Your Go-To Guide for Surviving Holiday Spending with Maya

Tweet

The holidays are basically here: malls are full, calendars are packed, and your group chats have get-togethers lined up left and right. But before you swipe, tap, or checkout your cart, do yourself a favor, and get your finances in formation.

Think of this as your quick holiday tune-up, the one that makes sure every peso works smarter for you, and every purchase is as painless as possible.

Here’s how you can still catch up and get holiday-ready with Maya:

Lock in your budget (and your goals)

If your “holiday budget” is still a mental note, now is the time to organize it for real. With Maya Personal Goals, you can set up to five savings targets, such as gifts, Noche Buena, travel, or anything else you need!

Each Personal Goal earns 4% interest per year immediately, and every ₱20,000 you add boosts your rate up to 8% p.a. for deposits up to ₱100,000. No lock-ins, no penalties. Perfect for making sure your bonus doesn’t mysteriously disappear after one shopping trip.

Treat yourself smart

Holiday meals, reunions, last-minute gifts, they all add up. But with Maya, they also pay off.

If you’re dining out, the Maya Credit Card’s 20% cashback dining promo lets you earn up to ₱1,000 cashback each month when you spend at least ₱2,500. And the perks don’t stop there; you also earn Maya Miles when you use your Maya Black Credit Card, or Landers points when you use the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card.

Tap to Pay: Your new holiday superpower

No more wallet hunting in line. No QR fumbling. No OTP delays. With Maya on Google Pay, you can pay with just a tap wherever contactless payments are accepted — coffee runs, grocery hauls, airport shopping, bazaars, you name it. Add your Maya Credit Card to Google Pay and every tap automatically earns instant Maya Miles or Cashback so your rewards stack up faster while you breeze through the holiday rush.

Keep your peace and your funds intact

Your schedule might be a mess, but your money doesn’t have to be. In the Maya app, track your spending, savings, credit, rewards, and even your holiday cashback — all in one place.

And here’s the cherry on top: every ₱1,000 you spend with Maya, whether it’s on gifts, groceries, or dining out, earns you a raffle entry for a shot at ₱1 million. Win it, and Maya doubles the prize so your bestie also takes home ₱1 million. Yup, that’s a total of ₱2 million so you’re both 2winning this Christmas just by being smart with your spending.

Visit maya.ph or mayabank.ph, and follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. 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.

A Christmas tradition of wonder: Ballet Manila’s Holiday Cheer Series returns with Snow White

Tweet

A festive tradition of ballet for all ages — celebrating love, resilience, and the joy of Christmas

Ballet Manila continues its cherished Holiday Cheer Series, a family oriented program that has become a staple of the Christmas season since 2022. This year, audiences are invited to experience the enchanting and timeless story of Snow White, running from December 25 to 29, 2025 at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City.

For Ballet Manila’s CEO and artistic director; and Snow White choreographer, Lisa Macuja Elizalde, the Holiday Cheer Series has brought nostalgic tales to life year after year, making ballet accessible entertainment for everyone and an experience that families can share.

“Holiday Cheer Series is our way of bringing people together through ballet,” shared Lisa. “These productions are not only about artistry, but about using ballet to tell stories that parents and children can enjoy together, year after year.”

This year’s “Snow White” features two alternating casts in the lead roles for the very first time. Real-life couple Abigail Oliveiro and Mark Sumaylo bring their chemistry to the stage, while Nanami Hasegawa and Romeo Peralta offer a fresh pairing that highlights the production’s spirit of renewal and discovery. Together, they embody the themes of love, resilience, and hope that make Snow White a perfect holiday story.

With enchanting choreography, vibrant storytelling, and performances that capture the spirit of the season, Ballet Manila invites audiences to make ballet part of their Christmas celebration by watching “Snow White” at Aliw Theater from December 25 to 29, 2025 at 4PM. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph. To know more about Ballet Manila and its shows, visit www.balletmanila.com.ph

Pasasalamat 2025: Cebuana Lhuillier’s Holiday Gift of Memories, Hope, and Gratitude

Tweet

For years, Cebuana Lhuillier has stood beside millions of Filipinos during their most vulnerable moments, witnessing their sacrifices, safeguarding their stories, and protecting the items they entrusted in times of need. From this long-standing commitment to service and compassion came Pasasalamat. More than a corporate tradition, Pasasalamat is Cebuana Lhuillier’s Holiday Season act of giving. Aligned with St. Nick’s Day, a celebration known for generosity and heartfelt gifting, the initiative reunites clients with cherished possessions they turned over during difficult times.

