Skin science made easy: Here’s why you need to visit Watsons Skin Solutions Event in partnership with the Philippine Dermatological Society

Skin issues have been bothering you lately? You might need help from the skin experts.

For three consecutive years, Watsons has championed accessible derma-backed skincare through its Derm Skin campaign. Now marking its second year partnering with the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS), Watsons proudly stands as the only health and beauty retailer joining forces with the country's top skin experts. Fresh off its first-ever launch at SM City Clark on October 1, the ultimate skin health destination is now heading to SM Mall of Asia from October 20 to 25.

Watsons is reinventing how we approach skin health, shifting the focus from fleeting aesthetic trends to targeted and dermatologically tested solutions. The goal is to educate everyday Filipinos about their unique skin profiles and exactly what they need by bringing together the country's most trusted dermatologists and products in one immersive shopping space.

Here’s why the Skin Solutions space in SM MOA is an absolute must-visit:

First things first: Decode your skin 

Begin your journey by getting to know your skin better. Bid skincare guessing and trial-and-error goodbye with a free skin analysis! The machine scans and maps your skin with precision, uncovering your current skin condition so you can curate a targeted regimen with total confidence.

Free one-on-one consultations with PDS Experts

Skip the intimidating clinic setting as Watsons brings top board-certified dermatologists directly to your favorite shopping hub. Enjoy complimentary, personalized 1-on-1 consultations with accredited PDS dermatologists right inside the Skin Solutions space! 

Curate your routine at the Skin Science Carousel

Giving more hands-on experience to your skin health journey, the Skin Science Carousel is your next stop right after getting your skin diagnosis. The Skin Science Carousel is an exclusive sit-down zone where consumers can actually test and feel the products before committing to a purchase.

Shop derma-approved products 

Aside from these exciting activities, the Skin Solutions animation is also brimming with exclusive discounts, gifts with purchase, and other interactive booths to enjoy while learning about your skin. 

Shop from participating trusted brands such as Cetaphil for sensitive skin needs, Celeteque for derma-tested formulations, Avene for soothing care, Physiogel for skin barrier repair, Dr. G for targeted solutions, Target Pro by Watsons for advanced clinical care, Aveeno for soothing nourishment, Neutrogena for derma-backed solutions, Dr. O for specialized skin needs, Oilatum for dry skin relief, ROSKEN for intense moisture repair, CLEAR for better scalp health, Cerave for ceramide-based hydration, Dermabar for specialized derma soap bars, and Vaseline for trusted skin protection. 

See you at the Skin Solutions animation in SM MOA from October 20 to 25! 

For updates, follow @watsonsph on Instagram, @WatsonsPH on Facebook, and @watsonsphilippines on TikTok. Find more derma-approved products, head over to 1,200+ Watsons stores nationwide, or via the  Watsons app, or online via website, and don’t forget to use your Watsons Club membership for more perks and exclusive deals.

100 Million Units Sold in Five Years, No. 2 in Global Exports: What Allows TCL Air Conditioner to Leave Its Peers Behind?

In the home appliance industry, while most brands are still stacking specs and piling up selling points, TCL Air Conditioner has been doing something different — upgrading the air conditioner from “passive response” to “proactive service.”

A market position of 100 million units sold in five years and No. 2 in global exports; inverter controllers independently developed by one of the few companies in China capable of doing so; and a self-developed, self-manufactured compressor — the “heart” of the air conditioner. With genuine data and real technology, TCL AC is charting a differentiated path of long-termism. From a global industrial footprint to a self-developed technology moat, from a home-scenario product matrix to intelligent manufacturing built to navigator-level standards, TCL AC is building a complete brand narrative in which “rational strength builds recognition, while emotional warmth wins preference.”

Brand Strength: Independent R&D Across the Full Industry Chain, 100 Million Units Sold in Five Years

A brand's core confidence comes from visible global scale and a long-held commitment to originality. With solid manufacturing strength and a global footprint, TCL AC has built the underlying logic of user trust — “reliable, a major manufacturer, global” — and remains committed to the smart health air track with a long-term approach.

According to data from Industry Online, TCL AC’s production and sales volume reached 22 million units in 2025, ranking No. 2 globally in air conditioner exports from China and posting the highest growth rate among the top three exporters.  TCL AC ranks first in shipments in the Philippines, Argentina, Panama, and Algeria, and second in the United States, Brazil, Italy, Spain, Nigeria, and South Korea, serving global users with AI health technology.

