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.

From Local Stage to Grand Finals: LG xboom IDOL 2026 Spotlights Iloilo Talent

From Local Stage to Grand Finals: LG xboom IDOL 2026 Spotlights Iloilo Talent

News Summary

• LG Electronics Philippines held the Iloilo leg of LG xboom IDOL 2026 at Festive Walk Iloilo on September 25, 2026.

• The competition drew 14 registrants, with 11 semi-finalists selected to compete.

• Idel Siaotong Navarro, Mark Anthony Layson and Jayne Raizel T. Sajulla emerged as the Top 3 finalists, with Jayne Raizel T. Sajulla named the Iloilo winner and Grand Finalist with an average score of 95.98 percent.

• The LG xboom Stage 501 brings together AI-powered karaoke features, powerful sound and up to 25 hours of battery life for performances, parties and shared music experiences. 

• The program also featured an intermission performance by the SALOG Dance Troupe, while attendees had the chance to win 10 LG xboom Minis.

ILOILO, Philippines, September 25, 2026 — LG Electronics Philippines brought music, movement and local talent together as LG xboom IDOL 2026 made its Iloilo stop at Festive Walk Iloilo, giving aspiring Filipino singers and dancers a platform to showcase their skills in front of the local community. The Iloilo leg welcomed 14 registrants, with 11 semi-finalists advancing to the competition. Seven semi-finalists also came together for the opening production number, setting an energetic tone for a day celebrating music, performance and local talent.

Iloilo Talent Takes Center Stage

More than a competition, LG xboom IDOL 2026 gave emerging performers an opportunity to step onto the stage, connect with an audience and share their talent through music and dance.

After a series of performances, Idel Siaotong Navarro of Banate, Mark Anthony Layson of Bacolod and Jayne Raizel T. Sajulla of Molo emerged as the competition’s Top 3 finalists.

Following the final performances, Jayne Raizel T. Sajulla was named the Iloilo winner and Grand Finalist, earning an average score of 95.98 percent and securing her place in the next stage of the competition.

Winners Bring Home LG xboom Prizes

The competition brought added excitement through prizes designed to keep the music going beyond the stage. As part of the elimination-round prize mechanics, standout performers received an LG xboom Stage 501 with Php 5,000 in cash, while other selected performers took home an LG xboom Mini with Php 2,000 in cash. These same elimination-round prizes were also featured in the previously approved LG xboom IDOL releases for Tagbilaran, Davao, and Subic.

The journey to the national finals brings even bigger rewards. The 5th place winner will receive Php 10,000 and a 50-inch LG Nano UHD 4K Smart TV. The 3rd and 4th place winners will each receive Php 20,000 and a 50-inch LG Nano UHD 4K Smart TV, while the 2nd place winner will take home Php 50,000 and a 55-inch LG Nano UHD 4K Smart TV. The 1st place winner will receive Php 100,000 and a trip for two to Seoul, South Korea.

 

A Stage Built for Big Voices and Bigger Moments

At the heart of the LG xboom IDOL experience is the LG xboom Stage 501, a portable Bluetooth party speaker built around interactive, shared music experiences. 

Its AI Karaoke Master can transform virtually any song into a karaoke track in real time without requiring dedicated karaoke tracks. Built-in AI Vocal Remover and Key Changer let users adjust vocals and pitch directly on the speaker or through the companion app, making it easier to turn everyday listening into a karaoke experience.

The LG xboom Stage 501 delivers up to 220 watts of output when plugged in and up to 160 watts on battery, along with up to 25 hours of battery life. Sound tuned by will.i.am, together with AI Sound and Space Calibration Pro, helps optimize audio based on the content and surrounding environment. 

Its combination of powerful sound, AI-powered karaoke and long playtime makes the LG xboom Stage 501 a natural fit for karaoke nights, performances, parties and other music-led gatherings. LG positions the Stage 501 as the ideal party speaker for social gatherings, featuring AI Karaoke Master, Vocal Remover and Key Changer, up to 25 hours of playtime, and xboom Signature Sound by will.i.am.

 

Celebrating Music and Community

“Through LG xboom IDOL, we want to create more opportunities for aspiring performers to be seen, heard, and celebrated,” said Yongwoo Park, Media Solutions Product Director, LG Electronics Philippines. “It’s our way of bringing people closer to music while showing how LG xboom can make every performance feel more alive, more shared, and more memorable.” The Iloilo program was hosted by Ayumi Cassandra Zerrudo, with Matthew Edward Tiu, Monica Dipad and AG Constantino serving as judges.

Adding to the celebration, the SALOG Dance Troupe delivered a special intermission performance. Event attendees also had the opportunity to take part in the festivities through a raffle, with 10 LG xboom Minis given away during the program.

LG xboom IDOL 2026 Heads to Manila

LG xboom IDOL 2026 is set to conclude on November 7 at the SM MOA Music Hall, giving more aspiring singers and dancers the opportunity to step into the spotlight. Through LG xboom IDOL 2026, LG Electronics Philippines continues to bring its sound experience closer to Filipino music fans while creating opportunities for emerging performers to showcase their talents, foster community connections, and bring people together through music and shared experiences.