This year’s Pasasalamat reached major cities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, including Antipolo, Makati, Angeles City, Cavite, Cebu, Iloilo, Kidapawan City, and Pagadian City. More than 500 clients received their long-kept pawned items, each one carrying personal memories of sacrifice, resilience, and love. Across the country, the celebrations felt like a series of homecomings filled with emotional reunions and meaningful moments.

“Pasasalamat is our way of expressing gratitude to our clients and reaffirming the trust they have placed in us,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier. “Each item we return is not just a possession. It is a story of love, sacrifice, and resilience. By reuniting families with these treasures, we go beyond financial service. We honor their stories, deepen trust, and recognize the remarkable journeys of Filipinos across the nation.”

The impact of these reunions came to life through the stories of clients whose items had been carefully safeguarded for years. In Luzon, Jonalyn Garcia of Cabala Union received her husband’s wedding ring, pawned in 2022 after she resigned from teaching during her pregnancy. “Sobrangmasaya po nanaibaliksa amin ang singsing,” she shared. “Mahalaga po ang sing-sing naitodahildito po kami nag-exchange ng vows ng asawa ko.”

In the Visayas, Mary Yoli Quinol Eslita of Iloilo City was reunited with her bracelet, pawned to support her son’s veterinary medicine studies. “Importantetalagayung bracelet dahil anything that you have as your personal belonging is part of yourself,” she said. Upon receiving it, she added, “Heroes don’t always wear capes or have superpowers, but they are ordinary people like Cebuana personnel who help ordinary people rise above hardships.”

In Mindanao, Jehaimah Macmod of Cotabato City reclaimed earrings inherited from her grandmother. They had been pawned to support her mother’s plans to work abroad. “Sobrangmahalagananaibalikitosa amin,” she shared. “Anytime nakailangannamin ng cash, hindina kami maghahanap ng mautangan kasi pwede naming ibalikulitsaCebuana.” She added her gratitude for Cebuana’s support during difficult times: “Malakingtulong po talaga ang Cebuana kasi kapagoras ng ipitan, madalinglapitan.”

Pasasalamat 2025 stands as a testament to Cebuana Lhuillier’s mission to uplift lives, especially during the holidays when generosity and shared humanity are deeply felt. For many participants, the event was more than the return of belongings. It was a reminder that they are seen, valued, and supported.

As the Holiday Season unfolds nationwide, Pasasalamat continues to shine as Cebuana Lhuillier’s gift to the Filipino people, celebrating gratitude, resilience, and the enduring bonds that bring families together.

Holiday traditions meet city celebrations at Richmonde Hotels

Tweet

 

In Metro Manila, the holidays take on a unique charm when city lights shimmer like ornaments, streets buzz with festive energy, and local traditions blend seamlessly with the rhythm of urban life. It’s in this vibrant setting that Richmonde Hotel Ortigas and Eastwood Richmonde Hotel bring together the warmth of Filipino holiday customs and the excitement of city celebrations. This year, both properties present thoughtful stays and heartwarming feasts crafted for guests spending the season in the metro. From stylish commercial hubs to thriving lifestyle districts, each hotel offers a comforting retreat where merrymaking, convenience, and genuine hospitality naturally come together.

RICHMONDE HOTEL ORTIGAS: Timeless Christmas Charm in the Heart of Ortigas Center

Situated in the bustling Ortigas Center, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas remains a cherished choice for travelers and residents looking for a familiar and dependable place to spend the season. The hotel’s holiday room offerings—starting at PhP 4,500 nett—provide a soothing escape from the rush of December, whether for quick family get-togethers, restful staycations, or festive city celebrations. Special stays on December 24 and 31 come with inclusions to make the holiday experience extra ordinary. 

The Christmas Eve room rate with breakfast buffet is priced from PhP 6,200 nett, and the full package with dinner and breakfast buffet for two starts at PhP 9,000 nett. On New Year’s Eve, rates begin at PhP 6,700 nett for room with breakfast, PhP 8,900 nett for the package with breakfast and countdown party access for two, PhP 9,500 nett for a stay for two with dinner and breakfast, and PhP 11,700 nett for an all-out celebration with accommodations, dinner, party tickets, and breakfast for two.

