HONOR X5c Plus Set to Drop only on Shopee 3.3 Mega Sale!

Performance or price? That's what the people from Honor Philippines and Shopee asked us during the launch of the new Honor X5c Plus, the newest smartphone that will be sold exclusively at the Shopee app. 

Honor Philippines ECommerce Manager AC de Guzman says "Shopee has been my home and playground in previous years and we have amazing partners with them. We continuously do this because our online business grew 2154 percent since we started and reached the corners of the Philippines because of them. We received 2 awards from them and we choose them for our partners now. The Honor X5c Plus will be sold exclusively through Shopee."

The phone has a 3 day battery life, large storage, and a well performing camera too. Jack Ng the Head of Commerce of Shopee Philippines says "Our partnership with Honor has been exceptional. We amplified online and offline events with them, and the strong collaboration has made us drive ShopeePay even better. We love them here!"

Eason De Guzman the Digital Manager and Content Lead of Honor Philippines added "Do you still remember the excitement of your first smartphone? It's a symbol of success, your school, your business, and it's why we want you to experience the Honor X5c Plus. It's available in Ocean style, and Nano Silver. The battery is 5260 mAh, something that can last you 3 days. It also has a 50MP camera, G81 Helio processor, brighter and clearer screen, and magic capsule features. It's our newest entry level smartphone for only Php 6,999 pesos. But for a deal, 12MN sale will get you the best Php 4,999 price. Only on Shopee!"

So what are you guys waiting for? Go get them now! This starts on the Shopee 3.3 Mega Sale!

BELLE MARIANO, JOEL CRUZ Headline Showbiz Pulis Anniversary Special

A weekend full of fun and talk with one of the country's most bankable actresses Belle Mariano and the Lord of Scents Joel Cruz will happen as Showbiz Pulis celebrates their 1st Anniversary. This will happen on March 1st, at Abante social channels (DWAR, Abante Radyo FB, DWAR Abante Radyo YT channel, Sky Ch 85, Converge Ch 79, TCL Smart TV, Blast, K5 News, Samsung TV Plus, Parasat Cable in Mindanao, Amasian TV in North America)  at 2pm (Philippine Time) with host prolific entertainment editor Roldan Castro. 

He says "This is our gift for our listeners during our 1st anniversary at Showbiz Pulis. I'd like to thank the Abante management for their trust, otherwise this wouldn't have been successful. A year is no joke, and we have to thank all our listeners for continuously supporting our show!"

They will continue to do their segments which people have enjoyed . This  show is produced by Jason Gucilatar and they would like to thank their sponsors Fernando's Bakeshop for their cake and Bait Lehem House of Bread who also supported them on this occasion.

KAI MONTINOLA, KYLE ECHARRI, MARIS, ARTHUR NERY, ADIE Headline ONE ILOCOS SUR Festivities

Ilocos Sur knows how to really party as they did another round of the Ilocos Sur Festival. Imagine, a party for 12 straight days of people enjoying culture, faith, community, all in one place where every Ilocano, Ilocana, their friends, and family would enjoy from sun up to sun down in this province in the north. 

They started with the Ilocos Sur Trade and Food Fair where they set up various booths with the help of local entrepreneurs, artisans, making us all feel that the industry is thriving in this region and gave us reasons to come back. Caoayan won Best Booth and also featured products like Double Cacao Delight, Ube Vinegar, and tons of other things. They also had processions to celebrate the Eucharist, the Los Patrones for the faithful and the clergy. They also did a Grand Parade where they featured floats from different municipalities, and where Sinait, Sigay and Narvacan won best in class. They also did a full on drone show at the Quirino Stadium where ABSCBN stars Kai Montinola and Kyle Echarri performed to the delight of Ilocandia. Mind you, the crowd there went to 40,000 which is a big turnout compared to previous years. 

They also did a few days of homage to fisher folk and farmers, putting those tractors and produce in a parade, plus a program for those who went back to the province and the tourists too. They also did a blackout bingo for a whopping 100K no joke!

