SM City Grand Central marked the National Bike Day with a vibrant celebration that put young cyclists at the center of the movement toward a greener, healthier future. Sixty-eight children aged 5 to 10 from Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela joined the Kid’s Push Bike Ride, a fun and educational activity promoting safe cycling and sustainable mobility.
The event, part of SM Supermalls’ nationwide Bike Day celebration, highlighted the importance of cycling as a culture of care. Young participants learned bike basics, practiced on a mini obstacle course, and took part in helmet and safety check demonstrations designed to build confidence and awareness at an early age. Parents and guardians cheered on the kids as the mall transformed into a hub of active play and environmental advocacy.
SM City Grand Central was selected as one of the flagship venues based on the SM Bicycle Count Traffic Report, which identified it as among the top malls with the highest volume of cyclists using the facilities for work, play, and wellness. Its consistent support for sustainable mobility and strong relationship with the local biking community made it a fitting ground for the celebration.
Beyond promoting cycling as a healthy hobby, the activity aligned with SM’s broader sustainability goals under the #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign, advancing cleaner transport options, encouraging community wellness, and strengthening inclusive, bike-friendly spaces.
With every push of a pedal, the young riders not only enjoyed a day of fun but also became part of a growing movement toward a more sustainable and connected community.
An OG has arrived at SM Bulacan malls, and we’re totally here for it. Presenting the Conti’s Take Out Nooks, now serving freshly baked cakes and awesome goodies at SM City Baliwag and SM Center Pulilan.
Shoppers may now conveniently take-home breads, pies, pastries, cookies, frozen ready-to-eat dishes, and, of course, iconic cakes as Conti’s Take Out Nooks finally open at the ground level of SM City Baliwag and SM Center Pulilan.
Whether it’s a celebration, a gift, or just a little ‘pick-me-up’ kind of moment, know that Conti’s is just a few steps away to sweeten the day. For food alerts and promos, check out https://www.facebook.com/smbaliwag and https://www.facebook.com/smcenterpulilan.
Christmas in the Philippines is more than a season. It is a grand, months-long celebration filled with music, memories and traditions shared with the people we love. As families prepare for the much-awaited Noche Buena feast, SM City Valenzuela, SM Center Sangandaan and SM City Grand Central make holiday dining extra delightful with a wide selection of Filipino favorites that define the season.
Whether you are planning a small family dinner or a festive gathering for the whole clan, these SM malls bring together the flavors that make every Filipino Christmas feel complete.
Quezo de Bola: A Taste of Tradition
Nothing captures the spirit of the holidays quite like a bright red ball of Quezo de Bola on the table. Its sharp yet creamy flavor is perfect with bread, crackers, fruits or even as a special touch in homemade dishes. Stock up on premium Quezo de Bola at the Hypermarket in SM City Valenzuela and add a classic taste to your celebration.
Lumpiang Shanghai: The Crowd Favorite
Crispy, savory and always a bestseller, Lumpiang Shanghai is a staple at every Filipino feast. Freshly cooked and served with sweet and sour sauce, it is a guaranteed hit among guests of all ages. Enjoy this all-time favorite from Classic Savory at SM Center Sangandaan and watch the platter disappear in minutes.
Crispy Lechon Belly: The Star of the Feast
No Noche Buena is complete without the rich, festive aroma of Lechon Belly. With its golden crackling skin and juicy, flavorful meat, it instantly becomes the centerpiece of the holiday table. Get your perfectly seasoned Lechon Belly from Mesa in SM City Grand Central and make your feast truly unforgettable.
Christmas Ham: A Yuletide Classic
Sweet, smoky and tender, Christmas Ham remains one of the season’s most iconic dishes. It is comforting, familiar and always welcome at any holiday spread. Pick up your Christmas Ham from SM Supermarket Sangandaan and bring a warm slice of tradition to your dinner table.
