Solaire Resort North Shines Bright with Hyun Bin for the Yuletide Season

Merriment and magic begin at Solaire Resort North marked by the brilliant lights that shone during its recent Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Laughter and cheer echoed through the Atrium Lobby as residents of Quezon City and beyond gathered for this special celebration.

Guests of honor who graced the event were Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco, Department of Tourism – National Capital Region Assistant Regional Director Ivan Agote, Bloomberry Resorts Corporation Vice Chairman for Construction and Regulatory Affairs Donato Almeda, and Solaire Resort North’s very own Chief Operating Officer Damian Quayle.

Hosted by Carla Guevara Laforteza, the ceremony encapsulated the true meaning of Christmas with performances by the country’s premiere dance company, Ballet Philippines, as well as the breathtaking croons and serenades of the Ambassadors for Christ Chamber Singers. The presence of patrons and passersby amplified the reveling as the Christmas Tree lit the lobby up alongside the elegant Mangrove of Solaire Resort North.

During the ceremony, the Department of Tourism (DOT) awarded Solaire Resort North with a plaque officiating its status as a 5-star property. The Quezon City-based integrated resort earned its title from the DOT last July 2025, solidifying its reputation as the premiere luxury destination in Northern Metro Manila. With a commitment to exceptional service, refined elegance, and globally competitive standards, each holiday celebration at Solaire Resort North is made special. 

For the festive season, Solaire shines even brighter alongside South Korean actor Hyun Bin as its newest brand ambassador. From exclusive holiday dining options, festive activities for the whole family, and luxurious staycations, the next Christmas celebration is guaranteed to be full of joy and fulfillment for everyone.

Continue the most jubilant time of the year with Solaire Resort North as festivities run throughout the season. Feel the warmth from the captivating choir performances at the Atrium beginning November 15, every weekend until Christmas Day. Make a wish with Santa Claus on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as he roams the halls with his holly jolly laugh for all.

This season, experience the magic of making holiday wishes come true for the next holiday celebration, from feasts with loved ones to well-deserved escapes, all at Solaire Resort North. For reservations and inquiries, visit sn.solaireresort.com/all-i-want-for-christmas or call +632 8888 8888 to join in creating more magical memories at Solaire.

Anko Celebrates One Year of Home, Joy, and Brighter Living in the Philippines

7 November 2025, Manila, Philippines —  A year ago, Australia's beloved home and lifestyle brand, Anko, opened its first door in the Philippines, promising to blend Australian creativity with Filipino warmth. Fast forward to today, and the brand is not just a newcomer but a vibrant part of countless Filipino homes, recently celebrating its first anniversary with a weekend of festivities that underscored its growing connection with the community.

The celebration kicked off on November 7, 2025, at the Palm Drive Activity Center in Ayala Malls Glorietta 2, transforming the space into a hub of birthday and holiday cheer. Shoppers who signed up for the Anko Club were treated to a fun-filled day of immersive experiences, including festive photo spots, interactive gifting zones, and a special bonding moment with brand ambassador and actress Anne Curtis.

The festivities continued throughout the weekend with engaging creative workshops across Anko stores in Ayala Malls TriNoma, Alabang Town Center, and Manila Bay. These sessions—featuring gift wrapping, calligraphy, and more—inspired shoppers to craft personal and meaningful holiday gifts, aligning with Anko's spirit of thoughtfulness and its appreciation for the warm support from the Filipino community over the year.

A Brighter First Year

Since its arrival, Anko has stayed true to its promise to make everyday living brighter with well-designed, affordable products across key categories such as home, kitchen, toys, beauty, and pet essentials. To keep the shopping experience fresh and inspiring, the brand ensures new items arrive every week, allowing shoppers to constantly discover the trendiest finds with irresistible prices. This year also saw an exciting expansion into the small appliances category, offering even more ways for Filipinos to elevate their daily routines.

The response has fueled rapid expansion, growing from one to four thriving stores in Ayala Malls Glorietta, TriNoma, Alabang Town Center, and Ayala Malls Manila Bay, with a fifth branch soon to open at Ayala Malls Feliz.

“It’s been such an exciting and fulfilling first year. We launched Anko with the goal of offering quality, design, and affordability all in one place, and the response from Filipino shoppers has been incredible, which inspired us to move forward,” shares Rachel Turner, Country Manager of Anko Philippines.

