Maria Katrina Paras

Article (news)

Holiday Season Round-Up 2025

<p>T-minus 43 days to Christmas! If you&#x27;re not feeling the holiday vibe yet (READ: non-stop deadlines and errands), this list ought to help you get that warm and fuzzy feeling! Check out some ways you can get into Santa mode and not be the &#x27;Grinch Who Stole Christmas&#x27;, if you know what we mean!</p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>1. Get Your Holiday Budget In Order!</strong></div><div><em>Because no one wants to be in debt when the new year comes, Metrobank introduces its G.I.F.T framework!<strong></strong><br/></em></div><p>Last August 1, Metrobank welcomed the new month not with fireworks or festivities but with the gift of financial empowerment. Redefining the traditional start of goal-setting, Metrobank declares August as the new January, encouraging Filipinos to begin their financial resolutions now rather than waiting for the new year. Backed by insights from international studies and local economic trends, the bank highlights August as the ideal time to set goals, right before the heavy spending of the holiday season begins. Through this proactive mindset, Filipinos can develop better financial habits, allocate upcoming bonuses wisely, and avoid the dreaded post-holiday financial hangover.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762936075105Metrobank holiday.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><p>To guide this shift, Metrobank introduces its<strong> G.I.F.T. framework</strong> — a simple, actionable system that helps Filipinos<strong> Get guided</strong> with goals,<strong> Invest a portion </strong>of their bonus,<strong> Follow a budget</strong>, and <strong>Take advantage</strong> of deals. Building on last year’s success, Metrobank launches the <strong>#EarlyGIFTChallenge</strong>, inviting everyone to create and share one SMART financial goal starting last August to January. Whether you’re saving for a dream vacation, investing in your first home, or building an emergency fund, now is the perfect time to commit.</p><p>Make your move today — with Metrobank, you don’t just plan for the holidays, you prepare for your future. <em>Visit this <a href="https://earnest.metrobank.com.ph/gift-of-financial-wellness" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a> and join the movement toward financial mindfulness. </em>Because with the gift of an early start and the right partner, you’re in good hands. </p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>2. Mark Your Calendars: Soiree Is Coming Back To Rockwell For the Last Two Times This Year</strong></div><p>Last-minute holiday shopping is fun, but it can be stressful. Get all your gifting needs in one place at the Soiree Super Sale, coming back again this <strong>December 13-14 </strong>at <strong>The Fifth at Rockwell</strong>, and <strong>December 19-21</strong> at <strong>SoFA Proscenium</strong>! Last month, we visited their first leg and had a blast shopping their selection of brands—from well-loved famous brands like BASH Manila for luggage, Russet Accessories for cute charm jewelry, and Kabute Farm for their delicious mushroom sisig. The whole experience was a feast for the senses—and a shopping lover&#x27;s paradise. Expect more deals and amazing finds this coming December, so make sure you don&#x27;t miss it! <em>Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/soireebyretaillab/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@soireebyretaillab</a> on Instagram for updates.</em></p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP8kNYqE7xf/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A9477289%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="857" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>3. Create a Holiday Soundtrack For This Season</strong></div><p>Never underestimate the power of music to give you the fuzzies this Christmas season! We love Spotify&#x27;s Cozy Christmas Jazz playlist, filled to the brim with feel-good, relaxing sounds from various artists. Better yet, create your own Christmas playlist with your favorite holiday songs so that you can enjoy the season even more. Instead of rushing through your day, be the main character in your own holiday movie with this playlist as the soundtrack!</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/37i9dQZF1DWU0r6G8OGirN?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong><br/></strong></div><div><strong>4. Make Gift-Giving Easy and Purposeful with Human Nature&#x27;s Holiday Bundles</strong></div><p>It may be the merriest time of year, but that doesn&#x27;t mean we should be mindless about our spending. That&#x27;s why we love a bargain that also gives great value. Check out Human Nature&#x27;s Christmas gift sets that contain the brand&#x27;s trusty natural goodness, free from harmful chemicals, designed to spread cheer while reflecting the heart behind every choice you make. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762940631251Human Nature Photo 3.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">Human Nature Christmas gift sets</span></span></span><strong>Bundles of Care, Ready to Share</strong></div><p>Starting from Php 162.50, Human Nature’s 2025 Christmas bundles take the guesswork out of holiday gifting. Whether you&#x27;re shopping for your family, barkada, or coworkers, there’s a bundle that fits just right. Best of all? Each one comes with a free festive gift bag, no wrapping required!