Travel
Tour package operator Holiday Factory opens in the Philippines
Affordable all-in tour packages for everyone
Holiday Factory has expanded its global reach, opening operations in the Philippines. The launch was formally announced through a press event in Ortigas, Metro Manila. The German-owned, Dubai, United Arab Emirates-based company is known for offering affordable vacation packages costing as low as half of market prices.
With Holiday Factory opening in the Philippines, Filipino travelers can expect affordable deals to domestic destinations like Boracay, Puerto Princesa, and Siargao, neighboring countries like Hong Kong and Thailand, and of course, Dubai itself.
So far, Holiday Factory offers flights from Manila, Clark, and Cebu. Packages cover the following:
- Round-trip flight tickets
- Round-trip airport-hotel transfers
- Hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Designated licensed tour guides for experience tours
What’s great about Holiday Factory is that packages are purchased in the form of a voucher. Customers simply have to select their departure airport, hotel, and trip duration to secure a voucher.
Travel dates are flexible, and may be availed within the next six months. Once travelers have already decided when to embark on a trip, they may simply go to the voucher, click the link, and complete the booking for the specific dates.
To make bookings convenient and seamless, Holiday Factory mentioned that it has a fully digital platform where customers can avail of packages.
Why is it so affordable?
During the presser, Holiday Factory previewed some travel packages that are available to its Filipino market. The Magical Boracay Holiday starts at PhP 3,499 all-in for two days and one night. Should you want a five-star hotel, the price is pegged at just PhP 5,299. The Puerto Princesa package also starts at PhP 3,499. Meanwhile, a four-day, three-night package to Bangkok, Thailand costs as low as PhP 11,899.
In case you’re wondering why the tour package operator’s prices are very low, Holiday Factory said it is “not a reselling agency” unlike most players.
What happens is they contract airline, hotel, and transportation partners directly, negotiating packages and committing a high number of clients to be able to offer significantly lower costs.
On the downside, the company does not offer visa assistance for now, since applications vary from destination to destination. Special requests like photographers for honeymooners or add-on services for occasions are only available to the UAE market so far, but Holiday Factory said it will work on enhancing the packages as well.
Holiday Factory
Holiday Factory expanding and opening in the Philippines is seen to challenge the likes of Klook and Traveloka, and even Agoda and Booking.com. Klook and Traveloka are currently two of the more popular players when it comes to such services. The two hotel booking apps have also incorporated flights and car rental services into their list of offerings.
But Holiday Factory said it wants to set itself apart with affordable rates, flexible dates, and personalized customer service.
Launched in 2011, the operator’s popular packages include all-in-one trips to Uzbekistan, Turkey, Egypt, Azerbaijan, and Armenia from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. The Egyptian and Armenian packages also includes Pyramids and Mountain experiences, respectively. These packages start at AED 999, or roughly US$ 272.
A few years ago, Holiday Factory expanded to Georgia where it started to offer trips for the country’s citizens to Dubai. The package costs 699 GEL, or roughly US$ 257.
Mega Holiday Package Giveaway
To wrap up the launch, Holiday Factory announced a giveaway promo wherein it will pick 100 Mega Holiday Package winners.
At stake are trips to Boracay, Puerto Princesa, Siargao, Bangkok, and Dubai. The promo is open to all, and there are no purchases required to join. Simply visit www.holidayfactory.ph to get started.
Travel
TUMI unveils the next generation Alpha collection
Lando Norris fronts a sharper, quieter take on TUMI’s most iconic travel line
TUMI has unveiled the next generation of its Alpha collection. This marks a refined evolution of its long-running travel and everyday carry lineup. The launch is led by Formula 1 World Champion and TUMI Global Brand Ambassador Lando Norris. He headlines a series of global campaigns that frame Alpha as gear built for modern movement.
Directed by Alice Schillaci and photographed by Reto Schmid, the campaign places Norris in a cinematic, mission-driven narrative. The visuals lean into precision and restraint, presenting Alpha as purposeful, focused, and intentionally understated. It’s less about flash and more about readiness.
That idea of readiness sits at the core of the collection’s redesign. According to TUMI Global Creative Director Victor Sanz, Alpha serves as a blueprint for how people move today. What they carry, how they access it, and how design can remove friction from the journey.
FXT Ballistic Nylon
At the center of the lineup is TUMI’s signature FXT Ballistic Nylon. It’s now paired with more streamlined pocket layouts, silent magnetic closures, and intuitive access points designed to reduce interruptions on the move. Key styles including the Dual Access Expandable Carry-On, TUMI Brief Pack™, Double Expansion Duffel, and Convertible Clutch Crossbody receive subtle refinements focused on efficiency and flow.
Alongside the updated designs, TUMI is also introducing Ultra Blue — a new accent color that appears across six core Alpha silhouettes. The vivid blue details highlight key touchpoints and serve as a visual nod to the brand’s ongoing focus on innovation and performance.
With this latest generation of Alpha, TUMI continues to evolve one of its most recognizable collections — not by reinventing it entirely, but by sharpening it for how people travel, work, and move today.
Accessories
Thoughtful gift ideas for modern living: 2025 holiday gift guide
Gift ideas that feel intentional and considered
The best gifts aren’t impulse buys nor extravagant. This year’s holiday gift guide is about giving with intention. Each pick was chosen not as a novelty, but as something that adds value to your loved ones’ lives. They support routines, encourage rest, create shared moments, elevate everyday comforts, and provide peace of mind. These are the kind of gifts that feel considered, personal, and truly meant for the person receiving them.
Peace of mind, wherever the day goes
OrbitKey Travel Sling (3L), US$89.90
This sling is designed for moving through the day feeling organized and secure. Along with its compact, structured layout, it includes RFID-protected pockets that help shield cards and personal information from digital theft. It’s ideal for both commuting and traveling and comes in Black, Stone, and Terracotta.
