Lifestyle

LOOK: The 2023 Starbucks Traditions is here!

Celebrating Starbucks’ silver anniversary

Published

on

It’s that time of the year, folks!

The highly-anticipated Starbucks Traditions collection is back, coinciding with Starbucks 25th year celebration in the Philippines.

The 2023 Starbucks Traditions collection showcases a refined look to give homage to the famous Siren, crafted with intricate details to celebrate the brand’s silver anniversary.

Customers will have their choice among two (2) limited-edition planners with organizer options, a classic cold cup, and a durable stainless-steel tumbler.

Starbucks Traditions Planner with Organizer

The 2023 Starbucks Traditions Planner comes in a premium ring binder notebook format with a matching pen and cover. It’s quite different from the previous planners, but it looks regal in its new iteration.

It features a sleek Siren tail design, available in two sophisticated colors — Champagne and Black.

Meanwhile, the leather cover features both a pocket and pouch to store your files and even your Starbucks cards. The plush material is accentuated with gold hardware, while the ring bind style allows for the Planner with Organizer to be used even after 2023.

Inside, you can find beautifully illustrated pages featuring monthly special artworks with inspiring quotes to get you by every month.

Reusable vessels are back

Following the success of 2022 Starbucks Traditions, Starbucks is bringing multiple options for those who want reusable vessels for their beverages.

The 2023 Starbucks Traditions offer a 15 oz. Steel Tumbler and a 22 oz. Cold Cup with the same Siren design as the planners.

’tis the season for stickers and gifts

Starting on November 2, 2022 until January 2, 2023, customers will earn a sticker for every purchase of a Tall, Grande, or Venti handcrafted beverage.

One (1) reward voucher can be automatically redeemed for every eighteen (18) stickers collected. For easy tracking of stickers, opt-in through the Starbucks App and join using an e-Promo card.

On another note, registered Starbucks Rewards member with a linked Lazada Philippines account will automatically earn one (1) Reward Voucher on the Starbucks PH app e-Promo card for every P5,000 purchase in a single receipt after 7 days from successful delivery. ​

#FillItForward this Holiday

Starbucks, in time for its silver anniversary, released a series of videos based on real life anecdotes through Starbucks Philippines’ official social media channels.

Stories from Mark, a collector of Starbucks planners for almost a decade; Annika Yanez, a coffee-loving filmmaker and director who understands the role of using reusable tumblers; and Dianne, a 6-year Starbucks partner who believes being a barista is more than just making the perfect cup of coffee.

“The holidays are an exciting time for us all at Starbucks, and for our customers who celebrate with us,” shared Jamie Silva, Senior Manager for Marketing, Digital Customer Experience & Loyalty at Starbucks Philippines.

“For our 25th year celebrations, we pay homage to our partners (employees) and customers who have grown with us and have opened up opportunities to touch the lives of local communities.”

Philippines

Good hair day, every day: Laifen officially arrives in the Philippines

With smart, stylish hair dryers for modern living

Published

on

By

Laifen

Laifen, the global brand known for precision engineering and minimalist design, is officially entering the Philippine market with a full lineup of high-speed, smart hair dryers built for everyday use.

Designed for people who want salon-level styling without the fuss, Laifen’s tools promise faster drying, safer heat control, and smoother finishes — whether you’re getting ready for work, heading out for dinner, or squeezing in a quick refresh between errands.

Since launching in 2019, Laifen has focused on creating efficient, design-led haircare tools that work for real life. Its devices have already reached more than 20 million users worldwide as of early 2025.

Now, Filipinos can finally experience the brand’s signature blend of power and care. Every model arriving locally comes equipped with smart heat monitoring and strong airflow, offering a balance of speed and protection for daily styling.

Compact, maximum performance: Laifen Mini

The Laifen Mini shows that a compact dryer doesn’t have to compromise on power. It runs on a next-gen 110,000 RPM motor that delivers fast drying while staying surprisingly quiet at just 61 dB.

Weighing only 299 grams (without nozzle and cord), it’s light enough for travel yet comfortable for full styling routines. Its Smart Temperature Control checks heat 100 times per second to protect hair, while a built-in Negative Ion Generator helps boost shine and reduce frizz.

There’s also a Child Mode for gentler drying sessions. Made from high-grade nylon with 30% fiberglass and a dual-layer magnetic filter, the Mini combines durability with hair-friendly tech.

The Laifen Mini retails for P5,799 SRP, but early shoppers can get it for P3,599 on Laifen’s official Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok stores. Available in Green, Blue, and White.

