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Aerospace giant Airbus is proposing to finally bring its only aircraft currently unavailable in the Philippines, the A220, that carriers can use to connect small islands to key cities abroad.

Airbus president for Asia-Pacific Anand Stanley has urged Philippine carriers to consider the smaller single-aisle A220 as an alternative to their turboprop fleet, which would be barred soon at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The A220 is the little brother of the A320, specifically made by Airbus to land in smaller airports that are incapable of handling larger single-aisles.

In spite of its smaller size, Stanley said the A220 brings competitive advantages missing in turboprops. The A220 can seat anywhere between 100 and 160 guests, whereas turboprops are limited to below 80.

Further, the A220 can fly up to 3,450 nautical miles, giving carriers the flexibility to use it either locally or internationally. Stanley said the A220 could change the game for island destinations in Visayas and Mindanao in reaching high-demand cities like Singapore and Taipei.

In September, flag carrier Air Nuigini became the 25th operator of the A220, adding the aircraft to its fleet to boost capacity for international flights.

‘This aircraft is able to connect regional, smaller routes, but it is also able to do – for the size of this aircraft – ultra long-range routes, such as Papua New Guinea all the way to Singapore, which takes about six, seven hours,’ Stanley told The STAR.

For Stanley, introducing the A220 to the Philippines could balance the need for the government to keep provincial airports as is, without having to convert them into larger gateways that require additional land and resources.

The A220 requires a runway of just 1,500 meters to land and take off, unlike the A320 that needs about 2,000 meters. As such, Stanley said carriers can maximize the A220 in linking tourist spots with their source markets.

‘This is an aircraft that can do island airports, turn around and connect to places like Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, which is extremely powerful in terms of connectivity. Today, we may need mega airports for these connections, but sometimes you need to balance this also with micro airports,’ Stanley said.

No Philippine carrier currently operates an A220 on their fleet, as they manage flights with mostly larger single-aisles like the A320.

Still, Stanley is encouraged by the A220’s entry into Papua New Guinea, so he also wants to test whether the Philippines is interested in it.

Aviation consultant ACC Aviation estimates the A220 to cost $81 million for the smaller model A220-100 and $91.5 million for the wider variety A220-300.

As of August, Airbus has signed orders for more than 940 A220s from over 30 airlines globally. To date, the manufacturer has delivered 440 of the demand.

Currently, the A220 is flying on around 1,800 routes to roughly 480 destinations worldwide, and Airbus is gearing up the aircraft to lead the market for smaller single-aisles. Airlines are eyeing the A220 for its flying efficiency, burning 25 percent less fuel compared to previous generations.

Cirtek Holdings Philippines Corp., a listed integrated technology company chaired by Jerry Liu, is seeking new investors as the company recovers from financial setbacks due to a global slowdown in market demand.

Cirtek said that it is actively seeking potential new investors to address liquidity constraints and meet its obligations.

The company said the entry of new investors, if realized, is expected to generate future revenue and improve financial stability.

‘The company is also implementing internal measures to optimize cash flow and improve operations and exploring strategic partnerships and funding options to support long-term sustainability,’ Cirtek said.

According to Cirtek, it continues to face challenges due to the global slowdown in market demand, particularly in the first half.

The demand slowdown was further impacted by tariff-related concerns, which led several of the company’s customers to delay purchases and reduce orders across key segments.

Given these conditions, Cirtek said that it has no unappropriated retained earnings available to redeem and pay dividends on its preferred shares, specifically the Preferred B-2 Subseries A Shares, Preferred B-2 Subseries B Shares, Preferred B-2 Subseries C Shares and Preferred B-2 Subseries D Shares.

The company, however, stated that it will review the unrestricted retained earnings available for distribution as cash dividends once its audited financial statements for the year ended Dec. 31, 2025, become available.

While it is unable to provide a definitive timeline for dividend payments and redemption of the preferred shares, the company said that it is taking deliberate steps to recover from the temporary setback.

‘Cirtek fully recognizes that these dividends are cumulative. And as the company has previously emphasized, it remains committed to fulfilling its obligations to pay its shareholders in accordance with the terms set out in the said prospectuses once sufficient unappropriated retained earnings become available,’ the company said.

