UNILAB and Mercury Drug Celebrate 80 Years of Quality and Care with ALAGANG SUKI FEST 2025

8 whole decades is a long time, and that's exactly how long UNILAB and Mercury Drug has been providing quality and care for Filipinos. To celebrate with a bang, they got some of the hottest acts and personalities in the country to headline their show entitled "Alagang Suki Fest 2025". People were just shocked how they were able to combine the Koolpals, Jolina Slaydangal, Robi Domingo, and artist Belle Mariano, world dance champs Legit Status, hot band Mayonnaise, pop prince Darren Espanto, chart topper Maki, Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, and the country's PPOP girl group BINI.

The venue was packed and they started the show with a few games with the audience to break the ice. 

Jolina was not just the momshie, but a generation that reminded us of the 90's, and how good it was til it lasted. Same with Robi who taught us how to take care of our tummies. Belle Mariano was the surprise of the evening, she was fun and had folks standing up, and went to the audience area because she really just wanted to have fun during her performance. She was really entertaining!

Belle really knew how to work the crowd, and she sang a few 80's and 90's hits, which really made us sing along with her. Her set was fun!

Legit Status showed us why they are world class. With jumps, tumbles and crump moves, we just watched knowing how difficult it is. That's passion personified.

Mayonnaise sang their hit songs, and thought to surprise us with JOPAY at the end of their set. Folks thought they wouldn't sing it but they did!

Darren and Maki really had the young ones mesmerized by their songs (and dance for Darren). Maki had a different sound, it appeals to a lot of folks. Though I haven't heard some of it, I am impressed. No wonder he's always in the mind of international acts who've heard his songs. He's really good! Darren on the other hand has performed his hits, and some of his newly released singles which were loved by many.

Highlight of the evening was Mr. Gary Valenciano, when folks thought it was going to be ballads, he comes completely bonkers with the Maneuvers. He didn't just wear the Mr. Pure Energy moniker, he became it. With high energy moves, songs, he got everyone off of their seats to dance and sing along with him. He brought us to church, he made us stars in our own seats, and that says a lot for a world class performer like him. Super love the evening because of that!

The nation's PPOP Girl Group, BINI made the crowd crazy. With their hit songs, and surprise number in the end, we were all just thankful how our dreams came true courtesy of UNILAB and Mercury Drug Corporation. Thank you for letting us be part of this wonderful celebration of your 80 years. Here's to more in the next few years because I'm sure you'll try an even bigger one right?!

If you want to watch the concert, head on to my TikTok account @kumagcow because I've managed to take videos of it in several parts. 

Thank you for the quality, for the care and the love you bring for Filipinos!

DARREN ESPANTO All Set for D10 Concert

He was just a baby (I kid)... but now, your boy Darren Espanto is celebrating his 10th year in the showbiz industry.

The last time I saw him was during his performance on Gary Valenciano's concert. If you haven't seen the technology employed in that show, you've got Darren to make you experience that in D10. He shared this during the press conference of his concert on June 1st, and from what I've been seeing in his photos during these past few weeks, he's about to give us a singing and dancing showdown that we've never seen him do. The tech he talked about had the ability to move with the subject, so the lights will be crazy once it lands on the Araneta Coliseum stage.

 Here's a few details divulged during our interview

Confirmed guests include Erik Santos, Ogie Alcasid, Lyca Gairanod, Gary Valenciano, Sarah Geronimo, and Vice Ganda. I think there will be more, but that's going to be revealed on the actual day. His rehearsals are tough, he's been spending a lot of time on it these past few weeks and he says, he's just lucky that he's not getting sick even if he lacks sleep. He's going to the gym, so he gets the stamina he needs for the concert. He also started vocal rehearsals and want to stop perhaps a day or two before the show. 

So imagine what you will miss if you don't watch the show tomorrow. I think there are only a few tickets left on some sections, hope you get to see Darren celebrate his 10th year. He still has lots of plans in the pipeline especially with his music. I heard an album in the works but perhaps a single would be dropped on the actual concert day. 

From The Voice kids to this? How time flies indeed!

 Congratulations Darren! Can't wait to see what you've got up your sleeves!

