This February, Vivamax presents “La Querida”, a film by GB Sampedro which shows two interweaving love stories: that of Joel and Maria and Leo and Connie. Arron Villaflor plays Jose Emilio Ong, Joel for short. His mother has arranged for him to marry a girl of Chinese descent (Alona Navarro), but his heart belongs to Maria whom he meets in Luneta.
Angela Morena plays Maria Consuelo Paredes, a very attractive woman. By living in with Joel, she is able to escape from her domineering father. Joel and Maria have fallen in love fast, but they also fall apart just as quickly. Joel discovers that Maria is already married to her ex-boyfriend. Meanwhile, Leo and Connie’s love story begins when they are in their early 40s. Jay Manalo plays Leo, unhappily married to Grace (Yda Manzano), but is a loving and supportive father to their only daughter. Even at his age, he is still being controlled by his mother. He gets into an affair with Connie. Mercedes Cabral plays Connie, a teacher by profession, but follows no rules when it comes to getting the man she wants. She succeeds in seducing Leo. But something happens that will make her think of letting go.
While Joel and Maria’s love story went from excitement to resentment, and Leo and Connie share a forbidden love, is there really no hope for them at all in this lifetime? Find out the connection between these characters. “La Querida” is available on Vivamax starting February 10, 2023. Also starring Rey PJ Abellana, Irma Adlawan, Aurora Sevilla, Andrew Muhlach, Josef Elizalde, Jiad Arroyo, and Precious Liango. Go to web.vivamax.net or download the app and subscribe via Google Play Store, App Store, or Huawei App Gallery. For payment thru website, you may choose from EC Pay, 7 Eleven, All Day, All Day, Pay Mongo, GrabPay, GCash, or PayMaya. For payment thru app, you may choose from Globe, Smart, GCash, Paypal, Visa, or Mastercard. For payment thru Ecommerce, you may choose from Lazada,
Comworks, Clickstore, or Paymaya. For payment thru authorized outlets, you may choose from Load Manna, Comworks, Cebuana Lhuillier, Palawan Express, and Load Central. VivaMax’s cable partners are SkyCable, Cable Link, Wesfardell Connect, Fiber, BCTVI, Cebu Cable, Zenergy HD, Cotabato Cable Television Network Corporation, and Concepcion Pay TV Network, Inc. In UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar, Vivamax can be accessed for only AED35/month. In Europe, Vivamax can be enjoyed for only 8 GBP/month. Vivamax is also available in Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, Brunei, Macao, Vietnam, Maldives, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada. Indeed, Vivamax is not stopping to entertain more people across the globe! Vivamax, atin ‘to!
On February 11, a Saturday, experience a unique pre-Valentine event titled Hello Love, a Valentine Getaway, headlined by the original Pop diva herself, Ms. Kuh Ledesma and her daughter Isabella.
This Valentine Getaway is happening at the Hacienda Isabella, nestled near Tagaytay City and an ideal way to celebrate the special day away from the hustle-bustle of urban life.
Feel the love amid the cool breeze brought about by the ridges and forests of the scenic mountains, as the guests are treated with a sumptuous dinner buffet spread out in an open air garden setting while being serenaded and entertained by the unrivaled and rare appearance of the mother-and-daughter singing tandem.
What makes this unique from the previous mother-and-daughter concerts together?
It’s the very idea that both are staging it in “the season of love.”
“Valentine’s Day is not only for lovers or romantic love. We will also share songs with different perspectives on love and life. I have gone through so much in relationships… the ups and downs have taught me good experiences and Godly wisdom. My heart is bursting with the desire to share.
“It is also unique because it is unusual for concerts to be celebrated outdoors and almost in the place where we as artists reside. It is intimate because we are truly at home in Hacienda Isabella. Even the people assisting us are dear and close to us—the production people, the waiters, the housekeeping staff, and also our chef,” Ledesma described it.
For the Pop Diva, she and her daughter chose to perform in a more intimate setting as opposed to more and more artists doing it in arenas and big venues these days.
