Thursday, December 11, 2025

Noche Buena Hacks for less stressful Holiday

 


As a breadwinner, ikaw ang unang bumabangon, huling natutulog, at sa Pasko, ikaw pa rin ang nasa kusina, making sure everyone is fed and happy. But let’s admit it: gusto mo mang i-level up ang handaan, minsan hindi talaga sapat ang budget. And that’s where the added stress comes from: “Paano ko pasasayahin ang pamilya kung kulang ang pondo?”

Good news: You don’t need to let go of the pina-special na Noche Buena. With a few diskarte, and a little help, kering-keri mong gawing mas masarap, mas memorable, at mas merry ang Noche Buena. Here are hacks breadwinners swear by:

Plan your menu early so you can list your groceries accordingly.

There’s no such thing as too early when planning Noche Buena. Knowing what to cook and what to order saves you time, money, and sanity. Start by identifying one family staple (‘yung hindi pwedeng mawala), one heritage dish (pamana ni Mama o Lola), and one new dish (pang-wow factor). Once set, grocery shopping becomes a breeze, and impulse buying becomes less likely.

Level up staple dishes with simple upgrades.

We all have favorite dishes, but a few tweaks can make them feel premium without breaking the bank. Transform classic dishes with small upgrades, such as drizzling truffle oil over carbonara, adding peaches to your mango float, or topping kare-kare with chopped pistachio nuts.

Tip: If you want to experiment a little more, GCredit, a pre-qualified pay-later credit line on GCash, can give you flexible budget room to purchase ingredients that make the dish feel ‘pang-special.’

Meal prep is also for Christmas

 Leveling up the handaan does not necessarily mean having a chaotic kitchen. Before cooking day, you can already chop onions and garlic, marinate the meats, pre-mix sauces, or buy frozen time-savers such as pre-cooked meatballs, ready-made sauces, pastry sheets. Having a headstart means less sabit on the day itself and gives you more time to enjoy the celebration.

 Delegate tasks and make it a family bonding

Breadwinner ka, hindi caterer. You’ve worked hard to keep the family together for the rest of the year, now let them help you, too. Turn the kitchen into a bonding space, not a battlefield.


Kering-keri with GCredit

You don’t have to compromise your celebration just because the budget feels tight. With GCredit, a pre-approved digital credit line from GCash, you can still elevate your dishes, upgrade ingredients, and level up your Noche Buena.

● Low interest: Interest is only 0.17% per day. The earlier you pay, the less interest you'll pay, helping you manage your holiday budget.

● Flexible payments: No need to pay the full amount right away. Just pay at least 10% of your total due, and you’re set – no need to blow your bonus in one go.

● Borrow up to ₱50,000: Access your credit line directly from the GCash app and pay for your Noche Buena essentials and ready-to-eat dishes at e-commerce platforms, department stores, supermarkets, and restaurants.

GCredit is available for eligible GCash users who are Filipino citizens aged 21–65 with a fully verified GCash account. On your GCash app’s home screen, tap on “Borrow” and look for “GCredit.” If eligible, you will see your available credit limit and receive an SMS to activate GCredit. You will be instructed to confirm your email address, verify your personal details and other required information in the app, and review and submit your application.

Once you’ve completed the steps, you’ll receive an email confirmation that your GCredit is activated, and you’re ready to use it for your day-to-day needs! If you’re not yet eligible, the app will guide you on the steps to qualify.

This year, don’t just survive Noche Buena – enjoy it. You deserve to savor the fruit of your hard work and labor.


Unwrap the Ultimate Tech Gifts with the HUAWEI nova 14 Series and the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026)

 


HUAWEI brings power-packed performance to your devices this season

with the new HUAWEI nova 14 series and nd the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026).

HUAWEI’s latest innovations deliver next-level smartphone and tablet

performances, giving every user the proper tools to enhance their productivity

and showcase their personality, style, and energy like never before.


