ISHA PONTI Launches "LIKAS" Album

Super talented singer songwriter Isha Ponti gave us goosebumps last night at the VIVA CAFE where she celebrated her birthday and launched her new album "LIKAS". 

Isha says "If there's someone who acts like an anchor in my life, I would like to say thanks to my Mom and Dad, happy father's day! I always do this every year but this is special because being 20 means I've already experienced things and applied it to my songs. Some good, some that hurt, but it's okay. I'm good!"

She sang her singles "Darating" (an upbeat hopeful love song),  "Hinga" (a call for pause before loving again), "Proud to Say" (not part of the LIKAS album but she made this song when she was 13), "Raining In Manila" (her cover), "Kabanata" (where she proudly showed her heartwarming music video too), Man I Need & So Easy (both an Olivia Dean original- her cover), and a few more to the delight of the crowd. She also did "Warmth", "Gulong" (about a hurtful relationship), "Halika" (a ballad about asking to admit love), "Bakas" (she cried on this bit), "Kung Di Rin Tayo sa Huli" (her cover of the December Avenue song),  "Numero" (about self worth), "Riversky" (about believing in  yourself), and the finale song the danceable "Mismo" (where everyone stood up!). Isha reminds us that her new album "Likas" is all about loving, learning, and experiencing her truth and I totally agree. 

In the audience, she also had her relatives, friends from school, and press who have been helping her get her music out there. She thanked them all! 

Isha acknowledged a few artists from VIVA, a PPOP girl group and of course, one of GMA's prime actors Kelvin Miranda (who did a duet with her btw!). 

OPM is so blessed to have to someone like you Isha! Here's hoping you get to even more places. Seeing how passionate you are in your craft and how hard you've worked for it, please keep on writing and singing more songs!

ANDOK's Celebrates 40 Years and Return to foodpanda App

It was fun and festive over at Bridgetowne QC as Andok's celebrate their 40th year via "Pista ng Sarap - Pambansang Salo-Salo" together with the good folks from FoodPanda as they'll be back in the app.

At the event, they had several booths folks could take photos with. The display they had was like a full Andok's store full of the brands best sellers like the Liston Baka, Dokito Chicken, Dokito Burger and their Lechon Manok. I still have my picks like the Spicy Dokito Burger and Barbecue which they sell in 3's which is always a hit in our home. Mind you I order regularly, so seeing them back on FoodPanda just made me doubly excited since I'm subscribed to their PRO.

Andok's owners Vice Governor Sandy Javier his wife and Maverick (his son) plus his whole family was there to grace the occasion. foodpanda's Growth Manager Pat Jacinto says "Welcome guests, thank you for being here, to the QC LGU and everyone, welcome to the PISTA NG SARAP! Two very Filipino traits are love for convenience and love for food. The timing could not be more opportune, because it is also the 40th year of Andok's. To the team Andok's, for your dedication and grit, thank you! We want to bring our customers to the best brand with the food they love. We welcome you to the platform again, and recognize those who made it possible. This is the fastest on-boarding of 500 branches and we are live!  This is the beginning of a partnership that would hopefully last for decades, and we have a Father's day surprise coming very soon! It ties with our vision, here's to making Andok's successful around the country!"

Maverick Javier the President and CEO of Andok's Litson Corporation says "Paupau and Andie are friends now. Hi to our media partners and KOL's. Andoks started 40 years ago (and will be 41 this December) and our mission was survival, things changed over the years and it is now to give Sarap and Saya sa Bawat Pamilya. With FoodPanda, that is happening. Without my Andoks family, this wouldn't happen. They are doing an amazing operation, and reaching more people is within reach with the Foodpanda team. It's our pleasure to be part of your lives daily. Andok's is here to serve!"

They welcomed Foodpanda and said this partnership is essential to make sure they meet their goals of being in every Filipino home, and to create jobs around the country.

40 years is no joke and surely, this will now make those parties, birthdays, barkada nights or meals even easier to reach as the platform now has Andok's in it! Go download the app and search for Andok's as there will surely be a branch near you!

PS: FATHER'S DAY ANNOUNCEMENT!

From June 20-21, there will be a 50 percent off on Lechon Manok and 30 percent off on Andok's favorites only on the Foodpanda app!

Aren@P|us Makes NBA and US Dreams Come True

After holding one of the biggest parties for VIP's last year, the good folks from Aren@P|us stay true to their word by giving away 2 all expense paid trips to the United States and arrangements for shopping, touring, and the best NBA experience they could possibly do. 

The first winning VIP did it with his wife and children, which they did across different states in the US, from New York to Los Angeles where he stayed at the Trump Tower Hotel and Marriott LA. He met Jordan Clarkson, and also had dinner with him before seeing him play at Madison Square Garden. He said "I was super happy because it was my first time to be there, and see Jordan Clarkson in the flesh! It's way different than seeing him on TV! I will not forget this experience!"

In LA, he was able to join the 2026 NBA All Star weekend at the grand Intuit Dome where he also saw performances by Ludacris and the rest of the NBA players. He had so much fun because he was able to experience time with the players and the energetic crowd too. Then he did the best thing for his family by taking them to the loveliest luxury shops and outlet stores so they get to take home something for themselves. He adds "This experience is surreal and I can't thank them enough for the experience, the shopping and tours we did here. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!"

The second VIP winner on the other hand stayed at the nippy city of Chicago. He stayed at the Trump Tower Suite and did it for his favorite team the Chicago Bulls. He met Derrick Rose who signed his merch, and as a person who collects cards and outfits, it was something he wouldn't forget.  He says "I was just starstruck seeing them all at the NBA. We also did the Chicago Barrel Run and finished it off in KTV's in the evening. I really am so thankful for it!" 

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the surprises they have for VIP's, and the Aren@P|us community. Stay tuned because they've definitely got more up their sleeves. 

After Bullying Ordeal: VARGAS' Kid Shows Tough Form in Swim Meet

Proud Mom Yasmine and Dad (multi awarded actor) Alfred Vargas just posted super good news on their socials as their son Cristiano got back on the tank, something he's been looking forward to doing after the bullying ordeal he went through months ago. 

Ms. Yasmine described the time as lost opportunities since their young kid wasn't able to compete in his favorite sport, and they knew how he felt disheartened (at the time), but now surprised how he came back ready, better than ever! 

This was during the recent Milo Swim Competition where he raced with bigger kids at the 9-10 year old event. He was able to improve his previous time in different events, and came back clocking new personal bests, a feat which surprised even those who have been supporting him. They (Mom and Dad) dubbed him as their "Comeback Kid", and proudly saw how the fruits of his labor have all come true. In the meet, he was given the Most Outstanding Swimmer award in his category (Category A), this is also his second one as he won the same thing last year. 

Councilor Alfred and Ms. Yasmine credits Cristiano's new coach Mr. Manny Thruelen who went back from years of retirement just to make sure he gets the needed training for the sport. His previous team and the swim community at that time also showed their support for the kid. They were overjoyed at the sight of people, including his previous coaches Gary and JM who were there and supported him too. 

Here's their post!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 🌸 Yasmine E. Vargas 🌸 (@yasmine_vargas2307)

They're extremely happy and profess this as the handy work of God, and give all praises to the one above for doing this after the ordeal he went through. Congratulations Cristiano! Mom and Dad will SURELY stay behind you, and continue to LOVE you no matter what! 

PS. Quezon City has programs against bullying together with the Department of Education to make sure there are enough safe and inclusive spaces so please ask about it with your LGU's if you need help!