 

Xiaomi Launches New Phones, Does Fun Activities, Concerts at Redmi Note 13 Iconic Park

Fun activities, snacks, and showcase of phones happened last January 27 and 28 at Mall of Asia's SM By the Bay where phone brand Xiaomi put up the Redmi Note 13 Iconic Park. It was a way for them to experience the new phones physically in pop up booths they put up at the venue. They also had fun activities like pole catching, arcade machines, and even nachos for the crowd prior to the arrival of several celebrities that have used the new Redmi Note 13 series on the first day.

GMA's Gabbi Garcia (aside from being pretty) went on stage and joined content creators to explain each of the phones and talk about where and when they can use it in their daily life. Since they were all there, Xiaomi fans were also treated to a full blown concert in the evening with Kyle Echarri, JK Labajo and even the whole team ECHO who did good in MOBA games when they represented the country in international competitions. They also made use of the products capability to play games and talked about their personal experiences in using the new Redmi Note 13 series in scrims they did on their personal time.

Aside from the photo centric Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G, they also had Darren Espanto do use the Redmi Watch 4 together with some Xiaomi fans in an indoor cycling event nearby. The phone and their other models are now availbale in online stores, Lazada, TikTok, Shopee and authorized Xiaomi shops nationwide!

If you want to know more, just visit their social channels and the Xiaomi Philippines Facebook page since they update it with the latest news about the brand and the new handsets.

Congratulations Xiaomi! Had so much fun that afternoon!

Art De Noel and New Year Shindig at Sofitel Manila

Christmas at Sofitel Manila certainly is an event to experience. With their upcoming Art De Noel 2023, the management, staff and guests of the hotel will be able to help once again the Virlanie Foundation. The organization helps disadvantaged children and families in the Philippines for years now and Sofitel Manila has been a constant partner in making sure their mission stays accomplished every year. The decor in the hotel has changed quite a lot over the years, and this year, they've got a few trains on display right at the entrance and floating right beside the huge Christmas Tree displayed at the center of Spiral, one of the world's best buffet. 

This year, they want to also put importance on reuniting families. Aside from that, they're yearly New Year celebrations will be held at the Sofitel Grand Ballroom and Harbor Garden Tent, with an event called SHINDIG, showcasing dance across eras, with some of the brightest stars of the 80's, 90's, 2000's and the present. Let's just say it involves Juan Miguel Salvador (who played the 80's hits so good that evening!), DJ Tom Taus, Joshua Zamora and Jon Supan, The InnerVoices, and your boy Darren Espanto headlining the show. Tickets will be available starting November 30 so if you've got plans to celebrate New Year's eve without the fuzz, this might be your best bet. They also have an early bird rate, so go call +632-85735557 for it. 

Here's a glimpse of what will happen at Sofitel Manila, I'm telling you, it's super fun! I had the urge of dancing even with strangers during the launch a few days ago.

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As you can see, Sofitel Manila's SPIRAL, LE BAR and Cocos will also be serving food during these dates. Reserve a table through their website, social channels or their number posted above. Take a bite of the Holiday Logs, Cheese, Foie Gras, seafood, pasta on the cheese wheel, and tons of desserts. They will also have a fireworks display, Art de Noel Light Show, good rates for stay, the Sofitel Bears (to help Virlanie Foundation too!), live music entertainment while you dine the best food at SPIRAL.

We got to experience part of that last week, and I'm sure the actual dates will be even bigger. You definitely shouldn't miss this, only at Sofitel Manila!

Beautéderm Opens Corporate Headquarters and Beauté Beanery in Pampanga

It must have been her great dream to to one day, cement her brand and put her business in one roof hence the new Beautéderm Corporate Headquarters in Angeles City, Pampanga. Ms. Rei Ramos Anicoche Tan and the Beautéderm team finally opened the new building (which houses several of her brands) and the newly launched Beauté Beanery (a coffee shop) in this location. It's also Beautéderm Corporation's 14th year in the business and this was the opportune time for us to see what they've done with the place. It was absolutely gorgeous from outside!

This is welcome news for the multitude of their loyal customers who have always patronized their skin, body, fragance and health booster products known for its efficacy and quality. This isn't just a business for CEO and founder Rhea Tan because it provides resellers, their distributors and franchisees something that could change their lives. The new building has been 2 years in the making and it was meant to be the main base of operations in the country.

