Come On Board the Nutella Express and Spread the Spirit of Christmas!

The Nutella brand team, KOLs and media came together last November 21st, to celebrate the holiday spirit through a Nutella Christmas Express pop-up filled with Nutella goodies and treats.

 

Christmas in the Philippines is unlike anywhere else in the world. As early as September, streets, malls, and homes come alive with twinkling lights and decorations. Christmas carols fill the air, and families begin planning reunions, vacations, and gifts for loved ones.

 But with the holiday rush, the spirit of gift-giving can sometimes lose its heart. It’s easy to settle for something generic and forget what makes the Christmas gift-giving in the Philippines come alive: The love, sincerity, and care that go into every present, making each gift extra special.

 

This year, Nutella brought back the warmth and wonder of meaningful giving through the Nutella Express.  Last November 21st, a delightful, train-shaped Christmas pop-up appeared at the Bonifacio Global City Runnr Area. The Nutella Express was inspired by the quaint and lively Christmas villages abroad, where food trucks abound, and, just as a train connects people and places, the Nutella Express pop-up connected families through moments of joy, creativity, and sweetness.

A Christmas to Remember, A New Year to Celebrate

The holiday season is a time for shared laughter, warm lights, and comforting flavors that remind us of home. At Savoy Hotel Manila, these moments come alive through gatherings that create lasting memories and joy for every Guest.

Christmas Eve Dinner: Coming Home to Tradition

Families and loved ones are invited to celebrate with a festive buffet featuring heartwarming dishes—from Italian Minestrone and a Christmas Ham Charcuterie Platter to Seafood Paella, Chicken Ala King, Beef Callos, and Slow Roast Beef Shortplate. Sweet endings like Sampaguita Palita, Ube Halaya, Tiramisu, Churros, and Halo-Halo complete the magical experience. Christmas Eve here is more than a meal; it’s a celebration of togetherness that lingers in the heart.

New Year’s Eve Dinner: A Feast for New Beginnings

Ring in 2026 with a spread of Assorted Cold Cuts & Cheeses, Ebi Tempura, Paella Valenciana, Baked Fish Fillet, Roasted Root Vegetables, and the Carving Station’s Lechon Roll and Roasted Turkey. End the year on a sweet note with themed Donuts, Cheesecake, and a Halo-Halo Station, creating a festive farewell to 2025.

Denims & Jams Countdown Party

At the poolside, join Guests and non-Guests alike for Denims & Jams, a lively countdown to 2026 with hits from the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s. Dance under the stars and welcome the New Year with music, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

A Season That Lives in the Heart

At Savoy Hotel Manila, the holidays are about people, stories, and memories. Whether celebrating Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, or the countdown to 2026, every moment is crafted with warmth, sincerity, and the comfort of home. Celebrate with them—share a meal, a laugh, a toast—and make this season one to remember.

Dates & Reservations:

Christmas Eve Dinner: December 24, 2025/ 6:00pm

New Year’s Eve Dinner & Countdown: December 31, 2025/ 6:00PM & 10:30PPM

Reserve your table now by calling +63 (02) 5317 2817 or emailing dine@savoymanila.com.

Festive Journeys, Heartfelt Homecomings: Where Holiday Memories Begin

Savoy Hotel Manila warmly welcomes Guests from all over the Philippines and the world as we celebrate this year’s holiday season. Our theme, “Festive Journeys and Heartfelt Homecomings,” reflects the joy of seeing Guests reunite with loved ones—whether staying with us for a cozy overnight, enjoying Christmas carols, capturing a photo with Santa at the lobby, savoring nostalgic flavors during Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve celebrations, attending intimate holiday gatherings, or transiting before their most anticipated holiday vacation.

Our team of friendly associates is always ready to greet Guests with warm smiles, assist with every need, and ensure that every moment reflects the heartfelt Sampaguita hospitality, our unique Filipino brand of service.

Guests are also greeted by our sustainable festive decorations, continuing a beloved tradition of eco-friendly holiday décor. The lobby and common areas feature heartwarming Christmas trees and vibrant decorations crafted from recycled pine wood and adorned with Filipino handicrafts. These creations are the result of true collaboration—skillfully built by our Engineering Team and thoughtfully designed by our artistic Housekeeping associates. The eco-friendly décor lights up our lobby, spreading holiday cheer and a sense of joyful celebration.

"This holiday season, we welcome our Guests to experience the warmth, joy, and togetherness that make Savoy Hotel Manila a home away from home. From festive celebrations to intimate moments, our team is dedicated to creating memories that will be cherished long after the season ends," shares **Den Navarro, General Manager, Savoy Hotel Manila.

When asked why they choose to stay at Savoy Hotel Manila, Guests often mention the warm, caring attention of our associates, the convenient proximity to the airport, and the ease of transiting to other destinations. Many also enjoy exploring the vibrant Newport City township, with accessible dining, recreation, and cultural experiences nearby. These thoughtful touches help explain why Savoy Hotel Manila has been recognized as the Philippines’ Leading Airport Hotel for the past five years by the prestigious World Travel Awards.

