Lifestyle

Lufthansa launches First Class flights with Meta Quest 3 VR headsets

This might be the future of in-flight entertainment

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If you’re an aviation geek, Lufthansa shouldn’t be a stranger to you.

Just last November 9, 2024, Lufthansa’s Allegris First Class flight has finally took off in Bangalore, India. Mumbai will later have it on November 15.

ICYMI, Allegris is Lufthansa’s flagship-class cabin made for long-haul flights.

To be very precise, the flight is in an Airbus A350-900 with two individual suites together with the globally-renowned Suite Plus cabin. It will then be served alternately with the new First Class.

After a technical introduction phase, Lufthansa will initially introduce the new, innovative product to its most loyal guests through invitation. Once there are more aircraft fleets with First Class cabins, passenger-made upgrades as well as targeted bookings will soon become possible.

The Lufthansa Allegris First Class Suite has set new standards when it comes to utmost comfort and individuality in the highest class. Passengers can heat (or cool) their almost 1-meter-wide seats in the suite based to their needs.

There are also separate suites with high ceiling and walls, lockable door, large table, wide seat, huge TV screen, and even wireless over-ear headphones.

The passenger even has a personal wardrobe in the suite. This provides more-than-enough storage space.

Individual lamps also allow guests to create their very own mood or atmosphere. Lufthansa’s Suite Plus also combines maximum comfort for guests by providing an option to travel together with their partner in a single suite.

Mixed VR: Future of in-flight entertainment?

Lufthansa is the first ever airline worldwide to try and test out VR headsets for in-flight entertainment. That doesn’t end there as they have also received the award for the world’s best in-flight entertainment innovation 2024 from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX).

This would not be possible if it wasn’t for their collaboration with Meta and MSM.Digital. Through this partnership, the airline can test out mixed reality technologies as part of in-flight entertainment for guests.

Lufthansa Allegris with Meta Quest 3 VR Headset

On flights equipped with Lufthansa’s Allegris, those in the Business Class Suite now have a chance to use these VR headsets and be able to give feedback about their experience.

With the latest Meta Quest 3 mixed-reality VR headsets, Lufthansa can exclusively offer its passengers captivating content whether it’s about cinematic films, engaging VR 360-degree travel podcasts, interactive games and even soothing relaxation exercises to feel, enjoy, and/or calm themselves — even above the skies.

Lifestyle

Your coffee nook is getting a makeover with Starbucks’ holiday collections

Seven collections and a Lazada exclusive arrive from November 3 to December 1.

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Starbucks Philippines is rolling out its holiday merchandise in waves, starting November 3, and this year’s lineup treats your daily tumbler as a fashion accessory. Here’s what’s arriving, sorted by release dates.

November 3

Midnight Muse (“Wrapped in Sophistication”) is the sparkle-forward pick, with metallic finishes and delicate embellishments.

The 14oz Mug has rhinestone details and a gold rim (PhP 2,645), and the 16oz Mug with Phone Charm comes with a pearl phone chain (PhP 2,245).

Midnight Muse collection

The Mini Bag is PhP 1,395, and the Bag Charm, which has heart, clover and flower charms plus a fluffy pom, is PhP 925.

Dusk and Dawn Chic collection

Dusk to Dawn Chic pairs floral artwork with a day-to-night look. Priced at PhP 3,095, it’s sold as a set of 4.9oz stainless steel tumblers with leak-proof lids.

Snow and Ribbon brings festive silk-print artwork to reusable cups, with four designs to collect. The 16oz cups are PhP 245, and the 24oz cups are PhP 285.

Snow and Ribbon collection (left) and Mallow Charm Bundles, a Lazada exclusive merchandise (right)

On Lazada, the Mallow Charm Bundles pair select holiday drinkware with a Mallow Charm. That includes the 16oz Snowman Marshmallow Coffee Time Tumbler. They’re sold exclusively through the Starbucks Lazada Flagship Store.

