LEILA BARROS Back in Manila

When I heard that I was meeting LEILA BARROS on this day, I fondly remember how Filipinos went crazy for her a couple years ago. In the late 90's to 2000's, she looked like a doll but hits balls like her country depended on it. This is her charm, which pinoys have always loved. After years of not hearing from her, she comes back like she's never left the scene. Armed with the same charm, she now is a successful family woman, a mother, and a Senator of Taguatinga, a federal district in Brazil. Since it's FIVB season, the Philippines Volleyball Federation sought her help to announce something good happening like the 2029 FIVB World Women's Volleyball Championship which will also happen here as the sport grows even bigger.

Leila was also invited to come back to the Philippines a few times but she never had the chance to do so because of life. She figured the growth that was happening now was something she couldn't pass, so she hopped on the plane and arrived albeit delays from one of the strongest typhoons in the world. She fondly remembers Filipinos holding placards asking Leila to marry them. This day for the meet and greet was a little different because Leila now has the time to actually be with people, take lots of photos and she even talked to us with the help of an interpreter.

AI generated this smiling version of her :)

One thing I couldn't forget was when I asked her about how they are dealing with corruption in their country. It made the folks quite quiet in the crowd, but she said they're dealing with it as well in Brazil because they have some individuals meddling with their pension funds, and they sought help from deputies (one that represents agencies) and a few Senators to probe into it. How I wish I could say the same with ours no?! 🤣

Here's our short chat with her on video:

She was so nice and accommodating. She made sure folks would have a Leila moment they won't forget and went to the venue of FIVB matches to announce the big news. She also said hi to fans the whole day as she was leaving the next day. She mentioned she's got plans to go back and bring her family for a holiday (her husband is a beach volleyball Olympic gold medalist) and bring her son Lukas too. 

I'm so excited about the Philippines hosting another FIVB, and hopefully, we'll get to watch it with her as well. Hope you get to see more talented players in our turf!

Artists Warn Expect the Unexpected on SING GALING SINGLEBRITY EDITION This Weekend

Got the chance to see the Sing Galing Singlebrity Edition 2025 folks yesterday and what good things they've got on sleeve as they prepare their first episode this coming September 27 on TV5 and their other assets. Veteran judges Rey Valera, Randy Santiago and several celebrities told us about their experience and what to expect on the show.

Of course, different people means different personalities. Aside from being serious about the contest part of the show, Sir Rey Valera told us "You'll get to see the good side of the contestants (that we also are with in the industry) when we talk about their individual charities. They are doing this to help folks that are in need. They will do everything for them, that's what is fun in this show because of that different angle. Doing this is like not turning away from your promises in helping others. This is also a way to give back for the years they've been supporting us as artists. People who watch our show sometimes go on wheelchairs, when you get to age and still sing, you are relevant, if you want to pass it to the next generation, this is how you should do it."

Singer Ariel Rivera says "I can say, expect the unexpected. I know some of the contestants are good actors, but when I heard them sing, they're really really talented. People think we only act on screen but we're happy to be part of this and share our talent to help others. We appreciate those that appreciate us. We're friends for years (talking about other artists on the show), being kind goes a long way."

Nina added "I love my fans, they're not all perfect but they are the reason where we are right now. We shouldn't forget that."

K Brosas told us "We're not at the top but we're not going away, we love our craft and the people that work with us. We are thankful and remember our roots."

Here's more of our interviews after the event:

Oh by the way, Rey Valera and a couple of his friends are establishing a way to support up and coming artists on their new YouTube channel. If you want to be part of it, just visit youtube.com/@Sigma54music to get in touch with them. This is his way to leave a legacy. 

And again, make sure you watch SING GALING SINGLEBRITY EDITION because it will premiere this September 27 at 7PM and 8PM on Sunday on TV5, Buko Channel and Sari-Sari Channel too. It's going to be super fun!

