Bikers retrace the road to freedom for National Heroes Day.

Bikers from Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac and nearby provinces pedaled along the route traversed by the country’s heroes in a fun ride for a cause dubbed as the “Ride for Valor.”

The “Ride for Valor”, a non-competitive 160 kilometers long bike ride, raised funds to save our heroes’ historical markers so that we may remember their sacrifice. The funds will be turned over to the Filipino-American Memorial Endowment (FAME) a non-government organization that maintains the kilometer markers of the Bataan Death March from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac.

In the past, Bataan Death March markers had been destroyed, uprooted, and neglected due to drainage and other road projects. Ten (10) Death March historical markers in Mariveles, and four (4) in Limay, Bataan have to be relocated soon due to road widening and other repairs.

The Death March markers serve as a reminder of the route taken by Filipino soldiers who defended the country against Japanese forces during World War II some 80 years ago. About 10,000 brave soldiers died along the route; many of the bodies were never identified or recovered.

The ride is part of the 30th anniversary of the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB). PVB is a commercial bank owned by World War II veterans and their families. As part of its charter, PVB allocates 20% of its annual net income for the benefit of its shareholders.

Around 80,000 Filipino and American soldiers and prisoners of war were forced by the Japanese military to march 69 miles from Bataan to Tarlac during World War II. Only some 54,000 persons reached the camp, and around 20,000 died due to starvation, dehydration, diseases, and the brutality of Japanese captors.

For more information, visit www.veteransbank.com.ph

Make Mealtimes Veggie-licious!

Building our kids' health through nutrition is crucial as they go back to school.

Preparing vegetable meals at home is a great way to keep children strong and healthy. This is especially important as the flu season is also upon us. Vegetables are good sources of potassium, dietary fiber, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin C, and many others.

Aside from its health benefits, with rising prices of pork and chicken, vegetables are also budget friendly. As homemakers face the day-to-day challenge of budgeting while striving to prepare nutritious and delicious dishes, these easy-to-prepare and veggie-licious recipes come in handy.

“In our own way, we aim to provide solutions and equip homemakers with knowledge on preparing affordable, nutritious and delicious meals for the family by sharing thoughtful recipes that take health and budget into consideration,” shares Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC Group) General Manager Corporate Planning and Public Relations Roann Co.

To make it more appealing to kids, these easy-to-prepare vegetable recipes are made tastier with Tasty Boy All Purpose Breading Mix that only costs PHP 11.00 SRP.

Kalabasa Crisps

French fries and potato chips have always been a kiddie favorite. Now, homecooks can recreate them with a healthy twist through Kalabasa Crisps. It is made with only 3 ingredients: sliced kalabasa, cooking oil, and Tasty Boy Breading Mix. Not only is this a delicious snack that kids can munch on while doing their homework, kalabasa or squash is also a good source of Beta-Carotene that supports better eye health. Full recipe here.

Veggie Okoy Bites

A new recipe idea to entice kids to eat is by making it fun and colorful. Serving Veggie Okoy Bites filled with yellow potatoes, orange carrots, and green beans is a good way to make kids excited for healthy food. These various colors also represent the multiple nutrients that the kids can get as this dish is rich in carbohydrates and vitamins A, C, and fiber. Check the recipe here.

Tokwa Crisps

Another food that children don’t get tired of is nuggets. This is why having a healthier alternative through Tokwa Crisps is a great addition to every homecook’s recipe book. Preparing it is quick and easy too! It can be done in less than 20 minutes and consists of 3 ingredients only: tokwa, cooking oil, and Tasty Boy Breading Mix. Aside from the convenience and delicious taste, tokwa is also rich in calcium which can help kids have stronger teeth and bones. See recipe here.

APC Group’s brand promise of Eat Well, Live Well provides Filipinos with easy and affordable ways to serve healthy meals especially to their kids. "We believe that we can change how kids see vegetables in simple and delicious ways. We hope that through our recipes, we can help parents get their children to eat well and live well especially during these trying times," said Roann Co.

For more nutritious and delicious recipes, please can check out www.cookmunitybyajinomoto.com.ph

The Wonders of Cycling.

While return to onsite work and easing of restrictions provide some semblance of post-pandemic normalcy, most still remain hypervigilant because of the sudden rise of cases. This means it is still important to not let down your guard, observe health and safety protocols, and make sure your immune system is in top shape through proper diet and exercise.

One of the activities many started during the pandemic is cycling, encouraging people to get out of the house for fresh air and a change of environment. It is easy enough to do and perfect for those who just want to do it leisurely, and equally perfect for those looking for a higher intensity cardio workout.

It’s also proven to have many benefits which contribute to improving one’s mental and physical wellbeing.