This season, we extend our warmest wishes to all Guests for a holiday filled with love, joy, and cherished moments with family and friends. May your holidays be merry and bright, and may the coming year bring happiness and prosperity.

Savoy Hotel Manila, is here to add a splash of color to your celebrations, create vibrant memories, and craft magical moments that will last long after the season ends.

Happy Holidays from Savoy Hotel Manila!

7-Eleven Brings the Holiday Charm with the City Cafe Christmas Blind Cups

 

Convenience store goers went crazy over 7-Eleven’s City Cafe Blind Cups, selling out the YUMO collaboration down to the last box. The excitement for more is loud and clear, so everyone’s go-to convenience store is playing Santa to bring on the charm and cheer once again this holiday season, with the City Cafe Christmas Blind Cups. 

Get a hold of this new line of limited-edition, Christmas-themed YUMO bag charms that will add a dash of cuteness to your next coffee run. Customers can simply grab a cup of their favorite energy booster, any small, hot City Cafe drink for P249, and tear off the perforation in the middle to reveal one of eight toys. 

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

The City Cafe Christmas Charms featuring YUMO are exclusive to 7-Eleven, so hurry over to a City Cafe branch as they launch on November 26, 2025—only available while supplies last! And in the spirit of the giving season, everyone’s Paboritong Kapitbahay has also made sure that these fluffy cuties are available in more stores nationwide. 

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

Exciting Shows Comingto Newport World Resorts

The stage is set for another season of world-class performances as Newport World Resorts unveils its exciting entertainment calendar for the rest of 2025 and the start of 2026. From OPM concerts to original Filipino musicals, audiences can look forward to an extraordinary series of shows across the property’s entertainment venues.

Jamie Wilson (2nd from left), Krystal Kane (2nd from right), Topper Fabregas (center), Alfredo Reyes (right), and Julia Serad (left) take center stage in Shrek The Musical 2025 as Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Lord Farquaad, and Dragon, respectively.

Shrek The Musical

Shrek and his fairytale crew bring their swampy adventures to the Philippine stage adaptation of Shrek The Musical, the hit Broadway show that audiences around the world have loved. Newport World Resorts presents the finest Filipino theater stars in this ogre-sized production. The show runs until December 21, 2025, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

December concerts

This December, Newport World Resorts shines the spotlight on Original Pilipino Music with a series of concerts featuring some of the nation’s most beloved artists.

On December 8, OPM mainstay Truefaith takes center stage for Truefaith 33, a milestone anniversary concert marking the band’s 33 remarkable years in music. The following night, on December 9, Nonoy Zuñiga returns to the stage for an encore performance of his 50th anniversary concert “Beyond Gold: Songs of a Lifetime”.

Music fans are also treated on December 10 and 11 with Here and Now: Celebrating the Music of Jose Mari Chan. The two-night, sold-out concert celebrates the music of the legendary icon, featuring special performances from some of his fellow OPM artists.

The Grand Countdown to 2026

Ring in 2026 in grand fashion with Newport World Resorts’ signature countdown celebration, The Grand Countdown to 2026 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom. The event will feature powerhouse performances from a star-studded lineup featuring world-class OPM icons Jessica Sanchez, Sarah Geronimo, Matteo Guidicelli, Billy Crawford, Bamboo, and Cup of Joe. 

Bagets The Musical

Opening on January 23, 2026, Bagets: The Musical marks the first major theatrical production of the new year at Newport World Resorts. A reimagining of the iconic 1984 film, the show captures the spirit, style, and youthful energy of the original for a new generation. A production of Newport World Resorts with Philippine STAR and VIVA communications, the show is staged by PETA Plus led by director Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim.

For more information on concerts and shows at Newport World Resorts, visit www.newportworldresorts.com and follow @newportworldresorts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Join Newport World Resorts Viber Community at https://newportwr.com/nwrvibercommunity for exclusive updates. Every visit is made more rewarding with an Epic Rewards membership, download the Epic Rewards Mobile App for free at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

AS Watson Surpasses Halfway Mark in Global Youth Employment Pledge

134,000 Young People Recruited Worldwide and 3.8 Million Training Hours Delivered to Empower Future Retail Leaders

AS Watson, the world's largest international health and beauty retailer, has reached a major milestone in its global youth employment pledge - recruiting 134,000 young people to date and delivering 3.8 million hours of training. This achievement marks more than halfway toward its goal of creating 200,000 opportunities by 2030.

Alongside job creation, AS Watson has invested heavily in training and development, delivering 3.8 million hours of learning to new joiners in their /rst year -  meaning each young person receives on average 28 hours of learning. This initiative underscores the Group’s dedication to empowering young talent with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

From Michelin to Terra Madre: Philippines Emerges as Asia’s Rising Culinary Capital

 

Following the successful inaugural selection of the Michelin Guide in the Philippines, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is once again placing the country at the forefront of global gastronomy with the hosting of the first-ever Terra Madre Asia and the Pacific (TMAP)—the regional edition of the world’s largest sustainable food gathering—set from November 19 to 23 at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon in Bacolod City.

