Why We Smile Amidst Challenges

It's been a running joke for most folks to see Filipinos get into a resilient mode every time there's a calamity or challenge. It probably stems from our defense to try and smile instead of suffering, a survival mechanism to find simple joys in small things. 

Losing power, we make shadow plays. We experience floods, we'd probably swim in it. When we get stressed, we try to entertain ourselves, and it's something that's innately Filipino to not dwell in problems and why not? 

We even experience heartbreaks and poke fun at ourselves and the situation... instead of being in a condition to not perform tasks or activities because of certain limitations. We even make music out of it because yes, it is an escape. 

When we can't do it, we find ways to survive, and tell ourselves we still have something to hold on to... and just carry on!

SPARKLE Artist Center Stars at the PBB Celebrity Collab Edition x GMA Grand Mediacon

Having met the ABSCBN artists a couple days ago, I felt it was high time to see the GMA Sparkle Artist Center side of the collab. Yes, it's an opportunity I wouldn't want to pass because you know, PBB has changed the lives of Mika Salamanca, the gorgeous Ashley Ortega, good looking Will Ashley, Dustin Yu, Josh Ford, Michael Sager, Charlie Fleming, AZ Martinez, Vince Maristela and the playful Shuvee Etrata.

Just to give you a picture, there were a lot of trad media and entertainment bloggers covering for this event. Most of them were editors and columnists from your dailies. I guess I was a little hesitant to send questions because it took almost an hour and a half to talk to them because of the sheer number of housemates we had to interview.  

Here's our coverage on video, please enjoy!

Ashley Ortega currently holds the most number of views on my YouTube channel, and I've had the opportunity to interview her a couple of times. She's very eloquent, gorgeous and very talented on ice. She also was able to show a side of her that's not seen on camera. It's why after her short stay in the house, people were all supporting her A LOT. She also got major endorsements because of it and life has been good. 

Charlie Fleming has been able to enjoy the success of the show and was able to still have some parts of her life private. Will Ashley has signified his willingness to work with Dustin Yu, which is actually not the first time because they previously were together in a Regal Entertainment movie. He feels the show was also a venue to introduce themselves, and show things that have not been seen on TV. Dustin laments that he's been waiting for the right time as far as his career is concerned. He didn't really expect to join PBB Celebrity Collab Edition, but he was so glad he did! He may be an introvert, but now that people got to know him, he's going to have more opportunities after the show. 

Josh Ford is so thankful that his trip back to the Philippines was not in vain. It's been years that he has been in the industry but feels this is his biggest break. He also said that even though some people know him, it was only after PBB that he felt seen. He's so thankful to GMA, Sparkle and PBB for the opportunity! I can't wait to see him grab major roles in shows because he's done his homework.

Vince Maristela on the other hand got recognized while he was in Korea for a little R&R, even if he's been in the industry for a while, it's only now that he gets stopped a LOT while out in public. He now is eager to grab opportunities that would come his way. Everyone was so happy for him!

Shuvee was so fun during this interview. I could see how she is also being fancied by GMA execs while telling her story. As you can see, several shows have already got a hold of her, and joking on social media about her availability. She loves the support and promises to love all the brands and people that supports her. She's not just Shuvee the host now, she's everything and more! Still humble! 

Big winner Mika Salamanca knew how much flak she once had because some have already pre-judged her because of previous controversies. She knew that people just didn't know. For Mika it's a big thing to have a platform to let people get to know who she is, change their perspectives and she thanked Sparkle for believing in her. Winning it meant that she can further prove naysayers of how she deserves the spot. She's pretty game about it. 

I'd like to send a huge THANK YOU to SPARKLE GMA Artist Center for letting us get to know these housemates after the show. I'm quite sure they're planning a whole lot for them because by any angle, there's nowhere to go but to stardom! Oh and yes, that COLLAB CONCERT is coming up, make sure you get tickets before they run out!

PS, sub on my YouTube channel called "kumagcow" because I've uploaded some shorts there about this event. You'll love that!

