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Life and Style + T R a V e L + F o o D Discovering life stories--with a large cup of Lemon Green Tea.
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Monday, March 24, 2025
HONOR Magic V3 Now Available in More Locations Across the Philippines
More Than a Crown: Gabrielle Basiano Dreams of Playing a Fierce Kontrabida
Given the chance, Gabrielle Basiano shared that she would love to try her hand at showbiz — and if she had it her way, she’d take on the role of a kontrabida. “Wala pa kasing kontrabida na tumatatak ngayon,” she mused, adding that it would be exciting to challenge herself with a strong, fierce character that breaks the usual beauty queen mold. For Gabrielle, playing the villain would be a refreshing way to show a different side of her — bold, unapologetic, and powerful.
But beyond the glitz of showbiz, Gabrielle has already proven that she’s more than just a pretty face. As Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2022, she uses her crown for a higher purpose. She once received recognition in Thailand as one of the most inspiring beauty queens, thanks to her advocacy for mental health — a mission that led her to extend help to someone who was losing the will to live.
That same strength and determination were evident in her own pageant journey. Gabrielle shared that she faced tough financial challenges along the way, even spending close to a million pesos just to compete. Despite the odds, she pushed through — a true testament to her passion and commitment.
The Tourism Management graduate from Borongan, Eastern Samar, defines beauty and what makes a person beautiful inside out: "Beauty comes in many forms. For me, it's how you make others feel - kindness, warmth, and understanding through your words and actions. A person is beautiful inside and out when his/her heart is full of compassion, one whose actions uplift others, and with confidence coming from self-acceptance and genuine care for others." Gabrielle's childhood dream was to be a model who walks on the runway. However, she was given an opportunity to train through pageantry. She seized it and fell in love with it.
She is a staunch advocate of mental health, with a special focus on grief support. She explains,
"This cause is deeply personal to me, as I have experienced the difficulty of healing after losing a loved one. I believe it's crucial to provide a safe space where people feel heard and supported, while gently reminding them that, no matter how overwhelming the pain feels today, brighter days will eventually come."
Gabrielle uses her role as a beauty queen to raise everyone's awareness of the importance of mental health. "Through social media, public appearances, and community outreach, I aim to inspire others to prioritize their mental well-being and to remind them that it's okay to not be okay. By sharing my own experiences and connecting with those facing similar challenges, I hope to provide support and show that healing is achievable."
She is now poised to reign as this year's president of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Las PiƱas Water Lily, a non-profit organization dedicated to community development and service.
"Through this organization, I have the privilege of engaging in a lot of meaningful community work, making a positive impact while continuing to grow and learn from others."
Gabrielle keeps herself busy these days with hosting, judging, and modeling stints. She was one of the judges of Ms. Universe Philippines - Tacloban and the Lakan and Lakambini The Grand Coronation Night, which was held in Taytay, Rizal.
She considers hosting exciting because of the new things she learns while doing her job. Some of her previous hosting stints include the Binibining Pilipinas pre-pageant activities, Araneta City Christmas Special, Mutya Han Samar, Mutya Ti Umingan, King of the World, and Mister International Philippines. As Gabrielle ushers in a new year, she looks forward to getting more exposure in hosting. With her gift of gab, Gabrielle's dream to be an excellent host will turn into reality.
For inquiries about Gabrielle Basiano, please contact Lois Quinto at +639950272463 or email loisrquinto@gmail.com.
Ever Bilena’s biggest buy 1, Take 1 sale is here
Ever Bilena, the country’s leading local cosmetics brand, is celebrating its birthday with an irresistible Buy 1, Take 1sale happening from March 28 to 30, 2025 only.
Timed perfectly with Women’s Month and payday, this nationwide promo gives beauty lovers the chance to stock up on their favorite Ever Bilena products, including the brand’s latest viral launches like the EB Plus Moisture Boost Lipstick, EB Plus Serum Tinted Lip Oil (new shades), and the TikTok-favorite EB Pillow Pop Multipotamong many others.
