Sen. Bong Go and celebs captivates hearts in Japan: A rallying cry for OFWs

IN an electrifying gathering that united nearly 400 Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) volunteers, Senator Bong Go took center stage in Osaka, Japan, recently. 

This momentous occasion was bolstered by the presence of beloved Filipino celebrities, including the dynamic duo Moymoy Palaboy and Rodfil, who brought an undeniable energy to the event. 

The fervent support from the Overseas Filipino Workers for Senator Bong Go was palpable and powerful, culminating in the launch of the “Go Bong Go Global Filipinos” initiative on February 16, 2025.

This initiative embodies the collective spirit of OFW volunteer supporters rallying behind Senator Bong Go as he embarks on another journey to the Senate in the upcoming elections. The event drew an overwhelming crowd of Overseas Filipino Migrants and Workers, along with their families, who passionately demonstrated their unwavering support for Sen. Bong Go. Leaders from various groups in Japan also flocked to the event, adding to its monumental atmosphere.

“We are thrilled that Senator Bong Go has brought Filipinos together here in Osaka! We believe he is a true public servant, someone who delivers on his promises. When he says he will do something, you can bet he will make it happen,” expressed Ms. Libye Suzuki, a parallel group leader for GBG Global Japan, in a heartfelt testimonial.

“His service is exceptional; may he continue to provide this kind of compassionate care for our people,” added Ms. Myrla Nagallo, who traveled all the way from distant Fukuoka.

The stage was set ablaze by the performances of renowned Filipino artists, including the ever-popular Moymoy Palaboy and Rodfil, alongside the talented Ms. Shane Santos, star of the blockbuster hit “Mama, san?” in Japan. 

Other captivating acts featured Kazuo Nawa from Star Magic, Mika Lorie, a celebrated DJ and recording artist, Lady V, and Princess Lerio from the film “Otoko Oona,” not to mention the electrifying D’baddest dance crew and GMIK Filcom performers. The event was expertly hosted by Keiko Makikawa and Artist Orbista, who kept the energy soaring.

The resounding success of this gathering has ignited a call to action among OFW supporters, urging for similar events to be held in corners of the globe far and wide.

For updates and more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/GBGglobalFilipinos.

Successful three-day run of ‘Barako Fest 2025’ ends with a star-studded concert

STAR for All Seasons Vilma Santos-Recto who is running for governor gof Batangas, supported the opening of Barako Festival 2025 in Lipa City, together with her running mate Luis Manzano (as vice governor), Ryan Christian Recto (also running for congressman of 6th district), and daughter-in-law Jessy Mendiola.

Also spotted at the event, Lipa City Mayor Eric Africa, Lipa City Councilor Mikee Morada, Batangas city local officials, event sponsors and partners. The event started last Thursday, February 13 and will end today, February 15, located at the Manila-Batangas Bypass Road, Marawoy, Lipa City.

According to John Bryan Diamante, the producer of Mentorque Productions and managing director of the festival, "The third edition of the Barako Festival, which opened here Thursday, is not just a celebration of Batangas province's high-quality coffee variety.

"It also highlights the top products of each city and municipality and how they create jobs and boost the local economy.

“Hotels are fully booked.  Restaurants are always full.  It couldn't get any better than this."

The award-winning actress says, "If we had been with you earlier from ribbon cutting until we went around the stalls and all the activities that are included in our Barako fest, you saw earlier, maybe we're asking for your help and support so that we can have more fun, we can better introduce the Barako Fest of our province of Batangas here in the City of Lipa.  

"I hope you can help us promote this because what the Barako Fest wants to convey is very good, it is an opportunity for the Filipino people to have a job and a bigger income." 

The Barako Fest was held at the Royal Estate with 20 hectares, 12 festivals in ONE Batangas to accommodate the art fest, tradefest, playfest, foodfest, drift fest, content creator meet and greet led by Boss Toyo, Whamos Cruz, Von Ordoña, Dane Grospe, Cherry White, Pio Balbuena, Toni Fowler, Ava Mendez, Sachzna Laparan, Ato and friends, Jayzar Recinto and Bisaya Squad.