“This Valentine’s season, it will be a welcome respite to have a show far away from all the busy and frenetic city living. Hacienda Isabella’s homey and relaxed atmosphere and cool weather will [definitely] give the audience a different kind of Valentine’s Day experience,” she said.
On the other hand, Isabella, described Ledesma as someone who gave her the spotlight rather than living under the shadow of a singing icon. To date, the singer-songwriter and recording artist leads worship services from time to time on Sundays at the Hacienda Isabella. She expresses her passion for arts through painting and is currently helping to publish a booklet of prayers called Pray Away written by Rita Marie Abiog.
Hello Love, a Valentine Getaway takes pride in its beautiful backdrop with sculpted and well-lit trees, a real moon, and the sprinkled stars lighting up the skies.
After dinner and show, guests can also opt to spend the weekend at Hacienda Isabella’s cool and homey ambiance via its luxurious room accommodations.
Here are the special package rates: A room for two guests is at P4500 per person, which includes dinner and the concert (premium table), overnight stay, after-concert pica-pica, and breakfast. Room for three or more people: P3500 per person, which includes dinner and concert, overnight stay, after-concert pica-pica, and breakfast. If guests opt for dinner and concert only, it’s at P2000.
Dinner is at 6:30 pm and the show starts at 8pm. For more information, please call +639202868895 or +639178139065.
Kapuso Soul Balladeer Garrett Bolden will be releasing his first EP album under GMA Music entitled Chapters on January 27, 2023. 2 of the songs from the EP are his own compositions: Our Love (theme song of I Left My Heart in Sorsogon) and Pwede Pa Ba (theme song of the Thai series, Bad Romeo).
While the other 2 songs won awards for Garrett: 11th PMPC Star Awards for Music, New Male Recording Artist for Lilipad Na 2020 – 33rd Awit Awards, People’s Choice for New Male Artist for Handa Na Maghintay 2021 – 12th PMPC Star Awards For Music – Male Pop Recording Artist for Handa Na Maghintay His latest single, Ikaw Pala is a revival of a classic hit from Kris Lawrence in the early 2000.
2020 – 33rd Awit Awards, People’s Choice for New Male Artist for Handa Na Maghintay
2021 – 12th PMPC Star Awards For Music – Male Pop Recording Artist for Handa Na Maghintay
His latest single, Ikaw Pala is a revival of a classic hit from Kris Lawrence in the early 2000.
Erotica Manila is a four-part Vivamax Original Series with four stand-alone stories about the different sexcapades one can experience around Metro Manila. A series directed by Law Fajardo, it premieres this January 29, 2023, streaming exclusively on Vivamax. The first episode, Cinema Parausan, stars Azi Acosta and Gawad Urian nominated actor – Alex Medina. A story about a film buff who goes to an old Cineplex to watch a classic erotic film. As he enters the old building, he discovers that the place not only screens erotic films but also has female and gay sex workers who offer extra service to its patrons. He also gets an offer of a promise of pleasure that he cannot resist.
Girl 11 is the second episode, starring Josef Elizalde and Cara Gonzales. It’s about a news writer who escapes his worries and goes to a massage parlor offering a special service to customers. After a group of girls line up for him to choose from, he immediately eyes girl #11. He gets his money’s worth and spends a lustful night with this special girl. But during their intimate and intense moment, girl 11 subtly sends him a secret message.
The third episode is The MILF and the OJT, starring Vince Rillon and multi-awarded actress – Mercedes Cabral. A middle-aged sexy star has-been staying at a famed apartment while shooting for a film. Here she meets a young production intern who enters her unit. As the young intern exits, he leaves sexually satisfied. The fourth and last episode is entitled Death by Orgasm, starring Felix Roco, Alona Navarro, and Benz Sangalang. A couple accidentally impales and kills a man hiding under the bed during their intense lovemaking. Produced by Viva, watch four stories with interesting plots and a lot more intriguing characters. Things in the metro are, yet again, about to get wild. Stream Erotica Manila, exclusively on Vivamax starting this January 29, 2023 Subscribe to Vivamax for only P149 per month or P399 for three months.