They also held a Tattoo Expo called Tinnatoan where Apo Whang Od's descendants did a lot of mambabatok skin work, and several of them won Best in Show in a competition done just on this festival. They also did Mister Ilocos Sur where Aries Patis won for his hometown of Santa Cruz. They also did sea based comps and a motocross plus Ilocos Sur Pride Queen 2026 where Luivie Bitongan won for Candon City. At the Miss Ilocos Sur 2026, gorgeous Nathalie Clarin won for the town of Narvacan. It was absolutely fun to see all of it happen at One Ilocos Sur! 

Forging Bonds During Lunar New Year Festivities at the Beautéderm Headquarters

Being in the midst of celebrities was not on my plans for Lunar New Year, but the good CEO of Beautéderm Ms. Rei Anicoche Tan made our day special by bringing in some of the country's brightest stars at their headquarters in Angeles Pampanga as they celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse!

I've been informed that this year is going to be very fast paced and dynamic, and we've all got to have more patience, more energy, do more bold moves so we could achieve our dreams and experience more things. While Ms. Rei didn't have any plans to do an event, she knew this yearly bonding activity would be something good for their brand but their numerous endorsers, so they could get to know each other, especially off the stage, on a very personal level. It was something important for her and the Beautéderm Corporation, so she made it happen even in the midst of a very busy month. They made tons of arrangements, Lion and Dragon dance, took photos of them in different floors, and showcased them outdoors for the public to see. 

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Ms. Rei says "Happy Chinese New Year! As I look around this room, I see our influencers, press and Beautederm ambassadors. We are driven, fearless and this has become a tradition for us. We give thanks, and doing it in this building means a lot for us. We continue to grow together, share even great success. May this year bring abundance to all of us!"

The event was also graced by GMA's prime actor Dennis Trillo, Board Member Aaron Villaflor, the iconic Lorna Tolentino, hunky Vice Governor Ejay Falcon, Sexbomb and Bulacan Queen Sunshine Garcia Castro, the hilarious Sugar Mercado (who's both doing RAWND 6 soon!), Darla Sauler, Thou Reyes, Dental Diva Kakai Bautista, actress Thia Thomalia, your Baby Boy Kimson Tan, the beautiful Nadine Samonte, beauty queens Rochelle Barrameda, lovely Chanel Morales, Pepita Curtis, Jennie Gabriel (her Angel Locsin impersonation was super good!), Buboy Villar (who was with his family and cute baby!), and a whole lot more. I've seen PBA pro Terrence Romeo and a few of his friends during dinner, it was so nice to see them in the flesh! Plus the whole family of Ms. Rei Tan was there to support and celebrate with her. 

 

I'd like to take this bit to thank Beautederm and Ms. Rei for making us part of the festivities! May you continue to be a blessing to not just yourself, but to other people. Happy Lunar New Year! 

DESTARA APP To Be Featured at Year of the Fire Horse Event

Queen of Feng Shui Ms. Marites Allen will be holding a Year of the Fire Horse Welcoming Ritual and Prosperity Event at BGC this Lunar New Year. People will be celebrating with welcoming and wish rituals, energy cleansing, and of the highlights of the evening, the introduction of the first Feng Shui AI Guidance Platform called DESTARA. 

It has been created from digitizing her knowledge of Chinese Astrology which she has practiced for over 30 years, and now it's going to be easy to get guided decisions for Health, Wealth, Love and your Career in it. It is currently on Alpha stage which means only a few get to test the platform as further enhancements are planned for it. This will be released on Beta soon and will be on the App Store or Google Play once it is finalized. 

You can try it by scanning this QR code and registering on the platform. I did this a couple weeks ago and a LOT of people are enjoying it already. 

Subscription plans will be available soon (to get more features to happen) but you can try it now and get the guidance you need on your phone, tablet or laptops. Sign up and get your AI DESTINY MENTOR created so you can read daily reminders before you start your day!

NEXT ON NETFLIX: KATHRYN BERNARDO, ANNE CURTIS, GERALD ANDERSON, JANINE GUTIERREZ and More Filipino Movies, Series and Shows!

Home of the most compelling actors, the Philippines has been home to Netflix for 10 years, and recently, they announced what's NEXT for the brand. 

