MMFF 2025 awards night highlights - "I'mPerfect" win Best Picture

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The MMFF 2025 awards night saw "I'mPerfect" win Best Picture, with Vice Ganda taking Best Actor for Call Me Mother, and Krystel Go winning Best Actress for I'mPerfect

     Photo : MMFF FB

The Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) held the Gabi ng Parangal 2025 (Awards Night) on Saturday, December 27, at Dusit Thani Manila in Makati City, recognizing the year’s outstanding films, artists, and technical achievements. With the theme “A New Era for Philippine Cinema,” this year’s festival features eight official entries, reflecting a diverse mix of genres, narratives, and performances from some of the country’s biggest and emerging stars.

Here's the MMFF’s most significant highlights:

Major Awards Winners

Best Picture 1st: I'mPerfect

2nd: Unmarry

3rd: Manila's Finest and Call Me Mother

Best Actress in a Leading Role 

Krystel Go – I'mPerfect

Best Actor in a Leading Role 

Vice Ganda – Call Me Mother

Best Director 

Jeffrey Jeturian – Unmarry

Best Actress in a Supporting Role 

Odette Khan – Bar Boys: After School

Best Actor in a Supporting Role 

Tom Rodriguez – Unmarry

Best Child Performer 

Lucas Andalio – Call Me Mother

Best Screenplay 

Chris Martinez and Therese Cayaba – Unmarry

Best Editing 

Benjo Ferrer – Unmarry

Best Cinematography 

Raymond Red – Manila's Finest

Best Production Design 

Digo Ricio – Manila's Finest

Best Visual Effects Santelmo Inc. – 

Shake, Rattle & Roll Evil Origins

Best Sound 

Roy Santos – Manila's Finest

Best Musical Score 

Frederik Sandoval and Emerzon Texon – Manila's Finest

Best Original Theme Song 

"Sandalan" by Vehnee Saturno – Manila's Finest

Special AwardsWinners

Gat Puno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award  

 Manila's Finest

FPJ Memorial Award 

Bar Boys: After School

Best Float Award 

Manila's Finest and Unmarry

Gender Sensitivity 

Award Call Me Mother

Special Jury Prize (Best Ensemble)

I'mPerfect

Breakthrough Performance Award 

Zack Sibug – Unmarry

MMFF Hall of Fame Award -

 Best Actress Judy Ann Santos

MMFF Hall of Fame Award 

Best Production Award 

Ericson Navarro

Male Star of the Night

Will Ashley and Dustin Yu

Female Star of the Night

Bianca de Vera

I’mPerfect took home the Best Picture honor, with Unmarry and Manila’s Finest / Call Me Mother following closely in the top placements.

Vice Ganda made headlines by winning Best Actor for Call Me Mother — a landmark achievement for the comedian in the MMFF awards scene, with critics and audiences alike praising the performance and the film’s emotional depth.

Manila’s Finest emerged as the most decorated film of the night, sweeping multiple technical awards including Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Sound, Best Musical Score, Best Original Theme Song, and the Gat Puno Antonio Villegas Cultural Award, highlighting its artistic and cultural impact.

The ceremony also paid a heartfelt tribute to National Artist and Philippine cinema legend Nora Aunor, who passed away earlier in 2025, honoring her enduring legacy in the industry.

Other highlights included Best Actress for Krystel Go (I’mPerfect), special recognitions such as the Gender Sensitivity Award for Call Me Mother, and ensemble honors, reflecting the diversity and strength of Filipino filmmaking showcased at MMFF 2025.

The ceremony was hosted by KaladKaren, Enchong Dee, Maoui David, and Michael Sager. The program featured special performances by The Voice USA champion Sofronio Vasquez, teen sensations Rabin Angeles and Angela Muji, and powerhouse vocalist Jona.

The MMFF 2025 nationwide screening runs from December 25 until January 2026.

Christmas moments, shot clearly on vivo V60 and V60 Lite

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This Christmas season, heartfelt moments turned into stories worth keeping through the vivo V60 and V60 Lite.

