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

HOLIDAY FEASTS AT CITY OF DREAMS MANILA’S SIGNATURE RESTAURANTS

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City of Dreams Manila’s signature restaurants Crystal Dragon, Haliya, Nobu Manila, and The Café are bringing the holiday cheer through special menus that evoke the season’s festive flavors.

Crystal Dragon’s Festive Season Family Set Menu are thoughtfully prepared for a memorable holiday indulgence.

Crystal Dragon

The integrated resort’s signature restaurant for Cantonese and regional Chinese specialties blends refinement, tradition, and seasonal signatures in its Festive Season Family Set Menu. Curated to celebrate togetherness, the seven-course menu, good for four to six persons consists of: a combination platter of Wok-fried Green Lobster with XO sauce and Stuffed Tiger Prawn with spinach and crabmeat egg white sauce; Double-boiled Abalone, Fish Maw, Dry Scallop and Stuffed Morel Mushrooms with chrysanthemum tofu in consommé; Steamed Live Sea Grouper in sour broth with fresh enoki mushroom; Shanghainese-style Braised Duck in caramelized five spice soy sauce; Sea Scallops Tossed with Celery Heart in pepper truffle sauce; Wok-fried Fragrant Rice with wild mushrooms and smoked honey-glazed pork belly; and Steamed Taro-shaped Lava Custard Bun.

Available for lunch and dinner until January 1, 2026, the family set menu is available for P36,000++. Crystal Dragon is open from 12 noon to 11 pm daily.

Haliya

Haliya’s Peras and Kastanyas is an ode to the seasonal Filipino Christmas favorites.

Haliya, City of Dreams Manila’s go-to restaurant for reimagined Filipino cuisine, presents ala carte seasonal favorites that evoke the Filipino noche buena feast.

Whet the appetite with the Tuna Pistachio Ensalada (P1,200++), a medley of foie gras mousse, mesclun, prosciutto, caviar, beetroot puree, red radish, chicken skin, and kiat—kiat dressing. For a heartwarming treat, choose the Potato Kastanyas Krema (P500++), a soulful combination of cauliflower and potato and leek soup with chickpea salsa, water chestnut, toasted cashew, and malunggay truffle oil. The Morcon Embotido (P1,550++) is not-to-be missed as the savory Filipino-style meatloaf wrapped pork loin with potato puree, pickled mustard seeds, chestnut, green apple, and morel pork jus is an indulgent Christmas treat. End the meal on a sweet note with the Peras and Kastanyas (P400++), an ensemble of star anise-poached pear, chestnut sorbet, caramel sauce and pinipig crumble.

Haliya’s Christmas menu is available on December 24 from 5 pm to 11 pm, and on Christmas Day, from 12 noon to 11 pm.

Nobu Manila

Rich and savory, Nobu’s Wagyu Short Ribs with aka (red) miso sauce, croquettes, micro greens, and red onion is a symphony of flavors and textures.

Christmas arrives early at the Manila outpost of the globally renowned restaurant of celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa as it offers a lavish yuletide brunch spread on December 21. Available for P4,388net per person, the festive brunch highlights the best of Nobu’s new-style Japanese cuisine including Black Cod Butter Lettuce, a sashimi trio of Yellowtail Jalapeño, Salmon Karashi Su Miso, and Sashimi Salad, Crispy Rice Tuna, and mini Chirashi complemented with local favorites prepared the Nobu way such as Nobu-style Kinilaw and Sisig Cup Sushi. Other tempting choices are the featured carvings of Roasted Lamb Leg and Crispy Pork Belly; an array of oysters, blue crabs, shrimp, and green mussels at the Chilled Seafood Bar; different choices of kushiyaki (skewers) prepared a la minute; salads, soups; and a dessert station that spotlights signature Nobu desserts.

For one-of-a-kind Christmas dinners, Nobu Manila highlights a special Christmas Omakase menu available on December 24 and 25. Available for P6,653.57 net per person, the special five-course tasting menu commences with a chef’s choice of zensai followed by the first course of Salmon Yuzu Truffle with whipped wasabi and dry miso crumble. The next course of chef’s choice of assorted Nobu-style Nigiri (hand-pressed sushi) and Harusame Clear Soup with Inaniwa noodles, leeks, and wakame (seaweed) build up the palate before the mains consisting of Chilean Sea Bass in Kaeshi Dashi with yuzu kosho, asparagus, and chives, and Wagyu Short Ribs with aka (red) miso sauce, croquettes, micro greens, and red onion. A delectable Chocolate Miso Choux a combination of miso crémeux, chocolate mousse, and vanilla cream provides a sweet conclusion to the meal.

