BingoPlus powers up Miss Earth 2025 'The Silver Lining' Coronation Night

By MBrand

Published Nov 19, 2025 02:54 pm

Celebrating beauty with a purpose. The leading digital entertainment platform in the country, BingoPlus, supported this year’s Miss Earth pageant and witnessed the crowning of the new queen, who embodies the organization’s mission and environmental advocacy.

Miss Earth 2025 candidates in their shiny silver evening gowns

On Nov. 5, the Miss Earth 2025 Coronation Night, themed “The Silver Lining,” took place in Manila. The theme highlights the pageant’s milestone celebration of 25 years of promoting beauty, purpose, and environmental awareness.

Natalie Puskinova of the Czech Republic was crowned Miss Earth 2025, leading this year’s court of elemental titleholders — Miss Earth Air 2025 Soldis Ivarsdottir of Iceland, Miss Earth Water 2025 Mu Anh Trinh of Vietnam, and Miss Earth Fire 2025 Waree Ngamkham of Thailand.

Mr. Jasper Vicencio during the Miss Earth 2025 Coronation Night

Philippine’s very own Joy Barcoma proudly finished as one of the four runners-up, alongside Nathalie Briones of Chile, Laila Frizon of Brazil, and Mariia Zheliaskova of Ukraine.

BingoPlus’ unwavering support was clearly reflected as the major sponsor through its strong brand presence across the event. Mr. Jasper Vicencio, president of AB Leisure Exponent, Inc., likewise graced the occasion as a member of the distinguished panel of judges.

In 2024, BingoPlus sponsored the Miss Philippines Earth pageant. Continuing the partnership, the brand once again supported Miss Philippines Earth 2025.

Miss Poland accepting the title of Miss BingoPlus 2025 and a token of appreciation from Mr. Jasper Vicencio.

Moreover, prior to the coronation night, Justyna Roguska of Poland earned the title of Miss BingoPlus 2025, a special recognition from the brand. Roguska was formally presented with the award at the BingoPlus headquarters.

Glitz and glamour filled the night, but beyond the beauty was the advocacy to protect and preserve the environment.

During the question and answer portion, Miss Earth 2025 Natalie Puskinova left a lasting impression with her words in Filipino:

“Protektahan ang kalikasan,” a powerful reminder of the pageant’s mission. In partnership with Miss Earth, BingoPlus reaffirms its commitment to creating a positive impact by supporting initiatives that address environmental and social issues. BingoPlus believes that true beauty shines through purpose — making a difference and working for a greener, better future for all.

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced the leading platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging interactive gaming and sports entertainment experiences. DigiPlus also operates GameZone, with more to come. For more information, visit www.digiplus.com.ph.

Filipino writers and creatives shine in the First Asian Literary Festival in Brussels

By MBrand

Filipino writers and creatives will share the spotlight with their Asian and European counterparts in the first edition of the Asian Literary Festival in central Brussels this weekend, Oct 4-5.

The festival, a brainchild of nomad cultural curator and former journalist Louise Baterna, founder and president of the Philippine Art and Culture Exchange (PACE), will take place this at the historic Galerie Bortier, a gallery of superb architecture once dedicated to ancient editions and second hand books and other publications.

Baterna, who is the festival director, emphasized that this is more than just a literary festival: “Our aim is to show the rich heritage of Asian literature and provide a platform for Asian contemporary voices in the heart of Europe.”

This literary festival reflects the growing vibrancy of Asian literary creation. It will feature award-winning writers, emerging authors, intellectuals, and creatives from Asia and the diaspora. The event’s theme, “Between Worlds: Reviving the Silk Route of Expression,” also aims to breath new life into ancient dialogues while fostering contemporary intercultural conversations.

“It is also cultural bridge-building exercise that honors historical connections between the east and west while fostering new creative partnerships,” Baterna added. “That is also the reason why we invited European authors because we believe that literature is “borderless”.

Among the Filipino writers and creatives invited to speak in this festival are poet A.D. Capili (Belgium), Professor Asuncion Fresnoza-Flot of the Université Libre de Bruxelles, award-winning Criselda Yabes (France) Dorie Reyes Polo, Claire Paladin and Maria Renker (Germany), Maya Butalid (the Netherlands), Myrani Miranda Pesquet and children’s book illustrator Darlee Urbiztondo (Belgium).