November 16

Geometric Holiday collection

Geometric Holiday (“Wrapped in Vibrance”) is the maximalist collection, with bold patterns throughout. The 19oz Tumbler has a carry handle and a tea infuser lid (PhP 1,595), and the 18oz Cold Cup comes with a cardholder (PhP 2,295). The Bearista

Plushie in a red suit doubles as a bag (PhP 2,145), and the Coffee Coaster, made from recycled coffee waste, is PhP 695.

Champagne Simmer collection

Champagne Shimmer is all metallic finishes and lightweight, compact designs. The 16oz Cold Cup with Straw Charm has a star-shaped charm and an embossed Siren logo (PhP 2,075). The 8oz Stainless Steel Tumbler is shaped like the classic Starbucks paper cup (PhP 1,895).

29th Anniversary Collection

The 29th Anniversary collection takes its cues from the sea, with pearlescent finishes and mermaid details. The 12oz Ceramic Siren Mug is PhP 1,345, and the 12oz Ceramic Shell Mug has a seashell-inspired handle (PhP 1,395).

The 16oz Tumbler with Pouch comes with a shell-shaped earbuds pouch (PhP 2,245), and the Canvas Tote Bag has a charm-friendly ring on the handle (PhP 1,295).

December 1

Moonlit Blue collection

Moonlit Blue (“Wrapped in Enchantment”) is the most understated of the bunch, with cooler tones and dreamy finishes. The 20oz Water Bottle has a handled lid with a retractable straw (PhP 1,775), and the 16oz Water Bottle comes with a metal keyring and charm (PhP 2,195).

The 12oz Tumbler has a glitter finish (PhP 1,895), and the Crossbody Pouch fits most phone sizes (PhP 1,295).

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Lifestyle

This pop-up sauna brings the steam room experience into your home

HAZEMOR’s Instant Sauna sets up in about a minute and folds into a closet

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A home sauna no longer needs a dedicated room or a permanent spot in your house.

HAZEMOR’s new Instant Sauna is designed to bring the steam room experience into smaller spaces. It comes with a pop-up frame that sets up in about a minute and folds away when the session is over.

The portable indoor steam sauna uses the brand’s QuickFlow semi-automatic frame, which opens without tools or separate poles.

Once the frame is locked and its four support legs are raised, the sauna is ready for its steamer. The 1,300-watt unit has a 3-liter stainless-steel tank. It produces steam in about two minutes with hot water or six to eight minutes with cold tap water.

Inside, the temperature reaches up to 131°F (55°C), with adjustable steam levels and a timer for customizing each session. A remote control lets users change the settings without stepping outside the enclosure.

The design takes a brighter approach to the traditional steam tent. Finished in warm beige and champagne tones, the HAZEMOR Instant Sauna has two transparent ceiling panels under its SKY TOP WINDOWS design, which let natural light into the space.

Its three-layer insulated fabric pairs a water-resistant exterior with a heat-retaining middle layer and a soft interior surface.

With interior dimensions of approximately 43 × 43 inches and 71 inches of headroom, the sauna leaves room to sit comfortably.

It comes with a folding chair and floor mat, along with the steamer, steam hose, remote control, squeegee, and carry bag.

Price, availability

For those looking to expand their setup, HAZEMOR also offers a Red & Near-Infrared Light Kit for an additional US$ 149. It includes three 10-watt tubes that combine 660nm red light and 850nm near-infrared light.

Storage is factored into the design as well. Folded, the sauna measures approximately 41 × 12 × 12 inches, small enough to tuck into a closet or bedroom corner. Assembled, it needs about 47 × 47 inches of floor space and access to a standard household outlet.

The HAZEMOR Instant Sauna is available now in the United States through the brand’s website for US$ 425. An early-bird price of US$ 319 runs from November 3 to 16, 2026.

Each purchase comes with a one-year limited warranty and a 30-day return window from delivery.

