Filipino Unique Stays Hosts earned over P24 million since start of pandemic

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With travel restrictions easing, borders reopening and an increasing desire for unique stays, Airbnb data reveals now is the time for would-be Filipino Hosts to open their homes to guests

Manila, Philippines - Airbnb’s 2021 Release showed that travelers are booking unique abodes including cabins, tiny homes, and treehouses to break up the monotony of the past year spent in lockdown. Nearly 70 percent of respondents to a recent Airbnb survey indicated they want to be able to filter for unique stays when searching for trip accommodation.

According to latest Airbnb data, searches for unique stays have increased by 94 percent in 2021 compared to the same time period in 2019, and 55 percent of Airbnb's 100 most wishlisted homes in the last year fall into unique categories.* Notably, searches for certain types of unique homes have exploded by over 10x compared to just two years ago. Searches for yurts have spiked by approximately 1700%, while searches for earth houses and barns have increased 1,285% and 1,068% respectively.

In the Philippines, Hosts have earned over P24 million welcoming guests into their unique homes since the start of the pandemic. “Many of our unique stays in the Philippines are tucked away in the outskirts of large cities, within driving distance from the metro,” shared Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. “Uncovering these one-of-a-kind stays is now a whole lot easier with our new Flexible Destinations feature, which helps guests discover incredible properties in places they may not have thought to search for. Guests can simply enter the dates they want to travel or search with flexible dates, for instance, a weekend, week or an entire month, to search and book their unique stays.”

One of Airbnb’s most popular unique stays is the Domescape glamping dome house in Nasugbu, Batangas. The Domescape is the first of its kind in the Philippines -- an intricately designed geodesic dome perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Located in Barangay Tumalim, a quiet neighborhood adjacent to a large river, the Domescape is tastefully styled with modern wood furniture and plush white beddings. It also comes complete with luxury amenities that allow guests to immerse in nature in full comfort, including an air conditioner, mini-fridge, kettle, microwave oven, and humidifier. Guests can spend the night stargazing from inside the dome, as well as enjoy private access to a natural swimming pool!

The dome is equipped with all the essentials you need for an ideal nature getaway

“Domescape was born out of our love for adventure and family,” shares Host Triccia Serafica. “It was on a family road trip in 2018 when we thought of having a second home tucked away somewhere remote, and away from our place in the city. We wanted to combine the rejuvenating experience you feel when you’re close to nature with the luxury you get when you stay in upscale accommodation.”

After the completion of the Domescape that same year, Triccia and her family began to invite friends over to stay. The following year, they began hosting on Airbnb and found great joy in sharing their second home with travelers who want to immerse in the great outdoors while spending quality time with their loved ones.

“With Domescape, we have witnessed several beautiful celebrations with our guests,” added Tricia. “Whether a marriage proposal, surprise birthday celebrations, and even pre-wedding photoshoots - we always look forward to these celebrations and are beyond happy to be a part of the moment. Hosting has allowed us to meet people from all walks of life - we’ve even hosted celebrities for their pre-wedding shoot, not to mention numerous shoots for magazines and music videos!”

Awake to picturesque views of lush greenery outside the dome

Spend the afternoon dipping in this sustainable outdoor swimming pool

For those interested in hosting with Airbnb and opening their unique homes to guests, Airbnb’s new platform upgrades have made it easier for anyone who wants to host. Find out more about how you can become an Airbnb Host here: https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes.

*Based on Airbnb internal data of unique stay searches as of April 30, 2021.

J&T Heroes awards outstanding delivery frontliners

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Bayani sa Makabagong Panahon campaign honors contributions of riders

J&T Express Philippines honors Edison Awa as J&T Hero of the Year

Not all heroes wear capes. Sometimes, they wear helmets and ride motorcycles.

From hundreds of nominations for outstanding delivery riders nationwide, e-commerce logistics leader J&T Express Philippines recently awarded its top three “hero riders” last July 2 during the Facebook and Youtube livestream of J&T Heroes: Bayani sa Makabagong Panahon which was watched by more than 190,000 viewers.