Richmonde Café becomes a gathering place for memorable dining, serving Fil-Hispanic-inspired Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dinner buffets at PhP 1,950 nett, along with Christmas and New Year breakfast buffets starting at PhP 1,250 nett. The hotel continues its tradition of fun festivities with its New Year’s Eve Countdown Party (PhP 1,450 nett), complete with a bar chow buffet, select drinks, live entertainment, and party favors for a thrilling welcome event for 2026 at the hotel lobby. To enjoy the ultimate evening affair, the New Year’s Eve Celebration Bundle combining the dinner buffet and countdown experience is available at the discounted rate of PhP 2,850 nett. For children 6 to 12 years old, all buffet and countdown offerings are at half price and free for those 5 years old and below.

Adding to the season’s charm is Richmonde’s selection of hampers and pastries featuring Filipino flavors and signature baked creations, like the ensaymada and chocolate cake, that are delightfully nostalgic whether offered as heartfelt gifts or included in any holiday spread. 

This year’s collection highlights the beautiful and tasty hampers each filled with thoughtfully curated delicacies: the Best of Richmonde Hamper containing Richmonde’s signature classic ensaymada, pork floss, banana walnut bread, basil nuts, dark & white chocolate cookies, and Sampaguita polvoron is priced at PhP 1,950 nett; the Box of Filipino Flavors with five locally-inspired desserts—cacao & kapeng barako tiramisu, kasuy pili brittle, ube keso & pandan macapuno macarons, mango pinipig bars, and peanut butter cookies goes for only PhP 1,650 nett; and the Sampaguita Hamper consisting of focaccia bread, butterscotch spread, bacon onion marmalade, and polvoron flavored with the delicate essence of the Sampaguita, plus Richmonde’s mascot plushy has a price tag of just PhP 1,450 nett.

For more information or to make a reservation, call (632) 8638 7777 / (63) 917 534 4352 (Richmonde Café) / (63) 917 859 7914 (Room Reservations) or email stay@richmondeortigas.com. For instant confirmation on room bookings, log on to www.richmondehotelortigas.com.ph.

EASTWOOD RICHMONDE HOTEL: The Season Sparkles in the Metro’s Vibrant Lifestyle Township

Over at Eastwood Richmonde, the hotel stands at the center of the ever colorful live-work-play community of Eastwood City, making it an ideal holiday base for families and city explorers who enjoy having entertainment, dining, and shopping just steps away. 

Its Starlit Stays offer discounts for the season with room rates starting at PhP 4,900 nett, and available until January 31, 2026 for long-stay guests, returning city residents, and those who prefer to mark the holidays close to home. For an unforgettably wonderful “stay-lebration” on December 24 and 31, Richmonde presents premium Christmas Eve packages starting at PhP 9,600 nett for breakfast-inclusive stays for two and PhP 12,100 nett for a stay with dinner and breakfast buffets for two. On New Year’s Eve, packages start at PhP 11,000 nett with New Year’s Day brunch buffet for two and at PhP 13,500 nett for a stay with countdown access and brunch buffet for two.

Eastwood Café+Bar sets the stage for radiant celebrations with Shining Feasts, a series of sparkling joyful gatherings and dining experiences. The Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet (PhP 2,250 nett) offers festive local and international dishes, wine and drinks, plus fun giveaways, while the Christmas Day Breakfast Buffet at PhP 1,399 nett per person, sets a comforting tone for holiday mornings. The hotel keeps the merriment bright with its Decades & Dancing New Year’s Eve Countdown Party (PhP 2,250 nett) at the hotel lobby featuring a mouthwatering cocktail buffet, bottomless drinks, live band performance, games, and dancing ‘til the clock strikes 12. The festivities continue the next morning with a hearty New Year’s Day Brunch Buffet served at the Ballroom for PhP 1,699 nett. And for feasting that’s truly family-friendly, children 6 to 12 years old get 50% discount on buffet rates and toddlers 5 years and below get to eat for free. 