In market performance, TCL AC has sold 100 million air conditioners over five years, ranking No. 1 globally in fresh air conditioner sales, with products exported to more than 100 countries. It is the only Chinese air conditioner brand in the industry to sustain continuous positive growth over the past decade. At the core industry chain level, the company has become one of the few in China capable of independently developing inverter controllers, firmly grasping the “heart” of the air conditioner — its core components; meanwhile, with its own compressor factory, TCL AC independently develops and manufactures core components for residential air conditioners, ensuring performance stability and the capacity for technological iteration.

After years of dedicated work, TCL AC achieved independent R&D and production, resolving supply chain choke points—securing not only stable supply but also unconstrained comfort and smart features, and building a foundational barrier. For end consumers, 100 million units sold in five years represent the trust of hundreds of millions of households worldwide making real choices; for dealer partners, three major advantages — global production capacity, self-developed core components, and a differentiated technology track — create a long-term profitable path for channel partners, helping them break free from price wars.

Behind the global scale of 100 million units, what is the real differentiation engine? The answer is Smart Blue Wing.

Technology Strength: Smart Blue Wing Smart & Healthy Tech Engine Builds a Differentiated Moat

Powered by its Smart Blue Wing Tech Engine, TCL AC delivers a complete smart health whole-house air solution anchored by 11 world-leading technologies. Moving beyond passive response, its full-link AI architecture (Perception – Cognition – Decision – Service) actively senses human movement, airflow, and air quality to automatically optimize the home environment.

4 Core Innovations:

• AI SleepEye: Uses millimeter-wave radar and genetic algorithms to detect sleep movement and build personalized cooling curves.

• AI Human Sensor: Tracks body position to dynamically adjust airflow—gentle up close, stronger at a distance.

• AI Healthy Fresh Air: Monitors indoor air quality in real time and completes whole-house air exchanges without opening windows.

• Smart Gentle Breeze: Diffuses harsh cold drafts into soft, comfortable airflow.

No matter how powerful the technology, it must ultimately return to the home — TCL AC translates its 11 world-leading technologies into three product series, turning every innovation into an experience users can feel.

TCL AC has built three product series matrices — AI Healthy Fresh Air, AI Healthy Comfort, and AI Energy-Saving — corresponding to three core needs: family respiratory health, whole-house comfort, and daily operating cost, bringing users the finest air conditioners in the AI era.

Stable delivery of the three product series relies on the smart manufacturing foundation behind them — the intelligent manufacturing strength that an air conditioner rolls off the line every 7 seconds is TCL AC’s greatest confidence in “stable quality and reliable supply.”

Intelligent Manufacturing: The World’s Highest Standards Support High-Quality Global Delivery

Intelligent manufacturing is the core foundation on which TCL AC’s brand, technology, and products are realized. Take the TCL Air Conditioner Guangzhou Smart Manufacturing Base: it features industry-leading production lines driven by super-computing, an air conditioner rolling off the line every 7 seconds. Supported by an AI Data Super-computing Center with a computing capacity of 30 quadrillion operations per second, the lines efficiently collect comprehensive data from 17,000 IoT sensors across the factory and meet the real-time computing demands of more than 2,000 AI agents.

In addition, the Guangzhou Smart Manufacturing Base houses the industry’s only AI-powered ultra-high-precision heat exchanger production line, where AI algorithms enable fully robotic-arm automated production for the stamping, punching, and swelling of evaporators and condensers, improving labor efficiency by 41.7%. Meanwhile, three fully flexible lights-out factories enable 24-hour unmanned production across the heat exchanger, piping, and injection molding workshops, building an AI-based all-round control system with self-perception, self-decision-making, and self-scheduling.

Driven by world-class intelligent manufacturing and 11 core air technologies, TCL AC guarantees stable supply and uncompromised quality across 160+ countries. By closing the loop from tech innovation to real-world experience, TCL AC has secured its place as China’s No. 2 global air conditioner exporter. Moving forward, the brand remains committed to advancing AI health technologies and delivering effortless, whole-house comfort worldwide.

Maris Racal Makes Everything Mini in Maya Black’s Hyperpop Music Video

Maris Racal wants more, more, more—and she’s making it Mini!

The actress turns up the pop-star energy in Maya Black’s latest music video, serving edgy looks and her signature confidence against a catchy hyperpop track. But there’s a twist: everything she wants literally turns into a miniature version of itself, bringing the song’s “make it mini” message to life in a fun and unexpected way.