Statik TireHero Smart Tire Pump, US$69.99
This is the kind of gift that helps people feel prepared rather than reactive. Compact and easy to use, it quickly inflates tires at home or on the road. A small tool that offers real reassurance, it’s especially useful for drivers and cyclists alike.
ExpressVPN Aircove Go, US$169.90
This pocket-sized router creates a secure, VPN-protected network anywhere, making public Wi-Fi far safer to use. Ideal for travelers, remote workers, or anyone handling sensitive information on the go. It’s small enough to travel with but powerful enough to protect privacy beyond the home.
OrbitKey Foldable Duffel, US$49
Having an extra bag when you didn’t know you need one can remove a surprising amount of stress and unnecessary expenses. This duffle folds down flat for easy storage, then opens into a 55L bag when packing gets too ambitious and you’re being charged at the airport for your overweight suitcase. It’s reliable, flexible, and quietly reassuring to have on hand.
Thoughtful tech for home and productivity
Native Union WEIGHTER, starts at US$19.99
Sometimes the smallest upgrades make the biggest difference. This weighted desk accessory keeps charging cables from slipping out of reach, reducing friction in everyday routines. It’s a subtle but satisfying improvement for someone who works from home or their messy night stand. It comes in Black and Sandstone, and two models: 1 Cable and 3 Cables.
For someone who loves writing by hand but also wants their notes organized digitally, this reusable notebook allows handwritten notes to be stored in the cloud. It’s great for planners, students, even creatives that don’t want clutter. It combines the satisfying tactility of pen and paper and digital convenience.
Built with Qi2 25W, this charger brings calm to the end of the day. With one solid, beautifully weighted base, it charges the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods in one place. It reduces clutter and decision-making, turning charging into a simple ritual.
Lexar SL500 Portable SSD with Magnetic Set, starts at US$105
Extra storage becomes invaluable once someone starts creating, traveling, or documenting more of their life. This portable SSD offers fast, reliable storage with a magnetic sleeve that makes it easy to attach and carry. It’s ideal for backing up photos, videos, and important files without fuss. It’s a practical gift to support that creative in your life and help them stay organized.
Rituals, wellness, and slowing down
Üllo Original Wine Purifier, US$79.99
For someone who enjoys a glass of wine as part of winding down but hates the headaches that come after: Üllo removes sulfites while aerating the wine. It helps enhance the flavor and aroma of wine while being gentler for those sensitive to additives. Add the hand blown Decanter that’s made from ultra transparent lead-free crystal to make any bottle taste fancier.
La Jolie Muse Season of Stories Trio Set, US$60
With artful vessels and clean-burning soy wax, these candles feel as much like decor as they do self-care. The scents are cozy and ideal for winding down or hosting. It’s a gift that invites pause.
LEGO Botanicals, starts at US$14.99
A calming, screen-free build that becomes a beautiful piece of home decor, each set invites someone to slow down and enjoy the process. With flower bouquets, bonsais, and plants to choose from, it’s a satisfying project that brings a sense of completion without the upkeep of real plants. As an added bonus, if you can build it together it turns the gift into a shared memory, so every time they see the finished piece, they’re reminded of the time you spent creating it together.
Small joys, big upgrades
SURI 2.0 Electric Toothbrush, US$135
This device makes an everyday habit feel more intentional. Created with sustainability in mind, it’s a sleek yet practical gift that elevates anyone’s bathroom shelf. It’s got wireless charging and the redesigned travel case powers UV cleaning on the go. It comes in five colors: Winter Fern, Sea Mist, Sunset Bloom, Midnight Black, and Morning Waves.
This portable projector makes it easy to turn any wall into a big screen. You can give the gift of a quiet solo night for someone who needs to decompress from work, or movie nights shared with their loved ones. It’s great for a cozy home setup this winter or the outdoors when the weather starts to get warmer.
Lighting is one of the most overlooked features in any space, but is truly transformative. This smart LED lamp creates soft, customizable ambient light that works indoors or outdoors. It’s perfect for someone who just moved into a new apartment, or that person in your life who cares about mood and intentional design.
Liiton American Peaks Whiskey Decanter Set, US$129
This glassware set transforms drinking into a sensory experience, whether on display or in use. It’s a great conversation piece and makes a nightcap more intentional. Place your glass in the freezer and get chilled and aerated whiskey in just 18 seconds thanks to its proprietary X1 Crystalline Chill Charge System. Made from lead-free crystal, the glassware is sculpted with the majestic U.S. mountain peaks: Mount Whitney, Yosemite, Smoky Mountains, Mount Rainier, and The Rockies.
For growing lives and staying connected
With fewer strings and a simplified design, kids can start playing real songs quickly without feeling overwhelmed. It builds confidence and creativity while introducing musical fundamentals. It’s a gift that supports learning through play.
This gift turns fleeting moments into tangible memories. With a few taps, photos on your phone become physical prints that can be shared, saved, and displayed. In an age where taking photos has never been easier, having physical prints encourages reminiscing without increasing screen time. It’s a wonderful gift for families and friends who love documenting life.
Arzopa Digital Photo Frame, starts at US$99.99
Bring warmth to someone’s home without requiring technical effort. This photo frame is great for that loved one who’s moved far away. Photos can be updated remotely, making it easy to feel closer despite the distance. It comes in two sizes: 10″ and 14″, both with a champagne colored bezel.
To find your GadgetMatch you first need to think about your needs.
As a frequent traveler, Michael Josh’s GadgetMatch is a phone that he can take with him on ALL his trips.
Insert the latest and greatest OPPO Find X9 Pro.
On a recent trip to Mexico, he took thousands of photos and tested it out.
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