Tuesday, September 23, 2025

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From left to right: Jennifer Ty, CEO of DiaGold; Carlos Rempillo Jr., Manager of LBC Corporate Marketing and Brand Partnerships; Felizardo Sarmiento, LBC Supply Chain Account; Hope Ty, Creative Director of Love and Diamonds; Citadel Cortez, LBC Corporate Sales Account Manager; and Jewel Jalandoni-Camomot, Senior Marketing Manager of DiaGold. Supervisor.

Manila, Philippines (September 22, 2025) – To ensure the safe and smooth transportation of couture gowns and exquisite jewels for the DiaGold x Cary Santiago fashion extravaganza, which took place this September at Shangri-La The Fort, LBC Business Solutions proudly displayed Cebuano craftsmanship on the national stage.


Business Solutions, LBC's enterprise division, carefully and precisely managed the end-to-end shipping of Cary Santiago's couture designs from Cebu to Manila. The partnership demonstrates LBC's proficiency in transporting valuable, fragile goods as well as its dedication to assisting Filipino companies and artists. 

“At LBC, we take pride in being a reliable partner in moving what matters most—whether it is business, personal, or in this case, a landmark moment in Philippine fashion,” said Jerome Santos, Senior Vice President for Corporate Sales at LBC. “We are honored to support the artistry of Cary Santiago and DiaGold by ensuring their creations reach Manila with the care and precision they deserve.”

Businesses of all sizes may expand nationwide without sacrificing speed thanks to LBC Business Solutions' specialty service, LBC Rush for Corporate, which allows them to ship between Metro Manila (NCR) and the Visayas or Mindanao in just one to two days. This dedication also extends to historic occasions like the DiaGold x Cary Santiago gala, when LBC was instrumental in introducing the public to Cebuano artists.

Jennifer Ty, CEO of DiaGold, also expressed her gratitude, saying, “We are deeply thankful to LBC for making this show possible by taking care of our logistics needs. Beyond this event, LBC has always been instrumental to DiaGold’s success, ensuring that our jewelry pieces are delivered safely and efficiently from our online store to our customers nationwide. Their reliability allows us to focus on what we do best—creating timeless jewelry that celebrates Filipino artistry.”


Reflecting the same ideals that LBC upholds through its encouragement of regional pride and craftsmanship, the couture gala was a glittering celebration of Filipino ingenuity and Cebuano quality. More companies can now reliably connect their products to clients nationwide in 1 to 2 days thanks to LBC Business Solutions' specialist services, which guarantee a prompt, secure, and dependable service.



Thank you for reading. Catch you in the next one!

-BENCH

Monday, September 22, 2025

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Photo by WeTV


The Beauty Inside (2018), starring Seo Hyun-jin and Lee Min-ki, will always be my top pick when asked what K-Drama Series I've ever loved. This drama series is one of the best instances of how a romantic comedy doesn't have to reinvent the wheel to win your heart, despite the fact that some people will roll their eyes and call it "too cheesy" or "predictable."


It’s soft, charming, and exactly the kind of drama that you finish with a smile plastered on your face. And honestly? That’s the beauty inside of The Beauty Inside.



The Story That Hooked Me

The incredibly talented Seo Hyun-jin portrays Han Se Gye, an A-list actress known for being a "troublemaker." Her glitzy persona conceals a strange secret: every month, for a full week, she literally changes into a different person. She occasionally awakens as an old man, a child, or even a stranger from a different country. It's simultaneously tragic and hilarious.

Seo Hyun-Jin as Han Se Gye | Photo screengrabbed from Netflix

On the other hand, Seo Do Jae, played by Lee Min-ki, is an ideal airline director: tall, good-looking, intelligent, and prosperous. He has a secret, though, and that is that he has prosopagnosia, or facial blindness. Imagine being unable to identify your friends, relatives, or even coworkers by their faces. Do Jae fights that war every day, and he makes it through by learning peculiarities, gestures, and voices.

Lee Min-ki as Seo Do Jae |  Photo screengrabbed from Netflix

Here’s the twist I love: Han Se Gye is the only person whose face he can recognize. Talk about fate, right?



Why I’ll Defend It Against the Haters

People who call this drama “cheesy” or “boring” are missing the point. Of course, it’s packed with all the classic rom-com essentials—slow-motion gazes, witty arguments that ignite unexpected sparks, and those dramatic love declarations that leave you grinning with joy. But isn’t that exactly why we love rom-coms?


To me, a drama is cheesy when it tries too hard without any genuine heart behind it. The Beauty Inside has heart. Lots of it. It’s not just about two people falling in love—it’s about two people with unusual struggles finding someone who sees them for who they really are.


And honestly, that’s something all of us can relate to. Don’t we all want someone who accepts us, flaws and all?