From cozy Christmas tree photos to candid outdoor celebrations at night, the vivo V60 and V60 Lite showcased how powerful camera technology can preserve the warmth, joy, and emotion of the holidays.

Shot entirely on the vivo V60 and V60 Lite, these photos highlight how smartphones deliver clarity even in festive indoor and low-light settings. Christmas trees, nighttime celebrations, and spontaneous moments were captured with balanced exposure, sharp details, and natural colors.

Designed to bring flagship-level photography into everyday storytelling, the vivo V60 and V60 Lite allow users to stay present during celebrations while trusting their smartphone to capture every moment effortlessly- backed by the 6500mAh BlueVolt battery that powers through long holiday nights and Noche Buena snaps.

vivo V60: When a simple gift becomes the moment

There’s something quietly special about holding a gift before it’s opened. The soft glow of a Christmas tree, the subtle sparkle of decorations, and the anticipation in the air make the moment feel intimate and alive.

With the vivo V60, every detail of that quiet joy is preserved naturally. Its ZEISS-tuned 50MP OIS main camera, 50MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera, and Aura Light capture expressions, lighting, and textures without losing the warmth of the scene.

V60 lite: Christmas night, captured outdoors

Christmas celebrations don’t always stay indoors. The vivo V60 Lite is built to capture moments that happen after dark, handling glowing Christmas trees, street portraits, and everyday details with clarity and balance.

One set of photos was taken by Nash, a content creator and photographer, who spent Christmas evenings documenting the season around the city. From holiday displays to candid street portraits and quiet moments over a drink, his images reflect the authenticity of Christmas.

"The portrait mode on the vivo V60 Lite is amazing, especially with the AI Aura Light. We were celebrating Christmas outdoors, mostly taking night shots, and it captured everything beautifully," he said.

Equipped with its 50MP Sony IMX882 main sensor and AI enhancements, the V60 Lite delivers sharp, vibrant night shots that preserve natural colors and details, making it a reliable companion for spontaneous Christmas moments.

Beyond specifications, the vivo V60 and V60 Lite are built for ease and speed, allowing users to capture moments effortlessly as celebrations unfold. With this camera performance and smart AI enhancements, smartphones ensure that no Christmas memory is missed.

Starting at Php 14,999 for the vivo V60 Lite and Php 28,999 for the vivo V60, the devices are available at vivo concept stores, kiosks, and online via the vivo e-store, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. Get yours now until January 10, 2026 to get a chance to win a brand new Jaecoo J7SHS SUV.

As the season of celebrations continues, vivo invites users to keep capturing meaningful moments with the V60 and V60 Lite beyond the holidays.

A Look Back on How HONOR X9 Series Became the No. 1 Mid-range Smartphone in PH

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It has now become a tradition for HONOR to launch its biggest hit X9 series every January

Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines has dominated the mid-range smartphone market with its iconic and biggest hit smartphone market with its iconic and biggest hit HONOR X9 series. Started with HONOR X9a 5G in 2023, HONOR has been dropping hits after hit, literally. At this point, the new year's campaign of the viral phone series has already become a tradition.

“When we launched HONOR X9a 5G, we literally had zero expectations. What we had was hope and confidence in our capabilities, and then it exceeded all expectations. We did not let the success get into our heads; we just thought it was beginner’s luck. So, we leveled up with HONOR X9b 5G, and again it became a massive hit. Then HONOR X9c 5G came and it was our biggest feat yet, outdoing everything we’ve done in 2023 and 2024,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

The HONOR X9 series has been synonymous with its exceptional durability, raising the bar year after year. What began with 5-foot drop tests evolved into a 50-foot intense drop test-- and this year, HONOR X9c pushed to the extreme, dropped from a helicopter hundreds of feet above ground, further proving its unmatched toughness.

“One can only think about how we can even top the past three generations of HONOR X9 series. We must admit, it has become a challenge at this point, but with the technology and talent we have at HONOR, it is indeed a good challenge. I’m very excited for everyone to witness what we have been planning for the past few months,” Cheng continued.

