STARPRENEUR Bazaar at the Fifth at Rockwell

I saw a lot of smiles coming out of vendors from this event. I couldn't blame them because aside from the fact that this is a full bazaar, it's certainly a way to prove that there's a lot of potential for MSME's in the country. This is the STARPRENEUR Bazaar held at the FIFTH at Rockwell in Makati. This is organized by Bela Padilla and Filipino entrepreneurs Ms. Lanie Tañedo and Mr. Dennis Valbuena. If you are familiar with the brand Bela by Bela Padilla, they are the same folks who started her cosmetic, product and perfume line with her a couple months ago. This time, they're working with young Hollywood star and PH showbiz royalty Iñigo Pascual.

Iñigo says "It's something that I wanted to do for a long time. I've dreamt about it since college but I never got to finish my course in entrepreneurship. I've been involved in acting and music, and I wanted something different from that. Before I met them (Ms. Lanie Tañedo and Mr. Dennis Valbuena) I really wanted to start something but I didn't really know what to do and where to start. They showed me the ropes on how to start a business. They also showed me technology because it's different now. You really have to learn what's on trend, and for me, they really are the ones who guided me."

He adds "A lot of the products we have in herzy. is mentholated, and if you just got out of the shower, some complain from the heat, and they're already perspiring. I wanted folks to still feel fresh and clean after trying our products. The difference between men and women is, we want everything to be simple, less fuss, when you try it, it's really nice and smells good. It's easy to use and carry around. The ingredients are also natural, I even styled my own hair with it, and admit that sometimes men are even more vain about hair. We hope you love these products! I hope you love the Brow Serum which they initially designed to grow and nourish hair, last minute, we thought of using it for the brows because people often ask me about it. This was named after my Grandfather, we just turned the Herzig into Herzy to make it easy to pronounce."

Mr. Dennis Valbuena replied "We really appreciate that. Now that you've learned from us, it's your turn to guide others about the business. He was very hands on. We saw his potential right from the start."

At the event, they also took time to talk to entrepreneurs about their businesses and how they started. It was a very nice way for other entrepreneurs to learn from each other and perhaps network so they could also improve their businesses. The Runway Atelier also got their cute models on stage sing and walk for the event. Seeing kids there was super cute!

Here's a short chat we had with him at the venue:

 

 

Meanwhile, I have also managed to use the herzy. products this week and so far, I'm loving the herzy. Hairstyling Stick the most. Like him, I've got pretty wavy hair which gets uncontrollable after a few hours. It made my dilemma of looking well put together easy because you can get rid of those frizzy fly away hair in just a few seconds with it. The herzy. Body Wash not only smells good, but a bit minty. It feels fresh even in the hot afternoons in Manila. They've really made a very promising line of products designed for men (that can also be used by women). Best of all, men don't have to smell like flowers LOL.

 

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There was a bit when Inigo Pascual sat down and talked to other MSME's. The chat included Mr. Dennis Valbuena of DL Wear Private, Mr. Nio Siggaoat and Ms. Valerie Lim of beauty brand Ready.Set.Glow (RSG), Twin CEO's Mark and Spencer Elimanco of LINKIT (who introduced high tech calling cards), Ms. Audrey Ong of Sweet Kamote, Ms. Jana Berenguer of J&A The Label (of TikTok fame, you should check out their story), Ms. Rich Garceron and Mr. Jed Homar Sison of Anytime Fitness Hemady Branch (whom you might want to check out to have no excuse to go to the gym) and Ms. Elvira and Eleanor of Thermomix.

The event also featured Dani by Bela (fragrance of Dani Baretto under Bela Padilla's brand), Bela by Bela, The Runway Atelier, AY Clothing Shop, Get Spotted, Sweet Kamote, Kittly Manila, Show Idea Mayumico, iWhite Korea, Hiraya Pilipina, Pan de Carpio, Prints FX and Signs, Miruku, Duchess The Label, alas hot sauce, FizzStop, Nutral, Developers HideOut, Luka's meat products, and a lot more.

