Mark Rivera launches aspirational online show
Mark Rivera has just added another feather to his cap.
The Unbreak My Heart actor recently launched Casa Lusso, a company specializing in the design/construction of residential, commercial and industrial real estate construction projects.
“Casa Lusso means luxury house in Italian. It's a one-stop shop for people looking for unique but affordable luxury design concepts,” explains the Casa Lusso CEO, who spent most of his growing up years in Italy where his Filipino parents have been based.
Given his architectural background in college, it's not surprising that Mark pursued his interest in design/build services.
He elaborates, “Casa Lusso is actually just one of five other companies which have their own respective target markets. For Casa Lusso, we are catering to the luxury market, and we want to shatter the myth that high-end design concepts are expensive.”
To prove his point, Mark will soon be launching his De-Tour online show, an aspirational/how-to documentary which he hopes will inspire viewers in embracing fresh and innovative design ideas.
Mark beams excitedly about the prospect of hosting De-Tour, “It's like a documentary where we discuss the feasibility of a design/build venture, show before/after vids, discuss choice of materials, timelines, costings, and we'll be featuring guests who are specialists in their field - interior designers, contractors, architects, etc.”
“The pilot episode will be ten minutes long, initially, to make it a quick-watch for netizens.
“Initially, the show's pilot episode will be launched on YouTube, but subsequent episodes will also run on our other social media platforms.”
To date, some of Casa Lusso's projects include hotels, restaurants, museums and even AirBnB accommodations in and outside Metro Manila.
He adds, “The original idea was to create unique AirBnB places that you can't find anywhere else. So, we acquired some idle buildings and converted them into Instagram-worthy vacation destinations, and the feedback was amazing!”
“We started renovating AirBnB destinations in BGC, Makati and Ortigas, and lately, we've been working on a hostel in La Union and Batangas, a derma clinic in Ortigas, a Laguna resort, and a hotel in Olongapo City.”
Mark and his Casa Lusso team mark another milestone as they forge a partnership with HCG Philippines, one of the country's leading bathroom solutions providers.
Mark proudly exclaims, “In our ongoing quest to define state-of-the-art design, it's both an honor and privilege to work with a brand that has been synonymous with luxury, and we are confident that their products will be a staple feature in all of our projects in the years to come.”
For their part, HCG Philippines Vice President David Chang affirms the company's commitment towards making affordable and quality bathroom solutions a staple in Filipino households and other commercial buildings, and takes great pride in being realigned with Casa Lusso's vision for luxury design.
So far, Mark finds it a breeze juggling his busy work schedule and bustling showbiz career.
He says, “Luckily, we've finished taping our Unbreak episodes last month, and it's exciting to see how our diehard fans are reacting to the plot twist as we approach the show's finale in October.”
Thanks to the show's popularity, Mark has now become a familiar face to keen showbiz watchers. The once reluctant actor now enjoys basking in his newfound fame.
“It still feels surreal,” admits Mark, who has now become accustomed to being recognized in public and being asked to pose for quick fan selfies wherever he goes.
“Actually, it's also the Bench billboards,” he adds, referring to his larger-than-life half-naked pics strewn all over the metro's major thoroughfares. “I didn't expect those to create such an impact, but I'm flattered with all the positive reviews. I hope it's a good start.”
Aside from his Bench ads, Mark is also one of the brand ambassadors of Skin Elements, alongside Claudine Barretto.
After his Unbreak stint, Mark will soon be working on a TV romcom, as well as two other movie projects: I Love Mati, a romcom with Shaira Diaz and Enzo Pineda to be shot in Davao, as well as another still untitled flick with Claudine Barretto.
ALV Talent Circuit president Arnold Vegafria, Mark's manager, is visibly elated over his young ward's success.
He remarks, “He's young and very driven in pursuing his passions, whether in showbiz or business. It's remarkable that he isn't easily flustered by his newfound fame, and still manages to carve his own niche as an entrepreneur. Being a highly creative thinker and design specialist, it's not surprising how he's laid out the perfect design template for his life goals.”