The HUAWEI nova 14 Series (from PHP 22,999) and HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026)

(PHP 37,999) are now available in the Philippines. In honor of the HUAWEI nova

14 Series’ youthful spirit, HUAWEI is launching an exclusive t-shirt designed

in collaboration with Don’t Blame the Kids (DBTK). The limited-edition shirt will

be given for free along with every purchase on full payment of the HUAWEI nova

14 Series online and in-stores on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning December 5.


Capture Your Holiday Memories Better with the King of AI Selfies


With the HUAWEI nova 14 Series, every selfie becomes a statement. Whether you’re capturing yourself at a concert or taking playful “groufies” during family reunions or holiday gatherings with friends, the two Front AI Portrait Cameras on the HUAWEI nova 14 Pro ensure every detail is captured with astonishing clarity. The combination of the 50MP Ultra Portrait Autofocus Camera and the 8MP Close-up Portrait Front Camera captures crisp, vibrant details, letting you preserve your candid moments exactly as they happen.





When you’re out on a spontaneous adventure, the HUAWEI nova 14 Pro’s

industry-leading Ultra Speed Snapshot on the front and rear cameras comes

as a handy tool, so you can freeze fast-motion moments, like a friend’s bursts of laughter or the festive fireworks during the holiday celebration, without missing a beat.

Discover endless creative freedom and express your personality in every frame with the

front camera’s expansive 0.8x to 5x zoom range, which lets you effortlessly switch from

intimate close-ups to wide group shots perfect for all the photos you’ll be taking with loved

ones. 


The HUAWEI nova 14 Pro’s rear camera delivers an equally powerful performance. Its

Ultra Chroma Camera brings every color to life with lifelike color, capturing the warm glow

of Christmas lights or the sparkle of fireworks on New Year’s Eve exactly as you remember it.





With the HUAWEI nova 14 Series, you get a device that helps you shine this season.

Its Ice Crystal Texture shimmers dreamily under the lights with colors that are seemingly

made for the season. Crystal Blue sparkles like frosted winter skies, while White glows like

snowBlack looks timeless in your hand, no matter what looks you’re serving this holiday season.

With the HUAWEI nova 14 Series, you can showcase every side of your style from every angle,

and welcome the new year with a fresh look.





Whether you’re reviewing last-minute work documents or streaming your favorite holiday classics, the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026) makes your viewing experience feel immersive while keeping your eyes protected with its 12-inch 3rd Gen Ultra-Clear PaperMatte Display. This eye-friendly display with 2.8K resolution makes every content look crisp and vibrant without straining your eyes.



 Jotting down on the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026) feels effortless with the new HUAWEI M-Pencil Pro, which makes writing and sketching feel natural and more comfortable with its pencil-like grip and ultra-responsive strokes. A quick tap on the Star Ring instantly launches your go-to apps, so you can easily write down reminders or lists for your holiday shopping. Find the writing tip suitable for your needs from three available options: Writing Tip, Small-Font Writing Tip, or the Painting Tip. Meanwhile, smart gestures like pinch, rotate, and double-tap keep your writing flow uninterrupted.



‘Tis the Season for Tech Upgrades with the HUAWEI nova 14 Series and

HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026)



Ring in the new year with a fresh vibe: 30 HUAWEI Experience Stores are getting a refreshed look starting December 5, while over 100 stores nationwide join the celebration with exciting activities and promotions. Just in time for the holiday season, customers can explore HUAWEI’s latest products amid a more modern, welcoming, and interactive store environment.


Make every selfie look perfect with the HUAWEI nova 14 Series, now available on the HUAWEI Online Store, Lazada, Shopee, TikTok, and at HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide. Make the HUAWEI nova 14 Pro (PHP 32,999) or the HUAWEI nova 14 (PHP 22,999) yours today and get a free HUAWEI WATCH FIT SE (worth PHP 4,999).


Beginning December 5, you can cop a free limited-edition DBTK x Supernova T-Shirt for every purchase of the HUAWEI nova 14 Pro or the HUAWEI nova 14 at select HUAWEI Experience Stores, or through the official online channels. Shirts will be given on a first-come, first served basis. Limited stocks and sizes are available.


The HUAWEI nova 14i (PHP 12,999) is also available on HUAWEI Online Store, Lazada,

Shopee Tiktok and at HUAWEI Experience Stores nationwide.

Get yours today and receive a free HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 2. 



