EastWest Rural Bank Marks 12th Anniversary with Outreach Program for Schools in Remote and Typhoon-Hit Areas

EastWest Rural Bank (EWRB) marked its 12th anniversary with an outreach initiative that reached schools located in far-flung communities and areas affected by Typhoons Tino and Uwan. The program ran from November 5 to 20, 2025, covering selected public schools across Regions 5, 6, 7, and 11.

A total of 590 learners and 49 teachers received Jollibee meals, drawing and coloring materials, rice packs, and EWRB giveaways as part of the Bank’s anniversary activities.

According to Sheila Marasigan-Bajado, President of EastWest Rural Bank, the activity shows the Bank’s intention to stay present in the communities it serves:

“Our team wanted to celebrate the anniversary by reaching out to schools that needed a boost after the recent typhoons. We are grateful to the teachers and school heads who welcomed us and allowed us to spend time with their learners.”

Teachers, school heads, and barangay representatives assisted in facilitating the distribution activities, which were conducted on-site in each community.

Overall, the outreach covered five public schools across four regions: Lipata Elementary School in Masbate and San Isidro Elementary School in Cataingan, both from Region 5; Cudian Elementary School in Brgy. Cudian, Ivisan, Capiz in Region 6; Combado Elementary School in Purok Pagtinabangay, Combado, Bogo City in Region 7; and Cayawan Elementary School in Manay, Davao Oriental in Region 11.

The anniversary outreach continues EWRB’s broader efforts to stay connected with schools and families in the countryside, especially during periods of recovery after natural calamities.

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Jollibee Makes Christmas Season More Joyful with “Buo ang Saya ng Pasko” Campaign as Simbang Gabi Begins

Jollibee is celebrating the Christmas season with its biggest holiday campaign yet as Filipinos across the country welcome the start of Simbang Gabi with back-to-back treats. The “Buo ang Saya ng Pasko” (The Joy of Christmas is Complete) campaign highlights the many ways Filipino families and communities celebrate the season today, creating a more joyful December for customers nationwide.

“This Christmas, Jollibee wants to remind every Filipino that the true joy of the season comes from being together. No matter where or how we celebrate, what really matters is celebrating with the people we love,” said Dorothy Ching, Jollibee Philippines’ vice president for marketing. “Totoong mas buo ang saya ng Pasko kapag magkakasama tayo at pinagsasaluhan ang mga paborito nating mga pagkain.”

A heartfelt film for the changing Filipino family

This year’s “Buo ang Saya ng Pasko” campaign features a touching Christmas film made in partnership with Forsman and Bodenfors Singapore. The film captures how Filipino families continue to evolve, showing real moments across different walks of life. It follows hospital workers sharing a Christmas meal during their shift, security guards bonding over simple food, couples treating their pets like family, single parents enjoying time with their children, and large families reuniting across generations.

Jollibee said the film celebrates the idea that while traditions change, the spirit of love and connection that defines a Filipino Christmas remains strong.

Joyful Christmas Stores illuminate the nation

Now on its third year, Jollibee’s Joyful Christmas Stores have returned brighter and bigger. This 2025 season marks the largest rollout to date, with 300 decorated branches nationwide. Each store features festive lights and community inspired touches to bring happiness to neighborhoods, including areas affected by recent calamities.

Customers may locate these decorated stores through the Jolly Christmas Tours digital map powered by Google.

A new nationwide celebration for Simbang Gabi

To bring the Christmas spirit to communities early, Jollibee launched the first ever Christmas JOY Day during the opening of Simbang Gabi. The brand joined dawn masses in select Manila churches such as San Agustin Church, Our Lady of Remedies Parish, Sta. Ana Church, and San Fernando de Dilao Parish (Paco Church). Churchgoers received free Jollibee treats as part of the nationwide countdown.

The celebration continued in select schools like Pinaglabanan Elementary School in San Juan, Kapt. Jose Cardones Integrated School in Taguig, and St. Mary’s Elementary School in Marikina. Students received Jollibee Kids Values Books and treats for free, bringing early Christmas cheer to young learners.

New offerings that complete holiday gatherings

Inside the stores, customers can get their hands on the Christmas Bundle, available nationwide for ₱399, which includes a collectible Jollibee Bag Charm and items like Chicken Fillet with Pepper Cream Sauce and Jolly Spaghetti, offering a festive treat for the whole family. Promo runs until December 31, 2025.

