ION PEREZ and VICE GANDA are Fitting Endorsers for BELLE DOLLS

I've been covering Beautéderm events for a while now but this has been the most secretive event so far that I didn't know who the new Belle Dolls brand ambassador would be til the last minute. 

Belle Dolls has been a really bullish health and beauty drink brand under Beautéderm corp and I've personally consumed bags of the Beauté Secret Collagen Juice Drink (Strawberry and Lychee flavor) and the Beauté Secret Stem Cell Drink which the new personality will endorse, no other than the Unkabogable Superstar Vice Ganda. Her husband Ion Perez on the other hand will be handling Beauté Secret Black Coffee and the Beauté Secret Healthy Coffee which has Caramel Macchiato flavors in it. 

These products have healthy ingredients that would take care of your gut health, skin, aid in mental clarity, and your lovely nails. The coffee line also has stevia for sweetener, and is healthy which Ion wants so he could take care of himself and Vice too. 

Ms. Rei Tan talked lengthily about how even before this endorsement came, she and Vice have been working together to make sure those who have no access to education will be given the opportunity to go to school and finish their courses. Ms Rei and Vice are very passionate about it, and if this means they'll be helping less fortunate kids gain education, they would be glad to do so. Vice has been taking notes of people who genuinely care for others and he's seen what Ms. Rei has done not only to those who are in the north (as a proud Ilocana) but also those in Pampanga since Angeles City is where the Beautéderm Headquarters is located. Vice also knows how genuine Ms. Rei is because of the several instances they worked together, without any hitches or issues. 

Ion on the other hand may have been nervous knowing about this endorsement, but he became very comfortable because of the fact that owner Ms. Rei spoke Kapampangan, a dialect that they too used in Tarlac where Ion is based. Ion is super into healthy stuff, and told the press that he's been encouraging Vice a lot by changing her lifestyle especially getting enough sleep and watching what she eats and drink. These days, they are prioritizing themselves, because they realized they wouldn't be able to help others if they don't take care of their own health.

Ms. Rei knows that Vice and Ion are real genuine people, and exactly would represent their Belle Dolls brand. She also lauds them for being so confident and very ready to motivate other people using their influence for good. It's also their authenticity that she admires, which she finds on and off camera. With the brand, they could now start seeing the benefits of products where Filipinos would have careful choices and find it available all throughout the Philippines.

Congratulations to Ms. Rei, Belle Dolls, to Ion and Vice too! It just fits like a glove, definitely!

VIBEPH Powers 38th Awit Awards

The recent 38th Awit Awards was one for the books. It's the most excellently produced awards show I've ever seen in recent years. This was powered by the same folks who produced VIBEPH which is under MQuest, an entertainment subsidiary of the MVP Group. When they announced their partnership with Awit Awards and PARI (Philippine Association of the Record Industry) a few weeks ago, that was when we knew they'll be working with them for the Awit Awards. This is also presented by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Awit Awards remains as the premier award giving body to honor OPM artists, songwriters, Producers, industry pros and music professionals. Ours is a rich and diverse one, so with a multitude genres, it's just apt to recognize them during this evening. 

Hosts of VIBEPH or Vibe Jocks also hosted the event, with their fun banters and fun chat in between, it made the long hours bearable. But the Purple Carpet started getting full with OPM artists, they were so generous in posing for photos. I had so much fun being their in the afternoon!

As expected the internationally acclaimed PPOP groups SB19 and BINI got much of the awards, including individual awards for the boys since they have other singles made, my bias FELIP included! SB19 copped Best Global Collaboration Recording (with Gloc9), Best Rap Hip Hop Recording, Best Cover Art and Best Music Video. BINI got People's Voice Favorite Album and Group Artist, and Best Dance/Electronic for the single Salamin Salamin. 

Usual suspects Ben & Ben, Lola Amour, Cup of Joe, Dionela also won awards, plus special ones for rock god Ely Buendia and Viva head Vic Del Rosario. Congratulations to PARI, MQuest Ventures, VibePH, PCSO who all helped make this happen. It was so nice to see Regine Velasquez and that tribute to Ely Buendia, can't wait to see your next partnership!

