by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 15, 2022 | Business
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 of 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 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.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 13, 2022 | Entertainment
Puerto Princesa, Palawan (Aug. 5, 2022) — US-based Filipino producer Francis B. Lara Ho and Filipino-American actor-director Michael Copon are collaborating for the film “1521” which will depict a clandestine love story against the backdrop of the epic clash between pre-colonial Filipinos and Spanish forces of Ferdinand Magellan in Mactan, Philippines more than 500 years ago.
The film boasts a powerhouse cast including Copon, renowned American actor Danny Trejo, Filipino superstar Bea Alonzo, and award-winning actress Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan.
“1521” opens with the character Didi or Diwata, who dreams of being transported to pre-colonial Philippines while exploring the ruins of an ancient Spanish fort. In her dream, she becomes a native princess who falls in love with Magellan’s handsome translator Enrique — their romance caught up in the conflict.
The events become more complicated after Didi awakens, and soon finds the line between her dream and reality blurring.
Lapu-Lapu statue in Mactan, Cebu
The film will also be told largely from the perspective of Lapu-Lapu, regarded as the first Filipino hero for leading the forces that defeated the Spaniards.
Copon, who will both direct the film and portray Lapu-Lapu, said he took on the project to highlight Filipino history and culture.
“People don’t know what happened to Magellan. Some people in America think he just died. And a lot of times, the history of the Philippines gets pushed under the rug, unnoticed, which led to the passion that we wanted to embrace those stories and embrace the culture, and say ‘Hey! Let me get this out there,'” said Copon, known for starring in “Power Rangers Time Force” and the teen drama “One Tree Hill.”
“Even more historic is, this is the first time a Hollywood director and producer are producing a movie about a Filipino story with Hollywood stars and Filipino stars in one movie,” he added.
Trejo, who starred in the “Machete” and “From Dusk till Dawn” film series, will play Magellan.
Alonzo will take on the role of Diwata while Puerto Rican actor Hector David Jr., who also appeared in “Power Rangers,” portrays her love interest, Enrique.
Copon said “1521” would not focus entirely on the Battle of Mactan, citing the romance between Diwata and Enrique, which he described as the “heart and soul” of the story.
“We didn’t want to make a movie that is just about the battle and the war,” he said.
Lara Ho said the film would be shot entirely in Palawan, which was picked for its scenic beaches and mountains.
The producer, himself a Palaweño, hoped to provide more opportunities to the people in the province through the project.
“I am actually pleasantly surprised when we did the casting that there are quite a few Palaweños who are really incredible in talent. They just need the opportunities and so that’s what we are bringing here,” Lara Ho said.
“Sad to say that Palawan is one of the richest in terms of natural resources but our poverty level is very high compared to other provinces. That’s why I’m hoping that bringing projects here would change that,” he added.
“1521” is scheduled for release on June 12, 2023, coinciding with the 125th celebration of Philippine Independence Day.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 12, 2022 | Entertainment
With a powerful line-up of inspirational and Bible-based content, Pray.com launches a new series, “Heroes of the Bible: Joseph,” to grow its audio collection and offer a new perspective on heroes found in Scripture. Immersing listeners in a memorable cinematic audio experience, Filipino-Puerto Rican superstar Gary Valenciano — known by fans as Gary V “Mr. Pure Energy” — voices the story of Joseph and helps offer insight into modern-day heroes of the faith.
“Gary is a breath of fresh air with some of the best vocals we’ve ever heard. Pray.com has been working together with Gary for the past year, and nothing but magic has been produced,” said Max Bard, Pray.com VP of Content. “He has a voice that feels like he’s giving you a hug. And with the brand-new release of Joseph, you will get to experience his range and the Bible come to life.”
Inspired by the book of Genesis from the Bible, this audio series introduces listeners to the flawed hero, Joseph. This beloved son of Israel received a coat of glimmering colors from his father, showcasing his favor over his brothers. However, his father’s favor puffs him up with pride, which ultimately becomes his downfall. Joseph’s brothers sell him into slavery, forever changing the trajectory of his life.
“Joseph was a hero who went through a lot, and you’ll hear all of that when you get to listen to his story in ‘Heroes of the Bible,’” Valenciano said. “I have so enjoyed working with Pray.com on this content, as they’re not just professionals, the PRAY team is also passionate about putting the Word of God across in a manner that caters to everyone. This Joseph story is written in a way that can really be accepted and appreciated by people today. It’s slightly reimagined, and I tried to put in what I personally felt would have been the drama going on between Joseph, his brothers, his father, the coat, the dreams, Pharaoh, and all the other characters that played a role, the butler, the baker.”
