Enjoying Wonderful World

December 1, 2025

PlayTime Connects with Filipino Gaming Community at the Philippine Game Show 2025

PlayTime lit up Philippine Game Show 2025 with its signature Filipino flair, thrilling thousands of gamers, cosplayers, and pop-culture fans who flocked to SMX Convention Center Aura for an unforgettable weekend.

___________________________________

A burst of world-class, Filipino-powered excitement took place at the nation's premier gaming

and pop-culture celebration.

_________________________________

As one of the event’s entertainment partners, PlayTime’s interactive brand booth quickly became a hotspot and crowd favorite, keeping the convention’s attendees engaged. Throughout the three-day convention, PlayTime brand ambassadors hosted fun mini-games, giving each booth visitor a chance to win instant prizes. No one was left empty-handed, as each received exclusive merch.

Philippine Game Show was a congregation of gamers and cosplayers to express their creativity and their passions for their favorites games and characters.

The event also featured local and international artists who performed popular songs in well-loved anime series and games.

Mister Pilipinas PlayTime and Mister Cosmopolitan 2025 1st Runner Up Kenneth Marcelino, together with PlayTime Binibini 2025 Jercy Raine Cruz added more star power to the packed Philippine Game Show convention.

Adding star power to the celebration, Mister Pilipinas PlayTime and Mister Cosmopolitan 2025 1st Runner Up Kenneth Marcelino, together with PlayTime Binibini 2025 Jercy Raine Cruz, made special appearances at the PlayTime booth. The two were also invited up onto the stage to join the intermissions and give further entertainment to event attendees. Their presence boosted on-ground engagement and amplified PlayTime’s commitment to spotlighting Filipino talent across entertainment, lifestyle, and culture, more so in the cosplay and gaming space.

“PlayTime is about supporting and creating communities that champion passion, creativity, and Filipino talent,” said Krizia Cortez, Director of Public Relations, PlayTime. “Our partnership with and presence at this year’s Philippine Game Show reflects our commitment to evolving as a full entertainment brand—one that connects online fun with real cultural experiences that resonate with every individual.”

PlayTime at the Philippine Game Show strengthened its growing foothold in the local entertainment landscape, marking yet another milestone in its mission to support endeavors that celebrate Filipino creativity across all entertainment forms - whether gaming, cosplay, music, fashion, or film.

With a strong turnout, star-powered highlights, and organic fan engagement, PlayTime sets the stage for more on-ground entertainment experiences that the Filipino audiences should look out for in the months ahead.

Celebrate a Bright and Flavorful Christmas at Discovery Samal

Discovery Samal welcomes the most wonderful time of the year with Lumina: Glimmers of an Enchanted Christmas, a celebration that brings people together through festive flavors, heartfelt gatherings, and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones.

Flavors that Light Up Christmas

At Discovery Samal, the holidays are best spent around the table where families and friends gather to laugh, reminisce, and savor the season’s most comforting dishes.

This year, Morning Catch and Haribar Lounge set the stage for memorable reunions with a Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet on December 24, served from 6 pm to 10 pm for Php 3,500 net per person. Guests can indulge in familiar holiday favorites such as roasted specialties, rich stews, and classic Filipino treats, prepared to bring the warmth of home to every plate.

At The Bistro, the celebration takes on a touch of culinary theater. Its 12 Days of Christmas Set Menu, a twelve-course dinner priced at Php 4,800 net per person, transforms Christmas Eve into an evening of flavor and storytelling. For a more relaxed but equally festive dining experience, guests may enjoy a four-course holiday set dinner offered nightly from December 1 to 31 for Php 3,000 net per person, perfect for intimate dinners and friendly gatherings.

To make every table complete, the resort offers slow-cooked Christmas Ham (Php 5,800 net) finished with a caramelized glaze, along with traditional desserts such as Fruit Cake (Php 760 net) and Log Cake (Php 910 net), nostalgic touches that turn every bite into a memory.

Sweets that Spark Holiday Joy

There’s a playful side to Discovery Samal’s offerings, seen in its collection of handcrafted confections. French Macarons come at Php 390 net, while Chocolate Pralines are boxed either as six pieces for Php 600 net or twelve pieces for Php 1,050 net.

Christmas Cookies, shaped and decorated with bright colors, are offered at Php 330 net, and the Gingerbread House comes at Php 1,700 net. A Wine Hamper is also available for Php 1,500 net. Christmas Hamper sets bring these small luxuries together: Set A priced at Php 3,500 net and Set B at Php 2,500 net.

Your Island Retreat for the Holidays

For those who wish to turn Christmas into an unforgettable escape, Discovery Samal transforms into a true island home for the holidays.

