DANIEL PADILLA for Cebu Based Coffee Brand DON MACCHIATOS

It's been a while since I've last seen Daniel Padilla, one of the most sought after actors in the country. Life certainly happened, but we got news that he's going to renew ties with Cebu based coffee brand Don Macchiatos Philippines. Honestly, it's the first time for me to hear about them, but learned how they've managed to thrive as an SME, slowly grown even when the country was battling through the pandemic. They're nothing short of a miracle, and now has more than a thousand branches across the country. 

Would you imagine, they all started from a small street side kiosk that had one goal, to provide quality but affordable coffee and beverages for the common folk. I entered the event area seeing one of their kiosks on the side of the venue where they were serving some of their top drinks. One thing caught my attention, the price posted said 39 PESOS on it. The event was graced by Don Macchiatos Don Macchiatos CEO Nickie San Juan, their COO Marc Anthony Abangan and their General Manager Ariel Alegado. We asked them about the business and reasons why Daniel Padilla gets top choice for their brand ambassador.  

Ms. Nickie says "We are really excited to renew our partnership with him because he's been with us since day 1. When we planned to cover Luzon to expand, Deej is someone who really had it in him. He really helped us big time in brand awareness while we were expanding here in Luzon. 

GM Ariel Alegado adds "DJ is very talented, very humble, just like Don Macchiatos, we came from very humble beginnings, but now we are available nationwide. Aside from that, Daniel's team was such a breeze to work with. He's also very approachable so we didn't have problems working with him. No other endorser would be able to do that but him."

Mr. Abangan says "You will expect an even bigger campaign with Daniel, more collaborations, and even more product innovations. We are also announcing our efforts to go GLOBAL. Our first project is to reach UAE/Dubai, the city of gold. Please wait as we reveal more of our plans in the coming months."

Daniel was very excited about this partnership and says "I wasn't much of a coffee drinker in the past but only learned while doing INCOGNITO because we start shooting at 4am in the morning. We live a soldier's life out there and I'm not used to sleeping early and waking up at that time. Tito Ian and the rest of the cast really influenced me to appreciate coffee then. I also drink a lot of water and get so much energy from it. I'm more of a mocha person or prefer the classic Americano."

He adds "Sir Marc and Ms. Nickie was such a breeze to work with. That's what I look for these days, it's the relationships that becomes important for me. The time we've spent together, we've become really good friends rather than me just being an endorser for their products. That's what's important for me these days. They trust me and I'm very thankful for that. I'm happy to be part of this family."

Here's the press conference on video:

Asked how they were able to make the prices low, COO Marc Anthony Abangan explained they only purchase much of their products locally and even do it by bulk which gives them a lot of room to sell their drinks at a really affordable price. Their model is certainly unusual, but so far, they've managed to do it and replicate their practices wherever they put branches. They're still looking for more franchisees, so if you're interested just message their social channels so they could hook you up with DON MACCHIATOS. Daniel is even quite excited because he believes in the business so much that he also has opened branches of his own (lest not divulge where!). He's also excited how he would be able to continue helping them grow, and is optimistic to help local businesses like theirs be even bigger in the coming years. 

 

I'd like to say congratulations and here's to more branches to DON MACCHIATOS, I hope to see more of you in Manila because those that I've tried at the event that afternoon were really nice.

MESA Renews Ties with DINGDONG DANTES on their #RoadTo100

Popular modern Filipino and Asian inspired restaurant MESA just renewed their ties with Primetime King and Kapuso Star Dingdong Dantes as they continue having him as the endorser for the restaurant chain. The event was witnessed by Dong's Manager Mr. Perry Lansigan, MESA CEO Rikki Dee, their COO Eric Dee and their VP for National Operations Raymond Federigan. This continues a very effective partnership between the MESA group and Dingdong who's well identified with their brand and the life sized standees in store across the country.

Eric Dee says "We planned 120 stores last 2020, we were delayed because of obvious reasons. We are back on track this year for 2025. Our growth's reason is Mr. Dingdong Dantes, our vision of our Road to 100 is coming true. We will continue to celebrate Filipino heritage in our stores, our food, enjoyed by families all over "

Ricky Dee added "I want to thank Dingdong for coming to our lives. When we thought about it, it was unanimous. Til today we believe in him, and we are looking forward to more years of being together."

