platforms like SAYAOKE give aspiring singers the chance to share their talent, reach more people, and inspire others to believe that they, too, can make their dreams come true), ” said Lyca.

Viva artist Krissha Viaje, who is now one of the cast in the Viva One series, ‘Our Yesterday’s Escape,’ also began pursuing her passion for singing at a young age competing in singing contests here and abroad. She reflected how dedication and perseverance can help aspiring performers open doors to new opportunities.

“Kailangan talaga ng patience and hard work para makamit ang iyong pangarap. Dapat matibay ang tiwala mo sa sarili, at wag palampasin ang mga opportunity na maipakita ang talent mo sa mundo (Pursuing your dreams takes patience and hard work. You also have to keep believing in yourself and take every opportunity to show the world what you can do),” said Krissha.

Vote for your favorites and win exciting prizes

TNT subscribers can support their favorite finalists by tuning in to the weekly live showdowns on TikTok and using voting credits earned by loading select TNT promos.

They can also join the raffle promo by texting RAFFLE to 5858 for a chance to win exciting prizes, including cash, 5G smartphones, motorcycles, and e-bikes.

Powered by TNT 5G

The SayaOke Birit Booths used for the live showdowns are powered by TNT 5G, enabling real-time singing battles among aspiring performers. TNT continues to expand its 5G footprint, with recent rollouts in Iloilo City, Bacolod City, Davao City, and Zamboanga City.

TNT 5G is powered by Smart, which was recognized by Ookla® for delivering the Best Mobile Video Experience in the Philippines for the first half of 2026 with a Video Score of 72.82, the highest among operators in the country.

Tune in to SayaOke’s weekly live showdowns on TikTok Live, vote for your favorite finalists, and watch out for exciting raffle prizes. For more information, visit https://sayaoke.tntph.com.#

Pay&Go Expands Nationwide Reach with Watsons, TGP, Premium Bikes and More

 

New Pay&Go locations across Metro Manila, Cagayan de Oro, and the Zamboanga Peninsula bring convenient financial services closer to more Filipino communities.  

Pay&Go is expanding its nationwide network with new kiosks at selected locations of Watsons, The Generics Pharmacy (TGP), Premium Bikes, and Novo in Metro Manila; Gaisano in Cagayan de Oro; and Cecile’s Pharmacy in the Zamboanga Peninsula.  

The expansion creates more access points for customers to complete essential financial transactions in establishments they already know and trust. 

Through Pay&Go kiosks, customers can cash in, cash out, make bank deposits and withdrawal, pay bills, purchase e-load, top up toll cards, and access other services while visiting familiar community destinations.  

As more Filipinos use digital wallets and financial platforms, convenient ways to move between cash and digital funds remain essential. By deploying kiosks in more locations, Pay&Go aims to make services more practical for customers.  

“We want to expand to areas where we know we can be closer to Filipino communities. If there are people here, then there should be a Pay&Go kiosk for their convenience.” said Katrina Abad, Head of Expansion at Pay&Go.  

Abad adds that close collaboration with merchant partners helps Pay&Go understand local customer needs, maintain dependable operations, and provide services within familiar community establishments. 

“To [deploy more kiosks], we need to build strong partnerships with merchants that people already trust and frequent,” she added.  

Pay&Go extends its appreciation to Watsons, TGP, Premium Bikes, Novo, Gaisano, and Cecile’s Pharmacy for supporting its continued growth. 

Looking ahead, Pay&Go will continue building meaningful partnerships and bringing convenient services to more communities across the Philippines.  

About Pay&Go  

Pay&Go is the Philippines’ leading self-service payment kiosks with over 4,000 payment kiosks offering services such as cash in, cash out, bank withdrawals, bank deposits, bills payment, e-load, toll top-up and more. 

 

Pay&Go is available in select partner stores Watsons, The Generics Pharmacy (TGP), Premium Bikes, Novo, Gaisano, Cecile’s Pharmacy, Robinsons, Ayala Malls, Alfamart, Lawson, Uncle John’s, Shell Select, and more.  