Classic Ube Cake: A Slice of Filipino Sweetness
Give your feast a vibrant finale with a Classic Ube Cake. Soft, creamy and proudly Filipino, this beloved dessert offers both beauty and flavor in every slice. Find your perfect Ube Cake at Conti’s in SM City Grand Central and make your celebration even sweeter.
Creamy Leche Flan: A Timeless Dessert
Silky, smooth and delicately sweet, Leche Flan remains a holiday essential that never fails to make guests smile. Indulge in Goldilocks’ famous recipe, available at SM City Valenzuela and SM City Grand Central, and enjoy a dessert that brings pure comfort with every spoonful.
Whatever your Noche Buena plans, SM City Valenzuela, SM Center Sangandaan and SM City Grand Central as everything you need to make the season merry, bright, and absolutely delicious. For holiday mall hours and updates, follow our official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/smcityvalenzuela, https://www.facebook.com/smcentersangandaan, https://www.facebook.com/smgrandcentral.Let the feasting begin!
Manila, Philippines, 18 December 2025 — AXA Philippines, one of the country’s largest and fastest-growing insurance providers, capped 2025 with multiple wins across global and local award-giving bodies, including the Global Insurance Innovation Awards 2025, Golden Arrow Awards 2025, 16th Asia CEO Awards 2025, Tripzilla Excellence Awards 2025, Marketech APAC’s NEXT Awards 2025, Great Place to Work® Certification, and the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Statista’s Best Employers in the Philippines. These recognitions highlight AXA’s leadership in digital innovation, customer experience, corporate governance, employee engagement, and social responsibility.
At the Global Insurance Innovation Awards 2025, AXA Philippines received honors for Excellence in Digital Innovation and Best Mobile Insurance App for its breakthrough platforms SWITCH and EMMA by AXA PH. SWITCH streamlines the distributor journey with real-time updates and automated workflows, while EMMA by AXA PH empowers customers with easier policy access, secure payments, and digital support.
The 2025 Golden Arrow Awards recognized AXA Philippines as a top-performing insurance company for demonstrating excellence in corporate governance.
The company was also recognized with a One Golden Arrow at the Golden Arrow Awards by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD), as one of the companies that meet high standards of corporate governance, as assessed through the Annual Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS).
“This distinction reflects our shared vision as One AXA and underscores the strength of our governance journey — from Board oversight to risk management, ethics, and stakeholder value creation. For decades, we have stood at the forefront of the insurance and financial services industry, guided by our purpose of acting for human progress by protecting what matters,” said Ayman Kandil, AXA Philippines CEO.
The 16th Asia CEO Awards 2025 highlighted AXA Philippines for its standout wellness and CSR efforts, selecting the Awesome AXA program and AXA Hearts in Action as Circle of Excellence finalists.
AXA Philippines was also recognized among the Circle of Excellence finalists at the 16th Asia CEO Awards 2025 for Wellness Company of the Year for its Awesome AXA program and for CSR Company of the Year for the AXA Hearts in Action initiative. Launched in 2024, The Awesome AXA Program unites employee engagement and holistic wellness, ensuring employees feel supported in all aspects of their lives, while its AXA Hearts in Action global volunteering initiative includes key programs like the AXA Forest in Laguna, AXA Clean Water Project, AXA Week for Good, and Financial Literacy workshops.
In travel insurance, AXA’s commitment to empowering Filipino travelers earned multiple recognitions. The #GoBigWithAXASmartTraveller campaign won the Silver Award for Most Innovative Public Relations Campaign at Marketech APAC’s NEXT Awards 2025, encouraging Filipinos to pursue their travel plans with confidence through stronger protection.
Complementing this achievement, AXA Smart Traveller was once again named Best Travel Insurance (Single Trip) at the Tripzilla Excellence Awards 2025, marking the second consecutive year of recognition. Together, these honors underscore AXA’s dedication to providing comprehensive travel protection that enables Filipinos to enjoy their dream vacations with confidence.
Celebrating a Silver win at the 2025 NEXT Awards! AXA Philippines’ #GoBigWithAXASmartTraveller campaign is recognized for innovation in PR.
