For many Filipinos, January is more than just the first month of the calendar. It feels like a clean slate, a reset button after the noise, feasting, and bustle of December. This sense of renewal is not accidental. It comes from a blend of cultural traditions, deep-rooted beliefs, and a shared psychological rhythm that makes the New Year feel like a fresh beginning.

At its core, this feeling reflects a universal “fresh start effect”, a psychological phenomenon where meaningful calendar transitions prompt people to separate themselves from past setbacks and look forward to change. The beginning of January becomes a natural milestone to reflect, set goals, and renew hope. While this effect is universal, in the Philippines it is amplified by cultural traditions and long-standing customs that mark the end of one year and the beginning of the next.

A Night Full of Symbolism

In Filipino homes, New Year’s Eve is locally called Bisperas ng Bagong Taon, which carries powerful symbolism. Families gather for Media Noche, a midnight feast filled with food believed to invite blessings for the year ahead. Dishes range from pancit (long noodles symbolizing long life) to lechon (representing abundance) and sticky rice cakes that are thought to bind families together.

A distinct custom is the display of 12 round fruits on the dinner table, one for each month of the coming year. The round shape resembles coins, embodying wealth and prosperity. Many families also wear polka dots or bright clothing, again echoing circular shapes that signify fortune.

These rituals are partially rooted in Chinese influence, brought to the Philippines through centuries of trade and cultural exchange. The symbolism of round shapes, communal feasting, and auspicious food items reflects beliefs about luck, prosperity, and continuity across cultures.

Traditions That Shape Mindset

Beyond symbols of wealth, Filipinos also engage in practices believed to ward off bad luck and welcome positive energy:

• Opening all doors and windows at midnight to let good fortune in.

• Making loud noises from firecrackers to noisemakers like torotot, this is to chase away evil spirits.

• Jumping when the clock strikes 12, a playful belief that it might help children grow taller and usher in a spirited year.

Some practices, like eating tikoy or sticky rice treats, reflect a blend of cultural influences, and these are from from Spanish to Chinese traditions that have been woven into Filipino identity over centuries.

The Hope Factor

This hopeful outlook doesn’t mean ignoring difficulties. Instead, it often reflects resilience — a quiet resolve to move forward despite them. For many, January is a moment for resolutions: small but meaningful goals to improve health, relationships, or financial habits after the indulgences of the holidays.

The Philippine entertainment industry mourned deeply in 2025 as it said goodbye to many of its most respected artists, performers, and cultural figures. From film and television to music and theater, these icons shaped generations, told Filipino stories, and left a lasting mark on the nation’s creative soul.

Here is a look back at the notable personalities from showbiz and music who passed away in 2025, their lives, achievements, and the legacies they leave behind.

For generations, Filipinos have been taught that Dr. José Rizal is the national hero of the Philippines. His face appears on currency, his novels are required reading in schools, and every Dec. 30 is marked as a national holiday. But despite his towering presence in Philippine history, Rizal was never officially declared the national hero by the Philippine government through a specific law or proclamation.

Historians note that Rizal’s status developed over time through public recognition, education, and historical events, rather than a single legal act. This distinction often surprises Filipinos, many of whom assume that his title was formally granted by the state.

Rizal’s elevation as the country’s most recognized hero gained strong momentum during the American colonial period. In 1901, American Governor-General William Howard Taft played a key role in promoting Rizal as a national symbol. At the time, U.S. authorities were attempting to establish goodwill among Filipinos after the end of Spanish rule and the Philippine-American War.

Rizal, a reformist who advocated peaceful change and criticized Spanish abuses through his writings, was seen by American officials as a figure who could unite Filipinos without encouraging armed resistance. That image aligned with American colonial interests.

In 1902, the Philippine Commission passed Act No. 345, declaring Dec. 30, the anniversary of Rizal’s execution in 1896, as a public holiday. The observance, now known as Rizal Day, cemented his place in public life and national memory. Still, the law stopped short of naming him the country’s national hero.