Adding even more happiness to the holidays is Eastwood Richmonde’s Treasure Treats available exclusively for this season. This assortment of goodies—from beautifully assembled hampers, freshly baked pastries, signature ensaymadas, and flavorful holiday hams—are perfect for thoughtful gifting or elevating at-home feasts. Choose from this selection of carefully curated hampers for practical presents that impress: the Sweet Holiday Hamper (PhP 1,975 nett) consisting of banana walnut loaf, quezo de bola and yema ensaymadas, and assorted cookies; the Savory Holiday Hamper (PhP 2,865 nett) featuring sliced muscovado ham, croissant loaf, tablea, fruit jam, and salted egg ensaymada; and the Sampaguita Holiday Hamper (PhP 1,975 nett) containing sliced muscovado ham, Sampaguita dinner rolls, and Sampaguita mango jam.

For more information or to make a reservation, call (632) 8570 7777  / (63) 917 821 0333 (Eastwood Café+Bar) / (63) 917 531 6867 (Room Reservations) or email stay@eastwoodrichmonde.com. For instant confirmation on room bookings, log on to www.eastwoodrichmondehotel.com.ph.

Reasons to Celebrate the Season at Richmonde

With inviting stays, heartwarming feasts, and a style of care that feels both personal and familiar, Richmonde Hotel Ortigas and Eastwood Richmonde Hotel present countless reasons to celebrate the holidays in the city. Each property thoughtfully weaves cherished Filipino traditions into its seasonal offerings—honoring what families hold dear while creating space for new rituals to enjoy in the years ahead. Anchored on Richmonde’s signature comfort, intuitive service, and the distinct Sampaguita brand of hospitality, every celebration becomes an experience filled with meaning, connection, and memories that linger long after the season has passed.

Last-Minute Holiday Shopping? Easy ’Yan for as Low as ₱19 a Day with Home Credit

Tweet

Surprise loved ones with meaningful home upgrades through The Great Double Zero Festival, offering as low as zero down payment and 0% interest  

The holidays are here, and the rush is real! Malls are buzzing with shoppers; homes are glowing with festive lights, and the air is filled with excitement—and the stress—of finding the perfect gifts for our loved ones. Withyear-end deadlines, packed schedules, and holiday parties around every corner, it’s easy to feel the pressure piling up. Time is ticking, and the best present still needs to be found. 

The good news? Last-minute shopping doesn’t have to be hard. Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), the country’s leading consumer finance company, makes it easy to surprise loved ones with thoughtful gifts for as low as ₱19 a day. With The Great Double Zero Festival, enjoy zero down payment, 0% interest, and flexible installment plans, making big, meaningful gifts simple and affordable. 

From home essentials to the latest gadgets, you can give gifts that truly matter—and still make it in time for the holidays. Here are some top gift ideas you can grab with Home Credit this season: 

All-out appliance holideals for as low as ₱569 per month or ₱19 per day  

Finding thoughtful gifts for titos, titas, and grandparents is never easy. They rarely ask for anything, yet they appreciate presents that make their daily routines easier and family moments more enjoyable. If you’re looking for something useful and long lasting, these home upgrades are great choices for as low as ₱569 per month or ₱19 per day. 

• Devant 43in Full HD Smart TV  – Make movie nights better with this smart TV for as low as ₱22 per day or ₱649 per month for 18 months, retailing at ₱15,991. 
• Panasonic 9.5cu ft Two Door No Frost Inverter – Keep food fresh with this dependable, energy-saving fridge for as low as ₱30 per day or ₱909 per month for 18 months, priced at ₱22,465. 
• TCL 32in S5K Full HD QLED Google TV – Upgrade their entertainment setup with this compact QLED TV for as low as ₱19 per day or ₱569 per month for 18 months, retailing at ₱13,990. 

Fresh and festive refrigerators for as low as ₱669 per month or ₱22 per day  

Moms take the lead in preparing holiday meals—from Noche Buena favorites to leftover treats enjoyed until the New Year. A reliable refrigerator is a practical gift that supports their daily routine and makes holiday prep easier. These choices are available for as low as ₱669 per month or ₱22 per day. 

• Condura 6.3cu ft Inverter Two Door Top Mount Refrigerator – Choose this space-saving fridge for as low as ₱22 per day or ₱669 per month for 18 months, priced at ₱16,578. 
• Samsung 7.4cu ft Inverter Two Door Top Mount Freezer Refrigerator – Give them extra room for holiday dishes for as low as ₱27 per day or ₱809 per month for 18 months, available at ₱19,882. 
• LG 7.2cu ft Two Door Smart Inverter No Frost Refrigerator – Make storing holiday meals easier with this no frost fridge for as low as ₱23 per day or ₱679 per month for 18 months, retailing at ₱16,713. 