There will also be E-sports fest, dirt fest, car fest, sports fest, rave party featuring DJ Vincent Jarina, DJ Jennifer Lee, DJ Ace Ramos, DJ Ron Poe, DJ BA De Guzman and DJ Tom Taus.

The highlight of the Barako Festival is the Music Fest that will feature Vice Ganda, Joshua Garcia, Alex Gonzaga, Jessy Mendiola, Hev Abi, JC Santos, TJ Monterde, KZ Tandingan, Eclypse, Jerome Ponce, Ron Angeles, Mike Swift, Good Boyz, and the new all female group Eleven 11 composed of Barbie, Audrey, Ivy, CJ, Swaggy and Jade. (new talents of House of Mentorque.) 

The Barako Fest 2025 will ends today, February 15.  There will be a main concert, barako games, battle of the legends, Angkeys to Win, Angkas Job Fair, Moto Gymkhana Slalom, last to take hands off, trade fest, food fest, dirt fest, basketball championship, celebrity game, play fest, drift fest, car & motorshow and content creator fest.

At the first day of the three-day event, we witnessed the ground breaking ceremony for The Bean at Barako Triangle, a park featuring a coffee bean-shaped structure, and the inauguration ceremony for the construction of the Manila Batangas Bypass Road Section 3.

The Barako Fest 2025 was organized by Mentorque Productions headed by John Bryan Diamante, in partnership with San Miguel Corporation and Angkas and supported by various local businesses and stakeholders.

“Team work — that is the magic word,” according to Ate Vi on the successful three-day run of Barako Fest 2025.

“We will continue to work as a team and as a family here in the province of Batangas. For the Barako Fest, this is our third year. We’re very proud of this Barako Fest because ito ngayon ang nilalatag namin dito sa Lipa, along with other cities in the province."

Bryan says Barako Fest 2025 is a celebration that goes beyond coffee, "while we take immense pride in our world-renowned Kapeng Barako, this festival is also about something greater: the spirit, resilience, and values of Batangueños.

“Barako Fest is a tribute to the strength, courage, and unity that define us as a people. Just like our bold and strong coffee, Batangueños stand firm, face challenges head-on and embrace progress while staying true to our roots.

"This festival is a testament to our shared vision of uplifting our culture, supporting our local industries, and ensuring a bright future for our province,” he added.

Congrats for the successful run of ‘Barako Fest 2025’, see next year!

Nathan Studios brings 'Buffalo Kids' to PH, a heartwarming journey of friendship and family

NATHAN Studios proudly makes history as the first Filipino family-owned production company to bring an animated feature to Philippine cinemas. 

Known for championing top-tier films across various genres — action, comedy, drama, and more — the studio takes a bold step into the world of animation with 'Buffalo Kids.' 

This aligns with the studio’s mission to take creative risks and explore new possibilities in cinema, especially when championing high-quality, family-friendly films.

Directed by Gabo Galdochi and produced by Pedro Solis, 'Buffalo Kids' is a heartwarming journey of friendship and family that won the hearts of audiences worldwide.

Showing its premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2024 and it has also become a family favorite all over Europe and Asia.

Now, Filipino families will have the opportunity to experience this adventurous, heartwarming story as Nathan Studios brings 'Buffalo Kids' to local theaters starting February 12.

'BuffaloKids' features stellar performances from Alisha Weir, Conor MacNeill, Gemma Arterton, Sean Bean, and Stephen Graham. 

The film garnered widespread attention following its premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2024 and it has also become a family favorite all over Europe and Asia.

As the production outfit teased on social media recently, “We’re going on a wild adventure! Heroes and villains! Buffalos in the middle of nowhere! And special friends along the way.” 