Visit web.vivamax.net or download the app and subscribe via Google Play Store, Huawei App Gallery, and App Store. For payments via website, you may choose EC Pay, 7 Eleven, All Day, All Day, Pay Mongo, GrabPay, GCash, or PayMaya. For payment thru app, you can have Globe, Smart, GCash, Paypal, Visa, or Mastercard as options. For payment thru Ecommerce, you may choose from Lazada, Comworks, Clickstore, or Paymaya. For payment thru authorized outlets, choose from Load Manna, Comworks, Cebuana Lhuillier, Palawan Express, and Load Central. VivaMax’s cable partners are SkyCable, Cable Link, Wesfardell Connect, Fiber, BCTVI, Cebu Cable, Zenergy HD, Cotabato Cable Television Network Corporation, and Concepcion Pay TV Network, Inc. Erotica Manila is also streaming on Vivamax Middle East. For our kababayans in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar, watch all you can for only AED35/month. Vivamax can also be streamed in Europe for only 8 GBP/month. Vivamax is also available in Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, Brunei, Macao, Vietnam, Maldives, Australia, New Zealand, and now also in Canada and the United States of America. Vivamax, atin ‘to!
Go deep into the world of drug syndicates and get a glimpse of their unruly and scheming lives in the latest sexy-thriller action movie, Boso Dos, streaming exclusively on Vivamax starting this February 3, 2023. A group of secret agents has been observing an apartment turned into a drug den and eyeing a suspected drug trafficker named Badong (Vince Rillon). One of the agents tasked to watch surveillance footage is Mario (Gold Aceron), a young man who enjoys taking photos with his DSLR camera.
Mario also finds a thrill in his job and observing the drug syndicates through the footage because it keeps his sexual fantasies satisfied. Mario has a girlfriend named Stephanie (Chloe Jenna) who works in a call center company. A new recruit also joins the team, a beautiful woman named Ara (Micaella Raz). With her good looks and strong personality, she is fantasized about by almost every agent, including Mario.
When an opportunity to infiltrate the drug den comes their way, Ara becomes an asset and is tasked to get close to Badong so they can easily access all the information needed and finally arrest Badong and the other members of his drug syndicate. As Ara gets deeper into her task, she manipulates Badong, and the young man slowly falls for her. This worries Mario because he has also fallen in love with Ara after he shared intimate and sexual moments with her. Meanwhile, Badong is also being tricked by his very own drug syndicate members because his sidekick Enteng (Alvaro Oteyza) messes around with his girlfriend Georgia (Amor Lapus).
Will Mario and Ara’s team successfully go after the drug syndicates without being busted by Badong? Will Badong ever realize that he has no one to trust? A film by Gawad Urian nominated director Jon Red, who was also the director of the 2022 Vivamax movie, Adarna Gang. Boso Dos stars Vivamax actors Gold Aceron, Micaella Raz, and Vince Rillon, with Amor Lapus, Alvaro Oteyza, and Chloe Jenna. With special participation from award-winning and seasoned actors – Joel Torre, Ronnie Lazaro, Katya Santos, and Epy Quizon. From Viva Films, be mindful of the things around you, keep your eyes open, and most of all – trust no one.