# # #

About LG Electronics 

LG Electronics is a global innovator in technology and consumer electronics with presence in almost every country and an international workforce of more than 75,000. LG’s four Companies – Home Appliance Solution, Media Entertainment Solution, Vehicle Solution and Eco Solution – combined for global revenue of over KRW 88 trillion in 2024.  LG is a leading manufacturer of consumer and commercial products ranging from TVs, home appliances, air solutions, monitors, automotive components and solutions, and its premium LG SIGNATURE and intelligence LG ThinQ brands are familiar names world over. Visit www.LG.com/global/newsroom/. for the latest news.

Christmas Starts Here at Robinsons Department Store: Shop decorations now with great prices, festive experiences

Get a headstart on shopping Christmas decor and gifts, and join a handicraft workshop with loved ones at Robinsons Department Store

Christmas is way too much fun to squeeze into December. With traffic and crowded stores still comfortably in the distance, there’s time to wander, imagine how the house might look, and choose decorations and gifts  because they genuinely bring joy In true Filipino fashion, we start celebrating Christmas as soon as September comes around to bring the warmth and sparkle of the holiday season into our lives. Whether you’re looking for festive decor for your home or want to start gift shopping, Christmas Starts Here at Robinsons Department Store.  

Running until December, this seasonal showcase turns every Robinsons Department Store into a vibrant holiday wonderland packed with stylish and affordable festive finds. Check out the e-catalogue here.

Transform Your Space into a Festive Sanctuary

Nothing sets the holiday mood quite like setting up the Christmas tree and bringing out the festive lights. This season, Robinsons Department Store offers an array of Christmas décor designed to fit every theme.

If you want a traditional holiday vibe, Yuletide Classics and Pines and Berries offers timeless pieces in green and red motifs, ranging from tree baubles and wreaths to an eye-catching Christmas Village centerpiece and Nutcracker figurine. Golden Opulence brings elegance to any home with its white and gold pieces, while Holiday Jewels makes a regal statement with its jewel-toned collection. For something more playful, Whimsical Pastels’ candy-inspired color palette brings more magic to your home.

No matter the theme, Robinsons Department Store’s wide range of home decor makes the anticipation for Christmas feel like an early celebration. As early as now, you can host festive gatherings with your cozy, beautifully-decorated space as the backdrop.

Effortless Gifting for Loved Ones

Finding thoughtful presents doesn't have to be overwhelming. Robinsons Department Store makes gift shopping seamless with curated seasonal must-haves for all ages. From local fashion finds and beauty sets to home and kitchenware, there’s something for all the important people in your life.

Get Creative at the Christmas Craft House

Make holiday shopping even more memorable at Robinsons Department Store’s Christmas Craft House at select branches. Shoppers will get the chance to DIY holiday decor and other handicraft projects. It’s the perfect weekend activity for families, kids, and DIY enthusiasts looking to add a personal, handmade touch to their Christmas celebrations.

To join, you just need to present a single-receipt purchase from Robinsons Department Store.

***

Beat the holiday rush and start shopping early. Head to your nearest Robinsons Department Store branch nationwide until December 2026 to grab all your holiday essentials. Because when it comes to heartwarming celebrations, bright decorations, and meaningful gifts, Christmas Starts Here at Robinsons Department Store.

For more updates and information, follow Robinsons Department Store on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

TECNO CAMON Slim 5G Pre-Order in the Philippines Offers ₱2M Cash Prize Pool, Free MagBadge and Up to ₱3,000 Off

TECNO CAMON Slim 5G Pre-Order in the Philippines Offers ₱2M Cash Prize Pool, Free MagBadge and Up to ₱3,000 Off

Pre-order the CAMON Slim 5G at ₱27,999 until October 15 for a chance to win ₱1 million, plus premium benefits worth up to ₱10,000 including a free TECNO MagBadge.

MANILA, Philippines — October 2026 — The TECNO CAMON Slim 5G is now available for pre-order in the Philippines from October 2 to October 15, 2026, giving customers the chance to win from a total ₱2 million cash prize pool, including one ₱1 million Grand Prize.

Priced at ₱27,999, the new ultra-slim imaging flagship also comes with premium benefits worth up to ₱10,000, including a free TECNO MagBadge, plus a special cash discount of up to ₱3,000 for customers who claim their pre-ordered devices during the promotional period. Customers can pre-order at participating TECNO stores nationwide, and available for: Burgundy Red, Matisse Black,Rebel Pink.

Built around TECNO’s “Make It Lighter” philosophy, CAMON Slim 5G combines a 6.39mm ultra-slim design, a 6000mAh battery, and a 50MP Sony LYTIA™ 700C main camera with Super-Zoom FlashSnap — making it lighter to carry and ready to capture fast-moving everyday moments clearly.

Win from a ₱2 Million Cash Prize Pool — Including ₱1 Million Grand Prize

At the center of the CAMON Slim 5G pre-order campaign is a total ₱2 million cash prize pool, giving customers 101 chances to win.