Watch out for Pokémon Legends titles’ new story, content and side mission this December

 

The Pokémon Company is pleased to announce new updates about  the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 software title Pokémon Legends: Z-A and the Nintendo Switch 2 software title Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, as well as the Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC.

New Video for Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension!

The Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC, which features additional story and new content, is slated for release on December 10, 2025.

A special video showcasing the latest information about this title is available on the official Pokémon YouTube channel. Please check out Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension | Visit a Strange New Dimension at https://youtu.be/RMujAA9AfPc

A Strange Dimension Reached via Mysterious Distortions

Just when Team MZ’s efforts seem to have restored peace to Lumiose City, something strange begins to happen—mysterious distortions are forming all around town. Amid this, Trainers will meet a mysterious young girl named Ansha, who is accompanied by the Mischief Pokémon, Hoopa.

Hoopa has the curious power to transform the distortions into larger portals that allow passage into hyperspace, and Trainers will need to dive right in!

At a glance, Hyperspace Lumiose may resemble the real Lumiose, but it’s a completely unique place. Not only does it hold Pokémon, but Trainers may not be able to find it in Lumiose City—its Pokémon can also have hyperspace levels that bring their total levels over the normal limit of Lv. 100, making them truly “hyper strong.”

Trainers may also encounter rare Pokémon or Mega-Evolved Pokémon that have never been seen before.

Time to Gather Up Berries and Make Some Donuts!

On the other side, trainers will find themselves in an otherworldly, not-quite-Lumiose city. A Powerful Pokémon not found in the regular Lumiose can be encountered living here.

What in the world is Hyperspace Lumiose? And who or what lies in wait within it?

It’s time for a new adventure for Team MZ!

Depending on what berries the Trainers use, Ansha may even be able to make some special donuts.

Take On Hyperspace Lumiose with New Allies

To protect Lumiose City from this brewing new trouble, Trainers and the rest of Team MZ will need to take on Hyperspace Lumiose with the help of new allies.

Ansha

This mysterious young girl turned up with the Mythical Pokémon Hoopa in tow. She’s a talented donut chef. Eating one of Ansha’s donuts causes Hoopa’s power to awaken, allowing it to open a path into hyperspace.

Korrina

Korrina is the successor to a line of Mega Evolution gurus. She aims to be a skilled user of every Mega Evolution out there.  She’ll join Team MZ in tackling the strange events befalling Lumiose.

Introducing Newly Discovered Mega-Evolved Pokémon!

Mega Chimecho, the Mega Evolution of the Wind Chime Pokémon Chimecho, Appears!

Mega Baxcalibur, the Mega Evolution of the Ice Dragon Pokémon Baxcalibur, Appears!

The Mega Stone, required to Mega Evolve Baxcalibur, can be obtained from the Z-A Battle Club as a reward for getting promoted in online Ranked Battles.

Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and a Nintendo Account are required for online features, including Ranked Battles.

Trainers can participate in the Z-A Battle Club in both Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. 

Mega Chimecho

Category: Wind Chime Pokémon

Type: Psychic/Steel

Height: 3'11" (1.2 m)

Weight: 17.6 lbs. (8 kg)

Mega Baxcalibur

Category: Ice Dragon Pokémon

Type: Dragon/Ice

Height: 6'11" (2.1 m)

Weight: 694.5 lbs. (315 kg)

Extra Side Mission “Shine Bright like a Gemstone” is now available! Get the Mythical Pokémon Diancie and a Diancite Stone!

Starting November 6, 2025, Trainers can receive a Diancite stone through the Mystery Gift feature in Pokémon Legends: Z-A and can participate in the extra side mission “Shine Bright like a Gemstone".

If Trainers complete this mission, they’ll be able to add the Mythical Pokémon Diancie to their team. Trainers can use the Diancite stone they got through the Mystery Gift feature to Mega Evolve Diancie into Mega Diancie.

To play the extra side mission “Shine Bright like a Gemstone,” Trainers will need to complete the main story of the Pokémon Legends: Z-A or Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game.

Mega Diancie

Category: Jewel Pokémon

Type: Rock/Fairy

Height: 3'7" (1.1 m)

Weight: 61.3 lbs. (27.8 kg)

More about the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

● In addition to the Nintendo Switch title Pokémon Legends: Z-A, there will also be a version released for Nintendo Switch 2: Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.

● This Nintendo Switch 2 software title will take advantage of the specs of Nintendo Switch 2 to offer improved graphics and frame rates during your adventure in Lumiose City.

● The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is also playable on Nintendo Switch. When playing the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition on the Nintendo Switch system, the content will be the same as that of the Nintendo Switch software. Additional features and content that utilize the Nintendo Switch 2 system’s specs will not be included.

For more information, please check out the official website: https://legends.pokemon.com/en-us