HOOQ'd on ALDUB? Binge-Watch "Destined to Be Yours" Anytime, Anywhere!

This post is for my readers who are avid AlDub fans. I know you'll be very happy to hear about this! :)

Press Release:

HOOQ, Asia’s largest Subscription Video-on-Demand (SVOD) service, recently announced its acquisition of the exclusive SVOD rights to the catch-up episodes of AlDub’s first-ever teleserye, Destined to Be Yours, in the Philippines.

“With this new partnership, AlDub fans in the Philippines can stream the latest episode of Destined to be Yours 24 hours after its telecast on GMA Channel 7, plus they can also catch up on all the previous episodes they missed,” says Jane Cruz Walker, Country Manager of HOOQ.  

“Since we announced the highly anticipated first primetime TV series of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, the entire #AlDub nation created such a buzz online that Destined to be Yours was definitely destined to be a hit even before it aired its first episode,” says Judd Gallares, President & COO of GMA New Media, Inc." 

Destined to Be Yours is currently the most talked about primetime show on Philippine television since it aired its premiere episode last February 27, 2017. In fact, the pilot episode garnered 22.5% ratings on AGB Nielsen NUTAM which is 2.9% higher than its rival program. The hashtag for the pilot episode, #DestinedToBeYoursWorldPremiere, also dominated worldwide Twitter trends – garnering 4.4 million tweets from February 26, 6:00 pm to February 28, 6:00 am. 

Destined to Be Yours quickly captivated viewers with the enthralling romance story between Benjie Rosales (Alden Richards) and Sinag Obispo (Maine Mendoza) which is set in a charming and picturesque town where anything, especially destiny, is a possibility. 

Sinag is a DJ in a community radio station in her hometown of Pelangi. The paradise-like town of Pelangi was formerly a well-developed municipality due to its flourishing mining industry but many people were forced to leave the town after mining firms closed down. Sinag stayed behind because of her love for her hometown and her intention to preserve the traditions and culture of Pelangi through the community radio station that she inherited from her late grandfather.

Meanwhile, Benjie had just graduated from his university and had high hopes of starting his career as an architect. Benjie applies for Rosales Development, one of the largest real-estate development firms in the country. Amanda (Lotlot De Leon), who had to raise Benjie on her own after her husband died from an accident, was against this at first but later allowed it after a change of heart. 

Benjie’s grandfather, Vicente Rosales (Tommy Abuel), is a real-estate tycoon and is the owner of Rosales Development. He had alienated Benjie and Amanda for many years following the tragic death of Benjie’s father, Gabriel.  In order to make up for lost time, Benjie’s grandmother, Helen (Boots Anson-Roa), convinces Vicente to interview and offer Benjie a position in the company. 

As Benjie accepts the job, he gets assigned to a project at Pelangi. There he meets Sinag and their lives become intertwined as they fall in love with each other.

Joining Alden and Maine is a cast of talented actors led by Boots Anson-Roa, Lotlot De Leon, Gardo Versoza, Tommy Abuel, Ronnie Henares, Ina Feleo, Sheena Halili, Dominic Roco, Juancho Trivino, RJ Padilla, Koreen Medina, and Janice de Belen who recently returned to GMA for this project.

Besides having thousands of Hollywood or US movies and TV series, HOOQ is now the prime destination for Filipino entertainment on demand with the largest library of local movies amongst any video-on-demand service in the country.

“Destined To Be Yours” is the latest addition to the ever growing library of local content available on HOOQ. 

HOOQ subscribers can now enjoy over 1,200 Filipino movies spanning almost five decades of film making, and over 4,000 hours of local television leaving other video-in-demand services way behind in terms of Filipino content. 

Fans of local TV series can also watch catch up episodes of the latest GMA 7 shows including Meant To Be,  Ika-6 na Utos, and more in the coming months.

HOOQ has over 10,000 movies and TV shows available for streaming or download. Globe At Home customers can get up to 6 months access to HOOQ with plans P1,299 and up, while Globe mobile customers can also get up to 6 months trial on selected prepaid and postpaid plans.   You may also visit www.hooq.tv to sign up for a 7-day free trial. 

2nd Avenue Premieres Work Out New York on Philippine TV

If you like to work out, stay fit, and feel very competitive while doing it, this show is for you! Catch Work Out New York next week, on 2nd Avenue!

