SPARKS CAMP - First Queer Dating Show in the Philippines

Is dating difficult these days? Have you been looking for that certain spark? Be ready as 10 single guys gets the ball rolling in the country's first queer dating reality show called "SPARKS CAMP". The show will be premiered this Wednesday at Black Sheep's YouTube channel and yes, netizens have certainly noticed.

I've seen how people reacted on Twitter, some thirsty for conversations. At the helm is Director Theodore Boborol who has been part other hit shows like PBB and MMK among others. Patrick Valencia and Daniel Saniana also wrote the script. Patrick has done "Hanging Out", "The Third Party",  hit web show "Hello Stranger". Daniel on the other hand did "Sila Sila" apart from his other works. Hosting the show is Ms. Mela Habijan who's been a stern supporter and part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Director Theodore says "We are very excited to let you see the show Sparks Camp, I hope you enjoy the show and hear who you are rooting for in the camp."

Mela says "Happy pride! This is the first queer reality dating show, it's difficult for the community and hope this sparks conversations especially in the queer community."

Here are highlights from this evening's mediacon, enjoy!

People will love the cast, as campers Dan, Nick, Gabe, Justin, Stanley, Karl, Aaron, Alex, Bong, Nat will be trying their luck in finding the one who will give them that spark. This is part of the throng of content that ABSCBN is putting out on YouTube, make sure you watch and take part in the conversation. Remember, May 24 at 8pm, in Black Sheep's YouTube channel.

Patrick Valencia in the end adds "This is our labor of love and hope you spread the word, thank you!"

PS. Got the chance to see the first episode, which you shouldn't miss so you get to know the guys before they try to see if there's real spark!

Dating Apps: Do They Work?

The pandemic has forced us all to stay in our homes and contemplate about life and dating. These days, going out on an "in person" date would require having testing kits, a microscope and certifications from doctors (I kid). In ways, it has become passe and people have started to realize that relationships can still start with technology through apps on your smartphone. The arduous hours spent on it recently had been figured out (thanks to Rakuten Insight and Statista Global Research) that over 48 percent of Filipinos use dating apps and almost 28 percent admit spending several hours in a week in it. This would probably continue to grow in coming years.

If you don't know, the business is worth 2.5 Billion Dollars, let that sink in. In an industry like this, you need great app experience to stand out and get a bigger chunk of the pie. With it, you'll get a lot of people match and experience connections that are all easy, seamless, meaningful and enjoyable. The various facets of the app should be supported including those that can be attended to by digital outsourcing providers.

The Dating Game

Chat is essential but there are tons of other features that leading apps use to make it a successufl match. Those gif's, stickers, images, greetings, predictive text, much of the things you see or do are driven by AI or machine learning. This includes responses they give so they lead conversations, land pickup lines and Dad jokes with ease.

Others take the extra mile and do games, from trivia rounds to spaceships with your nose, to turning those awkward situations more entertaining. There's a lot out there that can make or break a great dating app, but only a few employ good ones. It has to, otherwise it needs a bit of re-thinking.


In-App Support

Not everyone would be putting in their personal details in the app, understandable for safety reasons. Aside from that, scams and cat-fishing are actually a thing now. This is why support channels should be available whether chat or email, and response to urgent matters must be addressed especially if things get compromised.

Some digital outsourcing providers like TaskUs work with some of the world's biggest dating apps to provide best in industry customer experiences. If you want to get to know them more, check out TaskUs.com.

Online Filipina Dating: The Things You Need to Know

The number of people who want to meet and date single Filipinas have been growing in the last few years. With their one-of -a- kind beauty and charm, this is not very surprising.

It’s not hard to find amazing Filipinas online. There are hundreds of them that use a dating site for single Filipinas, while there are also others who prefer to use the mainstream social media. No matter which way you want to reach them, there are some things you should know first if you want to really capture their hearts through online dating.


Filipinas are very conservative

Filipino women are raised in a culture where they are taught to always act reserved. They place very high value in themselves no matter what their social status is. Don’t be surprised if the Filipina you are dating is not very comfortable with when talking about sex and intimacy.