To know more about the HUAWEI nova 14 Series and the HUAWEI MatePad 12 X (2026),

visit your nearest HUAWEI Experience Store or check out HUAWEI’s official website

and social media pages (Facebook | Instagram).


Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Pinoy invention, The Better Vessel, sets new high standard for quality espresso at the World Barista Championship (WBC)

 


Following an inspiring performance at the 2025 World Barista Championship (WBC) in Milan, two-time Philippine National Barista champion, Michael Harris Conlin shares his vision for the future of Filipino coffee. Conlin, who secured a remarkable 13th place overall and took home the distinction of Best Espresso in Round One of the global competition, unveils his groundbreaking invention, The Better Vessel.

Conlin’s performance at the WBC was a testament to collaboration and purpose. His signature espresso—a complex, harmonious blend of Philippine Liberica and Colombian Eugenioides, cocreated with producer Wilton Benitez— immediately captured the judges' attention. This blend was lauded not just for its complexity, but for showcasing the untapped potential of Philippine Liberica on the world stage.



“For a fleeting instant, the world understood what my heart has been trying to say,” Conlin shared regarding his Round One success. “That cup represented people, passion, and the power of working together. It was a clear win for every dreamer who has ever believed that coffee could build bridges instead of walls.”




The core of Conlin's vision is not a trophy, but transformation, which is embodied by his latest innovation, The Better Vessel. This revolutionary tool is designed to make high-quality espresso more approachable and consistent for both seasoned baristas and everyday consumers.
The Better Vessel achieves this by gently and selectively removing the bitterness and harshness of crema, allowing for a longer, cleaner, and sweeter shot extraction.
“The discoveries we made were never meant to stay on a stage; they were meant to ripple outward,” Conlin states. “The Better Vessel is a small step forward with a big purpose: to ring more people into the world of espresso by making it less intimidating and more inclusive.”



For the professional coffee industry, the tool promises to simplify the dialing-in process, drastically reducing waste and improving consistency. More importantly, this innovation is positioned to propel Philippine coffee culture globally by setting a new, high standard for quality espresso that is both technically flawless and universally appealing.



Conlin believes that by simplifying the science and sharing the techniques, he can lift the entire local value chain, inspiring Filipino farmers and producers to further explore and experiment without fear.
For more details about Michael Harris Conlin and The Better Vessel, please visit thevault.ph.


"The Gift of Protection" from Malayan Insurance Co. Inc

 


Leading insurer partners with LRT-1 to provide "The Gift of Protection" to thousands of daily commuters throughout December Malayan Insurance Co., Inc. (MICO), one of the country's leading non-life insurance providers, has partnered with LRT-1 to power a month-long holiday campaign. This initiative offers complimentary Personal Accident (PA) insurance coverage to LRT-1 commuters throughout the entire month of December. The initiative, dubbed "The Gift of Protection," aims to provide peace of mind to thousands of Filipino commuters during the busiest travel season of the year, when millions rush through Metro Manila's railways for holiday shopping, year-end gatherings, and trips to provincial bus terminals for the Christmas break. "December is the most hectic time for Filipino commuters—carrying gifts, rushing to catch buses home, navigating crowded stations," said Eden Tesoro, Chief Operating Officer of Malayan Insurance.




"We wanted to cut through the holiday chaos with a meaningful gesture that reminds Filipinos that protection isn't an expense—it's a gift, and one we're honored to give this Christmas season." The campaign features a full station takeover at LRT-1's Gil Puyat Station, a key transit point for commuters heading to Makati's business districts and nearby provincial bus terminals. A fully-wrapped LRT-1 train will also traverse the line throughout December, spreading the message of safety and protection across the metro. Commuters can avail of the complimentary PA insurance coverage by simply scanning QR codes displayed throughout Gil Puyat Station and on the branded train. The seamless digital process requires only basic information—name and mobile number—and issues a digital policy certificate instantly.

