It looks like another iconic actress has been seen at the Maddox Jewelry grounds in Marikina City. She is the iconic actress Teresa Loyzaga. Maddox Jewelry is owned by businesswoman and entrepreneur Ms. Charo Cordial. Ms. Teresa Loyzaga though has one grievance, and it has reached them at the Marikina showroom.
Ms. Teresa Loyzaga has been long watching the previous online selling live streams of the brand and had the chance to say "mine" on some of the items, but apparently she doesn't get noticed during those streams. This didn't sit well with her at all, so she did the next best thing... she went directly to the Marikina Showroom located at AZDM Building JP Rizal Street in Marikina City.
When she got there, she was a bit shocked to be personally attended to by Ms. Charo Cordial. Shortly, she got several pieces that she loved, quick, fast and efficient. She got a pair of earrings for her granddaughter (daughter of talented actor Diego Loyzaga). She laments how she's at a phase where she could invest in jewelry pieces as her child is already an adult. The talk between them was cordial and honest, including some small details on Diego's recovery. You can watch the whole story at the Maddox Jewelry YouTube channel or their Facebook page which has tons of followers too. You certainly don't wanna miss this!
Museum Foundation of the Philippines just held a short program to announce "ANG MUSEO", an award giving body dedicated to Philippine based museums and it's workers. Present during the occasion are Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (MFPI) officers Danny C. Jacinto, Ms. Gemma Cruz Araneta, Atty. Dominador D. Buhain, Maximillan G. Ventura and . Also in the event were Board of Trustees Maximillan G. Ventura, Michael Angelo V. Liwanag, Ma. Belen Pilar M. Fernand, Roberto F. Abastillas, Ma. Rosario A. Estrada, Melvin M. Mangada, Maria Karina Garila, and Atty. Reginald Dimacuha. As a non profit and non governmental organization, they help entities preserve the country's rich artistic and cultural heritage.
Danny Jacinto who heads the foundation told us "There's a special reason for you to be here, we are celebrating our 40th anniversary. Today we are announcing something big, good afternoon!"
Misha who hosted the event adds "We are pleased to share with you about this. There is a renewed interest in culture, we see students and schools visiting museums, no structure but they go on tours, visit landmarks, and new ones are opening in the. country. We see the National Museum is expanding it's presence, in Iloilo, Davao, and Cebu. Government is pushing for stronger heritage conservation authored by Loren Legarda (5). The cultural efforts show how it is alive, but there is no recognition for these entities. They do this quietly, mostly museum workers, and we decided to take action. The Museum Foundation was in a crossroads in 1986, we feel this is the right moment to launch something meaningful for nation building. Today we are proud to introduce to you ANG MUSEO Gawad ng Museum Foundation of the Philippines. It is the first private sector award that honors excellence in museum practice in the Philippines. They are living institutions that tell our stories, a start of a movement to promote higher standards in museum practice. From large to small, from local to national, we celebrate the people behind our museums. It is who we are, and if we share our love for heritage, we strengthen our organization too."
ANG MUSEO
Ten initial awards will be given away this year
Gawad sa Pamanang Tanghal
(Permanent Exhibition of the Year)
Gawad sa Sangay ng Pambansang Museo
(NMP Satellite Museum of the Year)
Gawad sa Napapanahong Tanghal
(Temporary Exhibition of the Year)
Gawad sa Natatanging Paglilingkod ng Indibidwal
(Individual Achievement Award)
Gawad para sa Institusyong Pang-Edukasyon
(Educational Institute Museum of the Year)
Gawad sa Tagapagtaguyod ng Sining at Kultura
(Patron of the Arts or Special Recognition Award)
Gawad para sa Natatanging Pamana
ng Bayan: Lunsod o Munisipalidad
(Local Museum of the Year)
Gawad sa Natatanging Pamumuno ng Museo
(Museum Leadership Award)
Gawad sa Natatanging Programa ng Museo
(Program of the Year)
Gawad sa Natatanging Kawani ng Museo
(Museum Worker of the Year) 2026
There will be a registration fee of Php 3,000 for admin costs. The complete guidelines and you can send supporting documents in this portal available at museumfoundation.org. Announcement and updates will be available on their Facebook and Instagram accounts @MuseumFoundationPH.
For those who don't know, they are the same organization who helped the National Museum put up the iconic TREE OF LIFE. Hopefully they'd be able to hold the event there on October this year. Please wait for updates about it on their social pages soon!
3 brands took us to BGC this morning as they launch the new TOYOTA Platinum Card by Mastercard. This is the newest product from the folks at Metrobank.
Ms. Gale Male the head of cards from Metrobank says "Mobility and reliability has always been something consumers consider to make everyday motoring lighter. We are proud to introduce the new Toyota Platinum Card!"