AWIT AWARDS 2025 Powered by VibePH Shot on Honor 400 5G

VibePH jocks all looked so gorgeous and handsome at the Purple Carpet

It's my first time covering the Awit Awards who has partnered with MQuest and the folks from VibePH. They also have partnered with Honor Philippines who lent us their newest phone, the Honor 400 5G which we used to take videos on the purple carpet before festivities began inside the newly revamped Meralco Theater. We needed to be there early to make sure we had time to see the artists arrive around noon, and they were quite generous posing for us at the VibePH Purple carpet. Awit Awards is an annual event where the PARI (Philippine Association of the Record Industry) honors some of the remarkable musical artists in the country. Even before the event began, I heard PPOP greats SB19 and BINI were receiving awards which I'm super happy about! 

Saw Lolita Carbon, Donita Nose, Ben and Ben, Tutti Caringal, Iñigo Pascual, and a lot more musical artists at the Purple Carpet

Here's some of the scenes at the Purple Carpet, this was in front of the Meralco Building which houses the theater. 

This event was certainly one of the grandest ones I've ever seen. I could see the dedication and work they put in to honor the bands, the groups and individual artists who received awards. I specifically love the part where I saw my own idol Ely Buendia who received the "Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino Award" for his contributions to the music industry. They also gave awards to SB19, their collabs, individual members (including my bias Felip!) and femme PPOP artists BINI. 

This was something that was expected, and they definitely delivered. Hosts Joao Constancia and Ryle Paolo Tan also.gave something extra for this hosting stint. I'd like to send our thanks to MQuest Ventures, PARI and HONOR Philippines for letting us cover the Awit Awards 2025 Powered by VibePH and shot entirely during this event with the Honor 400 5G.

You are not just a business, but passionate people who want to further help the music industry and these artists. May your tribe increase tenfold!

Congratulations to all the winners!

Spark Joy, Gain Big with Metrobank's Promos

What would make your holidays complete? A trip to the beach? Sand on your feet? A full table of food? Friends or family? What to you sparks joy? 

The folks from Metrobank know what's good so they launched their Spark Joy Promo. If you save enough for these things, they'll reward you to make sure you get closer to your goal. They know how important life experiences are, so if you participate in the Spark Joy Promo, a guaranteed eGift of up to 10,000 pesos may head your way. Remember though that it only is from October 24 to February 28, and I think that perfectly fits your Christmas bonus if you're planning to invest, wouldn't that be a good idea?

All you need to do is open a savings account with Metrobank (go to a branch near you!), or just download the Metrobank App and open an eSavings account with a Php 15,000 average daily balance. Make sure you maintain it for 6 months or have some amount higher in it, because the bigger it is, the higher ADB growth. You'll get a bigger eGift too. If you have 500k in it, that's a good 10k for you! 

These things definitely Spark Joy, and if you're interested just head on to metrobank.com.ph/promos/spark-joy. They've always been the reliable one, you're in good hands with... exactly!

Conversations About LONG COVID

The pandemic really got the nation crippled. I'm sure you're absolutely glad it's over, but for a percentage of the population.. the nightmare of debilitating conditions continue. Over coffee and tea this morning at One World Deli in Timog Avenue, we got to talk amongst those involved with the case of people living with LONG COVID. 

According to Dr. Camilo Road.Jr "Long Covid happens after the actual Covid itself. It's liberation day compared a few years ago where almost everyone was afraid of it. It's effects at the time of illness can be seen not just in the respiratory system, but also the immune system, therefore damaging other parts of the body. It caused death for a lot of people, and normalizing the body takes a lot of time after the cure. The fight may have subsided, but we do see mortality in 1%. The scare is still there, even in other illnesses that have higher mortality rate, some of which still suffer from it. Whether by scarring, virus fragments, while no longer contagious, still suffer from it. Long COVID happens 10-20 percent of those who had it, much higher in females and those who had it multiple times including the unvaccinated. Manifestation includes Fatigue, Headache, Attention Disorder, Hair Loss, Dyspnea. If you got it after being Covid, then that is Long Covid. Patients are taught to breathe more actively, avoid triggers, identify new limits and follow accordingly."