"This partnership with LRT-1 allows us to meet Filipinos where they are, literally," Tesoro added. "We want to bring protection to the forefront during a time they need it most; that's what future-proofing protection means to us." The campaign reflects Malayan Insurance's broader commitment to making insurance more accessible and relevant to everyday Filipinos, shifting the perception of insurance from a burdensome expense to a caring investment in one's safety and future. The "Gift of Protection" campaign runs through the whole of December 2025, at LRT-1 Gil Puyat Station and aboard one roaming fully-wrapped train car.

REX Champions a More Human Future at AECON 2025: Special Edition on Education 5.0

 


In a world where technology continuously influences how people live, learn, and connect, one question remains urgent: how do we keep education human?
Rex Education placed that question at the heart of this year’s Annual Educators’ Congress (AECON 2025): Special Edition on Education 5.0, held on October 23 and 24, at the Gallio Events Hall in Parañaque City. With the theme “Agentive, Ethical, Connected, Open, and Nurturing,” the congress gathered school leaders, teachers, and education advocates from across the country for 2 days of reflective conversations and practical exchanges focused on putting people at the center of learning.



Reclaiming the Heart of Education
While Education 4.0 was driven by innovation and digital transformation, Education 5.0 calls for balance. It seeks to place humanity back at the core of learning, embracing technology with care, empathy, and purpose.
In his opening remarks, Rex Education CEO Don Timothy Buhain shared a heartfelt reflection on AECON’s significance and the deeper meaning of Education 5.0, emphasizing that “education has always been, and will always be, about people.” He explained that Education 5.0 is to make sure that as we move forward, we never forget the human being at the center of it all. “Technology will always be a means and a tool, but people will always be the purpose,” he emphasized.
What Education 5.0 means for REX
This year’s theme—Agentive, Ethical, Connected, Open, and Nurturing—defines REX’s vision for Education 5.0. Each word carries a practical and moral commitment.
Being Agentive is about being self-directed and purposeful; also being involved and capable of taking action. Meanwhile, being Ethical concerns choices guided by our values, having integrity, compassion, and moral discernment. Being Connected points to the relationships that make learning possible—with schools, families, and communities. Moreover, being Open stands for inclusivity, accessibility, and transparency. Nurturing brings all these elements together. It calls for learning environments that support the whole person—intellect, emotion, and spirit—so learners can grow with confidence and succeed in life.



Highlights of AECON 2025
The first day of AECON featured an interactive Pre-Conference Session led by Dr. Edizon A. Fermin, Vice President for Academic Affairs at the National Teachers College. Through hands-on activities and reflective exercises, participants explored three key tenets: Institutionalizing Less is More, Opening Pathways and Doorways, and Investing in Immersion, gaining practical tools to help build a stronger, more future-ready Senior High School program.
The main conference on October 24 opened with the Learner Panel Spotlight, “Kami Naman Talaga Sana,” and the keynote address, “Reclaiming Humanity in Education 5.0,” by Rev. Fr. Jessel “JBoy” M. Gonzales, SJ of Ateneo de Davao University.
Two pannel discussions followed. The first panel, “Beyond Lifelong Learning: Content, Methodology, & Assessment that Matter,” featured esteemed education leaders Dr. Marlene Ferido, Dr. Violeta Valladolid, and Dr. Brando “ER” C. Palomar, moderated by Ms. Rita Atienza of the Ateneo de Manila University.
The second panel, “Of Numbers and Narratives: Quality Schools that Promote IDEAS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, Sustainability) In Focus,” featured Dr. Malcolm S. Garma and Ms. Maria Louella M. Tampinco. The session was moderated by Mr. Narcy Ador Dionisio, Executive Director of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines.
The day’s sessions concluded with a synthesis led by Dr. Edizon A. Fermin, bringing together key insights and reflections from the discussions.
A Shared Hope for the Future
Across two inspiring days, AECON 2025 became a space where educators rediscovered the heart of their work. Through
meaningful discussions and heartfelt exchanges, participants were reminded that the future of learning begins not with technology, but with people—those who teach, those who learn, and those who dare to make education better for all.
As the conference came to a close, Rex Education reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing every Filipino learner and supporting teachers and school leaders through relevant, future-ready, and deeply human learning solutions.
Because in the end, Education 5.0 is not only about adapting to the future—it’s about creating one led by heart, humanity, and purpose.


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