Customers can also enjoy the new Family Super Meals, starting at ₱599, perfect for Noche Buena, featuring Chickenjoy, rice, drinks, and sides. Jollibee is also expanding its Christmas Big Order Service, making holiday celebrations easier for families, offices, schools, and communities looking for delicious, hassle-free party food.

Celebrating the Filipino spirit of togetherness

Through its inspiring film, festive store transformations, special on-ground activations, and exciting holiday offerings, Jollibee hopes to bring families and communities closer this December. The brand said its “Buo ang Saya ng Pasko” campaign reinforces a simple message: Christmas joy feels complete when it is shared with the people we love.

Whether people gather in churches, schools, workplaces, homes, or their favorite Jollibee store, the brand aims to make every moment of the season more joyful and meaningful for Filipinos everywhere.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at https://order.jollibee.com/, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises!

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Dylan Menor Releases Christmas Single “Pasko’y Walang Katulad”

Dylan Menor just released his first-ever Christmas song, “Pasko’y Walang Katulad,” and it is written, composed, and produced by renowned Filipino music artist Vehnee Saturno. This heartwarming track delivers the right amount of nostalgia, yearning, and cheer, perfect for the festive season.

Perfect for this generation of “yearners,“ “Pasko’y Walang Katulad” celebrates love as the ultimate gift. It is all about a Christmas like no other as long as the person you love is around. As Dylan sings, “Ang Pasko'y araw-araw kapag kasama ka. Pasko’y walang katulad ‘pag tayo lang dal’wa.” The lyrics tell us that the feeling of Christmas does not have to be seasonal; every single day can be just as special with the right person by your side.

“Pasko’y Walang Katulad” is not the only gift Dylan has for us this Christmas. Catch Dylan in the upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival entry, Manila’s Finest. Starring alongside the likes of Piolo Pascual, Enrique Gil, Cedrick Juan, Ashtine Olviga, and fellow Vibe Jock Paulo Angeles to name a few, the film will be dropping on Christmas Day, December 25, and is something to look out for.

With its relatable lyrics and catchy melody, Dylan Menor’s “Pasko’y Walang Katulad” is sure to be a Christmas classic, bringing a bit more festivity and joy to listeners this Christmas season. The track is out now on all major music streaming platforms.

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(Trailer) "Avatar: The Last Airbender" Season 2 is Coming in 2026

The Gaang is back!

Netflix unveiled the Official Teaser and First Look photos for the highly-anticipated return of Avatar: The Last Airbender. The teaser showcases fan-favorite and master Earthbender, Toph (Miya Cech), the newest member of Team Avatar including Aang (Gordon Cormier), Katara (Kiawentiio) and Sokka (Ian Ousley) and more!

While we wait, here are more first look photos from season 2!

ABOUT AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER S2

Release Date: 2026

Starring: Gordon Cormier, Kiawentiio, Ian Ousley, Dallas Liu, Miya Cech, Elizabeth Yu, Ty Lee and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, with Maria Zhang and Daniel Dae Kim.

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER follows Aang, the young Avatar, as he learns to master the four elements (Water, Earth, Fire, Air) to restore balance to a world threatened by the terrifying Fire Nation. In S2, after a bittersweet victory saving the Northern Water Tribe from the invading Fire Nation, Avatar Aang, Katara and Sokka regroup and set off on a mission to convince the elusive Earth King to aid in their battle against fearsome Fire Lord Ozai.

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER is a live-action reimagining of the award-winning and beloved Nickelodeon animated series. Christine Boylan (Poker Face, Once Upon a Time) serves as executive producer and writer. Jabbar Raisani (Lost in Space, Stranger Things) is executive producer and director, alongside directors Anu Menon, Amit Gupta and Hiromi Kamata. Dan Lin and Ryan Halprin serve as executive producers from Rideback. Additional executive producers include Brendan Ferguson and Albert Kim.

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HONOR 500 Series Designed for the Next Generation of Young, Always-On Creators, Launched Globally

Global AI device ecosystem company HONOR announced the launch of the all-new HONOR 500 Series, comprising the HONOR 500 Pro and HONOR 500. The HONOR 500 Series redefines the mid-range segment with flagship-class portrait imaging, all-scenario live capture capabilities, extended endurance, and an upgraded MagicOS 10 experience designed for the next generation of young, always-on creators.