Roel Balignasay who's had Long COVID for 4 years told us "The chronic pains and silent battles just changed a bit of me being a man of action. In April, I thought I had flu, but was coughing intensely and felt I ran a marathon. I spent a total of 30 days in the hospital and couldn't eat because my throat was in pain, I also had muscle atrophy so I couldn't walk, had widespread body pain, got so confused and had brain fog. I had palpitations, but it was a health crisis. I also had diabetes, kidney stones, 2 blockages in my heart and 42 percent calcified.  I couldn't sing during those times, but this year, I can but have a hard time sustaining it due to fatigue and a scar on my larynx caused by laryngitis and GERD. I understood that's where the difficulty in breathing was coming from. It was a case of Long Covid according to my pulmonologist. I was told to check my heart rate, it was high when I was just sitting. Before I could work 12 hours, but now even talking was hard. I resigned from work, resorted to health supplements and machine, you may want to ask me about that. Work was strenuous, I look healthy but it was that, stigma. In the end, I had to change homes. Recently I joined communities, and tell people about it. It's a public health issue, and research needs to be done for it. I hope people listen with intent, the challenges had happen to me and some of my friends would tell me there's no Covid anymore. I stopped talking to people because of it and had depression."

Author of My Long Covid Journey: The Saga Behind the Smile Ms. Becks Galvez Tan told us a bit about her life as she says "I am a diagnosed Long COVID patient, fighting for my life 4 years ago where lungs were damaged, had hair loss, difficulty swallowing, sensory overload and the symptoms came and went, like a rollercoaster. The COVID-19 damaged not the lungs, but other organs as well. I felt better when I read other patients had 147 symptoms, but now I am tied to a oxygen concentrator because of a paralysis in my right diaphragm. From being able to walk easily before, I can only do it 2 minutes now. Every 3 minutes I had to rest going up the stairs, I had to rest for 40 minutes here before I could talk. It's just hard to believe that now I couldn't lift a finger. The fatigue is real, and the pain is excruciating. Now I recover faster compared before, but it is like dying in so many ways. I don't see my old self, I am in disbelief but I have moved on and focus on what I can do. In between crashes, I wrote all of it in The Saga Behind the Smile. It is available on digital for free, you can read it, I am living testament that you can still live despite suffering in silence. I don't want to spend my life in misery, I now learned to pace myself, I rest and do something on other days. It's just hard for people to understand. It's different everyday so I can't tell if symptoms are going to happen or not."

It's an E-Book, which you can download via bit.ly/MyLongCovidJourney.

Right now they are creating support groups and want to reach other Long COVID patients to they can help in not just advocacy but find government help. Get in touch with them, it's not okay to suffer in silence, you CAN get help today. If you need more information about it, please refer to World Health Organization channels.and the Department of Health.

Susana's by Pelayo's: Comforting Pasta That Might Change Your Life

Susana's mouthwatering signature Lasagna

Quezon City certainly has some really remarkable food havens and one of them is the Banawe area. There's a multitude number of cuisines, and each street still has some dishes to discover, but this one might change your life (oh yes we love puns!).

For those who are familiar with Pelayo's Cafe + Bistro (and their restaurants across Luzon), they've been in the food industry for a couple of years now. Solidly known for their mouthwatering Crispy Pata and Patatim, they have been able to satisfy countless Filipino homes with their quality cooked dishes and hosted tons of events and gatherings too. With the success of the brand in recent years, they continued to innovate, research and develop recipes for the ones at home, and to be able to make their lives easy in preparing ready to eat meals especially for those who they love.

Native Salad with Poached Egg

My personal favorite, the Patatim

Their well loved Crispy Pata

Beef Sinigang for those rainy days

Bangus Sisig

Hearty and corn lovin Suam

That's the secret ingredient to the food they serve and this month, they're launching Susana's Lasagna, a namesake of the owner's (Rad Pelayo) grandmother. We had a half serving of it on a plate to whet our appetite, and to tell you honestly, their version is a really good one. If you're often being served the tangy Italian versions of it in high end restaurants in Manila, Susana's Lasagna is a lot different because they managed to modify the dish to fit the Filipino palate. It's not too sour, not too sweet, but just right. It's also very cheesy, where one should note that even if they made it affordable, they didn't shortchange in the quality of ingredients. This is something they take pride on.

How This May Change Your Life

Susana's by Pelayos is actually starting to grow their business. This means, that YOU have the opportunity to be part of that by becoming a reseller or a franchise owner. It's the holiday season and Susana's Lasagna knows there's a lot of people who dread cooking for a lot of people during this time.

