Party Glows On at Hong Kong Disneyland with Beloved Disney Christmas Traditions as the 20th Anniversary Celebration Continues

This holiday season, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) invites guests to step into a fun-filled Christmas party with a magical mix of unique Disney Christmas traditions and 20th anniversary festivities. From November 14, 2025 to January 4, 2026, guests can immerse themselves in a season of cherished holiday moments, snowy enchantment, festive feasting, and new surprises from Disney friends, all wrapped in the dazzling sparkle of this milestone year.

With the Black Friday Hotel offer running from November 14, 2025 to December 12, 2025, guests can enjoy 40% off flexible rates at HKDL hotels and turn festive fun into room parties for stays from January 2, 2026.

World of Frozen Sparkles Like Never Before

Anna and Elsa once again light up the kingdom with Arendellian-style decorations, transforming World of Frozen into a frosty festive dreamscape. Guests can twirl through magical snowfall with the royal sisters, adorable snowgies, Olaf, and the joyful Carolers of Arendelle, surrounded by snow-capped Christmas trees and sparkling lights.

Kristoff will join the festive fun this year, along with his reindeer friend Sven in the form of a shimmering ice sculpture. Before heading to the party, citizens and visitors of Arendelle are invited to take part in Kristoff’s Sven-tastic Surprise, where Kristoff seeks help in bringing the Sven sculpture to life with joyful festive touches.

Disney Friends Bring Festive Cheer in Style

Disney friends are switching into festive outfits to host non-stop celebrations across the park. In Toy Story Land, Woody, Buzz, and Jessie debut their brand-new Christmas party attire, ready to welcome visiting toys with holiday cheer. Over in Fantasyland, Winnie the Pooh and his family share seasonal hugs. Santa Mickey, Santa Goofy, and Santa Stitch and Angel are making magical appearances, bringing the spirit of Christmas to life with their jolly charm and joyful energy. 

20th Anniversary Adds Magic to Holiday Traditions

No Christmas is quite like a Disney Christmas, especially with the added charm of the 20th anniversary! Santa Goofy and the Christmas Carolers take center stage once again at the “A Holiday Wish-Come-True” Tree Lighting Ceremony on Main Street, U.S.A.. Alongside whimsical snowfall and glowing projections, this beloved tradition is now elevated with dazzling drone choreography inspired by the 20th anniversary, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen, and more.

Christmas party fantasies come true at Fantasyland, where the Cinderella Carousel is adorned with twinkling lights and festive touches, making it a perfect photo spot. Just steps away, Ye Olde Christmas Market returns with authentic holiday treats that capture the spirit of the season.

Unmissable Festive Flavors and Holiday Keepsakes

At Ye Olde Christmas Market, guests can enjoy eye-catching festive delights like cupcakes, gingerbread cookies, and the whimsical Christmas Magic Gift filled with sweet surprises. Guests should grab the new talking Mickey Celebration Popcorn Bucket, which is perfect for festive snacking. For cozy vibes, enjoy an authentic Christmas set dinner at Main Street Corner Cafe Hosted by Coca-Cola®, or savor Nordic festive delights at Golden Crocus Inn in World of Frozen.

Explore exclusive festive merchandise collection, themed to Mickey and Friends, Winnie the Pooh, Pixar Pals, Duffy and Friends, World of Frozen, and Disney Animation’s Zootopia. From plush toys and apparel to seasonal decorations, sweets, and collectible medallions, there’s a perfect gift for everyone!

Sending seasonal greetings to loved ones and share your joy with the community by purchasing the newly designed Holiday Wishes Charity Postcards at Emporium, Marty’s General Store and shops at resort hotels – all proceeds will be donated to Operation Santa Claus.

