From traditional ryokans to manga-themed stays: Top 10 most wishlisted Airbnb Stays for your next trip to Japan

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It’s time to include Japan on your travel destination list! The Land of the Rising Sun fully reopened for visa-free, individual travel earlier this month and the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines has announced that they are now accepting applications for all visas.

According to latest data from an Airbnb survey conducted among Filipinos this October, 9 in 10 Filipino adults intend to travel to Japan when they are able to and 45 percent ranked Japan their number one travel wishlist destination. The data also showed that 71 percent of Filipino respondents would like to visit a major city in Japan. Approximately a third indicated that having a unique accommodation was important when traveling to Japan.*

Airbnb has further revealed the top searched destinations in Japan by global travelers on the platform:**

1. Osaka

2. Tokyo

3. Shinjuku

4. Shibuya

5. Fukuoka

6. Kyoto

7. Taito

8. Sapporo

9. Okinawa

10. Niseko

Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan, said, “We greatly welcome the lifting of Japan’s travel restrictions, as it is an extremely popular destination for international travelers including Filipinos. We know that many are excitedly gearing up to plan holidays for the end-of-year festive season and next year.”

Whether you want to immerse yourself in the buzzy vibes of downtown Tokyo, indulge in Osaka’s incredible culinary scene, or go off-the-beaten-track and discover something new in lesser known but equally beautiful regions like Tohoku — Japan definitely has something to offer for every type of traveler. To help you plan your much-awaited adventure, here are Airbnb’s top 10 most globally wishlisted stays in Japan.*** Dou itashimashite!

For a taste of Japanese living

● [Private room] An old folk house guest house with a goat! Equipped with Wi-Fi - Matakitai (Iwate)

● [Inn house] Yanagi-dori west wing Asakusa A modern Japanese-style luxury house with an open-air bath limited to two people (Tokyo)

For an eccentric yet exciting experience

● Handmade strawbale house Tida House (Hokkaido)

● MANGA design, all-you-can-read comics, 1 bed, free snacks included, free WIFI [Hotel Tavinos Kyoto] (Kyoto)

For the minimalist enthusiast

● 4beds in Tokyo/3min. from the station : Studio B (Tokyo)

● 【Ginza/Tokyo area】 Junior Suite (Free Wi-Fi) (Tokyo)

● YANAKA SOW STANDARD TWIN (Tokyo)

● [Shinagawa Oimachi] Good access to the airport and Shinkansen! A stylish designer hotel that can be used for both business and travel (Tokyo)

For some off-grid exploration

● Enjoy the superb view of Lake Nojiri, a detached house with private sauna Anoie (Nagano)

● Elegant, secluded cabin for couples & families (Nagano)

As travel returns, Airbnb recently announced an exciting new partnership with MUJI Japan to renovate empty homes, shopfronts and government-owned real estate to drive new and creative types of travel accommodation in towns across the country. To start, both parties are converting accommodation owned by Shimizu-cho, Hokkaido into unique stays for travelers – with two MUJI-designed and styled homes now bookable exclusively on Airbnb here and here. Both feature local Hokkaido timber furniture and MUJI-branded tableware, cooking utensils, and home appliances.

*Based on data from a YouGov survey commissioned by Airbnb, that polled 1063 respondents in the Philippines between 6-12 October 2022.

**Based on guest locations that generated the most searches for Japan on the day of the

Japanese government’s announcement, 23 September.

***Based on most wishlisted listing data from Sept 1 - Sept 22, 2022. All Homes referenced are intended purely to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not recommend or endorse specific Home listings on the Airbnb platform.

Airbnb launches $10M OMG! Fund for the world’s craziest listing ideas

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●     The fund will give 100 people US$100,000 each to design and build the most unique spaces around the world

●     Hosting on Airbnb continues to empower local communities, as Filipino Airbnb Hosts earned over $37M in 2021

Airbnb is on the hunt for the world’s craziest spaces — and will help foot the bill to build them. Whether it’s the next boot, UFO house, or giant potato, the first-of-its-size US$10,000,000 OMG! Fund is seeking ideas from existing and aspiring designers, architects, DIYers, and makers from around the globe. The fund's $10 million will help finance 100 of the craziest ideas, giving 100 people an opportunity to turn them into actual Airbnb OMG! Category listings, which are Airbnb’s collection of the most unique homes.