J&T Express Philippines Vice President Zoe Chi said the event is part of the company’s bayanihan spirit that aims to uplift the dignity of delivery riders as frontliners and modern heroes by recognizing their hard work, dedication, and contributions on the field every day.

“They have shown valor, creativity, ingenuity, and resilience in every parcel delivered. We are honored to have them in our J&T family. May you continue to serve as inspirations to every person you meet on the road,” she said.

Edison Awa, a J&T delivery rider based in Muntinlupa for two years now, garnered the top spot out of the final seven nominees and was named J&T Hero of the Year. According to his branch supervisor, Awa could deliver 100-300 packages in a day, or five or sometimes six days a week, making him one of the top couriers in his branch.

“Lahat naman kami deserve na maging J&T Hero,” he said. “Napakahalaga po ng delivery riders kasi kami ang nagdadala ng pangunahing pangangailan ng mga tao sa panahon na takot pa silang lumabas. Kahit natatakot para sa sarili, tinataas ko na lang sa Diyos ang aking kaligtasan para hindi bumigay sa hamon ng buhay."

As a breadwinner for his aging parents and siblings in the province as well as his own family of four, Awa used to rely on uncertain odd jobs in construction and agencies, but now finds fulfillment and steady income from being a J&T delivery frontliner. “Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa J&T,” he added, “Ang mensahe ko sa aking co-riders, kahit gaano kahirap ang trabaho sa araw-araw, kahit gaano karami, isipin na ginagawa natin ito para sa ating mahal sa buhay.” As J&T Hero of the Year, Awa received a brand-new motorcycle and smart phone.

J&T Heroes recognize Daryl Ocenar from Tacloban City and Ricky Frias of J&T Taguig Branch as J&T Heroes second and third placer respectively.

Daryl Ocenar from Tacloban and Ricky Frias representing the J&T Taguig Branch won second and third place respectively. They also received smartphones and corresponding prizes to include wireless earphones, Php5,000 worth of gift certificates, and an action camera. Other J&T Heroes finalists which include Raniel Pawilan (Quezon City), Russel Agullo (Makati City), Alan Guillen (Cebu City), and Jecel Beniga (Davao City) also took home gift certificates and special items from J&T.

Vice President of J&T Express Philippines Zoe Chi congratulates and thanks everyone who participated in the first J&T Heroes: Bayani sa Makabagong Panahon.

J&T’s celebrity campaign ambassador Xian Lim captivates the audience as host of the first J&T Heroes: Bayani sa Makabagong Panahon with singer Gigi de Lana and the GG Vibes Band.

Aside from the awarding ceremony, the livestream engaged viewers with games facilitated by J&T’s official celebrity host Xian Lim while the performance of singer and former Tawag ng Tanghalan contestant Gigi de Lana with the GG Vibes Band was equally anticipated by fans. Local leaders also sent their special messages of support including Davao Mayor Sara Duterte, Cebu Mayor Edgardo Labella; Jaen, Nueva Ecija Mayor Sylvia Austria, and Cabanatuan Mayor Myca Vergara.

The event is supported by J&T’s brand partners HINO, FOTON Motors Philippines, Mobile Legends Bang Bang, Realme, Prestone Philippines, Clorox Philippines, Gcash, Shopee, and Pocari Sweat. Secondary local business sponsors include BELO Essentials, Gfoxx International, ELITE Sales, Tink Custom Print, Seek Shine, Organic Skin, K-COOL, Leupp Watches, KUMU, and Jane Secret.

J&T’s bayanihan spirit empowers and prioritizes customers and employees. Early this year, the company released a second tranche of groceries and essentials as employee “ayuda” to help team members affected by the lockdown. J&T has also extended help through various logistics services for COVID response and immediate disaster relief. The company is also dedicated to helping local online businesses grow by providing quality delivery services.

To know more about the company’s services, visit https://www.jtexpress.ph/.

World Vision and ComCo SEA join forces for Cause Marketing for Good initiative for MSMEs

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Global development and advocacy organization World Vision and regional integrated communications agency ComCo Southeast Asia through its Citizen ComCo initiative continue their mission of giving companies and brands opportunities to give back, this time with a focus on supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through the Cause Marketing for Good Virtual Conference.