Reflecting AXA’s culture of care and commitment to empowering employees to thrive, AXA Philippines has also been certified as a Great Place to Work® for the fifth consecutive year and made an exceptional leap as one of the Best Employers in the Philippines, moving from rank 203 to rank 26 among 300 companies recognized by the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Statista.
AXA Philippines was named one of the country’s Best Employers by the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Statista’s list of the top 300 companies.
“These awards remind us that when we take care of our people, they are empowered to take even better care of our customers. As we close the year, we remain focused on what matters—enabling our customers to feel protected, supported, and confident with AXA by their side,” Ayman concludes.
Holiday spending hits differently when it comes with a chance to win big; and this year, Maya is making every peso work harder and smarter. As the #1 Digital Bank in the Philippines, Maya is giving you the easiest way to become a Twinyonaryo: win ₱1 million for yourself and another ₱1 million for your chosen person just by borrowing or spending with Maya.
And here’s the plot twist: the fastest way to rack up entries? Borrowing — responsibly.
Maya Easy Credit: Your Instant, Smart Extra Budget Need a little holiday boost for noche buena grocery, gifts, reunions, or last-minute bills? Maya Easy Credit gives you up to ₱30,000 revolving credit you can use instantly. No paperwork, no waiting, just tap and go. And every ₱1,000 you borrow or pay using Maya Easy Credit earns you 5 raffle entries, one of the highest multipliers in the promo. And since you can use it to pay directly at stores via QR, using your borrowed credit is fast, seamless, and holiday-rush ready.
Maya Personal Loan: Bigger Borrowing, Still Zero Hassle For larger holiday budgets: from getting your dream gadget to booking that much-awaited trip, Maya Personal Loan lets you borrow up to ₱250,000, payable up to 24 months. Once approved, the full amount lands straight in your Maya Wallet. Every ₱1,000 you borrow gives you 5 raffle entries, too. So your big-ticket plans come with big ticket chances to win.
Borrowing isn’t your only way in—your everyday Maya habits earn raffle entries too: 5 entries — Pay ₱1,000 via Maya Easy Credit 1 entry — Pay ₱1,000 using your Maya Card, QR, Wallet, or Maya Credit Cards 1 entry — Buy ₱1,000 load, transport, and more in Maya Shop 1 entry — Pay any ₱1,000 bill in the app 1 entry — Buy a Maya Card 10 entries (the highest!) — Refer a friend using your @username and get them to upgrade
Whether it’s borrowing for your holiday gastos or simply doing what you already do every day, every move gets you closer to that ₱1M win. Who knows? You and your chosen person might just be the next Twinyonaryos this Christmas.
Check out www.maya.ph/xmas, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for updates. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to ₱1 million per depositor.
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!
The spirit of Christmas filled the air as SM Supermalls in the East Metro turned everyday mall moments into heartwarming holiday memories through two delightful seasonal highlights—the Holiday Snowflakes Surprises and World Chorale Day celebrations.
Nothing says Christmas surprise quite like a flurry of snow—especially when it comes with treats. During the Holiday Snowflakes Surprises, shoppers enjoyed a joyful confetti blast as “snowflakes” filled the air, drawing smiles, laughter, and cheers from the crowd.
Hidden among the confetti were golden snowflakes with special treats for lucky finders, turning an ordinary shopping day into a festive adventure for kids and kids-at-heart. The SM Holi Squad amped up the excitement with cheers, photo moments, and infectious holiday energy from start to finish.
The holiday celebrations carried on with World Chorale Day, as choirs filled the malls with beloved Christmas carols. Heartwarming performances by Next in Line Music at SM City Masinag and SM Center Antipolo Downtown, Melody Makers Ensemble at SM City San Mateo, alongside New Anthem Chorale at SM City Marikina, created a warm yet joyful atmosphere that invited shoppers to pause and embrace the spirit of the season.
Joined by the SM Holi Squad, the caroling turned into a shared moment of joy—celebrating togetherness, community, and the true meaning of the holidays.
