A&W Root Beer (1990s)

A&W Root Beer in the 1990s remained a classic American soft drink known for its rich, creamy flavor made from a blend of herbs, spices, and vanilla, with no caffeine. During this decade, it was widely available in distinctive brown glass bottles and cans that emphasized its nostalgic branding, often featuring the iconic A&W logo and the slogan highlighting its “aged” taste. The 1990s also saw A&W Root Beer closely associated with family-friendly dining through A&W Restaurants, where it was famously served as ice-cold draft root beer in frosty mugs, reinforcing its image as a timeless, comforting beverage enjoyed across generations.

Virginia Red Cola (October 2008)

Virgin Red Cola is a British cola soft drink introduced in 1994 by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group as a bold challenger to established cola brands. Noted for its deep red color and smoother, slightly vanilla-forward flavor, it was positioned as a more natural alternative, originally made with real sugar rather than high-fructose corn syrup. The drink’s edgy branding and association with the Virgin lifestyle helped it gain popularity in the UK and select international markets during the late 1990s, where it was sold in cans, bottles, and even on Virgin Atlantic flights. Although production has been intermittent over the years and availability varies by region, Virgin Red Cola remains a nostalgic symbol of 1990s pop culture and the Virgin brand’s playful, rebellious approach to consumer products.

Assumpta Technical High School Chapel (1987)

Assumpta Technical High School Chapel in San Simon, Pampanga is a central spiritual landmark of the Catholic mission school founded in 1970 to serve poor but deserving students through transformative education. The chapel, prominently situated on the school’s campus, has been a focal point for Eucharistic celebrations, midday prayers, adoration, and various liturgical services that nurture the faith life of students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and visitors. Originally built decades ago alongside the school’s establishment, the decades-old chapel underwent significant renovation and expansion efforts supported by stakeholders including alumni, local officials, and benefactors, reflecting the community’s collective commitment to sustaining its spiritual heritage. It stands not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of the Assumption charism of integrating faith with holistic education in the region.

Amazing Grace Comic Strip (December 15, 2025)

The Amazing Grace comic strip published in the December 15, 2025 issue of the Manila Bulletin highlights the theme of making Christmas sparkle through simple yet meaningful actions. In the strip, Grace reflects on how the true brightness of the season does not come from decorations or gifts alone, but from kindness, generosity, and thoughtful gestures shared with others. Through lighthearted dialogue and warm illustrations, the comic reminds readers that even small acts—such as offering help, sharing a smile, or showing gratitude—can add joy and warmth to the holidays. True to its wholesome tone, Amazing Grace delivers an uplifting message that the real sparkle of Christmas shines brightest when it comes from the heart.

 

Clouds in the Sky- Apalit Pampanga (December 2025)

Cloud formations are visible groupings of tiny water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the Earth’s atmosphere, formed when warm, moist air rises, cools, and condenses. They are commonly classified by altitude and appearance into three main types: high-level clouds such as cirrus, which are thin and wispy and often signal fair weather or an approaching change; mid-level clouds like altostratus and altocumulus, which appear layered or patchy and can indicate widespread rain; and low-level clouds including stratus, stratocumulus, and cumulonimbus, the latter known for towering shapes that bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, and sometimes lightning. Studying cloud formations helps meteorologists understand weather patterns, predict rainfall, and track atmospheric changes that influence daily weather and climate.

Saint Marie Eugenie (Baguio 2025)

Saint Marie Eugénie de Jésus (1817–1898) was a French Catholic nun and educator who founded the Religious of the Assumption in 1839, a congregation dedicated to education, social engagement, and the transformation of society through Christian values. Deeply influenced by the spiritual and social challenges of post-Revolutionary France, she believed that education—especially of young people—was essential for renewing faith and promoting justice. Under her leadership, the Religious of the Assumption expanded beyond France to other parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, combining academic excellence with a strong sense of social responsibility and prayer. Canonized in 2007, Saint Marie Eugénie is remembered for her vision of education as a means to develop both intellect and character in service of God and the common good.

Arayat Institute (1961- 1962)

Arayat Institute during the school year 1961–1962 was a well-regarded private secondary school in the town of Arayat, Pampanga, serving as an important center for learning at a time when access to higher-level education in provincial areas was still limited. The institute was known for providing solid academic instruction rooted in discipline, moral values, and community involvement, reflecting the educational priorities of the early 1960s in the Philippines. With a curriculum that emphasized core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, Arayat Institute helped prepare its students for further education, professional careers, and civic responsibility, contributing to the development of local leaders and professionals during that period.