‘This includes payment of all dividends due on all preferred shares of the company and payment of all arrears of dividends outstanding by reason of the suspension, on future dates to be set by the board of directors,’ it said.

Cirtek was listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange on Nov. 18, 2011.

Through its subsidiaries, Cirtek is primarily engaged in two major activities: the manufacture and sale of semiconductor packages as an independent subcontractor for outsourced semiconductor assembly, testing, and packaging services, as well as the manufacture of value-added, highly integrated technology products.

Through it all – earthquakes, floods, typhoons and corruption scandals – the Philippine economy somehow manages to maintain its growth track.

By most forecasts, we are expected to grow our GDP by 5.5 percent this year. That is lower than the range our economic team targeted, but it is higher than most other ASEAN economies.

According to the forecast, the Philippine economy will be the second best growth performer in the region. We are significantly behind Vietnam’s expected seven percent growth rate.

That said, 2026 might be a slower year for our economy. The cancellation of a substantial portion of public spending for infrastructure (all flood control projects are suspended) translates into a drop in public investments that will have ripple effects on other parts of the economy. Recall how our growth performance dropped sharply in 2011 after the Aquino II administration drastically cut back on infra spending.

All the corruption that accompanied our infra spending magnifies a vital point of our economy’s weakness. Compared to our neighbors, we suffer from an infrastructure crisis. Therefore, we have a weak logistics backbone that keeps costs of production and transport high. In turn, that makes our exports uncompetitive and transforms us into an import-dependent economy.

To say our economy is consumption-led is an understatement. The share of manufactures has been shrinking. Our agriculture is like a zombie.

With nearly stagnant productivity, it is understandable that our wages (high in comparison to some of our neighboring economies) are rapidly falling behind inflation. Well into the next generation, inadequate wages will continue to push the migration of some of our best workers.

Building infrastructure is not one of our best traits. The MRT central station, for instance, is 15 years delayed and it took a whole decade to complete two additional stations for the LRT-2. During this period when we grappled with delay, China built over 40,000 kilometers of rapid rail systems.

Vietnam has been feverishly building up its infra. It will continue to lead the ASEAN bloc in growth for years ahead. A couple of years ago, Vietnam eclipsed us in per capita income. Not bad for a nation ravaged by decades-long war.

The past few days, we have been having this unseemly debate about how much market capitalization is evaporating from our stock exchange.

The SEC chairman mistakenly quoted a social media report that says we lost P1.7 trillion in market cap last August alone. The Palace corrected him and rightly put the lost market cap at ‘only’ about P187 billion.

Then late last week a former BSP executive claimed that from December 2024 to October 2025, the PSE lost up to P5 trillion in market value. The PSE issued a rejoinder saying our stock exchange’s market capitalization was down ‘only’ 1.88 percent or P273.26 billion during this period.

But what are we doing to reverse this destructive trend to regain the capital we need to grow our economy?

Meow

Congressman Francisco ‘Kiko’ Barzaga Jr. – all of 27 years-old – has become a celebrity of sorts the past few weeks – mainly for being adamantly unserious.

He begins and closes his interviews by saying ‘Meow, Meow.’ He has been relentless in arguing that former speaker Martin Romualdez is principally responsible for messing with the national budget and laying the grounds for the staggering public works scandal we now see. The last few days, he has been a leading voice calling for President Marcos Jr. to resign. He is even threatening to pursue and impeachment complaint against Marcos.

While nearly the entire membership of the House of Representatives chose to maintain a lower profile in the face of public uproar over the looting of public funds intended for infrastructure, Barzaga is all over the place. He makes bold statements on the corruption controversy.

Barzaga’s bizarre antics polarized opinion about what he does.

The young legislator’s admirers praise him for his courage and think he employs tactics suitable for this age of social media where so many voices compete for attention. He has been able to cut through the cacophony of our multi-media environment simply by being bizarre.

His critics bemoan what they perceive as his clowning. They think he has reduced the serious problems plaguing the country into a running comedy. A few weeks ago, some of his colleagues decided to file a complaint against him at the House ethics committee for unruly behavior.

