ASHLEY RIVERA aka PETRA MAHALIMUYAK Is Your WHITE CASTLE CALENDAR GIRL for 2026

 

I've heard of her a couple years back, but my first personal encounter with her was during an event in San Juan and I was hailing a car to go home with a TV. She was a guest too of the brand and she had to go to another event/go home but she preferred a motor ride through a ride hailing app so she could get there early. Needless to say, I thought celebrities would prefer to have their drivers and car, but she's a cowboy, didn't even mind what people would say. She's beautiful, like a ball of energy, and she's super down to earth. I said, I like her already!

I've covered several calendar girl launches, but this year, White Castle was the last one to actually do it. They've been looking for someone who could fit their brand, someone who could represent them in so many ways, and when the choice was made, I was so happy to hear it was going to be Ashley Rivera aka her alter ego Petra Mahalimuyak.

White Castle's VP for National Sales Brandon Jon Limpe-Aw says "Thank you for being here despite the traffic, rain and all. For the upcoming year, we are going to introduce our 2026 Calendar Girl. After Ninong Ry, Sassa Gurl, Ria Atayde, and more, we want to have the persona of White Castle on social media. We looked for someone humorous, funny and a really great personality. We found her in a podcast, this was also something that she wished for, and we got interested about her. We scanned her social channels, and found out how she aligns with our brand. Cheers!"

He also mentioned why they chose her and said "Her energy is really big, and that's why we chose Ashley Rivera aka "PETRA MAHALIMUYAK". I think the universe really just transpired, and we really wanted Ashley to be our White Castle Calendar Girl for 2026!"

Ashley says "They're right because I really wished for it during a podcast, and there's so many women to choose from. White Castle trusted me and I am so grateful. I will have those life sized photos of me and put them in the lobby of my condo. I would like to dedicate this to my Mom who's here. My Mommy Vicky already has her own followers, I'm glad netizens are also having fun with her on social media. When I found out, I was shocked because it's something that happened before the year ends. When I was chosen, they shared the story board and I was so happy because it's in a ranch, classic, I was speechless when I saw the layout. Let's see because I have so many plans about content we're going to come out with after this launch! Watch out for that!"

Here's some more videos from the launch, particularly her dance number when she went on stage!

Congratulations Ashley! You're gorgeous, funny, so eloquent, and really deserve this recognition! You're one remarkable lady that people should discover even more!

ANDREA BRILLANTES Does "Fire and Flowers" for TANDUAY CALENDAR 2026

After her surprising transfer to MQuest Artist Agency and official signing a couple days ago, your favorite Andrea Brillantes is now your 2026 Tanduay Calendar Girl. She is 22, the youngest to have been able to get this spot and at the event... she represented herself with Fire and Flowers. She's feisty, tough, experienced in life but still gorgeous, delicate and beautiful as a flower. She wore 2 outfits during this bit where at first she performed a burlesque number with the premier dance group G-Force ala Dita Von Teese (boning and corseted). 

In a way, Andrea represents a generation where one is exuding confidence, a way to have been able to get out of her shell and become the woman she always wanted to be.

Her second outfit was even more daring as it gripped much of her body in lace, more revealing sections and red colors. There is also prestige that comes with being a Tanduay calendar girl as numerous stars have donned this role like Heart Evangelista, Jessy Mendiola, beauty queen Kylie Verzosa, Bea Alonzo, Ellen Adarna, Ivana Alawi, Julia Barretto, and last year's Kim Chiu.

Executives from Tanduay certainly chose her for her qualities, her popularity and looks. But Andrea is even more than that, and I think that makes her a perfect fit for Tanduay's calendar. Congratulations Blythe!

Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose is Your 2025 Ginebra Calendar Girl

 

Change is good, and this goes the same with your Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose. She's the newest Ginebra Calendar Girl set for 2025. She joins a number of illustrious women who have graced the calendar which started 34 years ago, a tradition for the well loved brand. Julie has never done something like this, and she wanted to show a different side. She did looked quite confident and braver donning several couture pieces meant to represent the various drinks that the company carries.

She also didn't just appear and say hi, she came out with things blazing, putting in apt song and dance numbers, we all felt like it was a full blown concert after every reveal. In my years of covering stuff like this, I've never seen something like this before. She was also given her own bottle with JULIE ANNE on the label, it was only being given during the event to commemorate it. She was very happy about the calendars and how it turned out, she was just so relieved she could tell people about it now since they've been working on it since the beginning of the year and had to be mum about its existence, so they could have a grand reveal!