That unforgettable moment—when 264 brave participants dropped their HONOR X9c 5G simultaneously—earned HONOR a coveted spot in the Guiness World Records for “The Most People Performing a Mobile Phone Drop Test Simultaneously.” This historic feat positioned HONOR Philippines as a benchmark in delivering credible, impactful messaging, reinforcing HONOR’s place as the standard for innovation, durability, and trust with the Filipino consumers.

The question remains, is HONOR ready to follow the success of the past HONOR X9 series? Stay tuned.

For more information and exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines).

In the meantime, check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide (https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/) or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop).

Android and iOS sharing made easy with vivo X300 Series

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The most wonderful time of the year also happens to be the most share-heavy. From Christmas dinners to New Year countdowns, smartphones fill up fast with photos, videos, and memories waiting to be passed around. Yet for many users, especially those switching between Android and iOS, sharing files across devices still feels like an unnecessary holiday hurdle.

That familiar pause after someone says, “Can you send me that photo?” is exactly what the vivo X300 Series is here to erase.

With the arrival of OriginOS 6, the vivo X300 Series introduces One-Tap Transfer, a smart cross-device collaboration feature that makes file sharing between Android and iPhone refreshingly simple. No cables, no cloud detours, and no multiple uploads and downloads. Just a quick tap, and the moment moves with you.

One tap, two phones, and zero hassle

One-Tap Transfer works through NFC technology, allowing photos and files to move directly between vivo X300 Series and an iPhone. To begin, iPhone users only need to download vivo’s EasyShare app, available for iPhone 12 and newer models running iOS 17 or later.

Scenario 1: vivo One-Tap Transfer to iPhone

• Long-press to select photos or files on your vivo phone

• Gently tap the NFC area of the vivo device with the iPhone

• Choose to receive the files on the iPhone

Scenario 2: iPhone One-Tap Transfer to vivo

Method 1:

• Open Photos on iPhone

• Select a photo, tap “Share,” then choose EasyShare

• Tap the NFC areas of both devices to transfer

• Note: Live Photos sent via this method will be converted to non-Live Photos

Method 2 (recommended for Live Photos):

• Open the EasyShare app on iPhone

• Tap “Send Files” and select the files

• Gently tap the NFC areas of the iPhone and vivo device

• Files are transferred directly with Live Photos preserved

Why it's a game-changer this holiday season

The vivo X300 Series breaks down the long-standing wall between Android and iOS ecosystems. For iPhone users, it means receiving full-quality photos without relying on messaging apps or cloud links. For Android users, it delivers a faster, more intuitive way to share without compatibility concerns.

Together, One-Tap Transfer turns spontaneous sharing into a seamless, in-the-moment experience, perfect for holidays when memories are made and shared in real time.

Because during Christmas and New Year celebrations, the last thing anyone needs is a file transfer delay.

Share more, stress less

Experience effortless sharing with the vivo X300 Series, now available starting at Php 67,999 at vivo concept stores nationwide and online via the vivo e-store and Shopee.

This season, let your memories travel as easily as the moments themselves, only with vivo X300 Series.

Security Bank Foundation and JVRFI deliver new classrooms to Tarlac National High School

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More than 10,000 students at Tarlac National High School (TNHS) will benefit from safer, more conducive learning spaces following the turnover of a newly constructed two‑storey, 10-classroom building by Security Bank Foundation, Inc. (SBFI), with one classroom sponsored by the Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation, Inc. (JVRFI).

Turnover ceremony of the 2-storey classroom building at Tarlac National High School, led by Security Bank Foundation Chairman Rafael Simpao, Jr. and Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation Executive Director Kana Manglapus

The turnover ceremony was led by SBFI Chairman Rafael Simpao, Jr. and JVRFI Executive Director Kana Manglapus, together with school officials, local partners, and members of the Security Bank community.

One of the oldest and largest public secondary schools in the country, TNHS has long grappled with overcrowding and limited classroom space. Despite these challenges, the school continues to produce high-performing students and runs inclusive education programs serving out-of-school youth, young mothers, working adults, and learners in correctional facilities under the leadership of Principal Yolanda Gonzales, recently recognized as the Best Principal of the Year at the 26th World School Summit in London.

