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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
There's really no stopping Fire and Ice Entertainment this 2026 as they launch more talents, concerts, shows and several movies this 2026.
This is the handy work of their people from Fire and Ice Live!, Fire and Ice Music, Fire and Ice Studios, Fire and Ice Media, and their brand Fire and Ice Consultancy. They've been working hard to put up live events, theater productions, films, TV series, and cultural consultancy services for a lot of people. It's a haven for artists that is sustainable, built on making sure authorship and collaboration happens when needed. CEO Liza Diño Seguerra always believes in long term support for projects and with these 5 new brands, they would be able to ensure audiences get their money's worth, and they're excited for you to know what they've got up their sleeves.
This is the handy work of their people from Fire and Ice Live!, Fire and Ice Music, Fire and Ice Studios, Fire and Ice Media, and their brand Fire and Ice Consultancy. They've been working hard to put up live events, theater productions, films, TV series, and cultural consultancy services for a lot of people. It's a haven for artists that is sustainable, built on making sure authorship and collaboration happens when needed. CEO Liza Diño Seguerra always believes in long term support for projects and with these 5 new brands, they would be able to ensure audiences get their money's worth, and they're excited for you to know what they've got up their sleeves.
Their shows:
Being Ice LIVE! at the New Frontier Theater this February 27
Artist: Ice Seguerra, planned tour in Australia and Europe
Love, Sessionistas on April 18 at the Waterfront Cebu Hotel in Cebu City
Sittiscape: The City of Bossa on May 17th at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City
Artist: Sitti Navarro
Divine Divas : Divine Rules the World on May 31st at the Newport Performing Arts Theater
Artist: Divine Divas
Fire and Ice LIVE! and Fire and Ice Studios will also mount Still Alice on September 27 to October 5
Night, Mother on November 26 to December 5
Fire and Ice Music: Building Artist Centric Careers
They also announced the release of several EP's like Tamang Panahon of Ice Seguerra, Always You of Louise, Divine Rules the World of the Divine Divas, and Still Here of Princess Velasco.
The Films:
Aid by Brillante Mendoza
Karaoke News by John Paul Su
Becoming Ice documentary by Tey Claymore
Funeral Flowers by Liza Diño and Ice Seguerra
Island Girl by Fire and Ice Media and Ice Seguerra
The Series (currently in development)
Never The Bride by Liza Diño
Behind the Line by Liza Diño
Talk Sheets by Ice and Liza (their second podcast season)
They also have signed their new talents, which includes super talented acoustic singer and musician Princess Velasco, new belting powerhouse Louise, drag superstars Brigiding winner of Slaysian Royale, first RPDR Ph Winner Precious Paula Nicole, and National Mouth Queen and Shoot record holder Vinas Deluxe. This also of course includes Ice Seguerra as a talent too. Here's what happened at the media conference a few days ago:
Ice says "I never imagined that it would become as big as this. I learned a lot throughout the years and it's not just work, but being ethical, and if you are doing it with Fire and Ice artists, they wouldn't be a headache. This is just the beginning. The struggles will always be there, but I'd like to think we're both insatiable. It's just going to be different each time, we welcome that because it gives us experience to deal with it. When Liza ended her time with FDCP, the papers for Fire and Ice was on our table, all approved and done. If we didn't see that as a sign, we would be crazy. Now we've grown big, and I can say we were given what we could do. We won't be happy if one of us would be hungry, we'd do it with everyone would be happy."
Liza added "Ice is an authority in the room, her ideas, it comes naturally because of her experience. He knows everyone, from utility to crew by first name. He knows what longevity is, shares values, very generous with our artists. He's a pillar in Fire and Ice. Our company was needs based, we were working with 8 people, and woke up one day that we were having a lot of projects, initiatives, and so we had to hire more people. It was organic, not planned, Ice met Louise because she was a judge in a Taiwan show. We didn't plan, it was just the natural thing to do to maximize their visibility, to help their music career, we had to create content, and later on now have about 30 people creating music, production, and we have standards... where we are now is a response to what we needed at this time. We connect people, and it came naturally to partner, and trusting people is difficult. People see our struggles, one time we had 10 thousand in one of our accounts, because we are self funded but we believe the universe gives us the things we CAN handle. Even if it's a struggle, we do it as long as we are creating executions not just for us, but for our audiences, they won't tell us they've been shortchanged about experiences we put out there."