Amazing Grace Comic Strip (December 13, 2025)

The Amazing Grace comic strip published in the Manila Bulletin on December 13, 2025 gently explores the Christmas tradition of mistletoe through the eyes of a curious little girl. In the strip, Grace learns what mistletoe symbolizes during the holiday season—love, kindness, and warm-hearted connections—after asking an innocent question about why people smile or act shy beneath it. The story uses Grace’s childlike curiosity to explain the custom in a wholesome, age-appropriate way, emphasizing respect, affection, and the joy of shared traditions rather than romance alone. True to the spirit of Amazing Grace, the comic blends humor and warmth, reminding readers that Christmas customs become more meaningful when they are understood through lessons of kindness, family bonding, and gentle learning.

Municipal Hall Apalit, Pampanga (December 2025)

The Municipal Hall of Apalit in Pampanga serves as the central seat of local government and public service for the first-class municipality, housing the offices of the mayor, vice mayor, Sangguniang Bayan, and key municipal departments that deliver essential services to residents. Strategically located along Gonzales Avenue, it functions not only as an administrative center where ordinances are enacted and documents processed but also as a focal point for community engagement, civic events, and local celebrations, reflecting Apalit’s cultural vibrancy and commitment to inclusive governance. The hall embodies the municipality’s efforts toward transparent, efficient, and people-centered leadership, supporting programs that span health, education, infrastructure, and social services as Apalit continues its progress and development in 2025.

Nativity - Municipal Hall Apalit, Pampanga (December 2025)

In December 2025, the Municipal Hall of Apalit, Pampanga, like many public spaces across the province, is part of the vibrant Filipino belen and Christmas display tradition where nativity scenes (belén) and festive lights celebrate the birth of Jesus and herald the holiday season. Although there are no widely published specific news articles solely about a Nativity at the Apalit Municipal Hall, it’s common in Pampanga during this time for municipal halls, plazas, and community areas to feature nativity displays alongside seasonal decorations and lights as part of broader Christmas celebrations — reflecting the country’s deep Catholic heritage and festive spirit that begins as early as September and continues into January. These public displays often include a belén depicting the Holy Family in Bethlehem, illuminated with lights and parols (Filipino lanterns), symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem and inviting locals and visitors alike to engage with the spiritual and cultural essence of Christmas in the province renowned as a hub of holiday artistry.

 

Blue Madonna in Apalit, Pampanga (December 12, 2025)

On December 12, 2025, Blue Madonna in Apalit, Pampanga refers not to a religious feast or apparition but to the Blue Madonna Memorial Garden / Memorial Park, a local cemetery and memorial garden located in the San Juan area of Apalit where families lay loved ones to rest and often gather for remembrance and prayerful visits. The site is known in the community for its landscaped grounds and commemorative atmosphere, with photos and community posts showing people visiting the memorial garden on weekends and special dates like Undas and other occasions of remembrance. 

Jose Escaler Memorial School in Apalit, Pampanga (December 2025)

 

Jose Escaler Memorial Elementary School is a historic public elementary school located along Gonzales Avenue in Barangay San Juan, Apalit, Pampanga, Philippines, serving the local community as part of the DepEd-managed Apalit Schools District. Established originally as the Intermediate School of Apalit, it was renamed Jose Escaler Memorial School by Act No. 4083 in 1933 in honor of the late Jose Escaler, an eminent native who served as Undersecretary of Justice in the Philippine government. The school provides foundational education to children in the area with a focus on academic growth, character development, and community involvement, and is a key landmark near the Apalit Municipal Hall and Saint Peter the Apostle Parish Church.

Amazing Grace Comic Strip (December 14, 2025)

The Amazing Grace comic strip in the December 14, 2025 issue of the Manila Bulletin delivers a warm Christmas-themed message by showing how even the smallest acts of kindness can brighten the holiday season. Through Grace’s simple, thoughtful gestures—offered without expectation of reward—the strip highlights how compassion, generosity, and consideration can create a ripple effect of goodwill among family and community. Framed within the familiar, gentle humor and heartfelt tone of the series, the comic reminds readers that Christmas cheer does not depend on grand gifts or lavish celebrations, but on everyday moments of caring that “glow up” the season and make it meaningful for everyone.

