Why Mommy Support Groups are Important?

There are a lot of definitions of what Motherhood is with endless adjectives to describe it. It is certainly wonderful however, they also say it is messy, noisy and sometimes crazy. 

According to Donna Bell of www.todaysthebestday.com,

It is a 24/7 job with no rest days. There can never be a perfect mother yet there a million ways to be a good one. However, in this age of time where technology has certainly made our lives easier through unlimited access to information and resources, one cannot deny the fact that Mommy Support Groups online are very important nowadays.

Though it is a challenge to find one where you can be yourself without being judged, I am happy to discover quite a number of online support groups that had been my home. Whether you're tired, happy or nervous, you certainly have someone to share this to aside from family and friends. 

And now, I would like to invite you and other mommies to join our newest community, Filipino Moms Who Budget and Save. 

In this group, we believe that being a mom is hard but budgeting is even harder. Thus, this growing community is a place for moms and moms-to-be to share the things that can help you in budgeting and how to save money. It is also a great place to get updated with the latest promotions, deals, and freebies (a.k.a. Tipid Hacks) 

So, join this growing community and become a "wais mom" as they call it. Feel to invite your other mommy friends too. See you inside. :) 

P.S. Here's the link to the group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BudgetandSavePH/ 

Seda Misto: Best Venue for Small Meetings in Bacolod and Iloilo

Last July 20, we planned to have a small meeting with some members of the Negros Online Workers community. Since many opt to have a live coaching session plus an opportunity to get out of the house, we decided to meet over coffee and snacks. 

Usually, we just meet at coffee shops. However, it was a Saturday and it may not be a good idea since these places are usually crowded. It is also rude to stay for a long period while ordering a single cup of coffee only while there are a lot of customers waiting to be seated.  

Thus, we are so happy to discover the best venue for small meetings in Bacolod and Iloilo. Here are the top 5 reasons why we think you should hold your afternoon meetings at Seda. (By the way, this is not a sponsored post.) 

1. Perfect Ambiance

Seda Misto provides the perfect ambiance for meetings. The place is well-lighted, has comfortable chairs and tables and it is usually not crowded. The tables are spaced adequately that you don't disturb the people on the other table. 

2. Value for Money

Seda Misto offers Saboroso merienda buffet. It includes an indulgent selection of sandwiches, savory and sweet treats, and an assortment of afternoon coffee and tea.

During our visit, we were able to enjoy tuna canape, salmon canape, ham and cheese canape, chicken canape, puto and dinuguan, chicken nuggets, macaroni salad, fruit salad, mango pannacotta, and assorted pastries. They also alternate serving batchoy and lomi every other day. 

Rates are at Php 350 per head for Bacolod and Php 250 per head for Iloilo. I believe this is quite reasonable compared to going to a coffee shop. Drinks usually cost Php 150- 180 and cakes around Php 150 so that's pretty much around Php 300 - Php 330 which is almost just the same. The only difference is that you have more choices with unlimited food and drinks. 

3. Delicious Chocolate Drink 

Yes, you read it right. If you're not a fan of hot drinks like me, you can ask for a chocolate milk drink from the attendants. It's also unlimited. :) 

4. Free Wifi 

Though the internet connection may not be as fast as the ones in coworking spaces, they do have a pretty decent wifi connection that you can use to check your emails, browse the internet and check your social media accounts. Just ask the attendants for an access code. 

5. Additional Discounts

If you are a SEDA Edge member, you are eligible for a 10% discount (Classic) and 15% (Premier) on your total bill. I believe ARC members also get the same privilege. 

So, if you are looking for the best venue for small meetings in Bacolod and Iloilo, then you should definitely consider Seda Misto. 

For reservations, you may contact them at: 

Seda Capitol Central, Bacolod 
Lacson Street cor. North Capitol Road
Bacolod City 6100, Philippines
T: +6334 703 8888 / +6334 488 7100 
F: +6334 703 8891
E: capitol@sedahotels.com

Seda Atria, Iloilo 
Pison Avenue, Atria Park District
San Rafael, Mandurriao
Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
T: +6333 506 8888 | +633 330 7555
F: +6333 506 8889
E: ilo@sedahotels.com

Local and Foreign Drivers saved in a boat accident using Samsung Galaxy S8

Local news outlets recently reported about an accident involving a group of 20 local and foreign divers whose boat capsized off the waters of Bogo City in Cebu. The passengers immediately scrambled for their smartphones to get a rescue. After about 30 minutes, a Samsung Galaxy S8 was found under the boat submerged in seawater that was still functioning well, which enabled them to contact their rescuers and to provide GPS information that determined their location.

“I really hope my [thank you] can make it to the engineering team as honestly it really saved us all. Only my S8 was able to connect…and worked all the way until we made it to land. It stayed alive for much longer than I thought possible and it really made the difference,” explained Jim Emdee, a Canadian national who owns the smartphone.