"The outstanding performance of Tarlac National High School offers a ray of hope for a better Philippines,” said Rafael Simpao, Jr., SBFI Chairman. “Under the remarkable leadership of Principal Gonzales, we see how public schools—when given the right support—can stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best and help shape a brighter future for our youth.”

The newly completed building is dedicated to THNS’ Special Program in Sports, providing student-athletes with a safe environment where they can pursue both academic and athletic excellence.

“This new facility shows what is possible when vision, care, and opportunity come together,” said Principal Gonzales. “With this support, even the biggest challenges can be transformed into success stories—for our students and for our community.”

Jane Canlas, Branch Manager at Security Bank Tarlac- Tañedo and a proud TNHS alumna, also expressed her appreciation for the project. “It is both an honor and a privilege to now represent Security Bank in giving back to my alma mater,” Canlas said. “This donation reflects our commitment to empowering communities through education, and it is deeply meaningful to see it benefit the school where my own foundation was built.”

To date, Security Bank Foundation has donated 887 classrooms to 151 schools across 91 cities and municipalities nationwide, helping create safer, more supportive learning environments for Filipino students.

Learn more about Security Bank Foundation’s education initiatives by visiting https://www.securitybank.com/foundation/

Don’t Let Grinches Steal Your Data: Samsung Galaxy A Series Offers Essential Security for the Holiday Rush

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The holiday season is a time for sharing photos, snagging the best online deals, and traveling to see loved ones. However, it is also the busy season for hackers and data thieves looking to exploit the uptick in digital activity. Between checking bank accounts using the public mall Wi-Fi and downloading new shopping apps, personal information—like passwords, credit card numbers, and location data—is more exposed than usual. Do not fret as Samsung is helping consumers stay one step ahead with the security-first Galaxy A series, featuring the Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, Galaxy A26 5G, Galaxy A17 5G | LTE, and Galaxy A07 LTE.

Holidays made joyful and secure with the Galaxy A series

You do not need a premium budget to get premium protection during this vulnerable time of year. The new Galaxy A series brings Samsung Knox Vault to more people than ever, acting as a digital safe inside the phone. By using a dedicated processor and memory to isolate sensitive information like PINs and biometrics from the rest of the device, Samsung Knox Vault ensures that even if the main system is compromised, a user's most private data remains under lock and key.

To combat the human mistakes that often happen during the holiday rush—such as clicking a suspicious link or misplacing a device in a crowded shop—the Galaxy A series includes intelligent, real-time defenses. The Auto Blocker feature acts as a vigilant security guard by automatically stopping unauthorized apps from being installed and blocking malicious activity. Meanwhile these devices are also equipped with advanced Theft Protection, which allows users to remotely lock their screens and requires biometric authentication to prevent unauthorized access by strangers.

Beyond the immediate holiday threats, Samsung is committed to ensuring that a user's digital life stays defended for years to come. A phone should stay safe long after the decorations are put away, which is why the Galaxy A series offers an industry-leading 6 years of security updates and 6 generations of Android OS upgrades. This long-term commitment transforms these devices from a simple holiday purchase into a smart, lasting investment in personal privacy and peace of mind.

Be secure and awesome this season of giving

Enjoy a truly worry-free experience with a smartphone you will be proud to own and happy to share. Gifting awesome is now stress-free with 30% off Samsung Care+ for total peace of mind, plus convenient 0% installment plans via Home Credit or Samsung Finance+. Celebrate with incredible perks including up to 30% off select Galaxy Wearables, free double storage upgrades worth ₱2,000 on the Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G, and trade-in discounts up to ₱1,000 on the Galaxy A07 and A17 series. You will even receive a free travel adapter with select models to keep your holidays fully charged. These festive, worry-free offers are valid until December 31, 2025, so hurry and wrap up the perfect gift today through the links below:

Galaxy A56 5G: https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-a/galaxy-a56-5g-awesome-lightgray-128gb-sm-a566bzasphl/buy/

Galaxy A36 5G: https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-a/galaxy-a36-5g-awesome-black-128gb-sm-a366bzksphl/buy/

Galaxy A26 5G: https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-a/galaxy-a26-5g-mint-256gb-sm-a266blghphl/buy/

Galaxy A17 5G: https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-a/galaxy-a17-5g-gray-256gb-sm-a176bzakphl/buy/

Galaxy A17 LTE: https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-a/galaxy-a17-gray-128gb-sm-a175fzanphl/buy/

Galaxy A07 LTE: https://www.samsung.com/ph/smartphones/galaxy-a/galaxy-a07-black-256gb-sm-a075fzkiphl/buy/

For more info, visit Samsung’s official website at www.samsung.com/ph and newsroom at https://news.samsung.com/ph/.

Terms and conditions apply. DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-238565, 239234, 241251, 237872, 239359, 242789 Series of 2025.

5 Stranger Things moments that hit close to home

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Stream the final season (or rewatch the entire saga) this holiday season only with PLDT Home Fiber Netflix Plan 1599

When you think of Stranger Things, you probably picture Demogorgons, epic 80s fashion, and Kate Bush saving the day. But every real Stranger Things fan knows that at its core, without the monsters and the mayhem, the hit series is a story about love.

From the first flicker of the Byer’s iconic Christmas lights back in 2016 to the most recent heart-stopping moments in its top-trending fifth season, the Duffer Bros’ entire masterpiece is a testament to the power of family, friendship, and sheer courage combined. Here’s a recap of the best moments that truly stick – the ones that remind us why we root for our band of everyday heroes and why they always find a way to survive.

Spoiler alert!

1. Finding the light (Season 1, Episode 3: “Holly, Jolly”)

One of the show’s first iconic moments goes all the way back to its premiere run. After days of grieving and being told she’s delusional, Joyce Byers (Winona Ryder) finally connects with her missing son Will (Noah Schnapp) from the Upside Down. Using a wall covered in painted letters and tangled Christmas lights, she realizes the terrifying, beautiful truth: Will is alive.

This scene is the genesis of the show’s central theme: family ties transcend dimensions. Joyce refuses to accept the world's logic, relying purely on a mother’s intuition. Her fierce, protective love for Will turns a mundane suburban home into a supernatural Ouija board, and herself as the medium. It's this devil-may-care display of unconditional love that grounds the entire series in emotional reality.

2. Billy’s redemption (Season 3, Episode 8: “The Battle of Starcourt”)

Billy Hargrove (Dacre Montgomery) is introduced as a bully on campus and a volatile stepbrother at home. But possessed by the Mind Flayer, he finds himself face-to-face with Eleven (Millie Bonnie Bongiovi). When El reaches into his memories and reminds him of his loving mother, he breaks free of the Flayer’s control for a precious moment and sacrifices himself, taking the brunt of the monster’s attack to save El and the rest of the kids.

This unexpected act of heroism is a devastating lesson in compassion. It proves that even the most damaged person has a core of pure good that can be awakened by love – in this case, El’s empathy and his own lingering childhood memory. It’s a tragic, powerful conclusion to his character arc that reinforces that anyone, even a villain, can choose to be an everyday hero.

3. Max’s run to “Dear Billy” (Season 4, Episode 4: “Dear Billy”)

Trapped in Vecna’s (Jamie Campbell Bower) psychic prison, Max Mayfield (Sadie Sink) is moments from death. As Vecna feasts on her grief, Max’s friends – Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), and Steve (Joe Keery) – race against time in the real world to play her favorite song, Kate Bush’s iconic “Running Up That Hill.” Hearing the music, a lifeline thrown by the power of friendship, she finds the strength to run, breaking Vecna’s hold and rocketing back to her body.

This scene is the ultimate affirmation of love as the driving force, on top of being a fantastic musical sequence. (It has become legendary in the real world, too, inspiring so many memes online!) Max is saved not by superpowers, but by the determined, loud, physical devotion of her friends. It showed that even when facing down ultimate trauma, you are never truly alone if you have your chosen family to pull you back.