With the goal of strengthening partnerships, this new seamless and secure credit card will empower Filipino motorists. According to Head of Credit Cards Ms. Mel Santos "We started with the Filipino motorist who hails from outside Metro Manila, with their responsibility, they have to journey to Quezon City. Mobility is essential, they need to manage costs of everyday driving. Costs of fuel, this card offers fuel rebates for ALL gas stations. This also has rebates on TOLL FEES, with an almost combined savings of over 15K. You also get 10 percent off on Toyota Genuine parts and services, at 0 percent installment rates on repairs plus credits. You can also get 2x the rewards. Toyota, Mastercard and Metrobank wants to help you drive smarter."
Toyota Motors Philippines Mike Montemayor adds "We have been partners for a while now. We respond to long term needs of our customers, to create value for their everyday lives. We have a customer first policy, because we know how vehicle ownership includes responsibilities. Through this card, you can avail service and accessories. We thank Metrobank for partnering with us, congratulations! Time to live your life in Full Drive!"
Jason Castro of Mastercard Philippines says "This is a well packaged service, congratulations to our partners. Customers will benefit from what you brought here and Mastercard is there to connect people wherever they are in the world. Our strength is going to be how we can serve the Filipino public. They need simplicity, value, and this is what we all bring to the table. Today we see the culmination of that. We have far greater things to do, and they trust Toyota, Metrobank and Mastercard. This is our commitment, and make each step rewarding."
With the looming energy crisis happening this week, Metrobank does good with this card that issues rebates in any gas station you would need to fill up at. The installment on services can also help you finance if something happens to the car while you're using it. Ultimately, they think about you! That says a lot, so if you're looking for a card that would fit your lifestyle (especially for new car owners) then call them or get in touch on their social channels, don't be afraid to apply for it now!
The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. or FFCCCII just recently announced their 2nd TikTok Video Competition with this year's theme: A Classroom For Every Dream (How FFCCCII Barrio Schools Have Improved Lives).
The occasion was attended by FFCCCII President Victor Lim and his fellow FFCCCII officers Mr. Jayson Size, Mr. Peter Mangasing (Co-Chairman of Youth Integrated Committee), Mr. Reynold Sy the FFCCCII Vice President, Mr. Eddie Cobankiat (Chair Public Information and Media Committee) and Kamuning Bakery Owner and Journalist Wilson Flores.
After the successful contest last year, they're gearing to get more people to join in this 2026 edition. For those who don't know, the organization has already built over 6,500 since 1961 and have been able to help countless students to finish their studies in different regions across the Philippines.
This is open to Filipinos, 13 yo and above. Entries should be 1-2 minutes short, shot vertically with English Subtitles featuring FFCCCII Barrio School experience, impact or topic. You may upload this privately or through QR codes then tag @FFCCCII.official and use the hashtags #FFCCCIIBarrioSchools on May 5 - 15th this year. Total cash prize amount to 850,000 pesos and the Grand Prize is Php 120,000!
Mr. Victor Lim says "We at FFCCCII would like to encourage Filipinos especially the young ones to join our competition. Our organization's flagship project Operation Barrio Schools is part of Filipino Chinese tradition and we hope to showcase these to spark hope and see progress in communities."
The competition will be set in 2 categories #MyFFCCCIIBarrioSchoolJourney and #TheFFCCCIIBarrioSchoolsStory. Deadline for entries is on May 15th. So if you are a budding content creator or story teller, you've got to join this on the black app! Category A will be for currently enrolled students, teachers and school employees. Category B will be for content creators (pro or non pro, please scan QR for complete mechanics).
Here's the press conference on video, please enjoy!
February was certainly a lovely month especially for the folks from Verde Creatives. They're a public relations and creative agency who's always had a knack in combining what they could do for PR and combine it with social advocacy. I've had the pleasure of working with them in several occasions, and I could see the passion burning every time they go out for campaigns, including how they care for the media too.
This time it's different, as they took off their gloves for work and changed into plain clothed angels together with partners at community organization Munting Hiling, all for the people of Payatas in Quezon City.
For those who don't know, Payatas was previously a dumpsite for Metro Manila and nearby cities. For years, it has been converted into communities, but still have some who are poverty stricken. Armed with their gusto to bring LOVE, JOY and SUPPORT, Verde Creatives and Munting Hiling held an event called "Verde Gives Back for Feb-Ibig" last February 13th at Payatas B Elementary School. Taking cues from their theme "All Kinds of Love!", they prepared gift bags, ice cream and more treats for folks at the venue. They also taught the concepts of universal love, family, romantic love, having dignity and inclusivity for everyone and several groups. This "Verde Gives Back" activity is just one of the many things that Ms. Bemz Benedito (their Founding Managing Director) used to do back in college, and still continues to this day. Her immersions were done in the same area, with the same people from Munting Hiling.
For them, this is now their CSR activity, which all started from that old academic requirement. She reiterates this kind of love to reach everyone, no matter what social or economical level they're in, especially those who are often overlooked. Ms. Bemz Benedito has been the previous chair for Ladlad Partylist and still continues to support LGBTQIA+ organizations til now.