Dingdong extends his thanks for the trust given to him and said "Congratulations to the MESA group, I am so proud and honored to be part of this brand 6 years ago. Now, we are raring to be part of the road to 100 and my inclusion in it. I said a few years ago that I'll be part of it, I will be branch 88 and we will announce it very soon. To Filipino families, we will reach you, even in Hawaii. This brand will become bigger and stronger."

He adds "Our values are aligned, common goals, and we both believe in quality. Without getting into details, they will take care of me. I'm planning to put it near Sixto's school so Marian and I will be in it often. We can't wait to do that. We bond over food."

Dong adds "What the stomach experiences is the same in memories. We dine out, we eat, and I'm a foodie. I love the Crispchon and it's good to share. Being with other people, sharing it with the ones you love, it's what we do every week and it is special."

Here's some scenes from the event this morning and the press conference, please enjoy!

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With this happening this 2025, there will be more events and activations where Dingdong will be a part of and soon, more stores for him too as he said he's also planning to open one in his neck of the woods. Currently, MESA is present in Ayala Malls, Eastwood, Festival Mall, Fisher Mall, One Ayala, Robinsons Malls, SM Malls, and more. They are all under Foodie Global Concepts.

Congratulations on this continuing partnership! 

SANYA LOPEZ Wishes For Book 2 of FIRST YAYA

It's been a phenomenal year for Sanya Lopez. Even if we were under the pandemic, she's copped a lead role for First Yaya and paired with the legendary Gabbi Concepcion. Her first reaction was, "Wait, what? Why is this being given to me? After being teased for Ms. Marian Rivera, I really was a little confused at first but after hearing her reasons from management, I understood how important it is for a mother to take care of her children."

She's also keen on doing a role to perhaps do a superhero, if that would be given to her. She's optimistic that anything can happen because she's been given a lot. God was in a way blessing her with so much than she's even hoped for and with all the brands believing with her, plus the shows being entrusted to her, she is hopeful that this will all continue with her contract renewal with GMA Artist Center.

She will be also celebrating her birthday on August 9 and she wouldn't even wish for anything but health for her family and her loved ones. She also hopes that soon, everything will be alright and we'll all get to keep our relationships intact. She also hopes that her love life improves, she's looking for someone that respects women, her family, and love them too. She mentions "I don't really go for looks, just the personality, but if they have abs and good looks, that's a bonus!"

 

 

Can't wait for Sanya to shine even brighter. She deserves all the blessings because she's a very kind person. I've known her for a couple of years, and she remained that humble.

Andrea Torres Says No Official Talk Yet on John Lloyd Cruz Project

It's so refreshing to see Andrea Torres in GMA shows these days. She's definitely made a mark in The Better Woman, Victor Magtanggol, Contessa, Alyas Robin Hood, The Millionaire's Wife, My Faithful Husband, Pari 'Koy, Ang Lihim ni Annasandra and more but this new one with Dennis Trillo, Bianca Umali and Alice Dixson is going to be highly controversial as it delves on polygamy and religion, some of the most taboo things to talk and see on TV these days. We got to see her a few days ago via an interview online as she signed with GMA Artist Center again (renewal of contract) and during the blogcon, she told us a few more things about the upcoming show called Legal Wives wherein she'll be playing one of the wives. She's also the only one that's coming from a Christian upbringing which would not be easy to understand that she'll be living with two other wives under the same roof. Here's a video of that blogcon, please enjoy!

Andrea adds "It's very important for me that you are aware when you get on set, you condition yourself as a ray of sunshine, to make sure you lighten up peoples burdens. I also make it a point to make my projects better so the next one is even bigger. One of my favorite things is making back stories for the characers I play in series, I make sure I ask production, learn the script so I make sure to deliver and have the chance to make her come to life. The actions of Muslims to me now have a deeper meaning, they're very selfless, and when you watch this, you will see why they made sacrifices for Allah. It has changed how I view them, how they are family oriented, how they are as people. Diane and Ysmael are conflicted, but they love each other."

She also was aware to observe Muslim traditions while portraying the role and tells us "On set, we have Imams, we were taught how to pray, they also bring food, it was a different world. I really am amazed how they are with families, if it's too hard for them, they just follow what is on the Quoran, even if they don't want to do it, they do it right because it's there."