Accidents can happen every day. It might seem the most unlikely of heroes but smartphones have become a necessity that they are rarely left at home. These devices enrich one’s lifestyle, enable productivity and connectivity, and in some cases, even save lives.

SAMSUNG shares tips on how to use your Galaxy smartphone in the event of an emergency:

1. Pre-installed emergency hotline

Knowing who to contact is paramount in the event of an emergency especially life-threatening situations such as fire, explosion, road accident, and national calamities.

In partnership with the Philippine National Police, Samsung developed a mobile application called Samsung 321. Galaxy smartphones issued in the Philippines come pre-installed with this app—a database of emergency services including police stations, fire stations, national disaster hotlines, medical assistance, even motor, and traffic assistance.

2. In-pocket locator

Always notify an emergency contact of your current location. When on vacation, users are strongly encouraged to turn on their Global Positioning System (GPS) in their Galaxy smartphones to determine their location particularly when traveling alone or going to off-grid places.

3. SOS messaging and emergency alerts

Galaxy smartphones have the ability to send SOS messages to identified emergency contacts. Simply go to Settings > select Advanced features > turn on Send SOS messages. By pressing the power key three times, a quick SMS alert to your emergency contacts will be automatically sent.

Local telecommunication networks have also enabled emergency cell broadcast systems that allow for quick dissemination of emergency alerts. These have been proven useful in times of national calamities. To check if this function is enabled, go to Messages app > go to Notifications > check Emergency Alerts.

“Putting our customers first is a top priority for Samsung. It is incumbent upon us as a tech leader to find ways to enhance the lives of our customers. We take it as our responsibility to ensure that our products are not only well-made to stand the demands of daily use but must also be equipped with features to help users who find themselves in dire situations,” said James Jung, president of Samsung Philippines.

Unique Pinoy Specialties Highlighted in Solane Kitchen Hero Chef’s Edition

Solane, the leading LPG solutions brand launches its grandest culinary competition dubbed as Solane Kitchen Hero Chef's Edition. It is the first-ever cooking competition that aims to discover the next big name in the culinary world. This a nationwide search across 16 regional stops to recognize a new generation of talented chefs. 

According to the Isla LPG Corporation, CEO Ruben Domingo, "We believe that the Philippines has some of the best and most talented chefs in the world. Through the Solane Kitchen Hero competition, we aim to recognize these chefs who are vital in bringing Filipino cuisine to the world stage." 

Last July 12, 2019, we were privileged to witness the competition live for the Western Visayas leg where Chef Gil George Jucaban of Iloilo was hailed as the Regional Champion.

Chef Gil George Jucaban in action. 

His signature dish, Adobo Flakes with Mango Salsa looked really delicious. He used pork tenderloin instead of the usual cut with pork cuts with fats. He also added poached egg to complete this all-time Filipino favorite. 

The competition is open to Filipino professional chefs with at least three (3) years of kitchen experience gained locally or abroad. They must be currently employed as a professional chef in a hotel, restaurant or any foodservice establishment. 

The competition will be composed of two (2) rounds. The first one is the regional competition and the second round will be the semi-finals and grand finals happening on September 7, 2019, at Eastwood City, Metro Manila. Regional champions will cook-off to find out who among them will be hailed as the first Solane Kitchen Hero Chefs' Edition winner. 

Criteria for Judging are as follows: 

Featured Ingredient/s - 50%

• The recipe must include at least one (1) local ingredient inherent to the province being represented. 

Originality and Creativity - 50% 

• The participant must creatively show a tested recipe which corresponds to the local ingredient/s being used. Photo and caption must contain a personal touch and what inspired them to create the dish. 

The judges are renowned chef and Solane Kitchen Ambassador Chef Sau Del Rosario and best-selling author and Solane Kitchen Hero competition director Nancy Reyes-Lumen. 

Chef Sau del Rosario (2^nd from left) and Chef Nancy Reyes-Lumen (3^rd from left)
with team Adobo (L-R) Chef Mon Urbano, Chef Jen Saranilla and Chef Jaja Andal

The winner will take home Php 100,000 and will embark on a culinary trip to Japan with customized stops at different food and drink destinations. This event is co-presented by Midea and supported by Masflex, Jolly, Jolly Heartmate Canola Oil, Dona Elena, and Dona Elena Al Dente, King Sue, Ajinomoto, Philtranco, Fastcat, Chef’s Garb, National Bookstore and their school partner, STI. 

To know more about Solane Kitchen Hero Chef's Edition, visit Solane website www.solane.com.ph and Facebook page, www.facebook.com/solane.ph 

If you are interested to watch the live competition, here's the schedule of upcoming regional legs: 

• Northern Mindanao/ Caraga Region on August 3
• Davao Region on August 10
• SOCSARGEN and ARMM on August 17 
• National Capital Region on August 24

* Follow Solane's FB Page for final venue announcement.