Press Release:

A survival of the fittest is beginning this March on 2nd Avenue as it brings an exciting access to the exclusive world of elite fitness training in New York City! 

Following the lives of a group of the Big Apple’s hottest trainers, Work Out New York sheds light on a group of high-end personal trainers where the competition for landing top clients tests even the deepest of friendships.

The line-up features Layla Luciano, who has a third-degree black belt in karate; Lena Marti, who is pursuing master trainer status; Noah Neiman, who is endorsed by one of the world's top athletic clothing brands; Courtney Paul, a certified personal trainer who has developed advanced fitness curricula for high-end sports clubs, Lindsey Clayton, Joe Lazo, and Holly Rilinger.

From rivalries to romance, these friends and colleagues know they cannot be afraid to break a sweat to make their dreams of success come true. With the swift change of landscape in the fitness world, the trainers cannot miss a beat or they may find themselves trying to catch up. The battle for who is on top never ends and if they cannot keep their professional jealousies, disagreements, and romances in check, the group’s intensity level could skyrocket.

Don’t miss the premiere of WORK OUT NEW YORK on March 27, Monday on primetime at 9 PM. Join the conversation at #WorkOutNewYorkOn2ndAvenue. 

Check out 2nd Avenue on http://2ndavenue.ph/, and www.facebook.com/2ndAvenue. Follow, too, on Twitter via @2nd_Avenue and on Instagram via @2ndavenuetv. 

2nd Avenue is the only general entertainment channel on Free TV and Pay TV that offers diverse content, featuring delightfully driven characters for the discerning market. Seen on UHF Free TV Ch. 29, SkyCable Ch. 19, Global Destiny Cable Ch. 29, Cablelink Ch. 35, and Cignal Ch. 28.

Promate Technologies Shares Tips on Choosing the Right Power Solution

Read more about Promate's many other products and offerings in my other blog post, here: http://mommywrites.blogspot.com/2016/10/promate-technologies-making-accessories.html

Press Release:

PROMATE TECHNOLOGIES, the leading retailer of electronic devices and enhancements, gets you ready for the long summer break with its complete lineup of power solutions designed to keep your gadgets charged up and ready for any adventure.

gadgets are of no use when they run out of battery power!

Whether you’re going out of town, out of the country or planning to spend a lot of time in the great outdoors you need to have the right power solution on hand to recharge your devices.

“Who doesn't love using their gadgets? In this day and age, not having a smartphone is almost like having a handicap for a working professional. Still, no matter how expensive or high tech your gadget is, it is still powered by a battery that needs to be recharged eventually, otherwise it would be of no better use than a very pricey paperweight. That is why power banks have become almost inseparable from our gadgets, says Dimple Condes, Country Manager of Promate Technologies. “And while you can find a power bank just about anywhere these days, it is important to know how to choose the right one for you so as not to put your precious gadget at risk,” she added.

Here are some quick tips on how to choose the best portable power supply/power bank for your needs:

• First and most important is you need to know about the battery size and the charger specifications of your gadget, you can find it printed on the box. This is because you need a power bank that should have at least the same capacity of your device battery to ensure that your battery gets fully charged at least once with the power bank. If your phone frequently runs out of battery, get the highest mAh power bank that you can afford so that you have enough battery stored for emergencies.

Tag-9 in silver

Promate has power banks of different capacities such as the Tag-6 with 6000 mAh; Tag-9 with 9000 mAh;  Zenith-10 and Polymax-10 both with 10000 mAh; Tag-15 with 15000 mAh; and the Promate ProVolta-21 with 20800 mAH. 

For those who usually bring a smartphone and tablet, a 10000 mAh powerbank is a safe choice for a power bank just like the Promate VolTag-10. This lithium polymer power bank is lightweight and has ultra-fast USB charging ports that let you charge two devices at the same time. The Automatic Voltage Regulation feature provides optimum output based on the device connected. It also comes in four colors black, white, pink, and light blue to complement your style or mood.

Those looking for a higher capacity power bank would be contented with the Promate ProVolta-21, a 20800 mAh power bank can charge up to 3 devices simultaneously and has a max 3.1A output and a fire proof ABS body.

