Filipino Chef Behind Dubai Chocolate Phenomenon, Nouel Catis Teams Up with Jollibee for Christmas

Jollibee is partnering with Filipino pastry chef and culinary innovator Nouel Catis, whose work is associated with the global Dubai chocolate phenomenon, to introduce the Pistachio Choco Sundae, a limited-edition Christmas dessert that brings a globally popular flavor combination to a familiar Filipino favorite.

“Christmas is a time when people look forward to experiences that make the season more special. At Jollibee, we want to bring that joy through both the food our customers love and new flavors that surprise and delight them,” said Dorothy Ching, vice president for marketing of Jollibee Philippines. "Partnering with Chef Nouel gives us a chance to offer something new this Christmas while celebrating Filipino culinary talent on the global stage."

Based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Catis is recognized for his work in the chocolate confectionery space, particularly the Dubai chocolate phenomenon that helped popularize the combination of chocolate and pistachio flavors among consumers worldwide.

His work has also received recognition, including being named an Emerging Global Filipino Icon by The Global Filipino Magazine and receiving a Service Excellence Award in Culinary Innovation in Dubai.

“We see Chef Nouel as a partner in our mission to bring joy to Filipinos and people around the world through food. By bringing his culinary expertise together with a Jollibee favorite, we hope to give our customers a new way to enjoy flavors they love and discover something different this Christmas,” Ching added.

For Catis, the collaboration is also a personal milestone, bringing him together with a brand he has loved since childhood.

“I was so happy when Jollibee reached out to me. I grew up loving Jollibee, so I never imagined that one day, I’d get to work with a brand that’s been part of my childhood. After the Dubai chocolate experience, it’s exciting to be doing something like this with Jollibee, especially for Christmas,” said Catis. “As a Filipino, it makes me proud to be part of something that can bring joy to people here at home and hopefully introduce more people around the world to the creativity and talent of Filipinos.”

The collaboration brings Catis’s culinary expertise to Jollibee’s annual Christmas sundae offering. The Pistachio Choco Sundae features creamy vanilla soft serve coated in a pistachio shell, topped with chocolate syrup and diced pistachios.

Priced at ₱79, the dessert will be available nationwide from October 16 to December 31 through Jollibee dine-in, takeout, drive-thru and delivery via GrabFood and foodpanda.

The partnership reflects Jollibee’s continuing effort to create new food experiences for customers during the holiday season, combining familiar favorites with fresh flavors while celebrating Filipino talent whose work has reached international audiences.

Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites via GrabFood and foodpanda, and follow us on social media for more JOYful surprises.

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Kabayan Noli De Castro Returns for Halloween Special "Kababalaghan 8"

Kabayan Noli de Castro is back to share more stories of kababalaghan this Halloween.

He returns to host ABS-CBN News' annual Halloween special, "Kababalaghan 8: Pagkagat ng Dilim," featuring three families in Metro Manila who claim to have experienced frightening and unexplained incidents in their homes.

Now on its eighth installment, "Kababalaghan" continues its tradition of bringing viewers stories of alleged paranormal encounters, including some caught on camera.

In "Bulong," Kabayan visits an old house in the southern part of Metro Manila, with the family residing there for generations say they have experienced strange occurrences. Among these are mysterious whispers and sightings of bloodied figures inside their home.

The second story, "Upuan," features the Ditablan family in Taguig City, whose CCTV camera captured a chair seemingly floating before being thrown to the side. The family suspects that an old tree near their house may have something to do with the unexplained incidents.

Meanwhile, "Bahay ni Tiya" follows Mich's family, who moved up north into a relative’s old house. They initially had no problems staying on the ground floor, but strange things began happening after they converted an upstairs room into a bedroom. Mich then shared videos of their experiences on social media, drawing reactions from netizens.

Find out what happened to these families as Kabayan Noli de Castro returns in "Kababalaghan 8: Pagkagat ng Dilim" on Saturday, October 31.

The Halloween special premieres at 6:45 PM on ABS-CBN News' YouTube channel, followed by its TV airing at 10:30 PM on ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live.

A replay will air on November 1 at 6 PM on ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live, as well as ABS-CBN News' Facebook page. The special will also be available on demand on iWant.