4. Hopper’s letter to Eleven (Season 3, Episode 8: “The Battle of Starcourt”)

Following Chief Jim Hopper’s (David Harbour) presumed death in the Starcourt Mall explosion, Joyce finds the heartfelt speech he wrote for Eleven and Mike – a letter he planned to use to talk to them about navigating coming of age, setting boundaries, and growing up. The contents of the letter are read aloud in a tear-jerking voiceover.

Though he's gone, Hopper's voice echoes the difficulty of fatherhood and the universal truth of letting go. His message to El about keeping the door open three inches shows the complexity of their unique family ties and his struggle to protect her while allowing her to grow. It’s a bittersweet moment that defines their bond, only to be made sweeter when they finally reunite later in Season 4.

5. Will's new power and Mike's pep talk (Season 5, Part 1: "Sorcerer")

As the final confrontation begins in Part 1 of Season 5, Will struggles with the emotional weight of his lifelong connection to Vecna. Just before the group attempts a risky tunnel mission, Mike pulls Will aside to remind him that his power – his empathy, his ability to feel the danger – is an innate, sorcerer-like strength, not a weakness.

This pep talk, coupled with Robin's earlier advice to Will, unlocks a new ability in Will, allowing him to telepathically command Demogorgon-like entities during the subsequent battle. This scene is the ultimate payoff for Will's long journey of coming of age and the "chosen family" theme. Will had felt sidelined and traumatized, but Mike’s unconditional love and belief transformed his greatest fear – his connection to the Upside Down – into his greatest strength. It’s a powerful moment of emotional validation where friendship quite literally saves the day and turns a survivor into a champion.

Relive all of heartwrenching moments of love and friendship from Stranger Things, now on its fifth and final season. Stream Stranger Things on Netflix and enjoy more unli-entertainment only with PLDT Home Fiber Netflix, the most value-packed internet & entertainment plan with a complimentary Netflix Basic subscription. To learn more and apply for a PLDT Home Fiber Netflix Plan 1599, visit pldthome.com/fiber-netflix. 

Photo credits: Netflix

Celebrate Every Holiday Meal with El Real: Sulit sa Lasa, Sulit sa Presyo

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El Real brings you affordable, high-quality pasta dishes fit for every celebration.

The holidays are here—and for Filipino families, that means gathering around hearty, home-cooked meals made with love, especially during Noche Buena. It’s the most anticipated feast of the season, a time when families come together to share laughter, stories, and their favorite dishes. But with prices continuously rising, many moms are looking for smart ways to make their Noche Buena and other family celebrations just as delicious and meaningful—without going over budget.

This is where El Real pasta becomes the perfect kitchen companion. Designed for wais and determined moms who refuse to compromise on quality or taste, El Real offers value-for-money pasta made from high-quality wheat flour that’s expertly milled to ensure every dish turns out to be masarap, masaya, and always sulit.

Made for every type of cook and celebration, El Real’s pasta line comes in multiple formats—from classic spaghetti to flat spaghetti, elbow macaroni, party pasta, and even healthy variants—making it easy to create different dishes for any occasion. Whether you’re serving a big Noche Buena spread or a simple merienda treat, El Real gives you the flexibility to cook more for less, while keeping every meal consistently delicious.

What makes it truly sulit is that El Real pasta cooks beautifully—hindi malabsa, hindi bitin sa serving, and always firm and flavorful. Each pack promises the perfect texture that holds sauces well and brings out the best in every recipe. It’s this reliability that’s earned the trust of moms who want to stretch their grocery budgets without sacrificing the joy that comes from a comforting plate of pasta shared with family.

For Millennial moms who juggle so many responsibilities yet still want to give their loved ones the best, El Real offers reassurance: you can serve restaurant-quality meals at a price that fits the family budget. Because for these moms, making their family happy doesn’t mean spending more—it means making smarter, more thoughtful choices.

