Arzen Rose Dulzura

EXCLUSIVE: Former ‘Deal or No Deal’ briefcase girl Diana Qeblawi launches her own cosmetics line, recalls  working with Kris Aquino

Article (news)

Rhea Manila Santos

Push Team

<p>It has been almost a decade since ABS-CBN aired the final episode of the popular game show <em>Kapamilya Deal or No Dea</em>l, but people still remember fond moments with its original host Kris Aquino, The Banker, and the “26K girls” which was composed of models holding 26 briefcases with varying monetary amounts. One of the original members included Arab-Filipina beauty Diana Qeblawi.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17547960445991754796084003.jpeg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>Now based in the US with her American husband John Wong, Diana recently flew back to Manila to showcase her own beauty brand Qeblawi Cosmetics which she launched in late 2021 and offers Halal-certified products. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17547960950191754796136013.jpeg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>“It feels amazing to be back. I’ve grown so much and now I get to share all of it with the country that raised me. Joining <em>Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal </em>as one of the 26K girls in 2006 was a huge milestone for me, especially since I was the first to be recognized by the public. I was part of the first three seasons from 2007 to 2009, and holding those iconic briefcases was such a thrill! We got to switch things up each episode, which kept it fresh and exciting,” she told PUSH ABS-CBN in an exclusive interview. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17547961239401754796164174.jpeg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>“Being one of the first 26K girls to shine in the public eye was a game-changer. My charm and energy on screen really connected with viewers, and I&#x27;m so grateful for how that spotlight launched my career in the entertainment and fashion world. It opened doors for me in modeling for print ads, billboards, and runways, and it gave me the confidence to later pursue ventures like founding Qeblawi Cosmetics. Being part of <em>Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal </em>was an unforgettable ride that put me front and center in the hearts of Filipino audiences,” she added. </p><p>After leaving the Kapamilya show in 2009, Diana left the country and settled abroad. </p><p>“I left the Philippine showbiz industry to pursue new opportunities in Dubai as an interior designer and worked at Yakult as marketing manager, then went to the United States driven by a desire to explore a broader stage in fashion and beauty. The move was a chance to leverage my multicultural background in a global market. I did not pursue acting extensively, as my passion gravitated toward modeling and entrepreneurship, particularly in fashion and cosmetics, where I could express my creativity and vision more directly,” she said. </p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-24" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DD2e8NGysIK/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A24%2C%22os%22%3A10782652.600000024%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="801" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-24" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Now fully focused on running her own business, Diana was successful in putting her multicultural roots front and center. Paying tribute to her father by naming her brand after him, Diana says she wanted to honor her family’s heritage. </p><p>“As a Muslim family, we are driven by values of integrity and inclusivity, which inspired me to create a line of halal-certified cosmetics. Every product is thoughtfully crafted to be safe, ethical, and compliant with halal standards, ensuring that everyone can embrace beauty with confidence and peace of mind. Our halal-certified products are crafted to be safe, ethical, and inclusive, ensuring everyone can enjoy beauty without compromise. We blend Filipina, Arab, and global influences, creating versatile, high-quality products that encourage bold self-expression while maintaining affordability and accessibility,” she explained. </p><p>Even if her stint on the game show had long ended, Diana shared that she is still in touch with some of her former colleagues. </p><p>“I’ve stayed in touch with some of my <em>Deal or No Deal</em> batchmates, like a few of the 26K girls, through occasional messages or social media. We have also made a reunion last year with some of the girls, but distance and busy schedules have made it challenging to maintain close ties. During my time at ABS-CBN, I formed friendships with colleagues on set, though I didn’t deeply connect with many celebrities outside the show due to my focus on modeling and later my move to Dubai then US. The camaraderie among the 26K girls was a highlight, as we shared the excitement and pressure of live tapings,” she added. </p><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-26" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DD7t3VSztij/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A26%2C%22os%22%3A10800206.600000024%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="719" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-26" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Having been part of the original season of the show, Diana also revealed how it felt working with the Queen of All Media, who hosted <em>Deal or No Deal</em>’s first season. </p><p>“Working with Kris Aquino was unforgettable—she brought incredible energy to <em>Kapamilya Deal or No Deal</em>. One vivid memory was her ability to connect with everyone on set, from contestants to crew, making the atmosphere lively and supportive. Off-camera, Kris was warm and approachable, often checking in with the 26K girls to ensure we felt comfortable. Her professionalism and genuine care for the team were qualities that stood out, though she kept a polished demeanor that not everyone saw,” she recalled. </p>

<p>Former 26K girl and former local beauty queen Diana Qeblawi returns to the Philippines with her first Arab-Filipina-owned cosmetics line. She recalls how it was working alongside Kris Aquino and credits 'Kapamilya Deal or No Deal' with helping in her growth as an entrepreneur.</p>

Former 26K girl and former local beauty queen Diana Qeblawi returns to the Philippines with her first Arab-Filipina-owned cosmetics line. She recalls how it was working alongside Kris Aquino and credits 'Kapamilya Deal or No Deal' with helping in her growth as an entrepreneur.

EXCLUSIVE: Former ‘Deal or No Deal’ briefcase girl Diana Qeblawi launches her own cosmetics line, recalls working with Kris Aquino

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EXCLUSIVE: Former ‘Deal or No Deal’ briefcase girl Diana Qeblawi launches her own cosmetics line, recalls working with Kris Aquino

Rhea Manila Santos,

Push Team

Published August 10, 2025 11:25 AM PHT

Read More:

Diana Qeblawi

Qeblawi Cosmetics

Kapamilya Deal or No Deal

Kris Aquino

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