Maris Racal makes everything Mini

With its fashion-forward styling, chrome accents, and Maris in full pop-star mode, the music video gives Maya Black and Mini Payments a fresh, music-driven treatment.

And while everything might be getting smaller on screen, the idea behind it is all about having more flexibility when it comes to bigger purchases. Because with Mini Payments, getting what you want doesn't always have to mean paying for it all at once.

Watch the new music video starring Maris Racal here: https://youtu.be/b_zKjZ6u2f4?si=q8AzbC9iUSLp0sAV. 

Big purchase? Make it Mini!

With Mini Payments, eligible purchases made using your Maya Black Credit Card  can be converted into 3, 6, 9, or 12 monthly payments, giving cardholders more flexibility in managing bigger expenses.

Whether you're planning a gadget upgrade, buying a new appliance, or making another bigger-ticket purchase, simply select an eligible transaction, choose your preferred payment term, and track your plan directly in the Maya app, subject to applicable terms and charges.

So while Maris makes everything Mini in the music video, you can also bring that same energy with your bigger purchases. Big purchase? No biggie. Make it Mini with Maya Black and Mini Payments.

To know more, visit maya.ph/minipayments and follow @makeyourmoneymaya on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay updated. Approval and offer are subject to credit evaluation. Maya Philippines, Inc. and Maya Bank, Inc. are regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. www.bsp.gov.ph. For 24/7 assistance, visit the Help Center in the Maya app or call us from 8 AM to 7 PM daily at +632 8845-7788.

Nearly 6 in 10 Filipino Families Rely on Water Refilling Stations as Drinking-Water Habits Come Into Focus

For many Filipino households, drinking water comes with a familiar routine: ordering refills, waiting for deliveries and finding space for water containers. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) Annual Poverty Indicators Survey, 57.9% of Filipino families obtained their drinking water from refilling stations, highlighting how deeply this practice is embedded in everyday life.

The finding raises a practical question: as Filipino households look for more convenient ways to manage daily life, could the way they access drinking water evolve, too?

Refilling stations remain an important source of drinking water, but household needs differ depending on delivery availability, storage space, water quality and reliability. Directly connected filtration systems may offer another option for homes and businesses with a suitable incoming water supply.

The PSA survey identifies where families obtain drinking water; it does not establish whether those sources are safe or unsafe.

Separately, the PSA tracks access to safely managed drinking-water services, which considers availability, accessibility on premises and freedom from contamination. These are distinct measures, and the 57.9% figure should not be interpreted as a measure of water safety.

For Vince Ngo, President and Managing Director of Visionary Grand Corp., the company behind PUREAL Philippines, the opportunity is to make drinking water simpler to manage. His interest is personal: after seeing water purifiers become an ordinary part of daily life in South Korea, he and his sister Venice began considering how the same convenience could work for Filipino homes and businesses.

“When we talk about water security, it’s not just about having water available. It’s also about knowing whether that water is suitable for drinking and whether families can access it consistently and conveniently. These are everyday concerns for Filipino households, and we believe families should have more practical options to address them,” Ngo said.

Beyond the refill: How Filipino households manage drinking water

For households that depend on refills, keeping drinking water available can involve monitoring supplies and coordinating deliveries. The experience differs by location, family size and storage capacity.

For smaller homes and busy households, reducing the need to handle and store containers may be appealing. Still, convenience is only one consideration alongside water quality, maintenance and total cost.

Ngo believes households should consider the effort involved in maintaining their drinking-water supply, not just the price of each refill.

“The cost of drinking water is not just what a family pays per refill. There is also the time spent arranging deliveries, the space needed for containers and the responsibility of keeping water on hand. Those everyday demands deserve attention, alongside water quality and the full cost of any alternative,” he explained.

Siblings Vince Ngo (left), President and Managing Director, and Venice Ngo (right), Co-Founder and Growth Director of Visionary Grand Corp., lead PUREAL Philippines with a shared vision of empowering Filipino households and businesses to make informed choices about their drinking water. Through modern water filtration technology, they aim to make access to clean, safe, and convenient drinking water more practical and accessible, giving Filipinos greater control over their everyday water needs. Photo courtesy of PUREAL Philippines.

