In 2016, Deo Balbuena, better known as Diwata, captured the heart of many netizens after showing his beauty queen’s flair in the Pasay City precinct despite having been left wounded.
Eight years later, Diwata’s story has come full circle. Featured on the January 28, 2024, episode of Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, he revealed that the two friends he had clashed with had been released from prison and reconciled. But instead of dwelling on the past, Diwata has turned his focus to the future, building a life filled with hope, determination, and delicious food.
Because of his determination, Diwata is now the proud owner of “Diwata Pares Overload” in Pasay City. There, he serves tasty pares paired with lechon kawali and chicharong bulaklak for just 100 pesos. It’s a far cry from his days of struggle, but Diwata hasn’t forgotten where he came from.
In his interview with Tikim TV, Diwata opened up about his past struggles, including living under a bridge and hustling to make ends meet by selling on the streets. But instead of letting adversity define him, he rewrote his story, one plate of pares at a time.
With determination and hard work, Diwata saved up enough to start his own business. With his friend’s help, he opened a small canteen to sell his signature dishes. And the rest, as they say, is history.
As tears rose in his eyes, Diwata reflected on his journey from scavenging for food in garbage bins to owning a thriving eatery that operates 24/7. It’s a fairy tale ending that proves that with perseverance and a sprinkle of magic, anything is possible.
References:
- https://pop.inquirer.net/359735/diwata-pares-claps-back-at-haters-assures-patrons-they-will-remain-open-despite-closure-order
- https://philnews.ph/2024/02/02/remember-diwata-here-he-is-now-after-being-precinct-sensation-2016/#google_vignette
- https://goodvibesdaily.ph/from-viral-precinct-sensation-to-foodie-boss-how-diwata-turned-his-story-into-fairy-tale-ending