Conveniently sold frozen, you would just need to have this delivered, thawed (if you need it for other days) and put in the microwave or oven. Their goal is to be able to help other entrepreneurs to start their own business by selling them, or even have it be supplied to restaurants and cafe's as well. This means that as a seller, you don't need to do hard labor cooking. Customers have been loving the pasta like we did and the products can last a few months (best to consume in 2 months) but it could last in the freezer for more than that.

Franchise owners have the option of having time tested products both from the Pelayo's bistro menu and the Susanas by Pelayos line of pastas to sell or enjoy. If you're interested, please get in touch with them via their BANAWE BRANCH at 0917 119 3366 or visit them at 74 P. Florentino st. Sto. Domingo Banawe, Quezon City or their LUBAO BRANCH by calling 0917 144 4628 or their address Purok 3, Lourde Lauc Pao, Lubao, Pampanga.

They have these dishes combined in boxes with drinks and other viands so you can conveniently serve guests during events. The pasta from Susana's are also available in Solo, Sharing and Party Size. I bet there's going to be a lot of people who would order this during Christmas or New Year. Ordering is also easy as referrals will be done with nearby sellers/franchisees once they get in touch with their page Susana's Lasagna on FB.

ANDREA BRILLANTES Does "Fire and Flowers" for TANDUAY CALENDAR 2026

After her surprising transfer to MQuest Artist Agency and official signing a couple days ago, your favorite Andrea Brillantes is now your 2026 Tanduay Calendar Girl. She is 22, the youngest to have been able to get this spot and at the event... she represented herself with Fire and Flowers. She's feisty, tough, experienced in life but still gorgeous, delicate and beautiful as a flower. She wore 2 outfits during this bit where at first she performed a burlesque number with the premier dance group G-Force ala Dita Von Teese (boning and corseted). 

In a way, Andrea represents a generation where one is exuding confidence, a way to have been able to get out of her shell and become the woman she always wanted to be.

Her second outfit was even more daring as it gripped much of her body in lace, more revealing sections and red colors. There is also prestige that comes with being a Tanduay calendar girl as numerous stars have donned this role like Heart Evangelista, Jessy Mendiola, beauty queen Kylie Verzosa, Bea Alonzo, Ellen Adarna, Ivana Alawi, Julia Barretto, and last year's Kim Chiu.

Executives from Tanduay certainly chose her for her qualities, her popularity and looks. But Andrea is even more than that, and I think that makes her a perfect fit for Tanduay's calendar. Congratulations Blythe!

Possibilities Unfurled on Recent ISP Hosting

If you've been hearing a lot of buzz surrounding the recent hosting of the International Series Philippines where golf superstars arrived in the country, this just unfurled the possibilities of what more we can do with the sport which was hosted by B!ng0P|us Foundation, the social arm of the folks from D!giP|us Interactive Corp. This has made really good waves in the local scene as those who love the sport took a few days to immerse themselves in international level of competition including local athletes who had experience in the course. 

This is one of the things they wanted to do as part of their goals in sports development which was reiterated by D!giP|us Chair Eusebio Tanco. He said this is also part of their commitment in Philippine sports, putting their foot where their mouth is including a whopping 17.2 million pesos as donations for entities such as the Philippine Sports Commission, National Golf Association of the Philippines, the Asian Development Tour and an NGO called Sisidlan Rizal Weavers who had a chance to showcase their products front and center. They mentioned how this would help the PSC to fund training in different sports programs, something that would make dreams come true for the next gen athletes. 

This meant 100,000 USD for the Asian Development Tour and 50,000 USD for NGAP to secure a slot for a Filipino golfer in the international series so they could get to experience the same level of sport against champions. They also have 500,000 php to Sisidlan Rizal Weavers (much of whom members are women) to further help them in the business including their participation at the event's Welcome Gala and at the LIV Golf Music Fest where tons of folks enjoyed some of the country's greatest acts. This is just a part of what they do to multiply the good in the community, for education and also health. That's just one of many initiatives they plan to accomplish in this side of the world. Congratulations D!giP|us!

ZIA QUIZON Signs with STAR MUSIC and Releases New Single "RETO NA NAMAN"

Just got out of the Dolphy theater this afternoon for the launch and contract signing of Zia Quizon who will be now under Star Music. Present during the occasion was Nene Atillano, Jeffrey Vadillo, and Ericson Raymundo of Cornerstone, Roxy Liquigan, Jonathan Manalo and Andy Arellano of Star Music. This is the first time they're also letting us hear her newly released single called "RETO NA NAMAN" which will be under the same label. Zia was in a very positive mood and performed for us too.