From cozy suites to sprawling villas, each stay promises comfort, connection, and celebration, complete with round-trip boat transfers, airport pickups, breakfast for two at Morning Catch, and access to the pool and beach areas. Every reservation also includes entry for two to the Christmas Eve Dinner Party, making it the perfect getaway for couples and families to celebrate together under the island’s twinkling lights.

Rates vary depending on the suite or villa: the Junior Suite starts at Php 34,385 net per night, the Premiere Suite at Php 40,669 net, the Executive Suite Garden at Php 41,997 net, the Executive Suite Beach at Php 44,353 net, and the Samal Suite at Php 45,581 net.

Larger accommodations include the Executive Suite Premier at Php 48,037 net, the One Bedroom Suite at Php 46,665 net, the Premiere One Bedroom Suite at Php 51,721 net, the One Bedroom Villa at Php 62,773 net, the Two Bedroom Villa at Php 106,757 net, and the Three Bedroom Villa at Php 142,145 net.

Discovery Samal’s holiday program brings together pieces of a celebration shaped to slow things down and make room for the moments people tend to remember. For more information, send a message to reservations@discoverysamal.com and fb@discoverysamal.com, or call +63 84 308 2998.

November 27, 2025

5 Must-Haves to Start Living on Your Own

Adulting is expensive. There’s no clearer proof than the growing number of Filipinos delaying moving out of their parents’ home. According to a study conducted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), today’s Gen Z and millennials are “putting off living independently as housing prices and the overall cost of living continue to climb.”

Still, there comes a time when independence calls and you’ll need to step out, even if it means starting small. Whether you’re moving out for the first time, saving to rent your own place, or slowly building your dream home, the game plan stays the same: to be budget-savvy from day one and save where you can.

Think small steps, smart choices, and long-term value. Here’s how to get started.

1. Pick a fast and flexible internet plan that fits your budget.

For young adults who work from home or are in a hybrid office setup, no home is complete without a strong internet connection. It’s the first thing they ask their landlords or brokers: “Is the home internet-ready?”

However, long-term contracts and hidden fees can complicate short-term leases that can last for less than two years.

Thankfully, Red Fiber just launched its new, no-frills, pure fiber broadband plans at affordable price points and no lock-in period—perfect for young adults or renters who value flexibility. Whether you’re working remotely, streaming your favorite shows, or catching up on calls with family, Red Fiber keeps you connected, minus the hassle.

Red Fiber’s tagline “WiFi lang, Walang eme” directly addresses the practical and straightforward mindset of Gen Zs and millennials. With them in mind, Red Fiber is offering practical packages to suit them best: Plan 1000 with speeds of up to 100 Mbps, perfect for solo earners on a budget; Plan 1400 with speeds of up to 300 Mbps, ideal for young professionals and condo dwellers; and Plan 1900 with speeds of up to 500 Mbps for small families balancing work and entertainment at home.

Red Fiber plans are simple and uncomplicated: no add-on fees, no lock-ins—just pure fiber connectivity. Subscribers can also avail themselves of a 50 percent discount on installation fees until Dec. 31, 2025.

2. Start with the essentials and skip the excess.

When setting up your space, it’s tempting to buy everything on your Pinterest mood board. Don’t do it! Instead, invest first in what matters: a comfortable bed, a sturdy dining table (that can double as a work/study table), and reliable appliances. You can always upgrade later. Minimalism isn’t just an aesthetic—it’s a strategy.

3. DIY your decor and storage.

You don’t need to splurge on designer furniture or overpriced storage bins. Check out home stores that offer design pieces at affordable prices, surplus stores, or online marketplaces for quality secondhand pieces. Get creative—paint your own wall art—and learn basic DIY fixes. Don’t just move in—build your own cabinets or storage solutions, so you can make your place truly yours.

4. Choose smart over fancy tech.

Don’t fall for every “smart tech” or “upgrade” ad. Begin with devices that make everyday living easier, such as power-saving aircons, durable rice cookers, or a laptop that can take hours of continuous work and play. You can add those voice-activated or smart gadgets much later, when you’re already settled.

5. Enjoy today but plan for the long run.

Being budget-savvy isn’t about depriving yourself, but about spending wisely. This way, you can enjoy what truly matters as you enjoy your new-found independence: comfort, convenience, and connection. Build slowly, live simply, and celebrate small wins (like finally paying off the installment plan on your sofa).

At the end of the day, a practical home isn’t just a space. It’s about you being independent and fully embracing the exciting life ahead of you, without having to break the bank.

Subscribe to the new Red Fiber plans through www.redfiber.com and get the latest updates on @RedFiberPH on Facebook and Instagram.

November 26, 2025

Experience vivo X300 Series with Jan Mayo live

vivo Philippines is excited to announce that award-winning Manila-based photographer Jan Mayo will grace the vivo X300 Series Launch Event on November 26, 2025.

