The House of Collab: A content creator's 'boot camp'

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

May 12, 2024 10:07 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• THOC's sales and marketing manager, Maann Barcebal-Alejandrino,describes her wards in the house as "social media stars who are huge on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.

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This is the seventh season of the House of Collab, and each week, one or a few of the members are eliminated, depending on their performance. To the left (holding the microphone) is an influencer and THOC co-owner Ryan Tanada.

Somewhere in the south of Manila, there's a big house with an inviting pool, lounge chairs, a studio, and five bedrooms to "shelter" 25 of the country's fast-rising and upcoming digital media stars. The location is top-secret to keep the occupants away from snooping fans.

Welcome to The House of Collab! The Philippines' only reality show to focus on content creators and influencers is now on Season 7, where contestants with the weakest link are eliminated weekly, and the last few remaining will vie for the P1 million peso cash prize at stake for the grand winner.

Shades of Pinoy Big Brother, one may ask? THOC does not deny the similarity,  although they stress the fact that it's more patterned after the "content houses" that have sprung up in the US within the last decade. Think about Jake Paul's YouTube mansion in California (later sold), Clubhouse Beverly Hills, and Hype House, to name a few. The idea is to have one place where content creators can shoot their videos, goof around, exchange ideas, and grow their supporters. 

THOC's sales and marketing manager, Maann Barcebal-Alejandrino, describes her wards in the house as "social media stars who are huge on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Youtube. What they do (in the house) every day is create content, whether it's static photos, branded content, or live streaming."

Spread across the 25 "occupants" of The House of Collab, that's an average of 200 pieces of content created every day for the brands that partner with them. The creators, in turn, get compensation by way of "talent fees," aside from the fact that everything during their stay is free—from the food to the shopping trips.

"All the hard work has paid off," according to Maann. Starting with THOC's seventh season, they've become an agency partner of TikTok Philippines.

She pointed out, "We've produced 31 billion-plus views for TikTok, and that's something that we are really proud of." 

Casey Diy (left) is in charge of talent scouting, while Maann Bersalino takes care of sales and marketing for The House of Collab

The numbers are big. When THOC talks about its P1 million cash prize for the Season 7 winner at the end of three months, it's only a small share of the huge pie. Maann revealed that some big-name creators in their fold (who are not part of the show) earn close to P3 million weekly from affiliate income alone - meaning they help promote products from their social media accounts.

"It really depends on the talent. Some are strong in affiliate promotions, while others do well in actual live selling. Some get brand deals and also monetize their Facebook and YouTube channels. In TikTok,  they earn from the shops and receive virtual gifts," Maann explained.

Overall, THOC acts as the talent management outfit of the 200 or so creators under its wing. It does the dirty administrative work (for example, filing taxes) so the influencer can focus on creating content.

Season 7 cast members include Pabby Bartolome, Amber Miles, Lydsa Sabijon, Shaun De Mesa, Panty Queen, Luna Paulino, Lars Avila, Councilor JD Batino, and others. Most of them have a large following on TikTok.

"Our goal here is to build up these talents so they can create a sustainable career in terms of content creation and make a better life for themselves and their families. The House of Collab is like a boot camp for them. Here, they're able to create better content, build their audience, and establish their status as content creators," THOC's chief talent scout Casey Diy pointed out.

The proverbial question is: how does one penetrate or get into The House of Collab? Casey clarified that a few of their creators didn't start with a huge following. 

"It's not really the numbers. We had creators here who started with 100 to 200 followers on their platforms and grew to 100,000 after the 90 days in The House of Collab," Casey stated.

"It's more of what you can bring to the table, and I am referring to talent, grit. And perseverance. Being an effective influencer means you know how to represent your brand and how you present yourself in the content. We teach our creators to love their fans and supporters and build a mindset - not just to be a star, but also an entrepreneur," she closed.

Heaven Peralejo and Marco Gallo: A love-hate relationship?

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Like any good marriage, Marco and Heaven agree that they're both in a "love-hate relationship," which keeps them from going into the full-blown romance path many expect them to tread.

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(From left) Gen Z stars Marco Gallo and Heaven Peralejo with Gino M. Santos, director of 'Men Are From QC, Women Are From Alabang' showing on May 1.

Filipino-Italian actor Marco Gallo describes his team-up with award-winning actress Heaven Peralejo as "a marriage without a ring." 

By now, the two have worked together on several major projects: "The Rain In España," "The Ship Show," and "Safe Skies, Archer." Their latest movie from Viva, "Men Are from QC, Women Are from Alabang," will be shown in cinemas starting May 1.