Starting today, anyone with an out-of-this-world idea can submit an application at airbnb.com/omgfund. One hundred people with the 100 craziest ideas will receive US$100,000¹ each to make their creations possible and, ultimately, bookable. Ideas will be judged by an expert panel for their originality, feasibility, the experience the space will provide guests, and sustainability. 

 

The fund is shaped in part by the growing trend of flexible living that has emerged in the past two years. As part of this shift, Airbnb guests are craving more unexpected spaces that become the destinations themselves, and Airbnb Categories, which launched last month, provide a new way to search for these spaces. More than 30,000 unique listings across the world were added to Airbnb in 2021 and the OMG! Category - which has one of the highest rates of engagement among guests browsing Airbnb - showcases the craziest amongst them, making it easy for guests to discover these listings in places they wouldn't have otherwise looked.

Hosting on Airbnb provides powerful economic benefits to Hosts. In 2021, all Hosts total earnings in the Philippines reached US$37.7 million, providing locals with important income during the pandemic². Additionally, nights booked at unique properties increased globally by over 49 percent from 2019 to 2021³.

Airbnb Superhost OMG! Fund judging panelist Kristie Wolfe

“When the Idaho Potato Commission retired a six-ton prop potato, I took it off their hands and spent $32,000 transforming it into an Airbnb,” Airbnb Superhost OMG! Fund judging panelist Kristie Wolfe said. “I went from making $13/hr to seeing $208,0005 in earnings in less than three years, and leveraged that income to bootstrap my way through additional listings that allow me to express my creativity and connect with hundreds of people in the process.”

Applications will be reviewed by a judging panel of boundary-pushing design authorities, an architectural expert, and an Airbnb OMG! Category Superhost:

●     Iris Apfel, incomparable and irreverent centenarian style icon

●     Koichi Takada, founder of Sydney-based international studio Koichi Takada Architects, known for emotive design inspired by the natural world

●     Kristie Wolfe, Airbnb Superhost and prolific creator of OMG! Listings including the Potato Hotel, Crystal Peak Lookout, Big Island Treehouse and Cocoon Cottage

●     Bruce Vaughn, Disney alum, and Airbnb’s VP of Experiential Creative Product

The $10,000,000 OMG! Fund opens today for a period of 30 days, through July 22 at 11:59 am PHT. The 100 fund recipients will be selected by the panel over the next several months, with the intent of having their newly-constructed spaces complete next year. To apply, visit airbnb.com/omgfund.

 

Note:

¹For more information, including a list of eligible countries, see the Official Rules.

²According to Airbnb data of Hosts earnings in 2021

³Kristie Wolfe’s income represents Airbnb earnings from January 2019 to May 31, 2022. Like Kristie,  every Host’s experience hosting is unique. Host earnings vary widely depending on many factors, including availability, price, acceptance and cancellation rates, occupancy rate and the demand in the listing location. Globally, the median earnings for an OMG! Category Host active between Jan 2018 and May 2022 was over $48,000.

 

DAD, WE GOT THIS! Century Park Hotel Offers Exciting Father's Day Deals

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Father’s Day is just around the corner and what better way to treat the Man of the Hour than with Century Park Hotel’s exciting Father’s Day deals!

 

Indulge Dad with a relaxing city getaway at Your Home Away From Home from June 18-20, 2022!  For as low as P6,000/ night, enjoy an overnight stay in one of our Deluxe Rooms, breakfast for two, a complimentary 1-hr massage for two, and a special Father’s Day Cake! For bookings and reservations, call 0956-5232880 or email reservations@centurypark.com.ph.

 

The celebration of course will not be complete without food and fanfare!

 

For every 3 paying guests, Dads eat for free at the Café in the Park from June 15-19, 2022, treat Dad to a sumptuous Churrasco-style Lunch (11:00AM – 2:30PM) and Dinner Buffet (6:00PM – 10:00PM) at P1,200net per head. 