She also received the Global Transgender Hero award from the True Colors Fund which 80's icon Cyndi Lauper co-founded. She plans to do this service with Verde Creatives and Munting Hiling for the poorest of the poorest sector. She hopes these gestures would create more opportunities for the townsfolk, and have them gain access to help with health, social programs, food security, love, equality and more.
This certainly has helped a lot, but seeing how their efforts continue and include more sustainable ways is like teaching them to fish. It's a good thing. You are doing awesome work Verde Creatives and Munting Hiling!
Beauty was all around when we arrived at the Molito branch of TESSERA Jewelry. Known for being the mecca of sourcing jewelry with natural diamonds, they've now got branches in 38 Rockwell, The Podium, Opus Mall and this one at Molito Lifestyle Center in Alabang. While it's a bit far from our place, we were here to witness something really special as they collaborated with one gorgeous woman, beauty queen, title holder, Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi.
She exudes confidence, talks quite eloquent, and sees this collaboration as an opportunity to make the pieces she dreams of to come true. One thing that's going to be evident with the collection they plan to do is the color BLUE. Celeste means heavenly, and that's exactly the shade of color that will be seen on the ones they plan to design and release for TESSERA Jewelry. There were a few displayed at the event, but this is just the tip of the iceberg of what they plan to do with their partnership.
Celeste invests in jewelry, and she's known of Tessara even before they talked about doing this. She makes sure it goes with her personal taste and color. She also wants that lasts forever, so she could pass the pieces on to her kids, and generations after that. She's received some gifts from her boyfriend, and says it doesn't need to be all expensive. As long as it makes her confident and feel good, she's going to love it!
Celeste Cortesi with Tessera Jewelry CEO Carl Fider and his wife Sales Director Ms. Papat Aquino Fider
Here's more of our interview with Celeste on video, please sub on our YouTube channel to see more entertainment and lifestyle content!
Tessera expressed how important Celeste is as they welcome her to the brand. They say she is the embodiment of grace, warmth, and they can't wait to shine with her. Congratulations Celeste! You are blessed, and remain so nice to this day! You may get in touch with TESSERA Jewelry on IG for more information about their brand.
Filipino "Revival King" Jojo Mendrez recently expressed his wish to not have his recent interview with Direk Ronald Carballo be published on platforms on his show DIREKwentuhan (on YouTube). He feels this would affect him and his artistry negatively as some parts of the interview might have onlookers feel offensive and or uncomfortable.
He mentions how talk around his sexuality, how he got his title as Revival King, might have felt too personal to get published. He initially agreed to do the show expecting they'd talk more about his music but felt parts were a bit inappropriate, and didn't seem to align with his purpose to promote his music. He hopes this episode won't be aired, and issues be solved amicably.
Director Ronald Carballo as of publishing has not expressed what will happen to the episode, but his show DIREKwentuhan has always been about conversations with personalities in the entertainment industry. Mendrez for now will be concentrating about his music and upcoming projects, more revival hits which he hopes people would continue to enjoy.
One of the world's most noted brand in collectible figures just set up a pop up shop at the middle of Robinsons Place in Manila. Tamashii Nations has always been the go to folks for everything anime, manga, and is part of Bandai. You could evidently see how detailed their pieces are, and plus points on craftsmanship which we all got to see on their shelves!
If you're a fan of Dragon Ball Z, Ultraman, Kamen Rider, Gundam series, several anime's, you'll certainly love what they have to offer. They also gave tons of discounts for patrons and fans, plus a few launches that interested us especially the new die cast figure for Soul Of Chogokin GX-118 Voltes V Legacy. Kapuso actors Radson Flores and Matt Lozano were also there for the delight of Voltes V Legacy fans and gave them time to talk, do a few activities and signed some of the products bought on the pop up store.
Meet the Soul Of Chogokin GX-118 Voltes V Legacy. It's super cool to look at in person, and Akira san mentioned how much he took time to not only put accuracy in the model, but also be able to do the separate vehicles justice. For those asking, GreattoysOnline.com is the sole distributor for Tamashii Nation in the Philippines. They are also celebrating their 25th anniversary, and what service did they made for those who love toys and anime-manga culture. Akira san also told us that they've got lots of event exclusive models including one for Kamen Rider which he also designed. Here's the event on video, please enjoy!
I'm also super happy about Radson and Matt of not only landing the roles for Voltes V Legacy, but being a full part of POP CULTURE, that when Voltes V is mentioned, they will be part of that already. That's super cool in so many levels, and I hope they would be able to make fans gush not only with their looks, but geeks who continue to love the show to this day.
Congratulations to Tamashii Nation, GreattoysOnline.com and the men and women who made this event possible. They are still there until March 15th so make sure to head on to Robinsons Place Manila if you want a dose of Voltes V Legacy, more manga, mecha and anime, grab your friends, family and get those Tamashii Nation products to make yourself happy!
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!
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.
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!
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!