The prizes include:

• 1 Grand Prize — ₱1,000,000

• 100 winners — ₱10,000 each

Each valid CAMON Slim 5G pre-order and claim during the promotional period qualifies for one entry, subject to the official campaign mechanics. Approved permit number: DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-267625 Series of 2026.

For one lucky customer, bringing home a new smartphone could also come with a life-changing ₱1 million cash prize. For 100 lucky customers, can get ₱10,000 each.

Whether it goes toward family needs, a new business, education, travel or a personal goal, the campaign gives another meaning to TECNO’s “Make It Lighter” idea — giving consumers a chance to make something bigger in life a little lighter.

Get Premium Benefits Worth Up to ₱10,000, Including a Free TECNO MagBadge

Every eligible CAMON Slim 5G pre-order also comes with a package of premium benefits worth up to ₱10,000.

The package includes:

• Free TECNO MagBadge — Style Meets Smarter

• 60-Day Free Replacement — Start Every Day with Confidence

• 13-Month Extended Warranty — Support That Stays With You

• 3-Year 256GB Cloud Storage — Save the Memories That Matter

• 3-Month Google One AI Plus 2TB Free Trial — Work Smarter, Make Every Day Lighter

A highlight of the package is the TECNO MagBadge, TECNO’s smart magnetic accessory with an SRP of ₱5,999 when purchased separately.

Featuring a 1.73-inch display, the MagBadge supports functions including rear-camera preview, wireless media sync and remote shutter control, giving CAMON Slim 5G users another way to take advantage of the phone’s imaging capabilities.

For selfies, group shots or creative shooting, users can preview the rear camera through the MagBadge and remotely trigger the shutter — making it easier to use the phone’s main camera without having to stay behind the device.

 

Claim Early and Get Up to ₱3,000 Special Cash Discount

Customers who successfully pre-order the CAMON Slim 5G can also enjoy a special cash discount of up to ₱3,000, depending on when they claim their device.

Claim Date	Special Cash Discount
October 16–17	₱3,000 OFF
October 18	₱2,500 OFF
October 19–23	₱2,000 OFF

Customers who claim their devices earlier can therefore enjoy a bigger cash discount on top of the other pre-order benefits. Applicable terms, availability and redemption mechanics apply.

CAMON Slim 5G: Light to Hold. Fast to Catch.

Behind the pre-order offers is the core reason CAMON Slim 5G was created: to make two things people do every day feel easier — carrying their phone and capturing the moment.

At only 6.39mm thin, CAMON Slim 5G is designed to feel noticeably slimmer and easier to carry throughout the day, while still housing a large 6000mAh battery. For working Filipinos moving between the office, commuting, family time, social activities and everything in between, the phone is designed to deliver everyday capability without adding unnecessary bulk. 

CAMON Slim 5G features a 50MP Sony LYTIA™ 700C Ultra-Night Main Camera, supported by TECNO’s imaging technologies including Super-Zoom FlashSnap.

FlashSnap is designed for moments that happen quickly — from children moving, pets jumping and friends laughing, to sports, concerts and other spontaneous scenes.

With support for up to 2x telephoto snap shooting, the feature helps users capture fleeting moments clearly without having to prepare for the shot long in advance.

The idea is simple: Light to Hold. Fast to Catch. That is how CAMON Slim 5G brings “Make It Lighter” into everyday use.

Burgundy Red Brings Fashion into the CAMON Slim 5G Experience

CAMON Slim 5G also puts strong emphasis on how a smartphone looks and feels in everyday life. Its hero color, Burgundy Red, combines red and brown tones with a refined matte texture and velvet-like finish, giving the phone a warmer and more sophisticated visual character.

Together with its ultra-slim profile, CAMON Slim 5G is designed to feel less like a conventional piece of electronics and more like an extension of personal style.

Consumers can also choose Matisse Black and Rebel Pink, with Gossamer White following later in October.

Up to 24-Month Installment Options with Official Financing Partners

To make CAMON Slim 5G more accessible, TECNO is working with a wide range of official financing partners in the Philippines, including Home Credit, Skyro, Salmon, PayJoy, BillEase and Kredivo, as well as participating credit card installment providers.

Depending on the partner and applicable promotion, customers may enjoy:

• Installment plans of up to 24 months

• Up to ₱1,000 discount or cashback

• Special promotions from selected fintech partners, including raffles with a chance to have eligible loan balances of up to ₱84,000 waived

Terms, eligibility, installment periods and promotional mechanics may vary by partner.

Free Globe Prepaid SIM with One Year of UNLI 5G

TECNO has also partnered with Globe for the launch of CAMON Slim 5G. Eligible customers who purchase the device can receive a free Globe Prepaid SIM with one year of UNLI 5G data, adding another connectivity benefit to the CAMON Slim 5G ownership experience.

Pre-Order CAMON Slim 5G Until October 15

Pre-order now to get a free TECNO MagBadge worth ₱5,999, premium benefits, special cash discounts, and a chance to win ₱1 million.

For more product and Pre-order details are available at  https://bit.ly/4iKb0AM