 

The food outlet also now serves Breakfast Buffet at P995net per head from 6:00AM – 10:00AM daily. For reservations, call 8528-5827. 

 

On June 19, 2022, if you are in the mood for Asian cuisine, enjoy Century Tsukiji’s Eat-All-you-Can Lunch (11:00AM – 2:30PM) and Dinner (5:00PM – 9:00PM) for only P999 net per head.  Cap off the merriment with some drinks at the Atrium Lounge (9:00AM – 10:00PM).  For a minimum transaction of P2,000 net at Century Tsukiji and Atrium Lounge, a complimentary Father’s Day cake awaits Dads on this extraordinary day.  For reservations, call 8528-5835 (Century Tsukiji) and 8528-5924 (Atrium Lounge).

 

“We honor the fathers who work hard for their loved ones and help shape their children into better individuals.  This is the time to pay it forward and say, ‘Dad, we got this!’.  A staycation and a gustatory feast at Century Park Hotel is the best way to make Dad feel like a king,” said Anthony Tan, Century Park Hotel’s General Manager.

 

Century Park Hotel has been duly awarded the Safety Seal Certification and Certificate of Accommodation to Operate as Staycation (CAOS) by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ).  One can look forward to a safe and pleasant dining atmosphere while inside the property.

 

Guests 18 and up must be fully vaccinated and present their vaccination cards, minors are allowed entry provided they are accompanied by a fully-vaccinated adult.

Airbnb encourages Pinoys to #TravelAsJuan, as travel searches surge for beachside and nature destinations near Metro Manila

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●     New Airbnb data shows spike in domestic demand for stays after recent easing of travel restrictions; trending destinations include Zambales, Batangas and Tagaytay

●     More Filipinos are searching for getaways lasting a week or longer, at family-friendly villas
and bed and breakfasts

Manila, Philippines,  October 2021 - Airbnb launched its new #TravelAsJuan campaign that aims to energize the Philippines’s tourism recovery throughout the remainder of 2021 and beyond. As part of the campaign, the company is encouraging Filipinos to rediscover their country with their loved ones, while celebrating unique stays and hidden gems across the nation. The #TravelAsJuan campaign also aligns with the Department of Tourism’s 2022 plan to rebuild a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive domestic tourism industry

Responding to the Department of Tourism’s call for Filipinos to become “Ambassadors of Fun”, Airbnb’s #TravelAsJuan will work closely with its community of #AirbnbJuanderers including Filipino Hosts and local content creators. They will shine a light on the country’s off-the-beaten-path destinations, from lesser-known beaches to mountainous getaways and farms, as well as tips for safer travel. The campaign will kickstart by highlighting destinations where intra- and inter-state travel are currently allowed and expand to cover more destinations as more cities and provinces reopen.

 Airbnb is already seeing surging interest in domestic stays as Filipinos look forward to traveling with the platform once more, following the recent easing of travel restrictions. In September, searches for Airbnb Stays in Zambales spiked by over 100% month-over-month* after the government announced travel rules allowing Metro Manila residents to travel to areas under more relaxed quarantine rules. In the same period, searches for Airbnb Stays in Batangas and Tagaytay also almost doubled month-over-month*.

Beachside and nature destinations, especially locations within driving distance of Metro Manila, remain popular among Filipinos. Zambales and Batangas, both popular for their beaches and coves, along with nature-based destinations Tagaytay, Pampanga, and Baguio, are currently the top five trending destinations among Filipino guests on Airbnb. This follows key findings from a YouGov survey conducted earlier in the year, which found that Filipinos want to travel to nature retreats and places within driving distance once they can get back on the road.

The easing of travel restrictions has spurred Filipinos to quickly plan for upcoming trips with their family and loved ones. While Filipino guests on Airbnb are largely searching for Stays with a duration of 1-6 nights, there is a growing trend towards longer domestic getaways of one week and longer, to make up for the past year spent at home. Larger family-friendly Stays are also increasing in popularity, as Filipino guest searches for villas and bed-and-breakfasts spiked by more than 50% month-over-month*. 