Cycling increases endurance and improves cardiovascular health on and off the bike.

Biking for at least 30 minutes a day improves overall cardiovascular health and muscular endurance, research says. The key to building endurance is consistency--it allows you to increase your distance and level of intensity over time. With practice, you’ll soon notice you can pedal your way to longer and more challenging rides without feeling too tired.

Cycling is beginner-friendly.

The good thing about cycling is that it’s easy to learn. With basic skills and little effort, you can enjoy casual spins around your neighborhood. Pace yourself depending on what your body can handle and slowly adjust your mileage and intensity. What's more, cycling is a low-impact exercise suited for all ages!

Cycling improves your balance, posture and coordination.

The first step in learning how to bike is finding your balance and figuring out how to stabilize your body. If you’re a beginner, don't be too hard on yourself! It may take a bit of time to get the hang of things, but with regular practice, you'll see significant improvement in your balance, posture, and coordination.

Cycling supports weight loss.

With limited opportunities to exercise in the last two years, you likely have gained a few unwanted pounds. Luckily, cycling helps you lose weight and build muscle in a safe way. It allows you to get your heart rate up with less wear and tear on your knees, ankles, and other joints. To maximize your calories burned, try to increase the intensity or duration of your bike workout.

Cycling boosts mental health and brain power.

It's tested and proven--cycling is one of the best ways to battle brain fog. Aside from lessening feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress, it also boosts brainpower leading to better focus and concentration. Plus, you get higher energy levels within the day because of your increased stamina!

Cycling helps you feel good.

Similar to runners, cyclists also get a “cycling high” and science has proven that it’s for real! After a ride, cyclists experience a spike in neuro-chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine and endorphins—otherwise known as happy hormones. At the same time, cycling is a great way to spend quality time with the family.

Get rewarded for being healthy with AIA Vitality

It's never too late to start new habits. Hop on your bike, get more active, and earn rewards from AIA Vitality, AIA Philippines’ wellness program that rewards you for knowing and improving your health. You can earn up to 100 AIA Vitality Points daily from cycling and get instant freebies for hitting your fitness targets two weeks in a row.

Beyond the protection, investment and savings benefits that AIA Philippines offers, AIA Vitality raises the bar and gives unprecedented living benefits that members can enjoy for being healthy. These include 70% off elite membership at Gold’s Gym, up to 30% off Samsung, Garmin, and Fitbit fitness devices, and 25% off at Toby’s Sports, Runnr and urbanAthletics. You can also enjoy exclusive insurance benefits of up to 50% additional coverage, 20% premium discount or 100% loyalty boost.

Every cyclist has a story. Create yours today with AIA Vitality!

Click here for more information about AIA Vitality and the Total Health Solution offered by AIA Philippines, or here to visit the AIA Philippines Facebook page, email customerservice.ph@aia.com or call (02) 8528-2000 to know more.

Math Games and more at Calculators.org

If we're friends on Facebook or if you're following me on Instagram, then you're probably familiar with or have seen photos of my nephew, Morgan. Everyone in the family believes that this little boy is some kind of genius because of his abilities that are well above average for his age. 

Morgan showed great interest in music before he even turned one. Then he learned how to read when he was a little over two years old. Shortly after, he could easily sing songs in our videoke because he knew how to read the lyrics. At three years old, he can do basic arithmetic operations such as addition and subtraction. Now that he's four, he can easily do mental math up to four digits.

That being said, I've recently discovered a website that's up to Morgan's alley. It's called Calculators.org, and this website is a cornucopia of fun and educational games for kids. They have a wide selection of Math games which suits kids of all ages. From simple counting and sequencing games, to basic arithmetic, to mind-boggling Sudoku, this website has it all!

Some of Morgan's favorites include Math Bee and Feed Math. In Math Bee, you can choose among the four basic operations and answer simple problems. Morgan easily breezed through the problems, especially with the addition part.

Math Bee.

Feed Math, on the other hand, focuses solely on addition. Here, you have to feed the boy with numbered sushi dishes. The two numbers must add up to the number on the boy's shirt. Time is replenished after each round, and the numbers get larger as you progress with the game.

Feed Math.

Calculators.org also has a great selection of puzzle games, and Morgan truly enjoyed playing with them. This kid has a penchant for jigsaw puzzles, and he sure was thrilled to see that he can play with puzzles "even on a computer".

Kids Puzzle.

The other puzzle games are a tad more difficult, such as Cartoon Puzzle and Jigsaw Deluxe. Here, you can choose the number of puzzle pieces, up to as many as 100. We stuck with the simpler puzzles because hey, we're doing this for fun, after all.

