Deo Jarito Balbuena (born August 31, 1982), also known as Diwata,[1][2] is a Filipino internet personality, food vlogger,[3][4] entrepreneur,[5] and advocate within the LGBTQ+ community.[6] He is known for his business Diwata Pares Overload.[7]
Diwata | |
|---|---|
| Born | Deo Jarito Balbuena August 31, 1982 Northern Samar, Philippines |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Education | Don Juan F. Avalon National High School |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, actor, content creator |
| Known for | Owner of Diwata Pares Overload business |
Biography
editBalbuena was born on August 31, 1982 in Northern Samar.[8] At the age of 17, Balbuena ventured to Metro Manila in pursuit of opportunities, completing secondary education at Don Juan F. Avalon National High School in San Roque, Northern Samar. Initially employed as a beautician, Diwata later diversified into trading, vending coffee, cigarettes, and candies, alongside construction work to supplement income. Diwata's pares business has garnered significant attention on social media for its perceived value, offering a comprehensive meal package for ₱100, inclusive of unlimited rice, soup, and a soft drink.[6][9][10]
In 2016, Balbuena first went viral for his strut at the police station after being involved in an incident where he reported two acquaintances using illegal drugs beneath J.W. Diokno Bridge in Pasay.[11] The complaint escalated into a physical altercation, during which Balbuena was wounded on his forehead and arm with a cutter by the person he had reported.[6][12]
Before gaining prominence as a notable food vendor, Diwata initially gained attention as a contestant on the "Miss Q and A" segment of the Philippine television program It's Showtime in 2019.[5][6][13]
On April 16, 2024, Balbuena was arrested in connection with a slight physical injury case filed against him in 2018.[1] He was released the same day after posting bail of ₱3,000.[4][14]
In April 2024, he revealed in his vlog that he began taping for Batang Quiapo as its new cast member.[15][16]
Diwata is running in the 2025 Philippine House of Representatives elections as fourth nominee for the Vendors Partylist, an organization seeking party-list representation.[17]
Awards
editIn May 2024, Balbuena was awarded 'Most Sensational Media Personality of the Year' at the Gawad Dangal Filipino Awards 2024[18] and 'Social Media Influencer of the Year' at the Asia's Golden Icon Awards.[19]
Filmography
edit| Year | Title | Role | Network | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Batang Quiapo | Frida | Kapamilya Channel | [9] |
References
edit- ^ a b Loreto, Russel P. (April 19, 2024). "Taste of fame: Viral 'pares' server arrested for 2018 case". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
- ^ Argosino, Faith (April 18, 2024). "Cops arrest social media personality Diwata for slight physical injuries". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
- ^ "Food vlogger 'Diwata' arrested for 2018 case". GMA News Online. April 18, 2024. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
- ^ a b Argosino, Faith (April 18, 2024). "'Diwata' released from police custody after posting bail". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
- ^ a b "Migs tries out Diwata's trending overload pares on "My Puhunan"". ABS-CBN. April 26, 2024. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Napoles, Jimboy. "Meet Diwata a.k.a. Deo Balbuena, ang tinaguriang 'Pares Overload Queen'" [Meet Diwata a.k.a. Deo Balbuena, the one tagged as the 'Pares Overload Queen']. GMA Entertainment (in Filipino). Retrieved May 29, 2024.
- ^ Juayong, Katrina Anne (April 19, 2024). "Social media users defend Diwata from unreasonable critics and those who 'milk' his business for online content". POP!. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
- ^ "67. VENDORS" (PDF). Commission on Elections. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
- ^ a b Mercado, Josh (May 27, 2024). "Diwata opens up on newfound fame, 'Batang Quiapo'". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
- ^ Adriatico, Abigail; Villanueva, Angelica (May 27, 2024). "Diwata Pares Overload opens Quezon City branch, owner shares humble start on Marvin Agustin's vlog". Manila Standard. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
- ^ Bading, sinaksak umano sa mukha ng kanyang kaibigang pinapalayas na niya [Bading had his face stabbed by friend who evicted him]. Unang Balita (in Filipino). September 23, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ ‘Pinoy Battousai’ at Diwata, kumusta na ang anger management ngayon? [‘Pinoy Battousai’ and Diwata, how are they dealing with their anger management nowadays?]. Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho (in Filipino). January 30, 2024. Retrieved May 29, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ "FPJ's Batang Quiapo BTS Diwata as Frida". ABS-CBN. April 21, 2024.
- ^ Bautista, Nillicent. "Internet personality 'Diwata' nabbed, posts bail". Philstar.com. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
- ^ "Diwata recalls first shooting day for 'FPJ's Batang Quiapo' with Coco Martin: 'Muntik na nga niya ako mahalikan eh'" [Diwata recalls first shooting day for 'FPJ's Batang Quiapo' with Coco Martin: 'He almost kissed me']. Manila Bulletin (in English and Filipino). Retrieved July 7, 2024.
- ^ Sayson, Cris (May 28, 2024). "Diwata Reveals He Is Currently Single & Happy". PhilNews. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
- ^ "'Unli-rice' at Batasan? Pares sensation Diwata seeks congressional seat". ABS-CBN. October 2, 2024. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
- ^ "Deo Balbuena, known as 'Diwata', wins 'Most Sensational Media Personality of the Year'". Balikbayan Store. May 1, 2024. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
- ^ Monserate, Glory Mae (May 31, 2024). "Diwata, nakatanggap ng 'Social Media Influencer of the Year' Award". Kami.com.ph - Philippines news. Retrieved June 1, 2024.