Gen Z and Millennial Airbnb Hosts in the Philippines leading the way for inclusive tourism recovery

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As the Philippines begins to relax domestic travel restrictions, Airbnb continues to steadily navigate the Covid-19 pandemic with hundreds of new local Hosts joining the platform in the first six months of 2021.

Latest Airbnb data shows over 68% of all new Filipino Hosts in H1 2021 are Gen Zs and millennials aged 18-40

The company announced today that Filipino Gen Zs and millennials are the driving force behind Airbnb’s growing community of Hosts in the Philippines, with over 68% of new Airbnb Hosts in H1 2021 comprising Gen Zs and millennials aged between 18 and 40*.

Despite hosting during small windows of opportunities due to the start-stop order of travel restrictions between January to June, new Filipino Hosts have collectively earned over PHP 21 million welcoming guests on Airbnb. Metro Manila, Tagaytay, and Metro Cebu also emerged as the top cities where new Airbnb Hosts are hosting*.

Tourism is a significant contributor to the Philippine economy and employment. In 2019, research from Oxford Economics revealed that Filipino Airbnb Hosts contributed USD 1 billion to the country’s GDP and supported over 160,000 jobs. Guests on Airbnb spent over USD 930 million, representing 1.2% of the country’s total tourism spending in the same year**.

Through the pandemic, hosting has emerged as an important economic lifeline for many Filipinos to make ends meet and support their families. A Q1 2021 survey by Airbnb reveals that 57% of Filipino Hosts polled said the income they’ve earned through hosting has helped them to stay in their homes, and over half said they want to find more ways to host with Airbnb. Over a third of Filipino Hosts also said they share recommendations with guests on their favourite local restaurants and businesses within their community***.

“This year’s World Tourism Day calls for more inclusive growth that advances prosperity for more communities and drives more sustainable development. It’s a call for our tourism industry to reset and rebuild tourism in a way that benefits more people and communities than ever before. As more Filipinos turn to hosting with Airbnb to support themselves and their families during this time of need, we remain fully committed to empowering our Hosts to provide unique, family-friendly, and clean, responsible travel,” shares Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Earlier this year, Airbnb introduced more than 100 upgrades across its platform, including a new simplified 10-step process for anyone to become a Host. It also launched seven Host clubs this year across the Philippines to empower Hosts to connect, collaborate and support each other as well as their local communities, by sharing advice and best practices on hosting. During the pandemic, Airbnb launched its Airbnb Enhanced Clean protocol, an industry-first set of cleaning and sanitisation standards designed with guidance from the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure peace of mind for the community.

The company continues to support and strengthen the communities its Hosts call home, amidst the unprecedented changes brought about by the pandemic. In June, Mercy in Action, Childhope Philippines Foundation, Inc., Haligi ng Bata, Inc. and Reach Out and Feed Philippines were amongst the first 150 grant recipients of the inaugural Airbnb Community Fund, which will distribute US$100 million over 10 years to organizations around the world.

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

**The Economic Impact of Airbnb in the Philippines: An Independent Report by Oxford Economics (August 2020)

***Based on an Airbnb survey from Feb 1, 2021 to Mar 3, 2021.

GDay everyday with bigger, better GlobeOne Super App

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Globe launches the new GlobeOne Super App, a platform that aims to consolidate the customer experience for Globe, TM, Globe At Home WiFi, and MyFi subscribers with prepaid accounts in just one app.

From linking multiple accounts for easy monitoring, to managing consumer transactions such as buying load, redeeming rewards, and availing exclusive promos, the super app can practically do it all for subscribers.

“We always find ways on how we can innovate and better serve our customers. With the launch of the new GlobeOne super app, we are empowering our subscribers through simplified processes and convenient customer experience,” said Juuya Reyes, Product Owner of the new GlobeOne App.

The simplified dashboard functions as the subscribers’ home base for total account management, where users can view and monitor current promo subscriptions for data, content, call, and text. Meanwhile, the shop section allows users to buy, send, and request load or credits.

Linking accounts to the app is as easy as just a few clicks. Users can register for a GlobeOne account with their email or social media accounts, and then they’re all set! Registered account holders can simply select which accounts they want to monitor, and all details will be displayed on the app dashboard.

Reyes clarified that the initial launch is specific to prepaid subscribers, with postpaid accounts expected to be onboard within balance year 2021.

Globe Rewards will also be one of the features integrated into the app -- making it easier for customers to manage and redeem their earned points.

Aside from using their rewards points to claim vouchers, it also allows customers to take part in several activities and support any of its various community partners, including Philippine General Hospital Foundation (PGHF), Ayala Foundation, Rise Against Hunger, Save Philippine Seas, and more.

The New GlobeOne app is available for download on both Android’s Google Play and Apple’s App Store.