Bringing Korean water purification technology to Filipino homes

Vince and Venice Ngo first encountered the convenience of water purification systems during visits to South Korea, where purifiers were integrated into hotels, cafés and other everyday spaces. They began asking whether the same approach could work in Filipino homes and businesses.

Back in the Philippines, the siblings saw an opportunity to make directly connected filtration a more familiar household option.

“Whenever Venice and I traveled to Korea, we noticed how naturally water purifiers were integrated into everyday spaces. It was such a simple convenience, yet it made us wonder why more Filipinos couldn't enjoy the same thing in their own homes and workplaces. We experienced that ease abroad, and we wanted to bring it home,” Ngo shared.

That experience eventually inspired the siblings to bring PUREAL to the Philippine market through Visionary Grand Corp. Combining Korean water filtration technology with compact, modern design, PUREAL Philippines aims to make water purification a more practical part of Filipino homes, condominiums, cafés, restaurants, and workplaces.

How modern filtration fits everyday Filipino routines

Water purifiers differ in how they treat and dispense water. Some powered systems heat or chill water, while other models dispense filtered water at ambient temperature without electricity.

PUREAL’s Direct, Mini Changer, and Line Changer collections use tankless, direct-flow filtration technology that connects to a suitable incoming water supply. Unlike powered hot-and-cold dispensers, these three models provide ambient-temperature filtered water without requiring electricity. They are also designed with user-replaceable filters, allowing customers to perform routine filter changes without scheduling a technician.

The featured models still require periodic filter changes. Consumers should consider the purchase price, installation, replacement filters and other maintenance costs when comparing options.

Importantly, buyers should confirm that their incoming water source, water pressure and installation setup are compatible with the chosen system. No single filtration system is suitable for every water source.

Convenience at home and in everyday spaces

For households with limited storage or busy schedules, directly connected filtration can reduce the need to manage refill containers, provided an appropriate incoming water supply is available. PUREAL’s featured tankless models filter water as it is dispensed, subject to sufficient incoming water supply and pressure.

Because the featured models do not require electricity, they may continue dispensing filtered water during power interruptions if the incoming water supply remains available. They cannot dispense water during a water-supply interruption, so households should still keep emergency drinking water.

The same emphasis on everyday access extends to commercial spaces. Through PUREAL Partners, the company has introduced purification systems at establishments including 717 Deli, Three Dots, Hackensack and Jabroni’s.

Building confidence in everyday drinking-water choices

As drinking-water options expand, Ngo sees an opportunity to help consumers better understand which systems fit their homes, water sources and routines. Refilling stations, bottled water and home filtration can continue to serve different household needs. The right choice depends on water quality, supply reliability, convenience and long-term upkeep.

For PUREAL, the opportunity extends beyond introducing new devices to helping consumers make informed decisions about filtration and maintenance. Visionary Grand Corp. plans to expand PUREAL’s presence in Philippine homes and commercial spaces while developing consumer education and local after-sales support.

“For years, many Filipino households have relied on buying, collecting, or having drinking water delivered. We believe there is an opportunity to rethink that routine as more filtration options become available. Our goal is not simply to introduce another water purifier, but to help Filipinos see that accessing drinking water can be more convenient and integrated into everyday life. Whether at home, in cafés, or in workplaces, we hope to make filtered drinking water a more familiar and accessible option, much like what we have experienced in Korea,” Ngo said.

For Filipino households, the question is not whether one drinking-water source should replace another, but whether their current routine still meets their needs.

A More Rewarding Arrival in Manila: Okada Manila Introduces Exclusive Airport Lounge for Reward Circle Members

For international travelers visiting Manila, a rewarding stay now begins at the airport. Okada Manila has introduced a new benefit for eligible Reward Circle members: access to its exclusive airport lounge at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, offering a welcoming space to refresh and unwind before continuing to the resort.

Opened on October 10, 2026, the lounge extends the Forbes 5-Star integrated resort’s signature hospitality beyond its doors. Members can relax in comfortable seating, enjoy complimentary refreshments, and receive personalized assistance with onward transfers, bringing greater ease and comfort to their arrival in the Philippine capital.

“Membership should make every visit feel more rewarding, from the moment our guests arrive,” said Shirley Tam, Chief Marketing Officer of Okada Manila. “Our new airport lounge gives eligible Reward Circle members a warm welcome to Manila, with a comfortable place to recharge and personal assistance before their resort experience begins. It is another way we recognize our members and bring together Japanese excellence and Filipino warmth throughout their journey.”