Boss Nass Water Squirter - Star Wars Episodes I Phantom Menace (Pizza Hut KFC, Taco Bell 1999)

The Boss Nass Water Squirter was a promotional toy released in 1999 as part of the Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace fast-food tie-in with Pizza Hut, KFC, and Taco Bell (PHKTB). Featuring Boss Nass, the imposing Gungan leader from the planet Naboo, the toy was molded in durable plastic with a stylized, kid-friendly design faithful to his on-screen appearance, including his wide mouth, heavy jowls, and ceremonial attire. Designed as a simple water squirter, it allowed children to fill the figure with water and spray it through a concealed nozzle, combining playtime fun with the excitement surrounding the film’s release. Distributed with kids’ meals during the massive 1999 Star Wars marketing campaign, the Boss Nass Water Squirter is now a nostalgic collectible, valued by fans for representing the extensive and memorable fast-food merchandise tied to The Phantom Menace.

Coke Mini Can (2005)

The Coca-Cola Mini Can (2005) was introduced as part of Coca-Cola’s global push toward portion control and lifestyle-friendly packaging, offering the classic Coke experience in a smaller, more manageable size of about 150 ml. Launched in select markets including parts of Asia and Europe, the mini can featured the iconic red design and Spencerian script, maintaining strong brand recognition despite its reduced scale. It appealed to health-conscious consumers and families by providing a lower-calorie option without changing the original formula, while also fitting conveniently into lunch boxes and on-the-go settings. Over time, the 2005 mini can became a notable example of Coca-Cola’s early response to changing consumer habits and is now remembered by collectors as a distinctive mid-2000s packaging variants.

Janet - Schoolhouse Rock ABC Studios (Subway 2002)

Janet from Schoolhouse Rock! was featured as part of the ABC Studios–licensed Schoolhouse Rock! toy promotion at Subway restaurants in 2002, celebrating the educational animated series originally created in the 1970s by Tom Yohe, George Newall, and Bob Dorough. The Janet figure was based on the cheerful, kid-friendly character designs seen in the show’s grammar and learning segments, reflecting the series’ mission to make subjects like language, civics, and math fun and memorable through music. Distributed as a Subway kids’ meal collectible, the toy highlighted ABC’s continued ownership and revival of the Schoolhouse Rock! brand during the early 2000s, a period when the franchise saw renewed interest through home video releases and educational merchandising. Today, the Janet figure is remembered as a nostalgic fast-food premium that connected a new generation of children to a classic piece of American educational television history.

Milkis Strawberry Flavor - Korea's Cream Soda (Lotte December 2025)

Milkis Strawberry Flavor is a popular Korean cream soda produced by Lotte Chilsung, combining the brand’s signature milky-creamy soda base with a sweet, fruity burst of ripe strawberry taste for a refreshing and indulgent drink experience. Unlike typical sodas, it pairs light carbonation with milk powder and subtle yogurt notes, creating a smooth, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and unique — often described as a “strawberries-and-cream” style soft drink. Originally part of the broader Milkis lineup introduced in 1989, the strawberry variant stands out for its balanced blend of creamy texture and fruity aroma, enjoyed chilled on its own or even used in creative beverages like floats and mocktails.

Prairie Dawn Camper - Sesame Street - Jim Henson Production (Tyco 1993)

The Prairie Dawn Camper is a charming Sesame Street–themed collectible inspired by Prairie Dawn, the pink-skinned, piano-loving Muppet known for her polite manners and strong-willed personality. Produced under license from The Jim Henson Company, this item typically reflects the playful educational spirit of Sesame Street, combining imaginative play with nostalgia for classic children’s television. Designed with bright colors and friendly details, the camper motif emphasizes adventure, cooperation, and curiosity—values central to Prairie Dawn’s character and the show’s mission. Collectibles like this appeal to both young fans and adult enthusiasts of Jim Henson creations, celebrating Prairie Dawn’s role as one of Sesame Street’s original female Muppets and preserving the legacy of Henson’s influential work in children’s entertainment.

Coca Cola Zero Sugar Can (December 2025)

Coke Zero 330ml Can—commonly labeled Coca-Cola Zero Sugar—is a sugar-free, zero-calorie carbonated cola sold in an aluminum can that delivers the classic Coca-Cola taste without sugar or energy from calories; it achieves sweetness through non-nutritive sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame potassium (and sometimes stevia in certain markets), alongside carbonated water, caramel color, natural flavors, acidity regulators, and caffeine. Nutrition labels typically show 0 calories, 0 g total sugars, and minimal sodium per serving, making it a popular choice for consumers seeking a refreshing cola flavor with no sugar content, although artificial sweeteners and acidity mean it offers no significant nutritional value and should be consumed in moderation within a balanced diet.