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Practical Tips to Stay Ready for Power Interruptions with the Infinix XEnergy​ Inbox

Power interruptions can affect homes, workplaces, and communities, disrupting access to electricity when it is needed most. While outages can happen unexpectedly, preparing in advance can help households respond more effectively and stay connected when essential services are disrupted.

One area worth considering is backup power. During an outage, having a reliable power source can help keep essential communication devices and equipment running, particularly when access to electricity may be limited for an extended period.

The Infinix XEnergy L1000 can be part of a household's preparedness setup, providing backup power for essential needs during unexpected interruptions.

Prepare Essential Devices in Advance

Make sure important devices such as smartphones, communication equipment, emergency lights, and other essential electronics are charged. Identify which devices will need power during an outage and prioritize them accordingly.

For higher-power requirements, the Infinix XEnergy L1000 provides 1,000W of power and features a built-in UPS with a less-than-20ms switchover. This can help maintain power for compatible connected devices when the main electricity supply is interrupted.

Keep Communication Devices Powered

Staying informed is particularly important during emergencies. Smartphones and other communication devices provide access to official announcements, emergency advisories, and communication with family members.

Charge these devices in advance and keep a backup power source ready. With its 1,000W output, the XEnergy L1000 can support a range of compatible devices and equipment at home, providing an additional source of power when access to a wall outlet is unavailable.

Stay Prepared for Longer Outages

Power outages may last longer than expected, especially when severe weather affects power infrastructure. Consider which essential activities or equipment may need electricity and prepare accordingly.

The XEnergy L1000 provides a larger backup power source for compatible home and work equipment. Its built-in UPS and less-than-20ms switchover can help reduce interruptions when the main power supply is suddenly lost, making it useful for situations where maintaining power to essential equipment is important.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Backup power is only one part of emergency preparedness. An emergency kit should also include sufficient drinking water, ready-to-eat food, medicines, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, important documents, and other necessities.

For power-related needs, the Infinix XEnergy L1000 can be included as part of a household's preparedness setup. Keep it charged and stored in an accessible, dry, and secure location. Avoid using electrical equipment in wet areas or where there is a risk of water exposure, and follow the manufacturer's safety and usage instructions.

Monitor Advisories and Prioritize Safety

Monitor updates from relevant government agencies, local government units, and other official authorities for information about potential hazards and service disruptions. Follow evacuation orders and other safety instructions when issued, and avoid unnecessary travel when conditions are dangerous.

Power preparedness should support, not replace, basic emergency precautions. Having a backup power source can help maintain access to essential devices, but personal safety should always remain the priority.

The Infinix XEnergy L1000 is available at a promo price of ₱13,999, down from its ₱16,999 SRP. The Infinix XEnergy S320, on the other hand, is priced at ₱5,999, reduced from its ₱6,999 SRP. Both models can be purchased through Infinix’s official Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop stores, as well as authorized Infinix retail stores.

About Infinix

Established in 2013, Infinix is an innovation-driven brand dedicated to delivering cutting-edge technology, bold design, and outstanding performance. The brand provides smart, enjoyable mobile experiences that enhance everyday life. Beyond smartphones, Infinix has expanded its portfolio to include TWS earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and more—building a comprehensive ecosystem of smart devices. Currently, Infinix products are available in over 70 countries and regions worldwide, including Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

For more information, please visit: https://ph.infinixmobility.com/

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MEI MEI’s “Namamasko Po!” Music Video, Out Now!

The Paskong Pinoy magic is here! 

MEI MEI’s official music video for “Namamasko Po!” is now streaming on the official YouTube channels of Groovy Garden Records and MEI MEI! 

Watch now and get ready for a heartwarming celebration of Filipino Christmas traditions.

“Namamasko Po!” music video brings the spirit of Paskong Pinoy to life, capturing the joy of Christmas gatherings, the warmth of togetherness, and the excitement of a beloved Filipino tradition. But beyond the festive fun, “Namamasko Po!” carries a meaningful reminder to open not just our doors, but also our hearts to the people we love and those who need kindness, generosity, and a sense of belonging.

With MEI MEI’s signature charm and the unmistakable magic of a Filipino Christmas, the music video invites everyone to rediscover what makes the season truly special: sharing love, spreading joy, and welcoming others with open arms.

