Actor-singer Wilbert Ross chose to celebrate his 29th birthday in the place where it all began—his hometown in Davao.
During the launch of his first fragrance line, STRATO, Wilbert shared with LionhearTV and members of the entertainment press that instead of throwing a lavish birthday party, he opted to spend the occasion with his family and longtime friends.
“Dito na po kasi ako sa Manila ngayon, so parang gusto ko naman po yung bumalik ako kung saan ako nagsimula,” Wilbert said. “The usual birthday lang naman siya. Kasama ko po yung family ko and even yung mga friends ko nung high school.”
The Viva Artists Agency talent said returning home reminds him to stay grounded despite his growing career in the entertainment industry.
“It’s good na laging gano’n lang kasi para ma-look back ko kung saan ako nanggaling, sino yung mga nakasama ko, and yung mga naniwala sa akin from the start. Kaya nga gusto ko po kapag nauwi ako ng Davao, hindi ako si Wilbert Ross,” he shared.
Aside from talking about his birthday celebration, Wilbert also spoke about the inspiration behind STRATO, his fragrance collection under Viva Beauty.
For the actor-singer, smelling good is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to boost a person’s confidence.
“Kahit gaano kapogi, kung mabaho ka, X! Kahit gaano ka kaganda, kung mabaho ka, X! Basic things, at least smell good, maligo ng maayos, magpabango, ‘di ba? Minsan, napapalingon ka ‘pag dumaan sa’yo mabango. May iba kasing nagsasabi na, ‘Ay ang pogi!’ tapos pagdaan, nababawi ‘yung kapogian,” he shared.
According to Wilbert, fragrance plays an important role because the sense of smell greatly influences how people perceive one another.
“Talagang importante ‘yung fragrance kasi alam naman natin to stimulate ‘yong isang tao. May iba’t ibang senses tayo and nose is one of the main senses so isa ‘yon sa pinakaimportante.”
His fragrance line features three variants—Nimbus, Cirrus, and Cumulus—which he hopes will give users an added sense of confidence in their daily lives.
“Gusto ko maramdaman nilang confident sila. Confident silang magtaas ng kamay sa MRT. Confident sila na tumabi sa concert para makipagsiksikan. Confidence plus ‘yung gaan sa feeling na parang fresh feeling,” he said.
Fans attending Wilbert’s sold-out two-night solo concert, WRTen By, on July 25 and 26 at the New Frontier Theater will also have the opportunity to purchase a special STRATO bundle containing all three fragrance variants for ₱999, which comes with a complimentary photo opportunity with the actor-singer.
Fresh off the success of ‘Golden Scenery of Tomorrow’, Wilbert is set to reunite with Bea Binene in the upcoming Viva One series ‘Love U Lots’, premiering on July 24. The pair will also headline the Filipino adaptation of the hit Thai film ‘Pee Mak’.