The place was absolutely posh. They had marble and nice tiles, gold fixtures from floor to ceiling. They also had several designer trunks here and there which made it look even better. They also had the BeautéHaus which provides skin services and we were greeted by several of their people, it felt quite welcoming. Since it's also the first time we're seeing this building, they invited several artists to make the event sparkle!

Artists include singer Alynna Velasquez, character actress Ynez Veneracion, internationally awarded actress Ms. Sylvia Sanchez, the gorgeous Jane Oineza, the iconic Ms. Lorna Tolentino, international sensation Darren Espanto, premier broadcaster Korina Sanchez Roxas and the beautiful Bea Alonzo.  There were also several social media influencers in attendance and a lot of media entities from Pampanga, broadsheets, tabloids and bloggers.

Beautederm Execs, Celebrities, Ms. Rei's Mom during the launch

Darren even gave a small song number after being egged by the press

Ms. Rei and Bea Alonzo

The new Beauté Beanery on the other hand concocted several hot and cold coffee variations, also prepared hot food, cakes and pastries. It'll surely be a nice spot for remote work, dates or just usual coffee breaks if you're in the area.

Ms. Sylvia Sanchez also obliged us with an interview about how she feels about being an endorser of Beautéderm and her whole journey. We also asked he a bit about Ria Atayde's recent milestones as the newest calendar girl.

Ms. Rei was very optimistic that this will just be the first of 10 buildings she wants to put up all over the country. I've seen them grow over the years and I'm so happy that a Filipino corporation has achieved so much in such a short amount of time. She had very humble beginnings, her life story is quite inspiring and it teaches you that anything is possible if you put your mind, your heart and hard work into it.

Congratulations to the men and women who have made it possible for Beautéderm to grow where it is today!

EZ MIL Set to do "HOMECOMING" Philippine Tour

After his viral video PANALO became a phenomenal hit in the Philippines and elsewhere in the world, EZ MIL will be coming home to the Philippines. This is a welcome treat for those who would love to see him in the flesh, perform live on stage for the first time.

Tickets will be sold now at EZMILHOMECOMINGTOUR.COM, TicketNet, SM Tickets and the artists lineup is crazy. For starters, there's Darren Espanto, GLOC-9, Kiefer Sanchez, HBOM, PLAN B, DJ Nix, Raining Sorrow and TNT finalist Froilan Canlas.

Raining Sorrow is EZ Mil's sister, she will also be performing with them during the tour and she says "As his sister, it's cool that he's doing what he loves." HBOM says "I'm super excited to see these people, it's been a while since I've been back in the country. I'm in awe everytime EZ MIL works, coming home after 20 years of not going back is really exciting. My new single is also out, it's called "Lahi" and hope you get to watch the music video."

Darren Espanto says "It's so nice to be here today, I'm very excited to perform on stage after 2 years. It's something that is inevitable, find ways to improve your craft, something that I'm still doing now, I want to continue to showcase a new Darren, a more mature side of me."

GLOC-9 says "Thanks for having me, EZ this is so exciting. I'm very excited thinking of being here in an event with him, he knows his craft, I'm excited for him and happy seeing him do what he loves. I'm excited because just to see artists evolve how we create music, I'm thankful for that!"

EZ says "I'm just super excited, this is something incredibly huge for everyone, for OG's, for those who are just going on stage, by what Gloc and the greats said, maraming salamat for making this possible for all of us. I just hope we get to have a lot of fun. I can't wait to be there. The feeling of doing it on the Wish Bus, I didn't know how people would receive it, there were just people that I met and I did my thing. It was just a moment that captured me in time, it's a little thing with mic in front, a spectacle that I'm wondering why it is still gaining views today."