Like any good marriage, Marco and Heaven agree that they're both in a "love-hate relationship," which keeps them from going into the full-blown romance path many expect them to tread.

"Sometimes you feel like you're falling in love, and sometimes you feel like you're hating this person...just because we're so comfortable with each other. Because you don't wanna ruin it, you just try to be friends, but then sometimes you can't help it. I feel like we're just trying to enjoy every project we have. And taking it slow," Marco remarked. 

The two agree they're "halfway there" when developing a romantic connection.  Heaven pointed out: "Meron kaming love-hate relationship, and I think it's good. It gives color. We learn to be a better person afterwards. Natututo kaming maging humble, or mawala yung pride. Things like that actually build the future."

Marco and Heaven are once again glad to collaborate with director Gino Santos for "Men Are From QC...," after working with him in "Safe Skies, Archer." In return, the director only has good things to say about MarVen, praising them for having "a partnership of actors."

"Mag-away sila because the scene needs them to be angry at each other. You see that they help each other. Heaven knows what makes Marco cry. Marco knows how Heaven gets pissed off. They use that to improve their characters para magawan ng paraan ang eksena at para ma-motivate sila. Ito yung partnership of actors talaga, which I appreciate," Director Gino stated. 

"Men Are From QC, Women Are From Alabang' is the most mature love story I've ever done. Expect a different Marco and Heaven here because grabe  talaga yung binigay nila sa film na ito. I'm proud of them for accepting it," the director added. 

Adapted from the book of Filipino-Chinese author Stanley Chi, the film's protagonists are Tino (Marco) and Aica (Heaven) who meet at work and fall in love. The plot deals with the complexities of a romantic love that is not only challenged by the distance between cities but  also by the demands of work and the need for emotional satisfaction. 

Inasmuch as the film tackles the differences between a man and a woman, Heaven and Marco were able to reflect on the specific qualities they like and dislike about each other.

"I think Heaven is the first girl that I have ever dealt with where the importance of being a man and the importance of being a woman is so important. You know, for her, a man needs to give his girl the princess treatment," Marco pointed out. "In return, a woman needs to make her man happy by, you know, cheering him up and supporting him with everything he wants. Honestly, I have never dealt with a woman like her before."

On the other hand, Heaven had this to say about her screen partner. " Sobrang maalaga ni Marco. One time, I was wearing slippers on the set, and he wiped my feet because it got dirty. That's him. His love language is to serve. That's one thing I love about him."

What can audiences  learn from movies like "Men Are From QC, Women Are From Alabang?" Director Gino pondered on its lessons.

"Every relationship is different. Communication is key. You have to find out your goal at the right moment in life, whether it's for love or a career. Some people can have both, but, you know, not everyone can have the privilege of getting love and a career at the same time. So you have to choose wisely, especially in this day and age. Mahal lang magmahal," he stressed.

"Men Are From QC, Women Are From Alabang" is a Viva Films Production presented by Sari Sari Network Inc. in cooperation with MediaQuest Ventures and Studio Viva.

Miss International Queen Philippines finals on April 14

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

• This year's winner will win a whopping P500,000 from sponsors and compete in the Miss International Queen pageant, which will be held in August in Pattaya, Thailand.

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MIQPH National Director Michelle Montecarlo with candidates based in Europe (Images by Noli Berioso/OPMB Worldwide) 

 Miss International Queen Philippines (MIQPH) is the country's most prestigious pageant for transgender women. This year, members of the LGBTQ community, their supporters, and fans will have a chance to see the head-turning candidates slay as MIQPH 2024 holds its grand coronation night at the Aliw Theater on Sunday, April 14.

The pageant's exciting Preliminary Competition will be held tonight, April 12, at the Cuneta Astrodome. Presented by Pasay City LGU, the audience will have the chance to see their favorite bets slug it out in the Swimwear, Long Gown, Modern Filipiniana, and Advocacy Speech portions. Those who make the cut will be able to clinch a spot in the Top 10 semi-final round.

The MIQPH candidates at Aquila Crystal Palace Tagaytay

Before this, last April 7,  their regional directors sashed the 33 lovely contestants of MIQPH 2024 coming from all over the country. They also introduced themselves in a formal Press Presentation hosted by no less than Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados at the stately Aquila Crystal Palace Tagaytay Events Place. Also present was MIQPH 2023 queen Lars Pacheco, who placed in the Top 6 in the international pageant list last year.

Michelle Montecarlo, MIQPH National Director, stated: "This year, we made history by being able to expand our brand and give opportunities not only to Queens who live here in Luzon but also to those Queens who live in Visayas and Mindanao. I'm proud to say that we also have contestants now based in Europe."