Han Se Gye & Seo Do Jae  |  Photo screengrabbed from Netflix


A KDrama That Feels Like Comfort Food

I won’t pretend this drama is life-changing or the deepest story ever told. It’s not. But it doesn’t need to be. Watching it feels like curling up with a warm blanket or eating your favorite comfort food. It’s soft, sweet, and exactly what you want after a stressful day.


In fact, that’s what I admire most about The Beauty Inside. It knows exactly what it is: a feel-good rom-com. It doesn’t try to be dark or overly complex. It’s confident in its simplicity—and that’s what makes it beautiful.



Seo Hyun-Jin = PERFECTION!

I can’t talk about this drama without praising Seo Hyun-jin. She’s the heart of the series. Her ability to make Han Se Gye lovable, vulnerable, and funny all at once is amazing. She made me laugh, cry, and root for her every step of the way.


Seo Hyun-Jin as Han Se Gye | Photo screengrabbed from Netflix

Lee Min-ki delivered a captivating performance as Seo Do Jae, blending charisma with a touch of subtle vulnerability. The chemistry between them felt natural and understated, making their romance even more charming.


Lee Min-ki as Seo Do Jae |  Photo screengrabbed from Netflix


What I Learned From The Beauty Inside

This drama might seem light and fluffy at first glance, but it left me with lasting lessons:


Love is all about embracing acceptance.

Han Se Gye feared she couldn't be loved because of her condition, but Do Jae showed her that true love goes beyond appearances.


We are greater than our imperfections.

Do Jae’s prosopagnosia could have negatively shaped his life, but he discovered ways to adapt—and through this, he learned to appreciate people for who they truly are, rather than how they appear.


Happiness doesn't need to be complicated. 

Sometimes, all we need is someone who truly sees us and understands us. That alone can be everything. 


Maybe that’s why The Beauty Inside feels so special to me. It’s more than just a rom-com—it’s a reminder that the most beautiful things in life are often the simplest: love, acceptance, and the bravery to be your true self.



Final Thoughts

In the end, The Beauty Inside isn’t just another rom-com for me—it’s the one I’ll always return to. It shows that a drama doesn’t need heavy plots or shocking twists to leave an impact. Sometimes, all it takes is a story about love, acceptance, and the magic of finding someone who truly sees you.


So yes, haters can call it cheesy all they want. For me, The Beauty Inside will always be that one drama that brings a smile to my face, makes my heart flutter, and restores viewers' faith in love all over again.


WATCH IT HERE: The Beauty Inside - Netflix

OST PLAYLIST HERE: The Beauty Inside OSTBeauty Inside OST


Thank you for reading. Catch you in the next one!
-BENCH

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

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Daniel Jaramillo, the Managing Director of foodpanda Philippines, shares insights into the company’s journey and its vision for the future.
 

On September 10, Davao City, Philippines — foodpanda hosted the CRAVE Partner Summit & Awards 2025 at the Acacia Hotel Davao, illuminating the south with its trademark pink. Celebrating Relationships & Advancing Valuable Experiences, or CRAVE, brought together leading restaurant and retail partners for an evening of appreciation, cooperation, and festivity.

CRAVE The Pink Gala celebrated Davao’s rich culture and its significance as a center for growth and innovation. Over 150 attendees, including local entrepreneurs, brand partners, and community builders, gathered to commemorate their shared journey with foodpanda.

Guests enjoyed a glamorous evening packed with cultural performances, live music, and fun activities, all culminating in the highly anticipated CRAVE Awards. The event highlighted exceptional partners whose dedication and contributions have been instrumental to foodpanda's success in Mindanao.


Pau-Pau’s Top of Table

Given to the vendor who leads the pack, shining in sales performance and setting the standard for market leadership.

  1. Tuna Republik

  2. Infinitea

  3. New Davao Famous

  4. Haveli King

  5. Mon's Grill

Tuna Republik has been honored as one of Pau-Pau’s Top of Table awardees.

Pau-Pau’s Momentum Master

Given to the vendor that showcases exceptional year-over-year growth during the first half of 2025, reflecting remarkable business momentum.

  1. Family Fried Chicken

  2. Pater Al-Kuwait

  3. Chikoy's Lugawan

  4. Bagong Lipunan

  5. Mandarin Tea Garden

Family Fried Chicken is recognized as one of Pau-Pau’s Momentum Master award winners.

Pau-Pau’s Ad-Star

Given to the vendor recognized as a leader in driving growth, demonstrating exceptional results in campaign performance.

  1. Mamastill Atbp

  2. Merry Mango

  3. JM Shawarma

  4. Haveli King

  5. Bar ko sa Lagao

Mamastill Atbp. has been recognized as one of Pau-Pau’s Ad-Star awardees.

Operational Excellence

Given to the vendor who exemplifies top-tier operational excellence, ensuring smooth and flawless processes while consistently providing reliable and efficient services.