Known for his clean, dramatic, and structured style, Mayo works across fine art, editorial, and commercial photography. He is the first Filipino to receive the GFX Challenge Grant, and his work has been exhibited at the National Museum of Natural History and Intermediatheque in Tokyo.

During the launch, Mayo will lead an exclusive Photography Masterclass, showcasing the vivo X300 Series’ telephoto and imaging capabilities and proving why it is the next Telephoto King after its predecessor.

Joining him is Nicole Cordoves, model, host, and former beauty queen.

Watch the livestream for official price reveal

The public is invited to tune in to the official livestream on November 26, 2025, at 6 PM via the vivo Philippines Facebook page. During the livestream, Hazel Bascon, vivo Philippines Vice President for Sales, will reveal the official pricing and launch promotions for the vivo X300 Series.

Watch here: https://web.facebook.com/share/1D3SAEs5nW/

A new era of telephoto innovation is coming

The vivo X300 Series introduces meaningful upgrades in imaging, performance, and user experience. Here are the features users can expect:

Professional ZEISS imaging: The vivo X300 Pro features a 200MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera, while the vivo X300 features a 200MP ZEISS Main Camera, bringing extraordinary detail and clarity to distant subjects.
Pro Imaging Chip VS1: On the Pro model, the Pro Imaging Chip VS1 preprocesses RAW data to enhance portrait photography and overall image quality. It works efficiently with the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Platform to deliver smart performance with better power management.

Watch this https://www.tiktok.com/@vivo_philippines/video/7574283161362910471]

Stronger battery performance: Compared to the previous generation, the X300 Series increases endurance. The vivo X300 is powered by a 6040 mAh BlueVolt Battery and the vivo X300 Pro includes a 6510 mAh BlueVolt Battery. Both models support 90W FlashCharge and 40W Wireless FlashCharge for faster top ups.
All new OriginOS: The series debuts a refreshed OriginOS 6 with a cleaner design and significant fluency improvements for smoother navigation and creative workflows.

The vivo X300 Series is designed to empower creators, storytellers, and everyday users who want to capture life from any distance in incredible detail. With a breakthrough telephoto system and a premium user experience, the next generation of mobile photography is almost here.

Follow vivo Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, or visit the vivo website for updates.

The Itchyworms to light up Dubai and Abu Dhabi with back-to-back concerts this January 2026

The Pinoy pop-rock legend is set to bring decades of music, humor, and warmth to the Middle East audience

Multi-awarded Filipino pop-rock outfit The Itchyworms are set to bring their widely celebrated “Akin Ka Na Lang” tour to Dubai and Abu Dhabi this January 2026. Marking their highly anticipated return to the Middle East after more than a decade, the Love Team act will be performing some of their greatest hits and rarities at the Pakistan Auditorium in Dubai and at New Bar, Arkadia in Abu Dhabi on January 17 and 18, respectively.

The two-city run aims to rekindle the band’s connection with their overseas Filipino audience, and at the same time, bring full circle moment in a journey that started in the region decades ago.

“Our first-ever out of the country tour was in Dubai and Abu Dhabi way back in 2007,” the band shares. “We’ve been back a few times since, but our last UAE show was in 2014. We are so excited to fly back and perform for our kababayan out there!”

For The Itchyworms, returning to the Middle East is both nostalgic and momentous. Since their last performance in the region, the band has continued to evolve musically, perform on international stages, and expand their iconic catalog while remaining anchored in the melodic pop-rock DNA that fans love.

Now, with a renewed sense of artistry and confidence, The Itchyworms are ready to deliver a show that honors their humble beginnings while celebrating their creative growth as artists. “When we first went there, we were still very young and in our 20s. Now, we are more mature musically, as individuals, and as a band. This return feels very special.”

Known for their contagious energy and famously interactive live shows, The Itchyworms are poised to take overseas audiences “home” even if just for a few hours. Fans can also expect a powerhouse setlist composed of chart-toppers, deep cuts, crowd favorites, and few surprises sprinkled in.

“Our out-of-country sets are highly interactive,” admits the award-winning band. “Sometimes, we end up playing for 2.5 or even 3 hours. We always make it a point to bring back our kababayan to the Philippines, even for just a short time.”

Beyond the music, the trip provides an opportunity for the band to reconnect with the region’s culture and people. The Itchyworms are especially eager to explore the rapidly changing cityscapes, particularly Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa.

“It’s been 12 years since out last performance in Middle East,” The Itchyworms admit. “Aside from the yummy food, we’re very excited to see Burj Khalida up close. It wasn’t even built yet when we were last there.”

Catch The Itchyworms on the Akin Ka Na Lang Middle East Tour: