HEART EVANGELISTA Shows You How to Use GCash

She's iconic, lovely at every angle. She's dubbed as a real life "Crazy Rich Asian", hobnobbing with the who's who of the fashion industry and a front row regular at the biggest shows... she's Love Marie Evangelista-Escudero aka Heart Evangelista.

Contrary to impressions about her, she's quite the opposite and actually knows how to manage her finances well. GCash took us to their very first GCash Spot Light, a new online talk show hosted by Boy Abunda which will be shown in GCash assets and social channels. 

GCash Spotlight

GCash will also be having Heart appear in their different commercials, all to talk about her financial progress. I'm sure there are a lot of people who think about how Heart actually affords everything, how she shops, or how fond she is for enjoying the things out in the street, the Kwek Kwek she eats and just about how she actually saves for every little thing she gets before actually buying it. 

She also uses GCash everyday, whether she dines at some of the posh restaurants in Paris or enjoy a bowl of pares in the streets of Manila, she gives them the GCash Visa card or use the QR payment option. In both cases, it gets accepted and is quite convenient. The exchange rate is also another perk, because you can pay for things without a hassle.

Heart also monitors her savings, she says Chiz sends her 50, 100 or 143 pesos just to be extra sweet. She doesn't make her hard earned money stagnant, she pays for bags then puts her artwork in it and earn from every piece she sells. She also pays for services she gets like hair and makeup, even the online store she frequents accepts GCash as payment, and since she has a lot of pets, she gets food, clothes and accessories online and it gets delivered at home. Panda of course gets first dibs. She also invests via GStocks, put money in on really good companies and even gets her travel insurance from the app. She secures her luggage, flights and emergencies in it as the GInsure Travel Insurance covers it.

Here's how it went.

Ernest Cu the Mynt Chairman and Globe Group CEO "For years now, we have made different kinds of solutions to make Filipinos lives better. We want Heart to help us to showcase the different features of GCash, because yes it's the best way to pay."

Martha Sazon the CEO of GCash says "You saw the film, and we want to welcome Heart Evangelista Escudero. The world fashion icon also co-wrote the shoot. She's that committed and invested in this campaign. Even the wardrobe, and she does really use the GCash Visa Card. In her era of spending, shopping and saving, she will be with GCash."

Heart will be appearing in more of these videos soon. You'll hear, see more of what she does with GCash, and hope you get to learn a thing or two.

SHERATON MANILA Starts 5th Anniversary Celebrations with SUNDOWN SOIREE

It was so much fun to be amidst media friends and the executives of Sheraton Manila. "The World's Gathering Place" had us in a Sundown Soiree as preparations for their 5th Anniversary in the Philippines are on its way. It was lovely at the 10th floor of Sheraton Manila's Sheraton Club. The interiors were conducive for talk, so we did that over cocktails and food served by Chef Andrea Burzio.

He's Sheraton Manila's new Executive Chef and was also there to tell us about the cuisine served at the restaurant. He says "I am a Filipino by heart, I learned sarap, mahal kita and hay nako so far and I'm excited about what to serve here. When I came here in 2016, and we have family, just like in Italy. We are family based, on October, we will feature lunch and dinner with family. Between our main meals, we are also offering Merienda Cena, and we hope you all like it. This is a teaser to Pranzo e Cena which we will be doing at S Kitchen this coming October, you should look forward to it!"

We were welcomed by Sheraton's GM Ms. Anna Vergara. She says "Welcome to Sheraton and today we kick off festivities for our 5th anniversary. This is a gathering of friends, perfectly way to start the holiday season. We have several activities as we showcase our facilities and celebrate the near tree lighting event, it's not an easy feat especially after the pandemic. We are celebrating with you now with our Sundown Soiree."

Ria Galvez Director of Sales and Marketing adds "This is the world's gathering place, and since it's the start of the holidays in the country, we have curated several packages coming out soon. All you need to check is SheratonManila.com. The Marriot Bonvoy app is also available so you can be a member and get perks. This September we have Beyond Happiness for those celebrating love, for family or friends, just talk to us so we can tailor fit your weddings and your most memorable events. We can't wait to see you soon!"

This is just the start of the festivities on their 5th year. There will certainly be more events up til early 2024. Make sure to be part of Sheraton Manila Hotel's celebrations as they do "JIVES AT FIVE". Head on to sheratonmanila.com and their social channels for more updates @SheratonManila. You can also call 02 7902 1800 or their mobile number 0917 859 7496 if you want to make it official. See you at The World's Gathering Place!

Timmy Llana and Maxine Medina: Choosing Their Wedding Rings

It's surreal to see how LOVE happens at the most opportune time. Some may call it serendipity, some may call it fate, but in the case of Dive Master Timmy Llana and Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina, it would have been a case of marrying "The One That Got Away".

They went to the same school and had the same circle of friends. He was smitten the first time he laid her eyes on her, but she was young, boyish, had that athletic mindset to think about relationships. Volleyball was the only thing she wanted to do that time. He drove her home a couple of times, and felt taken cared of. 

Nothing romantic came of it, but they remained friends, communicated and then didn't get to talk for a couple of years after that. Maxine then went to win the Miss Universe Philippines title to represent the country for Miss Universe pageant in 2016, right after Pia's reign and eventually, got to the Top 6. After that, she went on to became a celebrity, appearing different successful TV shows, movies, and hosting stints which she remains to do today.    

Got to talk to Timmy and Maxine at J's Diamond in Trinoma during the time they were choosing the designs for their wedding ring.

Timmy prefers the classic design (left), one that could be worn for years and doesn't go out of style. Maxine on the other hand plans to have her rings layered (right) when she wears it. She chose simple but elegant design which is currently is in yellow gold. All would be custom made by J's Diamond in white gold. The one on the far right is a diamond crusted band, she loves it and plans to pass it on for generations to come. These two rings will be paired with the existing marquise shaped diamond ring (her engagement ring), an heirloom piece she got from Timmy's family.

Here's how our conversation over lunch went:

 

Here's a short tour inside the store, and some moments with Timmy and Maxine that afternoon:

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Maxine's love for the sun, sand and the sea got her reconnected with Timmy. They felt it wasn't much of formalities and courtship that happened, the friendship just blossomed into this. She attributes it to her ability to go with the flow, they just kinda knew it was LOVE and embraced it. Timmy saw how they grew closer while doing the things they love (with so much passion), particularly diving. It just so happened that he was a Dive Master, and says they were just at the right place and the right time. 

From a friendship that spanned almost 20 years, and being in a relationship for 5 years, Timmy and Maxine plan to start a family after their wedding in October. They hope to have twins as he's had family who are too . Maxine wants to pursue A LOT of things still, and continue her showbiz career plus other businesses she plans to do in the future (quips she can multitask). She's currently doing "Magandang Dilag" with Herlene Budol and other GMA stars. She says it'll be shown next month, make sure you watch out for that!

Their story could have ended a long time ago, but you see, LOVE has its ways. This too proves how friends, old flames, the things you are passionate about can spark affection and relationships. Hope their story inspires you. I mean who knows?! That person who genuinely care for you might just be THE ONE.

 

Congratulations Timmy and Maxine! Again, thank you for the opportunity to interview and get to know you on a more personal level. I'll be cheering from the bleachers like I did during your Miss U stint!

P.S. If you want to know more about J's Diamond, just search the same on Facebook. You may also visit their official site jsdiamond.com.ph and book appointments there.

An Essential Stop: Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center

My affinity to Tagaytay and its nearby towns stem from property and family we have in Silang, Cavite. I also love the weather, especially when it's cold. There's also lots of places to go in the area where family, friends, your solid peers could take refuge, unwind and go home after a few hours because of its proximity to Metro Manila.

But when you're going back home, it's a sin to not pass by a shop or store that sell local produce, for what we call pasalubong, something that's always innate with Filipinos. We've found a new spot called Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center located along the Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa Road in Barangay Pasong Langka Silang, Cavite.

Check this new dining destination at the Sta Rosa Tagaytay Road in Silang, Cavite. It's called Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center. The restaurant sits at the back and serves really good Filipino food. The interiors and views are amazing! #balaipalmera #balaipalmerapasalubong #balaipalmerarestaurant #thebestbukopieinsilang #ibasasilang

Posted by Kumagcow on Sunday, October 2, 2022

You may head on to Balai Palmera Restaurant and Pasalubong Center by following them on Google maps. They're very easy to find along the Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa Road.

 

Here are some of my favorites on the menu, you can always ask them if you have something preferred for your event, they can always arrange something for you. 

Crabs with coconut milk

The owner and staff who welcomed us at the restaurant

Fresh Lumpia

Binagoongan

Crispy Pata

Steamed Pampano

Kaldereta

Kare Kare

Chicken Inasal

Dinakdakan

Kinilaw

Fried Fish

Thank you so much to the wonderful people of Balai Palmera, I will be back there soon! If you want to call or contact them for orders, it's 09458695392 for the restaurant and 09275017616 for the pasalubong center. They've got a mean on at the pasalubong center which you should definitely visit. Don't forget to take home the coveted BUKO PIE which makes this place legendary! The Chef says they do quality assurance in the buco meat they use and have researched well about the flaky pastry they use for it. There's also the Raisin Bread which I loved as it was freshly baked that same day.

It's Filipino... with a flair, and it made my trip there worthwhile.

Alex Gonzaga on the Importance of IPON

 

Alex Gonzaga has been in the showbiz industry for years now. 

She's been working hard, but it wasn't all rainbows and butterflies before she got there. She did in a way, for a moment, lived under her sister Toni's shadows. She found her niche, her identity to become the more funny and flamboyant one which people found amusing. She also started posting vlogs on YouTube and got shows left and right. Her humor also hit the right people and a lot of them adore her. Her amazing Mom taught them the value of saving up for the rainy days and after years of working in the industry, Alex and her sister also went into business putting up milk tea shops and a lot of other things on the side. 

Today, she recently just got married. Aside from new shows, she's been very busy. She's also gotten the hang of spending her money wisely. She now knows that her purchase decisions not only impact her, but her husband as they're together now. Endorsing Villarica Pawnshop was a very easy decision for her. She knows people have gone through hardships and pawn gold, precious stones and metals to get emergency funds. Aside from that, Villarica also connects rural areas to banking institutions so people can save and have high appraisals for what they plan to pawn. IPON for her is important as it asserts financial security. With the things she has learned from her Mom, she's arming herself with a really good foundation for what she plans to apply for her own family with Mikey. Villarica also has money changing facilities, does withdrawal from apps, sell load, money remittance services of which Alex also wants to take advantage of. If she can't do transactions at home, there's always a Villarica Pawnshop nearby. She's endorsing it for the right reasons.

If you want to know more about them, visit www.villaricapawnshop.ph today!

Married Guy Matteo Guidicelli Swears By Newlywed Starter Pack of Sun Life

Matteo was so fine during our Zoom meeting, telling us about his Sun Life journey now that he's married to Sarah Geronimo.

Matteo just got married, and yes, he's got plans for that. He's getting it from Sun Life too and calls it the Newly Wed Bundle. We talked about it over a Zoom meeting this evening and it was nice to see the man again after a few months of not seeing each other (feeling close lol).

Did things change?

Matte says "Yes, as I'm budgeting for two people already and you are thinking about beds, your household staff and I enjoy it every single day. I enjoy every moment with my wife. Trust is very important and I think you and your partner should never hide anything, so you become better people together. When I go to work today, it is for my family and my future. My wife is my priority, it is important to have that mindset when you're starting, to be transparent and to start saving right away. To have an investment portfolio with Sun Life, you can discuss that perfectly for your needs."


What do they splurge on?

"We did buy a huge TV, I'll have that on my Youtube video this week. We've been also good plantitos and plantitas. We splurge on plants these days."


