BELA by BELA PADILLA Launches DANI by BELA Fragrance Line and Bloom Soaps

It was almost a month ago since Bela Padilla and her partners launched her own beauty brand BELA. From the looks of it, things are actually looking crazy at sales that most of their stocks run out fast. From Shopee, Lazada, their TikTok Shop and their website, folks have been hoarding much of their products specifically the Bela by Bela Lip Balm and the Bela Dot Perfection Cheek Tint which much of us were also wearing that afternoon. 

The two products work, plain and simple, which is why people have been raving about it since they launched their flagship ones. Even her celebrity friends, her followers and the working class, simple jane at home were using it, giving valuable feedback about its quality. Bela also mentioned how she plans to work with other people in order to release other products under the same brand, and from the looks of it, this is the opportune time.

Celebrity Mom, Entrepreneur and Content Creator Dani Barretto is a good friend of Bela from years back. They've always wanted to do a business together but it didn't come into fruition because when they were in talks, Bela had priorities and didn't want to hold Dani back about the business. There certainly is a time for everything, and now comes the launch of Dani Barretto's line of fragrance called DANI by BELA. It's 5 different Eau de Parfum which they planned and made together. It's fate, and it's here now!

DANI by BELA has sample sizes, so you could actually try it first before choosing the bigger bottle.

These are the 5 different fragrances of DANI by BELA. Thanks to Justin Montas for this shot, photo credits of this photo belong to him.

I initially assumed this would be for all for ladies, but no. They created a line of fragrances that cater for men, women and something gender neutral. For the ladies, there's Summer's Kiss, Spring's Touch and Nostalgia. For the men, they created Coolector. The gender neutral one is called Campfire, so really, there's something for everybody!

Bela apologized in behalf of Dani, because she couldn't come to the launch as she had the flu. She sent a video message for the guests at the event. In the meantime, here's our video coverage of the press conference, please, enjoy!

The fragrances are actually inspired by the scents they personally use and love. They also did Nostalgia for those that miss the things people wear years back, you could liken it to a popular cologne for babies if that gives it away. Bela's favorite is the Summer's Kiss, while Dani's is the Spring's Touch. Bela didn't like the way some men smelled like oxen, musky which you can detect a mile away. This is why Coolector smells clean and fresh, like something you'd be like out of the shower. The Campfire has higher woodsy content I think, though I find everything quite appealing. My personal pick is actually a bit off the beaten path, because I actually prefer the Spring's Touch. I think it fits my personality, and even though it was made femme, I think everything could be used by anyone. It is that good.

This product came as a surprise, BELA calls it BLOOM SOAP. Bela told us how highschoolers or frequent travelers used to cut soap in smaller pieces so they didn't have to carry the whole bar in school or their destinations. I haven't done that personally, but apparently much of the crowd who were there admitted doing it. Bela thought it was better that they had one package where people could try the different kind of soaps they have in one box to see what works and what doesn't, or basically preference. The new BELA BLOOM SOAP comes in Papaya, Pineapple and Coffee variants. She didn't want it to be like any of the soaps out in the market, and they've done extensive research before actually releasing this. It's made as natural as possible. These soaps can exfoliate gently, and doesn't have harmful chemicals that would irritate your skin. The Coffee variant is something new, it has bits of coffee grounds so you can scrub a bit with it. I prefer the Pineapple though because of its scent, and I think nothing of its kind is yet in the market. I love things that are unique, and this one is!

Now head on to BELA's social channels to know more about the new products. Again, you can get them in Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop and their official website. Some actually get them to resell, so it may be a good investment too. But so far, I've used the perfumes and one of the soap, just like the previous products they had, it worked quite well. You be the judge when you try it.

GUILTY PLEASURE: Lovi Poe's Best Work

You've seen the reaction of a lot of people coming out of theaters after they watched Guilty Pleasure. It's the latest offering by Regal Films and C'est Lovi Productions. The film stars Lovi Poe, JM De Guzman, Jameson Blake. They also have Dustin Yu, Sarah Edwards, Angelica Lao. They also have the strict looking Johnny Revilla, excellent character actors like Soliman Cruz, Raf Pineda, Adrienne Vergara, Lorraine Wong, Christian Ty, Ella Cristofani and Darwin Yu. The film is directed by well known TV great, Producer, Screenwriter and artist Connie Macatuno.

While most of the conversations end up in the courtroom (for most of the scenes), the dilemma was focused quite intently in the relationship of Lovi who played Atty. Alexis and the characters of JM De Guzman (the son in law of her boss) and a new love, Atty Math Caliente played by Jameson Blake. Guilty Pleasure talks about a lot of things. From relationships, labels, the weird fetish, the passionate, sparking new things, even violence. It delves on the topics of feelings, consent, between people. While they battle it out in the courtroom, it mirrored what the things they personally experienced. Lovi in this movie is nothing like the goody two shoes she depicts in previous projects. She's more intense, tough, but overall, she's just a woman violated, trying to solve a problem both in the courtroom, and in real life. 

JM De Guzman doesn't shortchange playing his role, a bit of a surprise in this case as he gets involved with Atty. Emma. His acting awards get showcased even more because his character is a bit off the charts. He presents something opposite Jameson's character and persona, which was slowly burned in the movie. It's like a long courtship, putting in small moments of love, cuteness, acceptance which made Jameson look quite adorable, a confidant who never judged her for any reason.

Watch out for Jameson Blakes little surprise right towards the end of the movie.