Keep the Celebration Going with Festive Stays and Activities

Extend the celebration with a joyous hotel stay and make it a holiday highlight with the Christmas Starlight Picnic Package at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, complete with Disney-themed treats and movies under the stars. Add extra sparkle with Winnie the Pooh or Disney Animation’s Zootopia Christmas In-Room Party Packs, and join festive recreations like Disney Friends’ Party Helpers Quest, the Christmas Balloon Magic Workshop, Disney’s Delicious Christmas Decorating Class at Chart Room Cafe, and many more.

The Party Gets Wilder with Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde

With the release of Disney Animation’s Zootopia 2, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are throwing the wildest party starting November 27. Head over to Adventureland to meet them in brand-new outfits at Judy and Nick’s new favorite hangout. They are taking on a new mission, helping a newly launched travel agency in Zootopia with the search for a missing tourist named Gary De’Snake. Keep your eyes peeled throughout the land for posters, and you might even spot Gary himself. 

Be sure to swing by Emporium at Main Street, U.S.A. for the brand-new pop-up donut shop featuring a whole selection of donut-themed items, like scrunchies, cushions, plush rings, and more! Pick your favorite “flavors” of Donut Socks, packed in a donut box and enjoy a fun, interactive shopping experience with the shop assistants. Zootopia fans will also love the line-up of new additions, from the recording carrot keychain and shoulder plush to themed treats like Judy’s waffle, paw-shaped mousse cakes, Bunnyburrow blueberry pie, all guaranteed to keep the party roaring. 

Disney Legend Adds Enchantment to the 20th Anniversary

As part of HKDL’s 20th anniversary celebrations, the beloved Disney Live in Concert series adds a new instalment titled “Disney Legend Live in Concert,” featuring the award-winning Disney Legend Lea Salonga, who performed at the resort’s grand opening in 2005. Two decades later, she returns to celebrate with a spectacular one-night-only concert on January 10, 2026, taking guests on a musical journey through the realms of Disney Animation royalty, featuring the strings ensemble from The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hong Kong Disneyland Band, conducted by Maestro Gerard Salonga. 

In addition to the Oscar-winning “A Whole New World” from Aladdin and the Golden Globe-nominated “Reflection” from Mulan, she will also sing the heartfelt “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from Cinderella, Elsa’s empowering “Let It Go” from Frozen and more. Six beloved Disney Princesses and Queen, including Jasmine, Mulan, Tiana, Elsa, Cinderella, and Pocahontas, will make special appearances on the Castle Stage. They will appear in breathtaking castle projections and dazzling pyrotechnic effects, making it one unforgettable night. Standard and VIP Seating Area Passes is now available to guests for a magical evening under the stars! For more details, please refer to the appendix. 

Get ready to celebrate The Most Magical Party of All with the Black Friday Hotel offer. Whether it’s your first visit or a return for more magic, HKDL is the place where the party never stops.  

Energy Builds Up as 17th PHILSME Business Expo Holds Successful Media Launch in Makati

Excitement is building for this year’s 17th PHILSME Business Expo: Entrepreneur and Franchise Edition as PHILSME successfully hosted an inspiring Media Launch press conference at SPACES Century Diamond Tower in Makati City. Sponsors, media, and business leaders came together to celebrate stories of innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial success.

PHILSME CEO and Managing Director Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla led the launch, highlighting how collaboration among brands, sponsors, and media continues to empower Filipino entrepreneurs in today’s competitive landscape. During the press conference, Esguerra-Abrenilla also shared meaningful insights about PHILSME’s growing impact in giving entrepreneurs opportunities for visibility, connection, and community support.

“PHILSME is more than an expo—it’s a movement,” Esguerra-Abrenilla said. “Each edition is fueled by shared passion: to help businesses grow, build connections, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

PHILSME CEO and Managing Director Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla set the tone by reflecting on PHILSME’s expanding impact in empowering entrepreneurs through connection, collaboration, and continuous learning.

The panel showcased heartfelt insights from:

• Toyota Motor Philippines Manager Renz Patrick Diaz, who spoke about mobility solutions customized for business needs;
  
  

• GCash B2B Commercial Head Martin Kristopher Limgenco II, who explained how digital finance is helping entrepreneurs thrive;
  
  

• Taho Story Co-Founder Jude Paul Espinas, who captivated the audience with his personal story of reinventing a Filipino favorite.