Check out this video we have of Julie Anne San Jose and the event. She was absolutely gorgeous!

I love Julie Anne San Jose, and I feel this was the best time to put out photos of her prime. Wouldn't you agree?!

If you want to have one, just check out their social channels for mechanics.

JULIA BARRETTO is your TANDUAY CALENDAR GIRL 2024

The Tanduay Calendar Girl 2024 is a much coveted spot and title for empowered actresses, personalities, who had it made in the industry. They just announced who it is today at the Elements tent Centris in Quezon City. Previous calendar girls include Erich Gonzales, Heart Evangelista, Bela Padilla, Ivana Alawi, and Bea Alonzo. Entitled "DARE", this woman has gotten fame with her stint in different networks, shows, brands across the country, belonging to the gorgeous clan, she's no other than Julia Barretto. Dare means one who aims to be herself, to reach her dreams and to inspire.

 

Julia says "I hope that the team and my new Tanduay family are happy about what I've done, it's been a few months since we prepared for this launch. The shoot was easy because I am thankful that they did it in a very collaborative way. I trusted them and have my input, it was an easy thing because they involved me in the process. The fabric we are wearing today is from the shoot, it was a nice to see it all today. I've been given opportunities and there will be a lot of things to look forward to because my films will be coming out, plus a few surprises. Unfortunately I couldn't share much, but a film will come out early next year but we have already shot it this year. The pictorial had me in a very challenging rut because I had to exercise while finishing a project out of town. You don't have to be ready just now, you ALWAYS have to be ready all the time. If it's for roles, I don't think it's daring, I think it's just being confident in your body, in your flaws, it inspires me to be more confident with who I am. I've become a braver woman!"

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Julia is just starting this phase, and she's glad to note that there will be several projects coming out next year that includes a movie, and perhaps more endorsements plus a series that can't be discussed yet. So if you love her, go support her projects when it comes out in 2024! Congratulations Julia, you've done quite well in this calendar, you look so classy!

JILLIAN WARD is your DreamGirl

Seeing Jillian Ward again after her very posh debut (a few months ago) I can say, it was about time! Her show even then was already successful, but evidently, it has become something BIG these days, every home knows who Dr. Analyn is from "Abot Kamay Na Pangarap". The series has also transcended every age, as seen on social media, people have been rooting for the genius doctor. They are continuing to do so, and today, part of the reason to be happy is her being the celebrity endorser for DreamGirl. 

Currently they have one product out in the market, particularly the DreamSkin by DreamGirl GluKoGen Soap. What it promotes is giving you that toned healthy glow. With regular use, it could give you brighter, younger looking skin. Aside form that, they have DreamGlow by DreamGirl Hand and Body Lotion with SPF50 PA+++. It's a non greasy lotion that can also give you protection from harmful UV rays to prevent it from darkening. It'll be out soon so if you want to know more about it, be sure to follow their social channel here.

Jillian says "I personally have used the products first before endorsing it. Taking good care of your skin has been something that I just do, because it's the base of everything, before you even put makeup. Playing the role of Dr. Analyn in "Abot Kamay na Pangarap" was a bit difficult because you won't be able to use heavy make-up almost all the time. You would depend on your skin, and make sure it's clear, without blemishes can still make you look good on camera."

Here's part of our interview with her that morning.

 

Again, if you would like to know more about the brand, follow their social channels and see more of Jillian Ward there!

RIA ATAYDE is Your New WHITE CASTLE Calendar Girl 2023

I am personally so happy to see this happen as gorgeous actress Ria Atayde don the much coveted White Castle Calendar this 2023. This was witnessed by select press and executives of Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc. this afternoon.

I'm sure over the years, you've identified White Castle Whisky with the iconic red bikini clad female riding a white horse, but management figured it was a bit arduous for them to train women to ride horses (which they did in the past) and do the actual shoot after that. Last year, they did a campaign differently by letting the public choose, this was when Sassa Gurl entered the competition and won. It was certainly a risk for them, but they understood it was but a proper time to have the LGBTQIA+ sector to be represented, a very current social step that got them in touch with a new younger market and a social media presence they gladly received. A few months before that, they also got Ninong Ry to represent the brand, all of which had awesome reception from the public albeit restrictions because of the pandemic. All of these made them realize to use their platform to also cater to different causes and advocacies.