STAR MAGIC SPOTLIGHT: PBB Celebrity Collab Edition at the PBB House

It's been years since I last stepped inside the walls of the PBB House. This time we're doing it with the BIG 4 Ralph De Leon , Esnyr , Brent Manalo , and River Joseph. Then we'll also be talking to gorgeous Kira Balinger , Xyriel Manabat , AC Bonifacio , Emilio Daez , Klarisse De Guzman , and Bianca De Vera. This must have been a dream for a lot of people, and it's happening, so I took my phones and tried to record it all! 

This PBB year has certainly been fun, to have 2 giant networks work together must have been a tall order to look at on paper, but they were certainly eager to do it this way because you deserve it. First up is the good looking ladies and gents from STAR MAGIC. They've been doing several bouts of these STAR MAGIC SPOTLIGHT to make sure we get to talk to the artists directly. I was so happy because most of my questions were actually asked, and they answered quite legibly.

 

Here's our conversation with Kira, Xyriel, AC, Emilio, Klarisse, Bianca at the PBB house:

 

Meanwhile here's the BIG 4 Ralph, Esnyr, Brent, and River:

Their lives have really changed over a few months being in the PBB house, and as they mentioned, this isn't the last time they'll be doing collaborations after leaving the house. As a matter of fact, they'll be having the PBB Collab Concert: PBB COLLOVE on August 10th at the Araneta Coliseum. Tickets are selling out fast via TICKETNET so go and get them now!

Thank you to STAR MAGIC for bringing these talented folks together. I'm sure you've got lots of plans for them, they're very talented and if this means they'll be in ABSCBN shows and doing GMA things too. Can't wait for their stars to shine!

Better Tougher Phones, Wearables at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025

We took a trip to Rockwell as Samsung showed us the GALAXY Packed event streamed all the way from Brooklyn New York. It felt so festive as the folks from Samsung unveiled their newest phones, wearables and more!

Joseph Aruta the Product Marketing Head for Mobile Experience in Samsung Philippines said in front of the stage "Tonight we will find out the improvements in the Galaxy Z series, see ultra features, brand new camera, the Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy Watch series that fit your lifestyle."

They discussed the promise of evolving AI into something that can be used by all, with privacy and security also in it's core. They've got products with new form factors, wearables that are not just limited to wrists, something that can be used in everyday lives. They then released the new Galaxy Z Fold which by the looks of it, is thinner and lighter. It is also built more powerful than it's predecessors. 

It's AI is different because it understands context on its features. Since folks are asking for a bigger screen, more powerful battery, and still have it slim and light, they launched these handsets with that in mind. This is their thinnest yet, but they started improvements with the hinge. This opens wider and they were able to strengthen its layers. They restructured it, designed for all day use. The phone now has a pro grade camera, it's got a 200MP lens but thinner. No, wildly thin! It matters because you have to fold it, you can't fit it on your pocket if it's big, makes sense? 

They also inserted the best processor in the market, with an Android 16 based OS, an object eraser, updated NOW bar, updated multitasking functions which makes this something that you would like. They also now have the One UI 8, so you get Multimodality, which we mentioned that understands content on your phone. It's a shift on how to interact with technology and bring them to life. 

With the phone more personalized, it can also brief you about your day. It let's you see a context of what you will do for the day. It also makes smarter suggestions because of it. I also like circle to search, something that they developed thanks to their partnership with Google. Also a more useful Google Gemini for so many things you can do in a smart home. The device also has 38 percent more faster CPU, 41 percent faster NPU and 26 percent faster GPU, a 200 megapixel wide camera, so you get clearer images, unmatched clarity. It has a native video editor, can erase noise with "Audio Eraser" which can detect 6 different audio levels. At 20:18 it is pretty huge on display, costs 1,999 USD which I think it's worth it. 

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a 21:9 aspect ratio, has 8 more hours of video playback. It is also thinner, has armor flex hinge that can stay tough on impact. The 4:1 display outside and 120hz refresh rate, One UI 8 works wonders on this new phone. It also has games on the flex window. You can access your selected apps quick, and scroll for other content. It also has Gemini, and can use the camera to talk with it without opening the actual Flip phone.

The Galaxy Watch 8 on the other hand can read key health measures, designed for active folks, it looks good on the outside. It can also monitor your sleep, see if it affects your performance, plus those recovery periods will get measured. It'll make a big difference when you're monitoring your overall health!

Check out Samsung's social channels and official website if you want to know more about these products. If you're looking for your next handset, this might be it!