Watch the “Namamasko Po!” music video now and celebrate the season with MEI MEI!

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Puregold CinePanalo’s “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo)” Boasts a Star-Studded Lineup of Filipino Talent Down to its Cameos

Filipino talent shines in many different ways, and “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo)” brings that diversity to the big screen, with notable personalities filling not only its lead roles but also its cameos and supporting roles. Featuring established performers from film and television alongside digital creators who have won audiences over with their comedy skits, impersonations, and viral videos, the Puregold CinePanalo film celebrates the many faces of Filipino entertainment.

Directed by Rodina Singh, the film follows Marcel (Sassa Gurl), a college student who returns as a ghost after dying before she can confess her feelings to her best friend, Miguel (Joao Constancia). As Marcel tries to settle her unfinished business, she encounters a colorful cast of characters in a story that combines queer romance, comedy, and supernatural elements.

Among the performers joining Sassa and Joao are established names in Philippine film and television, including John Lapus, Iyah Mina, Phi Palmos, Mae Paner, Buboy Villar, Migs Almendras, Lui Manansala, Eric Fructuoso, Tart Carlos, and KaladKaren. They are joined by Inah Evans and Christian Antolin, who have also built audiences through their comedic characters and online performances.

The film also features digital creators whose distinctive comedic styles and online personas have earned them followings of their own. Pipay, Gaia Poly, Yani Villarosa, and Arman Salon have developed their presence through humorous skits and character-driven videos, while Chino Liu, known for his Krissy Achino persona, and AC Soriano are recognized for their celebrity impersonations. Sophie Prime, Abby Salle, and Stella Salle are also part of the lineup, adding to the range of creators making the leap from online content to the big screen.

Rounding out the cast are beauty queen Dia Mate, Denzel Chang, Red Dilla, Casey Puo, Alfy Bara, Ice Neo, and Sesable, alongside drag performers Sofia Trazona, Pura Luka Vega, Shewarma, Russia Fox, Tiny Deluxe, and Matiduh. Together, the lineup reflects the different paths Filipino entertainers take to connect with audiences, from traditional screen roles to social media and performance art.

For many of these creators, the internet has provided a platform to develop their craft and connect with audiences on their own terms. Appearing in a feature film gives them a new setting in which to showcase their talents, while allowing moviegoers to see familiar online personalities in a different light and discover performers they may not have encountered before.

Beyond bringing together different kinds of talent, the unconventional film reflects director Rodina Singh’s vision of telling queer stories that entertain while resonating with audiences on a deeper level. During its Puregold CinePanalo screenings, she encountered audiences who connected with the story in deeply personal ways, reinforcing her belief in the importance of representation and the many forms queer stories can take.

“Queer stories don’t have to be tragic to be taken seriously. And they don’t have to be serious to matter,” she said. With “Multwoh,” Singh set out to create something funny, romantic, and unapologetically entertaining without sacrificing the emotional truths beneath its absurdity. The film explores love, grief, and remembrance while celebrating the humor, friendships, and everyday experiences that shape queer lives.

As Singh reflected, “What if, instead of remembering queer people only through how they died, we remembered them through how they lived? Through the people they loved, the friendships they built, the ridiculous things they did, and the joy they brought into other people’s lives?”

The film’s distinctive approach also earned recognition at the 2026 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, where it received four awards: Panalo sa mga Manonood (Audience Award), Panalo sa Production Design, Panalo sa Brand Intrusion, and Puregold Always Panalo.

As “Multwoh (Patay na Patay Sa’yo)” makes its way to cinemas nationwide beginning October 21, more moviegoers will get the opportunity to discover the award-winning film and the talent behind it. The nationwide release will bring it to 13 Ayala Cinemas: Glorietta, TriNoma, Market! Market!, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Ayala Malls Circuit, Ayala Malls Feliz, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, Ayala Malls Marquee, Ayala Malls Harbor Point, Ayala Malls Center Cebu, Ayala Malls Centrio, and Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod.

Tickets are priced at ₱250, with a discounted rate of ₱200 for PWDs and senior citizens. Tickets are now available online for advance booking.

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