BOSO DOS streams exclusively on Vivamax this February 3, 2023. Subscribe to Vivamax for only P149 per month or P399 for three months. Visit web.vivamax.net or download the app and subscribe via Google Play Store, Huawei App Gallery, and App Store. For payments via website, you may choose EC Pay, 7 Eleven, All Day, All Day, Pay Mongo, GrabPay, GCash, or PayMaya. For payment thru app, you can have Globe, Smart, GCash, Paypal, Visa, or Mastercard as options. For payment thru Ecommerce, you may choose from Lazada, Comworks, Clickstore, or Paymaya. For payment thru authorized outlets, choose from Load Manna, Comworks, Cebuana Lhuillier, Palawan Express, and Load Central. VivaMax’s cable partners are SkyCable, Cable Link, Wesfardell Connect, Fiber, BCTVI, Cebu Cable, Zenergy HD, Cotabato Cable Television Network Corporation, and Concepcion Pay TV Network, Inc. BOSO DOS is also streaming on Vivamax Middle East. For our kababayans in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar, watch all you can for only AED35/month. Vivamax can also be streamed in Europe for only 8 GBP/month. Vivamax is also available in Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, Brunei, Macao, Vietnam, Maldives, Australia, New Zealand, and now also in Canada and the United States of America. Vivamax, atin ‘to!
Music pioneer and multi-instrumentalist indie musician Abby Clutario marks her musical debut under AltG Records through the release of her Chapman Stick revival of UDD’s ‘Tadhana.’ Abby became an official recording artist of AltG Records, a sub-label of GMA Music, last November 8. She is known in the music scene as an indie artist and the first one and one of two who can play a Chapman Stick, an electric instrument with approximately 10-12 strings in the Philippines.
She shared that picking ‘Tadhana’ as her first single was a collaborative decision with Artist and Repertoire Manager and In-house Producer Kedy Sanchez. She is grateful for the opportunity and is excited about releasing the song, “Very grateful ako at the same time very excited to be able to release a song thru a label like AltG Records. Being an independent artist for 20 years, I can say na marami na akong pinagdaanan na challenges ng isang musikero and now dahil sa AltG I can say na mas may chance ako na maiparinig at ma-share ang aking music sa mas maraming listeners.”
Abby also revealed the process in reviving the song, “Ang Chapman Stick ay isang napaka-versatile na instrument. Bukod sa kaya niyang bumagay sa kahit anong genre ng music, masasabi ko na very soothing ang kanyang tunog at sadyang babagay sa mga ballad na style katulad ng Tadhana. Nung inaareglo ko ang kanta para sa voice ng Chapman Stick, sinugurado ko lang na mas ma-highlight pa rin ang main melody ng kanta and ang Chapman Stick ang nagsisilbing support and accompaniment nito.” She also admitted that it was challenging but is happy with the result, “Siguro ang pinaka-challenge is a personal one, which is how to give justice to this song na maganda na ang pagkakalikha to begin with. My version is a stripped-down version na tanging ‘yung voice and Chapman Stick lang ang maririnig. I’m happy na sinuggest ‘yun ni Sir Kedy kasi I really also like the song.” Abby’s debut song was #5 on iTunes PH’s Top 100 Songs chart upon its release on January 20 and is included in Spotify’s Fresh Finds Philippines playlist. Tune in to Abby Clutario’s ‘Tadhana’ on all digital streaming platforms worldwide. For more stories about the Kapuso Network, visit
Pangungunahan nina Aiko Melendez, John Estrada, at Pops Fernandez ang mga bituin sa 35th Star Awards For Television ng The Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) bilang mga host ng gabi ng parangal habang magpapasiklab naman bilang performers sina Lani Misalucha at Kuh Ledesma sa face-to-face awarding na gaganapin sa ika-28 ng Enero 2023, 6pm, sa Winford Manila Resort and Casino sa Sta. Cruz, Manila.
Kaabang-abang ang gagawing pagtatanghal ni Lani sa opening number. Bibigyang-pugay nina Kris Lawrence, Joaquin Garcia, at JV Decena sa isang tribute number ang lifetime achievevement awardees. Hahandugan din ng special number ng JAMSAP talents ang mga manonood. At para sa finale ay ang bonggang performance ni Kuh.
Pararangalan naman ang dating aktres at veteran TV host na si Connie Angeles ng Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award, habang igagawad kay Senador Raffy Tulfo ang Excellence in Broadcasting Lifetime Achievement Award.