</p><p>Holiday pro-tip: Sign up for a <a href="https://humanheartnature.com/buy/vip" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Human Nature membership </a>(only Php 150/year) in-store or online and enjoy 15% off your purchases. It’s the easiest way to buy more, save more, and bring more joy this season.                    </p><p>To help you find the perfect present, here are some gift set suggestions tailored to the special people on your list:</p><p><strong>For Besties</strong> – Zesty Hand Besties (Php 249.50) is a practical yet pampering hand care treat, while Christmas Kisses (Php 244.50) delivers lip-loving TLC for those photo-ready moments. <em>Shop <a href="https://humanheartnature.com/buy/oct2025-wfgzz251006.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p><p><strong>For Supermoms </strong>– Because she deserves a breather, Twin Skindulgence (Php 299.50) offers nourishing essentials to help her unwind, and Cozy Bliss (Php 389.75) brings calm and comfort to her everyday routine. <em>Shop <a href="https://humanheartnature.com/buy/oct2025-wfgzz251011.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p><p><strong>For Busy Bees</strong> – Multitasking must-haves for their on-the-go lifestyle. <a href="https://humanheartnature.com/buy/oct2025-wfgzz251015.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Merry Moisture </a>(Php 499.50) keeps skin hydrated all day, while <a href="https://humanheartnature.com/buy/oct2025-wfgzz251001.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Happy Helping Hands</a> (Php 174.50) offers quick, everyday hand care.</p><p><strong>For Holiday Heroes </strong>– For the dependable guys who keep things running. <a href="https://humanheartnature.com/buy/oct2025-wfgzz251003.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Minty Gentlemen</a> (Php 214.50) helps them stay cool and clean, while <a href="https://humanheartnature.com/buy/oct2025-wfgzz251005.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">St. Nick’s Picks</a> (Php 254.50) delivers an easy, no-fuss skincare routine.</p><p><strong>For Little Explorers</strong> – Give extra cheer to curious minds and sensitive skin. <a href="https://humanheartnature.com/buy/oct2025-wfgzz251023.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Giggly &amp; Bright </a>(Php 334.50) is a fruity set kids will adore, and <a href="https://humanheartnature.com/buy/oct2025-wfgzz251013.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tiny Tots Treats</a> (Php 399.50) offers soothing care for your baby&#x27;s first holiday and beyond.</p><div><em>Start your Christmas shopping <a href="https://humanheartnature.com/buy/gift-sets.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>!</em></div><div><br/></div><div><em></em><strong>5. Get Your Home Decked Out in Classic Christmas Decor</strong></div><p><em></em>There&#x27;s a resurgence of nostalgic Christmas vibes, and we&#x27;re loving it! While modern decor and different color palettes are also welcome, the classic red-and-green color palette for your Christmas home decor hits different! If you aren&#x27;t done decorating yet, there&#x27;s still time, and Robinson&#x27;s Department Store Christmas Shop is the way to go. This year, there’s no shortage of Christmas trees, baubles, figurines, throw pillow covers, and many other items to bring in the holiday magic to your space. The best part is that you can purchase them with exciting promos happening at Robinsons Department Store branches nationwide.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762941502253Robinsons Dept Store Christmas.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><p>This year, go for the classic hues and add fun, kitschy details like Christmas stockings, Santa Claus figurines, snow globes to create a Christmas reminiscent of the &#x27;90s. </p><div><em>Let the holiday magic come alive in your home with the Robinsons Department Store Christmas Shop, now available at all branches nationwide and online marketplaces like </em><a href="https://www.lazada.com.ph/shop/robinsons-department-store/custom-1758853788939.htm?wh_weex=true" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>LazMall</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://shopee.ph/robinsons_department_store?shopCollection=261813669#product_list" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Shopee Mall</em></a><em>, and </em><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@robinsonsdepartmentstore?_t=ZS-90YkjPtBRED&amp;_r=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>TikTok Shop</em></a><em>. Start planning your decorations and shop the Christmas Shop collection now. Check out the <a href="https://heyzine.com/flip-book/790fa0830c.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">e-catalog</a> to see all the beautiful pieces.