The 100-piece Cartoon Puzzle.

Aside from puzzles and Math games, Calculators.org also has a wide array of board games. Most of these are reminiscent of the classic board games from our childhood, and it was nice introducing them to Morgan. He had so much fun playing Snakes and Ladders with Yue, whom he refers to as his "best buddy number four". (His parents are one and two, and his sister Maggie is best buddy number three, haha!)

Snakes and Ladders.

Yue was excited to see the Chess among the board games, but since he can't play this with Morgan just yet, he decided to play against the computer. In a few years' time, maybe the two boys can go to head to head in an actual chess game.

Master Chess.

If you have kids who are into Math, puzzles, board games, or even word games, I strongly suggest that you introduce them to Calculators.org. Not only will they have hours of fun with their plethora of games, they'll also learn a lot from them, too. These games are absolutely free, and you don't have to sign-up just to play. You also need not download anything as the games can be played directly from your browser. The site is ad-free, so you don't have to worry about annoying pop-ups in the middle of your game.

Morgan (and Yue) had a blast with these free educational games at Calculators.org, and I'm sure your kids will, too.

Jollibee to Open in the Heart of Times Square, New York on August 18

Another first in its international expansion plan, homegrown restaurant chain Jollibee will open in the heart of the iconic Times Square, New York on August 18, 2022. The newest store opening forms part of the Jollibee Group’s aggressive overseas expansion and sustained growth in one of its key pillar markets, North America.

Start spreading the news - Jollibee is coming to NYC!

Also known as the “Crossroads of the World,” Times Square is a top global commercial and entertainment hub. Jollibee Times Square will be located right beside Good Morning America and in the Bowtie, where the famous New Year’s Eve Ball Drop takes place. The store is expected to attract new fans and introduce the brand to more mainstream American customers.

“We are excited to spread the joy of eating to everyone and contribute to the diverse and exciting food scene in Times Square,” shared Maribeth Dela Cruz, Jollibee Group’s President for Philippine Brands (Jollibee, Chowking, and Red Ribbon) in North America.

Jollibee makes it to the heart of Times Square,
right beside Good Morning America.

The Times Square branch will offer Jollibee menu favorites, including the world-famous Chickenjoy fried chicken and Chicken Sandwich–each with its own spicy variant, and other favorites such as Peach Mango Pie and Jolly Spaghetti.

Now with 84 locations across North America and over 1,500 restaurants worldwide, Jollibee continues to grow its presence in the U.S. and Canada, with plans of reaching 500 stores in the next five to seven years. Jollibee is the flagship brand of the Jollibee Group, one of the world's largest and fastest growing restaurant companies. To learn more about Jollibee and other brands of the Jollibee Group, visit www.jollibeegroup.com.

PCPPI reinforces food safety system and culture across all plants.

Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI)—the exclusive manufacturer of PepsiCo beverages in the country—is bolstering the company’s food safety culture. It benefits its people and the customers in the long term, following the launch of its food safety education campaign.

PCPPI plants implemented the Talas ng Kaalaman on Food Safety program. It is to strengthen the knowledge of its employees on the standard food safety procedures. The goal is to improve its operations responsibly and sustainably.

“PCPPI is committed to meeting the highest food safety and quality standards. This is the reason we continuously implement programs and workshops that would improve the skills of our people. We ensure that they too become ambassadors of our food safety culture,” said Frederick D. Ong, PCPPI President and CEO.

The information campaign was executed through Facebook, bulletin board posts, and email blasts. It provided comprehensive information about food safety culture. It informed how to fight food fraud, product protection, good manufacturing practices, and allergen management. It also highlighted some of the cleaning practices. These include the pest control process, proper waste disposal, and locker sanitation and maintenance.

Throughout the program, PCPPI conducted random ambush interviews with employees. This is to measure their grasp of the food safety system. It recognized the departments with the cleanest space and well-informed personnel on the importance of food safety.

Aside from this, PCPPI completed the Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) for its Metro Operations Services, Pampanga, Rosario, STRO, Davao, and Bacolod plant. The FSSC is a globally accepted standard. It recognizes companies’ processes that are at par with global standards— from employee selection to production and warehousing. Its goal is to evaluate the systems in place to ensure food safety.

PCPPI also assures that their products are safe for consumption as all PCPPI plants have the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) License to Operate. All PCPPI products also have its valid certificate of product registration.

The company also recently completed other third-party food safety and social welfare audits. Some of which are the McDonald's Safe Water System (SWS) and Supplier Quality Management System (SQMS) for the PCPPI San Fernando plant.

PCPPI manufactures and sells well-known brands such as Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, 7-Up, Mirinda, Mug, Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton, and Premier.

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