Kikilalanin din ang lakas ng tambalan nina Donny Pangilinan at Belle Mariano (He’s Into Her, Season 1/A2Z) pati na rin nina Kelvin Miranda at Mikee Quintos (The Lost Recipe/GMA 7) para sa German Moreno Power Tandem of the Year.
Ang 35th Star Awards For Television ay sama-samang binuo ng mga officer at members ng PMPC sa pangunguna ng Pangulo nitong si Fernan de Guzman. Katuwang ng PMPC sa gaganaping awards night ang JAMSAP Entertainment Corporation nina Jojo Flores at Maricar Moina. Sa ilalim ito ng direksyon ni Frank Lloyd Mamaril.
Samantala, narito ang kumpletong listahan ng official nominees para sa 35th Star Awards For Television:
BEST TV STATION
A2Z
CNN PHILIPPINES
GMA 7
GTV
IBC 13
NET25
PTV 4
TV5
UNTV 37
BEST PRIMETIME TV SERIES
*Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin (A2Z, TV5)
*First Yaya (GMA 7)
*FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano (A2Z/TV5)
*Huwag Kang Mangamba (A2Z/TV5)
*Init Sa Magdamag (A2Z/TV5)
*La Vida Lena (A2Z)
*Niña Niño (TV5)
*Owe My Love (GMA 7)
*Paano Ang Pangako? (TV5)
BEST DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES
*Ang Dalawang Ikaw (GMA 7)
*Babawiin Ko Ang Lahat (GMA 7)
*Bagong Umaga (A2Z)
*Bilangin ang Bituin Sa Langit (GMA 7)
*Primadonnas ( GMA 7)
BEST DRAMA MINI SERIES
*Agimat ng Agila (GMA 7)
*Ang Daigdig Ko’y Ikaw (Net 25)
*GenZ (TV 5)
*He’s Into Her (A2Z)
*I Can See You: High-Rise (GMA 7)
*I Can See You: Love on the Balcony (GMA 7)
*I Can See You: The Lookout (GMA 7)
*I Can See You: Truly. Madly (GMA 7)
BEST DRAMA ANTHOLOGY
*Magpakailanman (GMA 7)
*Tadhana (GMA 7)
*Wagas (GTV)
BEST DRAMA ACTRESS
*Erich Gonzales (La Vida Lena/ A2Z, TV5)
*Heaven Peralejo (Bagong Umaga/A2Z)
*Iza Calzado (Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin/TV5, A2Z)
*Jodi Sta Maria (Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin/TV5, A2Z)
*Lovi Poe (Owe My Love/GMA 7)
*Maja Salvador (Nina Nino/TV5)
*Sanya Lopez (My First Yaya/GMA 7)
*Yam Concepcion (Init Sa Magdamag/A2Z)
BEST DRAMA ACTOR
*Carlo Aquino (La Vida Lena/A2Z, TV5)
*Coco Martin (FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano/A2Z, TV5)
*Gabby Concepcion (First Yaya/GMA 7)
*Gerald Anderson (Init Sa Magdamag/A2Z, TV5)
*JC de Vera (La Vida Lena/A2Z, TV5)
*JM de Guzman (Init Sa Magdamag/A2Z, TV5)
*Kelvin Miranda (The Lost Recipe/GTV)
*Noel Comia Jr. (Nina Nino/TV5)
*Sam Milby (Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin/TV5, A2Z)
BEST DRAMA SUPPORTING ACTRESS
*Agot Isidro (La Vida Lena/TV 5, A2Z)
*Alexa Ilacad (Init Sa Magdamag/A2Z, TV 5)
*Carmina Villarroel (Babawiin Ang Lahat/GMA 7)
*Eula Valdes (Huwag Kang Mangamba/TV5, A2Z)
*Janice de Belen (La Vida Lena /TV5, A2Z)
*Lorna Tolentino (FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano/A2Z, TV 5)
*Maricel Soriano (Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin/A2Z, TV 5)
*Pilar Pilapil (My First Yaya/GMA 7)
*Sylvia Sanchez (Huwag Kang Mangamba/A2Z, TV 5)
