Netflix’s first-ever Station ID features an ensemble of Filipino stars for See What’s Next: Philippines 2023

Tweet

 It’s giving early Christmas!

Christmas comes early as Netflix kicks off the holiday season by unveiling a See What’s Next: Philippines 2023 lineup of local titles featured in the first-ever Netflix Station ID. The stars of three new Filipino titles coming soon on Netflix—Can’t Buy Me Love (Belle Mariano, Donny Pangilinan), Keys to the Heart (Zanjoe Marudo, Elijah Canlas), and Replacing Chef Chico (Piolo Pascual, Alessandra de Rossi, Sam Milby)—went Christmas caroling at Barangay Netflix together with the country’s sought-after celebrities who starred in recent hits Missed Connections (Miles Ocampo, Kelvin Miranda, Chie Filomeno), and What If (JM de Guzman), two local films that reached the Number 1 spot on Netflix’s top list after their launch on the service. The stars of Seasons (Lovi Poe, Carlo Aquino), another top film that debuted on Netflix, also sent their holiday greetings.

The video is full of Christmas spirit—and Easter eggs for all the Pinoy Netflix titles! Can you spot all six of them? 

• There’s season’s greetings from Seasons’ Kurt and Charlie (Lovi Poe and Carlo Aquino) on a neighbor’s gate.

• Sneak a peek at Keys to the Heart’s Dolly de Leon on a vinyl cover.

• Keys to the Heart’s vinyl record spins as the carolers sing.

• Sing along to Can’t Buy Me Love flashing on a karaoke machine.

• A Bingo shaker, a nod to one of Can’t Buy Me Love’s main characters, doubles as an instrument.

• Peep the Replacing Chef Chico crates as our stars gather for a feast.

Netflix is home to a diverse offering of the best Filipino stories and talents. At the See What’s Next: Philippines 2023 launch, top local directors expressed how excited they were for their titles to be part of this year’s local lineup and why they’re perfect for the Pinoy Christmas.

“Christmas is about family, familial love, friends and it’s during [this] season when we try to evaluate the life that we had the past year, the milestones, failures, disappointment. Just like in our film, What If. What if iba nangyari sa buhay natin in the past year? What if kinuha ko ito or what if ’di ko ginawa ito? So I think it’s also not just a love story, it also helps us reflect kung ano nangyari sa buhay natin,” said Manny Palo, director of What If.

Keys to the Heart director Kerwin Go shared that his upcoming film is a must-watch this holiday season because “Keys to the Heart is a family dramedy. It’s a celebration of family, unconventional families, meaning blended families. It could be a family that you adopt and friends who become family and neighbors who actually become just as important.”

“Replacing Chef Chico is about Ella, the sous chef who takes over Hain’s kitchen. I think it’s perfect for the Christmas season because on the top level it’s about love, friendship, and acceptance,” said director Dan Villegas.  

Replacing Chef Chico showrunner Antoinette Jadaone added, “For Christmas, perfect panoorin with your family, friends, and loved ones yung Replacing Chef Chico because, in every episode, there is a story of family, friendship and/or love, which is celebrated over food. It’s about time that Filipino food gets its proper spotlight. With this series, it’s a Filipino-produced original Netflix series, it’s a celebration of not just family, friends, or love but tayong mga Pinoy will be celebrating the Filipino food that we eat each day. When other countries watch the series, mafi-feel din nila iyon.”

This holiday season, See What’s Next: Philippines 2023’s lineup showcases best-in-class local content available and coming soon on Netflix. These films and series are the perfect watchlist to celebrate a Pinoy Christmas with family and friends. 

REPLACING CHEF CHICO

Launch date: Coming soon

Directed by: Dan Villegas

Showrunner: Antoinette Jadaone

Cast: Piolo Pascual, Alessandra de Rossi, Sam Milby

CAN’T BUY ME LOVE

("Courtesy of Netflix")

Launch date: October 13

Watch the date announcement here

Directed by: Mae Cruz Alviar

Cast: Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano

Logline: Donny plays “Bingo,” a popular online seller juggling different jobs, while Belle plays “Caroline,” who hails from a traditional wealthy Chinese family. 

