The trees are up, parol lights glow into the night, and reunions are just around the corner—it’s officially that time of the year when everything feels a little warmer and a little more familiar.
With the holiday season upon us, that familiar feeling that rushes in—a tug of nostalgia and quiet sentiment that reminds us that, no matter how fast the year goes or how many milestones we’ve reached, some things never grow old.
And even for those whose lives have changed under the spotlight, that warm, festive spirit remains the same. For Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition alumni Esnyr and Shuvee Etrata, the season holds memories that fame can’t outshine.
Though their lives now shine a little brighter and move a little faster, Esnyr, the ABS-CBN Star Magic PBB Collab 3rd Placer, breakout content creator known for his relatable humor, and Shuvee, Sparkle GMA actress, host, and top brand endorser, still hold on to the same simple joys of Christmas: family, food, laughter, and home.
And while their lives have changed in many ways—from the modest family gatherings they grew up with to juggling packed schedules—they continue to carry the same warmth and gratitude that shaped their humble beginnings.
And as their lives grew busier and their responsibilities became bigger, tools that make the holidays easier also matter. This is where GCash becomes a real holiday helper.
Whether it is Pay Online for quick purchases, GCredit or GLoan for meaningful gifts and family essentials, or real-time expense tracking to stay on top of a holiday budget, GCash helps make the season feel more organized and stress-free.
It allows people like Esnyr and Shuvee to focus on what truly matters during Christmas: preparing for the ones they love, giving with intention, and enjoying the moments that remind them of home.
Before the Spotlight: Simple Joys, Big Hearts
Looking back on his Christmas memories from childhood, it’s the simple moments in the province that Esnyr fondly recalls.
"Nung bata pa po ako, Christmas used to hit differently. September pa lang ramdam na ramdam na namin ‘yung simoy ng Pasko,” he shares.
"Excited akong abangan sa TV ‘yung countdown at sumama sa caroling sa kapitbahay. Simple lang ang buhay namin sa probinsya, pero napakasaya at makulay ng Pasko noon."
While Christmas is often seen as a season for grand celebrations, for Esnyr, it has never taken much to make it special. It’s the simplicity of being in a joy-filled home with the people he loves that makes the holidays truly merry and bright.
As he puts it, "Being surrounded by family, sabay-sabay sa hapagkainan habang amoy na amoy ang handa sa kusina. May Christmas songs playing softly in the background, tawanan, chikahan, at mga pa-games."
Much like Esnyr, Shuvee also grew up with a Christmas that felt close-knit and full of life—only hers unfolded on an island where everyone knew each other like one big family, and every moment revolved around community and shared laughter.
“Sa tuwing uuwi ako, sa pagbaba ko pa lang ng barko at malanghap ang amoy ng dagat—it smells comfort. The moment I step off the roro and feel the sea breeze—that’s it. There’s something about island air that feels like a hug,” she says, describing the feeling she always associates with home.
"We’d spend the day visiting relatives, sharing food, and talking a lot," she recalls.
Looking back on her childhood, Shuvee shares that celebrating Christmas has always been a special family tradition.
She explains, "Every Christmas Eve, we’d all help prepare Noche Buena together—I was mainly assigned to create a program for my siblings to enjoy, and I also helped with the food. Lahat kami may kanya-kanyang role."
For these personalities, real joy during the holiday season doesn’t come from extravagance, but from the people who make you feel at home.
"The best celebrations aren’t about what you have, but who you’re with," Shuvee says.
The Essence That Stayed: Family, Food, and Gratitude
Despite the demands of fame and busy schedules, Esnyr and Shuvee make it a point to keep family at the heart of their holiday celebrations.
"‘Yung magtitipon at magse-celebrate kaming pamilya sa Pasko o Bagong Taon na kumpleto. I always make sure na umuwi sa province namin—to go back not to my house but my home,” Esnyr shares when asked about the one family tradition he refuses to let go of, no matter how busy things get.
He emphasizes the importance of family. “For the past three years since I became the provider, Christmas has meant so much more to me. Lahat ng pagod at puyat, nawawala kapag nakikita ko silang masaya—kasi para naman talaga sa kanila lahat ng ginagawa ko,” he opens up.
Sitting around the table, sharing home-cooked dishes, and hearing the same laughter he remembers from childhood remind him why he stays grateful despite the whirlwind of his career.
Shuvee shares the same sentiment. No matter how busy the season gets with shoots and events, she always returns to the simple joys she grew up with—especially the food and traditions her family prepares together.
Even now, as they rise to fame, the two remain grounded in their roots. If there’s one thing Esnyr has learned over the years, it’s how to find joy and meaning in the simple moments.
"It taught me to really appreciate the little things… the value of togetherness and the joy of giving back talaga."