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Lifestyle

Sticker season is back, and so is the planner your ~friends~ might fill in for you

Starbucks Traditions turns 24 with five pieces in the 2027 collection!

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There are two kinds of people during the holidays: those who start planning their Christmas shopping early and those who hear the word merienda and immediately calculate how many Starbucks drinks stand between them and a new planner.

If you belong to the latter, consider this your annual reminder. Starbucks Traditions returns to the Philippines on November 3 for its 24th year, bringing a bigger collection with five pieces this time around. And suddenly, your afternoon coffee plans have acquired a very specific financial objective.

The 2026 collection carries the theme “Wrapped in Joy,” celebrating the little surprises that make the holidays feel special.

Think thoughtful gestures, unexpected visits, and friends who actually follow through on plans. You know, the rarest Christmas miracle of all.

Finally, someone is making plans for the planner

Starbucks is giving this year’s campaign a little emotional backstory with “Kami Naman,” a holiday film about Mara, the friend who somehow became the designated organizer of every barkada gathering.

You know her. She’s the one who starts the group chat, finds the restaurant, checks everyone’s availability, and sends the follow-up message when nobody responds.

This time, her friends decide she’s had enough administrative duties for one lifetime. They surprise her at Starbucks with a planner already filled with gatherings they’ve organized for her throughout the year.

Set to Eraserheads’ “With a Smile,” the film is a sweet reminder that the friend who makes everyone else’s holidays special deserves a little magic herself. The song will also be playing in Starbucks stores from November 3 to January 4.

You can watch the full film on Starbucks Philippines’ social media channels. Consider forwarding it to your group chat, particularly if you have been carrying the entire social calendar on your back.

Why your current coffee accessories suddenly feel inadequate

This year’s collection looks ready to be wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree, with copper, ivory, and black setting the mood. Each piece has its own appeal, which makes choosing a favorite a rather complicated exercise in holiday budgeting.

The Siren Planner with Pouch is for the organized one who has approximately 47 things to remember and would prefer to make that 48 with a beautiful planner. It also comes with a surprise keychain in one of five designs, giving you another tiny mystery to obsess over.

The Travel Case with Towel makes its debut in the collection, and suddenly, the idea of booking a little getaway sounds very reasonable. You may have nowhere to go yet, but at least your travel essentials will be beautifully organized when the opportunity presents itself.

For your everyday caffeine arrangements, there’s the 20oz Stainless Steel Tumbler and the 24oz Cold Cup. Both are practical additions to your daily rotation, although you may find yourself explaining why you need another drinking vessel when your kitchen cabinet is already staging a protest.

Then there’s the 20oz Glass Mug, which is arguably the most emotionally persuasive purchase of the bunch.

You don’t necessarily need another mug. You simply deserve one that makes your morning coffee feel a little more special. That’s a perfectly respectable argument, as far as your holiday shopping budget is concerned.

The 19-sticker strategy

Now comes the part that requires a little planning. From November 3, 2026 to January 4, 2027, every Tall, Grande, or Venti handcrafted beverage earns you one e-sticker. You can collect them through the Starbucks PH App or a QR Promo Card.

Reach 19 e-stickers and you can redeem one piece from the 2027 Starbucks Traditions collection until March 5, 2027.

The strategy is fairly straightforward. You order your usual handcrafted beverage, invite your friends for merienda, and let the stickers accumulate. Suddenly, that afternoon coffee with your best friend has a second purpose, and your usual catch-up session feels a little more productive.

Before committing to a particular piece, take a look at the full collection at starbuckstraditions.ph. You might already have your eye on the planner, or you could find yourself unexpectedly falling for the glass mug. Either way, knowing what you’re collecting for makes the sticker-counting considerably more exciting.


Since its Philippine debut in 2004, Starbucks Traditions has become one of those holiday rituals that people look forward to every year. It’s the season of comparing sticker counts, coordinating coffee runs, and celebrating the little rewards that make an ordinary afternoon feel festive.

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