Ms Olivia Limpe-Aw says "My father created White Castle Whisky and the several advertisements with the horse and castle in it. As we celebrate 60 years, the White Castle Calendar has featured several women, LGBT, and has brought social issues in the forefront. This year, we have the diversity in beauty campaign continued as we believe it is inclusive and promote body positivity + build our confidence. We welcome 2023 by celebrating that and beauty, let's cheer for White castle Whisky!" 

She adds "As you noticed we have Ninong Ry and last year with Sassa Gurl, we believe that if you are confident, you are beautiful. Let's not be obsessed by size, color, it's what's inside that matters and we're happy to have Ria represent the brand!"

Ria Atayde certainly had a very successful 2022. Aside from working in several series and shows, she had her hand in production together with her folks and siblings. Needless to say, her successful stint in MIPCOM Cannes has brought honor to the country and peers in Cannes, France via their production company Nathan Studios and ABS-CBN.  They also have finished filming several projects which will have international distribution and also be seen on platforms, much will be released this year so there's certainly a lot to look forward to. During the press conference, she also talked about her real struggles with body dysmorphia. 

She says "I never thought it was going to be possible as usually, calendar girls have a certain mold in the country. White Castle proved us all that big girls can get to do this. The campaign revolves around body positivity, flaws and all. I never thought I'd be one, this made me realize "kaya pala" (it's possible!). I'd be lying if I'm unaffected with all of that but I'd rather workout because I love it, now it's just a positive thing, not dreading it makes all the difference. You just have to turn off the noise, you only listen to those who matter. People have a lot of things to say, but I don't stop telling them about my advocacy."

Talented, strong, powerful, and deserving... Ria Atayde is now your new White Castle Whisky Calendar Girl for 2023. 

Congratulations Ria! <3

YASSI PRESSMAN is Your New GSM Calendar Girl for 2023

Yes you've heard it, your newest Ginebra San Miguel Calendar Girl for 2023 is Yassi Pressman. She was formally launched as Queen of the Barangay and brand ambassador in the yearly Ginebra San Miguel event.

Yassi Pressman just transferred networks but really gained fame with her dance numbers in variety shows, her stint in Ang Probinsyano, and a lot of other programs from the same network. Now her upcoming programs in the Kapuso network include a reprisal 80's film "Saan Nagtatago Ang Pagibig" which will be a project with Viva Films and GMA to be shown on her new station.

They unveiled the new calendars  and it's got a lot of photos of Yassi in different places. From a garage, a forest, by the sea shore, with willow trees, scenic sunset and by the fire. She exudes a different energy. 

Yassi says "At the end of the day, being a part of a great legacy is something special. They are world class and I hope I put something on the table as the new GSM Calendar Girl 2023. I am in a fitness journey right now, I am eating healthy and hopefully this would show. My favorite GSM girl is Pia Wurtzbach. It's challenging to be disciplined, in a way I am going through a lot right now and I feel like being part of this is being ageless, my most natural self and I think people should see that so they get inspired to work on themselves, surround themselves of the people who love them, never say die and keep going in spite of troubles. If you try and fail, you've got a lot of people to catch you. This is for my family, it's why I am really inspired to keep going, they are my inspiration. Being caring is innate in Filipinos, I hope to also get to help other people as your 2023 Calendar Girl."

If you want to get hold of the new calendars, make sure you visit Ginebra and the respective products social channels and get the chance to own these much coveted Yassi Pressman GSM Calendars. You can by the way scan the individual QR codes on the calendar and find a little surprise... Some good recipes made with Yassi Pressman whilst you drink! Enjoy!

CHIE FILOMENO The New GINEBRA SAN MIGUEL Calendar Girl for 2022

Looks like Ginebra San Miguel is beginning this December with a hot surprise as they launch the new Ginebra San Miguel 2022 Calendar Girl. We did the next best thing to see her, just sat down, got our cocktails, chilled and watched the show unfold on GSMCALENDAR2022.PH this evening.

No surprise, they announced who it was... and she's Chie Filomeno. Ginebra's calendar girl Chie has a lot of history with the brand. Every year, they've chosen exemplary Filipinas seen with their character to follow the ganado, matapang persona that the brand stands for. She serves an inspiration to a lot of people. She's a modern woman, and was chosen the values that Ginebra stands for, a never say die spirit.

