Kapuso actress Max Collins makes it a point to keep her home smelling fresh.
The actress shared this during an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) at the grand opening of Hiessence’s kiosk at SM Aura Premier on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
For Max, a good-smelling home sets a relaxing tone.
She explained: “I think it's a good first impression. Kasi kapag mabango yung bahay mo, ibig sabihin you're meticulous, you know, um, maalaga ka sa sarili at sa bahay.
"And as a mom, it's very important that you smell good and that your home smells good."
Max Collins has a five-year-old son, Skye Anakin, with her ex-husband Pancho Magno.
Beyond impressing guests, Max believes scent plays a big role in creating a positive atmosphere.
It can instantly uplift one’s mood—something she values in her daily life.
“Ako, I'm really into, like, eucalyptus and lavender scents, and I love vanilla as well. So it depends on my mood, but I like everything to smell fresh and clean,” she shared.
Max also revealed she has her eyes on upgrading her home set-up with a smart diffuser she spotted at the event—the Sharp 2 smart diffuser, priced at PHP35,000.
What caught her attention was not just its sleek design, but its smart features.
The device can connect to Wi-Fi and be controlled through an app, allowing users to manage both the scent diffusion and mood lighting even when they’re away from home.
"I've been looking for something that will make my home smell amazing. And especially because I have an Airbnb also in Boracay, so I'm always on the lookout for new diffusers," she said.
"And this one is so sleek, especially the latest one, yung pinakabago. It looks like a sharp, sexy pen. And I think it's gonna be perfect for my Airbnb."
Easy Hacks to Eliminate Odors at Home
For those who want more budget-friendly options, natural solutions can also do the trick when it comes to keeping homes fresh.
Activated charcoal, for instance, is known for its odor-absorbing properties. Highly porous, it works like a natural sponge that traps airborne particles rather than simply masking them.
Placing charcoal packets near odor sources and addressing root causes can help maintain a cleaner scent at home.
Another easy and all-natural solution is a stovetop simmer pot.
Using simple ingredients like orange or lemon peels, water, and optional add-ons such as mint leaves, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, or a splash of vanilla extract, you can create a fragrant steam that naturally fills the space.
To prepare, combine the ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a low simmer.
The result is a fresh, inviting aroma that effectively cuts through lingering odors—especially those from cooking.
CELEBRITIES SPOTTED
The launch turned out to be a star-studded affair, with Max among the celebrities PEP spotted at the event.
She was joined by Marian Rivera, Ellen Adarna, and Kris Bernal, who led the ribbon-cutting ceremony with Hiessence founders Nice Sanchez and Zen Go, and other brand executives.
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Kai Montinola was also in attendance and took to the stage for a special performance.
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Former Pinoy Big Brother housemates Kira Balinger and Seth Fedelin were also present.
Meanwhile, content creators Rei Germar, CK De Leon, Cat Arambulo-Antonio, and Hayb Anzures Abu-Shendi—also known as Pareng Hayb—shared their experiences with Hiessence.
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