An Exclusive Welcome, Conveniently Located

Situated beside Arrival Bay Gate 5, at the center of Terminal 3’s Arrival Hall, the lounge offers an easy-to-find meeting point for arriving members and their companions. Its convenient location makes it a natural first stop before their transfer to Okada Manila.

The lounge features cushioned seats and couches, a selection of refreshing drinks, and dedicated airport representatives to assist with transfer arrangements. Whether arriving for a holiday, a special celebration, or a return visit, eligible members can enjoy a relaxed start to their stay.

Elite, Premium, Supreme, and Maharlika members receive complimentary lounge access and refreshments upon presentation of their membership card and a valid ID. Elite, Premium, and Supreme members may bring one companion, while Maharlika members may welcome up to three companions.

The lounge is open daily from 7 AM to 11 PM.

Make Every Visit More Rewarding

The new lounge expands the travel privileges of Reward Circle by Okada Manila, giving eligible members another reason to look forward to their next Manila getaway.

Reward Circle By Okada Manila Membership is free. Guests can register at the Membership & Rewards Counter or online at membership.okadamanila.com/signup to begin exploring the program’s rewards and privileges. Airport lounge access is reserved for qualifying membership tiers and is subject to applicable terms and conditions.

Plan your next Manila getaway at www.okadamanila.com. For room reservations, airport transfer arrangements, and lounge eligibility inquiries, contact roomreservations@okadamanila.com or +63 2 8888 0777.

Spook-tacular street parties and more in store for Hong Kong’s first-ever Halloween Month

For Filipino travelers looking for a reason to travel to Hong Kong this season, this is your sign. For the first time, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is bringing “Hong Kong Halloween Month,” to the streets, with major districts across the city gearing up for the spooky season every Saturday from October 17 to 31.

With the theme “Make the Streets Your Runway,” the city-wide celebration invites both visitors and locals to dress up and take their Halloween looks beyond the theme parks and straight into the streets.

Join the city’s largest Halloween Cosplay Street Party for a scary good time

In Central, Pinoy art fans can enjoy large-scale, Halloween-themed installations like giant eyeballs, a mysterious gateway, and a haunted jail. There will also be an outdoor music party and a family carnival so parents can take their kids on a spooky night out on the town. Pet parents will be sure to enjoy the Kai Tak Sports Park Halloween Party, with pet photo spots, neon lighting installations, and live busking performances. 

Monster flash mobs, roaming cosplayers in full Halloween regalia, and DJ performances are what await at the Only in LKF! Halloween Cosplay Party @LKF Monster Mash, featuring three major themed cosplay street celebrations: “Monster DJ Night”, “Wizard Block Party”, and “Monsters Night.” 

For Filipino travellers craving a big city photo moment and a sweet treat, you can’t miss the Next Stop, Mong Kok! Langham Place Halloween Street Party. Here, you can find the iconic red Hong Kong minibus transformed into the “Mong Kok Haunted MiniBus” installation, along with themed snacks and limited-edition desserts to keep your energy going. 

Make sure to put on your dancing shoes for the TST East Halloween beats party where you can find local and international DJs spinning some scarily good tunes set against the backdrop of the iconic Victoria Harbor. 

Fun frights and themed nights at major city theme parks

Hong Kong’s two theme parks are also rolling out their signature Halloween events to attract Filipino families. Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s “Disney Halloween Time” transforms the park into an ultimate Halloween destination. You can enjoy the park’s line-up of entertainment offerings, including the all-new musical celebration “Mickey’s Happy Halloween Adventure,” a grander “Uninvited! A Villains Takeover Party,” award-winning musical “Let’s Get Wicked,” and with a variety of themed food and beverages, merchandise, and Trick-or-Treat experiences.

Ocean Park Hong Kong’s will also be hosting its annual “Halloween Fest,” with four thrilling scare experiences and a packed line-up of unmissable Halloween entertainment. Highlights include a landmark collaboration with “Under the Castle”, an original intellectual property (IP) created by internationally renowned artist Jackson Wang, delivering an immersive, multi-sensory horror experience. The themed dining experiences, limited-edition merch, and interactive activities also cannot be missed. 