  1. Aling Paz Food Haus

  2. Eat! Chiro

  3. Butcher's Best Barbeque

  4. Mang Paeng's Inasal

  5. KAON Resto Grill

Aling Paz Food Haus has been acknowledged as one of the recipients of the Operational Excellence award.

People’s Palate Award

Highlighting the vendor who shines as the crowd favorite, consistently earning customer loyalty through repeat orders and exceptional ratings.

  1. Merry Mango

  2. Barbeque Boss

  3. Boy Zugba

  4. Pansititoy

  5. Villa Tuna Restaurant

Merry Mango stood out as one of the recipients of the People’s Palate award.

To make the event even more thrilling, fortunate attendees walked away with amazing raffle prizes, including a 3-day, 2-night getaway to Boracay and SM shopping gift certificates.


“This celebration is more than just an awards night, it’s a testament to the strong partnerships that fuel our growth not only in Davao but also across the Philippines,” said Louie Lim, Head of Account Management at foodpanda Philippines. “Together, we don’t just crave success—we build it, side by side.”


The CRAVE Partner Summit & Awards will make its next stops in Cebu on September 22 and Manila on October 7, continuing the recognition and celebration of foodpanda's valued partners nationwide.


Thank you for reading. Catch you in the next one!

-BENCH

Sunday, September 7, 2025

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Photo screen-grabbed from Umaaligid music film on YouTube


I’ll be honest—ever since Umaaligid dropped, it’s been living rent-free on my Spotify playlist. I was at the gym when it was released on YouTube, and as a long-time Popster, my world stopped for a moment. Sarah Geronimo teaming up with SB19 already felt like a once-in-a-lifetime collab, but what I got wasn’t just a song or a music video. It was a full-on ten-minute music film that left me feeling both thrilled and unsettled.


The music film kicks off with chaos: a destroyed house party, Victor’s lifeless body on the floor, and red sirens flashing against the walls. The camera shifts to the suspects—Sarah and the five members of SB19—standing in line at the police station. Each recounts their version of the night’s events. The twist? Every story is different, but each one quietly suggests, “Maybe I did it.”


As the story unfolds, I feel trapped in a swirl of conflicting flashbacks that never seem to fit together. Was it jealousy? Betrayal? Pride? With every retelling, the truth feels just a little further away. And while the mystery deepens, Sarah’s soaring vocals and SB19’s harmonies keep the whole thing glued together with tension you can actually feel.


"Seen through Ryūnosuke Akutagawa’s 1922 short story “In a Grove,” the tale feels familiar. Akutagawa lets seven witnesses describe a samurai’s death, each version cancelling out the rest until the truth disappears. Umaaligid mirrors this structure with six pop-star testimonies and the same ending. Where the short story uses spare court records, the music film swaps in sleek flashbacks, strobing lights, and a rock beat, but the core question stays the same: can we ever know what happened?" - DB | Member of A'TIN OFFICIAL GROUP

 

By the time the final frame fades, we don’t really know who killed Victor. And that’s the point. The music film isn’t about giving us clean answers—it’s about making us sit with the mess: guilt, pride, rage, and the way memory can twist when emotions run high.


Watching Umaaligid is like being at a live concert, diving into a crime drama, and scrolling through a heated fan forum debate all at once. It’s a mix of performance, mystery, and a psychological game that challenges you to question: do we really crave the truth, or just the version that fits our understanding?


At the end of the day, Sarah Geronimo and SB19 didn’t just give us a collaboration. They gave us an experience. One that makes you press replay, not just for the music, but for the questions it leaves behind. And let me talk about the music—because wow. SB19’s intricate sound creates a haunting atmosphere, and then Sarah’s ad-libs just cut through everything like lightning. The tension, the emotion, the energy—it’s a performance that you feel as much as you hear. And honestly? That’s why it’s still sitting proudly on my Spotify playlist, on repeat.


"The latest track from both Filipino pop icons has just made an impressive debut on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart, positioning itself at No. 4 on the chart. This chart-breaking achievement from both Geronimo and SB19 was achieved with only two days of tracking on the chart, given that it was only released Wednesday, July 30, 2025." -Billboard PH


To close, as a longtime Sarah Geronimo fan, seeing her join forces with SB19 in something this ambitious feels special. It’s not just a collab—it’s a piece of art. One that shows how far OPM and P-pop can go when artists are bold enough to experiment.


Thank you for reading, and catch you in the next one!