For starters, they've got more Filipino content coming. Vito Lazatin head of content in the PH says "This is the first NEXT in the country. 2026 is a very special milestone and it's been 10 years of your favorite stories and yes, more homegrown stories that is authentic and ambitious. The best of local storytelling, creative collaboration and working with the best in the industry so we could support from script to screen. Since 2022 we partnered with ABSCBN and GMA to bring their titles to the platform. As of date, 32 have been in the global top 10. This 2026 we are going bigger and bolder, 5 Netflix originals, we are so lucky we got to work with the best in the industry who share their vision, they believe Netflix is a place to realize what Filipino storytelling would be."

Then when a video played I saw Balaraw, Buy Bust: The Undesirables, 18th rose, (I thought there was a TGIS the Reunion movie), Ganito Ganyan Ganoon, just a few of the things they showed on screen after his speech.

18th Rose is a coming of age romance by Dolly Dulu, Xyriel Manabat and Kyle Echarri.

Ganito Ganyan Ganoon is a family tragedy, director is Cholo Laurel. Stars Agot Isidro and Jodi Sta Maria. 

Paskong Pinoy is a Holiday Anthology series featuring 4 different stories that define Filipino Christmas from director Mark Reyes, starring Bobby Andrews, Angelu De Leon, Rica Peralejo, Barbie Forteza, and Enchong Dee.

Grit heart and high paced action, The Master Cutter from GMA, an action drama of a scout ranger doing a life of a Tailor by day, bounty hunting by night. The director is Dominic Zapata and stars Dingdong Dantes, Shuvee, Max Collins, and more. Dingdong says "There are costumes, you have to be mentally and physically fit to get into character. I'm with pro actors and the scene will take you there!"

 

Someone Someday is from ABSCBN which is a movie about a dating app, rediscovering love and second chances by Chad Vidanes and Dolly Dulu. Stars James Reid Maja Salvador and Kathryn Bernardo.

 

Netflix also highlighted BALARAW, a series made from Filipino folklore telling a story of a woman finding her mother in an uncharted island. Directed by Ray Red and Stars Agot Isidro, Charlie Dizon, Janine Gutierrez. Janine says "We have been keeping this a secret for a year, and now we are sharing this to the world."

Buy Bust: The Undersirables talks about another installment of Erik Matti's series. This stars Gerald Anderson and Anne Curtis.

Here's our coverage on video!

 

This is just the tip of the iceberg because certainly, there will be more. International titles include One Piece, The Last Airbender, K Dramas, WWE. It's all happening on the app! Congratulations Netflix!

Singapore Based NurtureRN Set To Hold "NOW Expo Asia 2026" in June

OFW's are said to be the new heroes of the country as they have consistently contributed about 8-10 percent of the country's GDP. A huge chunk of this are medical professionals, nurses and they've been praised as the best in the world. 

About two years ago, Singapore based NurtureRN saw the need for these professionals to be guided, armed with the right knowledge, utilize innovations, and create meaningful connections to further their career goals. It's why they made the move to hold a first of its kind trade exhibit and launch, a platform that could take you to that path called "NOW Expo Asia 2026" (Nursing Opportunities Worldwide Ecosystem Expo) specifically to target over 5000 stakeholders, to help and answer their concerns.

To do this, they also partnered with TrueProfile and DataFlow, the masters of professional credentials verification. They also have sought talks with National and Local Government Units to address, educate the greater majority of their audience including students, educators, including those who are in the workforce and ones who are seeking for opportunities here and abroad. 

Here's our coverage on video as we talked about the details of their event:

"NOW Expo Asia 2026" will happen on June 26th to 27 at the SM Megamall Megatrade hall on mall hours. Admission is FREE so there's no reason for you to not be there for this event created especially for Nurses, medical professionals, students and their families.

They won't be taking NO for an answer. If you've got a concern too that you think needs urgent response, they will hold live sessions, talks from experienced Nurses who are based in the US if specialization is something you're planning to do. This is a continuing goal for them so after the event, they would also welcome folks to get in touch with them via their socials and official website https://www.NOW-EXPO.com. Schedules will be posted soon!