So, this holiday season—and even on ordinary days that deserve something special—let El Real be your partner in creating delicious and wallet-friendly dishes. And for even greater convenience, El Real also offers bundle packs with sauce, so you can easily prepare complete pasta dishes that are masarap, mas saya, at siguradong sulit.

El Real can be your trusted partner in creating delicious and budget-friendly dishes for your family this holiday season

Designed for wais and determined moms who refuse to compromise on quality or taste, El Real offers value-for-money pasta made from high-quality ingredients

vivo X300 Series Photo Contest winner shows power of telephoto storytelling

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Multimedia producer Bryan Aliwalas wins 1st, takes home vivo X300

vivo Philippines turned zoom into spotlight at the vivo X300 Series Launch Photo Contest, a competition that challenged guests to tell powerful stories using only the flagship’s 200MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera during the launch event.

With intention, emotion, and striking contrast at the core of his frame, multimedia producer Bryan Aliwalas emerged as the grand winner, proving that distance is not a limitation, it’s a new perspective waiting to be captured.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1125229609777120&set=a.606217685011651

The contest kicked off live on November 26 during the vivo X300 Series Launch, where Photography Masterclass speaker and judge Jan Mayo reviewed all submissions and selected the Top 3 finalists based on telephoto creativity and storytelling.

The top 3 then moved online for a 3-day public voting period on vivo's official Facebook page, where the winner was determined by the highest combined reach and engagement. It was during this stage that Bryan’s 15x zoom photo of a spotlight-lit wall artwork captured the audience’s attention and earned him the top spot.

Judge Jan Mayo, commended Bryan’s photo: “When we say telephoto, it offers a new perspective of something unknown or far away. The black area emphasizes what’s in the middle, making the vibrance and contrast truly stand out.'’

Winner’s Insight: Seeing Far, Feeling Close

Bryan said, “At first, I took photos of subjects close to me, and they turned out great. But I wanted to challenge myself, and of course the phone, so I decided to capture something far from my position. I noticed an artwork on the wall illuminated by the event lights, zoomed in to around 15x, found the right angle, and took the shot. The vivo X300 handled it perfectly and delivered a clear, detailed photo.”

“I also paid close attention to Jan Mayo’s talk and the sample photos he showed that were taken with the vivo X300 Pro. When I later noticed the artwork highlighted by a spotlight, it immediately struck me as the perfect subject,” he added.

As part of vivo’s appreciation for creative excellence, Bryan will receive the flagship smartphone, vivo X300. He was on a drive to Tagaytay City when he found out about his win from his girlfriend, making the moment even more memorable.

Engagement in Every Frame

Beyond the grand prize, vivo also honored the entry that generated high engagement on the official Facebook voting post.

Branded content editor Euden Valdez captured a subtle yet striking moment, noticing her subject across the table and using the glass in front as an unexpected frame, earning her 2nd place and a vivo V60.

“It made my day! I was super-duper surprised and grateful,” said Euden.

Experience your own win with vivo X300 Series

The vivo X300 Series Launch Photo Contest spotlighted a new frontier in smartphone photography, one where telephoto lenses bring audiences closer to stories, even from afar.

The vivo X300 Series is now available for pre-order until December 5, 2025:

• vivo X300 — Php 67,999
• vivo X300 Pro — Php 77,999
• Accessories: vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Kit (Php 12,999) and vivo PGYTECH Imaging Grip Kit (Php 7,999)

Here are great deals:

• Exclusive pre-order freebies such as vivo X Series VIP Card and limited-edition vivo Watch GT
• Device trade-in discount of up to Php 56,100 in savings via CompAsia
• Online pre-order on Shopee until December 10 with up to 12 months 0% interest via SPayLater
• Official Shopee launch on December 11, 8 PM —the chance to get the vivo X300 Pro with a free vivo     ZEISS Telephoto Extender Kit

vivo Philippines congratulates all participants and looks forward to more inspiring shots that prove every zoom tells a story.