KEYS TO THE HEART

("Courtesy of Netflix")

Launch date: Coming soon

Directed by: Kerwin Go

Cast: Zanjoe Marudo, Elijah Canlas, Dolly de Leon

Logline: Troubled and alone, a boxer moves in with his long-lost mother and autistic pianist brother — but must fit in with a family he hasn't known for years.

WHAT IF

("Courtesy of Netflix")

Launch date: Now streaming on Netflix

Directed by: Manny Palo

Cast: Alessandra de Rossi, JM de Guzman

Logline: When a pair of newlywed musicians get trapped in a storm on their island honeymoon, they must face difficult truths that could tear their marriage apart.

SEASONS

("Courtesy of Netflix")

Launch date: Now streaming on Netflix

Directed by: Easy Ferrer 

Cast: Lovi Poe, Carlo Aquino

Logline: After a string of failed relationships, two best friends make a deal to take risks and look for love again — but they might just find it in each other.

MISSED CONNECTIONS

("Courtesy of Netflix")

Launch date: Now streaming on Netflix

Directed by: Jelise Chung

Cast: Miles Ocampo, Kelvin Miranda, Chie Filomeno

Logline: After an unforgettable encounter, a hopeless romantic turns to an app to seek out a man she just met — but is he really what she’s looking for?

#SeeWhatsNextPH

#NetflixMasNa

#BrgyNetflix

For more updates on upcoming Filipino stories on Netflix, follow @netflixph on 

Facebook, Instagram, TikTok

Maria Clara Sangria goes ‘virgin’ with Moira Dela Torre

Tweet

Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc., the maker of Maria Clara Sangria, introduces its non-alcoholic version while welcoming its newest brand ambassador Moira Dela Torre. 

WHEN it comes to trends for beverages in 2023, alcohol-free options for existing product lines are an emerging product segment. It’s not just about not drinking, however, but about having a choice.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, increasingly conscious of the value of health, consumers began making more healthy lifestyle choices, with one of these being the decrease in or abstinence from alcohol consumption. There has been a significant rise in demand for low- to no-alcohol products, as alcohol-free drinks allow consumers to maintain healthy lifestyles, even as social gatherings have returned to pre-pandemic levels. Non-alcoholic drinks provide a sober alternative to liquor without sacrificing the social experience, as people who are not drinkers search for alternatives without compromising their sobriety, as well as their health.

Now, a favorite Filipino drink, sangria, goes “virgin.” Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc., the maker of Maria Clara Sangria, the number 1 sangria in the Philippines, introduces its non-alcoholic version while welcoming its newest brand ambassador Moira Dela Torre. 

The fruity and flavorful Maria Clara Virgin Sangria can be enjoyed chilled or over ice for any occasion, anywhere, and without hesitation—a great way to savor the cocktail taste that people love without the worry of what alcohol may do to their bodies, as Maria Clara Virgin delivers full flavor with 0 percent alcohol and with less added sugars.

It is Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc.’s mission to help people change the way they celebrate and enjoy special occasions in their lives. The company also aims to cater to all types of consumers in the market, specifically the low-alcohol or non-alcoholic segment.

Now, sangria fans can indulge without the guilt. Maria Clara Virgin will be available in all major retail outlets at an SRP of P192.00.

Pia Wurtzbach Launches ‘Queen of the Universe’ Novel

Tweet

Actress-beauty queen-advocate Pia Wurtzbach Jauncey officially launched her book “Queen of the Universe” at the Manila International Book Fair held at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

The novel is drawn from the Miss Universe 2015’s real-life experiences as a beauty queen and beyond, set against the rich backdrop of Manila’s glittering urban life. It centers on a fictional character named Cleo who has to face unexpected twists and turns and endure challenges to her identity and integrity amidst the dizzying world of beauty pageants.