During the press conference, panelists also discussed how Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) can be supported in setting up businesses in the Philippines through their families, giving them the opportunity to return home with sustainable income streams. Organizers shared that the Expo’s Franchising Village will help OFW families explore the best-fit business options.

Media representatives learned firsthand about what to expect at this year’s expo, including a stronger focus on entrepreneurial innovation and franchising opportunities across 130+ exhibitors and 180 brands. The event wrapped up with a friendly networking merienda featuring, giving media guests time to connect with organizers and sponsors.

Top Filipino Mentors to Headline Business Talks

The Media Launch also announced the first batch of speakers for the PHILSME Business Talks:

• Myrna Natividad (Mommy Negosyo) – Founder of Mommy Negosyo, business mentor, and author inspiring thousands of Filipino entrepreneurs.
  
  

• Dr. Francisco “Dean Pax” Lapid – Chairman and CEO of IT-SPAC and AIOS.PH, recognized advocate of AI-driven business systems.
  
  

• Jonathan Yabut – The Apprentice Asia winner and From Grit to Great best-selling author.
  
  

• Boss RDR (Reymond Delos Reyes) – Entrepreneur and motivational speaker behind RDR Talks.
  
  

New PHILSME–NakakaLocal Collaboration Champions Filipino Entrepreneurs

The event also celebrated a meaningful collaboration between PHILSME and the NakakaLocal project of the PhilStar Media Group, launched during the media event as a new alliance to uplift Filipino entrepreneurs. The partnership unites PHILSME’s mission to empower SMEs with NakakaLocal’s passion for promoting Filipino MSMEs, which make up the country’s largest job-generating sector. Witnessing the partnership at the launch were PHILSME CEO and Managing Director Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla, Media Director Angie Quadra-Balibay, Partner Success Manager Mailine Upano, Partner Success Officer Franchezca Romano, together with PhilStar Media Group’s Marketing Manager Jenalyn Sarte and Trade and Brand Specialists Kayla Rodriguez and Gerielle To.

10,000+ Attendees Expected at PHILSME 2025

The 17th PHILSME Business Expo will feature over 130 exhibitors, 180 brands and business solutions, and expects more than 10,000 attendees from across the Philippines and around the world.

The two-day event offers free business talks, networking sessions, and live product showcases — a rare chance for entrepreneurs to connect directly with suppliers, mentors, and franchise leaders under one roof.

Organizers also highlighted the PHILSME network community, which hosts monthly virtual meetings where entrepreneurs and professionals share insights, widen their networks, and discover new ways to grow their businesses.

Registration is free at www.philsme.com/ticket.
Walk-ins will be charged a nominal entrance fee. 

TECNO's POVA 7 Ultra 5G Becomes The 2025 Honor of Kings International Championship (KIC2025) Official Gaming Phone

TECNO’s POVA 7 Ultra 5G is taking centerstage this month at the Honor of Kings’ (HOK) main yearend global esports event as 2025 Honor of Kings International Championship (KIC2025) official gaming phone.

Running from November 14 to the 30th in the Philippines, the KIC2025 will gather the world’s top 16 top-tier teams that will battle it out for the top spot and US$1,000,000 prize pool. The world’s most-played multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, HOK has more than 100 million daily players. It is developed by Timi Studios and published by Level Infinite. 

As the official gaming phone, AI-driven innovative technology brand TECNO’s interstellar-inspired POVA 7 Ultra 5G brings flagship power with a durable 6000mAh battery, 70W Ultra Charge, and 30W Wireless Fast Charge, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Ultimate AI Processor for top-tier gaming performance and multi-tasking efficiency. 

Rise for Honor

KIC2025 will showcase the cultural diversity of participants as well as the Philippines’ local flavor as the host country, and will revolve around an esports-themed carnival. 