Precision meets power: Laifen SE 2

The Laifen SE 2 builds on the strengths of its predecessor with even better performance for users who want more control when styling. Its 108,000 RPM motor pushes out 21.5 m/s airflow for quick, efficient drying.

Users can fine-tune their routine with 10 styling combinations: 2 airflow levels and 5 temperature settings. Heat is regulated 80 times per second to prevent damage, while its six-layer noise reduction system keeps sound levels at just 59 dB.

The Laifen SE 2 comes in White with an SRP of P7,499, now available at a limited-time price of P4,499 on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok.

Look good, spend less: Laifen SE Lite

The Laifen SE Lite proves that affordability can still feel premium. It’s lighter, shorter, and easier to handle than the SE, with a balanced body designed for longer sessions.

Its high-speed drying system saves time, while 150 million negative ions help cut down frizz and leave hair smoother. A six-layer noise reduction setup brings sound down to a calm 62 dB, and Smart Temperature Control — adjusting heat 50 times per second — helps protect hair from damage.

Available in Tan, Pink, and Purple, the SE Lite retails for P3,799 and can be purchased for as low as P1,999 during the launch period on Laifen’s official social commerce platforms.

Get your Laifen Hair Dryer today

Laifen’s debut lineup is now available nationwide and online via Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok. Early buyers can enjoy limited-time discounts plus a free comb while stocks last. A special launch bundle is also available: purchase the Laifen SE 2 or Laifen SE Lite and get 50% off a waterproof bag. New followers can also redeem a P100 OFF voucher for additional savings.

If you want, I can convert this into strict N1 format, tighten the lifestyle tone further, or adjust the length.

Continue Reading

Automotive

What happens when the car you once loved returns as a Hybrid?

This is what it feels like to meet the Ford Territory… again.

Published

on

When the love of my life turned into the loss of my life, driving felt like a chore I couldn’t bring myself to do. Driving wasn’t simply a way to get from Point A to Point B.

Every press on the accelerator once meant I was on my way to see someone I thought I’d build forever with. I could still picture us in traffic jams, singing songs off-key. Those memories made every drive feel alive.

But life doesn’t move according to your route. After that last drive with the Ford Territory Titanium X eight months ago, no other car or trip felt the same.

Everything since felt like errands. Just me, going somewhere, sometimes with people, but never with someone. For months, I stayed busy rebuilding, but healing sometimes feels like a road trip without a destination.

You start over, take turns you didn’t expect, and in the process, you realize others are evolving too. Case in point: the Ford Territory Titanium X, now reborn as a Hybrid.

I first saw it at its launch in Bonifacio Global City, and I didn’t feel any butterflies. But when I finally stepped inside for a drive to Baguio City, it felt… familiar.

It’s like meeting someone you used to know, only this time, they’ve grown softer and wiser. Maybe, I thought, this was my mirror moment. Maybe, I was meeting the better version of myself, too.

Upgraded, inside and out

At first glance, the Territory Hybrid Titanium X looks much like the one I used to know until you look closely.

Aside from the subtle Hybrid badge, it’s longer and wider, and maybe, even grander in presence. There’s a new grille, hood, and fenders, and a coast-to-coast LED light bar that glows (but only for the Titanium X trim).

It reminded me of the small shifts that happen when you heal. You buy new clothes, cut your hair, and even put up boundaries by saying “no” and then one day, someone will say “you look different.”

Inside, it felt like coming home. The cabin welcomed me with its familiar blend of leather. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 12-inch infotainment display reminded me of the screen we used to play, but now I’ve used it to stream new songs that I enjoy.

It’s got the same creature comforts I’ve always loved, like the hands-free power tailgate that makes it convenient when you’re carrying loads of bags. Except maybe this time, I learned how to pack light and leave the weight I didn’t need to carry.

The difference now lies within. The hybrid powertrain, combined with the electric motor, kept it quiet that I almost consumed my own thoughts. It was calm that you wouldn’t notice the changes unless you listen closely.

But maybe that’s what growth is: changes that aren’t most visible, but what’s quietly working beneath the surface.

New company on the open road

I shared this drive with Kyle and Gab, fellow creators and journalists I met for the first time. We ditched the driver rotation plan, so we could take on the parts of the route we were best suited for.

Kyle handled the never-ending curves of Kennon and Asin roads. With slippery roads, we relied on the Territory’s electronic stability and traction control, especially during sharp turns. Kyle wasn’t too happy with it, but at least we had his steady hands to bring us back safely.

Gab and I swapped seats for the more monotonous stretches: the long, endless freeways. When Gab took over, the Automatic Emergency Braking kicked in twice. It startled us, especially me, as I sat in the backseat without a seatbelt on.