</em></div><div><em> </em></div><div><strong><em></em>6. Prepare for Intimate Holiday Dinners with Ikea&#x27;s Offerings for the Season</strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><p>Dinners at home, noche buena, media noche, and every Christmas gathering in between are upon us, so we have to make sure our homes are decked out and ready! Thanks to<strong> Ikea&#x27;s Flavors of Home Festival</strong>, we&#x27;re more than ready! </p><p>The festive event kicked off with a gathering of foodies and interior design lovers as they shared inspiring ideas for holiday decor and delicious seasonal recipes that Filipinos can enjoy together at home. Social media personalities Icoy Rapadas, Grace Tanfelix, and Mitch Ngo (aka <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thechinitafoodie" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thechinitafoodie</a>) served up holiday dishes in a live cooking demonstration, which was perfect for all the parties happening this season. While interior designer Elle Uy walked guests through captivating kitchen and dining setups that Filipinos can pull off with IKEA’s Christmas collection.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762942164444Ikea Holiday.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div> </div><p>“The Filipino way of celebrating the season is centered on family and food at home. IKEA wants to make it more special with our affordable kitchen and dining range,” says Hervy Nicholas, IKEA Philippines Sales Leader. “That’s what drives us at IKEA: the joy we get from seeing people from all walks of life enjoying our pieces that are functional, beautiful, sustainable, and affordable.”</p><p>Budget-conscious Filipinos who want to get their kitchen and dining table ready for all the cooking and feasting ahead will discover the joy of stress-free cooking with IKEA’s selection of kitchen and dining wear, all made especially for the busy holiday season and beyond. After the cooking comes the best part of the feast: eating! From the busy kitchen to the calm dining room, IKEA makes the shift seamless (and coordinated, if you wish).</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded" style="width:700px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762942777444IMG 04.JPG" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">Interior designer and content creator Elle Uy inspires with an inviting dining setup.</span></span></span>From the first gift wrapped in September to the last leftover lechon paksiw on the first days of the new year, Filipinos really know how to stretch a celebration. <em>Discover IKEA’s Christmas Shop and its kitchen and dining items to get you ready for the holidays at IKEA Mall of Asia and </em><a href="https://www.ikea.com/ph/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>online</em></a><em>.</em></div><div><em> </em></div><div> <strong></strong><strong>7. Stock Up Your Refrigerator With Holiday Must-Haves (Note: Other Than Christmas Ham!)</strong></div><p>Already drafting your Christmas party menus? We&#x27;re pretty sure it will include some of these essentials from Magnolia: chicken cut-ups, marinated chicken aka &quot;Timplados&quot;, fried chicken mixes, mayonnaise for macaroni salad, all-purpose cream for fruit salads and desserts, and cheese for spaghetti! Filipino Christmas spreads are never complete without these holiday must-haves, so we&#x27;re already stocking up as early as now.</p><p>Just recently, Magnolia, the iconic Filipino brand known for its dairy and chicken products, celebrated its 100th anniversary, reaffirming its commitment to offering quality products while supporting small businesses, retailers, and local producers. </p><p>SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang said Magnolia’s future will focus not only on innovation but also on helping the people and businesses behind the brand—from farmers and truck drivers to sari-sari store owners and carinderia operators.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762948289800viber_image_2025-11-07_14-03-25-431.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/></div><div><br/></div><p>He added: “Magnolia is part of Filipino life, from everyday meals to special occasions. As we move forward, we will continue to create more products for more families, while also providing opportunities to the small businesses and individuals who bring our products to homes across the country.”</p><p>The brand, which introduced many industry firsts in the Philippines—including the use of refrigerated trucks, Magnolia Chocolait in glass bottles, and chicken stations selling fresh chicken in supermarkets —now offers ice cream, butter, mayonnaise, ready-to-cook meals, and more. </p><p>It sources a majority of its raw materials from local suppliers and works with thousands of small-scale retailers nationwide.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DC539cxJuLG/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A16912583.1%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="1125" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>It has also played a big role in supporting livelihoods across its value chain—from farmers and truck drivers to sari-sari store owners, market vendors, home bakers, and carinderia cooks, among many others.</p><p>Ang said the company will continue to provide opportunities for those who help bring Magnolia products within reach of Filipino households. Now that&#x27;s what the Christmas spirit is truly all about! <em>Shop Magnolia in leading supermarkets nationwide.</em></p>

7 Ways to Prep and Get Into the Holiday Mood

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7 Ways to Prep and Get Into the Holiday Mood

Metro.Style Team

Published Nov 12, 2025 08:00 PM PHT

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Updated Nov 12, 2025 08:07 PM PHT

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