“Cleo is loosely based on my life story but as you go through the chapters you will see that she goes through her own journey so it’s not me. Medyo magkaiba kami ng path na pupuntahan. I’ll leave that up to you guys to discover when you read the book,” Pia said.

“Queen of the Universe” is one of a handful of books by a Filipino author to launch internationally. Aside from the Philippines, the book is now in Singapore and will be available in the US, Australia, Canada, UAE, and the UK later this year. Its e-book version will be available worldwide starting November 7.

“Queen of the Universe” is published by Tuttle Publishing, one of the oldest American publishers in operation and the world’s largest publisher of books about Asia.

For this project, Pia is represented by her literary agent ABS-CBN Books, best known as the publisher of titles from bestselling authors such as Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Charo Santos-Concio, Vice Ganda, Alex Gonzaga, and Binibining Mia. “Queen of the Universe” is ABS-CBN Books’ first international deal.

Grab a copy of the “Queen of the Universe” at National Bookstore and Fully Booked branches in the Philippines and at Kinokuniya and Times Bookstores in Singapore. US-based readers may already pre-order a copy on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.

For more details, like ABS-CBN Books on Facebook at www.facebook.com/abscbnbooks and follow it on Instagram @abscbnbooks

Why effective mold remediation should be prioritized at home or office

Tweet

Mold spores (especially indoors) could pose serious risks to people’s health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to molds in the air could bring about ailments including sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, burning eyes, and skin rash. These could also be an immediate trigger for people with asthma, while immunocompromised ones and those with chronic lung disease may incur severe respiratory infections.

The presence of mold easily incurs annoyance in houses or offices. Molds cannot grow without water or moisture. Its fuzzy appearance forming spots or stains on ceilings, walls, and other surfaces should cause an alarm. Molds grow in areas where there are moisture management problems such as water leaks, flooding issues, condensations, and high humidity. Molds colonize porous materials faster in buildings such as wood, drywall, paper materials, insulators and even carpet, fabric and upholstery.

Getting rid of mold is important especially in areas of homes, offices, or establishments that are frequented by people. However, the task is actually not as easy as it seems. This is why mold remediation, which is facilitated by experts utilizing the most effective solutions, is most recommended. The process could be complicated, requiring unique skills and expertise to effectively deal with and control mold contamination.

Mold remediation treatment

Initial Hygiene Mold Remediation Treatment is a multi-step process. The company starts with pre-treatment assessments focusing on comprehensive inspection of an indoor area. This is important in identifying the cause of mold formation summarized in a written report and the recommended next steps.

After the removal, maintenance is critical to prevent the recurrence of molds. Our Post-treatment recommends essential products and services.

While do-it-yourself solutions for mold removal abound, it would always be best to let the professionals handle the problem. Mold can possibly survive simple treatments and may still continue to grow and infect more areas in the house or office. Mold spores will remain and continue contaminating the air people breathe if not effectively controlled at once.

Initial Hygiene, a trusted brand in hygiene services with 120 years of expertise in providing remedies to unwanted manifestations of fungi, bacteria, and other harmful microorganisms whether at home, in the office, or just about any indoor space.

Do you have mold concerns? Contact the experts! Call us at (02) 8333 5888 or visit initial.com/ph. To know more about molds and how to keep molds away from your home or offices, follow Initial Hygiene Philippines at Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

Mompreneurs win big at Gawad Madiskarte 2023 for their hard work, creativity, innovation

Tweet

Women entrepreneurs helping each other is a beautiful thing to witness. By fostering a supportive ecosystem and prioritizing social impact, they are driving positive change on multiple fronts. These women are the inspiring mompreneurs of Madiskarte Moms (MMPH), an online community of Filipino mothers who want to learn, start, and grow their online home businesses while enjoying their home life.