Valenciano is no stranger to the story of Joseph or the unbelievable events that characterize his life. In fact, Valenciano secured a role acting as Joseph’s father, Jacob, in the 2022 production of “Joseph the Dreamer,” taking place at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater in the Philippines.
He previously portrayed Joseph in the 1999 run of the musical. “At the time when I was asked to do ‘Heroes of the Bible’ content featuring Joseph — his story and everything that he went through — I had no idea that its release would fall right alongside the timeline of the musical,” Valenciano added.
As Valenciano guides listeners to discover and experience how God eventually redeems Joseph’s unfortunate circumstances, he invites people on a journey of excitement and entertainment. The biblical story of Joseph provides an example of a historic hero who trusted God. This modern adaptation should be able to offer valuable takeaways for people to do the same in their own lives today.
“Gary’s content has been so impactful for us to listen to, and we can’t wait to share such an engaging and inspiring story with our listeners,” said Bard. “This new version freshens up the language to meet people where they are, while still holding true to the holy Word of God.”
This and other prayer and Bible-based audio content can be explored at www.pray.com/discover.
About Pray.com
Founded in 2016 with a mission to grow faith and cultivate community, Pray.com is the world’s No. 1 app for daily prayer and Bible-based audio content. It recently launched PRAY TEAM, the first community for Christians in Crypto, involving leaders who can teach members about the future of finance, Web3, and how NFTs are changing the world. Reaching more than 10 million people worldwide through its mobile app and website, Pray.com is the easiest way to incorporate prayer into your daily life. Pray.com provides encouragement and inspiration through daily devotionals, Pastor podcasts, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Pray.com founders are Steve Gatena, Mike Lynn, Ryan Beck, and Matthew Potter. See more at www.alarryross.com/pray-com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 5, 2022 | Technology
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 on 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.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 4, 2022 | Business
For GCash, the leading fintech company, employee wellness, and culture-building are as important as its business operations. Along with the growth of the company as an organization is the rise of its employee engagement, an aspect of the company that GCash takes seriously.
While every company is challenged to drive better performance, especially amidst the pandemic, GCash has great faith in its people and vice versa. This mutual trust is not only manifested in the business achievements of GCash but also in the recent employee engagement survey results as the organization reached a high of 91 points. This is above the global norm score of 89 based on the Willis Towers Watson surveys of companies across the globe and a huge increase compared to the company’s employee engagement score in 2020 which was 83.
Chief People Officer (CPO) Robert Gonzales explained what this increase means to the G Nation and what it means for the company. “It says a lot about how supportive and caring the leadership team of GCash is and how connected the G Nation is. This is a display and proof of how our purpose of making Filipino lives better does not only apply to our customers but, most importantly, to our employees as well,” Gonzales shared.
Along with the increase in GCash’s employee engagement rating is the organization’s growth in terms of the employee population. From 756 employees in 2020, GCash recorded an additional 393 new hires in 2021. To date, the fintech company employs more than a thousand employees.
The growth in employee headcount is a sign of the expansion of GCash’s financial services. And even if the company expands and grows, employee well-being will still and will always be a top priority in GCash’s people agenda.
The nation has seen the iconic rise of the GCash brand in the last two years. Amidst the pandemic, GCash has grown exponentially. Its current registered users are 60 million, or 70% of the Filipino adult population. It has evolved from an e-wallet to a super financial and lifestyle app, allowing customers to more than just pay bills and transfer money. They can also secure loans, pay in installments, invest, save, get health insurance, and purchase from a vast array of merchants.
From the latest financial reports released to the public, GCash has now attained profitability way ahead of its target date. The company has achieved all these while remaining faithful to its vision of financial inclusion, and its purpose of making Filipinos’ everyday lives better.
About GCash
GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Financial App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, customers can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,400k partner billers; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 5M partner merchants and social sellers; cash-in and cash-out at 232k partner agent network; and get access to savings, credit, insurance and invest money all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.).
GCash was recognized by The Asian Banker (TAB) and by the IDC in 2021 for its outstanding digital financial inclusion programs impacting more than 60 million Filipinos in the country today.
With a powerful line-up of inspirational and Bible-based content, 
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.
GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Financial App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, customers can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,400k partner billers; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 5M partner merchants and social sellers; cash-in and cash-out at 232k partner agent network; and get access to savings, credit, insurance and invest money all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.).
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