The STARPRENEUR BAZAAR was so much fun, and I hope folks not just the consumers learned a lot from the business owners who shared their stories on stage. Congratulations to Bela, Ms. Lanie Tañedo and Mr. Dennis Valbuena. Can't wait to see what you have up your sleeves this year and beyond!

BELA by BELA PADILLA Launches DANI by BELA Fragrance Line and Bloom Soaps

It was almost a month ago since Bela Padilla and her partners launched her own beauty brand BELA. From the looks of it, things are actually looking crazy at sales that most of their stocks run out fast. From Shopee, Lazada, their TikTok Shop and their website, folks have been hoarding much of their products specifically the Bela by Bela Lip Balm and the Bela Dot Perfection Cheek Tint which much of us were also wearing that afternoon. 

The two products work, plain and simple, which is why people have been raving about it since they launched their flagship ones. Even her celebrity friends, her followers and the working class, simple jane at home were using it, giving valuable feedback about its quality. Bela also mentioned how she plans to work with other people in order to release other products under the same brand, and from the looks of it, this is the opportune time.

Celebrity Mom, Entrepreneur and Content Creator Dani Barretto is a good friend of Bela from years back. They've always wanted to do a business together but it didn't come into fruition because when they were in talks, Bela had priorities and didn't want to hold Dani back about the business. There certainly is a time for everything, and now comes the launch of Dani Barretto's line of fragrance called DANI by BELA. It's 5 different Eau de Parfum which they planned and made together. It's fate, and it's here now!

DANI by BELA has sample sizes, so you could actually try it first before choosing the bigger bottle.

These are the 5 different fragrances of DANI by BELA. Thanks to Justin Montas for this shot, photo credits of this photo belong to him.

I initially assumed this would be for all for ladies, but no. They created a line of fragrances that cater for men, women and something gender neutral. For the ladies, there's Summer's Kiss, Spring's Touch and Nostalgia. For the men, they created Coolector. The gender neutral one is called Campfire, so really, there's something for everybody!

Bela apologized in behalf of Dani, because she couldn't come to the launch as she had the flu. She sent a video message for the guests at the event. In the meantime, here's our video coverage of the press conference, please, enjoy!

The fragrances are actually inspired by the scents they personally use and love. They also did Nostalgia for those that miss the things people wear years back, you could liken it to a popular cologne for babies if that gives it away. Bela's favorite is the Summer's Kiss, while Dani's is the Spring's Touch. Bela didn't like the way some men smelled like oxen, musky which you can detect a mile away. This is why Coolector smells clean and fresh, like something you'd be like out of the shower. The Campfire has higher woodsy content I think, though I find everything quite appealing. My personal pick is actually a bit off the beaten path, because I actually prefer the Spring's Touch. I think it fits my personality, and even though it was made femme, I think everything could be used by anyone. It is that good.

This product came as a surprise, BELA calls it BLOOM SOAP. Bela told us how highschoolers or frequent travelers used to cut soap in smaller pieces so they didn't have to carry the whole bar in school or their destinations. I haven't done that personally, but apparently much of the crowd who were there admitted doing it. Bela thought it was better that they had one package where people could try the different kind of soaps they have in one box to see what works and what doesn't, or basically preference. The new BELA BLOOM SOAP comes in Papaya, Pineapple and Coffee variants. She didn't want it to be like any of the soaps out in the market, and they've done extensive research before actually releasing this. It's made as natural as possible. These soaps can exfoliate gently, and doesn't have harmful chemicals that would irritate your skin. The Coffee variant is something new, it has bits of coffee grounds so you can scrub a bit with it. I prefer the Pineapple though because of its scent, and I think nothing of its kind is yet in the market. I love things that are unique, and this one is!

Now head on to BELA's social channels to know more about the new products. Again, you can get them in Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop and their official website. Some actually get them to resell, so it may be a good investment too. But so far, I've used the perfumes and one of the soap, just like the previous products they had, it worked quite well. You be the judge when you try it.