Now, if you are going for a more outdoorsy trip, say maybe mountain climbing or camping with small appliances, Promate has a MIGHTY solution. The Promate Mighty is indoor/outdoor Heavy-Duty Emergency Power Station with an unbeatable 60,000 mAH of power offering a one-stop solution for all your charging needs. The 200w inverter provides 230v AC mains power to run appliances such as TVs and laptops. It can fully charge laptops 3 times, or 20 full charges for smartphones. 

Tag-9 in blue

• Depending on the number of devices you carry, choose one that has several ports or cables so you could recharge more than one device at a time, saving you the trouble of having to wait for each one to finish.

The ProVolta-21 for example has several USB Ports with LED Flash so you can charge up to 3 devices simultaneously. The ProMate PolyMAX-Uni meanwhile includes replaceable Micro-USB and Type-C cables for Android gadgets as well as a Lighting Connector for your Apple device. 

• With its costly price tag, you have to consider your gadgets as a valued investment so it’s best to get a power bank that comes with a power-cut power feature in the event of a short circuit. All ProMate power banks have automatic voltage regulation designed to protect your device from getting overcharged. 

• Lastly, it is better to spend a little more on a power bank from a reputable brand to save you further costs.  Get your Promate power banks from authorized sellers such as Silicon Valley, Lazada, National Bookstore, Abacus, Electroworld, and Abenson to ensure that you are getting the genuine thing and be entitled to the full warranty.

Tag-9 in black

“Promate thrives on creativity and we are devoted to finding a solution for all your digital entertainment and personal computing demands. Just like the rest of our lifestyle technology products, we are committed to strict quality control procedures to ensure that all our products are of the highest standards,” says Condes.

Promate Technologies has a full line up of portable power solutions from Power Cases, Car Chargers, Home Chargers, Laptop Chargers, Universal Travel Adaptors, to Wireless Charging Solutions and Power Banks.

Visit the Promate stores at SM North EDSA Annex, SM Clark, Ayala Cebu, Robinsons Place Ermita, ALL Silicon Valley Stores Nationwide, Abacus, National Bookstore, Electroworld, and Abenson. Promate is also available through www.lazada.com.ph/promate-store.

*Promate products have 1 year replacement warranty. 

WBTV’s Latest DC Series Powerless Now on HOOQ Same Day as U.S. Telecast

I missed watching the premier of Powerless but, thanks to my HOOQ app, it's going to be so easy to catch up! :)

Press Release:

2 March 2017 -- HOOQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service today announced that Warner Bros. Television’s latest DC series Powerless will now be available on HOOQ, same day as the US telecast.  DC fans can now enjoy a super-charged collection of TV series from the DC Universe, including Supergirl, The Flash, Lucifer, and Powerless – all available same day as US broadcast.

“It has been an exciting start of the year for us here at HOOQ with some of the best DC TV series all available on our platform, many of them exclusively.  With the addition of Powerless, which is a delightful tongue-in-cheeck comedy set in the DC Universe, our fans can now look forward to same day as US telecast of yet another DC series right here on HOOQ!  It has always been our goal to provide the best entertainment for our customers and we will be adding much more amazing content this year!”  Said Chief Content Officer of HOOQ, Mr. Krishnan Rajagopalan. 

Powerless is the first comedy series set within the world of the DC Universe and follows the adventures of Emily Locke (Vanessa Hudgens) as Director of Research & Development at Wayne Security, a subsidiary of Wayne Enterprises based in Charm City, that specializes in products for ordinary humans who are poised to be victims of the battles between superheroes and supervillains.  Also starring Danny Pudi, Christina Kirk, Ron Funches, and Alan Tudyk, Powerless is executive produced by Justin Halpern, Patrick Schumacker, Len Goldstein, and Dean Lorey.  The series from Warner Bros. Television, which airs on NBC in the U.S., is based on the characters from DC and distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. International Television Distribution.

HOOQ is a start-up venture established in Singapore back in January 2015 between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television, and Warner Bros., aimed at driving the entertainment revolution and changing the way Asians consume entertainment.  It is the first time in Asia that three media power houses have joined forces to empower customers with unlimited online streaming access to top Hollywood, Asian and Kids movies, and TV series anytime, anywhere and on any device.  These include computers, smartphones, tablets, set-top boxes, smart TVs via Google Chromecast and all Apple devices. 