Get Free Rides Just by Dressing Up

Dressing up in your best Halloween costume will also get you to places—for free. Bust out your most creative costumes and enjoy free rides on the iconic Ding Ding Tram and Citybus’ Halloween-themed, open-top sightseeing bus route on October 17, 24, and 31. The open-top sightseeing bus will stop at all five street party locations to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the fun and Hong Kong Tramways’ Ding Ding Tram will be available to the public between Causeway bay and Sheung Wan (Western Market). 

For more information, visit Discover Hong Kong.

From Tiis Ganda to Holiday Ganda: Rethinking Period Pain This Christmas

 

There’s no perfect English translation for tiis-ganda. The distinctly Filipino expression captures the idea of enduring discomfort or inconvenience in the name of looking good, keeping up appearances, or simply getting through what needs to be done. 

And what better time for women to endure this expectation than the holidays?

For many women, that idea of tiis can extend beyond beauty, from wearing uncomfortable shoes for an event to pushing through period pain just to make it through the pain. During the holidays, when there are dinners to attend, reunions to show up for, and celebrations to smile through, it can be even easier to fall into the habit of tiis-ganda, putting on a good face and carrying on, even when your body is telling you otherwise.

But looking good and showing up for the moments that matter shouldn’t have to mean putting up with pain. This holiday season, it may be time to rethink what tiis-ganda really means and make a little more room for feeling good, too.

“Period pain is often treated as something women simply have to work around, especially during busy seasons when there are so many plans to keep up with. But experiencing pain shouldn’t mean putting your needs on the back burner. said Micol Cansino, Hyscoine N-butylbromide (Buscopan) Senior Brand Manager. “We want to encourage women to better understand their symptoms and feel more confident about taking steps to manage their period pain, so they can spend less time worrying about discomfort and more time enjoying the moments they’ve been looking forward to.” 

When “Tiis Ganda” Becomes the Holiday Routine

For some women, tiis-ganda means pushing through discomfort to keep showing up—abdominal cramps and all. But period pain, medically known as dysmenorrhea, is more than something to simply endure; it happens when prostaglandins trigger uterine contractions, causing the familiar pain in the lower abdomen.

Don’t simply tiis-ganda through period pain, pay attention to its severity, timing, duration, and impact on your daily activities, and seek appropriate relief or medical advice when the pain regularly interferes with everyday life. 

Keeping track of these patterns can also give you useful information to share with a healthcare professional, particularly if the pain is severe, unusual, or increasingly disruptive.

Beyond “Tiis-Ganda”: Ways to Make Holiday Plans More Period-Friendly

Breaking the tiis-ganda habit doesn’t necessarily mean saying no to every plan when your period comes around. It can simply mean being more intentional about taking care of yourself, too.

Don’t forget the basics: eat regularly, stay hydrated, and take small breaks between holiday errands and celebrations, while keeping your period essentials within reach. Most importantly, know your options for managing menstrual cramps rather than simply tiis-ing through the festivities; consider appropriate relief based on your symptoms and always follow medication directions.

For women experiencing mild to severe dysmenorrhea, Hyoscine N-butylbromide + Paracetamol (Buscopan Venus) helps treat dysmenorrhea at the source. It works in as fast as 15 minutes and can be taken as 1–2 tablets, up to 3 times daily, or as prescribed by a physician.

Bring on the Holiday Ganda—Minus the Tiis

Moving beyond tiis-ganda doesn’t mean giving up on the plans, celebrations, or moments you’ve been looking forward to. It means recognizing that taking care of yourself is just as important as showing up for everyone else.

“Your Christmas calendar already has enough guests, so period pain doesn’t have to be on the invite list. By knowing your cycle, listening to your body, and being prepared with appropriate ways to manage discomfort, you can give yourself a better chance to enjoy the celebrations and the moments you’ve been looking forward to. This holiday season, we hope women feel empowered to move beyond tiis and make room for feeling good, too,” Cansino concluded.

Because maybe tiis-ganda was never meant to mean enduring everything. The best kind of holiday ganda isn’t just about looking your best, it’s about feeling well enough to show up, stay present, and enjoy the moments you don’t want to miss.

Anko's new Christmas collection makes home holiday styling brighter, together

There is a particular kind of excitement that comes from decorating for Christmas, from picking out the ornaments and trim pieces to adding those little festive touches that make a home feel ready for the season. And it’s even better when done together with the people who matter most.

Australian Home and Lifestyle brand Anko is making holiday styling more fun with its new Christmas collection, featuring over 200 pieces designed to bring color, character, and Christmas cheer into the home.