Louise Baterna

AD Capili

Doris Polo

Criselda Yabes

Maya Butalid

Many Filipino authors also participated in the virtual meet “Words Through Screens” which allowed them to introduce themselves and talk about their book. These video capsules will be shown during the festival on a big screen. Among selected and their respective books are Maxine Pulgar Ramos (“Boba Girl”), Jansen Bognot (Something is happening in Blake’s Mind”), Techni Calibuso (“Bloom Beyond Expectations”), Emaine Coronel (“Lola Fely’s Front Porch”), Gretchen Largoza (“Finish the Sentence”), Anjel Reyes (“Pocketful of Regrets”), MGV Reamico (“Befriending my Amygdala”), Jenny Albinio (“Diwata and the Dinagyang Festival”), Astrid Sadaya (“I sea Poetry”), Kahlil Carozo (“Rajah Versus Conquistador) and Danabelle Gutierrez (“The F Word”).

Invited to grace the opening cocktail is Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Pabs Mendoza of the Philippine Embassy in Brussels while three Filipino musical talents were also invited to perform during the opening cocktail. They are Belgium-based Denise Musni, Mark Arquilla and Clarice Manuel.

PACE, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating platforms for Filipino and Asian creatives in Belgium and beyond, partnered with the Asian Group of Literature, a social enterprise that promotes reading, translating, peer reviews and publishing through its large ecosystem which includes the Asian Prizes for literature and the Asian Review.

The Asian Literary Festival in Brussels is the first in a “caravan” of Asian Literary Festivals to be held around the world in Odisha (India), Gampaha (Sri Lanka), Nairobi (Kenya) and Abu Dhabi (UAE).

Claudia Valentina launches bold new single 'Candy'

By MBrand

Claudia at The Great Escape Festival. (Courtesy of Gay Times)

British-born singer-songwriter Claudia Valentina makes a powerful return to the global music scene with the release of her new single Candy. At just 24 years old, she brings a fresh and dynamic sound that blends pop, R&B, and electronic influences into an energetic anthem celebrating confidence, individuality, and empowerment.

Claudia’s journey to this moment has been shaped by determination and creativity. Raised on the quiet island of Guernsey, she immersed herself in ballet and drama from a young age. By 10, she had already landed a role in Billy Elliot the Musical in London. Later, she moved with her mother to Los Angeles, chasing the Hollywood dream. Years of auditions, rejections, and studio work forged the resilient and self-assured artist she is today, as noted by The Face magazine.

Before stepping into the spotlight with her music, Claudia made waves behind the scenes as a songwriter. She co-wrote tracks for global superstars, including BLACKPINK’s Jump and Jennie’s Mantra. Working with renowned producers such as Johan Carlsson, Lostboy, and Tom Mann, Claudia developed a sound that combines infectious pop hooks with raw emotional honesty. 

Why 'Candy' stands out

Candy is more than a catchy pop track; it represents Claudia’s bold artistic vision and fearless self-expression. The song features polished production, rich harmonies, and her confident vocals, delivering themes of empowerment, identity, and independence. Claudia describes her music as something people can both feel intimately and experience cinematically, aiming to create songs that are “music that people make babies to” (MYP Magazine).(MYP Magazine).

A Visual Spectacle

The official Candy music video is a vivid expression of Claudia’s creative vision. Blending vintage Americana style with a modern edge, she leads an all-female cast through striking choreography and cinematic scenes. Full Access Magazine highlights that this concept was six years in the making, reflecting Claudia’s commitment to meticulous storytelling.

Claudia Valentina for Extra Agenda. (Courtesy of Dork)

Rooted in authenticity

Influenced by her travels between Guernsey, London, and Los Angeles, Claudia’s style is a unique blend of diverse inspirations. Growing up without a local music scene, she sought creativity from the world around her, crafting a sound that mirrors her international experiences.

“I’ve spent a big part of my life hunting the right setup with my team, and I’m lucky to call them my best friends as well,” she shares with MYP Magazine.

Her image combines “Chanel” glamour with “Supergirl” boss energy, a deliberate choice reflecting her desire to make every project as grand as possible. This philosophy shines through in both Candy’s sound and visuals, according to The Face.

Poised for global success

With catchy hooks and relatable themes, Candy is set to resonate with audiences worldwide. Claudia’s successful songwriting background in both Western pop and K-pop markets positions her uniquely for crossover appeal. Her bold aesthetic ensures she stands out in today’s crowded music landscape.

Looking ahead

Candy is now streaming on Spotify and available on YouTube, marking the beginning of Claudia's new chapter. She promises more singles, collaborations, and visually ambitious projects in the coming months as she climbs tow