"Ever Bilena has always been about making beauty accessible to every Filipina. What better way to celebrate our birthday than by giving back to our loyal customers with our biggest sales of the year?" says Denice Sy, chief sales & marketing officer of Ever Bilena.
The promo is available in the following stores nationwide, including major department stores and beauty retailers:
Everything is on sale at Buy One Take One except for Face Powders, Nail Polish, and Accessories which are not included in the sale.
Shoppers should take advantage of this limited-time offer before stocks run out. For more details, visit Ever Bilena’sofficial social media pages @everbilenaofficial on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, and @everbilenaph on X (formerly Twitter).
Friday, March 21, 2025
Palawan proudly welcomes Philippine TV and movie queen Marian Rivera as its newest brand ambassador
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The Palawan Group of Companies (PGC) — home to trusted brands like Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express Pera Padala, Palawan ProtekTODO, Palawan Pawnshop Jewelry, and the fast-growing digital wallet PalawanPay — proudly welcomes Philippine TV and movie queen Marian Rivera as its newest brand ambassador.
Renowned for her strong family values and practical approach to managing finances, Marian embodies the qualities that make her an ideal partner for PGC. This collaboration goes beyond a typical endorsement — it is a shared mission to empower communities and promote financial literacy among Filipinos.
"This partnership means so much to me. It is my pleasure to partner with a Filipino company that resonates with my values. Plus, I admire how Palawan continues to innovate to make financial transactions easier and more accessible for our sukis,” Marian shared.
Karlo M. Castro, the President and CEO of PGC, also expressed his excitement over the partnership: "We’ve always looked for someone who truly represents what Palawan stands for — resilience, hard work, and success. Marian’s journey, the sacrifices she has made, and her dedication to her family and career mirror Palawan’s own story. Gano’n din ang Palawan — laging nagsisikap, laging nandyan para sa mga Pilipino.”
Marian agreed wholeheartedly and said, "Milyon-milyong Pilipino na ang suki ng Palawan. Pinagtibay na ng panahon ang kanilang serbisyo. Gaya ko, nag-e-evolve rin ang Palawan — laging may bagong inaalok, pero hindi nakakalimot sa pinanggalingan. Sa buhay, mahalaga ang pagbabago para sa growth natin, pero dapat lagi tayong grounded sa core values natin.”
Growing Priorities and Evolving Roles
With the brand's new tagline, "Subukan Na at Patunayan! I-Palawan Mo na ‘Yan,” Marian's launch as PGC’s new ambassador could not come at a more opportune time. As she approaches her 20th year in showbiz, Marian remains a symbol of resilience, hard work, and grace — qualities that align seamlessly with the brand.
"Nung nagsisimula ako, career lang talaga ang focus ko. Mahirap sa simula, pero dahil sa tiyaga at pagpupursige, unti-unti kong narating ang mga dating pinapangarap ko lang. Maraming challenges, pero sulit lahat. Masaya ako kung nasaan ako ngayon — proud ako sa naging journey ko,” she emphasized.
Now a 40-year-old mom of two, Marian embraces this new chapter of her life with open arms—navigating the journey of motherhood while taking on deeper, more meaningful roles as an actress. Similarly, as the Palawan Group of Companies approaches its 40th anniversary, it continues to evolve, expanding beyond its roots in Palawan Pawnshop and Palawan Pera Express Padala, proving that growth and transformation are essential to lasting success.
“Nagbago na rin ang priorities ko — lalo na ngayong may pamilya ako. Iba na rin ang projects na tinatanggap ko. Mas may lalim at meaning, kagaya ng Rewind (2023) at Balota (2024). Pero kahit nagbabago ang mga roles ko, ako pa rin si Marian — mas mature, pero grounded pa rin,” she shared.
For Marian, growth isn’t just about personal success — it’s about being smarter and more responsible with money, especially now as a hands-on mom, wife, and businesswoman.