Filipinas have beliefs that are rooted in Christianity

The Philippines is the biggest Christian country in Asia, and the 5th biggest Christian country in the world. Although the entire population is divided among different denominations, their beliefs, values, and practices are very similar.

Filipinas will appreciate men who have respect for their religion, as they grew up in families that observe the Christian traditions very strictly. Do not make jokes about it or make fun of it. It would help you in your Filipino dating journey if you always display good manners and show respect for others constantly.

Filipinas love men with good humor

Filipinas are carefree and they love to hear good jokes. They laugh easily and would enjoy your company if you make an effort to make them feel happy. Just make sure that you don’t tell them something offensive to their culture and religion.

Filipinas love a romantic partner

If you watch Filipino produced films and TV shows, you would know that Filipinas love the art of romance. They are drawn to men who will shower them with sweet words and gifts. They also fall easily for men who will make themselves available immediately in times of her troubles.

Filipinas look for romantic men even in an online Filipino dating site. You don’t need to send her flowers and gifts all the time, but make an effort to be sweet. Check on her regularly and let her know that you want to make sure she’s okay. Take interest in her interests and engage in meaningful conversations. As long as you don’t act too clingy, chances are she’ll be wanting to be in a relationship with you quickly, too.

Filipina dating experiences are certainly very unique. Dealing with a culture that places such high value in women and commitment can be quite difficult at first, but you will learn a lot along the way. There is definitely nothing that should hinder you from giving it a try.

Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo: She's Dating The Gangster

We were able to see Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Cathy Garcia Molina and Carmi Raymundo yesterday before the premier night of She's Dating A Gangster at the Star Cinema office in ABSCBN. It was a nice to see them after a long time and they've been going through morning shows before this happened. They were a little tired but they were still game to answer questions. I loved how Direk Cathy went on and joked about Daniel sleeping while in the blog conference... we laughed profusely about that. Kathryn Bernardo was a ray of sunshine. She was really pretty and I find that very appealing. This is why she's liked by millions of youngsters today. Putting them together in a project like this was just something bound to be successful. And I just learned they did 15 Million pesos on their first day! Isn't that amazing?

Bianca Bernardino, author of the book She's Dating A Gangster

This is also the first time that the author actually attended a blogcon and she was ecstatic to tell us the story behind the book. It has sold over 70.000 copies and has gotten around 600,000 readers through Wattpad. They also made a version of the book now with Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla on the cover which totally made the sales soar even more we were told. Nothing surprising though, I think them having bigger on screen appearances is now a norm!

Director Cathy Garcia Molina has several blockbusters in her belt

When asked about casting, Director Cathy Garcia Molina said that there were no other choices other than making this film all about Kathryn and Daniel. They were the perfect ones for the role and they thought about it immediately upon seeing the material. Without batting an eyelash she wanted to only see these two to play the role. Their on and off screen romance just speaks volume on how they would be able to make these roles believable... which I think actually came out good in the movie according to those who have watched it yesterday.

Then when Kathryn Bernardo was about to answer questions from us, you know what Daniel did? He removed the cable from the microphone and played with it. These guys are crazy and we find that very cute... undeniably, even if Daniel was a little bit naughty he often consoled Kathryn by being very touchy that afternoon. The small things, like stroking her hair... the little quirks he does like putting his head on her shoulder... if we're not aware, we would really thing that these two are already in a relationship. I'm sure Kathniel fans would love that!

They were quite aware of the "albularyo" comparisons on social media but it looks like they were even making jokes about it. Their roles Kenji and Athena will revolve around their unexpected love story. They will also involve the future and the past. This is where Richard Gomez and Dawn Zulueta's role come in later on in the movie. You'll love that part if you see the movie. I even saw people crying no joke. The movie also stars Khalil Ramos, Sofia Andres, Pamu Pamorada, Marco Gumabao, John Uy, Alex Diaz, Igi Boy Flores and Yana Asistio.

She's Dating a Gangster is shown in over 150 theaters nationwide and will tell you a story about love that encompasses time. Make sure you watch this 20th Anniversary offering of Star Cinema. I hear they are running a few weeks so make sure you get felt on social media as well. Star Cinema listens to your tweets and Facebook posts so make sure you do not miss this on theaters even if it's raining outside! Let's see if it can be the biggest blockbuster this year!