How do they spend?

A good balance is important. To make your wife happy is also important, but of course common sense, not OA, a balance with each other. We tell each other if we need it or not. We always put each other in reality.


Kilig

Every single day of being boyfriend and girlfriend, to realize and breathe see that we are husband and wife, working together, it puts a smile on my face seeing that.

Being in Sun Life

Working with them for 5 or 6 years, they educated me that the earlier possible time to invest, the better. If I invested a couple of years ago, it would have been very big. Save a lot, invest, your money will grow.


Len Arboleda of Sun Life says "Matt really practices it. It really a lifetime partnership with Sun Life and we have seen that through the years where he's been with us."


Budgeting

I think it's very important for us to always talk about our finances. Investing wise, we have to make sure we do it with good companies, not to scammers, to do it with a legit company and telling your advisor what you want to achieve.


9 Months with Sarah

It's a blessing, to find someone like her, I am very thankful. Sarah is very talented in baking too, if ever it begins like a business, please buy one ha!

Having Kids

Pray for it next week. We don't know yet, we're not rushing but in God's time it will happen. Diko pa alam how much, the more the merrier!


With Sun Life you feel secure, it's very important. You can start with 5,000 pesos and it will earn in the next few years. When you have kids, you have a fund for them, so we do invest in the right things.


Business

The restaurant is okay. I had two branches so it is challenging. I had to find ways to make it well, we're not doing great but we are surviving because there are people going to our restaurants still.

Do it with passion, do it with love, focus on the things we love doing. We want money to grow, invest, be smart on how you do things and do it with passion. There are great companies out there but I chose Sun Life. My Dad showed me things by example so he didn't have to sit me down and plan things.

Church Wedding

Baka, when the time is right. I hope a vaccine arrives so we can do it. I really hope so.


Bashers

These rescuers and government workers, they are just there for the service of the Filipino people. To receive criticism despite doing their jobs, I don't feel bad, I feel good for what they do, I feel bad with the people who don't understand what it feels to be there. They deserve so much credits.


Newly Wed Bundle (What does the newly wed bundle have? What do you like about it?)

The starter pack is for individuals, each one should be covered. You have to have a separate one for yourself and your wife.


You seem to always have a plan, how do you keep yourself be random, like not everything is planned/ becominng spontaneous.

"I think that is very important with me and Sarah. Yes I have a plan for everything but I do make an effort to do things that are random, thanks for reminding me to do that."



This is not a perfect world. What mistakes have you had in the past and what have you learned from them?

Yes I have had mistakes, nothing in particular but I always make it a point to not do it again in case I get to encounter problems like them again. I learn from them, I think that is important.

Having passion and starting a ton of businesses is hard but when it works, you'll reap a lot of benefits. Work with trusted partners, work with the honest ones and enjoy it. Matteo is a good example of it and he's been doing it with Sun Life for a couple of years, maybe it's time you talk to them via bit.ly/advisormatch or their website sunlife.com.ph or the official Sun Life Philippines Facebook page. Oh by the way, Matteo is also going to be on an I Feel U Christmas Special on December 6, and Masked Singer Pilipinas every Saturday on TV5. See him there!

Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati Starts Wedding Preps

It's official!! Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati will tie the knot, and they are now currently engaged.

They announced "We want it to be in Manila, we were considering Switzerland but we thought about the family and we figured we just had to have the wedding here."

Sarah says "He was my first serious boyfriend. Before, I focused on work, and I'm the type who does it long term. When I met him, I knew he was the one. I thought he was suplado, but he was very kind, very loving as a son, as a friend, it wasn't really nice as a first impression but I was wrong. Of course I have lots of blessings, I am most happy though because we are together. Kai and Zai will be our ringbearers but most probably will have a special participation. They will also be with us during our honeymoon."