DTI Bagong Pilipinas Christmas Village 2025 : Holiday Shopping with Meaning and Purpose

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As the countdown to Christmas begins, the Department of Trade and Industry, through its Bureau of Market Development, Promotion, and OTOP (DTI-BMDPO), invites the public to enjoy holiday shopping with more heart and meaning at the 2025 DTI Bagong Pilipinas Christmas Village. The festive marketplace runs from December 23 to 28 at the Megatrade Halls 1–3 of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

Designed as a relaxed lifestyle destination, the Christmas Village brings together over 200 Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises from across the regions, offering shoppers a refreshing alternative to crowded malls and rushed gift buying. It is a place where holiday shopping feels intentional, enjoyable, and deeply connected to Filipino creativity.

Visitors can browse through thoughtfully arranged stalls featuring artisanal food, curated gift items, fashion accessories, wellness products, home décor, and holiday essentials. Each product reflects the craftsmanship, stories, and values of Filipino entrepreneurs, many of whom are family-run or community-based enterprises. The Village encourages shoppers to pause, explore, and rediscover the simple joy of choosing gifts with care.

Gifts That Feel Personal, Not Rushed

Today’s Christmas shoppers are increasingly looking for gifts that feel thoughtful and personal. The Christmas Village responds to this shift by offering products that are not mass-produced, but carefully made by Filipino MSMEs from different parts of the country. These items are ideal for gift exchanges, family gatherings, and presents meant to be remembered long after the holidays.

DTI Asec Nylah Rizza Bautista

DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza Bautista, Supervising Head of the DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group, said the Christmas Village reflects what holiday shopping should truly be about. “Christmas is a time for connection and thoughtful giving. The Christmas Village allows shoppers to choose gifts with intention, while directly supporting Filipino MSMEs and the communities behind them,” she said.

With more than 200 MSMEs participating, shoppers can easily find options that suit different tastes and budgets. Each purchase becomes part of a larger story of support, resilience, and shared celebration.

Tatak Pinoy Finds for the Modern Filipino Home

The Christmas Village also highlights products aligned with the Tatak Pinoy strategy, which promotes Filipino-made goods that combine quality, innovation, and strong cultural identity. Many of the items on display show how local craftsmanship continues to evolve, blending heritage techniques with modern design and contemporary lifestyles.

These Tatak Pinoy finds demonstrate that Filipino creativity is dynamic and forward-looking. They show that local brands can inspire pride and confidence, making them natural choices for meaningful holiday gifting.

A Relaxed and Festive Way to Shop

Unlike the usual holiday rush, the Christmas Village offers a calmer and more enjoyable shopping experience. Festive décor, warm lighting, and well-curated sections create a space that encourages browsing, discovery, and meaningful connection. It is a setting where shopping feels like part of the celebration rather than a chore.

Families can browse together, friends can enjoy a festive stroll, and office groups can conveniently complete their gift lists in one destination. The atmosphere reflects the warmth and generosity that define a Filipino Christmas.

Capping a Year of MSME Market Support

The Christmas Village also marks the culmination of a year-long series of trade fairs and market promotion activities organized by DTI-BMDPO to support MSMEs nationwide. Throughout the year, these initiatives have helped entrepreneurs test products, refine branding, expand reach, and connect with consumers in various settings.

DTI Sec Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque 

As the final major market event of the year, the Christmas Village brings these efforts together in one celebratory space. It allows MSMEs to close the year with renewed visibility and stronger market presence, while giving consumers the opportunity to see the full range of Filipino creativity developed and strengthened over the past year.

Choosing Local as a Christmas Tradition

Every purchase at the Christmas Village helps sustain livelihoods and strengthen local economies across the regions. By choosing Filipino-made products, shoppers contribute to a more resilient MSME sector while celebrating the season in a meaningful way. 

DTI-BMDPO invites the public to visit the DTI Bagong Pilipinas Christmas Village from December 23 to 28 at Megatrade Halls 1–3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, and experience holiday shopping that is joyful, purposeful, and proudly Filipino. The Christmas Village stands as an uplifting reminder that Christmas shopping can celebrate generosity, creativity, and the shared spirit of supporting local enterprise