 

This is by far Lovi Poe's bets performance in a film, I could say that with confidence since I've watched a few of her movies. She's only here for this project since she's a little busy in Hollywood for a few things. She can go back if needed, those direct flights would surely be pretty nifty if she wants things to happen to as an actress and as a producer now.

The story gets you to hold on to hope, how to welcome change, and if all falls into place (even justice wise), you get LOVE too. If you think this tickles your fancy, or slightly felt an interest with, go watch it on theaters now. It's R16 without cuts, and is shown in SM Cinemas and other leading theaters nationwide.

Authentic German Club OKTOBERFEST Happens at Solaire North!

I've been going to the German Club Manila's celebration for years now, and this time, Solaire Resort and the German Club Manila is hosting OKTOBERFEST celebrations at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire North this coming October 19th and 20. Solaire Resort North is pretty new, and they plan to put out the best of the best German dishes and the finest brews from Weihenstephaner, the official one for Oktoberfest. Music as tradition requires will be done by the folks from Bavarian Sound Express, and I know they'll be doing it all night at the venue. For sure, you're going to have to dance a bit, and do more later on in the evening of the 19th.

Meanwhile, if you're up for some real family fun, Oktoberfest for you at Solaire North will be absolutely awesome with a ton of activities designed for kids like the Bouncy Castle, German Costume Photo Booths, Face Painting Sessions, and Carnival Games at the hotel. Oktoberfest will also be overloaded with discount stays of over 20 percent (their Bed and Breakfast Rate on the 18th to 20th) that includes buffet breakfast at their signature restaurant FRESH.

At Oktoberfest, expect tons of breads, pretzels, Obatzda, Wiesen jause, Munchner Wurstsalat, Kartoffelsalat and German potato salad. I love my Rostbratwurst, Frankfurters, Goulash, Apple Strudel, and more! If you're raring to go, get your tickets now at Oktoberfest.ph to make sure your kind of Oktoberfest is authentic, and do it as the Germans do in the heart of Quezon City. I've seen it, done it, and I'm going back there for more on this weekend! You should too, take a well deserved break that is THIS fun!

See you there!

Celebrating 10 Years: "JUAN KARLOS LIVE" at the Mall of Asia Arena this November 29th

I distinctly remember being seated beside this good looking lad at a concert in Mall of Asia Arena a couple of years ago. Even back then, he's one of the most adored artists of his generation, and I could reckon how he was at awe of how it must have been like performing on stage especially at this big venue. This year marks his 10th year in the industry and with all the pieces falling into place, it's the right time to hold his very own concert. They call it "JUAN KARLOS LIVE", happening this November 29 at the same venue.

JK says "I'm excited, but nervous, but I'm working with amazing and talented people so I'm concentrating on audio and visual aspect of the concert. Nathan Studios is working on a lot of things. I never think of it too much, it was never really set as a goal to perform in big stages, it was more of contentment wherever I perform. I think it's just the people I work with that makes it worth it. I have a song called KALAWAKAN, which is a nice song, but haven't performed it on stage yet just like a few collabs I've done in the past. Sometimes I forget it, but imagining performing those songs just have that cool aspect."

He adds "I don't think anyone could be ready for something like this, but Tita Ibyang (Sylvia Sanchez) told me not to think of what to perform, because this is for the fans that supported me all these years. It's something that I have to do for the people who believe in me, it is the direction I felt was right. With that, I just said "oo nga ano", it is for them. I'm trying to balance selfishness and selflessness, to try to balance the flow of the show that I'm just there to perform rather that complicate it. It will be intimate, a jam session, it will be an experience, no lessons, but the feeling of being in that capsule to be able to relate to those songs, and the life we went through all these years. I just feel like yesterday I was a bisaya that was just playing on stage by coach Bamboo, not taking things seriously when I was in Voice Kids as a bonding moment. I never dreamt any of these things, now here we are because of that one decision I made to please my Mom. For some reason, it was something she wanted, it made us happy. It's beautiful because I've been through a lot to be able to get to where I am now. To reflect on that, and be in this moment, it's beautiful. I am lucky and blessed to be surrounded by people who believe in me."

 

For him it was a no brainier for Nathan Studios to produce this because Ms. Sylvia was a mother figure. She was the one who pushed the concert even if the decision was made. He just said yes to it. JK also discussed his relationship with his Lola, the one who pushed him to achieve things. One that didn't talk too much, but is part of who he is. He says the things she does is cute, and he's happy she is witnessing this.

JK also lamented how he used to watch concerts, and believes how he should be a consumer before becoming a performer. He felt he was able to get a perspective of what he should see to enjoy a concert, and now that he is doing this, he is finding solace in creating songs that the populace will appreciate, make him feel good, because music was the thing that made him feel constant even if he's going through a lot. This is for the people who made him, and his songs, part of their lives.

 Here's the full press conference on video, took a long time to upload this, please enjoy!

He is honest, fragile and vulnerable, and wishes to write more songs in the near future. He has a lot in his coffers, it's just the release part that worries him and prolly his label. The viral version of "Through the Years" may or may not be played on the concert too because a lot of people are requesting for it. It's just going to be a surprise, so make sure you get the few tickets left for the concert on the 29th! We heard some sections are already sold out!

This concert is also directed by Paolo Valenciano. Musical Direction is by Karel Honasan. This is produced by Nathan Studios and fully supported by his label Universal Music Group Philippines.

Get your tickets at SM Tickets website smtickets.com/events/view/13698. He's a very cool guy, and I think I'm a fan. :)