 

Learn more about Pay&Go here. 

Jollibee gives ‘red flags’ a spicy twist with Chickenjoy

 

Red flags are usually a warning sign in dating, but Jollibee is giving Filipinos a different reason to embrace them: spicy fried chicken and witty one-liners that are made to be shared online.

With #TheOnlyRedFlagIWant, Jollibee turned the viral trend into a fun, feel-good experience both online and in-store, bringing its Spicy Chickenjoy to life through cute, funny, and relatable flaglets. The campaign sparked buzz on X, with “JOLLY RED FLAG” trending and inspiring netizens to join the fun and discover the witty flags for themselves.

“We’ve seen how much our customers enjoy joining online trends and creating their own content, even when they’re dining in our stores. We wanted to bring that same fun to their Spicy Chickenjoy experience through these playful flaglets, giving them something to enjoy, take photos of, and share with their friends,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines.

Inspired by the popular online habit of joking about relationship red flags, Jollibee’s “The Only Red Flag You Want” features special flaglets with witty messages that turn the familiar dating term into a fun dining experience.

Among the lines featured on the flaglets are “Red flag na laging available for you” (“A red flag who’s always available for you”), “Red flag na pwede ipakilala sa friends mo” (“A red flag you can introduce to your friends”), and “Red flag worth saying ‘yes’ to.”

The flaglets give customers another way to enjoy their Spicy Chickenjoy, share a laugh with friends, and create their own content inspired by the trend.

The special red flaglets will be available from October 15 to November 15, or until supplies last, at 54 participating Jollibee stores nationwide.

Customers can join the fun by getting a flaglet, choosing their favorite line, and sharing their photos and videos online using #TheOnlyRedFlagIWant.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites via GrabFood and foodpanda, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises.

LG ELECTRONICS BRINGS ITS HERITAGE OF CUSTOMER-CENTRIC INNOVATION TO TIMES SQUARE

“Life Asks, LG Answers” Connects Decades of Customer-Inspired Innovation With

Real-Life Stories of Enduring Trust

News Summary

 LG kicks off global heritage campaign with the screening of its “Life Asks, LG

Answers” film in New York’s Times Square, supported by short-form videos, a

dedicated microsite, and customer participation programs across key regions.

 The campaign highlights how LG solves customers’ everyday needs with

innovations spanning laundry, refrigeration, core components and robotics.

 A customer participation program launched in Latin America, featuring real-life

stories that show how LG innovations have stood the test of time, will expand to

select markets in the Middle East.

SEOUL, Oct. 22, 2026 — LG Electronics (LG) has launched a global heritage

campaign highlighting its long history of turning customers’ evolving needs into

meaningful home appliance innovations. The campaign began with the October 14

screening of its new heritage film, “Life Asks, LG Answers,” in New York’s Times

Square and will roll out globally through the film and a series of short-form videos,

along with a dedicated microsite, media outreach and customer participation programs

across key regions. Together, these activities frame LG’s heritage not as a record of the

past, but as a continuing story of customer-inspired innovation proven over time.

Answering Life’s Evolving Questions

The “Life Asks, LG Answers” film traces the story of how LG has responded to

customers’ changing needs through innovations inspired by everyday life, rather than

simply presenting a timeline of products.

For example, LG TWINWash™ was developed in response to customers’ desire to

wash separate loads at the same time, while LG InstaView™ allows them to see inside

LGE Internal Use Only

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the refrigerator without opening the door. To bring its heritage story to audiences

worldwide, LG will engage customers across a range of online and offline channels,

beginning with the screening of the campaign film at New York’s Times Square, with a

further screening planned for London’s Piccadilly Circus.