How to get HOOQ

It’s easy to get HOOQ’d. Customers can simply download the HOOQ app from Apple Store or Google Play, sign up or log in, to access HOOQ’s library of Hollywood and Asian hits.  Globe At Home customers get 6 months access to HOOQ with plans P1,299 and up, while Globe mobile customers can also enjoy up to 6 months trial on selected prepaid and postpaid plans.   You may also visit www.hooq.tv to sign up for a 7-day free trial. 

With Beyond the Box, You'll Never Have to Worry About Apple Repairs Again!

I own an three Apple products and reading this made me glad that I have somewhere trustworthy to go to in case my gadgets will need to be repaired in the (hopefully, not-so-near) future :)

Press Release:

Turning in a device for servicing can be such a nerve-racking experience. If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable spending a day without your phone, imagine the anxiety when you surrender it for an unspecified length of time. 

It feels like pacing back and forth outside a hospital room. Ideally, you get your gadget back good as new. But if you’re unlucky, you can get anything from unexpected charges to parts swapped without your consent.

That’s why Beyond the Box—the country’s foremost Apple Premium Reseller—is now filling in the gap by opening a service center where transparency is key.

At the newly opened Beyond the Box Service Center in BGC, Taguig, nothing is left to the anxious imagination. The difference can be felt right at the start, when you visit http://appointment.beyondthebox.ph to book an appointment at your own preferred time. Here, you’ll have access to a customer dashboard that tracks every aspect of the repair at hand—service details, device details, repair status, quotation, and more. You can even pay for parts online using a credit card. 

Beyond the Box Service Center is an Apple Authorized Service Provider, so all Apple devices and accessories get the care that they rightfully deserve, regardless of where they were originally purchased. 

As a free perk, customers can avail for free consultation, expert diagnosis (valued at up to Php2,000), and a chance to win prizes in the daily raffle until March 5. 

Got a big, powerful Apple desktop that needs servicing? Just use the promo code BTBSERVICE to get Php150 off the first two trips when you haul it on an Uber until March 31. It’s all in a bid to stay true to Beyond the Box’s mantra of #HelpingYouAlways.

Beyond the Box Service Center is located at the C3 Building in BGC, Taguig. Customers can come in from 10AM to 8PM on Sundays until Thursdays, and from 10AM to 9PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

For more information, please visit www.beyondthebox.ph, LIKE Beyond the Box on Facebook, and FOLLOW @beyondtheboxph on Instagram.

Earn more Happypoints with the Caltex Happy Times Three promo!

Hey, motorists! More chances to earn Happypoints!

Press Release:

MANILA, Philippines, March 07, 2017 – In celebration of the 3rd year anniversary of the Caltex and Happyplüs partnership, motorists will get 3x the Happypoints for a minimum of P500 fuel purchase at participating Caltex stations. This offer is available to new and current Happyplüs cardholders nationwide from March 1, 2017 to April 30, 2017.

During the promo, Happyplus cardholders purchasing any Caltex diesel and gasoline worth at least Php500 in a single receipt will earn 3 Happypoints for every Php100 worth of fuel purchase. Meanwhile, the standard Happypoints conversion (Php100 fuel purchase = 1 point) applies to fuel purchases below Php500.

Happyplus cardholders can redeem Happypoints at participating Jollibee, Chowking, Red Ribbon, and Greenwich branches nationwide. 

“The Happy Times Three promo reflects Chevron’s commitment in solidifying its relationship with motoring clients.  Through our partnership with well-loved Filipino food establishments, we are bringing greater value to our products and services,” said Chevron Philippines Inc. Country Chairman Peter Morris.

The Caltex brand was recently reformulated with the new Clean & Glide technology, which offers a smoother motoring experience through optimized engine protection, fuel economy and maximized power with continued use. Caltex fuels, including Platinum and Silver with Techron, are Euro 4 compliant and deliver lesser emissions.

Nurture Wellness Village Offers Pampering Packages for Women's Month

Ladies! Celebrate Women's Month by having some "me-time" alone or with your girl friends! Plan a trip to Tagaytay, soon!

Press Release:

Nurture Wellness Village in Tagaytay, well-known for being the pioneer in introducing a distinctly Filipino-branded spa menu, is offering packages for ladies this International Women's Month. Choose from one of its offerings below and look your ravishing best with Nurture's holistic approach, which enhances beauty from the inside out. 