Gawad Madiskarte 2023 Winners (From L-R) Joelle Dianne F. Venegas of Golden Pots Agriculture, Jazel T. Gallaza of Kapekoh, Irene D. Herrero of Jacob's Gourmet Food, Eraiza Camille A. Ramos of Eleira’s Crochet, Catherine K. Fabello of Cami Candles, Erica Joana Angela Redrico of Produkto PH, Rojerette May Martin-Pimentel of Moms@Work Management Consultancy Firm and DigiTalent, and Ayn Stephanie Buyco Angeles of HERS by Godfather

At the second annual Gawad Madiskarte, which recognizes mompreneurs with creative and innovative businesses, eight women stood out for creating successful businesses that made a transformative impact not only in their own lives, but also in the communities around them.

PLDT Home first launched Gawad Madiskarte in 2022 to celebrate mompreneurs and to encourage more women to act on their dreams of becoming entrepreneurs.

The audience at the awards luncheon -- many of them also tireless and hardworking mompreneurs—was inspired to hear the winners talk about their struggles and successes, many with tears in their eyes. It was also heartwarming to hear how Madiskarte Moms PH, the tight-knit community of local mompreneurs honored by Gawad Madiskarte, was the catalyst that changed their lives for the better.

Six winners from the Start Up and Scale Up categories received P100,000 each, three Special Award winners received P50,000 each from PLDT Home, and a trophy by world-class sculptor Ram Mallari. Each winner also received a one-year PLDT Home Fiber subscription, a laptop from ASUS, and a one-year Canva Pro subscription.

Start-Up Category

Gawad Madiskate 2023 Start-Up Winners

In the Start Up category, Diskarteng Angat was awarded to Catherine K. Fabello of Cami Candles; Diskarteng Digital went to Eraiza Camille A. Ramos of Eleira’s Crochet; and Diskarteng May-Puso went to Joelle Dianne F. Venegas of Golden Pots Agriculture.

Eraiza Camille Ramos learned to crochet because she didn’t have the money to buy nice clothes for her newborn daughter, she said when she accepted the trophy. When she started posting monthly photos of her baby wearing crochet headbands, hats, socks, and dresses on Facebook, her inbox was flooded by mommies inquiring whether she was selling them online. “I started and grew my business online,” she said as her cute products were flashed on the screen behind her.

Today, Eleira’s Crochet sells crocheted baby clothes and accessories, dolls and toys, and even Christmas ornaments. The young mom has truly embraced digital tools to help her business grow.

Mom of three boys Catherine Fabello of Cami Candles said that during the pandemic, she experienced anxiety and couldn’t sleep. Instead of allowing her mental health to deteriorate or passively waiting for the pandemic to be over, she leapt into action.

“Why not make something out of the problem I’m currently dealing with?” she said. The solution for her was to make aromatic candles. “I also wanted to help others who were experiencing the same thing, lalo na yung mga mahirap makapag-relax,” she added.

Remember the plantito and plantita craze that reached its peak during pandemic? Joelle Dianne F. Venegas of Golden Pots Agriculture started selling plants knowing that people found them relaxing to have around in their houses and gave them something to physically care for.

“Then I discovered that there was a better product with fewer competitors—organic fertilizers,” she narrated. For the first two years she sold only one type of organic fertilizer but has since expanded and focused on seeds, herbs, and other organics.

“As a mother, I realized that it’s important to teach children environmental protection, and that we can reconsider our lifestyle choices to ensure that we have a bright future,” she said.

Scale Up Category

Gawad Madiskate 2023 Scale-Up Winners

In the Scale Up category, the award for Diskarteng Angat was given to Irene D. Herrero of Jacob's Gourmet Food; Diskarteng Digital went to Rojerette May Martin-Pimentel of Moms@Work Management Consultancy Firm and DigiTalent; and Diskarteng May-Puso went to Erica Joana Angela Redrico of Produkto PH.

Irene D. Herrero or “Chef Irene” is a single mom of four kids. She’s one of the pioneer manufacturers of 100% organic gourmet food in the Philippines. Chef Irene believes that everyone has the power to keep toxins out of their body—but they must have products to choose from to make that decision.