When asked about what makes Christmas feel like Christmas, Shuvee tells us: “Music and food talaga. Pag nag-start na ‘yung Christmas playlist tapos napupuno na ‘yung table, doon ko nafe-feel ‘yung warmth and togetherness. Kahit saan pa ako, basta may tawanan, shared food, at good music, then it feels like Christmas.”
She continues: "Christmas Day is non-negotiable to me. I always go home no matter the circumstances."
For her, gratitude shows up in these moments: helping in the kitchen, sharing Noche Buena, and being surrounded by the people who’ve supported her long before the spotlight.
Navigating Fame: Busier Schedules, Same Traditions
While their past holiday celebrations were defined by the simple joys of get-togethers and singing Christmas carols in the neighborhood, Esnyr and Shuvee navigate the season with the same grateful hearts amid packed schedules filled with work, content shoots, and brand events.
"I think it’s not really the season that changed me, but my priorities. Hindi naman talaga nagbago ang Pasko, tayo lang ang tumatanda,” Esnyr reflects.
"Unlike before na sobrang colorful, ngayon mas totoo. With all the shoots, projects, and blessings coming my way, I’m genuinely grateful and happy. Mas nae-excite at namo-motivate pa ako ngayon to give back in my own little ways.”
Even with projects and festivities lined up, Shuvee also makes it a point to slow down and stay connected to her roots. “I cook the same dishes we had growing up, play the same old songs, and call my family even if I can’t be home right away,” she says.
As they continue navigating their growing fame, both make it a point to stay true to themselves. “People may know me as Esnyr and the characters they see online, but to my family, ako pa rin si ‘Jan Jan.’ That’s something most people don’t get to see on social media,” Esnyr explains.
Though their fame has added new layers to their lives, their hearts remain anchored in what truly matters—connection, tradition, and togetherness. Shuvee echoes this commitment to authenticity: “Kahit ngayon, sobrang busy ng schedule sa daming blessings at trabaho. Mini-make sure ko talaga magbigay ng oras sa mga importante and mahal kong tao - even if it’s just a simple meal or coffee.”
The Gift of Giving: What Matters Most Now
With their rising success, both Esnyr and Shuvee have gained a deeper understanding of what it truly means to give, especially during the holidays. Their achievements have only expanded their capacity to make others feel the warmth and joy that Christmas brings.
For Esnyr, being the provider for his family has made Christmas “literally the season of giving.” He adds, “Makita ko lang masaya ang parents ko at mga kapatid ko reminds me why all the hard work is worth it.”
He tells us: “I’ve always been more of a gift-giver than a receiver.” When asked about what kind of gifts he plans to give his loved ones, he tells us, “I’m planning to give Mama Susan a MacBook that she can use for teaching. Same goes for my dad and sisters—something practical that they can use in their everyday lives.”
Shuvee echoes this sentiment. For her, giving is about thoughtful gestures and shared moments with loved ones. “Ang sarap lang talaga sa pakiramdan bumili at mag pack ng mga regalo para sa mga kapatid ko at parents…
"I also love to host the program of our get-togethers as my gift - sa mga simpleng tawa, sayaw, kantahan at chikahan these are moments I always love to go back with, ang sarap sa pakiramdam."
"I’ve reached a point where I really value thoughtful, meaningful gifts—things that come from the heart. It could be something simple, like a handwritten note, a photo album, or even just time spent together. I love gifts that hold a story or a memory," she adds.
Shuvee adds, “I just really make sure na lahat may regalong bubuksan sa gabi ng Pasko, maliit man yan o malaki. “
As cliché as it may sound, for Esnyr and Shuvee, the best gifts are always the ones that are thoughtful and come from the heart. “Any gift that comes from the heart means a lot to me, swear!” Esnyr says.
And for Shuvee, that mindset is rooted in her upbringing. “We didn’t have extravagant gifts or big parties, but we had gratitude and love,” Shuvee reflects. “[It] taught me that joy doesn’t come from material things, it’s mainly the effort and love that you poured into it.”
Full-Circle Moments and Reflections
As they look back on how far they’ve come, both Esnyr and Shuvee find themselves thinking of their younger selves.
Esnyr shares, “I think the younger me who used to wait for the Christmas countdown on TV and join caroling in the province would probably not believe all of this... He’d be proud, not just of the achievements but of the heart that stayed the same.”
Meanwhile, Shuvee tells us what she thinks her younger self would say about where she is now: “I think she’d smile and say, ‘You did it—but you never forgot where you came from.’”
While they’ve grown in the spotlight, the gratitude, warmth, and love that defined their childhood continue to guide them—proving that true growth isn’t just measured by success, but by the heart you carry along the way.
As the year comes to a close—a year that opened so many doors for them—Esnyr and Shuvee offer heartfelt reflections on what truly matters during the holidays.