Big screens for the holidays for as low as ₱849 per month or ₱28 per day  

Dads enjoy a good screen upgrade, whether it’s for watching basketball, catching up on their favorite shows, or turning weekends into movie nights. A bigger TV brings the whole family together and makes holiday viewing more fun. These options are available for as low as ₱849 per month or ₱28 per day. 

• Samsung 55in Crystal 4K UHD Smart TV – Give a sharp and vibrant viewing experience with this 4K display for as low as ₱30 per day or ₱889 per month for 18 months, retailing at ₱21,999. 
• TCL 55in 4K HDR TV – Choose this solid family TV built for clear, immersive entertainment for as low as ₱28 per day or ₱849 per month for 18 months, priced at ₱20,952. 
• Haier 55in 4K UHD Android TV – Bring home this 4K Android TV that makes streaming simple and enjoyable for as low as ₱29 per day or ₱859 per month for 18 months, available at ₱22,290. 

Frosty holiday aircons for as low as ₱769 per month or ₱26 per day 

Kids and teens spend most of their holiday break at home—resting, gaming, studying, or bonding with cousins. A cool and comfortable room helps them enjoy the season more, making an air conditioner a practical and thoughtful gift. These options are available for as low as ₱769 per month or ₱26 per day. 

• Haier 1.5HP Clean Cool Inverter Split Type Air Conditioner – Give teens a cooler and more comfortable space for as low as ₱26 per day or ₱779 per month for 18 months, retailing at ₱19,300. 
• Midea 1.5HP Celest Inverter Split Type Air Conditioner – Choose this energy-efficient split-type unit that helps keep rooms comfortable throughout the holidays for as low as ₱26 per day or ₱769 per month for 18 months, priced at ₱19,093. 
• Condura 1.0HP Inverter Window Type Air Conditioner – Get compact and reliable cooling for smaller bedrooms for as low as ₱32 per day or ₱949 per month for 18 months, available at ₱23,371. 

Ultimate pasko upgrade for as low as ₱1,842 per month or ₱61 per day 

For a show-stopping Christmas gift, a new iPhone is hard to beat. Whether it’s for a parent who needs a dependable device, a young adult balancing work and school, a tech-savvy teen who loves capturing every moment, or even for yourself who deserves an upgrade, these models deliver performance all year. The latest generation of iPhone is available for as low as ₱1,842 per month or ₱61 per day. 

• iPhone Air – Give this light and stylish everyday phone for as low as ₱76 per day or ₱2,279 per month for 24 months, with prices starting at ₱72,990 depending on the variant. 
• iPhone 17 – Get this reliable upgrade with smooth performance for as low as ₱61 per day or ₱1,842 per month for 24 months, starting at ₱57,990 depending on the variant. 
• iPhone 17 Pro – Gift this device with pro-level camera quality and faster performance for as low as ₱83 per day or ₱2,484 per month for 24 months, retailing at ₱79,990 depending on the variant. 
• iPhone 17 Pro Max – Get a top-tier choice for an ultimate gift, available for as low as ₱90 per day or ₱2,688 per month for 24 months, retailing at ₱86,990 depending on the variant. 

With The Great Double Zero Festival, last-minute shopping has never been easier. Until December 31, 2025, you can bring home meaningful gifts for your loved ones—or even treat yourself—without the usual holiday stress. 

Applying is quick and hassle-free. Simply present one valid ID and get approval in as fast as one minute, subject to eligibility. This offer is available at over 18,000 Home Credit partner stores nationwide, where in-store representatives are ready to assist you with the application process. 

For a faster and more convenient experience, apply for pre-approval through the Home Credit App, available on Google Play, the App Store, or Huawei AppGallery. 

Make this season’s gift-giving simple, thoughtful, and memorable. With Home Credit, meaningful presents are always within reach—just in time for the holidays. 

For product selections and store locations, visit Shoppingmall.ph. 

To know more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit its official website, www.homecredit.ph, or get the Home Credit App from Google Play, the App Store, or Huawei AppGallery. You may also follow its official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.