When the committee convened to hear the case, Barzaga arrived very late, blaming a late night spent playing video games. The excuse left the members of the committee stunned.

He had another late night last Sunday when he led a motley group of protestors that massed up at the gates of Forbes Park, the most exclusive exclave where wealthy politicians associated with the public works scandal reside. There he repeated his call for Marcos Jr. to resign.

If it was simply public attention that he craves, Barzaga has surely won it. His most ardent admirers claim his antics is the Gen Z way of getting a message across.

His critics, on the other hand, say we deserve a better level of eloquence to dissect the serious problems confronting the nation. The young congressman is a walking meme rather than a well-studied exposition, a stand-up comedian rather than an eminent statesman.

However much some might disagree, he threatens to persist in what he does.

About 8,000 runners joined in the adventure of a lifetime as the highly anticipated One Piece Run 2025 transformed the streets around SM City Fairview into a voyage with the Grand Line on Sunday.

Leading the pack in the 10K category were John Christian Balonso (39:28) and Maria Rozy Zepeda (50:04), both showcasing speed and endurance worthy of the Pirate King himself.

Right behind in the men’s division are John Paul Enriquez (41:39) and Cedric Joshua Parcellano (43:13), while Marjorie Braza (51:52) and Jyra Lahay Lahay (58:27) made the top three in the women’s division.

It was a vibrant sea of Straw Hat Pirates and anime fans, which fused fitness and fandom, all brought together in partnership with SM Fairview, SM Fandom, and Toei Animation, and organized by RUNRIO.

Mark Angelo Biagtan (17:49) ruled the men’s 5K ahead of Joruss Delgado (18:24) and Joeross Simangan (18:57), while Jo Punay (22:42), Jamie Del Rosario (27:45), and Hannah Dacanay (27:50) made up the women’s top three in this race which also had Anytime Fitness as gold sponsor.

Cavin Vidal (10:53) was the fastest in the men’s 3K, followed by Zed Icarus Balanday (12:51) and Lyndon Gatasi (13:02), as Rochelle Nina Pingol (18:35) got the win in the women’s category, in front of Asti Nasayao (18:43) and Rachel Anne Balverde (18:50).

Joseph Fontamillas (5:12) got the best time in the men’s 1K, besting Arjay Dela Cruz (5:17) and Ernie Vie Estoque (6:46), while Ayra Jerica Acosta (7:05) was the fastest among the women, outrunning Francesca Dominique Apolinario (7:09) and Tiara Jerisse Medina (7:17).

Whether runners sprinted like Zoro, dashed stylishly like Sanji, or explored with Luffy’s boundless curiosity, the true treasure of the One Piece Run 2025 was the shared experience – the laughter, teamwork, and memories created along the way.

The One Piece Run 2025 has Clover Chips, Leslie’s Snacks, Farmer John Premium Potato Chips, Nacho Corn Chips, Chippy, Mr. Chips, Film Concerts Philippines, Surf, Vaseline, Dove Soap, Dove Body Wash, Park Access, and Salonpas as sponsors, SIP, SIP Plus, and Nutrifizz as official hydration partners, and Hey! Salad as food partner.

The STAR columnist Ron Jabal has been named a finalist for Best Opinion Column at the 47th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) for his business column ‘Reputation,’ which explores the evolving intersections of trust, leadership and communication in a fast-changing business environment.

Now in its 47th year, the CMMA honors individuals and organizations that embody truth, integrity, and compassion in communication. It remains one of the country’s most respected institutions recognizing excellence in journalism, broadcasting, and public communication that inspires faith, reflection and responsible citizenship.

This marks Jabal’s second consecutive CMMA finalist citation, following his 2024 recognition for ‘Shared Values,’ his BusinessWorld column that focuses on ethics, leadership, sustainability and moral accountability. BusinessWorld and The STAR both belong to the PhilStar Media Group.

The back-to-back honors highlight his growing influence as a columnist whose writing bridges conscience, communication, and civic responsibility in an era defined by polarization and digital disruption.

