Complete the ‘Premium’ Experience at B Hotel Alabang.

Foodies need not look any further if they want to enjoy the best of Filipino food and more. B Hotel Alabang’s Prime Café offers the Philippines’ most sought-after dishes as well as other favorites from around the country.

This boutique hotel in Alabang may not be the largest in the area, but it is packed with everything you need in the city. A relaxing and homey accommodation, an outdoor Jacuzzi for ultimate relaxation, a gym, a function room that can accommodate up to 80 persons, a well-known Filipino restaurant, and a Pastry Corner for the best-baked concoctions in the Metro.

“We take pride in providing good quality of service. Being the number 1 TripAdvisor hotel in the Alabang area is an honor for us, and I believe that this achievement is proof of the quality of hospitality that we have always strived to provide our guests,” said Ms. Glennis Narciso, Hotel Manager of B Hotel Alabang during a media get together.

One aspect of their service that they are highlighting is their very own restaurant – Prime Café. This restaurant offers an impressively wide variety dishes and of particular note is the top-notch Filipino cuisine that it is known for. Their chefs headed by Sous Chef Andrea Urcia put their heart into every dish that they serve, especially the ones that boast rich flavors.

Prime Café offers buffets and Bistro a la carte and is open daily from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm. Lunch buffets are scheduled every Friday from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm and cost only Php 750 per person. They also offer breakfast buffets every weekend from 6:00 am to 10:00 am which only costs Php 650 per person.

And even if you are in the North area, you may still get to taste the best Filipino and also international cuisine at B Hotel in Quezon City headed by Executive Sous Chef Vincent Odejar. The Lobby Café in B Hotel Quezon City is known for specializing in international cuisine that will surely give you a delicious journey for your taste buds. Serving ala-carte dishes and buffet breakfasts, the Lobby Café is also a feast for the eyes as it is to the tummy. It has also a cool vibe that perfectly matches the hotel’s industrial architecture.

B Hotel Alabang and B Hotel Quezon City are 4-star hotels that are both managed by The Bellevue Hotels & Resorts. If you are looking for great amenities and exceptional service at a price that won’t break the bank, these hotels are definitely your best choices.

For inquiries and reservations, you may contact B Hotel Alabang at (+632) 8828 8181 or visit www.bhotelalabang.com, and B Hotel Quezon City at (+632) 8990 5000 or visit www.bhotelqc.com.

Start a dream game stream with the new Galaxy A Series.

In the past, aspiring game streamers had to spend thousands of pesos for a state-of-the-art smartphone, along with other equipment, just to play and gain an online audience. Those who couldn’t invest in high-powered devices had to deal with laggy streams, a low-quality camera, and a screen that didn’t bring out the vibrance of the game.

Thankfully, with a few hacks here and there, it’s possible to have a dream game stream. Here are a few:

Find a niche

The first step to starting a dream stream is to figure out what game to play. Some may recommend popular titles but what’s more important is for the player to select the game he or she is interested in. It doesn’t matter if it’s a niche game that not everyone knows. The goal is to grow a community that enjoys the game as much as the player does. Who knows? This might build curiosity from those who haven’t heard of the title. The important thing for gamers to remember is that a title that they genuinely like makes streams more engaging since viewers also look for their personality and their reactions to what’s happening.

Stick to a schedule

Consistency is key and this applies to streaming, too. Viewers need to know what the schedule is so they know when to return. According to Twitch, an interactive live streaming service, the best time to stream is between midnight to 9 a.m. or on weekends. Once players establish a schedule, viewers can build a habit and become solid fans.

Engage with the community

Streaming is a community where gamers and followers know each other. It’s important to engage with viewers to make them feel welcome. Reply to comments or chat with them while streaming. It’s also advisable to watch other gamers to make new friends and even pick up tips for the next stream.

Have the right device

It’s easy to think that a dream game stream needs a lot of fancy equipment and while it’ll help, a good device is enough for beginners. Consider a smartphone with a powerful processor and 5G connectivity so there won’t be any lags, and a long battery life so there’s no need to charge frequently. A screen that brings out all the colors of the game makes viewing more enticing.

Aspiring streamers can begin their dream live stream and seamlessly play games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang with the new Samsung Galaxy A33, A53, and A73 5G.

The Galaxy A53 and A33 5G are powered by Exynos 1280 processor, while the Galaxy A73 5G is powered by Snapdragon 778G 5G processor. All of these new handsets have 5G connectivity, which improves performance and makes them run faster and smoother. These devices have long-lasting 5,000mAh batteries that allow gamers to stream their game all day.

The 6.7-inch 120Hz FHD+ Super AMOLED Plus Infinity-O Display on the Galaxy A73 5G provides stunning images for game streamers to enjoy an immersive visual experience. Meanwhile, the 6.5-inch 120Hz FHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity-O display on the Galaxy A53 5G and the 6.4-inch 90Hz FHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity-U display on the Galaxy A33 5G both provide a silky smooth gaming experience.