 “At Honor of Kings, players are at the heart of everything we do. Partnering with TECNO allows us to deliver smoother, more responsive gameplay and inspire the next generation of esports talent,” said Benj Dalmacio, Senior Business Development Manager, Level Infinite Philippines 

“We’re excited to be part of the KIC2025. TECNO will support Filipino gamers all the way to the top with POVA 7 Ultra 5G’s best-in-class, powerful features. Good luck to all the participants!” said Jason Wang, CEO of TECNO Mobile Philippines.

Competing teams include Blacklist International, BOOM Esports, Elevate, ACT Esports Club, Homebois BSE, Nova Esports, Alpha Gaming, Bigetron by Vitality, Kagendra, Vesakha Esports, Loops, Alpha7 Esports, Nongshim RedForce, OG Esports, Twisted Minds and Rex Regum Qeon.

Number 1 Official Gaming Phone in the Philippines

The POVA 7 Ultra 5G is the 2025 number 1 official gaming phone in the Philippines. It is the official gaming phone of PUBGM PMSL SEA 2025 Championship, PUBGM PMCL 2025 Championship, HOK Philippine Kings League, and Philippine National Esports Team SIBOL.

Designed for full immersion, POVA 7 Ultra 5G delivers a 4D Gaming Vibration, Dual Speakers with Dolby Atmos, and a suite of customized gaming features, creating an audio-visual experience built for the next generation of mobile gamers and explorers. The POVA 7 Ultra 5G is the most powerful smartphone for all 120fps popular games in its price range with its official price of PhP16,999. During its recent launch, Filipino gamers and users enjoyed exclusive generous promos and freebies. Buyers will receive three limited stock freebies worth PhP1,999 when they purchase the POVA 7 Ultra 5G – one POVA wireless powerbank (5000mAh), one customized DITO Prepaid Gaming SIM, and one special case card.

 

Filinvest Group’s Dream Getaway Promo Continues to Reward Lucky Winners

The Filinvest Group’s first-ever group-wide promo continues to gain momentum as more customers from across the country join in the excitement. Marking the Group’s 70th anniversary, the Dream Getaway Promo has already made dreams come true for several lucky winners, with more prizes still up for grabs.

Launched in July, the Filinvest Group Dream Getaway Promo brings together the Group’s diverse businesses to reach a wider audience and allow more Filipinos to experience its range of products and services. Filinvest’s real estate, banking, and hospitality companies have collaborated on a single campaign that underscores the Group’s shared mission of helping Filipinos achieve their dreams.

Since its launch, a growing number of customers have already won Dream Getaways at Filinvest hotels and resorts. 76 winners have won a mix of three-day, two-night and four-day, three-night stays at Crimson, Quest and Timberland hotels, with major prizes including luxury stays at Crimson Mactan Cebu and Crimson Boracay.  

One of the extraordinary getaways up for grabs: a stay at Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan

Ongoing activities continue to engage customers across the Filinvest network. EastWest offers clients applying for personal loans a chance to win hotel vouchers, while shoppers and diners at Filinvest malls can earn entries through their transactions.  

At Festival Mall, the Group’s flagship retail destination in Alabang, new brands such as Nitori, Muji, KKV, and Flying Tiger were recently added to the mall’s expanding retail mix, offering customers more ways to shop and take part in the raffle. The promo also extends to visitors who enjoy the mall’s leisure attractions, including its two indoor amusement parks—Pixie Forest and X-Site, which have grown alongside generations of loyal customers.
 

Take out a personal loan with EastWest, shop and dine at Festival Mall Alabang, and get the chance to win one of the extraordinary getaways up for grabs.

The promo underscores the synergy and breadth of the Filinvest Group’s portfolio, which spans real estate, banking, power and utilities, hospitality, and sugar.  

Founded in 1955 by Andrew and Mercedes Gotianun, Filinvest began as a small financing company serving the unserved and underserved. Seventy years later, the Group remains committed to its mission of enabling the Filipino dream and contributing to the country’s economic development. 