“With the HONOR 500 Series, we are redefining what consumers should expect from a standard, mid-range smartphone. The HONOR 500 is ‘standard’ done right, delivering a complete, well-rounded user experience that is engineered to impress. The HONOR 500 Pro goes a step beyond, building upon the solid foundation to improve upon every facet of the experience, just like what a ‘Pro’ model is expected to do,” said Fei Fang, President of Products at HONOR.

200MP Portrait Engine: All-Scenario Live Photo

Both models in the HONOR 500 Series feature the new 200MP AI Ultra-Clear Main Camera, equipped with a category-leading 1/1.4-inch CMOS sensor, and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. The HONOR 500 Pro also comes with a 50MP telephoto camera that supports HONOR’s self-developed SOIS stabilization system, delivering flagship-grade CIPA5.0 image stabilization performance to ensure images remain crisp and steady even during fast-paced or handheld shooting.

The HONOR 500 Series delivers a comprehensive live imaging experience with industry-first front-and-rear Live portrait modes that add background blur, beauty effects, and atmosphere to every frame. It also introduces an industry-leading range of immersive film-inspired color options, offering six distinct Film Live modes for users to choose from. Additionally, the innovative Live Passerby Removal feature ensures that dynamic moments remain free from distractions, keeping you the focal point at all times. The series also supports effortless 4K-to-Live conversion, enabling users to easily transform 4K videos into 4K Live clips for seamless sharing on social media.

Snapdragon Flagship Power: Smooth, Fast, and Reliable Performance

The HONOR 500 is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, while the HONOR 500 Pro upgrades to the Snapdragon 8 Elite, delivering flagship-level speed and responsiveness across both models. Paired with the HONOR Phantom Engine 3.0, which accurately anticipates graphical workloads and optimizes rendering processes, the HONOR 500 Series delivers remarkably stable gaming performance, with consistent frame rates in popular titles including Honor of Kings and Genshin Impact.

8,000mAh Battery: Two-Day Endurance in a Slim 6.55-inch Body

The HONOR 500 Series features the class-leading 8,000mAh HONOR Silicon-carbon Battery, with an incredible energy density. HONOR 500 Pro and HONOR 500 also support 27W Wired Reverse Charging, providing a convenient way to power accessories and other devices on the go. The standard model also supports 80W wired charging, while the Pro model supports 80W wired charging and 50W wireless charging for effortless, rapid battery top-up.

Flagship-Level Experience: Display, Connectivity, and MagicOS 10 Intelligence

HONOR continues to lead the industry in eye-protecting display technology. The HONOR 500 Series supports a wide range of eye protection features, helping to alleviate discomfort from natural light fluctuation, flicker, brightness, and more. It also supports features such as AI Defocus Display and AI Motion Sickness Relief to enhance the viewing experience in everyday use.

The HONOR 500 Pro also features the self-developed HONOR C1+ RF Enhanced Chip, which significantly improves signal reception, network stability, and uplink speed, ensuring smoother streaming, faster uploads in high-traffic and signal-weak areas.

The HONOR 500 series is equipped with the all-new MagicOS 10 operating system, featuring the industry’s only tiered AI Button. This customizable one-touch button provides instant access to frequently used functions, delivering a more convenient and intelligent interaction experience, making smart living effortlessly accessible.

Stunning Crystal-Clear Straight Display: Redefining Texture Standards with Exquisite Craftsmanship

The HONOR 500 Series features an industry-leading integrated cold-carved unibody design, in which the camera module and rear glass are crafted as a single seamless piece. This creates a unified, sculptural surface with a refined hand feel. Benefiting from the redesigned body architecture, the device achieves an ultra-slim 7.75mm profile and an industry-leading narrow 1.05mm bezel. Its new horizontal camera layout emphasizes clean aesthetic lines while freeing internal space for a larger battery, and offers a more comfortable, unobstructed grip in both portrait and landscape orientation. With IP68 / IP69 / IP69K water and dust resistance, the HONOR 500 Series raises the bar for durability and tactile sophistication.

Color and Availability

The HONOR 500 Series is available in four crystal-inspired color options: Blue, Pink, Silver and Black. The HONOR 500 Series will be available in China.

Never miss the latest updates—visit HONOR Philippines’ official website at www.hihonor.com, or follow their social media platforms: Facebook (@HonorPhilippines), Instagram (@honorph), and TikTok (@honorphilippines). 

To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

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