You’ve lived through two years of the pandemic and didn’t get to spend Christmas last year because of Typhoon Odette—we don’t blame you at all if you want to splurge on yourself this holiday season.
This gift guide is far more aspirational than anything we’ve ever written so far, but if you can afford to indulge a bit (and responsibly!) to make daily life easier and more fun, if you want to create memorable experiences, or if you need no justification what-so-ever, by all means, enjoy this list!
JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam Soundbar
A good sound system makes a big difference when you’re binging your favorite shows and movies. Not only do you hear better, but if you go for surround sound, it creates an immersive experience that’s comparable to going to movie theatres. They’re also really awesome for elevating that Spotify subscription!
JBL offers a plethora of home audio systems, but we’re really loving the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam in particular. Don’t be fooled by the fact it’s a standalone soundbar with no external speakers—this device packs in Dolby Atmos® and MultiBeam™ technologies to offer surround sound in a compact package.
SRP: Php 26,995.00 | Shop on JBL
Dyson Airwrap
Since everyone is starting to be out and about, gone are the days of unkempt hair. If you’re hopeless at styling your mane, or you’re scared of direct heat from traditional straightening irons and curling wands, Dyson’s Airwrap will make life so much easier for you.
Achieve that fresh-from-the-salon blowout look with this revolutionary system that uses Coanda technology that blows hot air to lock in your preferred styles. The complete set includes a smoothening attachment that doubles as a blow dryer, a curling barrel, a round brush, and two smoothening brushes.
Dyson Airwrap comes in various colorways, including this year’s limited edition one in Vinca Blue & Rosé.
SRP: Php 32,900 | Shop at the new Dyson Mall Demo Zone in SM City Cebu
Sony ZV-1
As the algorithm dictates, Reels are the best thing you can do to increase engagement and likes on Instagram. Sure, you can take good videos on your mobile phone especially if you have a flagship unit, but if you really want to level up your content, invest in a camera.
We adore the Sony ZV-1. It’s designed for bloggers with its articulating display and a forward-directional onboard microphone that can capture really good audio if you’d prefer not to hook up an external one. It also comes with a detachable windscreen out of the box, but splurge a few thousand more and you can get the shooting grip that lets you control the zoom and take photos and videos, while also serving as a handy tripod.
SRP: Php 45,999 including the vlogging kit | Shop at Macy’s Camera Store in APM Centrale
iPhone 14
If you very much prefer carrying fewer gadgets with you, Apple’s latest iPhone 14 series can let you take gorgeous photos and videos while still serving as a phone—a very powerful one at that.
The iPhone 14 boasts of the brand’s longest battery life ever, with a vibrant super retina display, and a camera that promises quality low-light photos and videos. It’s also made of aerospace-grade aluminum and Ceramic Shield glass for your screen leading to no doubts about its durability.
SRP: Starts at Php 56,990 for the iPhone 14 | Shop on Apple, Inc.
Jewelry from Oro China
Real jewelry will always, always be a quality investment. It stands the test of time with its value increasing the longer you have it. It helps they’ll always look good too!
This season is the perfect reason (or excuse—again, we don’t judge) to indulge in new pieces for your jewelry box. Oro China offers various options from rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more, made of gold, freshwater pearls, diamonds, and colored gems. You can even customize pieces for yourself, for your partner or best friend, and your children.
Price varies | Shop on Oro China
Nespresso New Lattissima One
A lot of us need coffee to start the day, so perhaps it’s high time you level up from your instant coffee mix to a delicious espresso that’s café-worthy. Nespresso, which recently opened in Ayala Center Cebu, offers various machines that fit your lifestyle and your kitchen real estate space.
We’re especially eyeing the New Lattissima One for its versatility. Besides being able to handle your favorite Nespresso pods just fine, a milk reservoir lets you create various milk-based drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes with one touch of a button.
SRP: Php 25,000 | Shop at Nespresso Ayala Center Cebu
Business Class Tickets via Cathay Pacific
With countries easing up on their restrictions, now is the perfect time to travel the world. Make it a memorable one with Business Class tickets from Cathay Pacific to your favorite destinations, including Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, New York, Los Angeles, London, and more.
Cathay Pacific also offers flexible flight options in case you need to reschedule your trip.
Price varies | Book now via Cathay Pacific
Hyundai IONIQ 5
If it’s high time to upgrade your current daily driver, why not choose a vehicle that helps you reduce your carbon footprint?
The Hyundai IONIQ 5, which was previewed in Cebu last month, is an award-winning fully-electric vehicle. It comes in 58kWh and 72.6kWh battery options, up to 481 of range on a single charge, and ultra-fast charging capabilities.
The charging time is rated at around five to six hours on an AC Home charger and eight to nine hours on a portable charger; both chargers are included on the vehicle upon delivery. The IONIQ 5 will also charge from 0-100% for only 46-57 minutes using a DC fast charger, which will be available soon at Hyundai dealerships and several malls and gas stations.
Estimated price: Php 3.1 million | Reserve now at Hyundai Cebu North and Hyundai Cebu South