Pares Vendor Diwata Revisits Bridge Where He Used to Live
DIWATA – The social media personality and pares vendor revisited his former residence under a bridge where he once lived and assisted those still residing there. He personally repacked groceries and distributed them to homeless individuals, aiming to alleviate their daily struggles.
Diwata expressed a strong connection to his past experiences of hardship, recalling how he and others had scavenged for food to survive. Alongside distributing essentials, he shared his famous pares dish, symbolizing both sustenance and his personal journey from poverty to success.
Visiting his old haunts under the bridge, Diwata reunited with former companions, offering practical assistance and emotional support. He emphasized the deep satisfaction he felt in giving back to those who once shared his struggles.
Accompanied by his team and fellow vlogger Alex, Diwata’s outreach exemplified his commitment to using his platform for meaningful social impact. His actions not only provided immediate relief but also underscored the importance of empathy and solidarity in addressing societal challenges.
Meanwhile, Diwata, whose real name is Deo Jarito Balbuena, is a well-known Filipino internet personality, food vlogger, entrepreneur, and member of the LGBTQ+ community. He is the founder and CEO of Diwata Pares Overload, a business specializing in the Filipino dish pares.
Balbuena was born and raised in Samar but moved to Manila at the age of 17 to seek better opportunities. He has worked in various jobs, including as a fruit vendor, helper, construction worker, beautician, and sari-sari store owner. His initial rise to fame came from his participation in the ‘Miss Q&A’ segment on the TV show ‘It’s Showtime.’
In 2016, Diwata gained viral attention following an incident at a police station where he reported acquaintances for drug use, leading to a physical altercation that garnered media coverage. Despite facing legal challenges, such as being arrested in 2018 for a slight physical injury case (and later released on bail), his popularity continued to grow. Diwata further solidified his fame through appearances in Coco Martin’s TV series “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” on ABS-CBN.