(From top left) World Vision Donor Education Specialist Caroline Veronilla, ComCo Southeast Asia Regional Integration & Chief Executive Director Ferdinand Bondoy, Lazada Strategic Partnerships Senior Associate Yshana Wong, AirAsia Head of Branding and Creatives David Viray, World Vision Resource Development Director Jun Godornes, World Vision National Director Rommel Fuerte and IdeasXMachina Group Of Hakuhodo CEO Third Domingo

Created and organized by World Vision and ComCo Southeast Asia, the Cause Marketing for Good Virtual Conference is part of the organization’s larger initiative to orient MSMEs on the value of cause-related marketing or CRM, which is especially relevant in today’s pandemic environment, and to equip them on how to champion social issues through their marketing efforts.

Happening on July 21, 2 p.m., the online conference will include sessions on defining CRM, CRM’s impact on sales from AirAsia, and how to use e-commerce to forward your cause from Lazada. There will also be a panel discussion on how to create effective CRM campaigns featuring experts and practitioners of the field such as ComCo Southeast Asia for public relations and Ideas X Machina for creatives.

The ongoing pandemic has had a massive effect on the economy, with MSMEs taking the brunt of this as they make up 99.5% of business establishments in the Philippines and employ 62.4% of the country’s workforce according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. MSMEs are currently facing huge hurdles to keep their businesses afloat, especially in the face of quarantine regulations and economic slowdown.

But with the challenge brought about by the pandemic comes bayanihan spirit – the value of Filipino community as they work together towards a common goal. This has urged individuals, communities, organizations, and even brands and companies, to band together and help each other during this crisis. It has also shown us how Filipino consumers, especially millennials and Gen Zers, are responding positively to brands and companies who support advocacies and stand for causes and values that they believe in.

According to the Global Millennial Survey 2021 by professional services firm Deloitte, millennials and Gen Zers are concerned about the positive impact of businesses on society. These generations of consumers tend to make decisions aligned with their values, with more than a quarter of respondents saying that businesses’ impact on the environment influence their buying decisions, expecting brands to be aligned with their personal values before they invest in their products or services.

In the eyes of consumers, businesses can and have the responsibility to do good – and doing good actually makes for good business. Through the Cause Marketing for Good Campaign and Virtual Conference, World Vision and ComCo Southeast Asia look forward to helping more MSMEs build strong connections with their customers through effective and sustainable cause-related marketing campaigns – ones that allow them to sell while also creating a positive social impact in the Philippines.

Participants may register for the Cause Marketing for Good Virtual Conference at wvph.co/CauseMarketingForGood.

To know more about World Vision and ComCo Southeast Asia’s partnership, visit www.worldvision.org.ph or follow World Vision’s official social media pages /worldvisionph on Facebook, @worldvisionphl on Instagram, and @worldvisionph on Twitter. 

For more information on World Vision Philippines and its other initiatives, call the World Vision hotline number at 8372-77-77 or Ms. Wichelle Cruz of Private Sector Partnerships Manager at 0917-511-6640.

About World Vision

World Vision is a Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, their families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by its Christian faith and values, it is dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people. It serves and collaborates with all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

About ComCo Southeast Asia

ComCo Southeast Asia or ComCo SEA is a trailblazing and global award-winning integrated communications agency powered by the coalition of premier brand architects, inspired storytellers, and communication trailblazers in the region. Based in the Philippines with affiliate network presence in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, ComCo SEA takes the lead in the innovation of premier brands and growth of up-and-coming businesses through the emerging global disciplines of New PR – a strategy based, content-driven, and channel-agnostic way of doing PR, and Smart Social – a holistic, authentic and integrated approach in the maximization of digital and social channels, to effectively reach and engage audiences and help influence change. To know more about ComCo Southeast Asia, visit www.comcosea.com.

2GO Travel Rolls Out Cheapest “Unli-Trip, Unli-Ligaya” To Boracay, Cebu, Other PH Destinations For ₱299

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Say “Yes” to new adventures, and firm up your travel plans in the second half of the year as domestic tourism reopens, and more locals are getting vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Visit two of the most beautiful islands in the world and Asia, Boracay and Cebu, and other Philippine destinations as many times with 2GO Travel’s “Unli-Trip, Unli-Ligaya” for only ₱299.