BELA PADILLA Launches Own Beauty Brand BELA

Bela Padilla launches her own brand BELA (Photo by Aaron Nomo of NumuTV)

Bela Padilla has made waves being a very versatile actress, a noted writer, and a very talented director. Since last year, she's been living in the UK and have been enjoying and found refuge in the cold weather, while still being able to work in PH based projects when needed. She goes back to the Philippines when needed and this time, she's wearing a new hat other than endorsing beauty brands. She made one of her own, and called it properly, BELA.

BELA Dot Perfection and BELA Color Changing Lip Balm

 

Two products were introduced during the launch namely BELA Dot Perfection and BELA Color Changing Lip Balm. We got to ask her a few questions during the event and she says "I've been using this cheek and lip balm for a few months since I had prototypes. I really use it, and when I put my name on it I truly believe it. I have been on hiatus, but today I believe you guys can use it too. I know it works, and I leave the house with nothing but tint. The video earlier showcased different people of different ages. It is safe for everyone, and can say I'm the biggest fan of it. The first collection is just 2 things, but you can use it every day."

She adds "We are now available in three malls in Bacolod where we did a pre launch. Apply only one dot on each cheek because it is very potent (hence a tube will last you a few months). We found manufacturers in the Philippines and tested it with a lot of people. It was the best way we could see if the products work or not. This is color adaptive so it can be used for different skin types. It looks natural and will look like skin blush as an end product. We want to do this first and maybe have other artists or people to do other products under the Bela brand. It's very moisturizing, and I'm even very sensitive and I use this constantly. I get breakouts with other brands but this one had no reaction on me."

As for the brand, she mentioned "I wanna veer away from empowerment angle because I believe it's not because of looks that we become confident. I don't have a full face of makeup, but I want people to feel good even without putting much on our skin."

Here's our interview with her a few days ago, listen in!

Bela is quite happy how this all seem to turn out. From countless hours of conceptualizing a product that she loves, to using it countless times even without anything on in public, just these two. She also packaged it in her lucky color, made it for the tropical climate and want every mary, joe, rupaul or brando to use it if they feel like it. No matter what shape or form you are, you can use BELA. She found her brand, you can too.

Congratulations Bela! You deserve all the success because you're a kind soul.

Made in Korea Designed for Filipinos: Bela Padilla x Aera사랑

 

SM Megamall's Upper Ground and Second Floor was filled to the brim as Korean skin brand Aera launched their collaboration with Actress, Director, Writer, Author, Songwriter and Entrepreneur Bela Padilla. She's best known for her work in films like "100 Tula Para Kay Stella", "Meet Me In St. Gallen", "The Day After Valentines", her work "Yung Libro sa Napanood Ko" and so many more.

This new collaboration with Aera is called Lights, Camera, Cosmos; also under the same people who brought you iWhite Korea products which has been trusted in the Philippine market for over 20 years. Their call is for you to be LIMITLESS in terms of taking care of yourself and not hold back because after all, you deserve it!

What's included in the new products is the Aura Water Sunscreen, Stellar No Oil Face Gel, and the Milky Way Glow Drops Serum. I have personally tried the products before I slept and yes, this can be used by men too. The Aura Water Sunscreen feels different because it's not sticky, almost like water, no white casts so you don't look like a ghost when going out with it. It's got SPF 50 to get you protected from harmful rays of the sun and non greasy. 

Here's our interview with Bela Padilla and some scenes at the SM Megamall event we covered yesterday, so please enjoy!

 

In a hot humid weather like ours in the Philippines, it's something that skin brands should pay attention to and Bela told them about this right at the very beginning. The Stellar No Oil Face Gel (named after her character Stella) gets you "no hulas" feel for over 8 hours. Bela felt the need to have this since she also experiences feeling fresh at home then feel miserable in the heat right when you step outside. She's got you covered, as it mattifies and prevent oiliness, also hydrates your skin. The Milky Way Glow Drops Serum on the other hand finishes things by giving you that certain glow so you feel even more confident as it lasts long. Just like Bela, there's LIMITLESS possibilities you can do with AERA, you can get them in Watsons stores and leading online shopping apps (even on TikTok Shops) so go get them today and take that limitless journey with Bela and Aera!