In ‘Reputation,’ Jabal examines how individuals, corporations and governments build, sustain, or damage public trust amid the relentless scrutiny of the digital age.

Jabal’s essays cover diverse subjects, from corporate ethics, governance, and sustainability to artificial intelligence and the moral dimensions of leadership and brand stewardship, offering readers an informed yet accessible take on issues that shape reputations in modern society.

‘Reputation is not merely about perception or publicity,’ Jabal said. ‘It is about authenticity, integrity, and moral consistency. True reputation is not built in moments of triumph but tested in times of doubt and difficulty. Ultimately, reputation is our license to operate’.

Through ‘Reputation,’ Jabal has established a distinctive voice that challenges readers to view reputation not just as image, but as the lived expression of values, character and credibility.

‘Being recognized again by the CMMA is deeply humbling,’ Jabal said. ‘It reaffirms that thought leadership when anchored on ethics, empathy, and evidence continues to play a vital role in shaping how societies think and act.’

Anti-narcotics agents arrested six shabu peddlers and shut down two clandestine drug dens in separate operations in two Central Mindanao provinces over the past two days.

Three drug den operators were arrested by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM) during an entrapment operation on Monday, October 13, in Barangay Salimbao, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte.

Gil Cesario Castro, director of PDEA-BARMM, told reporters on Tuesday, October 14, that the three suspects were detained immediately after selling P34,000 worth of shabu to agents during the operation inside their drug den in Barangay Salimbao.

Castro said the operation was carried out with the help of Maguindanao del Norte Gov. Tucao Mastura and Vice Gov. Marshall Sinsuat, who had earlier vowed to use their influence to curb the trafficking of shabu and marijuana in the 12 towns under their jurisdiction.

He added that Brig. Gen. Jaysen De Guzman, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, also assisted in the entrapment operation that led to the arrest of the suspects and the closure of their drug den.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Recites III, director of PDEA-12, said their agents, along with operatives from the Police Regional Office-12, also arrested three den operators during an entrapment operation in Barangay Malandag, Malungon, Sarangani, last Saturday, October 11.

Recites said the suspects yielded peacefully after realizing they had sold P54,400 worth of shabu to undercover PDEA-12 agents and policemen under PRO-12 director Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente inside their drug den in Purok Adelfa, Barangay Malandag.

He said the site has since been secured by barangay officials and volunteer community watchmen.

Two anecdotes about Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla, 64, the new ombudsman:

In the morning of Jan. 20, 2001, then executive secretary Edgardo Angara managed to convince Joseph Ejercito Estrada to sign a letter of resignation as president. Boying Remulla, then 40 and a deputy executive secretary, saw the letter, tore it up, drafted another letter; this time, Estrada was to go on leave, not resign. The President signed it. Remulla sent the letter to Congress.

That is why VP Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo took her oath of office as ‘acting’ president on Jan. 20, 2001 because Estrada did not resign. The president merely went on leave. Not resigning gave Estrada formidable leverage. He was, of course, convicted for plunder in 2007 but president Arroyo pardoned him six weeks later and restored his civil and political life. Estrada served two terms as Manila mayor and today, has two sons as incumbent senators.

As a young Cavite politician, Boying bought a piece of property but he could not get the title because a corrupt barangay chairman wanted to be bribed before giving his clearance. Boying invited the official to a cliff in Tagaytay to view Taal Lake. Suddenly, Boying drew his caliber .45 and pointed it at the skull of the barangay chief. ‘Your life or your clearance to my property.’ The barangay guy chose life and Boying got his property titled.

What do these stories say about Remulla? In the first anecdote, Remulla displayed remarkable presence of mind. He knows his law (UP Law and passed the Bar in 1987). He knows how to execute gambits. He thinks long term. And he is loyal to the boss and won’t let him down, even if everybody has jumped ship.

In the second anecdote, Boying showed he is a stickler for legal protocols and niceties. But when push comes to shove, he knows when to draw the ultimate weapon of conviction. Tall, dark, often unflappable and always exuding confidence, Boying can be unconventional but he gets things done.

Today, Boying is Jesus, the savior, of an incredibly corrupt structure of government.