He adds "I'm not nervous, the effect of PANALO is something that is probably already been loved by the crowd, it's just going to be a different vibe. It's just going to feel like home. There will be some songs that will collaborated, it will be a surprise so you just have to see it on the day itself. As a performer, I am just myself, I'm gonna try to do my shiz and at the end of the day, live is live. I'll perform my songs, I have respect for songs, whether I perform it or not it'll be good. Stay as strong as you can, we're going through a crisis, but whether it affects you or not, pakatatag lang. My Dad's music was different, it surrounded me a lot, my regular life, it wasn't something that stick out for me and rap is something that caught my attention, in highschool I got to listen to more, in college I started looking for deep lyrics, the reality of metal which I did had words that was extreme. I just be myself, I can't do anything than just be me. I just deal with people the same way they do to me. Music or what you see on screen is work, Imma keep working. Let's just have fun doing what we love to do. Gloc has been an inspiration, in highschool, those were just the times. He's always got a special place in my heart. He makes music that you understand, it's good times!"

About other artists "SB19, BGYO, BINI, they'd be killin it now. I know they will be doing great on the world stage for sure! We should keep the momentum going, strike while the iron is hot, it's easy to get to the top, but keep the foot on the mold as we're going to be seen by an even larger audience including media."

Gloc says "I think when he gets here we can probably do something, as advice, just love what you do... treat your dream like an actual person. When I don't do well, I talk with it, like a relationship, to love your craft and it will love you back. If you do that, and see what you carry is different, you will see things happen."

Tour locations include his hometown of Olongapo City (APRIL 22, 2022 4PM - 10PM OLONGAPO CITY REMY FIELD R7CM+MCX), Manila on APRIL 29, 2022 5PM - 10PM at the Araneta Coliseum, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales), SMX Davao in Davao City (MAY 01, 2022 4PM - 10PM), Albay Astrodome in Legazpi City (MAY 06, 2022 4PM - 10PM), Camp John Hay in Baguio City. They are being supported by WISH 107.5, directed by Paolo Valenciano and produced by MAK Entertainment Services.

TECNO Mobile To Hold Talent Show on April 24

After launching the new Spark 6 Air a couple months ago, here goes TECNO Mobile getting super obsessed in entertaining Filipinos which they started last April 17 with YouTube superstars Beks Battalion, Baninay Bautista, Mika and super funny DONEKLA. The SPARK UP THE FUN show not only was comic genius, but they went ahead and gave away over 150 smartphones and tons of cash to lucky livestream viewers at the TECNO Mobile Facebook Page.

The Spark 6 Air is the perfect partner for work, learning and leisure and since it also packs a lot of juice, why not give you reasons to go back to the TECNO Mobile Facebook page by getting fresh Filipino Canadian phenom Darren Espanto, teen drama princess Jillian Ward, actress Dianne Medina, Boys Night Out's Sam YG plus the phenomenal and gorgeous Julie Anne San Jose all in one place for SPARK UP YOUR ENERGY happening on April 24th (that's this coming Saturday!) at 6PM.

 

Aside from the artists performances, they'll be giving away 150 prizes including mobile phone packages, smartphones, tons of cash too. Plus, they're going to give several fans the chance to be mentored by these artists so they too would be able to make their dreams of dancing, singing and performing a reality through SPARK UP YOUR ENERGY. They are also holding games and challenges with the artists, so this could be your chance to get up close (sans social distancing) and personal with your idols so make sure to be there when it happens on Saturday!

There will also be an exclusive offer for those who would be buying phones from Lazada that will be given during the livestream, so don't miss that part! 

Oh and of course, they also ahve the CAMON 16 smartphone which are available in TECNO Mobile partner retail stores that only costs Php 7,990. It's got a quad camera setup with a 48MP main camera, a DOF and Macro Lens,  plus a wide angle one for your photography needs. It can also be charged fast at 18W capacity so you can use it all day, everyday. Go check out tecno-mobile.com/ph if you need more information about the phones, but in the meantime, put the event in your calendars so you can watch it live this weekend. It'll be so much fun!

GLOBE Warms Hearts with #ChristmasWeLove Live Pop-Up

This year, we all experienced our ups and downs. The pandemic has made us all crazy and aware of what is happening around the world. We saw how we cared for each other, help out friends and family while we are all confined at the comfort of our homes. Globe knows how hard these days are, so they thought of something cool to do during this season. They just launched #ChristmasWeLove, a series of live digital pop-ups featuring fun activities designed to get the holiday spirit started in the Philippines. Oh yes, they were all good! This also feels like they're letting us experience Christmas even if we're all apart.