Innovation Shaped by Life, Proven Over Time

Complementing the global content rollout are regional customer participation programs

that invite customers to share how LG appliances have remained part of their everyday

lives over time. In Latin America, the “My Life with LG” campaign invited customers

in Mexico, Colombia and Peru to submit photos and personal stories about LG

appliances they had owned and used for many years, from products passed down

through generations to appliances associated with important family milestones. Selected

stories were developed into digital and media content, illustrating the lasting

relationships customers have built with LG products.

Following its rollout in Latin America, the “My Life with LG” initiative will be

extended to select markets in the Middle East, inviting more customers to share their

own stories of using LG appliances over the years. By presenting LG’s perspective

alongside real experiences from customers around the world, the new heritage campaign

paints a clear picture of a legacy of innovation shaped by life and proven over time.

LG is carrying the same customer-focused approach into its vision for the future home.

By combining its expertise in home appliances and core technologies with AI

appliances and home robotics, the company will continue developing new answers to

customers’ evolving needs.

“Our decades-long commitment to innovation has earned the enduring trust of our

customers,” said Baek Seung-tae, president of the LG Home Appliance Solution

Company. “Building on this powerful legacy, we will continue finding new answers to

our customers’ evolving needs and shaping the future of the home.”

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More information about “Life Asks, LG Answers” and LG’s heritage of customer-

inspired innovation is available on the https://www.lg.com/global/about-lg/company-

history/appliances-heritage/

# # #

About LG Electronics Home Appliance Solution Company

The LG Home Appliance Solution Company (HS) is a global leader in home appliances and AI home solutions. By

leveraging industry-leading core technologies, the HS Company is committed to enhancing consumers’ quality of life

and to reducing the environmental impact of its products and operations. The company develops thoughtfully

designed kitchen and living appliance solutions and has recently integrated LG’s Robot Business Division to

incorporate advanced robot technologies into its home solutions. Together, these products offer enhanced

convenience, high performance and energy-efficient operation. For more news on LG, visit

www.LG.com/global/newsroom/.

Maris Racal Makes Everything Mini in Maya Black’s Hyperpop Music Video

Maris Racal wants more, more, more—and she’s making it Mini!

The actress turns up the pop-star energy in Maya Black’s latest music video, serving edgy looks and her signature confidence against a catchy hyperpop track. But there’s a twist: everything she wants literally turns into a miniature version of itself, bringing the song’s “make it mini” message to life in a fun and unexpected way.

Maris Racal makes everything Mini

With its fashion-forward styling, chrome accents, and Maris in full pop-star mode, the music video gives Maya Black and Mini Payments a fresh, music-driven treatment.

And while everything might be getting smaller on screen, the idea behind it is all about having more flexibility when it comes to bigger purchases. Because with Mini Payments, getting what you want doesn't always have to mean paying for it all at once.

Watch the new music video starring Maris Racal here: https://youtu.be/b_zKjZ6u2f4?si=q8AzbC9iUSLp0sAV. 

Big purchase? Make it Mini!

With Mini Payments, eligible purchases made using your Maya Black Credit Card  can be converted into 3, 6, 9, or 12 monthly payments, giving cardholders more flexibility in managing bigger expenses.

Whether you're planning a gadget upgrade, buying a new appliance, or making another bigger-ticket purchase, simply select an eligible transaction, choose your preferred payment term, and track your plan directly in the Maya app, subject to applicable terms and charges.

So while Maris makes everything Mini in the music video, you can also bring that same energy with your bigger purchases. Big purchase? No biggie. Make it Mini with Maya Black and Mini Payments.

To know more, visit maya.ph/minipayments and follow @makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. www.bsp.gov.ph. For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788.

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About Maya 

Maya is the #1 Fintech Ecosystem in the Philippines, with Maya, the #1 Digital Bank, and Maya Business, the #1 Omni-Channel Payment Processor. Maya Bank is a digital bank regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), with deposits insured by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) up to ₱1 million per depositor. To learn more about Maya, check out maya.ph and mayabank.ph. Follow Maya at @makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok and @mayaofficialph on Twitter.   