Greenwich Celebrates Bella Padilla and Yassi Pressman's HawaiianOverload Birthday

It's Bela Padilla and Yassi Pressman's birthday and what better way to celebrate it but by having everyone's favorite, the Hawaiian Overload Pizza from Greenwich!

There were other bloggers, Youtubers, Instagram people and celebrities while they join in the fun and games they prepared for the two - and their lovely guests. Yassi's Dad was also there and so was JC Santos, Robi Domingo and executives from Greenwich to complete somehow the whole Greenwich Barkada!

Entertainment was provided for by Jem Cubil. The talented artist also sang part of the soundtrack of the movie Sid and Aya which has already topped the viral charts of popular music app Spotify. The ladies loved him so much too, I could tell hahah!

Yassi and Bela was so elated to have been able to celebrate together as they haven't done this yet. They planned for this years ago so this was a welcome thing. They also tested their friendship via games designed to see how they know each other. I guess Bela won that round.

Catched up stories with Ruth of ruthdelacruz.com

Ate a lot of pizza and lasagna with Enzo of juanmanilaexpress and Azrael of Azraelsmerryland too.

Foodie friends Nathan of The Hungry Chef and lovely Rowena Lim of Animetric

Executives of Greenwich flanked by Bela and Yassi on their Birthday celebration!

For those who wish to have the same treats, hot pizza and lasagna like we did, dial 55555 or text G. It was a wonderful celebration met with friends and family. You too could do the same, order Greenwich pizza now!

It's so good!

Jericho Rosales and Bela Padilla for Luck at First Sight

Spent an afternoon watching the new movie of Jericho Rosales and Bela Padilla starrer LUCK AT FIRST SIGHT under Viva Films. Honestly I don't watch that much Filipino films because I often find them corny but I think it just needs one or two ingredients on it that could make it work, you just need good actors.

That's what Jericho and Bela is in the first place and doing the role of two troubled people with added problems like money, suddenly find themselves lucky at first... then lost everything again. What caused it will be seen developing in the movie and this romance between Jericho and Bela probably will convince you they're meant to be together. It's those small things that builtd up and make this romance believable. 

If you're in love or just hopeful, make sure you watch it on your favorite theaters soon! This will make your heart melt, and you'll be happy for them.

KUMAGCOW

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The Women of Camp Sawi

This film has been connecting to this generation in a massive way. For those who have loved, hurt, lied upon and are still in the process of healing, Camp Sawi is but a refuge set to be a cure to the lifelong mystery of "how to move on". The cast is an ensemble of equally interesting women who had in one way or another had gone through struggles themselves. How do they play the role of these women? Is there some weird connection with their real life personas? Or is this a dream? Or is it just their past haunting them too? Here are some snippets of their interview during the presscon a few weeks ago. I saved this in case they were doing the premier night already (which was a while ago). I didn't get to go because of the rain, but here's some of the things they said about this film and about their lives that might interest you. Just a few things that I picked up!

"I think I've been very cautious after that failed relationship, I was thinking we might talk, and get back together. I went back to who I was but a little smarter because I know what to do already. My character is in love with Dennis and it's really a good thing to have a small part of yourself in the role so people would still recognize that it is you, and how you are as an actress. I hope there really is a Camp Sawi because everything else has a cure, it should be the same with those who are brokenhearted including your friends." - Bela Padilla