Chie says "I can really feel the love today. I feel so happy that I was chosen to be the GSM Calendar Girl for 2022. Thank you, I am overwhelmed. I remember talking to my RM about this, we were being casted, only 2 left to be chosen for this campaign. I was having lunch with friends when the message came, I am super happy! After getting the note, I worked out everyday. We really prepared for this shoot. It's not just being sexy, it's being strong, taking care of what's inside. I received a lot of social media bashing in the past, I had to be feisty, we're human, I had to be a strong woman, very rational in that sense. My family gave me hope. Knowing that they're inspired by me, my fans graduate, they message me, and it's so good to know I inspire real people. I hope I get to inspire more, give hope, it's what we need these days. On GSM's 188th year, I am so happy to be part of their history. I am glad to be your GSM Calendar Girl for 2022."

There are different layouts with Chie on a surfboard, rollerblades, in a car, plus a whole lot more. It's going to be also easy to get one through distributors and retailers of GSM and their products Vino Kulafu, Primera Light and GSM Blue. Congratulations Chie!

Ginebra Introduces Myrtle Sarrosa as New GSM Calendar Girl 2018

It's that time of the year where popular brand Ginebra San Miguel announces their much awaited Calendar Girl. Last year we were at the edge of our seats with vixen Kim Domingo. Now they're going a bit more millenial with PBB alumni and cosplayer extraordinaire Myrtle Sarrosa. Judging by the looks of it, I think the shots were done by cosplay photographer Jay Tablante. These characters are all original.

We had our first calendar girl in 1988 and some super angels in the 80's. We hope before that announcement, you get to enjoy the Ginebra San Miguel concoctions as we go on with the program. - Noli Macalalag, the GM of Ginebra San Miguel

Ron Jay Molina the Marketing Manager of Ginebra San Miguel says "We are celebrating a lot of things, new things, fresh ones, even the millenials. I want you to discover three things we'll reveal tonight. One is where a calendar is involved, the heavens, and even 7-11. Thank you to our dealers, the marketing team, our friends from media and the internet. Please sit back relax and enjoy a GSM Blue."

Then they unveiled three things:

Let the epic MIX begin!

First up is the Calendar Girl for 2018 and she came down like a ball of fire. 

Then they showed Myrtle Sarrosa's 5 calendar designs.

One is the Iconic Angel costume, the cyber chick for GSM Blue, the Illusionist for Primera Light Brandy, Forest Enchantress for Vino Kulafu, and the Lady Boss to represent it all.

Then for GSM Blue, they are targetting the millenials. This generation is unique, they demand so much more out of life, more adventure, it's about mixing it, to make it fresh, new flavors that would make life a little more exciting. They are launching #MixForMore. Myrtle Sarrosa invites you all to celebrate life because YOLO! These are the new epix mixes GSM BLUE MARGARITA which you just need to chill and serve to your friends, and the second one is the GSM BLUE GIN POMELO, a favorite among Filipinos now made easier. Still, all you need to do is just chill, and serve. That easy.

These three announcements would be something that now millenials will relate to. So now you've got things easy, you have her to see on calendars the whole 2018, you have these drinks available tomorrow November 8 in all 7-11 stores nationwide!

KUMAGCOW

Fresh Blogs Fast!

Plan International Philippines and their fight to end Teenage Pregnancy

Carin van der Hor, Plan International's Country Director in the Philippines and Marco Savio, Plan International's Deputy Country Director for Programs.

Alarming. The Philippines is actually leading in teenage pregnancy rates according to a recent survey. Plan International says every hour 576 more babies are born in the Philippines. There is a big correlation between poverty, but the major cause of it is lack of education. Ms. Carin van de Hor of Plan International says even though they are working with local government, and national agencies, it's still not enough and they have to start with something. The National Youth Commission gave them really good numbers that have been put to good use in statistics, then used for other agencies. These teenagers have no access to information and it's time to take action. Aside from that, there should be health reasons why this shouldn't be the case. A 14 year old for example should not undergo birthing yet because their bodies are not ready the child will have growth stunting - and not have life to its full potential. This cycle will keep repeating and if we don't work on the education and awareness of these teens, of which they are part of the demographic. It's a very sad statistic they exclaimed. They work in health, disaster risk reduction and the rest, but they know they had to have a more holistic approach. This is how it's supposed to be addressed.