Filipino chef behind Dubai chocolate phenomenon teams up with Jollibee for Christmas

Jollibee is partnering with Filipino pastry chef and culinary innovator Nouel Catis, whose work is associated with the global Dubai chocolate phenomenon, to introduce the Pistachio Choco Sundae, a limited-edition Christmas dessert that brings a globally popular flavor combination to a familiar Filipino favorite.

“Christmas is a time when people look forward to experiences that make the season more special. At Jollibee, we want to bring that joy through both the food our customers love and new flavors that surprise and delight them,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. "Partnering with Chef Nouel gives us a chance to offer something new this Christmas while celebrating Filipino culinary talent on the global stage."

Based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Catis is recognized for his work in the chocolate confectionery space, particularly the Dubai chocolate phenomenon that helped popularize the combination of chocolate and pistachio flavors among consumers worldwide.

His work has also received recognition, including being named an Emerging Global Filipino Icon by The Global Filipino Magazine and receiving a Service Excellence Award in Culinary Innovation in Dubai.

“We see Chef Nouel as a partner in our mission to bring joy to Filipinos and people around the world through food. By bringing his culinary expertise together with a Jollibee favorite, we hope to give our customers a new way to enjoy flavors they love and discover something different this Christmas,” Ching added.



For Catis, the collaboration is also a personal milestone, bringing him together with a brand he has loved since childhood.

“I was so happy when Jollibee reached out to me. I grew up loving Jollibee, so I never imagined that one day, I’d get to work with a brand that’s been part of my childhood. After the Dubai chocolate experience, it’s exciting to be doing something like this with Jollibee, especially for Christmas,” said Catis. “As a Filipino, it makes me proud to be part of something that can bring joy to people here at home and hopefully introduce more people around the world to the creativity and talent of Filipinos.”

The collaboration brings Catis’s culinary expertise to Jollibee’s annual Christmas sundae offering. The Pistachio Choco Sundae features creamy vanilla soft serve coated in a pistachio shell, topped with chocolate syrup and diced pistachios.

Priced at ₱79, the dessert will be available nationwide from October 16 to December 31 through Jollibee dine-in, takeout, drive-thru and delivery via GrabFood and foodpanda.

The partnership reflects Jollibee’s continuing effort to create new food experiences for customers during the holiday season, combining familiar favorites with fresh flavors while celebrating Filipino talent whose work has reached international audiences.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites via GrabFood and foodpanda, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises.

Puregold Teatro Panalo unveils groundbreaking lineup for historic inaugural festival

Philippine theater history is in the making!

After months of anticipation, excitement, and speculation, the stage is finally set for the inaugural Puregold Teatro Panalo! From a total of 373 submissions nationwide, only 12 exceptional works have emerged as the festival’s historic first batch of finalists.

Some of the biggest names in Philippine theater have meticulously reviewed hundreds of entries, searching for the most compelling stories, freshest voices, and boldest creative visions. Now, the chosen 12 are ready to take center stage and usher in an exciting new chapter for Filipino theater.

The highly anticipated announcement took place during a special live event at Cinema 16 of Gateway Mall on October 14. The selected playwrights stepped into the spotlight to receive their ₱100,000 talent fees, officially marking the beginning of their journey as pioneers of the first-ever Puregold Teatro Panalo.

Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Puregold Teatro Panalo Festival Chair, expressed her excitement over the historic lineup and the extraordinary response from Filipino theater artists across the country.

“It was encouraging to see how many Filipino storytellers are eager to share their work, and it made choosing only 12 plays especially difficult. They remind us how much Filipino theater has to offer; how live experiences offer authentic connections, and how important it is to create more opportunities for these stories to find their audience,” said Hayagan-Piedad. “With Puregold Teatro Panalo, we hope to give these works the stage they deserve and, in our own way, help Philippine theater continue to grow.” 