You'll probably be wondering how this would all feel as it gets shown on TV. Will you love her? Or hate her? That remains to be seen. She also has chosen to remain with GMA because she has grown to the actress that she is because of her experiences here. With the onset of actors going to GMA recently, she doesn't treat them as threats, but rather an opportunity to work with other actors that she wasn't able to in the past. She's raring to do that in the next few months, hopefully that John Lloyd Cruz project pans out if it is true, but so far there hasn't been an initiative for talk about it yet, so she would be happy to find out details about that soon.

Congratulations Andrea on your continued success with GMA Artist Center!

Skin Stories: The Journey with Marian Rivera and Maxi-Peel

The BEFORE shot. Three ladies with three different stories.
(Photo from Maxipeel Facebook Page)

We all wish for that soft, clean, clear, gentle skin. With the harsh elements plus Manila's polluted air, we don't even ask why we end up feeling dirty every time we go out in the sun. Three ladies, three different skin stories were revealed in Maxi Peel's social network channels. These are three young women in the prime of their youth, yet they can't get their full potential because they've got skin problems. These three girls Belle, Crystal and Shane would have loved to live a normal life away from ridicule, feeling degraded, lack of confidence because of the way they look. They have different skin stories, and no less than prime time queen Marian Rivera will help them together with Maxi-Peel. We went to the GMA Studios for their reveal because we wanted to follow their stories. We even got to see Marian Rivera during rehearsals sans make up. She was absolutely stunning.

Marian Rivera during rehearsals for her show "Marian". No makeup, yet she looks stunning!

Belle is getting married soon!

Meet Belle, a bride to be. She's planning to get married next year. She's excited to marry the man of her dreams - but her confidence level right now is at an all-time low. Why? It's because of breakouts due to oily skin. When she first met her fiancé, it wasn't as many but with the stress of preparation, right in the middle of their relationship, it just became worse. Now, she's one if the lucky girls that Marian surprised. Like the rest of the girls, Marian asked them to go through a strict skin regimen for 30 days.

Meet Crystal, she's in a quest to find her first job!

The next one is Crystal. She's a graduating student and taking up B.S. Tourism. When she was younger she always had good skin. With the stress of school, project deadlines, hormones and the quest to find a new job, the last thing she wanted was increased pimple proliferation and acne. Marian Rivera felt she had to help her, so she let her try that 30 day skin regimen too and see if her skin improves. 

Shane works in the graveyard shift, stress and lack of sleep don't mix. We know how that feels.

Another lady named Shane works for the BPO industry. She wishes to be a Manager soon. Having worked there myself, I know the pressures that come with the workplace. Weird sleeping patterns, tight deadlines and the hunger of getting promoted in the corporate ladder seemed like a regular thing. Sometimes, your work isn't enough and you need to have presence, consistency, the confidence and effort to look good so your people would see you differently, with respect, which is a must in the work place. If she didn't look the part, people won't even look at her or consider her to be someone who could lead teams. That made her very depressed. Of course, there's Marian to the rescue and she will also have Shane undergo the same rituals as the other girls. Marian gave them the ultimate surprise, she got Belle, Crystal and Shane guest on her dance show "Marian" for the big reveal! This happened last Saturday.

The three ladies at the back stage of dance show "Marian"

First time in GMA studios, came over not as an audience member but as stars of the show. Belle, Crystal and Shane are now in Marian Rivera's dance show called "Marian" to talk about their journey.

They were surprised to see Christian Bautista was there to serenade and escort them to the front of the stage.

She wasn't nervous and talked about her experience when she was struggling to go to special occasions.

Now she's got improved skin, cleared in some areas and lost those little pimples on her face.

Belle, Crystal and Shane sat down with Marian and talked about their journey. Shane says "I always cried because I couldn't even go to my own birthday celebration. I was so ashamed because of my breakouts. Now that I've got renewed skin, I can now go to my own wedding with confidence. Thank you Marian for your advice, we got encouraged to view life with new hope. Just like my skin, there is hope. My husband and I are excited for my wedding day and finally Maxi-Peel has gotten me back on track".

We saw her struggles before, but now she's confident to walk out in the world to see what job would fit her.

Christian Bautista even had a moment with her during the show.

