Subway SM Grand Central Caloocan City (December 2025)

Subway at SM Grand Central in Caloocan City brings the globally known sandwich chain’s “Eat Fresh” concept to one of the city’s busiest lifestyle hubs, offering customers customizable subs, wraps, and salads made with freshly baked bread and a wide selection of meats, vegetables, and sauces. Conveniently located within the mall, the branch caters to shoppers, office workers, students, and commuters looking for a quick yet filling meal, with popular choices like Italian B.M.T., Tuna, and Chicken Teriyaki alongside healthier options such as whole wheat bread and veggie-loaded combinations. As part of Subway’s growing presence in the Philippines, the SM Grand Central branch reflects the brand’s focus on made-to-order meals, value deals, and a casual dining experience suited to the fast-paced urban setting of Caloocan City.

Jollibee SM Grand Central Caloocan City (December 2025)

Jollibee SM Grand Central is a popular fast-food restaurant located on the 2nd floor of SM City Grand Central along Rizal Avenue Extension in Caloocan City, offering dine-in, take-out, and delivery services in a convenient mall setting. Known for serving beloved Filipino comfort foods like its signature Chickenjoy fried chicken, Yumburger, Jolly Spaghetti, and other classics, this branch caters to families, students, and mall shoppers looking for quick, affordable meals in a casual atmosphere. The restaurant typically operates daily from around late morning until the evening, providing a familiar and accessible dining option within one of Caloocan’s major lifestyle and retail destinations.

O'Bini Lobster Roll Bread (December 2025)

O'Bini Lobster Roll Bread refers to a packaged flavored bread product sold in the Philippines that’s marketed under the O’Bini brand with whimsical names like Lobster Roll Bread and Cream Rollz in various flavors such as ube, chocolate, leche flan, and strawberry. This product appears to be made and distributed by the O’Bini brand/producer, often promoted on social media and sold in groceries and pasalubong shops.

Amazing Grace Comic Strip (December 17, 2025)

 

The Amazing Grace comic strip published in the December 17, 2025 issue of the Manila Bulletin centers on Grace’s humorous yet meaningful desire to be a “Christmas Star,” not to shine in the sky but to be adored, noticed, and showered with compliments during the holiday season. Through her innocent wish, the strip gently highlights a child’s natural longing for recognition and affirmation, especially at a time when Christmas imagery often celebrates brightness, glory, and attention. As the story unfolds, the message subtly reminds readers that while admiration can feel good, the true spirit of Christmas lies not in being praised or admired, but in humility, kindness, and quietly reflecting Christ’s light to others—much like the real Christmas Star, which guided without seeking applause.

Giant Ice Cream Marshmallow (December 2025)



In December 2025, Ice Cream Marshmallow Strawberry Flavor by Giant refers to a strawberry marshmallow swirl. This flavor combines strawberry-flavored ribbons of sweet marshmallow in the ice cream cone, making it a creamy, colorful treat that has been carried by Giant and other major grocery retailers. The Strawberry Marshmallow featuresc the signature pink aesthetic tied to that promo.

Pinoy Citrus Rush (December 2025)

Pinoy Citrus Rush is a citrus-flavored carbonated soda drink sold in the Philippines, known for its zesty, refreshing taste and often marketed as a budget-friendly thirst quencher with a bright citrus profile. It is produced by Hard Discount Philippines, Inc., which holds its food product registration with the Philippine Food and Drug Administration, and the brand has been stocked in local stores such as DALI grocery outlets where it’s promoted as a refreshing option against the heat.

Millano Advent Calendar (December 2025)

The Merry Christmas gift - MILLANO ADVENT CALENDAR is a festive chocolate advent calendar designed for December 2025 that offers a daily treat leading up to Christmas. Made by Millano Group, a Polish chocolate manufacturer with over 40 years of experience producing a wide range of chocolate confections and pralines, this calendar typically features milk chocolate pralines or figures hidden behind numbered doors for each day of the Advent season (usually December 1–24), making the countdown to Christmas sweeter and more enjoyable. Millano Group markets this and other seasonal chocolate products across Europe, emphasizing classic chocolate enjoyment and holiday cheer.

Amazing Grace Comic Strip (December 16, 2025)

 

In the December 16, 2025 issue of the Manila Bulletin, the Amazing Grace comic strip highlights the cheerful presence of the Elf on the Shelf as a playful symbol of encouragement during the Christmas season, focusing on how every act of kindness—no matter how small—deserves recognition. Through Grace’s gentle observations and lighthearted humor, the strip shows the elf quietly “cheering on” good deeds such as helping others, sharing, and choosing compassion, reinforcing the idea that kindness multiplies when it is noticed and celebrated. The message aligns with the spirit of Advent, reminding readers that goodness is not performed for praise but that joyful affirmation can inspire people, especially children, to keep doing what is right and loving throughout the holidays.

Erin’s Artist Lounge and Café - Ali Mall Cubao (December 2025)

Erin's Artists' Lounge and Cafe is a creative and cozy café located on the Upper Ground Level of Ali Mall’s ALI X wing in Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City, known for blending art, vintage charm, and comfort dining in one space. With its retro-inspired interiors and artsy vibe, it serves a mix of American, Italian, Mexican, and Filipino-twist comfort dishes alongside robust coffee, milkshakes, and other beverages, making it a popular spot for food lovers, art enthusiasts, and casual hangouts alike. The café’s welcoming atmosphere and affordable menu offerings — from pastas and roasted beef to classic milkshakes — have earned it positive local reviews, and it’s often highlighted as an Instagram-worthy hidden gem within the mall’s creative space.

Coke Jacob (2025)

 

In 2025, a Coca-Cola bottle or can printed with the name “Jacob” represents the brand’s ongoing “Share a Coke” personalization campaign, which replaces the iconic Coca-Cola logo with popular first names to create a more personal and emotional connection with consumers. The “Jacob” variant is not a special flavor but contains the classic Coca-Cola taste, with its uniqueness coming from the customized label that encourages sharing, gifting, or collecting. Widely available through selected supermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms where name availability may vary, these personalized Coke products continue Coca-Cola’s tradition of blending mass-market appeal with individual identity, making a simple drink feel more meaningful in everyday moments and celebrations in 2025.

Coco Konjak Jelly - Lychee Flavor (December 2025)

COCO KONJAC JELLY LowCal 0 Fat Assorted Flavors Lychee flavor is one of the fruity variants of konjac jelly snacks made from the root of the konjac plant (a natural, high-fiber ingredient that forms a chewy jelly). Konjac jelly like this typically combines konjac with flavorings and sweeteners to capture the sweet, floral taste of lychee fruit in a low-calorie, gelatin-like treat suitable as a snack or dessert topping. These products are plant-based, often sugar-free or low in calories, and offer a fun, chewy texture popular in Asian markets and bubble tea shops. Specific brand manufacturing varies by product seller and packaging; many konjac jelly snacks—including lychee flavor versions—are produced in East and Southeast Asia by food companies that specialize in jelly desserts and functional snacks, but the exact “who made it” depends on the brand on the label you’re buying (e.g., local importers or distributors for Coco-branded packs).

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.