Long before American rule, however, Rizal was already widely revered by Filipinos. In 1898, during the height of the Philippine Revolution, revolutionary leader Emilio Aguinaldo declared Dec. 30 as a national day of mourning for Rizal and other victims of Spanish colonial rule. That act reflected how deeply Rizal’s execution had affected the Filipino people.

Despite these honors, government cultural agencies have clarified that no Filipino has been officially proclaimed as the sole national hero. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts has stated that Rizal’s standing comes from historical consensus and popular acceptance rather than formal designation.

Several factors explain why Rizal emerged as the country’s most recognized hero. His execution made him a martyr. His novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, exposed colonial abuses and awakened national consciousness. His life represented intellect, moral courage, and love of country—qualities that resonated across generations.

Education also played a major role. Rizal’s life and works became central to school curricula, public commemorations, and civic rituals. Over time, these practices shaped how Filipinos understood heroism and national identity.

In the 1990s, a government-created National Heroes Committee studied the possibility of formally naming national heroes, including Rizal and other revolutionary figures. No final proclamation followed, leaving Rizal’s status unchanged, though it was honored, but unofficial.

Today, Rizal remains the most recognized symbol of Filipino nationalism. While he may not hold the title by law, his place in history is firmly secured by the people themselves.

In the end, Rizal did not need an official declaration. History, memory, and public respect made him the hero Filipinos recognize him to be.

Leading global AI smart device brand HONOR Philippines continues to lead the mid-range smartphone segment, driven by the strong performance of its popular HONOR X9 series. Since the launch of the HONOR X9a 5G in 2023, the company has consistently rolled out successful models that resonated with consumers. What began as a product release has since evolved into a yearly campaign, with each new HONOR X9 launch now an anticipated tradition for the brand and its fans.

“When we launched HONOR X9a 5G, we literally had zero expectations. What we had was hope and confidence in our capabilities, and then it exceeded all expectations. We did not let the success get into our heads; we just thought it was beginner’s luck. So, we leveled up with HONOR X9b 5G, and again it became a massive hit. Then HONOR X9c 5G came and it was our biggest feat yet, outdoing everything we’ve done in 2023 and 2024,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

The HONOR X9 series has been synonymous with its exceptional durability, raising the bar year after year. What began with 5-foot drop tests evolved into a 50-foot intense drop test-- and this year, HONOR X9c pushed to the extreme, dropped from a helicopter hundreds of feet above ground, further proving its unmatched toughness.

“One can only think about how we can even top the past three generations of HONOR X9 series. We must admit, it has become a challenge at this point, but with the technology and talent we have at HONOR, it is indeed a good challenge. I’m very excited for everyone to witness what we have been planning for the past few months,” Cheng continued.

Vice Ganda and Nadine Lustre reunite on the big screen in Call Me Mother, a comedy-drama that explores the joys and pains of motherhood. The film is an official entry to the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival and opens in cinemas nationwide on December 25.

Love triangles are nothing new in Filipino films. The woman caught between two men, each willing to do anything for her love, is a story audiences have seen many times before. Yet “Love You So Bad,” an entry in the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), finds new energy in the familiar by letting each character bring a distinct style of love, choice, and growth.

Starring Bianca de Vera, Dustin Yu, and Will Ashley, the film is a youthful romance that leans into longing, confusion, and self-discovery. Directed by Mae Cruz Alviar and written by Crystal San Miguel, “Love You So Bad” is a co-production of Star Cinema, GMA Pictures, and Regal Entertainment.

The brand’s new Calendar Girl is a charismatic and comedic GMA Network artist, digital creator, and one of today’s most recognizable online and television personalities.

White Castle Whisky has named Ashley Rivera as its 2025 Calendar Girl, marking a lighter and more playful turn in the brand’s long-running tradition. A GMA Network artist and digital creator known for her strong screen presence and comedic timing, Ashley brings a refreshing tone to the calendar, in keeping with White Castle Light Whisky’s tagline, “Dapat light lang!”