As Filipinos eagerly make their travel plans, Gen Zs and Millennials who make up 68% of Airbnb’s community of new Hosts who came onboard the platform in the first half of this year are looking forward to welcoming fellow Pinoys into their homes**.

Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, Airbnb shares: “Filipinos are eagerly anticipating the return of domestic travel, and search trends on Airbnb indicate a strong, positive uptick in travel sentiment as restrictions ease. With our wide variety of unique stays hosted by locals across the Philippines, Airbnb offers something for everyone through our #TravelasJuan campaign, which highlights the wonderful places, experiences and communities that make the Philippines such an incredible place to experience for both locals and visitors alike. Airbnb is committed to being a good partner to the government to rejuvenate the country’s tourism sector; and help drive travel that is more diverse, resilient, and empowering for more people and communities than ever before.”

Safety remains a priority

Health and safety remain a top priority for travelers as they search for upcoming travel accommodation. To that end, Airbnb introduced the Enhanced Clean protocol in June last year, the first overarching standardized guidelines for cleaning and sanitization in the home-sharing industry. Endorsed by the World Travel and Tourism Council, the protocol helps guide Hosts across the Philippines to provide safer and cleaner accommodation for guests.

Airbnb also recently announced a partnership with global provider Sherpa, an online tool that provides travelers with real-time travel information on their destinations. Travelers can access information on COVID-19 related requirements including testing, quarantining and social distancing guidelines. This will help guests plan their trips more effectively as they continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19 regulations.

Note:

*Based on internal Airbnb guest search data in September 2021, as compared to August 2021.

**Based on internal Airbnb data from January to June 2021.

 

Five Benefits of a Staycation

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Staycation, a combination of the word “stay” and “vacation” is not a new concept. It is simply when one chooses to stay at their home country or check-in at a hotel, instead of going abroad for vacation. A staycation or holistay, as defined by Wikipedia, is also a period in which an individual participates in leisure activities within driving distance of his or her own home. Lately, the trend has been increasing as more numbers of people now find more peace by spending time at home and have some needed rest and relaxation. More than that, staycations also offer a lot of quiet and humble benefits.

1. Staycation  save time

Living in the Philippines means having to battle at least 3 hours of travel going from home to work and vice versa. Just imagine how much worse the traffic can get when it is a drive going to the airport! More than that, long airline terminal queues also eat up a significant part of a traveler’s day. Add all the hassle of traffic, terminal queues, departure procedures, etc. One day could easily be wasted on preparation.

2. Staycations are good for the environment

Checking in at a hotel also means contributing less to your carbon footprint! You would not have to use airplanes which require a massive amount of carbon emissions. Staying in a hotel is less harmful to the environment and really just pampers you to the core.

3. Staycations give time for meditation

Our fast-paced lifestyle limits our time to meditate and value the importance of rest. Taking a break during a staycation allows you to spend your energy on your body and use it as a time for spiritual, emotional, and physical rest and healing.

4. Staycations can inspire

Having some down time also gives you a chance to explore more ideas. Quiet times away from chaos can generate fresh ideas and inspirations that can later be turned to productive projects.

5. Staycations save money

Staycations also save a huge amount of money. You need not worry about spending so much on food, budgeting travel expenses, and expensive air fares. All staycations really ask of you is to stay put and rest at your own terms.

Already convinced to hold your well-deserved, yet affordable R & R? Century Park Hotel (CPH) is here to make it happen! Located at the heart of Manila, CPH boasts facilities and rooms that are perfect for you to simply unwind and enjoy your time with your family. Currently, CPH has Summer Solstice Special Room Rate promo which starts at Php 3,500 (net) per room per night. Now reap the benefits of that staycation the quick, affordable, and easy way at your home away from home, Century Park Hotel!

