Social media sensation and pares entrepreneur Deo Jarito Balbuena, more popularly known as Diwata, couldn’t hold back tears as he opened up about the financial struggles he is now facing after the closure of his Quezon City branch.
In an interview, Diwata revealed that he was left with over ₱300,000 in unpaid bills and an additional ₱350,000 in cash debt that he did not expect would fall under his responsibility.
“Nakakaiyak talaga, 300 thousand plus ang babayaran ko. Parang rent ’yan doon sa Quezon City branch. Parang kuryente bills, I don’t know. Ganoon kasi ’yung nakalagay don sa file ng may-ari. Ako talaga ’yung magbabayad, obligado ako. Kaya ako naiyak kasi ang laki ng 300 thousand, ’di ba?” he said, nearly in tears.
The viral pares owner added that apart from not earning from the now-closed QC branch, he was also left carrying the burden of loans and unsettled expenses.
“Bukod pa sa 350 thousand na cash, nautangan pa nila ako. Nakaka-disappoint lang talaga kasi wala na nga ako kinita doon sa paresan ko, nautangan pa ako at magbabayad pa ako. Sobrang sakit para sa akin kasi hindi naman ako mayaman. Alam n’yo naman ’yung journey ko sa buhay, nagsikap lang ako,” Diwata lamented.
The branch, which opened in June 2024 with star-studded support from personalities such as QC Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, Ara Mina, Rendon Labador, Rosmar Tan, Boy Logro, and several vloggers, has since shut down.
Here’s our photo gallery of our coverage during the grand opening last year:
Diwata’s story has long resonated with Filipinos. Before finding fame through his Overload Pares business, he worked as a construction worker, beautician, sari-sari store owner, and even joined It’s Showtime’s “Miss Q&A.” His signature ₱100 pares meals with unlimited rice, soup, and soft drinks drew long lines daily, eventually cementing his place as a viral food icon.
Despite the setback, Diwata continues to run his original pares venture, known for its generous servings and signature “fried siken,” which remain a hit with loyal customers.
Earlier this year, he also tried his luck in politics by running under a party-list group, though he did not secure a seat.