For more information about their movie:

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http://www.starcinema.com.ph

The Sweetest Contest from TOBLERONE!

It looks like my February just got even better! Imagine the soft - sweet chocolate goodness running through your mouth uttering the words I LOVE YOU this season. Toblerone - the one and only phenomenal pyramid shaped chocolate bar is out to give you that special treat this Valentines season with their new promo promptly called "TOBLERONE VALENTINE'S PROMO". Make sense! LOL!

Have you ever thought of your own DREAM DATE?! Do you know when or where it'll be?! Or how it took place and just became so perfect that you can't forget it?! That special moment is the one Toblerone is looking for and this contest is so easy to join!

Two easy things to follow:

1. Take a picture of yourself and a loved one featuring a Toblerone chocolate with an “I Love You” sleeve and/or the other special Valentine edition Toblerone sleeves in the picture.

The more creative your photo is, the more chances you'll get picked!

2. Submit it on givetoblerone.com with your dream date write-up.

OR

2. Email the picture to sayitsweeter@givetoblerone.com along with a description of your most creative dream date. Make sure to include your full name, email address, home address, and contact number.

Just take a moment and enjoy this Valentines season and you could be the lucky boy or girl that will get the chance to win a 50,000 peso worth dream date for you and your loved one! Isn't that neat?!

For complete mechanics of this contest just check out this link!

CLICK HERE

Remember that the chances of winning are dependent on the creativity of the picture, the creativity of the writeup, and the number of likes on their picture. If you've got so much love this season it's time to get you and your friends in this contest too! Have them participate liking your entry and you'll surely win that coveted prize!

Dream dates anyone!?

UPDATE!

Toblerone Valentine's Promo is now extended until the end of February. So make sure you get those entries in and get your votes cast now! What are you waiting for?! :)

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Valentines Day: So What! LOL!

A lot of people don't care weather its Valentines Day or not, one of them is ME. Of course there will be a lot of people raising their eyebrows... probably most will say I'm bitter, or maybe tell themselves that I'm like this because I'm not happily married. Well, for you guys, let me say this one thing.... I DON'T GIVE A DAMN!

Hahaha... first of all, the reason I'm single is NOT YOUR BUSINESS. Second is that if you think you are HAPPY because you are with someone, think again... not everyone who's married is truly HAPPY. Go to the corner and chant spells to make yourself believe your own lie. Don't even tell me about your kids, I can have that in my spare time. I hate you people for thinking that you are all that just because you have a family. I can go out every week and get women as much as I did years ago, actually I even got better now. I get laid when I want to. While you on the other hand only have one at home... not that I'm saying... but just sayin LOL!


I can still go out to clubs, drink or smoke in posh places and go to every single one of them anytime I want to. You on the other hand probably just call your friends and sit outside your house and drink like #sunogbaga's telling yourself that you are happy doing that. That's right, keep telling that to yourself. Hahahahah!

Someone just asked me out for a date, I told her "Huh?! Why should I go out today don't you think its cheesy?!" She said "Because its Valentines Day and I don't have a date!".. I answered "So what am I a pity date?! Do I look that desperate to you?!", she said "Because you don't have one too and I figured we go out like old times.." I said "Hunny I'm not that historical to be part of your "OLD TIMES" I'd rather not go out to be part of your culture. She said "sungit mo naman!" hahahah and I told her, no, I'm not a snob, I just hate going out just because it's this day or whatnot... I'd rather go out for the right reasons. If I wanted to go out I'll do that on weekends and I'm not going there to see someone I'll marry. Bars were made for hookups, if you find a diamond in the rough that's another story.

She said "You know what, you should get married soon... I'd like to see you married off rather than growing old not having someone to take care of you"... I said "Hunny, if I only married so someone could love and take care of me, I'd hire a caregiver or get a personal doctor... Sharon Cuneta could do that."

This Valentines Day sucks, it's full of people who want to pretend that they are happy. I wouldn't wanna break it to you guys but you have been hooked by people who want to sell flowers, food and stuff that make you fat. Commercialism at its finest! You'll die early and spend a fortune on all that crap and hospital bills. If you want to show someone you love em it wouldn't cost that much. Be happy if you are married; but don't go telling someone else that they are not happy because they are still single. I can do that tomorrow if I wanted to! =P don't make us look bad just so you can feel so superior because you have extra baggage.