With such an exciting promise, families across the country will be counting down the days until the movie finally hits the big screen.

So get ready to dive into the wonderful world of 'Buffalo Kids.'

Vice Ganda joins Santé Barley to #LiveForMore, spearhead campaigns to educate Filipinos

 

SANTÉ International, a global leader in organic health and wellness products, proudly announces Vice Ganda as the newest face of Santé Barley.

 

Santé International has built its reputation as a trusted name in health and wellness, offering high-quality, barley-based products that have been certified organic by BioGro New Zealand. With a mission to help people live better lives, Santé provides natural health solutions that combine science and nature

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Santé International CEO Joey Marcelo and Vice Ganda

Its flagship product, Santé Barley, is cultivated in the fields of New Zealand’s Canterbury region, ensuring superior quality and nutrient density. The brand’s range of offerings includes Santé Pure Barley Juice, Santé Pure Barley Capsules, Santé Fusion Coffee,  and other beverages and wellness products catering to various lifestyles.

 

Because of its sterling reputation, it is only fitting that Santé International partners with someone like Vice Ganda to endorse Santé Barley. After all, from a multi-faceted, successful career that encompasses live concerts and comedy; film; music; television; and advocacy, Vice continues to thrive and inspire Filipinos by prioritizing his health and well-being — his secret to staying at the top of his game.

 

The Unkabogable Box-Office Superstar’s career has reached extraordinary heights, with recent accomplishments that reflect his unwavering drive and energy. In 2023, his game show “Everybody, Sing!” was named Best Asian Original Game Show at the Content Asia Awards, cementing its status as an innovative and groundbreaking program beloved by audiences across the region. 

 

In October 2024, Vice was recognized as the Bahaghari Champion at the Bahaghari Awards for his role as a model in the LGBTQIA+ community, highlighting his dedication to using his platform for representation and empowerment.

 

Proving his versatility as an actor, Vice took on his first dramatic role in the 2024 film “And the Breadwinner Is...,” which was directed by award-winning filmmaker Jun Lana. The film, a departure from his usual comedic repertoire, received glowing reviews from fans and industry insiders alike. Furthermore, it even earned Vice a Special Jury Citation at the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival in December 2024. 

The film’s success didn’t stop there as it grossed over P400 million in ticket sales by January 2025, further cementing Vice’s immense commercial viability in the box-office. These milestones are not just a testament to Vice’s talent but also to the physical and mental resilience that allows him to thrive in show business.

 

Through it all, Vice attributes much of his strength and vitality to taking care of himself, both inside and out. He has openly talked about his commitment to regular health check-ups, self-care, and maintaining a positive mindset, a foundation supported by his trust in Sante Barley. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, Santé Barley has become a key part of Vice’s daily routine, helping him stay energized and resilient despite his busy lifestyle.

 

“Vice Ganda represents what Santé Barley is all about: living life to the fullest while staying proactive about your health,” says Santé International CEO Joey Marcelo. 

“His ability to thrive in all aspects of his career while inspiring others at the same time makes him the perfect partner for our mission of helping Filipinos #LiveForMore.”

 

Vice himself shared his enthusiasm for the partnership: “I’ve always believed that health is the foundation of everything. I stay active and energized because I take care of my body, and Santé Barley has been a big part of that. I’m so excited to share with everyone how Santé Barley has helped me live for more — not just in my career but in all areas of my life.”

 

As Santé’s newest ambassador, Vice will spearhead campaigns to educate Filipinos on the transformative power of products like Santé Barley. From improving digestion to boosting immunity and overall vitality, Santé Barley offers a simple yet powerful way to enhance one’s daily health routine. With Vice at the forefront, Santé aims to inspire individuals to unlock their full potential and live a more vibrant, meaningful life.

 

For more information about Santé Barley and how you too can #LiveForMore, visit mysante.com or follow Santé on social media: @santeofficialph on Instagram and @OfficialSanteInternational on Facebook.