From joyful surprises to soul-stirring songs, SM Supermalls in the East Metro continue to create spaces where holiday moments are shared, celebrated, and remembered.
Make this season extra special—spend the holidays with your family and friends at SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City San Mateo, and SM Center Antipolo Downtown. Discover more festive activities, enjoy meaningful moments, and let SM be part of your Christmas story.
Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa), one of the country’s leading life insurance companies, and Top Bank Philippines, Inc. (Top Bank Philippines), a fast-growing rural bank known for its innovative “phygital” banking services, have formally signed a partnership agreement at Makati Diamond Residences.
The collaboration aims to expand financial protection and provide accessible, comprehensive financial solutions to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), agri-entrepreneurs, professionals, and group clients of Top Bank Philippines.
Present at the signing ceremony were (from left to right): Top Bank Philippines Executive Vice President and COO Remo Garrovillo Jr.; Top Bank Philippines President and CEO Mike Sandig; Sun Life Grepa President Richard S. Lim; and Sun Life Grepa Head of Affinity Marketing Joen Songco, Jr.
“Through this collaboration, we are answering the call to bring wider financial access and meaningful protection to more communities across the country. By combining Sun Life Grepa’s expertise in insurance with Top Bank Philippines’ strong community presence, we can deliver innovative solutions that address the real needs of Filipinos,” said Richard S. Lim, President of Sun Life Grepa.
Top Bank Philippines President and CEO Mike Sandig added: “By working with Sun Life Grepa, we are equipping our clients with the financial protection and security they need to thrive. This partnership allows us to go beyond traditional banking by integrating meaningful insurance solutions into our services—helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve financial peace of mind.”
Through this alliance, Sun Life Grepa and Top Bank Philippines aim to empower communities with financial products tailored to their needs – bringing insurance and banking closer together to help more Filipinos build resilience and long-term prosperity.
Long before artisanal spirits and craft cocktails filled today’s bar menus, Filipinos were already sharing a homegrown drink steeped in tradition: lambanog. Distilled from coconut nectar and crafted across generations, lambanog has long been part of Filipino culture—passed around during celebrations, gatherings, and late-night conversations, serving as both a symbol of hospitality and a storyteller of our rural heritage. It is bold, shared, and unmistakably Filipino.
Today, this iconic spirit has taken a bold step.
Introducing Barique: Heritage-Crafted, Premium by Design
Barique, proudly made in Quezon Province, reimagines the lambanog for the modern Filipino celebrations. Upholding traditional distillation methods while applying today’s quality standards, Barique elevates the traditional coconut spirit into a premium, world-class liquor.
Smooth, sweet, and bold with a lingering warmth, Barique showcases what lambanog can become when craftsmanship, culture, and innovation come together.
Two variants offer distinct yet refined experiences:
● Barique Gold – 45% ABV, ₱3,999 (750 mL)
● Barique Silver – 40% ABV, ₱2,599 (750 mL)
A Versatile Spirit for Today’s Lifestyles
Beyond being enjoyed neat, Barique is crafted to shine in today’s cocktail culture. Its clean, refined flavor profile transforms beautifully in mixes—whether in tropical highballs, elevated island-inspired cocktails, or twists on classics like the old-fashioned or gin fizz.
Its bold yet smooth character also pairs effortlessly with food, making it ideal for Filipino dining. From grilled seafood and crispy pork dishes to rich coconut-based specialties, Barique’s warmth and sweetness enhance flavors and elevate the meal.
“Barique is more than a drink—it’s an experience of elevated Filipino heritage. Our goal is to honor lambanog’s cultural roots while introducing a refined version that allows it to be a part of more occasions and among the choice drinks of today’s more sophisticated customers,” said Maura Pasciolco, General Manager of Pacificroots Coconut Products Manufacturing.
Celebrating Filipino Craftsmanship and Innovation
Barique is an addition to the line-up of products proudly made in Quezon, produced by Pacificroots Coconut Products Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Pasciolco Agri Ventures, the same company behind the well-loved Quezon’s Best products.