In the 19th and 20th Congress, you have the most corrupt generation of senators and congressmen that ever lived. At least 67 congressmen are cong-tractors. Almost all the 24 senators are corrupt, according to Ping Lacson.

In the Department of Public Works and Highways, you have the most corrupt generation of licensed professionals that ever served in government. DPWH projects are overpriced, employ substandard materials and methods, with many flood control projects fully paid for but are undone, with some built in the wrong places.

In the private construction business, you have the most corrupt, venal and rapacious class of contractors Filipinos have come to know, with lifestyles and tastes that show they are callous, insensitive as nails and dumb as a slow loris.

Only hours after his oathtaking Oct. 9, 2025, Ombudsman Remulla told journalists that his investigators are already looking at around 100 to 200 people involved in the P1-trillion flood project scam. The 67 cong-tractors will be easier to pin down, he indicated.

‘Of the 67, there are about 12 to 15 low-hanging fruits ready for plucking,’ Remulla said at his first press briefing over the weekend at the ombudsman’s suburban Quezon City headquarters. ‘We may have to build up the cases far more,’ he admitted about the others.

‘The cases are there,’ he said, ‘but how do we prove it? That’s our job, to prove charges that stand in court.’

As justice secretary, Remulla had a hand in initiating investigations and case buildup against the suspects in preparation for their filing before the ombudsman. Now that he is the ombudsman, the cases in effect have reached stage two. Ready for prosecution are cases involving ghost or substandard flood control projects in Bulacan involving 20 DPWH personnel and five private contractors. These cases were developed by DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon as part of his in-house cleaning.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, the ombudsman is supposed to issue an order making more liberal the rules for making public the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) of government personnel. Filed annually by the president down to the lowliest of public servants, SALNs are prima facie evidence of unexplained wealth against the corrupt. That is why the previous ombudsman, the unlamented Duterte diehard Samuel Martires, made SALNs the most top secret of all public documents.

Under the Constitution, the independent OMB is the ‘protector of the people.’ It shall ‘investigate on its own, or on complaint by any person, any act or omission of any public official, employee, office or agency when such act or omission appears to be illegal, unjust, improper or inefficient.’

Relates former Chief Justice Art Panganiban in his Inquirer column yesterday: ‘Remulla vowed to be independent, transparent and accountable. Equally important, he said that his first order of business would be case buildup and the securing of evidence to forestall any ‘delaying tactics’ that hampered cases in the past. Moreover, he vowed, ‘There are no sacred cows here. So, whoever is involved, even a senator, we’ll make sure to finish the job.

‘I believe that if Remulla, his deputies and assistants would be transparent, open and accountable in their investigations, hearings and gathering of sufficient verifiable evidence, and to speed up the trials in the Sandiganbayan, he could be the hero that our people need and want. He could be the white knight who would rescue us from plunderers and scammers.

‘By doing his job well and using his enormous powers and resources adeptly, he could skillfully render irrelevant the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, because his investigators could easily perform the ICI’s duties and functions. In this way, one more layer of the bureaucracy would be eliminated and the controversies hounding the commission and its members would cease.’

The Department of Education is working closely with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) after back-to-back earthquakes in Cebu and Davao Oriental showed the need for data-driven decisions on suspending face-to-face classes.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the move to partner with state seismologists seeks to balance student safety with the goal of maintaining learning continuity during disasters, while making sure decisions are not driven by mere “fear.”

DepEd, according to its statement Tuesday, October 14, is coordinating with Phivolcs to make class suspension decisions more grounded in “scientific data, localized risk assessments, and safety standards.”

‘Sa usapin ng kalamidad, bukod sa maagap, dapat eksakto rin ang kilos. Kaya mahalaga ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa PHIVOLCS para ang bawat desisyon. ay nakabatay sa siyensya at hindi sa pangamba,’ Angara said in a DepEd statement.

(In the case of disasters, besides being prompt, action must also be precise. That is why it is important to coordinate with PHIVOLCS so that every decision. is based on science and not on fear.)