Throughout the year, Anko focused on building a deep connection with its growing community, celebrating love, family, and togetherness through thoughtfully curated campaigns and in-store experiences. From intimate events to creative workshops, the brand ensures every moment resonates with the goal of creating bright, thoughtful, and functional spaces that bring people together.

To offer constant inspiration, Anko unveils its Christmas lookbook (www.anko.com/ph/lookbook/), providing Filipinos with beautifully styled visual guides for incorporating the brand’s affordable, on-trend pieces into their homes and fresh gifting ideas to loved ones this holiday season.

Beyond its physical stores, Anko nurtures a vibrant digital community. The Anko Club has rapidly grown to over 34,000 members, where they enjoy exclusive perks, early access to collections, and everyday design inspiration through the dedicated app.

Anko also continues to champion creativity and authenticity through its Ko-Creator Program, partnering with local content creators who share the brand’s passion for design and storytelling. This program also serves as a platform for creators to showcase their talent, grow their craft, and build their own success stories.

An Even Brighter Future

As Anko enters its second year, the brand remains steadfast in its mission to make everyday living brighter for Filipino families. The warm reception and positive feedback from customers over the past year have shaped the brand’s journey, fueling its growth from one store to a growing community of Filipinos who share a love for home, style, and everyday living.

“For us, growth is about more than opening new stores — it’s about enriching the experience,” Turner shares. “We want every Anko store to feel like a place where Filipinos can find inspiration, comfort, and joy,” she added.

With more store openings, creative collaborations, and family-centered campaigns ahead, Anko is committed to continuing its journey of bringing Australian design and Filipino heart together.

Be part of Anko’s next chapter by joining the Anko Club at www.anko.com/anko-club, or by downloading the app for first access to new collections, exclusive perks, and the brand’s upcoming events and collaborations. Stay inspired by following @anko_philippines on Instagram and TikTok.

The Manila Hotel Welcomes the Holidays with its Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Manila Hotel ushered in the most festive time of the year with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, transforming its Grand Lobby into a radiant showcase of Filipino holiday traditions. This year’s theme, Pasko sa Nayon, captured the warmth and nostalgia of a traditional Filipino Christmas, drawing guests and members of the media to a heartwarming afternoon of festivity and holiday splendor.

The hotel’s magnificent Christmas Tree, adorned with handcrafted ornaments, stood as the centerpiece of the celebration. Designed by The Manila Hotel’s Social Director and Design Consultant, Rachy Cuna, the décor pays homage to Filipino craftsmanship through intricate accents such as woven baskets, horse figures, and large puso ornaments inspired by the traditional hanging rice wrapped in woven coconut leaves. Dressed in rich hues of red, gold, and green, the display radiates both grandeur and cultural pride, hallmarks of The Manila Hotel’s enduring elegance.

The lighting ceremony was graced by The Manila Hotel’s Board of Directors led by Chairman Basilio C. Yap, President Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr., Executive Vice President Dr. Enrique Y. Yap, Jr., Director Atty. Salvador C. Medialdea, and Vice President for Sales and Marketing Marvin Kim Tan. Joining them were City of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, Vice Mayor Angela Lei “Chi” Atienza, Department of Tourism Assistant Regional Director Ivan Agote, Director of Tourism Standards, Regulations, and Human Capital Development Judy Dela Cruz Gabato, Atty. Joan Padilla, Administrator of Intramuros Administration, and DTCAM Officer-in-Charge Cristal Bagatsing. 

The joyous afternoon resonated with the familiar melodies of Christmas as the Office of the President Chorale filled the Grand Lobby with timeless carols, evoking a sense of nostalgia and shared joy that define the Filipino holiday spirit.

A Celebration of Compassion and Community

Beyond the glittering tree, the celebration reflected The Manila Hotel’s dedication to preserving Filipino culture and fostering a sense of togetherness.

“May our tree lighting ceremony remind us of what makes Christmas in the Philippines truly special—the comfort of Filipino food, the strength of community, and the joy of gathering with loves ones. It is a time to celebrate not only our traditions but also the meaningful connections that bring light to our lives,” shared Marvin Kim Tan, vice president for sales and marketing of The Manila Hotel.

In the spirit of giving, The Manila Hotel also extended its annual support to the House of Refuge, continuing its commitment to share hope and kindness with children in need.

Guests are invited to embrace the spirit of home and heritage this holiday season at The Manila Hotel, and to delight in its festive displays and offerings inspired by Filipino Christmas traditions.