Crystal says "After college, I suffered so much and after following the regimen, it brought confidence and I'm so ready to apply for work. My skin has lightened and I can see the difference. I believe with continued use, my problems will all soon go away." She can now take the time to go to interviews without thinking that they're just looking at her pimples and confidently look at their faces when they are talking to her. Marian feels there's a perfect job waiting for Crystal out there and since her skin is already taken cared by Maxi-Peel, she doesn't have to worry about it anymore. 

Christian Bautista escorts Shane on the stage presenting her improved version of herself.

I've seen some small scars on Shane probably from years of having acne, but I've also seen it has greatly improved already. A few months more and I'm sure her skin will be back to it's normal, clear state. Thanks to the good people from Maxi-Peel who started her journey.  

"My work hours are so weird and I have to do this with you (pointing to Marian) as inspiration. Now I'm confident at work. They see me, they listen to me. Even if I was just in an elevator with them, they complement me generously. I even had lots of friend requests after this journey and I hope to have a new boyfriend soon!" says Shane, the BPO (hopeful) Manager to be.

Three ladies being serenaded by Christian Bautista.

They thought that was the end of the interview, but Marian Rivera (soon to be Dantes) actually had another surprise!

Marian says "That's not just the end of it, we're going to have another surprise." Then they played the VTR. Crystal's Mom suddenly appeared on the screen. Her Mom said thanks for her sacrifices and also said that no matter how things go with her career, they assured that they will support her 100%. Shane on the other hand had her boss on on the monitor. She's happy for the better version of Shane. She also tells us how Shane is seen as a different person in the office, more worthy as a leader. The husband of Belle also appeared on the video and says no matter what, she's always beautiful in her husband's eyes inside and out - he promised to be there on their wedding day, isn't he sweet? Then we saw Marian cry a bit because of how sweet his message was for Belle. He must have been as sweet as Dingdong Dantes in that bit.  

 

Marian sat down at the end of the number and adds "Whatever their problems are, we can see there is always a solution. When I asked them off cam, I got the right responses from them because they told me that this experience has changed them for the better. It's the reason why genuinely still trust, and still use Maxi-Peel til now. You are doing this for yourself, and if you love yourself, it will show. Girls who have problems with their skin, there is hope, there is still a way to be beautiful inside and out!"

You can watch the full show here!

Thanks Maxi-Peel and GMA for inviting us live on their set. I'm sure these ladies are just starting their journeys but it definitely looks brighter already. You have definitely personified "Bagong Ganda, Bagong Pagasa" (New Beauty, New Hope) tagline with these ladies and I fervently wish to see more Filipinos find their own journey - with you by their side. The journey continues, so make sure you follow them on their social media channels below and see how their stories unfold in the coming months. Congratulations girls!

For more information about their products:

Maxi-Peel Skin Care

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Visit their official website

https://www.facebook.com/MaxiPeelSkinCare

Domain Renewal Should Be Easy

There are several things that bug web masters like me nowadays and one of them is the hassle we go through in renewing domains. It's not just expensive, but totally arduous because once your domain expires it'll take you a ton and a half of dollars just to purchase it back because most hosts probably won't notify you and don't care for you at all. Maintenance also is another story. Transferring domains, transferring servers and files is so difficult that it doesn't even fathom how much we even paid for the domain itself. Back then, I was trying to keep my temper in check while I wait for support to give me a hand. It made me realize that it was time to go to the professionals. 

This is why I'm just having fun now with GODADDY. The minute I paid for the domain they took care of everything already. If I had a problem I can just check out articles or just call them or on some instances just ask other people about it. The consumer base of GODADDY means there millions of people in the world who probably know how to take care of site settings and can give you advise too in utilizing their service. If all else fails, ask another site owner or use some of their other support channels. I tried to look for places where I can get a Godaddy net coupon for some of the domains I manage but it was a little difficult to do so. I know if I can get one it is going to be good. I also thought that I could wait for a Godaddy .net promo code instead because that's the next more popular domain extension. I don't know if it is going to be a little difficult for people to take notice of domains like that since it's quite different. Just as long as I have Godaddy Promo Codes I think I can manage, because it'll be easy and affordable unlike some hosts I know. I won't have to name them of course! 

Good thing I also saw some promo codes we can use if ever!

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