-BENCH


YouTube link:

UMAALIGID - Sarah Geronimo & SB19 [Official Music Film]

Stream and Support

PRODUCTION
Produced by G Productions, Inc. 
Concept by Sarah Geronimo & SB19
Production House: FRGMNT MNL
Directed by Simon Te

MUSIC
Performed by Sarah Geronimo & SB19
Written by Thyro Alfaro, Joshua Daniel Nase
Produced by Thyro, RADKIDZ (PABLO and JOSUE), Sarah Geronimo, KUYA, adamjosh
Mixed and Mastered by Emil John Dela Rosa
Film Scoring by Migs Rañeses

LYRICS by Genius

Whispers in the night
Umaalulong ang mga haka-haka
Gets me all the time
Mga sabi-sabi at maling akala
'Di makatakbo
May nakasunod o nakaharang, oh
Maging sa salamin na hawak-hawak mo
Pa'no nga ba tayo nagkagan'to?
Oh, whoa, whoa, oh
Kahit magtaingang-kawali, balewala
Oh, whoa, whoa, oh
Mga mata nila'y nakasipat na
Ingat ka, hinahagilap ka ng mga
Oh, ma-ma-ma, oh, umaaligid
Mag-ingat-ingat ka at baka mabihag ka ng mga
Oh, ma-ma-ma, oh, umaaligid
Idilat ang mata, 'wag kang babasta-basta (ingat sa mga)



Saturday, September 6, 2025

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 Big on Features, Easy on the Pocket. A One-Click AI Smartphone Designed for Every Filipino Lifestyle.


Manila, Philippines, September 1, 2025The newest AI-powered smartphone from global technology company HONOR, the HONOR X6c, has been formally unveiled and is currently accessible across the country. With its enormous storage, smart features, and strong battery, the Honor X6c is a smartphone that will provide Filipinos with a flawless AI experience without breaking the bank. 


The HONOR X6c redefines what an entry-level smartphone can provide with its remarkable features, which include a dedicated One-Click AI Button, a large storage capacity, and a long-lasting 5300mAh battery with 35W fast charging.


The HONOR X6c with 12GB RAM and 128GB storage is exclusive to Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day and is available for as little as ₱4,699, which is less than its original SRP of ₱6,099. At HONOR Experience locations across the country, the 12GB + 256GB version is also on sale for ₱6,499, off ₱6,999.


The HONOR X6c with 12GB RAM and 128GB storage is exclusive to Shopee 9.9 Super Shopping Day and is available for as little as ₱4,699, which is less than its original SRP of ₱6,099. At HONOR Experience locations across the country, the 12GB + 256GB version is also on sale for ₱6,499, off ₱6,999.


With its sleek design, powerful AI Mobile Assistant, and reliable performance, the HONOR X6c is perfect for students, young professionals, and anyone looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn’t compromise on innovation.

The HONOR X6c is now available at HONOR Experience Stores nationwide and exclusively online on Shopee https://bit.ly/Shop_X6c_FB at an unbeatable 9.9 promo price.  


For more information and exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/), and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.honor.com/ph/retailers/


Thanks for reading, and see you in the next one!

-BENCH

Thursday, September 4, 2025

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Try saying the following three times quickly: Pinakamasarap, Our Pinakamalaki, and Pinakapinipili. What are we describing? Do you know? The Jollibee Chickenjoy! You can't skip a beat, can you?


It's more than just a tongue twister, really. It is a tasty fact. Furthermore, Jollibee Chickenjoy stands out, as four out of five Filipinos selected it as their favorite fried chicken.


“We’ve always known that Chickenjoy is loved across generations, but these numbers really affirm what we’ve been hearing and seeing every day — that it’s one of the things that Filipinos will keep choosing,” said Luis Berba, Marketing Assistant Vice President of Jollibee Philippines.


From its crispylicious skin that crackles with every bite, to its juicylicious meat, Chickenjoy is the PINAKA!


Pinakapinipili. Pinakamasarap, our Pinakamalaki. The Chickenjoy edge is still unrivaled, and the people have spoken. It's more than just a dinner; it's a tradition, a source of solace, and a reason for family and friends to come together.


Anne Curtis also jumped in on the fun, gamely taking on the Pinakapinipili, Pinakamalaki, Pinakamasarap tongue twister challenge—nailing it as smoothly as she bites into her favorite Chickenjoy. After all, some things are just easier done when it’s your pinakapinipili, Jollibee’s pinakamalaki, and pinakamasarap fried chicken.


So, whether you’re in it for the crispiness, juiciness, or the sheer joy of eating your favorite fried chicken, there’s one name worth repeating:


Pinakapinipili. Our Pinaka Malaki. Pinaka Masarap. Chickenjoy!


Taste the Pinaka Difference. Get your Jollibee Chickenjoy today in 1-pc. Solo, 2-pc. Solo and bucket options, available in all Jollibee stores nationwide and via Dine-In, Take Out, Drive-Thru, and Delivery.


For all the latest updates, like Jollibee on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Philippines on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on X, Instagram, and TikTok.


Thanks for reading, and see you in the next one!

-BENCH