"I handle our household expenses and business ventures regularly. To stay organized, I prioritize budgeting and use financial apps to track our income and spending. Each week, I set time to review our financial goals and adjust as needed. This keeps me focused and ensures we’re making smart money decisions,” she added.
So when PGC approached her to become an ambassador, the decision was easy. "I said ‘yes’ because I believe in their mission to provide accessible financial services to every Filipino. Their values align with mine — family, community, and empowerment."
Inspiring Financial Literacy
(L-R) Host Nikki Viola, Palawan Group of Companies President and CEO Karlo M. Castro, Marian Rivera-Dantes, Chairman and Founder Bobby Castro, and Group Marketing Head Bernard Kaibigan
Beyond promoting the brand, Marian hopes to inspire her fans to take charge of their finances.
"I want to be a role model by encouraging my supporters to manage their money wisely. By partnering with Palawan, I hope to inspire more Filipinos to make informed financial decisions for their families and future."
Of all PGC’s services, Marian admits Palawan Express Pera Padala is the most helpful for her: "It’s a reliable, fast, and affordable way for families to send and receive money — lalo na sa mga OFWs na gustong suportahan ang pamilya nila dito sa Pilipinas. It’s heartwarming to know that through this service, families stay connected and supported, kahit magkalayo."
Whether it’s sending money, securing loans, or making payments through PalawanPay, Marian believes PGC’s services help ease financial burdens and empower families to focus on what truly matters — their well-being and future.
With the aforementioned new tagline, "Subukan Na at Patunayan! I-Palawan Mo na ‘Yan!" and Marian Rivera-Dantes leading the charge, PGC continues to champion financial empowerment and community support — proving once again why it remains one of the most trusted names in the country.
Jollibee opens 1300th milestone store in Abulug
Jollibee, the number one fast food brand in the Philippines, has reached another milestone with the opening of its 1300th store inthe country in Abulug, Cagayan. This new store is a testament toJollibee’s continued commitment to bring the joy of eating to everyone, reinforcing the brand’s dedication to make its signature offerings accessible even in far-flung communities.
The brand has continued its aggressive expansion locally,making sure that Filipinos can satisfy their langhap-sarap cravings whether they’re situated high up north or down south in the Philippines. Jollibee has also been improving its store concepts, embracing technology and adding innovations for business efficiency and customer convenience.
The 24-hr Jollibee Abulug Cagayan store showcases modern features like a Dual-lane Drive-Thru, increasing the store’s drive-thru capacity and shortening the turnaround time for customers on-the-go. Self-Order Kiosks (SOK) are also present, making it easy for customers to enjoy their Jollibee favorites in just three easy steps – order, pay, and claim. With a huge touchscreen menu board, choosing what to eat can become easier and faster. The store also houses a Jollibee Kids Party area, designed to deliver the unique kind of joy that the brand is known for to kids and kids-at-heart.
A lot of exciting activities were conducted to delight the 1300thstore’s first customers. Early drive-thru and dine-in customers had a chance to receive exclusive giveaways like products, Jollibee Kids Meal toys, and other merchandise. A meet-and-greet with Jollibee and Friends also added more joy to the festivities.
In the spirit of spreading more joy, Jollibee Abulug Cagayanwill also be supporting the local community by donating more than 600 books for students aged 5-7 in five nearby schools in the area. This is in line with the brand’s continuing commitment to support education throughout the country.
"We want to continue spreading Jollibee’s unique brand of joy to more parts of the country, especially in locations we have yet to reach. Reaching our 1300th store is a milestone that we're very proud of, and this wouldn't have been possible without the support of our business partners, local government units, and of course, our loyal customers," says Ellen NuƱez, North Luzon Regional Business Unit Head of Jollibee Philippines.
The opening of Jollibee’s 1300th store represents not just an expansion in numbers but also a deeper connection with communities across the country. As Jollibee continues to reach new milestones, it remains dedicated to delivering great-tasting food, warm service, and joyful experiences to Filipinos everywhere.
With this new store in Abulug, Jollibee looks forward to serving even more customers and creating new memories—one joyful bite at a time.