1.  Women’s Month Pampering Special -  2 hours pampering treatment

• 1 hour Aruga Signature Body Massage - Peaceful relaxation in our full body signature massage using Hulay Massage Oil – a soothing blend of lavender and ylang ylang essential oils – to create a sense of deep calm.
• 1 hour Mutya Facial Massage - uses nature’s magic to beautify your skin and leave you smoothed and soothed
• Good for 1 person
• Promo price: 1,999.00  
• Promo valid: March 1 to 31, Sundays to Thursdays, except holidays and special days

2.  Women’s Month Overnight Detox & Pampering Special

• Overnight accommodations in a deluxe air conditioned room
• Refreshing Welcome Drink
• Daily delicious healthy meals
• Program Orientation with Daily itinerary
• 2 Session Digital Meridian Scan
• Blood Pressure Monitoring and Lifestyle Discussion
• Wellness Treatments
• 1x 60 minutes full body massage
• Algotherm body scrub
• 1x Acupuncture
• Daily Wellness Activities: Healthy Juice demo, Coffee roasting demo, Tai chi-gong, Meditation, Lakad Kalinga, Nurture walk
• Use of the swimming pool, meditation nooks, wellness library and pavilion
• Promo rates: 14,500.00 for 1 person / 24,000.00 for 2 persons
• Promo valid: March 1 to 31, Sundays to Thursdays, except holidays and special days

Your Clark Escape: Royce Hotel and Casino

Going to Clark anytime, soon? Here's a hotel you may want to consider booking a room, in!

Press Release:

Never miss out on opportunities to bond with those you love. No matter how busy your schedule is, you should always find time to reconnect and unwind with them. The best way to do it is with a vacation – away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And you don’t even have to wait for the next holiday to do it! Just set aside a couple of days where you and your loved ones are available and book a destination that is relaxing, luxurious, and fun. 

Royce Hotel and Casino

At the heart of Central Luzon lies a new and enthralling escape for you and your loved ones to discover. Located along Manuel A. Roxas Highway at the Clark Freeport, Royce Hotel and Casino serves as the region’s premier entertainment hub. Its lux, modern design plays with the beauty of bright and resplendent gold – an elegant motif that can be found throughout the massive property. 

Deluxe King Room

The hotel has 202 well-appointed rooms, business centers perfect for productive meetings, a grand hall that can fit more than 1,000 guests, a vibrant casino area, and a fine selection of dining establishments. It’s the best place in Clark to enjoy winning vacations and give our loved ones the experiences they desire the most. 

Junior Suite

Relaxing in a Fantastic Staycation is among the simplest and most comforting ways to spend time at Royce. Start by booking a room that’s perfect for you and those you love. They have accommodations that can fit two guests, and larger suites that can house bigger groups. Once checked-in, you can request for in-room massages and dining – all while enjoying a beautiful and private space just for you and your loved ones. 

Deluxe Triple Room

Feasting on Hearty Cuisine is a must when staying at Royce. With four dining establishments within the destination, you’ll always have a fine selection of cuisines to choose from. The food at Royce is nothing short of cosmopolitan, with recipes and dining experiences inspired from all over the world. They also showcase a touch of local flair, featuring Filipino and Kapampangan Favorites in their offerings. 

Amare by Chef Chris

Café Majestic is their newest culinary spot with its menu comprised of novel twists on Asian dishes. The Lounge is the go-to place for sumptuous buffets. The Empire Bar and Lounge’s food and refreshments are perfect for enjoying a night out. Amare by Chef Chris is already a local culinary legend, frequented by diners searching for Italian soul food.   

Empire Bar and Lounge

Indulging in Exclusive Entertainment at Royce is the best way to end your day or cap-off your vacation. The Grand Ballroom hosts special concerts from celebrity legends to the country’s up-and-coming artists. Empire Bar and Lounge also regularly features live bands and performers to give guests a night of fun, laughs, and fantastic music. 

Casino entrance

Only Royce Hotel and Casino can give you and your loved ones winning vacation experiences. Whether you’re planning a simple trip for two or a fun staycation with friends and family, you’ll surely enjoy your own unforgettable moments at the heart of Central Luzon. To learn more about Royce Hotel and Casino, visit http://roycehotelcasino.com/ and like https://www.facebook.com/royceclarkph/ on Facebook.