“Keep going and never forget to be grateful lalo na sa mga tao who’ve been with you since day one. And when your time comes, don’t forget to give back and share your blessings as well,” Esnyr advises.
Shuvee adds, “Wherever you are, I hope you find warmth in small moments—a call from family, a shared meal, a laugh with friends. Christmas isn’t just a place, it’s a feeling.”
For them, these words reflect a shared understanding: that success is meaningful only when paired with gratitude, love, and connection. The spotlight may shine brighter on them now, but it’s the glow of home that truly lights Esnyr and Shuvee’s holidays.
Celebrating the Season Through Giving
As Esnyr and Shuvee remind us, the magic of the holidays lives in the moments we share and the memories we make. And while Christmas will always be about connection, it’s also a season of thoughtful giving—finding that one gift that makes someone feel truly seen.
Inspired by the simple joys that shape Esnyr and Shuvee’s traditions, we’ve curated The Merry Picks, in collaboration with GCash—filled with functional, heartwarming pieces made to spark delight.
Whether they’re the practical friend who loves useful picks, the ultimate holiday host, or the one who always upgrades first, here are gifts that make the season shine a little brighter.
For the practical friend:
Thoughtful, functional picks that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable.
Acer Swift Go 16 AI Intel, starts at PHP37,800
DJI OSMO Pocket 3 Creator Combo, PHP37,490
The Paper Bunny 2026 Planner - Black Swan, PHP2,050
Getringo Ringo Magsafe Tumbler", PHP2,290
Adam Elements: Magnetic Selfie Light, PHP2,290
For the one who always hosts:
Gifts that elevate gatherings and make entertaining a breeze.
Boost Wireless Karaoke Speakers, PHP999
IKEA JUTTERSBO Utility Cart, PHP699
Fujifilm x Instax Mini Evo Digital Camera, PHP12,500
Board / Card Game Set, PHP2,000
Flying Tiger Cute Christmas Mug, PHP1,995
For the one who upgrades before everyone else:
Smart, stylish tech picks perfect for the friend who’s always ahead.
iPhone Crossbody Strap, PHP1,500
Xiaomi Smart Speaker, PHP2,500
Anker Laptop Power Bank, PHP5,994
Apple AirTag, PHP1,890
Belkin Qi2 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand, PHP8,990
With all the celebrations and last-minute errands the season brings, GCash helps make holiday gifting smooth and stress-free. Features like GGives and GLoan offer flexible spending options, while real-time transaction records keep every purchase organized and easy to track. And with seamless payments—whether in-store or pay online—finding and giving the perfect gift becomes a simple, joyful part of the season.
DISCLAIMER: The gift ideas featured in this list were curated by Pep.ph in partnership with GCash. The talents included do not endorse or promote any of the products mentioned.
Make it merry and make holiday shopping lighter when using GGives, GCredit and GLoan through your GCash app.
The following products are available within the GCash dashboard when clicking the "Borrow" button. Fuse Financing, Inc. is a company that offers simple, affordable, and secure loans in the Philippines. All Fuse Financing Inc, Inc are subject to eligibility. Terms and Conditions apply. No GCash yet? Download the GCash App on Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei App Gallery.
PRODUCTION CREDITS:
Photographer: Andrea Genota (andygen.photo)
Product Photographer: Dairy Darilag (@dairydarilag)
Team Art Director: Carlo Maala (@juancarlolm)
Art Director: Tiara Imperial (@tiara_imperial), Rey Etable (@reyetable)
Summit X Creative Director: Katrin Cruz (@kjscrz)
Content Strategist: Aries Santos (@ajtsssss)
Summit X Editor-in-Chief: Jamie Sanchez (@jamiexs)
Native Editor: Nicole Gueco (@nicolegueco)
Story: Nicole Gueco (@nicolegueco)
Social Media: Cake Evangelista (@heycakey), Fen Lozada (@nichilzd)
Production Manager: Mary Joyce Lapasaran (@_joycelapasaran), Gem Apostol-Fernandez (@gem.meg.gem)
Video Director: Jino Del Mundo (@jinooftheworld)
Executive Producer: Abigail Olaco (@abichronicles)
Videographer: Jino Del Mundo (@jinooftheworld)
Video Producers: Cherrie Julian (@brighteyedcherrie), Jo Andrian Tamesis (@ironman_013)
Video Editor: Renz Mercado (@renznerenz), Kimberly Pineda (@_kim.nicolee)
Colorist: Nala Chincuanco (@nalachincuanco)
Team Lead, Revenue Growth: Onnie del Mundo - Arrieta (@onnelia_b)
Deputy Team Lead, Revenue Growth: Kyle Yabut (@kyeyabut)
Implementor: Vivian Manahan (@bibsilicious)
Studio: Red Apple Manila (@redapple.manila)
Prod Design: Adset (@arendale @adestprod)