Marco Savio, Plan International's Deputy Country Director for Programs says "We have education projects and we target areas that are also run by the government and address the reasons why they don't go to school and such. We tailor support to the children and we are doing 15,000 now (just on this project). We are using systems that are already approved by local government. We are helping them to support the children in their areas. There are a lot of problems, in the Philippines, parents know the importance of education and we are working on this. We have never had parents tell us they never want their children to school, like building bridges, pay for transportation, this is where other foundations come in. Right now, we have Dubai Cares here celebrating with us with their CEO. They've funded projects like these and provide for more children in places like Samar, Leyte and others. We measure success by the number of schools completed, the rate and number of graduates, how many of them move on and have highschool or college degrees and other KPI's. "

"We also check their health status, the number of pregnancies, no malnutrition, and the rest. There are different reasons in rural areas, distance and stuff. In the urban areas, the slums, the lack of work, there are a lot of things too. We are working in Mindoro, like with Mangyans, we give them knowledge and give them the ability to have choice. We work with different private organizations and help the government with their own programs. We do that in certain levels. We also work very closely with UN and their other divisions. They don't just fund, they share resources and we put our strengths together. We have stayed here for 53 years and we have a lot of areas that already have seen results. We help them do peer education as well so they can do it on their own. We do a lot of creative work so children go back to school. We support the structure of the community so everyone would be able to benefit. We do this in any given time and move in different areas in the country. We have offices everywhere and we hope to be able to bring these communities to be self sufficient and have all their issues resolved in 10 years or less." adds Ms. Carin van de Hor.

They also held a mini concert in Alabang Town Center that afternoon to bring awareness for the cause.

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Plan International's "Because I'm a Girl" Mini concert featuring Suitcase101 Band and Voces Aurorae Girls Choir. Even if it's raining, they sound heavenly

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I hope they get to help more people. Teenage pregnancy is indeed a big issue and we should start to learn how to tell the young ones how to have a healthier lifestyle, a successful life and a great mind to know when they should have their own offspring. Not when they are kids themselves. Thanks to Kairos Solutions and AnakTV also for helping them to reach that goal.

We also had Ms. Mikee Cojuanco Jaworski and the Ms. Earth Philippines candidates helping to raise awareness for the cause. They also had a short bike event in Marikina earlier that day. Mikee believes that aside from the parents, children should have a community of people who they can look up to, to have the knowledge and wisdom that could empower them to be better people. Education should start from the home and she adds that it should be to a point where girls would be able to decypher for themselves a sound decision, a right decision, one that they formulated themselves. In giving them education, she believes that we will get to have them achieve more. On the teenage pregnancy situation in the Philippines, she feel sad because teenagers are not ready because they haven't lived a full life themselves yet. Children should not suffer hunger later on and suffer consequences which their parents have decided on. The responsibility of bringing up a child is big, you can't learn that as a girl if you're still too young and haven't even played yourself and see the world as it is. That is just selfish. They don't know that yet.

She made a really good point. I hope together, these foundations and Plan International would be able to succeed in their goal of bringing the teenage pregnancy rates down in our country. I hope it's not just a dream.

For more information about their cause:

Plan International Philippines

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http://www.plan-international.org/philippines

Kathryn Bernardo Endorses Ruffles

We found a very ecstatic Kathryn Bernardo a few days ago at SM Makati when Ruffles, one of the leading fashion bags maker launched her as the new face for the brand. Kathryn Bernardo known for her popular sets of shows and series in ABSCBN was a fit persona for the bubbly and girly designs that Ruffles had so it was really apt to get her, says the Selwyn Ching the brand manager for Ruffles Bags. 

This campaign is also named after her previous shot Got To Believe. They named it Ruffles Bags: Got to be Me, Got to be Ruffles. Ruffles has so many designs available whether casual or sporty. Stuff that you can take on formal or informal events, fashionable sling ones, back packs that can be perfect for school and travel. Something that you won't see everyday.

Kathryn is perfect for Ruffles because she has the youth's individuality in mind. They are playful, lovely and think about being original and different. Young girls today are very different from the ones before. Personalities, a lot more different. They are also getting more of themselves out there expressing how they feel into fashion and accessories. What they wear is mostly what defines them and young Filipinas are becoming bolder design and color wise. This is the thing that Ruffles has addressed in their lines all these years.

She also looks so pretty in all angles. Ruffles knows that I've got to be me, says Kathryn Bernardo. This is part of every young girl's life to create style and finding the right bag to match who you are. She is also thankful that Ruffles has been supporting her even before this campaign that's why it's something that she'd use personally.

Ruffles bags are also very affordable because they only range from Php 300 to Php 800 each. If that doesn't convince you to love Kathryn Bernardo more, I don't know what will. This was also the time when Kath was asked about what gift she'll give Daniel for his birthday. She only hinted that she bought him something practical and something that he needs because she doesn't want to give him something that he won't use eventually. I love them much like you do! :)

For more information about their products:

Ruffles Bags

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Ruffles Bags