Richard says "She is different, she is someone who made me happy. It just became so hard to have projects, lots of it before our planned wedding. I am also doing MMK, the new soap, which will come out this week. I also am in ASAP in Rome. When your relationship is being tested, you get to know more about the person, we both grew so much. As parents and individuals we cherish that. I thought she was out of my league, but after a while we had a lot of similarities. Our parents saw Geneva and had bondings with Sarah's parents. With my family, everyone will have a participation especially Ate and Mind since they have helped us a lot in the recent preparations."

The official announcement and wedding details will be done in different programs and platforms of ABSCBN. 

This is going to be big!

Zandra Lim Bridal Marks 15th Year

Nothing beats a woman adorned in their favorite sequined dress, with lace details, all white or not. Each wedding is special, a sacrament, a dream for every bride and we all know how it is important to not only be happy, but look the part which designers have painstakingly tried to perfect for years - like they always do.

A byline in every wedding/bridal fair is Ms. Zandra Lim. She’s dressed celebrities, politicians, famous people, and just about every Jane you could ever imagine. I always pass by her atelier whenever I go to Manila as it sits in E. Rodriguez in Quezon City. This year, she marks her 15th Anniversary in the industry and what better way to celebrate that but through a charity event. This is why Crystal Bridal Fair was put up, happening on September 15-16, 2018 at the posh Discovery Primea in Ayala Avenue, Makati City.

All the proceeds will go to fund the social service and cancer patients of St. Lukes Medical Center in Quezon City, a really worthy cause. Ms. Lim is married to Oncologist Dr. Mars Imasa and she has learned of the plight of patients who wasn’t able to get medical attention and chemotherapy due to financial constraints and in time had worsen their conditions. This shouldn’t happen in this day and age and hopefully, this will help a lot of people.

For those who don't know, Lim was educated at the Istituto di Moda Burgo in Milan, Italy, where she took Istilista di Abiti di Sposa (Fashion Design, specializing in Wedding Dress) and also took Textile Effects at the University of the Arts, London-Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, which tells you the quality of work won't be just simple, it's well thought of, with expertise everytime.

Getting in to the Crystal Bridal Fair is FREE so for those looking for the perfct gown, suppliers, make sure you drop by. This event is also staged by her partner brands Niceprint Photo, Amantefleurs, Rhed Sarmiento Events and Discovery Primea (of the Discovery Group). They are also helped by Metrotech Projectors, LST Lights & Sounds, and Pikulyar Photo.

For those who wish to be there and take part in the fashion show (tickets sold on this one) you may go to the Crystal Charity Event Facebook page or ZandraLimDesigns.com for more information.

This is such a noble cause, combining industry leaders in the Wedding industry, fashion all for a lovely cause. I fervently hope they get to help more people because cancer isn’t a joke.

Praying for you all!

KUMAGCOW

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CELEBRACION: The Francis Libiran Show at Casa Ibarra

It's been a while since I've been back in Casa Ibarra. They opened last November and has been hosting several parties, events and shows. This time however they're taking us to a short rundown on what they will serve for a grand fashion show by no less than world renowned Filipino designer Francis Libiran. Here's a video blog I made from last night's show. I'll follow it up with the show on photos so you get to take a look at his newest collection. It was really fun and majestic. I wouldn't be surprised if you're going to book your next event in this place because it's just gorgeous!

Here it is on video:

Then we went to see the show. Albeit being asked by another guest to sit somewhere (that's another story), we got what we wanted from the show. This is Francis Libiran's newest collection called Mon Amour. I'll let the photos do the talking.

I absolutely love the gowns he made, I think that's given. He's been a sought after designer here and outside the Philippines. This just proves the Filipino is world class!

I would like to take this bit and thank the people who invited me to CELEBRACION particularly Casa Ibarra and their partners. They currently have their other Bistro Ibarra and Villa Ibarra in Tagaytay, Bella Ibarra in Quezon Avenue, Plaza Ibarra in Timog Avenue and the original Ibarra's Garden in Padre Faura Manila available for your parties, events and catering services. They've been doing this since 2001, so if they've lasted that long it says a lot. 

You may contact them through their channels on Facebook, or ibarraspartyvenues.com.ph or call 5229999.