"You'll enter a bitter phase. But you'll later realize all that lacked in that relationship, learn to fill it up the next time I do have one. It's normal. It's going to make you stronger. Taking him out of the equation felt like life had no meaning anymore, I needed to find myself after I was blinded and I needed to know who I am as a person, to love yourself and never require a compromise. Being an actress, it works when I don't bring things like these to work. I understood myself more and make the character not that expressive. You get to know people here because there are no cellphone signals, you really need to talk and it's healthy. Camp Sawi is something that I did for myself. I explored, and I got to know about the country, and more of myself." -Andi Eigenmann

"I need the most important people in my life to tell me what I did, what I need to do and what I should do the next time. I feel I can now conquer anything in a relationship. I am stronger now. I feel it's a part of me, I know how to act like the person because I personally did went through that. I'm sure everybody had a heartbreak. We're often asked about opening a real Camp Sawi, they wanted it to come true and they have the actual are still there." -Arci Muñoz

"I don't want to get the character as close as what I experienced in real life. Hers is a different world than mine, the only similarity is probably the capability to love, but the rest are made like what I do in theater." -Kim Molina

"We also did a dance number and fit into the role of those who are in the "sawi" situation. It went a little viral, it cures everything when you're sad. It was fun doing that!" -Yassi Pressman 

Camp Sawi will be shown on theaters this August 24, 2016. It's a stellar cast and moving on just mean helping others so you can help yourself. Mall shows will also happen in different malls, follow their official page to know more. I bet you're itching your hands to know how to really move on.... and judging from the people who watched it earlier, it's a good one!"

KUMAGCOW
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Bela Padilla Joins DAYOFF on their 9th Year!

We're live blogging from Movie Stars Cafe at the MOA grounds to celebrate what seems to be a great way to welcome someone special to join the long running show DAYOFF. It's been running for 9 years now and today we're hearing from the grapevine that it's Bela Padilla who's joining the show.

Pekto started off by thanking everyone for being with them all these years and he reminisced on how many co hosts he's been with... and left him already. Still, he's thankful for the years they've been together and it was really hard on some occasion. Mae was a segment producer back when Carmina and Pekto were the hosts. She's still part of the show but now is in front of the camera and thanks DAYOFF for the opportunity. It has changed her life in a way and she's excited for the future episodes now that Bela is here. 

Bela thanked the staff, production and crew and told us about her adventures taping episodes of Dayoff. She also gave us a sneek peek of the show where she's already a regular host. 

Pekto also told us that he doesn't know why his co hosts left him. It's probably because the challenges are already getting hard and they probably also felt that it was time to move on. Mae said it would be fun because you'll se her more in the upcoming episodes. Bela says she's ready for the challenges and she sees this as an opportunity to go out there. They chose Bela because of her keen sense of picking up jokes, humor and the way she can play with the team of DAYOFF. They are doing this show for the people who are working hard everyday, that's what Bela thinks and she's going to be seen regularly now.

They've got fears but there would be more time to face them and experience it first hand by being in the show. Best of all, you would be able to see them do it on TV every week!

Thanks to GMA Social Media, DAYOFF's production, GMA Artist Center, their sponsors Movie Stars Cafe, Nuat Thai, Hawk Bags, Nisce Skin n Face Center and all the guys who made this event possible. Thank you for letting us cover it!  :) 

For more information about their artists:

Official GMA Artist Center

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://gmanetwork.com/artistcenter

Louise Delos Reyes: On Coming Home

When I met Louise Delos Reyes in Prive a few years back, I didn't know she'd actually be this big. She's done countless shows already - and the support that her GMA management has done all these years just proves her worth. They continue to trust her because she's steadfastly showed how much she loves her craft. I've also had the chance to interview her co actors in the past and one common thing that I've heard from them is their praises on how Louise knows what she's doing. I couldn't say that to most artists... she's a gem in this station.

A few days ago, we got to tag along with her in her home town of Tanza, Cavite. This was specifically in Saint Augustine School, a private institution where she spent her primary and secondary education. She introduced us to some of her former Professors and toured us around where she practically grew up. Being an Agustinian was definitely a huge part of who she is today. The place isn't as posh as institutions in Manila but it was the best one in their town. I think she regularly goes here even if she already graduated because almost everyone still knows her in and out of the school. She had to stop several times to say hi to them, she says it really keeps her humble, puts her feet on the ground. 