Casio Partners with Toyota Racing

I've been witness to several Toyota Racing events in Japan (remotely) and in the Philippines. Hearing how passionate people are in the sport makes me feel so good knowing they get to show Toyota Motor Corporation's knack in motorsports and it's development. Now there are big brands supporting them for the same reason, and one of them is Casio Computer Co., Ltd. via their best Casio EDIFICE watch which they are gearing for global promotion.

You can see how they have shared values. They do innovation like no other, they also use tech for their advantage and showcase it by providing EDIFICE to Toyota Racing team during the FIA World Endurance Championship Season. Both brands will also be displayed proudly on the cars, a sight to behold!

For those who didn't know, they were previously known as Toyota Gazoo Racing. The rebranding is a new beginning, which makes sense as it is going to be easier to recall. Casio also treats this as a new level of joy and hopes more people get to know EDIFICE especially for those who are into motorsports and high performance time pieces.

A Thriving Community: SKIN2CONFIDENCE Where Skincare Meets Makeup

Creating connections amongst like minded individuals feels so good. You get to form friendships, a sense of community, and the thought of learning from each other brings inalienable happiness. An event called SKIN2CONFIDENCE: Where Skincare Meets Makeup (their 2nd batch) happened last February 7th. This was organized by Pretty Skin and Lamelin, it was attended by some of the country's leading dermatologists, pharmacists, KOL's and partners to discuss the exciting world of Korean skin science and what Filipinos need.

Initially, they meant to just talk about it, but formed strong bonds as days go by. They had Pretty Skin & Lamelin Korea Founder and CEO Jung Bung Sub to talk lengthy about the science of skin, the discipline to take care of it, and the trends this year. Mr. Jun Gamo also shared his thoughts on Filipinos battling it out with the elements once they step outside the sweltering heat of Manila. 

Leading the way are Mayton Eugenio and Celebrity Make up-Artist Florence Vergara

The Importance of Education Before Confidence

The brand sent Korean representatives Joo Hoang and Junlee Hyeob to also talk about their formulations. From the Lamelin 2% NMN and PDRN line to the Pretty Skin B5 and B3 line, the explained the process on now hydration and other factors work. They also got the help of Dr. Mara Capirosso to talk about skin concerns to debunk myths and how to take care of it. They also had Dr. Finesse Evangelista share her experience with clinical work and its results. Hands on workshop with the gorgeous Grace Lee had them do demonstrations using the Lamelin Camella Line to address dry skin, and how they could layer to get the best results. Florence Vergara also taught more about the new Pretty Skin Makeup line. People really felt education comes first before getting the confidence that comes with it. Brand Global Ambassador Katrina Santos from Pretty Skin & Lamelin made sure they didn't go empty handed and prepared products and GC's so they too can achieve the SKIN2CONFIDENCE experience. 

Ms. Cathy Gamo reiterated the importance of not just introducing their products but elevate standards, learn from each other, show trust and do it together. They had the first one done last January 14th, and the second installment grew its crowd with even more healthcare pros, more partners and consumers too. They're equally excited about Batch 3 which they plan to do on March 20th of putting their community first before profits, guided by the wonders of science and the folks who have supported them. 

Everyone is invited on this date to make skincare education accessible. Make sure you follow the Pretty Skin & Lamelin social channels as they're going to post details about it there. See you at the 3rd SKIN2CONFIDENCE sessions! 

Queen of Feng Shui Marites Allen Set to Hold Year of the Fire Horse Event

The Lunar New Year is very near and folks have been really busy preparing for the occasion. The Year of the Fire Horse won't be a walk in the park, and so folks need to be guided by the one and only Feng Shui Master Ms. Marites Allen. 

She is going to hold a Welcoming Ritual and Prosperity event at the 8th Floor of NEO Building in BGC. I've had the chance to attend one a few years ago and it was so much fun. Registration starts at 9pm and ceremonies start at 10pm promptly. Late comers won't be allowed as there exists auspicious timing!

In the event you will have the Fire Horse 2026 Feng Shui Forecast, Welcoming and Wish Rituals, Energy Cleansing, an Auspicious Prosperity Meal and Guided Networking as facilitated by Ms. Marites herself. 

For those who would want to attend, you may RSVP and contact Emily (secretariat) via 0920 9509390 or 0975 4584048. You can also do it via their website frigga.com.ph as the event will be listed there. 