Roxy Liquigan says "I remember when we met about a few months ago, and Cornerstone has been a very good partner. Zsazsa thank you for also letting Zia be part of the Star Music family. I miss her, miss her sound."

Jonathan Manalo adds"When you hear her voice, she is her own sound. Welcome to Star Music because we will start to work on your original music which I already got to hear. Wait til we come out with it."

Jeffrey Vadillo says "We have a lot that we can work on, and the hottest music label in the country, partnering with them is just an exciting moment."

Ericson Raymundo says "To partner with Star Music means we can do a lot of things together."

Jungee Marcelo told us "I was wishing for this, after a while she asked to make this song and that was in 2018. I was confident, I got a call from Star, and Zia was the one who presented the song and the one above just knew it's time. The perfect minds just met and it would be wonderful, and everything worked out, I'm glad it is happening. Please do not change, your groove is you, and I haven't seen anyone who can sing like that. Don't second guess yourself because I would want to work more song with you, the world needs to hear you! I hope Reto Na Naman becomes a big hit like the previous releases."

Zia says "There's a lot of things happening in the country, and pressing matters but I'm grateful for those who worked here, my husband and mom is here. I'm just glad to be here! I've been busy with life, my house, getting married, but I remembered a song in 2018 that was sent to me on email. I just went back and searched for it."

She adds "Platforms have really changed, so distributing songs is different. I also listen to new OPM, regional songs, and it's easier to hear songs from other countries and how to mix it. I just try to be open to suggestions and do covers, we'll see what we can do. I was gone for a while but really, I was just busy with life. I just had time now to go and do it, I'm excited to bring joy, entertain people and hopefully it brings joy. My last project is was band centric when I was with my college mates. I really appreciate all the little things they do now, it's a team effort. I'm kinda going back, as folks are ready to rediscover music."

She's also launching a music video tomorrow November 14 around 7pm on YouTube. You can also stream her music on Spotify and available music platforms on Google and the Play store and App Store.

KIRAY CELIS Wins in LOVE, Launches More Products for Skin/Health Empire

I distinctly remember the times we've covered press conferences for Kiray Celis, her shows and movies. She's always the jolly one, cracking jokes almost every time we meet her, cementing her career as a formidable actress and comedienne. In recent years, she'd had remarkable success in selling products online. She was selling millions worth of products from different manufacturers and asked herself how it could have been better if she sold her own and have had all the profit herself and her team. And so, she did. She's now the proud CEO of Kiray's Brands who manufactures Hot Babe and Skin Vibe products. And yesterday launched the new Hot Babe Green collection and 2 new ones under Skin Vibe.

I personally asked her if she feels that this is her "calling", but replies that the term was too deep for her to connect with. As for success, she doesn't feel she's there yet because all of her earnings are still being invested back to the business and is positive that in the coming years, would bear fruit, but even then she wouldn't see herself doing something big as an entrepreneur. She'd laugh it off just thinking of it. 

Hot Babe Green includes the Chamomile Tea, Lemongrass Pandan, Pistachio Matcha flavors. The drinks aid in digestion, lower cholesterol, detoxifies, cleanses and support weight management. On Skin Vibe, they launched Pwetturs B|eaching Cream and the Singova B|eaching Scrub that does exfoliation, brightens skin, and evens out your complexion. Took a while to put it out because she had to have FDA approval for it. It's a hard job, but she wants to make sure if she's going to have something out in the market, it had to be safe for Filipinos to use as she's got tons of resellers who are also helping her to grow her business. She's so thankful also to her affiliates, resellers and return customers who all contributed to the remarkable success of her brand. 

Here's our talk with Kiray and the part where she also explained the viral Japan issues she addressed, she apologized for those who felt offended but be assured she got proper permits to do the shoot and Japanese folks were asking if she was a model, okay?!

If you want to get a hold of her products, Hot Babe Green and Skin Vibe is available at FB, TikTok Shop, Shopper and Lazada. Just order and have it delivered. I'm sure this isn't going to be the last of what Kiray has up her sleeves. She's also going to be married soon, here's wishing her the best of business and LOVE because she deserves it!