Passions of a SAHM

As the countdown to 2026 begins, there’s no better place to celebrate than Estancia de Lorenzo, where festive elegance meets exceptional dining. Nestled in the heart of Rizal, this sought-after destination invites guests to ring in the New Year with a lavish New Year’s Eve dinner buffet designed to delight the senses and create unforgettable memories with loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating with family, enjoying a romantic evening as a couple, or gathering with friends, Estancia de Lorenzo offers the perfect setting to end the year on a high note. The New Year’s Eve celebration is thoughtfully curated to combine warm hospitality, a vibrant atmosphere, and a culinary experience worthy of a fresh start. A Feast Worth the Final Night of the Year The highlight of the evening is Estancia de Lorenzo’s New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet, a carefully crafted spread of gourmet dishes prepared by skilled chefs. The menu features a wide selection of flavors, textures, and cuisines, ensuring that eve...

After weeks of packed schedules and nonstop holiday commitments, it’s no surprise that many people feel completely drained. If you’ve spent your days hopping from malls to family reunions, cooking elaborate Noche Buena spreads, attending Simbang Gabi, and checking off endless to-do lists, the urge to retreat into bed and do absolutely nothing can feel irresistible. For many, this is where “bed rotting” comes in. Popularized by Generation Z on TikTok, bed rotting is a modern self-care concept that simply means spending extended time in bed resting, sleeping, eating snacks, scrolling through social media, or binge-watching your favorite series. It’s unstructured, indulgent, and entirely up to you. While the term may sound unappealing, the idea behind it is actually rooted in a very real need: rest. “At a time when we try to squeeze in as many activities as we can in a day, it’s only natural to step away from all the busyness to decompress, breathe, and simply do nothing,” says Anna Marie...

Royal Canin, a global leader in science-based pet health nutrition, successfully brought together the country’s passionate and growing pet community for the Royal Canin Community Weekend 2025. Designed as a celebration of responsible pet ownership, the landmark two-day event emphasized education, advocacy, and the powerful bond between humans and their animal companions. Held at the Eastwood Open Plaza in Quezon City, the event served as a testament to Royal Canin’s long-term commitment to empowering Filipino pet owners with expert-backed knowledge, practical skills, and a supportive community. Families, pet parents, animal care professionals, and advocates gathered with a shared goal: creating A Better World for Pets—one informed decision at a time. From Walks to Workshops: A Community in Action The weekend kicked off on a high note with a joyful community pet walk led by UP MV K9 and Hound Haven PH. The activity symbolized unity, resilience, and collective advocacy, setting the tone ...

Christmas in the Philippines is more than a holiday—it is a season filled with meaning, memories, and moments shared with loved ones. Across more than 7,600 islands, Filipinos celebrate Christmas in beautifully diverse ways, shaped by regional customs, family traditions, and the changing dynamics of modern life. From age-old practices passed down through generations to new rituals formed by today’s families, one thing remains constant: the joy of coming together around food. Christmas Traditions in Filipino Homes: Old and New Filipino Christmas traditions continue to evolve. While many families still gather for grand reunions with extended relatives, today’s celebrations also reflect the realities of modern households. Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning home, dual-income no kids (DINKs) couples, single parents, and same-gender partners are all creating meaningful ways to celebrate the season. Despite these differences, the heart of Christmas remains the same—connection. Whether...

For many Filipino families, Christmas is a season marked by togetherness, cherished traditions, and meaningful experiences shared across generations. Since 2022, Ballet Manila has been enriching the holidays with its much-anticipated Holiday Cheer Series—a family-oriented program that has steadily become a beloved fixture of the Christmas calendar. This year, the company continues the tradition with a magical retelling of the classic fairy tale Snow White, set to enchant audiences from December 25 to 29, 2025, at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City. Designed as an introduction to ballet for young audiences while still offering depth and artistry for seasoned theatergoers, the Holiday Cheer Series reflects Ballet Manila’s commitment to making classical dance accessible, engaging, and emotionally resonant. Under the vision of CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Macuja Elizalde—who also choreographed Snow White—the series breathes new life into timeless stories, transforming them into shared holida...

Vietnamese coffee legend invites Filipino creators to experience an iconic coffee culture through a memorable first-hand brand immersion. Vietnamese coffee powerhouse Trung Nguyen Legend has officially made its much-anticipated debut in the Philippines, introducing Filipino creators, content makers, and coffee enthusiasts to a bold and culturally rich coffee experience.  Known as Vietnam’s most iconic coffee brand, Trung Nguyen Legend enters the local market with a strong focus on storytelling, creativity, and authentic coffee culture. The brand’s Philippine launch was one of the standout highlights of the World Bazaar Festival held at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. The event gathered a diverse group of UGC creators, TikTokers, lifestyle bloggers, and members of the media, all eager to explore the flavors, heritage, and identity that have made Trung Nguyen Legend a household name across Vietnam and beyond.  The launch was made possible through DyGen Food Ventures Inc., t...