As Quezon is the homeland of lambanog, Barique stands as a testament of local pride and ingenuity. It honors the drink’s cultural authenticity while elevating it through world-class distillation and sanitation standards, ensuring safety, refinement, and consistent quality at all times.
“Because it is at a more accessible price point, Barique opens the door for more Filipinos to appreciate the craftsmanship of their very own lambanog,” said Lito Pasciolco, owner of Pacificroots Coconut Products Manufacturing.
A Toast to Tradition
With every bottle, Barique invites Filipinos to celebrate both their roots and the vibrant spirit of modern Filipino life. Whether enjoyed in intimate gatherings, grand celebrations, or gifted during life’s milestones, Barique is a proud reminder that world-class spirits can be Philippine-made.
Barique is now available online at quezonsbest.com and Lazada, and soon in Shopee and in selected retail stores nationwide, such as S&R, Landers, and Marketplace.
More information about Barique is also available at bari
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian receives a Plaque of Recognition during the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the Philippine Educational Publishers Association (PEPA). Joining him (from left) are Danda Crimelda Buhain and Atty. Dominador Buhain of Rex Education; Jose Paolo Sibal of Phoenix Publishing House; and John Emyl Eugenio of C&E Publishing Inc.
The Philippine Educational Publishers Association (PEPA) recognized its achievements and honored its partners during its 75th anniversary held last December 5, 2025 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Ortigas. Highlights of the event entitled HONORING THE PAST, CELEBRATING THE PRESENT AND PUBLISHING IN THE FUTURE, were presentation of plaques to HONORABLE SENATOR SHERWIN GATCHALIAN, SENATOR RODANTE MARCOLETA, HONORABLE CONGRESSMEN ANTONIO CERILLES and RUFUS RODRIGUEZ, and ATTY RODELIO T. DASCIL who were instrumental in the legislation of the Book Industry Development Act (RA 8047). Plaques were likewise presented to government and private agencies like the DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, the NATIONAL BOOK DEVELOPMENT BOARD, the PRIVATE EDUCATION ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE and the CATHOLIC EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES.
Past PEPA presidents Dr. Ernesto Sibal, Jesus Ernesto Sibal, Jose Agaton Sibal, Atty. Dominador Buhain, Jose Maria “Toots” Policarpio and current president Jose Paolo Sibal were likewise given awards for their service and dedication to the Association.
SENATOR SHERWIN GATCHALIAN, was recognized for his diligence in pushing for educational reforms as the then Chairman of the Senate Education Committee in the 19th Congress. In his acceptance speech, Senator Gatchalian reiterated his position that the public schools be permitted to select the textbooks best suited for their students and their conditions, citing the practice of private schools whose textbooks are chosen by the subject coordinators and teachers.
Speaking for PEPA, President Emeritus Dominador Buhain stated that the good senator’s proposed solution for providing each public school student with a set of textbooks through liberalized procurement is being adopted by advanced countries with high ratings in international assessments like China, Japan, Finland and Singapore, whose students score high in international assessments like PISA. Senator Gatchalian lamented the delays in textbook allocation for public schools which are caused by a centralized procurement process.
Senator Gatchalian,, a product of the private school system , even sees no opposition on the adoption of procurement program in the private schools due to their perceived accessibility and presumptive quality of textbooks to be adopted (brought out by competitive market forces where quality prevails) within a shorter time frame.
He believes that with the enhanced DEPED budget, his earlier estimated P28 billion peso allocation mentioned in 2024 would be sufficient to provide one textbook per subject per student. Possessing a textbook instead of having none due to bureaucratic delay could serve as a better proposition to improve our standing in the PISA.
Unfortunately, the procurement for textbooks for SY 2025-2026 in some grade levels has been delayed by new procurement guidelines under RA 12009.
As PEPA looks forward to another seven decades of service to the Filipino learner, it is resolved to meet the rigorous demands of knowledge production for the diverse learning needs of Philippine schools.