This is just the tip of the iceberg, there's plenty more plans for their artists and we've seen a small portion of it during the event. You should equally be excited about what they will be doing this 2026, and the shows they have beyond that. They will take good care of them, their careers, and their passions.
I was busy writing a few things on my phone preparing for this fun event as Nathan Studios will be signing dance phenom Ice Almeria and the cast of successful MMFF 2025 picture I'm Perfect. I was oblivious about what was happening since it was still early until I got hugged from behind by Javi Sarmiento. He greeted me with such excitement and LOVE while telling me a simple hello, something that I've never experienced before starting an interview.
That's how they are, very pure, no sugarcoating, and it surprises me every instance I get to meet them. Today marks a special day for them because they'll be officially signed with Nathan Studios, who's going to manage their career from hereon.
First is Ice Almeria, winner of Nathan Studios very own Time to Dance show on ABSCBN. He's a very spirited chap, a decorated dancer and choreographer. He's also good looking and surely, he's got a lot of opportunities coming soon. He's appeared in several shows including ASAP on weekends. Soon, he's probably going to be an actor, and I can't wait to see that happen. After officially signing with Nathan Studios Artist Management, he's going to be co managed with Star Magic, one of the biggest artist management agencies in the country.
Then after that, they also got to sign the I'm Perfect cast Bea Mendoza, Richelle Uy, Royce Rivera, Gio Dicen, Jonathan Tilos, Javi Sarmiento, Direk Carl Garcia, Earl Amaba and current MMFF 2025 Best Actress Krystel Go.
Ms. Sylvia Sanchez says they are her angels, here's what she said after the event:
She also thanked the artists for putting their trust in them. She emphasized that this isn't just a contract signing event but more of making their dreams come true. They'll be doing it TOGETHER. She realized that there is no limit in talent when it comes to them, and now they've got the chance to show it to the world as persons with down syndrome. They've got skills, creativity, and authenticity which is hard to find because it's something that comes from the heart. She's seen their potential even before casting them in MMFF 2025 film I'm Perfect. They also made history with Krystel Go winning Best Actress and Best Ensemble for the cast. She reiterates how much she believes in them, and so did their parents/guardians. She also expresses her excitement to watch Ice Almeria grow, guiding his career will also be their priority.
Together, they will reach their dreams soon! Congratulations!
It takes a lot of effort to power an individual throughout the day, especially for young professionals like us who need to fuel ourselves first before going out and facing life's challenges, work included.
Surely, one can't go out with an empty stomach and expect things to happen. You need something to eat, and make that a balanced one because it is possible. You just need to strike a balance between needs and wants, especially if you're just starting your day.
I know not everyone has time to cook, but you need a proper meal. Folks often neglect this but proper nutrition starts there. If you deem the usual rice and viand a bit heavy or don't have time preparing that, you can have yogurt instead. In the Philippines, Nestle Yogurt is easily accessible. It's low in fat, has got vitamins and is best for gut health. Those cups have live active cultures on them and are really rich in protein, calcium and more. For those who fancy overnight oats, or love smoothies, mix the Greek yogurt with fresh fruits and it's gonna be an awesome morning. You can also whip up greens with it like kale or spinach, together with almond milk, bananas or fresh berries. Use a huge thermal bottle to bring it to work. No worries about being late for your first meeting as you can consume this while in transit.
A sharp mind is a lethal weapon. A professional needs to be on top of his game. You may utilize things like the Pomodoro technique to manage time. That and a cup of Nestle Heavenly Mango or Sensational Strawberry Yogurt to make that morning office rush easy. You'll probably close your eyes in every spoonful, and I won't judge you for that. Quick, fast, nutritious and easy. May I have another cup please!?
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