In the Philippines, Christmas is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a season rooted in thoughtfulness, connection, and care. From handwritten notes tucked into gifts to pasalubong shared with family and friends, giving has always been about meaning. This year, however, a new shift is becoming more visible, especially among younger Filipinos. Many Gen Zs are embracing a “smaller gifts, bigger meaning” mindset—one that values intention over excess and thoughtfulness over price tags. Instead of mass-produced presents or oversized gift boxes, Gen Z is gravitating toward personal, carefully chosen finds. These are items discovered in creative markets, pop-ups, and community spaces—gifts that feel sincere and human, as if they quietly say, “I saw this and thought of you.” It’s a refreshing approach to holiday gifting that reflects the generation’s desire for authenticity, wellness, and purpose. This is where Goodday Friz naturally fits in. For Gen Z, it’s more than just a drink—it’s a sma...

Manulife Financial Asia Limited has been named a winner of the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards 2025 in the distinguished category of Top Sustainability Advocates in Asia, marking the company’s first major recognition at the regional level. This milestone underscores Manulife’s growing leadership in sustainability and its long-term commitment to driving meaningful environmental and social impact across diverse Asian markets. Presented by the ACES Council, the award highlights organizations that demonstrate exemplary performance in sustainability, responsible leadership, and corporate citizenship. For Manulife, the recognition affirms the strength of its Impact Agenda, which serves as the foundation for its environmental stewardship and strategic integration of sustainable investing across the business. Through this agenda, the company has embedded sustainability into its core operations, enabling stronger health and well-being outcomes, enhancing financial r...

Introducing the HONOR 500 and HONOR 500 Pro with a 200MP Portrait Engine, massive 8,000mAh HONOR Silicon-Carbon Battery, and the intelligent MagicOS 10 Manila, Philippines, December 12, 2025 – Global AI device ecosystem company HONOR has officially unveiled the all-new HONOR 500 Series, consisting of the HONOR 500 and HONOR 500 Pro, marking a bold step forward in the evolution of mid-range smartphones. Designed for today’s young, creative, and always-connected users, the HONOR 500 Series brings flagship-level imaging, powerful performance, extended battery life, and intelligent software into a sleek and durable design—raising the standard for what consumers can expect from this segment. “With the HONOR 500 Series, we are redefining what users should expect from a standard mid-range smartphone,” said Fei Fang, President of Products at HONOR. “The HONOR 500 is ‘standard’ done right—offering a complete and well-balanced experience engineered to impress. The HONOR 500 Pro builds on this fo...

Water is one of the planet’s most essential yet increasingly limited resources. Across the Philippines, fast-growing cities are experiencing mounting pressure on their water supply as rapid urbanization, population growth, and climate change continue to stretch what local systems can provide. With these challenges becoming more complex each year, sustainable water management is no longer optional—it is a critical responsibility for businesses and communities alike. For SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers, this responsibility is embedded at the core of its operations. By prioritizing water efficiency and investing in long-term solutions, SM Prime aims to help secure a water-resilient future not only for its developments but also for the communities they serve. Today, the company records a portfolio-wide water intensity of 0.44 m³/m²/year, a performance that surpasses efficiency standards upheld by some of the world’s leading...

Great meals don’t just fill you up—they invite you in, linger with you long after the last bite, and give you every reason to come back for more. This season, SM Supermalls welcomes you to a bold new era of dining—one shaped by exciting flavors, global inspirations, and well-loved favorites refreshed for the modern foodie. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort, craving something indulgent, or simply looking for your next everyday go-to, this curated lineup of food destinations is here to spark joy, ignite curiosity, and shape memorable moments over good food. From the depth of Japanese cuisine to the craftsmanship behind world-class coffee and chocolate, each first in this evolving selection brings something new to the table. And through every discovery, one thing remains true: at SM Supermalls, we continue to grow, innovate, and evolve with you—proving again and again that we’ve truly got it all for you. A Journey Through Japan When it comes to flavors that are both comforting and in...