“We understand the public’s yearning to travel post-pandemic, especially from younger generations who are willing to travel sooner rather than later. With Unli-Trip, we are not only offering the cheapest fare for domestic travel, but we are also giving our passengers flexibility options,” 2GO Assistant Vice President Blessie Cruz said of the latest product launch of 2GO Travel, the country’s largest premier sea travel provider.

Starting today until July 15, 2021, passengers can avail Unli-Trip tickets for sailing on September 1 to December 31, 2021. The all-in rate of ₱1,059 with a base fare of ₱299 is applicable to Super Value Class and Tatami accommodations, inclusive of 50kg baggage allowance, surcharge, insurance, and exclusive of meals. Passengers can book their travel tickets in all 2GO retail outlets nationwide. Meanwhile, a service fee is charged on top of the rate when tickets are bought from authorized agents.

Upon purchase of the Unli-Trip ticket, a passenger is issued itinerary receipts (ITR) for the first two voyages. The third and succeeding bookings may be requested, wherein the first ITR should be presented to be used as basis of the following issuances. Take note, a maximum of two bookings is allowed at a time.

“Travel restrictions may pose a challenge when firming up plans, but with the Unli-Trip, you can book with confidence, whether it’s a one-way or roundtrip voyage with any port combination. The flexibility offers unlimited opportunities to travel so you can finally push through with your long-awaited vacations with your family and barkada around the country this year, Cruz added.

The promo covers all 2GO Travel destinations from Batangas to Caticlan and Roxas, including Manila to Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Coron, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, Butuan, Iligan, Ozamiz, Zamboanga, and vice versa.

Enjoy fun and safe travels with 2GO’s new ships, upgraded onboard accommodations and amenities as well as strict health and safety protocols from terminal check-in all the way to boarding the vessel and disembarkation.

To book your Unli-Trip tickets, please call our hotline (02) 8 528 7000, visit 2GO Travel’s Facebook and Instagram, email travel@2GO.com.ph, or visit any 2GO outlet and SM Business Centers near you!

Refresh Your Senses and Win Big With LG

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Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. LG’s InstaView refrigerator line has become one of the South Korean brand’s most popular products, and with good reason. The InstaView Door-in-Door feature is a sight to behold. With two quick knocks on the sleek glass panel, see inside the quick & easy access compartment for your favourite snacks and beverages without opening the door, reducing cold air loss to help keep food fresher longer. UVnano, one of LG’s newest and most promising innovations, makes an appearance in the new InstaView. The water outlet stays fresh and clean with UV self-care once every hour by the built-in UV LED. For a limited time, every purchase of the InstaView will come with LG TONE Free FN7 earbuds worth P7,990 absolutely free. The special promotion will run from June 4 to July 18, 2021 and will be available in all authorized dealers nationwide.

LG partnered with Zach King, a social media star, content creator, and illusionist, to show how seeing inside is a magical moment.

At first glance, LG InstaView Door-in-Door technology deceptively looks like magic. Zach King, social media star, content creator, and illusionist seems to agree. LG partnered with the viral internet phenomenon to show how seeing inside is a magical moment. They want to know personal instances where one was able to see inside something without opening it up. Have you had an experience like that? The prize? The best answer wins a brand new LG InstaView Door-in-Door refrigerator.

Share your own transparent items that lets you conveniently see the inside, just like the LG InstaView DID for a chance to receive your own. To participate in the campaign, just comment on LG Global’s official Facebook post what transparent item you own and a reason why it made your life convenient with the following hashtags #LGInstaViewDID #KnockTwiceSeeInside #SeeInsideMagicEvent. The best comment will win a LG InstaView DID GR-X22FTQLL. The second best comments will have 2 winners of LG 43" UHD TV 43UP7750PSB while 3 third placers will get a LG ToneFree FN4. The campaign period is from June 11 to July 9, 2021. The winner will be announced on July 16, 2021.

Check LG’s website and visit LG Global Facebook page about the terms and conditions of this promo.