DepEd said it is working with Phivolcs, led by Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., to identify and strengthen schools located near fault lines. These facilities, Angara said, should be ‘over-engineered’ to better withstand strong earthquakes.

There are also discussions now of setting up a “DepEd Command Center” that would serve as a monitoring hub for early warnings and disaster response.

Training programs are also being developed for regional and field offices to assess school building integrity and manage on-the-ground response actions, DepEd said.

Personnel at DepEd can be “trained to use checklist-based procedures that trigger automatic alerts once certain safety conditions are met-ensuring faster and more coordinated responses during emergencies,” the department said.

Both DepEd and Phivolcs are also looking to coordinate on “science-based advisories and information materials” to prevent the spread of misinformation during crises.

A magnitude 6.9 quake in Cebu on September 30 and a 7.4-magnitude quake off Davao Oriental on October 10 have prompted renewed attention on the structural integrity of school buildings, among other public works.

DepEd – National Capital Region suspended in-person classes today and yesterday due to a rise in the number of students with influenza-like symptoms and to conduct structural integrity checks on buildings.

According to an October 13 report from the DepEd’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service, 1,140 schools across eight regions were damaged by the recent earthquakes, affecting 7,575 classrooms.

Of these, 1,297 classrooms were completely destroyed, 1,004 sustained major damage, and 5,274 suffered minor damage, with repair and reconstruction costs estimated at P4 billion.

The Davao Region was the worst hit, recording 764 damaged schools and more than 5,300 classrooms destroyed.

Affected schools have been instructed to shift to modular distance learning while DepEd works with local governments to put up temporary learning spaces.

DepEd earlier announced that structural engineers from Department of Public Works and Highways Central Office have been “on the ground” since October 11 to conduct building integrity tests.

The American dining and arcade chain Dave and Buster’s has officially opened its first-ever branch in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia bringing its signature ‘eat, drink, play’ experience to local audiences.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Friday, October 10, at the Opus Mall in Quezon City. It marked the start of the brand’s partnership with The Bistro Group, the company behind several U.S. restaurant franchises in the country.

Jean Paul Manuud, The Bistro Group’s president and chief operating officer, said the partnership reflects the company’s push to bring more interactive and immersive leisure experiences to Filipino consumers, noting that dining today is also about experience and social connection.

New kind of social entertainment

Spanning about 1,500 square meters, the venue combines a restaurant, bar, and arcade, an approach the brand calls “social entertainment,” where guests can eat, play, and watch live sports all in one space.

‘We are absolutely delighted to be in Manila, delighted to be at the Opus Mall, and certainly delighted to partner with our friends at The Bistro Group, who we have known for two decades,’ said Antonio Bautista, Dave and Buster’s chief international development officer.

Bautista described the Philippines as a ‘no-brainer’ choice for expansion, citing the country’s strong leisure market and the long-standing relationship between the US chain and The Bistro Group.

Local flavor in the mix

The restaurant mirrors Dave and Buster’s signature look but adds local flavor to suit Filipino tastes.

The menu features American comfort classics, such as burgers, wings, and platters, along with Filipino exclusives like Crispy Pata and Adobong Bagnet.

‘It is unmistakably a Dave and Buster’s, perhaps a bit more vibrant and colorful to resonate with Filipino consumers,’ Bautista said.

Games, sports, and more

Inside are more than 60 arcade machines offering over 40 types of games, from racing simulators and basketball shooters to claw machines. A highlight is the Godzilla VR attraction, currently exclusive to the Philippine branch.

The space also includes private function rooms and open lounge areas, designed for parties, corporate events, and casual gatherings.

Dave and Buster’s is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the third floor of Opus Mall in Quezon City.

The holiday spirit has arrived early as Anko, Australia’s much-loved home and lifestyle brand as it unveils its latest Christmas collection designed to bring warmth, creativity and joy into Filipino homes.

From stylish home décor to thoughtful gift ideas, Anko’s Christmas range captures the joyful spirit of the season-combining Australia’s relaxed aesthetic with the Filipino love for festive gatherings.