*Winwyn Marquez (Owe My Love/ GMA 7 )
BEST DRAMA SUPPORTING ACTOR
*Enchong Dee (Huwag Kang Mangamba/A2Z, TV 5)
*Gardo Versoza (My First Yaya/ GMA 7)
*Jaime Fabregas (FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano/A2Z, TV5)
*John Arcilla (Ang Probinsyano/A2Z, TV5)
*John Estrada (Babawiin Ang Lahat/GMA 7)
*Kristoffer Martin (Babawiin Ang Lahat/GMA 7)
*Michael de Mesa (FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano/A2Z, TV5)
*Raymart Santiago (FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano/A2Z, TV5)
*Raymond Bagatsing (La Vida Lena/TV 5, A2Z)
*Richard Gutierrez (FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano/A2Z, TV5)
BEST SINGLE PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS
*Bianca Umali (Sayaw Ng Buhay/Magpakailanman/GMA 7)
*Jennylyn Mercado (Sa Kamay ng Fake Healer/Magpakailanman/GMA 7)
*Raffy Tima, Howie Severino, Atom Araullo, Kara David, Sandra Aguinaldo (I-Witness/GMA 7)
BEST MAGAZINE SHOW
*Good News Kasama Si Vicky Morales (GTV)
*I Juander (GTV)
*Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (GMA 7)
*Rated Korina (TV 5)
BEST MAGAZINE SHOW HOST
*Jessica Soho (Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho/GMA 7)
*Korina Sanchez-Roxas (Rated Korina/TV5)
*Susan Enriquez (I Juander/GTV)
*Vicky Morales,Bea Binene,Love Anover, Maey Bautista, Jay Arcilla (Good News Kasama Si Vicky Morales/GTV)
BEST NEWS PROGRAM
*24 Oras (GMA 7)
*Balitaan (CNN Philippines)
*Balitanghali (GTV)
*Frontline Pilipinas (TV5)
*PTV News Tonight (PTV 4)
*Saksi (GMA 7)
*State Of The Nation (GTV)
BEST MALE NEWSCASTER
*Aljo Bendijo (Sentro Balita / PTV 4)
*Arnold Clavio (Saksi/GMA 7)
*Atom Araullo (State of the Nation) (GTV)
*Ivan Mayrina (24 Oras Weekend/GMA 7)
*Joee Guilas (PTV News Tonight/PTV 4)
*Raffy Tima (Balitanghali/GTV)
*Vic Lima (Mata ng Agila/Net 25)
BEST FEMALE NEWSCASTER
*Connie Sison (Balintanghali/GTV)
*Cheryl Cosim ( Frontline Pilipinas/TV 5)
*Jessica Soho (State Of The Nation/GTV)
*Pia Arcanghel (24 Oras Weekend/GMA 7)
*Pia Hontiveros (News Night/CNN Philippines)
*Pinky Webb (Balitaan/CNN Philippines)
*Vicky Morales (24 Oras/GMA 7)
BEST MORNING SHOW
*Good Morning Kuya (UNTV 37)
*Pambansang Almusal (Net 25)
*Rise and Shine Pilipinas (PTV 4)
*Unang Hirit (GMA 7)
BEST MORNING SHOW HOST
•Arnold Clavio, Connie Sison, Susan Enriquez, Nathaniel Cruz, Lyn Ching-Pascual, Suzie Entrata- Abrera, Ivan Mayrina, Lhar Santiago, Mariz Umali, Love Anover (Unang Hirit/GMA 7)
*Daniel Razon, Angela Lagunzad, Angelo ‘Diego’ Castro III, Rheena Villamor, Barba-Cabodil-De Vera, Dr. Joseph Lee and Dr. Bong Santiago (Good Morning Kuya/UNTV 37)
*Dianne Querrer, Gab Bayan, Audrey Gorriveta (Rise and Shine/PTV 4)
With thousands of domestic and foreign visitors packing various festival activities, Dinagyang’s return to the city’s streets exceeded expectations, according to Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.