The A Series has the capability to create high-quality content. The 64MP primary lens on the Galaxy A53 5G and the 48MP primary lens on the Galaxy A33 5G make them excellent for capturing high-definition game streams. When it comes to video, the superior VDIS technology on the Galaxy A73 5G captures smooth movies ideal for live streaming and showcasing victory moments to fans. The Galaxy A73 5G also includes a 108MP wide-angle camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) that captures clear and sharp photos even in low light.

The Galaxy A53 5G is now available in Samsung.com, Samsung Experience Stores and Authorized Stores, Lazada, Shopee, Abenson.com and MemoXpress Online at the following prices: 

•  Galaxy A53 5G (8+256GB) - PHP 25,490 SRP 
•  Galaxy A53 5G (8+128GB) - PHP 23,490 SRP
•  Galaxy A53 5G (6+128GB) - PHP 22,990 SRP (Online Exclusive)

Gamers who want a more affordable gaming phone can check the Galaxy A33 5G, which is also available at the following price points:

• Galaxy A33 5G (8+256GB) - PHP 21, 990 SRP
• Galaxy A33 5G (8+128GB) - PHP 19,990 SRP
• Galaxy A33 5G (6+128GB) - PHP 18,990 SRP (Online Exclusive)
• Galaxy A33 5G (8+128GB) in Awesome White - PHP 19,990 SRP (Online Exclusive)
• Galaxy A33 5G (8+256GB) in Awesome White - PHP 21,990 SRP (Online Exclusive)

Both the Galaxy A53 5G and A33 5G will come in Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Blue, and Awesome Peach variants.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy A73 5G comes in Awesome Gray, Awesome White, and Awesome Mint, and is now available at the following prices:

• Galaxy A73 5G (8+256GB) - PHP 29, 990 SRP
• Galaxy A73 5G (8+128GB) - PHP 27,990 SRP
• Galaxy A73 5G (6+128GB) - PHP 26,990 SRP (Online Exclusive)

Watch out for more exclusive Mobile Legends offers soon! Visit the official Samsung Philippines Facebook page to learn more.

To know more about the new Galaxy A Series, visit samsung.com/ph.

Safe Samsung Shopping

Health and safety protocols are strictly followed in Samsung Experience Stores to keep consumers and employees safe. Adhering to the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Samsung has implemented the mandatory use of face masks, and performs frequent sanitation in all stores.

Samsung Experience Stores also has unique QR health declaration codes to promote a safe and contactless contact tracing process. Product demonstrations are done side-by-side instead of face-to-face while keeping the required safe distance of one (1) meter to make sure everyone is socially distanced. To find the nearest Samsung Experience Store, visit samsung.com/ph/samsung-experience-store/locations.

Pru Life UK taps Ben&Ben as an ally to help Filipino families get the most out of life.

Leading life insurer Pru Life UK officially introduced Ben&Ben as its new brand ambassador to help more Filipino families get the most out of life at a fun-filled family day event held at The Island in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

At the launch, the company talked about how the band perfectly aligns with the company's progressive and inclusive approach in defining a family. Testament to this is the insurer’s recently announced product called PRUHealth FamLove, a first-of-its-kind yearly renewable life insurance and critical illness plan that protects up to four family members under one policy. Under this plan, family members also include same-sex or common-law partners, parents, and adoptive children.

“Like many Filipino families, Ben&Ben is diverse, inclusive, and warmhearted. They resonate with the strong family ties that Filipinos are known for representing both the traditional and modern Filipino families. We are delighted to welcome Ben&Ben into our Pru Life UK family as our new brand ambassador and ally in helping more Filipino families get the most of life,” said Pru Life UK General Manager and Chief Commercial Officer Gilbert Simpao.

The top-rating Original Pilipino Music band who serenaded the crowd with its top hits such as Paninindigan Kita, Kathang Isip and Pagtingin, is a perfect example of both traditional and progressive Filipino families who are doing great things together, recognizing their differences, and celebrating diversity and inclusivity.

The event is Ben&Ben’s first public performance as Pru Life UK’s ally to help Filipino families of different types and sizes get the most out of their lives through PRUHealth FamLove, and its unique and game changing features. The product is designed for customers to share their critical illness protection coverage with different types of family members, including single parents, cohabiting partners, LGBTQ+ partners, and adoptive family members.

The product is also the first in the country as it provides coverage should any major organs require surgery, without the need to remember the long list of critical illnesses. This is a new generation of solutions designed to provide customers with simple, flexible and future-proof protection benefits against unknown diseases. It also provides long-term coverage until age 85.

“Strengthening Filipino families through financial wellness is one of our biggest advocacies at Pru Life UK. We want every Filipino household to have peace of mind by bringing protection closer to everyone. PRUHealth Famlove, with its shareability feature, is a step forward in achieving that as it gives families an affordable and accessible life protection option,” Pru Life UK Senior Vice President and Chief Customer & Marketing Officer Allan Tumbaga said.

In celebration of family diversity and championing individuality, Pru Life UK launched Famvatar, a unique digital experience that lets anyone create a personalized group avatar starring one’s family. Users can then use their unique, fun-filled chat stickers in group chats and more.

To make a Famvatar and know more about Pru Life UK’s PRUHealth FamLove, please visit www.prulifeuk.com.ph.