For starters, they did a Carol-oke Night with some of the greatest singers in the Philippines. They got Morissette, Darren Espanto, Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos to perform. Globe's Consumer Business Head Issa Guevarra-Cabreira says “This year may be a little tough, but we at Globe are trying to make holidays fun so we can feel the Christmas spirit. With our #ChristmasWeLove Live Pop-Ups, we hope to send each other love even at the comfort of our own homes”.

This event was all done on Globe's Facebook page and viewers were all encouraged to dedicate the numerous songs they had to their special someone. They also did a Holi-Game Showcase last December 4 for MMFF as they are a huge part of why the festival was also done this year. You can actually buy tickets via GMovies and it was very easy to actually do it. They also did a Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) themed Quiz Night last December 11 with some of the entries stars, it was so fun to watch them all online. There will be a K-Pop Kristmas event on December 21 so make sure you get to watch that too on their social channels. If you want to experience #ChristmasWeLove, go and like their facebook page GlobePH because the next one is gonna be so much fun!

See you there!

Darren Espanto and Sassa Dagdag Uses Vivo V7+ for Music

 Darren Espanto and Sassa Dagdag are no strangers in the entertainment industry. Their stint at The Voice Kids Philippines landed them gigs left and right, a couple of albums in their belt and they got to be a part of the Vivo Family last September. Now armed with the Vivo V7+, they're enjoying their phones to a whole new level to make their music careers easier to handle, so those gigs and live performances would be flawless, as it should.

 

Darren loves to listen to KPOP music, he dances to the beat and is pretty good at it. He's got a self-entitled full studio album, topping the charts and has got a Platinum award to prove that point. Each time he sings, he needs to listen to his music and uses the Vivo V7+ to do that before he goes up the stage, even his current hit Dying Inside is included. It's already amassed about 300K views and is still doing mall visits with Vivo, plus joined their CSR activity at the V. Luna hospital last December for the Marawi soldiers, a very noble act indeed.

Sassa right now is still at it. Her version of Sia’s Chandelier is memorable and is getting 3 million views on Youtube. If you've heard her version of Beyonce’s Halo, you'll be crying buckets of tears on how she depicted herself for that song, it's been watched tons of times on the site and is still getting traction til now. She did an SM Southmall mall tour last year with Vivo, and a couple more in SM Pampanga and Fishermall in Quezon City. She's going to be very busy this year so make sure you get to hang with her and Vivo V7+ who promises to take her across the country.

Darren and Sassa is taking advantage of the Vivo V7+ hi-fidelity audio chip, the great photos and selfies it can do, so you should too. They also watch their performances on video, once it gets uploaded on Youtube for everyone to see.

Visit the VIVO official website at www.vivo.com/ph and their social media channels if you want to know more about the Vivo V7+.

Vivo Gives Back To Soldiers of Marawi

Top 5 brand Vivo Philippines isn't just going to stand there and do nothing. On December 17, 2017 they went out and visited injured and recovering soldiers at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Hospital in V. Luna, Quezon City. Executives from Vivo and their celebrity endorsers were in attendance to give these brave frontliners some cute entertainment so they could feel the spirit of Christmas. 

It was tough out there, some of them couldn't even take a bath for days unless they re-supply their arms and rest a bit. They also didn't sleep that much so they won't let the people of Marawi City and our country down when some rebels tried to force their way in the once glorious city.

Kisses Delavin, KZ Tandingan, Darren Espanto, Jason Dy sang their heart out and listened to the soldiers stories while they were there in hopes to ease their conditions a bit now that they are done with their job and recovering. Albeit some of them have gunshot wounds, amputees, or psychologically affected, you won't see them falter, but instead still see them all tough because they knew they were doing it for our people, a noble deed.

Towards the end of the program, Vivo Philippines presented a cheque for Php 100,000 to be given as aid for the rehabilitation and recovery of patient soldiers and a heartwarming video dedicated to them found here: (https://www.facebook.com/VivoPhil/videos/525331654510639/?id=296173570575105&brand_redir=296173570575105)

I prayed for them this evening in the hopes they too would spend a lot of time with friends and family. 

Merry Christmas!