“I started with three kilos of tuyo,” she said. “And from there, dumami ang products namin.” Jacob's Gourmet Food’s product range includes pasta sauces like creamy tuna pesto and Italian pepperoni; Filipino favorites tuyo, dulong, dilis, bagnet, gambas and suka. Chef Irene scaled up Jacob's Gourmet Food not only in the Philippines, but in 28 other countries as well.

Rojerette May Martin-Pimentel’s Moms@Work provides consultation and talent, and education for moms who want to become freelancers. “Freelancing allows anyone to work remotely,” she said, “and you can offer that service to clients anywhere in the world.” Her company “wants mothers to be able to earn a living while looking after their families.”

Moms@Work is a one-stop website for those looking for talents and those offering their particular set of skills to employers. “Technology really brings us closer to our dreams and closer to our goals.”

Thirty-one-year-old Erica Joana Angela Redrico, wife and mother to an 11-year-old, considers her company a “curator” of products. Produkto PH is a multi-vendor online marketplace for ingenious Filipino entrepreneurs. More than just a retail concept, it brings together like-minded people who want to support their communities, so buyers need only one online store to choose from multiple vendors.

Produkto PH also holds physical pop-up events. “Wherever you look, there are products and people who make them,” she said. “They just need someone to support them.” As an example, she mentioned the weavers from Aklan who made P100,000 in two days of a Produkto PH selling event. “This enabled them to open a small shop in Aklan.”

Special Awards

Gawad Madiskate 2023 Special Awardees

Gawad Madiskarte also gave special awards to three mompreneurs. Diskarteng Malikhain went to Ayn Stephanie Buyco Angeles of HERS by Godfather; Diskarteng Pasulong was awarded to Jazel T. Gallaza of Kapekoh; and Diskarteng Homebiz to Eraiza Camille A. Ramos of Eleira’s Crochet.

Jazel T. Gallaza, mother of two, is a former OFW and creator of Kopekoh corn coffee. During the pandemic, she found herself unemployed and without income. She was torn between going back to working on a cruise ship or staying in the Philippines and putting up a business.

Jazel said she prayed to God for a sign on what to do. Despite the uncertainties, the latter option won in her heart. “Nagkasakit ako ng acid reflux, and I thought, what did my lolo give us kapag sumasakit ang tiyan namin? That gave me the idea to make corn coffee, and we had to go to Bukidnon to source the corn.”

Kapekoh proves that even an old idea (corn coffee is common in the provinces) can become new again to a whole new market.

Ayn Stephanie Buyco Angeles said that 95% of their clients for handcrafted shoes by HERS by Godfather are online. The Marikina-made shoes are loved by their clients from different parts of the Philippines and abroad. Her brand has become synonymous with quality, good design and craftsmanship.

Ayn said that entrepreneurs need to shut out the “noise and discouragement of other people and focus on themselves, their dreams, and their products.”

Compelling Stories

Actress Marjorie Barretto, one of this year’s Gawad Madiskarte judges, told the women during the awarding, “I want to be like all of you. It was so hard to judge the entries—it took me several days. I read all your stories and sineryoso ko.”

Barretto herself is an entrepreneur with her own online home and clothing brand called Everything Avery. Joining her as judges were Maxine Loyola, AVP & Head of PLDT Home Marketing Public Relations, Influencer Marketing and Brand Advocacies; entrepreneurs Jorge Wieneke and Jenny Wieneke; Janine Khazaiealiabady, owner of Massage MNL; Donna Nievera-Conda, president and co-CEO of Stratworks, Inc.; and Maisie Littaua, Head of Growth for Canva Philippines.

“Big dreams often start with small beginnings, and we have mompreneurs to prove that. They have shown us that motherhood is not an obstacle but the inspiration to do things better at work and in life,” PLDT Home Senior Manager Linette Garcia-Perez said after the awards.

“They have shown us that the love they pour into their families is the same love that fuels their entrepreneurial spirit. For that, we are all grateful.”

Mompreneurs who are already working hard or still aspiring can get the support they need from fellow moms by joining the Madiskarte Moms PH group on Facebook and subscribing on its YouTube channel.