A “complete success” was how he described the festival’s return to a face-to-face celebration after two years of restrictions due to the coronavirus disease pandemic.
“Everyone wanted a strong comeback…It was a complete success and this showed that Dinagyang and our Sto. Niño are beyond politics,” added Treñas.
Dinagyang Festival is known far and wide for its participants’ impressive choreography and striking costumes that reflect Ilonggo ingenuity, craftsmanship and artistry.
Treñas congratulated the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI), major co-presentor of Dinagyang 2023, the participating tribes and corporate sponsors, among others.
“I acknowledge all our sponsors from the private sector for their significant contributions in the success of Dinagyang. Of course, sa inyo tanan, mga pinalangga ko nga Ilonggo. Ang tanan nga ini bangud sa inyo kag para man sa inyo. Your strong support in all our activities played a meaningful role in the overall success of the festival,” said Treñas.
The festival’s top sponsor was SM City Iloilo; it also served as venue for many Dinagyang activities, including the first-ever Dinagyang Ilomination on Jan.21, Batchoy Festival, festival costumes exhibit, and concert of various performing artists including Asia’s Pop Heartthrob Darren Espanto, among others.
A number of celebrities, prominent government officials and foreign dignitaries also came over, including First Lady Liza Marcos, YouTube sensation Small Laude, broadcast journalist Karen Davila, lifestyle columnist and philanthropist Tessa Prieto Valdez, television presenter and entrepreneur Tim Yap, former senator Franklin Drilon, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, among others.
Dinagyang is the Hiligaynon word for revelry or merrymaking. The festival is Iloilo City’s version of the Ati-atihan celebrations widely observed not only in Panay Island but also in other parts of the country.
Two of the many foreign dignitaries who graced the festival were full of praises.
“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!” – a quote by famous fashion and showbiz icon Audrey Hepburn. For Danaya Khristina V. Banico, a charming 17-year-old lady from Quezon City, who is set on becoming a renowned model, a beauty queen, and a showbiz personality, she lives by such a quote, knowing that her dreams are not impossible to achieve if she remains driven and determined.
As a kid, Danaya already fixed her sights on the world of fashion and beauty. She loved watching fashion shows and beauty pageants on TV as well as learning from videos of make-up tutorials and style ideas online. When she turned 13, her mother enrolled Danaya in a reputable modeling agency where she discovered that she had a knack for modeling.
“I was so shy and nervous on the first day of training because I was bullied as a kid which made me an introvert; all I wanted to do was stay at home, watch TV, and didn’t talk to anyone except my family. It was my first time wearing stilettos, I fell so many times on the floor which was really embarrassing and discouraging. The thing that kept me going was knowing that we don’t have much money but my parents made a way to save enough funds so that I can be trained in modeling. That’s why I did my best to improve myself. During our recital, I was awarded ‘Best in Runway’. At that point, I knew I can become a model if I worked hard and stayed focused,” Danaya shared.
From then on, the teenage stunner gained confidence and started to join modeling competitions. She won 2nd runner-up at a prestigious modeling contest and became an in-house model for a fashion company as well as a model for a clothing brand.
As she steadily realizes her goal of becoming an accomplished model, Danaya is hard at work on becoming a beauty pageant titleholder as well, which is why she regularly enrolls in various workshops to hone her skills and increase her chances of winning a pageant title. “Danaya is a natural when it comes to pageants, as such, we are preparing her so that she can join the Miss Universe Philippines or Miss World Philippines pageant in the near future,” her manager, John Rey Malto said.
Since the usual career path for a beauty queen is to enter showbiz, Danaya is also aiming to attend workshops in acting, dancing, singing, and hosting. “I want to learn as much as I can about the different areas of showbiz. When I’m certain of the area that I really like to be in, then I will concentrate my training on that field to master it,” she added.