PSAHelpline.ph | How to Get PSA Certificates Online.

Don't you just love how everything is becoming digital these days? Gone are the days when we have to go to physical stores if we need to buy something, fall in line at Bayad Centers to pay bills, or call hotline numbers to order food. Now, we can do all these through our computers or smartphones, right in the comforts of our homes. 

Recently, my husband needed copies of our marriage certificate and Yue's birth certificate for work purposes. These documents need to be on my end by the first week of August, in time for my cousin-in-law's flight back to Korea. (He will be bringing the documents for my husband.) Because time was of the essence, requesting via the SM Business Center was not an option as it will take 2-3 weeks for the documents to be processed. Going to the nearest PSA office was also not an option for me, as I still find it difficult to go to crowded places (blame my COVID anxiety).

Thankfully, I discovered the PSA Helpline, a PSA-authorized website where you can request for public documents (i.e. birth certificate, marriage certificate) online and have them delivered to your doorstep. The best part? They deliver nationwide, in as fast as 3-4 working days! And true enough, I received the documents today, just 4 working days after requesting and paying for them online.

Ordering PSA documents has never been easier!

Here's what I did:

1. Go to the PSA Helpline website and click "Order Now".

2. Choose the Certificate Type. (I chose Birth, as seen on the photo.)

3. Indicate whether you're requesting a birth certificate "For Yourself" or "For Someone Else". (In my case, it's the latter.) Another set of options will appear, where you can choose for whose birth certificate you are requesting. (I chose My Son, of course.)

4. The next step will be some sort of a guide, which lists down all the information that you need to provide. 

5. Fill out the details, including the type of the government-issued ID that you need to present upon delivery. Take note that this will be a "recipient-only" delivery, and will not be released to anybody else.

6. After you have completed all the details and confirmed the delivery address and contact information, you will then be routed to the payment page. Payments can be done online, over-the-counter, or through BancNet ATMs. Each document costs Php 365, which includes the processing fee and the delivery charge.

You're pretty much done once you have paid for your order, and the next step is to wait for the delivery. PSAHelpline will constantly update you with the status of your order through email and text message. You can also use the "Check Status" tab on the website with your given reference number.

I placed my order last Thursday, July 27 and received my order today (Tuesday), August 2. That's 4 working days, and just in time (ahead of time, actually) for my cousin-in-law's flight on Friday. Delivery usually takes 3-4 working days for Metro Manila, and 3-8 working days for areas outside of Metro Manila.

Delivered to Laguna by 2Go Express.

Thank you PSA Helpline for the hassle-free transaction, and to Mommy Bloggers Philippines for introducing this service!

Swak sa Budget, Swak for Kids! Try these affordable and nutritious recipes!

The current increases in food prices contribute to the problem in accessing sufficient nutrition and healthy food choices in Filipino households. With higher prices across different commodities, homemakers now face a greater challenge in budgeting while they strive to prepare nutritious and delicious dishes to help safeguard the health of the family, especially the kids.

“We, at Ajinomoto, understand the struggles that parents face nowadays. In our own way, we hope to extend help by sharing thoughtful recipes that take into consideration the health and budget of the family,” shares Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC Group) General Manager Corporate Planning and Public Relations Roann Co. “We aim to provide solution and equip homemakers with knowledge on preparing affordable, delicious and well-balanced meals for their kids and loved ones.”

The following delicious and nutritious recipes are not only easy to prepare but also sure to fit the budget, including AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning 11g and Aji-Ginisa® 8g which remain to be the most affordable seasonings in the market at Php 3.00 SRP.

Tokwa Bites Meal

Tofu is rich in protein and calcium. Not only it is affordable alternative but also a healthy version of meat balls. Prepare a soft and crunchy Tokwa Bites meal for lunch in 3 easy steps: mix, fry, and serve. You only need half pack (11g) A JI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning to bring out its flavors. Try the recipe here at home!

Potato Egg Sandwich

You can make a healthy Potato Egg sandwich for breakfast or merienda which requires little time and ingredients. Potatoes and bread are rich in carbohydrates for energy while tomatoes are rich in vitamin C which for immunity. Season with half pack (11g) AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning for savory deliciousness. Learn the full recipe here.

Sauteed Corned Beef with Potatoes and Veggies

Sauté, season, and serve – this easy-to-remember recipe. Beef is rich in protein while Baguia beans and sitsaro are rich in fiber beneficial for proper digestion. Season with one pack (8g) AJI-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix and you’re good to go! Serve a nutritious meal today with our cooking guide here.

Chicken Lomi Meal

New way to cook lomi by adding common Malunggay vegetable which is packed with vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B and C, Iron, and Calcium. Season with one pack (8g) AJI-GINISA® Flavor Seasoning Mix to complete its flavor! See full recipe here.

APC Group’s brand promise of Eat Well, Live Well provides Filipinos with ways to serve nutritious meals. "We believe that eating well and living well does not have to be expensive. We hope that through our affordable products and health initiatives at Ajinomoto, we get to help parents in bringing about a well-balanced diet at home amid these challenging times," said Co.

For more delicious, nutritious and affordable recipes, visit www.cookmunitybyajinomoto.com.ph