The forces behind MIQPH 2024 (from left): Mikee Andrei, Lars Pacheco, Tei Endencia (Executive Producer). Kristine Ibardolaza, Wayne Renzo, and Creative Director Roderic De la Cruz

This year's winner will win a whopping P500,000 from sponsors and compete in the Miss International Queen pageant, which will be held in August in Pattaya, Thailand. The Philippines has had a good winning streak, with three crowned winners in MIQ history. They are Kevin Balot (2012), Trixie Maristela (2015), and Fuschia Anne Ravena (2022).

MIQPH 2024 press presentation host Gazini Ganados Miss Universe Philippines 2019

The MIQPH 2024 candidates are the following:

Jem Tierro - Morong, Bataan 

Mikay Bautista - San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan

Mhielle Marie Garcia - Angeles City

Red Spiegelman - Pampanga

Sher Cadoy - Nueva Vizcaya

Claui Doromal Rolo-os - Victorias City, Negros Occidental

Mahdison De La Vega - Cebu City

Maria Napoles - Cebu Province

Bella Fox - Aklan

Roxam Delo Santos - Northern Samar

Exur Ranoa - Davao Oriental

Jeysyn Ramos - Davao Del Sur

Nina Marie Similatan - Manay, Davao Oriental

Sheila Magpale - Koronadal City

Trisha Pestano - Iligan City

Sophia Nicole Arkanghel - Laguna

Arell Guache - Batangas

Althea Bulilan - Quezon Province

Pau Telan - Cainta, Rizal

Phia Garcia - Laguna

Asia Mariano - Quezon City

Casey Paculan - Quezon City

Julian Concepcion - Manila City

Vivi Hendendahl - Pasig City

Yuki Roque - Malabon City

Yuumi Garcia - Italy

Shai Yanga - United Kingdom

Lea Pascua - Spain

Tickets to the grand finals are now available at smtickets.com.

San Felipe, Zambales takes pride in its teen queen

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The lovely women of San Felipe with their sun-kissed complexion are also starting to maketheir mark in pageantry. 

Miss Teen Tourism Philippines 2024 Carolleen Marghereth 'Carol' Abundo

This summer, a lot of people will surely flock to San Felipe, Zambales for its pristine natural beauty. Only a three-hour drive from Manila, it's a must-see for its expansive coastline, beautiful mountain views and beaches.

The lovely women of San Felipe with their sun-kissed complexion are also starting to make their mark in pageantry. The latest star to shine is Carol Abundo who was barely 14 when she was adjudged Miss Teen Tourism Philippines and will represent the country in the coming Miss Teen Tourism international competition in June. This early, she is being molded to showcase her best skills by her handler, Bienvinido Gamboa Jr. and  the JosephC Casting Agency of talent manager/national director Josephus Canabuan, the same man behind the success of several pageant winners.

Teen queen Carol Abundo with talent manager/National Director Josephud Canabuan of JosephC Casting Agency

Carol revealed that she wants to be a doctor one day but modelling is something that she has dreamed of since she was three years old. "Little did I know that doors would open for me in modelling. I have been fortunate to join several photo shoots and a runway show. I love how fashion and make-up can transform my innocent face into a variety of characters. I am still gathering enough confidence to walk the ramp as a career but I know I can work it out. The perseverance and determination is something that I got from my mom, Margie, who's an Overseas Filipino Worker."

As San Felipe's beauty ambassador,  the young queen recently made a courtesy call to San Felipe Mayor Reinhard Jeresano and barangay Sto. Nino officials led by captain Elbert Abille. 

The mayor noted that Carol's feat will surely be an inspiration to her peers. "Aside from this, we're proud of anyone from our town who will compete nationally or anywhere. One of the things we're promoting right now is our tourism industry. During the rainy season, we have the Keri Khariton Festival where they decorate the karitons and pull the carabaos to go inside the Anghalo Falls. We likewise have the Aldaw Ti Minatay during All Saint's Day and Christmas villages in December."

Teen queen Carol Abundo with San Felipe, Zambales officials led by Mayor Reinhard Jeresano

"When San Felipe is mentioned in a pageant, it's also a promotion for us, especially if we are represented by someone as young and beautiful as Carol," the mayor added.

Carol also paid a visit to San Rafael Technical Vocational High School where she is currently enrolled as a junior high school student. The school's principal, Mr. Ernesto Fogata, commented that Carol's crowning as Miss Teen Tourism Philippines 2024 is a "tremendous honor. It highlights our commitment to nurture young talents and empower them to reach for their dreams." 