For more information on the Filinvest Group Promo, visit https://dreamgetawayspromo.filinvestgroup.com/mechanics. 

Plan International Pilipinas and Quezon City government unite to #StandWithGirls

Plan International Pilipinas and QC Government’s Girl Summit Gathers 400 young women leaders from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Metro Manila, November 11, 2025 — Plan International Pilipinas and the Quezon City Government, through the Quezon City Gender and Development Council Office, launched a collaborative partnership to champion the rights of girls and young women amid some of today’s most pressing challenges: climate crisis and disasters, online harm, and barriers to inclusive quality education, entrepreneurship, and decent employment.

The initiative is part of Plan International Pilipinas’ national campaign for the 2025 International Day of the Girl (IDG), #StandWithGirls, which calls for collective action to advance policies, programs, and investments for girls’ future and enable their participation in spaces where decisions around their lives are made.

“Every day, young women across the country are forced to navigate challenges that threaten their safety, silence their voices, and limit their potential,” said Plan International Pilipinas Executive Director Pebbles Sanchez-Ogang.

Plan International Pilipinas Executive Director Ms. Pebbles Sanchez-Ogang’s Opening Remarks

“By working with the Quezon City Government under the leadership of Mayor Joy Belmonte, a long-time ally in advancing gender-responsive and child-centered governance, we are ensuring that their voices are heard where it matters most. We will keep pushing boundaries until every young Filipina can learn, lead, decide, be resilient and thrive,” she added.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte’s Keynote Address at the Girls Summit, 2025

Quezon City continues to lead with landmark programs that empower and protect girls and young women. Under its Gender and Development (GAD) framework, the city implements a holistic Cycle of Care for Adolescent Girls—including menstrual health education through Period Talk for Teens and the Batang Ina Summit for young mothers—while ensuring safe spaces through the Anti-OSAEC ordinance, the QC VAW Centralized Databank, and rescue operations under Task Forces Sampaguita and Magdalena.

The Youth Development Office also expands access to scholarships, skills training, and livelihood through Pangkabuhayang QC, Be Your Own Boss, and the Digital Beauty Academy, complemented by youth engagement programs such as GAD for Youth and M.O.V.E. (Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere).

“When girls are safe, educated, and empowered, an entire city rises with them,” said Mayor Joy Belmonte. “As long as I am Mayor, our girls will always have an ally, a protector, and a champion in me.”

The #StandWithGirls campaign reached a major milestone with the Girls Summit held today, October 30, bringing together more than 400 young women leaders from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The summit served as a platform for girls to present their recommendations through a Girls’ Agenda—a list of priority issues they want government, civil society, and the private sector to address—and to launch the National Girls’ Network, a youth-led coalition that will continue advancing girls’ rights and advocacy beyond the event.

“The Girls’ Agenda gives us a voice to speak up about what really matters to us. And with the National Girls’ Network, we’re not just sharing our ideas, we’re working together to make change happen for all girls in the Philippines,” said Hannah, 18.

Mayor Belmonte delivered the welcome address, reaffirming Quezon City’s ongoing efforts to make policies and programs more responsive to the needs of girls and young women.

Panel discussions throughout the summit explored pressing themes such as online safety, resilience in crises, and economic empowerment. Among the notable speakers were Christian Halaas Lyster, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to the Philippines; Rachel Ann Herrera, Commissioner of the Climate Change Commission; and Nimisha Jain, Country Manager of Beiersdorf Philippines, along with other distinguished leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector.

The Girls’ Agenda was formally received by Undersecretary Angelo Tapales, Executive Director of the Council for the Welfare of Children, and Joseph Ortega, Chairperson of the National Youth Commission.

The Girls Summit builds on a series of nationwide activities for the International Day of the Girl, including youth-led symposiums and Girls Takeovers across the country. In Quezon City, girls took over the offices of 2nd District Councilor Aly Medalla and 6th District Councilor Ellie Juan.