The new Christmas collection was launched at Pinkhouse, Taguig City, and is now available at Anko stores in Glorietta 2, Alabang Town Center, TriNoma, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, and Gateway Mall.

The collection takes a playful approach to Christmas decorating, with pieces that can be mixed, matched, and layered throughout the home. From Christmas tree ornaments to tabletop decorations and gift-wrapping essentials, there are plenty of ways to build a festive look without having to transform the entire house in one go.

For Anko, starting small and letting the Christmas feeling grow makes decorating more enjoyable.

By the time the Christmas tree goes up, the festive feeling is already in the home. Alongside traditional ornaments, Anko's collection brings in classic decor and playful characters that add a little more personality to the centerpiece. The Mini Pink and Green Christmas Trees (₱290), alongside other unique pieces such as Striped Bows (₱300), Christmas Bells (₱100), and Christmas Mouse Plushies (₱150), can also be placed around the home, creating smaller pockets of Christmas beyond the living room.

For those who like their Christmas decor with a bit of whimsy, the Gingerbread Candle (₱400), Light Up Ceramic Gingerbread Houses (₱580), Mini Standing Reindeers (₱450), and Mini Snow Globes in Santa, Gingerbread, and cozy home designs (₱150) add extra charm. A few can sit on a shelf or side table, while others can be tucked into existing displays for an easy seasonal refresh. 

"Christmas doesn't have to mean transforming your home all at once. With Anko's Christmas collection, families can build their festive space little by little, adding touches that bring the season to life at a pace and price that works for them," said Kim Mulligan, Interim Country Manager of Anko Philippines.

For Noche Buena and other holiday gatherings, tabletop decorations can add another layer to the celebration. Decorative Bauble Trees (₱550), Tabletop Bells (₱720), and Green Pleated Edge Placemats (₱220) can be mixed into a table setting, while colorful details help make the dining area feel just as ready for Christmas as the rest of the home. Family and guests can even sip their favorite warm drinks from Santa or Bow Mugs (₱300) to complete the festive spread. 

It is the kind of styling that invites everyone to take part and enjoy together. Someone can arrange the table, another can add the ornaments, and the kids can help choose where the little characters go.

"We wanted the collection to give families plenty of room to have fun with their Christmas styling. Whether you're decorating the tree, setting the table for Noche Buena, or adding small festive touches around the home, there are pieces you can mix, match, and make your own,” said Lou Rulloda, Merchandising Manager of Anko Philippines, who led the house walkthrough. 

“Playful characters, stripes, and bows are the trends we're leaning into this season, and my personal favorites are the Gingerbread Candle and the Christmas Mouse Plushies. They bring so much personality without taking over the space, and they sit easily alongside the decor you already have,” she added.

The collection also extends into the practical parts of the season. Bow Stockings (₱350), Plush Santa Hats (₱100), Stripe Gift Bags (₱80), and Santa Gift Wrapping Paper (₱120) bring the festive look into the tradition of giving, making even preparing presents part of the celebration. When it comes to choosing what goes inside those beautifully wrapped gifts, Anko makes the experience a little more personal, too.

For families who prefer a more traditional look, Anko also has everyday decor finds that bring warm, cozy, festive vibes and stay practical well beyond the holidays. The Pesto Round Cushion (₱400), Retreat Vetiver Candle (₱790), Pink Port Twist Glass Vase (₱550), and Sunburst Placemats (₱150) fit the home any time of year. With everyday finds sitting alongside its holiday collections, Anko is the one-stop shop for Christmas.

"Christmas at home is all about mixing the old with the new, and Anko is where families can find everything for the season in one place, from festive tree ornaments and tabletop pieces to everyday finds. Because so many of our products stay relevant year-round, every piece is a practical choice that keeps giving long after Christmas," added Mulligan.

There is more to look forward to this season. The Christmas Personality Quiz, available through the Anko Club app (anko.com/anko-club), invites shoppers to discover what kind of gifter they are, whether the host, the joy-giver, or the trendsetter, and pairs them with tailored Anko picks for everyone on their list. To make the season even more rewarding, Anko’s Christmas Shopping Spree gives customers a chance to win ₱25,000 for every minimum single-receipt purchase of ₱2,000 until November 30.

For more Christmas styling ideas, gift inspiration, and details on these exciting holiday activities and promos, visit Anko's website (anko.com) and follow @anko_philippines on Instagram and TikTok.