Metro Manila has always been a place where choices define the experience—whether you’re discovering a new go-to item, exploring emerging lifestyle trends, or stumbling upon something you didn’t know you needed. This season, SM Supermalls introduces a fresh lineup of openings that spark curiosity, invite you to explore, and offer thoughtfully curated finds that elevate your every day. From the latest fashion arrivals to lifestyle essentials, these new offerings seamlessly fit into how Manileños live, move, and express themselves. At SM Supermalls, a bold new era of evolving experiences awaits. Every addition—whether a global fashion brand, a new lifestyle concept, or a tech innovation—is thoughtfully chosen to meet the dynamic needs of today’s urban shopper. These are finds that grow with you, shape your routines, and add that extra spark to your daily lifestyle. With each new opening, SM continues to reaffirm one thing: no matter what you’re looking for, SM’s got it all for you. Step i...

A new vibrancy is taking over Davao as SM Lanang welcomes an exciting lineup of stores, making every visit feel like a fresh discovery. With each opening, the city becomes even more truly madayaw—welcoming, lively, and full of energy. From crave-worthy dishes to the latest fashion trends and immersive entertainment experiences, there’s something for every Davaoeño to explore, enjoy, and share. In this new era of SM Supermalls, every corner is designed to inspire, surprise, and delight. Culinary Adventures That Satisfy Every Craving Food is at the heart of every memorable outing, and SM Lanang has carefully curated dining experiences that cater to every palate. Whether you’re in the mood for comforting Japanese favorites or a global culinary journey, the new offerings are designed to satisfy every craving. Hakura Udon, opening its first Mindanao branch on the 2nd Level, North Wing, invites diners to experience authentic Japanese flavors in a warm, welcoming setting. Their signature hand...

With the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) taking place in Belem, Brazil, this November, the global focus on actionable solutions for the planet’s climate crises has never been more urgent. For SM Prime Holdings, Inc., this pivotal moment underscores the importance of its commitment to sustainability—not just as a corporate responsibility, but as a guiding principle that shapes its operations, partnerships, and long-term strategy. The company’s journey toward achieving Net Zero by 2040 has evolved into a unifying goal across its vast portfolio, emphasizing strengthened implementation, innovative partnerships, and resilience in the face of climate challenges. Empowered Partnerships for a Low-Carbon Future Addressing the “energy trilemma”—the intertwined challenges of security, affordability, and sustainability—is particularly relevant for businesses in property development and urban planning. For SM Prime, these challenges are opportunities to redefine energy consumption, expand re...

Finding the perfect holiday gift is rarely as effortless as we hope. The season’s rush often turns shopping into a stressful guessing game—what do you give the people who matter most? How do you choose a present that feels meaningful, practical, and genuinely appreciated? If you’re feeling the pressure, you’re not alone. Fortunately, TCL, the Philippines’ No. 1 Panel TV brand and a trusted global leader in home technology, is stepping in to simplify your search. This year, TCL presents the ultimate smart gift guide—curated with thoughtful, purposeful, and lifestyle-enhancing options that promise long-lasting value long after the holiday glow fades. These are not just gadgets or appliances; they’re elevated experiences designed to upgrade your loved ones’ daily living, comfort, and convenience. By gifting a TCL innovation, you’re offering more than a product—you’re giving a modernized, smarter, and more effortless home life. Whether you're shopping for tech enthusiasts, homemakers, ...

Life becomes more exciting when you open yourself to discovering new things—whether it’s checking off simple errands, indulging in your cravings, or diving into memorable adventures with friends and family. At SM Supermalls, these moments of discovery become even more accessible. With a growing lineup of first-in-Cebu brands and fresh lifestyle concepts, the best experiences are now easier to enjoy, right here where you are. This year marks a New Era of Firsts, giving Cebuanos more reasons to explore, try something new, and create moments worth celebrating. No need to travel far; SM Supermalls is bringing the country’s most loved dining spots, top lifestyle destinations, and innovative entertainment experiences straight to Cebu. Sweet & Savory Must-Visits at SM City Cebu Food lovers are in for a treat with a wave of exciting culinary openings. Leading the pack is YAYOI, the newly opened Japanese restaurant offering authentic Teishoku—complete, well-balanced meals featuring a main e...

As Philippine cities continue to grow and climate conditions become increasingly unpredictable, water security has emerged as a critical concern for both communities and industries. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers, addresses this challenge by prioritizing water efficiency and establishing long-term systems that ensure responsible and resilient water use across its properties. For SM Prime, water is not merely an operational requirement—it is a finite resource that must be protected. Through years of investment in innovation, engineering, and community engagement, SM Prime has developed a comprehensive water management strategy that supports environmental sustainability while enhancing the overall customer experience in its malls. Today, SM Prime proudly maintains a portfolio-wide water intensity of 0.44 m³/m²/year, surpassing several global standards for water efficiency. This achievement reflects the company’s commitme...