On What Matters Most: DonBelle Reveals SMART Choices for Their Future

The new generation's phenomenal loveteam, Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano or DonBelle, opened up about their most cherished values in a recent interview for their latest campaign with Smart Prepaid.

The hit on-screen partners and Smart Prepaid endorsers revealed how fame has molded them into more responsible individuals, recognizing that the decisions they make today will shape their future.

“I think what I value most is my time because I feel like anyone who gives time to something means you value that thing because there's so much you can do in life but there's so little time you can do them,” said Donny.

“It's a very important thing to keep in mind that time is not infinite and it's something you should really cherish. So that value can go to your family, friends, or loved ones,” he added.

Belle echoed this by saying, “I think that goes for everyone. I value my family so much, my friends, everyone in my life and I wouldn't be me without them.”

Finding great value in smart choices

Donny and Belle are strong advocates of the importance of making smart choices to secure their future.

“As young as we may be, we know that as a generation, we can influence the next generation so it’s important that we make smart decisions in our everyday lives that will affect our future,” said Belle.

In this digital age, DonBelle believes that online shopping allows for more savings compared to visiting malls and stores, hence, it's important to always stay connected online so you won't miss huge deals and discounts and get to check out more options for your needs.

“I sometimes prefer online selling platforms compared to malls, like, if I like to buy something, I compare options on where I should source out things. Most of the time, I end up getting them online, delivered to my house,” said Donny.

For Belle’s part, she said, “Who doesn't prefer sulit? I think it's a very wise decision for us to make. I always go for quality. That’s how I know I’m getting my money’s worth because spending our money wisely never gets old.”

Belle also added that she is a fan of Buy 1 Take 1 deals. Belle is conscious about how a product is made and is a fan of purchases that last longer. “For me, it’s quality over quantity. People should always go for things that they can use for a long period of time.”

On making the most out of your money

Donny offered some valuable financial advice for Gen Zs like him. He suggested allocating a portion of your budget for spontaneous purchases but emphasizes the importance of setting a strict limit.

“Most of the time, we act on emotion, not by common sense. When I don’t really process something, we make decisions we regret. Same with spending, right? Planning is important. You can even set aside a budget for your spontaneous purchases and don’t spend anything beyond that amount,” he said.

Both actors also stressed the significance of seeking guidance from trusted financial advisors. Donny recommended seeking advice from individuals you admire and who have experience, such as your parents, and being accountable to them.

“Get advice from people you look up to, people who have gone before you like your parents and be accountable to people. Also do your research. put your money in a place that you are certain that will grow to, di lang one place but in different places,” he explained.

Get your money’s worth with Smart’s Super Value Deals

Speaking of prioritizing value for money, DonBelle is the face of Smart Prepaid's Super Value Deals, three value-packed offerings that Smart Prepaid subscribers can enjoy for only Php99 each: PowerAll 99, Magic Data 99, and the Smart Prepaid eSIM.

PowerAll 99 comes with an 8 GB data for all sites and apps, Unlimited All-Net Texts, and Unlimited TikTok for 7 days, while Magic Data 99 comes with 2 GB for all sites and apps with no expiration. Subscribers may conveniently register to Power All 99 or Magic Data 99 via the Smart App or heading to their trusted retailers.

On the other hand, the Smart Prepaid eSIM makes it so much easier for subscribers to enjoy greater flexibility with multiple SIMs in one device - without the need for a physical SIM card. Mobile users can now order the Smart Prepaid eSIM at the Smart Online Store and can be digitally delivered via email instantly. It is also available at accredited retailers at local and international airports, malls, and Smart flagship stores on e-commerce sites like Lazada and Shopee.

Smart Prepaid's Super Value Deals are powered by the Philippines’ Fastest and Best Mobile Network as recognized by Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband network intelligence. Smart earned this prestigious and rare citation in three consecutive reports—Q1-Q2 2022, Q3-Q4 2022, and Q1-Q2 2023.

To learn more about Smart Prepaid's latest offers and exclusive deals, download the Smart App now or follow Smart's official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

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Radyo5 TRUE FM’s Pursuit of Excellence Rewarded with “Best Radio Station” Award and Improved Ratings

Radyo5 TRUE FM has marked another important milestone by winning the “Best Radio Station” award at the recently concluded 11th Makatao Awards of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP).

This recognition highlights the big strides that Radyo 5 has made since it successfully rebranded its radio station in March of this year and transformed its programming to deliver truthful and impactful news and public services shows on the FM band.

According to NIELSEN ratings, the station holds the No. 7 position in the FM band and the No. 8 spot among all radio stations in the country, surpassing DZBB, which ranks No. 10. Meanwhile, based on KANTAR ratings, TRUE FM secured the Top 5 spot for the second quarter of 2023.

Moreover, Radyo5 TRUE FM has boosted its weekly listenership, which now stands at an impressive 23%. The number of its Facebook followers has reached 5.2 million, making it the most followed radio station page in the country.

These metrics confirm the significant progress that the station has made in becoming the top choice of radio listeners for “real, relatable and reliable content” anchored on its battlecry, “Dito Tayo sa Totoo!”

TRUE FM’s leading programs include Mon Gualvez’s “Bangyon Bayan with Mon,” “Ted Failon & DJ Chacha,” the flagship news program “Radyo5: Balita Pilipinas,” Lourd De Veyra’s “Sana Lourd,” Danton Remoto’s “Pinoy Konek,” Bro. Jun Banaag’s “Dr. Love,” Senator Raffy Tulfo’s “Wanted sa Radyo,” Dr. Edinell Calvario’s “Healing Galing,” Cristy Fermin’s “Cristy Ferminute,” and more.

“With these achievements, Radyo5 TRUE FM reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accuracy, and fairness in journalism while continuing to provide quality content that resonates with its target audience,” said Raul M. Dela Cruz, Radyo5 TRUE FM General Manager.

“Tune in to the country’s real, relatable, and reliable radio station and find out why more and more listeners are getting hooked to Radyo5 TRUE FM’s engaging programs.” he added.

For more information and updates, check out Radyo5 TRUE FM’s social media pages on Facebook, the X app, and TikTok.

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ED SHEERAN Releases His New Album "Autumn Variations" Through Gingerbread Man Records

Announced last month, Ed Sheeran said of Autumn Variations -“Last autumn, I found that my friends and I were going through so many life changes. After the heat of the summer, everything either calmed, settled, fell apart, came to a head or imploded.”

“When I went through a difficult time at the start of last year, writing songs helped me understand my feelings and come to terms with what was going on, and when I learned about my friend’s different situations, I wrote songs, some from their perspectives, some from mine, to capture how they and I viewed the world at that time. There were highs of falling in love and new friendships among lows of heartbreak, depression, loneliness and confusion.”

“My dad and brother told me about a composer called Elgar, who composed ‘Enigma Variations’, where each of the 14 compositions were about a different one of his friends. This is what inspired me to make this album. When I recorded Subtract with Aaron Dessner, we clicked immediately. We wrote and recorded non-stop and this album was born out of that partnership. I feel he has captured the feeling of autumn so wonderfully in his sonics and I hope everyone loves it as much as I do.”

Ed Sheeran will play two sold out shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall on the 18th and 19th November. Set to perform his upcoming album ‘Autumn Variations’ in full on both nights - where Ed will also be accompanied by a live band and string section - it will be the only remaining chance to see him perform in the UK this year.

Autumn Variations tracklisting:

1. Magical 

2. England 

3. Amazing 

4. Plastic Bag 

5. Blue 

6. American Town 

7. That’s On Me 

8. Page 

9. Midnight 

10. Spring 

11. Punchline 

12. When Will I Be Alright 

13. The Day I Was Born 

14. Head > Heels

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It’s Double the Possession in “The Exorcist: Believer,” Showing in PH Cinemas on October 4

It’s double the possession in “The Exorcist: Believer” when two teenage girls come back from the woods unknowingly bringing with them a demonic spirit that will forever change their lives.

When the novel by William Peter Blatty, The Exorcist, arrived on shelves in 1971, a spellbound populace devoured the story of shaken faith, family trauma and demonic possession. When director William Friedkin brought the story - from an original screenplay by Blatty - to the screen in December 1973, global audiences were treated to an unimaginable fear that shook them to their core.

Now, 50 years since the blockbuster’s theatrical launch, “The Exorcist: Believer” marks a new beginning that takes audiences into the darkest heart of inexplicable evil. “The original Exorcist film was groundbreaking for its time, and we wanted to honor the film with this continuation,” producer Jason Blum says. While the 1973 film explored demonic possession from a predominantly Catholic perspective, The Exorcist: Believer incorporates multiple faiths in the fight to save two young girls.

“The film is dealing with the vulnerability of parenthood when you have a child with an unexplainable illness. How you approach a crisis like that is shaped by your own belief system: whether you’re a family that’s devout Baptist or a family that doesn’t believe in God, or a family that’s looking to the medical world, either with great hope or with great suspicion. The film engages in that conversation about science and spirituality,” shares director David Gordon Green.

Much of the film’s research landed on the screen in various forms, and spiritual experts from every faith referenced in The Exorcist: Believer were hired to consult with the filmmakers and the actors. In the film, the mission to save the teenage girls includes four primary community faith leaders: Catholic priest Father Maddox (E.J. Bonilla), Victor’s friend Stuart, a Pentecostal preacher (Danny McCarthy), Doctor Beehibe, a root doctor (Okwui Okpokwasili) and Pastor Don Revans, a Baptist preacher (Raphael Sbarge).

As the production’s Spiritual Coordinator Carla Duren ensured the spiritual safety of the cast and crew - including their mental and emotional wellbeing. Before production began, Olivia O’Neill’s mother brought her to a church in order to get a blessing (just to be safe). While there, she met the legendary Martin Sheen, who gave O’Neill his personal rosary for her protection during filming.

The rituals around exorcism and demonology are varied, fascinating and often mysterious. According to Carla Duren, many of the ritualistic practices and spells seen and heard within the film are from actual exorcism rites and practices, including some of Doctor Beehibe’s practices, which are rooted in spiritual and healing methods that originated in various parts of Africa. Additionally, according to project consultant Dr. David Bell, a professor at Georgia State University who specializes in psychology of religion, well-to-do religions, generally, do not have as many angry demons. But when life is rough, when minimum life requirements aren’t met in the lower socioeconomic status, there tends to be more demonology.

“The Exorcist: Believer” opens October 4 in cinemas nationwide from Universal Pictures International.

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