Diwata Shares His Journey From Living Under A Bridge To Owning His Paresan

Diwata, also known as Deo Balbuena, shared his inspiring journey from adversity to success on Toni Gonzaga's show "Toni Talks".

Initially gaining attention after being stabbed on the forehead by a friend during a dispute over drug use, Diwata's story began when he confronted his friends for using illegal drugs under a bridge. Despite their initial conflict, they have since reconciled, with some of them now working alongside Diwata. When asked by Toni Gonzaga if he uses drugs himself, Diwata firmly stated that he does not, emphasizing that he wouldn't be able to grow his business if he did.

The moniker "Diwata" originated from his participation in beauty pageants, as well as appearances on popular shows like It's Showtime and programs hosted by Willie Revillame.

Hailing from Samar, Diwata's parents were farmers, while his siblings worked as helpers and houseboys in Manila. He moved to Manila at the age of 17 to find work, starting with selling fruits in Pasig and later working as a houseboy for almost five years before transitioning to construction work. His construction job was halted due to the pandemic, leading him to sell cigarettes, soft drinks, coffee, and snacks.

After being offered by a friend, a former Chief Cook, to venture into selling food.

Many customers asked for pares. Due to high demand, Diwata decided to pursue selling it. Pares, a Filipino braised beef stew, became the flagship offering of his stall, Diwata Pares Overload, known for its affordable price of P100 inclusive of unlimited soup, rice, drinking water, and a soft drink.

Now, Diwata has achieved significant milestones, including purchasing his own home in Quezon City and acquiring a vehicle, marking a remarkable transformation from his humble beginnings under a bridge to becoming a successful entrepreneur.