The Café

The Café’s seafood selection is a delightful choice for the holiday’s celebratory meal

Hyatt Regency Manila’s interactive show kitchen curates a festive buffet spread for celebratory lunch (12 noon to 3 pm) and dinner (5:30 to 11 pm) on December 24 and 25. Diners can look forward to a variety of premium meats at the churrasco counter, live teppanyaki station, and the carving station, which features an Herb-crusted Striploin for lunch and Slow-roasted Angus Prime for dinner. Seafood choices are in abundance, starting with Whole Tuna for lunch and Whole Salmon for dinner, served alongside an assortment of sushi and sashimi, and other seafood selection including prawns, Chilean mussels, blue swimmer crabs, slipper lobsters, and curacha. Other buffet highlights are well-loved dishes of various cuisines: Italian, Indian, Chinese, Thai, and Filipino, among others. An array of Christmas-themed cakes and confections, an indulgent chocolate fountain, and local dessert favorites complete the enticing buffet spread.

Lunch is at P3,150, while the dinners are at P4,288 on December 24 and P3,250 on December 25, which already includes free flowing house red and white wines, draft beer, soda, iced tea, juices, coffee, and tea. As additional holiday treat, The Café is giving out 20% early bird discount for guests fully settling reservations by December 20. Discounted early bird rates are at P2,520 for lunch, and P3,430.40 for Christmas eve dinner and P2,600 for Christmas Day dinner. For inquiries and reservations, call 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com. For more information, visit https://www.cityofdreamsmanila.com/en/whats-on . Explore more of City of Dreams Manila’s promotional offers, rewards, or instantly check Melco Club points with the new Melco Club App, available for free download on iOS and Android

Aseana City Lights Up the Holidays with a Giant Christmas Tree in Parqal

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The 35-foot Christmas tree lights up the Parqal, marking the start of Aseana City’s magical holiday season.

You know that it’s already the season of Christmas when the streets are all gleaming with colorful lights, kids are caroling with Christmas songs we all know from the heart. But the heartwarming part of it all is when we see a giant Christmas tree, shining with lots of hanging displays on its branches. Aseana City brings this festive and nostalgic feeling to Parqal as they light up their giant Christmas tree as a mark of the start of holiday festivities in Parqal, transforming Aseana City into a hub of seasonal magic and community spirit.

Present at the Christmas Tree lighting was Dr. Sylvia C. Wenceslao, Chairwoman of D.M. Wenceslao Group; Mr. Edwin C. Wenceslao, Director and Vice President of Treasury; and Mr. Paolo C. Wenceslao, Director and Chief Operating Officer, D.M. Wenceslao Group; as well as Hon. Edwin L. Olivarez, Mayor of Parañaque City; Hon. Benjo Bernabe, Vice Mayor; and Hon. Eric Olivarez, Congressman. Their presence highlighted the event’s importance as both a celebration of the season and a testament to the growing community of Aseana City, which continues to build in the future.

“As we gather tonight, I can’t help but reflect on what this event truly represents. Apart from celebrating the festive season, this is also an excellent opportunity to appreciate the year that has passed and acknowledge the people who made it more meaningful,” said DMWAI Director, Mr. Edwin C. Wenceslao.

Members of the Barasoain Camerata PH Chorale serenaded the guests at Parqal’s Christmas Tree Lighting. 

Guests were treated to a musical experience, serenaded by the talented choir of Nord Anglia International School and the Barasoain Camerata PH Chorale, whose performance filled Parqal with the warmth of Christmas. Adding to the festive cheer, Santa Claus himself made a special appearance, delighting the guests, both young and young-at-heart, before the much-awaited lighting of the grand Christmas tree.

“As we light the tree tonight, may it remind us that Christmas is not only about the lights that shine around us, but also about the light we bring to one another. May the glow of this tree symbolize the strength of our connection and the bright future that we will build together at Parqal and Aseana City,” said Mr. Edwin Wenceslao.

As Christmas draws closer, Aseana City promises even more opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the magic of the season— creating lasting memories while strengthening the community spirit that defines the real Christmas in the Philippines.

Guests can look forward to a lineup of festive activities, including the Santa Meet & Greet on December 6, 7, and 14; the Polar Express on December 7, 14, 20, 21, and 27; the Holiday Feast by December 13; Christmas Caroling on December 20; and Letters to Santa on December 21. Simbang Gabi Masses will be held at the St. John Paul II Chapel from December 15 to 23, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, followed by the Christmas Eve Mass at 8:00 PM and the Christmas Day Mass at 10:00 AM.