It is a once in a year opportunity to do this with the help of the Feng Shui Queen, go check it out!

Safe, Fair and Balanced Recreation with 0KGames

 

The year 2026 calls for more ways to make entertainment not just accessible, but more responsible for Filipinos. Leading brand 0KGames not only is taking this matter seriously, but also wants to change to make things even more safe, fair and balanced for each one of us. 

For quality time, discipline, they're taking a stance in all their events beyond entertainment. They've got tools in the app so you wouldn't get overwhelmed with it. They've got tools to get you to stop when you need to, in hopes of making self control a norm. 

They plan to even make it more clear, to tell you go stop and make it their advocacy going forward. Enjoyable yet responsible, doing it without worrying to use your brain when needed. 

This certainly goes together.

POKWANG Turns Mishaps into Shining Life Lessons

One of the most hard working actresses I've seen in the Philippine showbiz industry is comedienne Pokwang. Her impeccable timing, punchlines and knack for fun in every scene is just super entertaining and with that, she's gotten roles left and right, but not forgetting how to save up and invest in some jewelry pieces which she loves and hope to keep for a lifetime.

In a recent YouTube guesting she did at the channel of Ms. Charo Cordial (YT: @Maddox_Jewelry) she personally went to their showroom in 1011 JP Rizal in Concepcion Uno in Marikina City, she shared how she lost not just jewelry but also an expensive watch when she was told to remove it from her wrist during a scene, and ended not knowing who got it from her because she was in a hurry to finish takes for the day. That cost her 350k, shrugged it off and just charged to experience. This didn't stop her from still getting and collecting more pieces which she does often via Maddox. She treats them more than just an entrepreneur, but trust them even with her personal pieces and sell them sometimes. She also gets tons of orders of her personal gourmet products as Ms. Charo loves em too!

People love Ms. Charo and had been well known for sourcing well designed, and properly priced jewelry. Her clientele includes several celebrities who've trusted getting their pieces from her, from the store or online via FB live streams which she often does. She also does vlogs and talk to them about their personal lives, raw and authentic too. 

This episode with Ms. Pokwang is still getting traction as people are very interested about how she turns her experience to something positive, and how she dealt with the hate she gets online on some instances. If you haven't seen it, you can search Maddox_Jewelry on YouTube and see her uploads. You can also check her FB, IG and TikTok accounts with the same name and follow her interesting chat with your favorite celebrities there. Because yes, she'll teach you the ways to love diamonds too.

Time for Fun at the Metrobank Travel Fair 2026!

Getting another travel itch? look no further as Metrobank Travel Fair will happen on February 20 to 22 at the Glorietta Activity Center. Your Metrobank card will be extra powerful as offers from the country's top travel agencies so they can book you hotels, lovely cruises and just about every destination you can imagine. 

There will be Southeast Asian, international and local destinations so if you're a backpacker, light traveler or have that wanderlust, it's all in one place just for 3 days. Metrobank card holders get exclusive early morning access from 10am to 12pm specifically for the Travel Signature Visa and World Mastercard holders.Everyone else can get access til 8pm. 

Airline participants include PAL, AirAsia, TravelOnline PH, All Nippon Airways, Cebu Pacific, Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, Jeju Air, Korean Air, Saudia, Starlux, Sunlight Air, Thai Airways, Qantas and United. Hotel bookings for properties include Accor, Ayala Land, Crimson, Boracay,.Discovery Group, El Nido Resorts, Edsa Shang, Makati Shang, Quest, Shang Mactan, Ascotf, and more!

There will also be travel bags and accessories on sale plus tourism boards from regional partners, it's going to be so much fun! Participants will also have the chance to win a trip to Korea for every 10k spend, and cashback of Php 100k for 5 folks who use Metrobank Mastercard. Metrobank Visa cashback would get 2.5k for every 25k spend, or 10k for 100k spend. For those at home, you can do it from Agoda or Booking.com to get 5k off on 30k spend. There's so much more to be offered on site so make sure you're there! You can get a card via apply.metrobank.com.ph or apply at the venue. Visit metrobank.com.ph/promos/2026-the-metrobank-travel-fair to know more about it!