For those who I heard were talking behind my back; eat my shorts! Always remember that envy is the art of counting the other fellow's blessings instead of your own so in a way you are an ungrateful basta*d! LOL!


IKR?! DUH!

I'm Not Just another Boy Next Door

I'm battling time indeed. Christmas is near and I'm still single. I need to cover that up fast so I don't end up alone the whole year. I don't know but it's nothing like rocket science in this part of the world that it is bad luck. I'm doing my best though and I wish there was boston dating services here so I wouldn't have to go out and spend that much on unnecessary dates. Believe me I've been in a lot of those! I'm trying to spend on more appropriate and productive dates... if there is anything like that!

The weekend was nice though because I got hooked up. This afternoon I confirmed we'd be going out on Saturday. I plan fancy dates. That is the usual thing so I'm going to try something unconventional and different. I probably would end in a concept to look and feel something in a certain way that would not be too elegant and refined. It is a gamble but I'm all for it. I need to go out of the boring and into the unexpected. I haven't been too adventurous in the past and that might have spelled the failed ones. Taking this into this perspective and making my night a little more exciting than the usual might take me places. So you have to wish me luck again this weekend, otherwise I'll be old and alone in the holidays. You wouldn't want that to happen right?!

What would you do if you were in my shoes?!

Saturday Date Night

It was another grand evening of parties and celebrations. I love it when friends spend their whole month's salaries on booze and food. I was also in the lookout for something more than the celebrations though. I wanted to get hooked up so bad before Christmas so I did so many things that I'd probably regret next year ha-ha! If only I had a chance to meet Norfolk singles it would be a better date night for me too. I assumed the single man's position and went to a different local bar to meet ladies again. I admit this has been gearing to be a habit but what can I do I have a deadline to meet. I got my friends there too so I wasn't alone that time. It was pretty cool we didn't have the same taste in women though... so there is no conflict of interests!

I stood by the bar most of the time and settled to be my own smile machine whenever someone nearby is getting a drink. I kind of helped out the ladies there and bought someone a drink. It wasn't a bad night because I got some numbers now. I am interested on one particular person though and we have been exchanging messages up until 7AM. The hangover is killing me but deep inside I was smiling because I like what I was reading. There will be a date this coming weekend and guess that's it! I'm sure this dating thing wouldn't be a bad thing to do if she likes me that much and I might like her too. I'm not quite sure yet but we'll see when we have more time to talk on Friday. I would do this or get some girls on line. Dating is a little difficult when you don't get someone who lives nearby. You won't be able to spend more time and just spend most on phone calls and exchanging short messages. I'll try my best to get it on with someone soon so wish me luck! I need that obviously!

Are you still single and dating? What are your plans to get that relationship status changed?!

Another Date Night

After getting a year older today I have so much on my plate right now. That includes getting another girl before Christmas. I don't want it to be too cold because no one is raising their hand and volunteer to give me a hug this holiday season so I'm taking this seriously. Even if it isn't winter in this part of the world you could still feel it. The loneliness creeps in no matter what the temperature reads. If that date that I so long dream about comes or not; I'll feel the same and be optimistic. I want to see some milwaukee singles to get this out of my system. I'm sure there are a lot of qualified women that are up to my standards. She has to be smart, stable and a little bit aggressive. I like that in a girl.

I just arrived from a club. Aside from the party I like the part where they all go out of their way to get to know people. I must admit I'm a little bit put off with those who are a little bit drunk but if they still were able to hold the conversation, I'm okay with that. I was interested with one particular lady but she might be keeping some things to herself. I wouldn't blame her though because if someone else was as aggressive as I am I'd do that too. I was pretty wild and trying my best to get the party started with my friends. I'm sure if I call her later this evening I'll get a chance to talk to her privately just so we can get to know each other better. If this happens to be something good in the long run please say a little prayer for me. I need all the help I can get okay?!

Life is full of surprises and if I get a partner before Christmas this must be a sign! Ha-ha! Wish me luck!