Miss Teen Tourism Philippines 2024 Carol Abundo  with San Rafael Technical Vocational High School Principal, Mr. Ernesto Fogata

The principal pointed out that while it's not easy for Carol to juggle her studies and the demands of outside activities, "she remained focused on her goals and her perseverance helped her to overcome obstacles along the way."

"Carol's achievement has inspired and motivated everyone in the school, and we support her all the way. Her success at a young age serves as a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. She has instilled a sense of pride and aspiration within our school community," Fogata stressed.

Contestants of Limgas Na Pangasinan 2024 presented to media

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

Mar 20, 2024 11:26 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Thepageant aims to showcase the most talented, beautiful and intelligent ladies the province has to offer.

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Limgas Na Pangasinan 2024 candidates with Limgas Na Pangasinan 2023 queens

Twenty young hopefuls vying for the beauty titles at stake in Limgas Na Pangasinan 2024 were presented to the media last Sunday (March 17) at the stately Monarch Hotel in the town of Calasiao. The pageant aims to showcase the most talented, beautiful and intelligent ladies the province has to offer. Three of them will be crowned queens on April 26 as a highlight of the annual Pista'ý Dayat or Sea Festival celebrations.

The ladies exhibited poise, confidence and charm as they paraded on stage in pristine white cocktail dresses. They were also sashed by their respective local executives. In the question and answer portion with members of the media, they shared the causes they stand for and articulated their insights on issues affecting their respective hometowns and beyond.

Three of them will embark on an exciting journey if they are chosen for the top titles, namely Limgas Na Pangasinan World, Limgas na Pangasinan Mutya and Limgas na Pangasinan Grand. The three title holders will represent the province in national pageants which are Miss World, Mutya ng Pilipinas, and Miss Grand International. 

Limgas Na Pangasinan 2023 queens who will compete in national pageants this year (from left):  LNP Grand Rona Lalaine Lopez, LNP World Nikhisah Buenafe Cheveh, and LNP Mutys Stacey de Ocampo

Aside from being crowned, the winners will also be entitled to hefty cash prizes and get the chance to work with three well-known designers. Their local governments will also receive financial grants to support their chosen projects.

"We aim that this pageant will have purpose, will have a heart, and will teach the ladies to have their own purpose through their advocacies. And of course, a heart to serve the province of Pangasinan. We hope that our pageant will show the Philippines, show everyone what Pangasinan is all about," noted the pageant's chairperson and Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico.

She pointed out that she is closely working with her husband, Gov. Ramon Guico,  on a number of  projects that will "uplift the culture, arts, and tourism of the province. With Limgas na Pangasinan, we have enlisted the help of Aces and Queens, a beauty camp that provides training and coaching to pageant candidates."

Pangasinan's top people are all behind the success of the pageant (from left): Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino, his spouse Melanie Lambino, First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, and provincial board member Apolonia Bacay

"The Limgas Na Pangasinan pageant is not just about presenting beauty but also presenting that beauty with a purpose; showing that beauty with a motivation to do what is needed to improve the betterment of our fellow Pangasinenses," Pangasinan Vice Gov. Mark Ronald Lambino added.

 Also present at the media presentation were the vice governor's wife, Atty Melanie Sia-Lambino, provincial board members Apolonia Bacay and Jerry Rosario. Other top local executives also attended to give their moral support to their candidates, among them Calasiao Mayor Kevin Roy Macanlalay, Urbiztondo Mayor Modesto Operana, and Malasiqui Mayor Noel Geslani

Following are the 20 candidates of this year's search representing the different towns of Pangasinan:

Camille Angela Suratos (Mangaldan), Rhein Nacynete M. Valdez (San Carlos City), Kathleen Jane M. Andaya (Villasis), Jenesse Viktoria D. Mejia (Malasiqui), Lyha Yzihienne M. Laylo (Pozorrubio), Rebecca Rose P. Ayudan (Urbiztondo), Alyssa Jeneveve Padillon (Urdaneta City), Reeven L. Sabado (Umingan), Yra May M. Secretario (San Manuel), Ruth Mae S. Artates (Sual), Jay Ann Zarate (Manaoag), Andrea R. Cayabyab (San Fabian), Pearline Joy M. Bayog (Lingayen), Izzy Nina V. Bernardino (Sta. Barbara), Tonette Alexandrea G. Mendoza (Mangatarem), Paulie Alexa F. Camat (Binalonan), Irish Ann D. Caido (Asingan), Danica N. Maglalang (Mapandan), Jary L. Padica (Balungao), and Diana Mae B. Pangan (Calasiao).