Bring the Anko holiday into your home

To jumpstart everyone’s holiday creativity, Anko collaborated with renowned interior designer Madelaine San Jose, founder of Design Gone Mads, to reimagine how Filipinos can bring the Anko holiday spirit into their own homes.

‘Design should always feel within reach. That’s what makes Anko’s Christmas collection special. Every piece opens the door to creativity, inviting you to mix colors, textures, and personal stories that make the season your own,’ San Jose explained.

During the morning workshops, San Jose shared our distinct styling themes that offer a fresh take on holiday decorating that balances style, personality and affordability:

Retro Candy Cane

Joyful and nostalgic, Retro Candy Cane evokes the childlike wonder of Christmas using bright reds, soft whites and playful patterns reminiscent of a classic holiday carnival.

San Jose shared you can adorn your space with Candy Cane Baubles (P190), Candy Cane Letter Decorations (P90) and the Candy and Gift Garland (P290). Complete the look with the Nutcracker Décor Set (36 pieces, P490) for a whimsical touch that radiates fun and love.

Traditional Cheer

Timeless and heartwarming, Traditional Cheer brings the magic of home to life with deep reds, velvety textures and metallic accents. San Jose recommends pairing Christmas Berries in Pot (P690) and Frosted Pine in Pot (P690) with gold ornaments for a sophisticated yet cozy setup.

Add a Bow Basket (P440) or a Christmas Tree (P2,140) as a centerpiece-a reminder that some traditions only grow more beautiful with time.

Natural Holiday

Soft, grounded and serene, Natural Holiday celebrates the beauty of simplicity. Inspired by nature’s calm palette, this look layers soft neutrals, organic textures and cozy fabrics.

Create an inviting space with Christmas Wreath Cushions (P440), Bow Cushions (P690), and the Silk Striped Pillow Case (P690). Complement with ceramic accents and wood finishes for a relaxed, coastal-inspired Christmas.

Seasonal Sparkle

For those who love quiet elegance, San Jose recommends following the Seasonal Sparkle theme, which glows with metallic hues, candlelight and subtle glamour. Layer Light-Up Tree Cushions (P690), Metallic Baubles (P130) and Christmas Tinsels (P90) for a radiant holiday glow.

Serve drinks in Gingerbread, Santa or Red Bauble Drink Jars (P150) to add a refined, festive flourish.

From festive home décor to heartfelt gifting, Anko reminds Filipinos that celebrating the holidays doesn’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful. As the brand marks its first anniversary in the Philippines, it reaffirms its promise to make style and joy accessible to every home this Christmas and beyond.

Festive in-store experiencesLast October 10 to 12, shoppers experienced the magic firsthand through immersive displays and weekend activities designed to capture the joy of the holiday season.

From Christmas cotton candy and inspiring tablescapes to craft workshops, a calligraphy corner and a photobooth for personalized keepsakes, every visit to Anko, promises a moment to remember, turning ordinary shopping trips into a celebration of creativity, connection and cheer.

‘There’s a certain magic that only Christmas in the Philippines can bring-homes come alive, families gather and everyday moments feel brighter. It’s only Anko’s second Christmas in the Philippines, but it’s the season where our mission of making everyday living brighter comes to life most vividly. From thoughtful gifts to festive home touches, Christmas is when stylish, quality products at affordable prices matter most to families,’ shared Rachel Turner, Anko Philippines country manager.

The festivities began with a touching surprise from Anko brand ambassador Anne Curtis-Smith, who led a P10,000 shopping spree for a chosen nominee at the Trinoma branch.

Anne joined the winner in curating their cart with festive décor, home essentials and gift-worthy finds from Anko’s Christmas collection. The celebration continued with an intimate meet-and-greet with Anko Club members, where Anne shared her favorite Anko holiday pieces and styling tips.

‘As a mom, I especially love how Anko’s vibrant, friendly pieces make the season even more magical for kids. It’s about creating a space where both the young and the young-at-heart feel the Christmas cheer,’ the model-actress shared.

Anne also shared that Anko will be marking a special milestone this season with its first anniversary celebration on November 7 at Ayala Malls Glorietta 2, Palm Drive Activity Center. The event will feature exclusive activities for Anko Club members.