Though Danaya is focused on achieving her dreams, she does not lose sight of her ultimate goal of finishing her education. “Honestly, it’s not easy for me to create a balance between school and my workshops. I’m also a member of EscolArtista, a dance club of Centro Escolar Integrated School, the school where I go to. Hence, dance rehearsals and performances also take a portion of my time. I’m fortunate that my parents manage my schedule when it comes to these things. They are the ones who look for coaches who will train me when I’m not busy with school and make sure that the workshops will not be in conflict with my schooling.
From a kid who was bullied which resulted in her having low self-esteem, Danaya transformed into a confident young woman which she gives credit to her parents. “I am blessed to have such great parents who always believed in me. Through the self-improvement programs they provided me when I was a kid, I managed to get back on my feet. They are the reason why I am determined to reach my dreams so that I can repay my parents and give them a secure future.”
“My advice to those who are bullied is everything that is happening in your life has a purpose, whatever you are going through will pass. The one thing that will never change is the love of your parents, so always listen to them and always give thanks to God,” Danaya said.
Though beautiful and talented, Danaya knows these are not enough to make her dreams possible, it also takes hard work and determination. Judging by how focused and disciplined she is, it’s only a matter of time before her dreams become a reality.
To know more about Danaya Khristina V. Banico, visit her social media pages.
This 2023, say goodbye to the roaring tiger and usher in the spirited rabbit as you celebrate Chinese New Year at your favorite SM malls nationwide! From January 9 to 22, SM Supermalls has lined up exciting activities and events for a prosperous Year of the Water Rabbit festivities. If you are up for some hoppin’ fun adventures, here are exclusive CNY deals for you to enjoy. Share good luck over good food at SM Chinese New Year will always be about family dining and spending time together. This month, indulge in a delicious dine-in experience at SM with the whole family and enjoy sumptuous Lucky Feast deals from participating tenants. Have a stroll at the Lucky Park Don’t miss out on the fun of strolling around SM Supermalls’ Lucky Park. Snap a photo with the whole family at the Bunny Family Photo Spot, or take selfies at the magnificent Money Trees and the lighted rabbits. You can also read through your luck this year with the Zodiac Forecast Panels or put your A-game on at the Lucky Finds Pop-Ups in the area to win CNY exclusive deals. Witness a Lion and Dragon Dance Who would want to miss a signature lion dance during the Chinese New Year? At SM, lion and dragon dance performers will go around the mall to get all the lucky hanging hong baos. Catch them perform live from January 13 to 22!
Usher in good fortune this year with tips from a Feng Shui expert! When it comes to Feng Shui, SM Supermalls knows how you can harness the positive energy that the new year brings. And with the help of Feng Shui expert, Ms. Marites Allen, you’ll surely discover what 2023 has in store for you. Just present a minimum SM receipt worth Php 1,000 to get a chance to talk to her in person in the following malls: ● January 14, 2PM – SM City Olongapo Central ● January 15, 2PM – SM City San Lazaro ● January 19, 2PM – SM City Fairview ● January 20, 2PM – SM City Dasmariñas ● January 20, 5PM – SM City Sta. Rosa ● January 2 1, 2PM – SM Megamall ● January 21, 5PM – SM City North EDSA ● January 22, 2PM – SM City Bacoor ● January 22, 5PM – SM Mall of Asia Scan and win amazing prizes in this AR hunt game Test your luck at the Lucky Rabbit Hunt in SM malls! Join this AR hunt game by opening the app on your mobile device. Hunt for the triggers, scan the area, and catch lucky rabbits all around the mall with your family and friends.
As the Year of the Water Rabbit predicts hope this 2023, SM Supermalls wishes their shoppers longevity, peace, and prosperity this Chinese New Year. So, hop on luck and enjoy all these CNY-themed activities safely and conveniently at your favorite SM Mall! For more updates, visit http://www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.
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