It was an unexpected jolt, but a much-needed one. Even though it annoyed us, it was comforting to know the car was still looking out for us even when we thought we didn’t need it.

Refilling my own tank

When it was my turn, I found myself recharging the hybrid’s battery along a long stretch of road. It was oddly satisfying, especially since I’d done it before.

As Kyle and Gab fell asleep — which I was proud of, or maybe they were just really tired — I thought of all the times I’d felt drained and how I’d learned to fill my own tank again.

Maybe that’s why I love hybrid cars. They remind me of how great I am at pouring love, keeping myself or others moving forward.

In this case, it was when Kyle took the wheel again, using the energy I restored to catch up with the convoy and speed up.

I’m glad we got our hands on the Titanium X trim. Beyond the shared safety suite such as stability control, traction control, hill assist, and 360-degree cameras, this top variant adds layers of luxury that matter.

For someone like me, who trains and races, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering features are a blessing when exhaustion hits.

Meanwhile, the Blind Spot Information System and Rear Cross Traffic Alert feel like having an extra pair of eyes.

When your body’s too tired to think, all you need is a reminder that even when you can’t see what’s behind or beside you, the car’s got your back.

Where the road ends (and begins again)

It rained the moment we left Baguio City. The convoy blurred into mist ahead, and all I could see were red taillights. The wipers worked tirelessly while I tightened my grip on the wheel.

Thankfully, the Territory Hybrid Titanium X responded.

I trusted it the way you trust yourself after heartbreak. Not because I’m fearless, but because I’ve been through enough to know I’ll make it out.

At 100 km/h on TPLEX, I kept pace with the storm. Taylor Swift may have said “keep it 100” in her latest single “The Fate of Ophelia,” but I meant it differently.

The drive home didn’t feel like the end of this journey. It felt like closure.

The Ford Territory Hybrid Titanium X wasn’t the same car I fell in love with, and I wasn’t the same person who drove it then.

Both of us transformed, not because we wanted to be, but because life demanded it.

And maybe that’s what love, in all its forms, is supposed to be. Maybe you don’t need to hold on to what was, but you learn to drive forward in the company of new people and what remains.

By the time I parked, I wasn’t thinking about what I’d lost anymore. I was thinking about where I’d go next.


The Ford Territory Hybrid Titanium X starts at PhP 1,599,000 while the Trend variant starts at PhP 1,399,000. Both variants come in Oasis Green, Crystal Pearl White, Star White, Blue Panther, and Panther Black. Get it at dealerships nationwide.

Continue Reading

Apps

Don’t get tricked: Spot these financial monsters before they get you

Ghosts are harmless compared to these real-life threats that prey on your hard-earned money.

Published

on

By

The spooky season has arrived, but not all monsters wear masks. Some hide behind fake links and shady offers designed to trick you into giving up your hard-earned money.

These are the real-life financial monsters: fraudsters, impersonators, and manipulators who turn everyday moments into horror stories.

According to the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, 32% of Filipinos have fallen victim to digital fraud in the past year. And while it’s tempting to think you’d never fall for one, scammers are getting smarter and more creative.

Here’s what to watch out for:

Suspicious links and emails.

Those random texts and emails saying “there’s a problem with your account” or “you’ve won a prize”? They’re classic traps.

Scammers disguise themselves as legitimate companies to steal your information or access your accounts. Always double-check the sender’s address. If it looks off, don’t click.

Grammar gone wrong.

If a message is full of weird typos, awkward phrasing, or off punctuation, that’s a red flag.

Reputable companies review every message they send. When in doubt, don’t reply. Report it to authorities like the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group or the NBI.

Urgent and emotional messages.

Scammers love to pressure you. They’ll make you feel scared or guilty to get you to act fast.

Real companies won’t threaten or rush you into sharing personal info. Take a breath, hang up, and reach out to the official hotline to verify.

Deals that sound too good to be true.

If someone promises instant money or massive discounts, run. These scams often demand “processing fees” or personal info before disappearing. No legitimate prize will ever require payment upfront.

Behind every scam is a story of someone who deserved better. Sometimes, what started as a simple loan application can turn into a nightmare if a rogue online lender decides to harass someone over payments they didn’t even fully receive.

It’s a familiar story for many Filipinos who’ve been preyed on by unregistered or unethical financial services.

Thankfully, more responsible lenders and financial platforms today (Tala, for example) are working to raise awareness and fight back against these threats.

Some even use advanced systems to flag suspicious behavior, partner with authorities for investigations, and educate communities through financial literacy programs.

At the end of the day, awareness is your strongest defense. So this Halloween, stay sharp because protecting your peace (and your money) will always be the sweetest treat.

Continue Reading

Trending