Launched in 1976, the Century Park Hotel remains as one of the finest hotels in Manila. It is owned and operated by Maranaw Hotels and Resort Corporation and enjoys a mix of local and international patrons. The renowned establishment has over 500 rooms in varied types and facilities for a complete dining and leisure experience. To know more about Century Park Hotel, visit www.centurypark.com or contact information@centurypark.com.ph and telephone number: (632) 528-8888.

SEDA NUVALI, Your Home South of Manila

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For many of us a vacation is not always that easy, especially in our budget. 

How we wish we could escape the stressful, noisy city environment, attending to our day-to-day responsibilities at work and at home. 

We need a break, maybe for a couple of days of fun, relaxation and adventure with our family somewhere. But sometimes if not most of the time we cannot do so due to some reasons.

It might be between restaurants, hotel accommodation, transportation, travel costs multiplied to a family make us to think twice, it’s a huge sum of money to spend for a weekend vacation.

If not the cost as the factor, it is sometimes health concerns or work obligations that prevent us from leaving our home for that much needed vacation.

This year, why not plan a vacation south of Manila? 

A true staycation of fun, adventure and relaxation for your whole family.

Seda NUVALI

Your home south of Manila either with your family, friends or co-workers. Seda Nuvali, a great place to spend your weekend, for fun and adventure.

It’s easy to indulge life’s best pleasure while staying at Seda NUVALI in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. The lifestyle hotel forms an integral part of the NUVALI eco-city development which is intended as the growth center of the CALABARZON area.

All rooms have: 40-inch LED HDTV ; Media panel with HDMI, USB and A/V connectivity; with iPod dock and FM stereo features; Complimentary wireless or wired Internet access; Mini-bar and coffee and tea making facilities; Executive writing desk; In-room safe

At Seda you will have that spectacular views of the lake and overlooking structures that blend perfectly with natural landscapes of a peaceful, resort-like environment.

It offers rudiments such as 150 contemporary style guestrooms, an e-lounge and banquet, and meeting venues for modern business travelers.

A spa, gym, swimming pool, Straight Up roof deck bar, and Seda’s signature restaurant, Misto, and and other facilities to make your stay more enjoyable and relaxed.

Adult and kiddie swimming pools

Function rooms – 6 fully-equipped venues that can accommodate meetings of 10 to 90 persons

Gym

Misto, Seda’s signature restaurant. Misto – offers all-day dining with a fine selection of international dishes and local favorites

Game room, children’s playroom

And just a few steps is the Solenad’s dining and retail outlets for your shopping needs.

For corporate event and team building, Seda is within easy reach of The Monochrome Events Place and sports facilities, the Camp N and the wake-boarding site at Republic Wake Park for fun and adventure.

Camp N 

 

Republic Wake Park

Republic Wake Park NUVALI – water sports facility that features a 4-hectare lake, hotel, bar, restaurant, and skate park

With all these, we suggest Seda at Nuvali for your next team building or strategic planning, group friends and family adventure!

Familiarization tour and Staycation at Seda Nuvali we have last July 23-24, 2017.

Day 1

at the Camp N

Lunch at Misto 

Great lunch at Misto - Relish Japanese cuisine made with authentic ingredients , variety of food items in a bento box featuring Japanese culinary artistry.

A wonderful evening, bbq dinner with beautiful music. 

Day 2 

To start the day, we had a delightful healthy breakfast at Misto.

An Executive Set Lunch : An awesome lunch before we go back to Manila 

One of the Wall arts at Seda Nuvali by Ann Tiu Pamintuan 

Thank you Seda Nuvali for a wonderful , fun and adventure during our staycation. We will be back again, with our family and friends.

Seda NUVALI location

Lakeside Evozone, Seda NUVALI is located in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna, 4026, Philippines and forms an integral part of the NUVALI eco-city development.

NUVALI is envisioned to be the growth center of the CALABARZON region, which is comprised of the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon. Among the features of this eco-city are sustainable residential developments, spaces dedicated to sports activities and nature trails, and environment-friendly entertainment options. The site is less than an hour’s drive from Metro Manila and is accessible through several exits along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

Visit Seda Nuvali website  http://web.sedanuvali.com

 and contact Phone Number: +63-49-255 8888 for more info and updates.