The 12 finalists—eight straight plays and four musicals—of the inaugural Puregold Teatro Panalo are:

• “The Girl Scout Law” by Rhain Arabella Alcoriza

• “True to Life” by John "Sweet" Lapus

• “Trahedya ng Kamote” by Marjay S. Manalastas

• “The Boy Foretold By The Stars (One Act Play)” by Dolly Dulu

• “Nothing But Dreams” by Ricardo C. Novenario

• “Youngstunna” by Jerom Andrei M. Canlas

• “Walang Maliit na Bagay” by Joshua Lim So

• “@HOME” by Edralin Cabrera, Kathlyn Castillo, Michael Ian Lomongo, Marjorie Lorico, Maria Teresa Jamias, Wenah Nagales, & J Victor Villareal

• “Ang Maayong Balita Sumala Kang Bibo Bautista” by Jude Thaddeus M. Gitamondoc

• “Baka mali ang Tamaraw” by Emmanuel Benbinuto Antonio

• “Manang-Mana Nga!” by Steven Hotchkiss and Jay Pangilinan

• “The Fourth Wall Has Fallen” by Heber Justin P. O'Hara

Behind this landmark selection is an impressive assembly of some of the country’s most respected theater luminaries: NCCA SUDI National Music Awardee and multi-award-winning composer and playwright, Festival Director Vincent A. DeJesus; two-time Philstage Gawad Buhay! Award-winning director and accomplished actor Jenny Jamora; five-time Palanca Award-winning playwright Liza Magtoto; actor, award-winning film director, and producer Marlon Rivera; and theater artist, lyricist, and Palanca Awards Hall of Famer Atty. Nicolas Pichay.

Joining the team as Screening Committee members are multiple Palanca Award winners Dr. Layeta Bucoy and Allan Lopez, who screened the festival submissions and shortlisted the entries. Providing invaluable expertise and creative guidance to the festival is its Artistic Adviser, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee.

With such an extraordinary roster of artists behind the selection process, the inaugural lineup represents a powerful showcase of the creativity, imagination, and storytelling talent thriving in the Philippines today.

And this is only the beginning!

All 12 finalists will receive comprehensive development and production support from festival organizer Wishbone Collective Inc., transforming their winning concepts into fully staged productions. Audiences will finally get to experience these exciting new works when Puregold Teatro Panalo runs from February 20 to March 14, 2027.

The stakes will rise even higher as the festival draws to a close. One straight play and one musical will each be awarded an additional development grant, giving their creators the opportunity to expand their works into full-length theatrical productions.

More than a festival, Puregold Teatro Panalo is shaping up to be a major new platform for discovering Filipino talent, championing original stories, and creating opportunities for the next generation of theater makers.

Twelve groundbreaking works. One historic inaugural festival. A bold new era for Philippine theater.

The future of Filipino theater is ready to take center stage. And when the curtains rise in 2027, audiences will witness the beginning of something truly extraordinary.

Jollibee introduces Burger Steak meal bundles starting at ₱99

 Jollibee is offering Burger Steak Saucy-Sarap Savers, featuring meal bundles starting at just ₱99 nationwide from October 12 to December 31, giving customers more ways to enjoy Burger Steak at an affordable price.

The bundles offer extra rice and extra sauce for a more satisfying meal, alongside options with fries or Peach Mango Pie to suit different cravings.

“We know our customers are always looking for meals that are sulit (worth it) and satisfyingly sarap! That’s why we’re offering them more choices to enjoy Jollibee Burger Steak in ways that work for them, whether they want something heavy with extra rice and sauce or a delicious side like Fries or Peach Mango Pie to complete their meal” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines.

Customers can choose from a selection of Burger Steak meal bundles for only ₱99, with options that include extra rice and extra sauce, fries, or Peach Mango Pie, all paired with a drink. Select bundles offer savings of up to ₱41.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites via GrabFood and foodpanda, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises.