Deo Jarito Balbuena (born 1982),[1] also known as Diwata,[2][3] is a Filipino internet personality, food vlogger,[4][5] entrepreneur,[6] and advocate within the LGBTQ+ community.[7] He is known for his business Diwata Pares Overload.[8]
Balbuena was born and raised in the province of Samar. 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.[7][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 BridgeinPasay.[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.[7][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.[6][7][13]
On April 16, 2024, Balbuena was arrested in connection with a slight physical injury case filed against him in 2018.[2] He was released the same day after posting bail of ₱3,000.[5][14][15][16]
In April 2024, he revealed in his vlog that he began taping for Batang Quiapo as its new cast member.[1][17][18]
In May 2024, Balbuena was awarded 'Most Sensational Media Personality of the Year' at the Gawad Dangal Filipino Awards 2024[19] and 'Social Media Influencer of the Year' at the Asia's Golden Icon Awards.[20]