Sprite Lemon + (December 2025)

 

Sprite Lemon+ 320ml is a zesty variation of the classic lemon-lime carbonated drink from Sprite that’s widely available in the Philippines as of December 2025. Launched in early 2023, Sprite Lemon+ amplifies the familiar crisp, fizzy refreshment with a stronger lemon flavor, added caffeine for a mild energizing boost, and in some markets vitamin B3 to support everyday refreshment, setting it apart from standard Sprite’s caffeine-free formulation. It’s typically sold in 320 mL cans and multi-packs, marketed toward consumers looking for a bright citrus punch and a slightly invigorating twist on the brand’s signature taste — ideal for quenching thirst during hot weather or physical and mental heat.

BlackPink Rose x Pepsi Black (2021)

 

In early 2021, global K-pop phenomenon BLACKPINK teamed up with Pepsi as part of the brand’s “Go All In For What You Love” Asia-Pacific campaign, which positioned the quartet—Jennie, Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa—as official APAC ambassadors for Pepsi and its Pepsi Black variant. The collaboration included a promotional video highlighting the members’ dedication and resilience, limited-edition Pepsi Black bottles and cans featuring each member’s image and signature, and a 360-degree marketing push aimed at inspiring confidence and boldness in younger audiences; these collectible Pepsi Black products were sold at participating convenience stores like 7-Eleven in markets such as Malaysia and Singapore.

Fiesta Carnival Araneta City Cubao (December 2025)

The Fiesta Carnival at Araneta City Cubao is a vibrant, family-friendly amusement fair that brings classic carnival fun to the heart of Quezon City, featuring a lively mix of rides, games, food stalls, and colorful attractions. Typically set up within the Araneta City complex, the carnival offers crowd favorites such as ferris wheels, carousels, bump cars, and thrill rides alongside skill-based games where visitors can win prizes. With festive lights, upbeat music, and a wide selection of local street food and snacks, Fiesta Carnival creates a nostalgic yet energetic atmosphere that appeals to both children and adults, making it a popular destination during weekends, holidays, and special seasons at Araneta City.

Lucy Van Pelt - Peanuts (Determined Productions 1990s)

 

Lucy Van Pelt is a well-known character from Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip, and during the 1990s, various Lucy-themed collectible items were produced under license by Determined Productions, with manufacturing commonly done in Hong Kong. These items—often including PVC figurines, small dolls, ornaments, and novelty decor—reflected Lucy’s signature bossy confidence, expressive scowl, and bold personality that made her a fan favorite alongside Charlie Brown and Snoopy. Determined Productions, a California-based company active from the 1960s through the 1990s, was known for creating officially licensed pop-culture collectibles, and their Peanuts releases from this era are recognizable for their bright colors, simple sculpting, and durable plastic materials. Today, Lucy Van Pelt pieces marked “Determined Productions” and “Hong Kong” are considered nostalgic 1990s collectibles, valued by Peanuts fans and vintage toy collectors for their connection to both classic comic-strip history and late–20th-century licensed merchandise.

Smart Araneta Coliseum (December 2025)

 

The Smart Araneta Coliseum, commonly known as The Big Dome, is a historic multi-purpose indoor arena in Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City and remains one of the Philippines’ premier venues for sports, entertainment, and cultural events as of December 2025. Opened in 1960 and famed for hosting the legendary 1975 “Thrilla in Manila” boxing match, it has a maximum seating capacity of around 20,000 for major events and continues to draw large crowds for basketball, concerts, family shows, and more. In 2025 the Big Dome has kicked off the year with a string of sold-out concerts by both local and international artists, while also hosting diverse events that reinforce its reputation as a central hub of live entertainment in Metro Manila.

Amazing Grace Comic Strip (December 13, 2025)

 

In the December 13, 2025 issue of the Manila Bulletin, the Amazing Grace comic strip uses the image of a Christmas tree to gently remind readers about the true spirit of generosity during the holiday season. Through Grace’s innocent perspective, the tree becomes more than a festive decoration—it symbolizes giving, sharing, and gratitude, with its branches representing acts of kindness rather than material gifts. The strip highlights how generosity can be simple and heartfelt, encouraging readers to look beyond the lights and ornaments and focus on making others feel valued and cared for, especially during Christmas.