GMA Playlist Features Songs of Love, Life with JOHN REX, KIM DE LEON, KIM PEREZ and MITZI JOSH

GMA Playlist has always been a really good platform to further dabble artistry of home grown GMA artists as they tackle songs about love, regret, friendship and the trials of life. It will be part of a line of soundtracks under GMA Network's "Ganito Tayo, Kapuso: Masayahin" (This is what we are Kapuso, Fun) which is part of their values campaign made with Sparkle Artists performing the different songs.

I distinctly remember several actors from Sparkle's stable who have done this and recorded songs meant for GMA shows as soundtracks and this time, they're doing the same. We saw Kim Perez, Kim de Leon, Mitzi Josh and John Rex perform their songs (in different genres), all heartfelt and ones that you can connect with. Some talk about love, being sorry, friendship that aligns with their network's current campaign. The lone rose Mitzi Josh performed "Ikaw Na Lang Ang Kulang" while Kim de Leon did "Basta't Magkasama Tayo". Champ John Rex did "Kahit Wala Nang Tayo" and Kim Perez had a more 2000's rock vibe with "Huling Hinto".

Their thrust is all about connections, because at this day and age we've gone accustomed to being in front of computers, tablets, our phones. This takes our inter personal ones on the backseat, so imagine how that puts our relationships with family, friends and everyone else in trouble. That's a really good talking point, and I hope the conversations continue after the GMA Playlist release.

Here's our interview with them at the posh THE GRAND HOUSSE which is both a fashion house and restaurant (really good selection and food btw!): 

When I asked them about their dreams, they all want to have the chance to have their own concerts, but ultimately just want to share their music, have someone appreciate it. Kim Perez believes he doesn't have to achieve the status of the big names in the industry, just the thought of putting out a song, as part of OPM, that's enough for him. Kim De Leon didn't even imagine singing at one point but now have 3 singles out under GMA Playlist. He also wishes to become a singer songwriter soon. Mitzi is thankful because singing is her first love, and wants to do Coachella, a concert, sing and have folks sing along with her (hopefully soon). John on the other hand wants to become a person who inspire others, and hope the song touches hearts, not just the charts, to see people in love with what he does on stage.

All these tracks for the GMA Playlist (these 5 singles) are produced by Rocky Gacho and can be streamed worldwide. Now go and stream them on platforms today because they're planning to do more music in the coming years, it would be awesome you could follow their journey now.

MAISON MIDORI: Making Cait Lee's Matcha Dreams Come True!

Caitlin Lee has always grown a fascination about Matcha ever since she had it in Japan a couple years ago. She was a little dumbfounded when the rest of her family didn't like it while she adored the green beverage prepared during that trip, and she never forgot about it. During the pandemic, the resurgence of liking to baked breads and pastries also brought her love for all things Matcha as a flavor. She felt it was time to follow her passion and start her own Matcha brand called "Maison Midori".

Her mission was simple, to bring high quality green tea to the Philippines. A small project but had so much love and support, she invites you this time to savor the moment.

Cait Lee says "I'm the girl behind Maison Midori, and I'm a chemist, and matcha is my biggest passion. I was 15 on a trip in Japan. I think during the pandemic I had a baking business and think that's how it started. Thank you for being in our pop ups and bazaars, the management who have been working hard during this past weeks. I am so glad I have a support system beside me, I wouldn't be able to do this without you and God. I was praying so hard about this business, but then I am so grateful."

Here's a rundown on what happened on video:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Bueno (@kumagcow)

She also put importance on building communities done with passion, connections, love and faith. If you want to get a hold of it, they have rht Tenshi Samidori and Maroyaka Okumidori teas available online at maisonmidori.com. You can also get the Fukami Matcha, a limited edition variant which you can enjoy mixed in beverages or just by itself. They also have bamboo whisks and scoops on the site if you want to be little serious about it.

Congratulations on making your dreams come true Cait Lee, here's wishing you more cups for folks to love and enjoy!