Meet the Future Stars: Mister Pilipinas Worldwide 2025 Contenders Revealed
Supported by revolutionary online entertainment platform PLAYTIME, 26 Filipinos go head to head as they showcase their brains, brawn, and bravura
A new breed of fresh faces have been chosen to take part in this year’s edition of Mister Pilipinas Worldwide (MPW), the country’s premier competition for aspiring kings of pageantry.
Since its inception in 2023, Mister Pilipinas Worldwide has become the most widely acclaimed male pageant in the country, producing delegates to international pageants such as Mister Supranational, Mister International, Mister Global, Manhunt International, Mister Cosmopolitan, and Man of the Year.
This year, it aims to further put Filipino men front and center, with 26 contenders vying to be the next big thing in fashion and entertainment here and abroad. With MPW selecting representatives not just from across the Philippines but also in countries with large Filipino communities like in Italy, Alberta, and the United Kingdom, expect this year’s pageant to be much more competitive. The competition seeks to narrow down on who can truly best represent the country factoring in not just looks and athleticism – but also talent and confidence. More importantly, they need to have a clear purpose.
Among this year’s contenders are showbiz pros Mister Tourism World 2023 1st runner-up and Century Tuna Superbods 2024 winner Jether Palomo (Taguig), Mr. World Philippines 2024 and Century Tuna Superbods 2022 winner Kirk Bondad (Baguio), celebrity fitness trainer Enzo Bonoan (Quezon City), professional host and voice actor Kitt Cortez (San Juan, Manila), and local pageant veteran Raven Lansangan (Pampanga). Pageant newbies like celebrity makeup artist Kenneth Marcelino (Laguna), Fil-foreigners Michael Alfonso Carter (United Kingdom) and Giuseppe Agliano (Italy), and Far Eastern University student Justine Quiocho (Binangonan) are also among this year’s standouts.
“Despite only being conceived a few years ago, Mister Pilipinas Worldwide is poised to be the grandest male pageant in the Philippines – selecting topnotch, talented artists who can truly put our country on the international map of various male competitions,” said national director Joshua de Sequera.
“The growing fanbase and the raging success of our past delegates reveal how set the stage is for Filipino men to rule the world of pageantry. We already send our early congratulations to our contenders who are showing up and defying stereotypes so they can showcase their talent and give us more pride. As we speak, they already combined for around two million followers across different social media platforms – very telling of their influence at this early stage of the competition. We’re excited to see them grow to be their own ‘man’ as they embark on their Mister Pilipinas Worldwide journey.”
Mister Pilipinas Worldwide is run by leading talent and creative agency Empire Philippines as a launchpad for pageant hopefuls. A unique competition in its own right, MPW has not one winner but six finalists. Representing the Philippines in internationally acclaimed pageants, the finalists will carry the following titles: Mister Pilipinas Supranational, Mister Pilipinas Global, Mister Pilipinas International Ambassador, Mister Pilipinas Manhunt Supermodel, Man of the Year Philippines, and Mister Pilipinas Cosmopolitan.
Past and present delegates boast of stellar stars in Mister Pilipinas Worldwide 2023 and up-and-coming actor-performer Johannes Rissler, Mister Global 2024 and model Daumier Corilla, and Mister Supranational 2024 second runner-up and commercial model Brandon Espiritu, among others.
Mister Pilipinas Worldwide 2025 will hold its culminating Finals Night on April 28, 2025. More details to be announced soon.
The current edition of Mister Pilipinas Worldwide is further amplified by its first-time partnership with PLAYTIME. Established in 2024, the trusted online gaming platform recognizes Filipino talent and shares a common goal with the pageant: Shaping a new form of fun and entertainment in the country that transcends across the globe. Filipinos can experience exciting online entertainment and earn amazing rewards with every play on PLAYTIME. Sign up now by visiting playtime.ph.
Mister Pilipinas Worldwide is mounted by Empire Philippines For more updates, follow Mister Pilipinas Worldwide’s official social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
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