 

As usual, we were a bit off a beaten path. We learned a casual walk around the campus didn't really mean a quiet one because the kids got crazy. Seeing a GMA artist was something really exciting for them. I felt they all ate chocolate and candies because they were like Energizer bunnies jumping around and screaming her name that afternoon. 

She didn't disappoint them of course. She went out and took time to be with the students. They took photos and selfies non stop. Then we went to places in her school where she and her friends usually hang out. 

She sat down on a table right beside the river. The view there was so cool. She told us of her fond memories spent with friends in that same area. She always had packed lunch and only had Fried Chicken every day. She didn't want anything other than Fried Chicken. We also ate fried chicken for lunch that day LOL. See how much she loves it? :)

For those who don't know, Louise actually also got involved in the student government and the school's publication. Her grades were pretty well off and she also excelled in extra curricular activities. She also shared her passion with the school's intramurals. She said she wouldn't trade it for anything even the UAAP. Other than that, she also joined fashion shows and pageants during those years. She also eventually became Ms. Intrams on her last year. She's also Ms. Junior and Ms. Senior... meaning she's a real deal prom queen!

She became a total kid again when we started to talk about her crushes in high school. She even spun around talking about that guy a year older than her. She still remembers his room, when she sees him during basketball practice and she blushed still talking about him. Isn't it amazing to know that she's just as human as you and me, even with the popularity. That's so cute.

We went inside one of the rooms and asked her about what she misses most about "Kambal Sirena (Twin Mermaids)". She said that just like what she did in Tween Hearts, they forged friendships with everyone in the show so ending that was somehow bitter sweet. She's glad it ended because it was really physically and mentally exhausting. It was really hard to work on the show - but she misses everyone especially the cast and the crew. She says she wants to take a short break after all that and recuperate. She's been really busy and thanks GMA for keeping it that way. She thanks them a lot for trusting her with lead roles that she enjoys and makes it a point not to short change them when the role calls for it. The show has definitely garnered high ratings consistently; even beating the competition on its finale day. I'm sure GMA has a lot planned for her after this good showing, this is one of the reasons they trust her.

 

We went to Louise's 4th year high school adviser on the same room she went to back then. Aside from more black boards, lockers and air conditioning... it was still the same thing as she remembers it. She said hi to them all quite differently which I found quite touching.

She sat down and began looking at their names in the seat plan. She actually remembers some of them while some, had some really familiar surnames. She apparently remembers some of them when they were kids... whilst some were siblings of previous schoolmates... she confirmed by talking to them while we were there. Aside from that, she gave them a small talk. She delved more on how they should choose their courses in college. For what it's worth, they should talk to their parents more and explain why they chose the course they picked. It should never be the choice of the parents because at the end of it all, it's their life and they would have to live with it.

She also adds that what ever course they choose, they should make sure to always follow their passion. Louise always wanted to be an actress, this is why no matter how less sleep she gets she still hungers for work and she's pretty awesome at it because she loves her job. This is the thing she wanted to share with them and these guys and gals were pretty appreciative. 

The simple girl from the province only wished the best for the next generation of students coming from Saint Augustine School. She knows how much she has learned from her mentors and she is a living testimony of success. She did work hard for what she has right now and we've seen why she's been blessed all these years. Oh by the way, she's going to be in next Saturday's episode of "Magpakailan Man". She's playing a pregnant woman but it's going to be a crazy story.

Thank you so much to the GMA Social Media team for letting us tag along with Louise as she goes back to her hometown of Tanza. Thank you also to Louise's Mom who was so nice to us that day. I'd like to congratulate Louise on what she's achieved so far, I'm sure another big project is in the works but in the mean time... please take a break and enjoy time with family and friends. You deserve it! :)

For more information about their artists:

Official GMA Artist Center

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://gmanetwork.com/artistcenter