The company strongly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9, which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development. Globe is committed to upholding the 10 United Nations Global Compact principles and 10 UN SDGs.

To know more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

 

Smart and Limitless: Xiaomi Announces Arrival of Mi TV P1 Series and Xiaomi Pad 5 in the Philippines

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Xiaomi launched its latest smart TV lineup- Mi TV P1 Series, and a new tablet Xiaomi Pad 5 during its new product launch in the Philippines. Offered in 55’’, 50’’, 43’’, and 32’’ four different sizes, Mi TV P1 Series makes smart home entertainment experience more accessible to everyone. The Xiaomi Pad 5 on the other hand, is an all-in-one workstation that’s packed with value from form to function.

Mi TV P1 Series: An All-Round Smart Entertainment Hub

The whole series sports a bezel-less display for maximum viewing space with a sleek and stylish design that blends beautifully into the home’s surroundings. Its 60Hz LED panel offers an ultra-wide 178° field of view so that you can clearly see the display, no matter what angle you are watching from.

The 55”, 50” and 43” variants deliver a top-of-the-line picture quality with 4K UHD resolution and Dolby Vision® support. The larger 55”, 50” variants further enhance visuals with HDR10+, which allows the TVs to generate a high dynamic range and make the picture even more vivid and life-like. To complement the stunning visuals, all three models offer MEMC technology, enabling the TV to reproduce an incredibly smooth and lag-free picture.

All models come with a rich ecosystem of content with Android TV™ system, and popular apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube pre-installed1. Users can also easily project content and games from their smartphones or tablets using Chromecast and Miracast2. With Google Assistant built-in2, Mi TV P1Series is the perfect fit for voice commanding users’ smart homes. The 55”, 50” and 43” variants even come with an embedded mic on the panel so users can voice command the TV and any smart appliances connected completely hands-free3.

Xiaomi Pad 5: Play Hard, Work smart

Xiaomi Pad 5 is versatile as a productivity tool for both work or the classroom, but doubles as a premium mobile entertainment experience.

This portable workstation is packed with premium features to empower users to Play hard, work smart including:

• Productivity Suite - Xiaomi Pad 5 is equipped with features that’ll boost your productivity. Scan any documents using the 13MP single camera and seamlessly share with coworkers or classmates. For a natural writing experience, Xiaomi Smart Pen1 comes with only 12.2g, 4096 pressure sensitivity and 240Hz touch sampling rate. Xiaomi Smart Pen also includes convenient features such as Smart Pen function keys to quickly jot down notes, taking screenshots or easily switching between pen and eraser. Besides, you’re also conference-call ready with a 8MP front camera, which supports 1080p video.

• Vibrant Display with Comfortable Viewing Experience - Xiaomi Pad 5 features an 11-inch WQHD+ 120Hz display that brings content to life with elaborate images with more soft and natural colors full of details. With support for Dolby Vision®, Xiaomi Pad 5 enables a premium HDR viewing experience bringing ultra vivid imagery with incredible brightness, contrast, detail, and colors you have never seen before on a screen. And even if you’re watching your favorite shows for a prolonged period of time, and no matter where you are watching, Xiaomi Pad 5’s True Display and built-in Low Blue Light mode ensures a clear but safe and comfortable viewing experience.

• Immersive Acoustics - As Xiaomi Pad 5 captivates your eyes, it’ll also be easy on the ears when you’re squeezing in leisure time. Enjoy rich stereo sound with large quad speakers that offer a louder, and crisper sound. Moreover, there is Dolby Atmos® immersive audio for the ultimate sound experience with unparalleled detail, depth, and realism while listening to your favourite Dolby Atmos contents.

• Packed with High-Performance and Built to Unparalleled Connection -To ensure keeping up with your studies, work, entertainment, and everything in-between, Xiaomi Pad 5 is equipped with a 7nm high-performance Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 860 processor with a max clock speed of up to 2.96Ghz. And to keep users always connected, Xiaomi Pad 5 comes with longer battery life supported by 8,720mAh (typ) capacity.

Pricing and Availability

Starting from September 30, 2021, Mi TV P1 Series 55’’, 50’’, 43’’, and 32’’ will be available for purchase at PHP 24,990, PHP 22,990, PHP 18,990 and PHP 10,990 respectively.

The Mi TV P1 Series can also be availed on a special early bird price with freebies from September 30 until October 1. Those who will purchase the 32” and 43” variants will get a free Redmi soundbar for PHP 8,990 and PHP 16,990 respectively. A Mi Soundbar for the 50” and 55” variants will serve as freebies with price cuts at PHP 20,990 and PHP 22,990, respectively. These offers will be available exclusively on Xiaomi Authorized Stores and in Xiaomi official stores on Shopee and Lazada.

Comes in two color options: Cosmic Gray and Pearl White, Xiaomi Pad 5 6GB + 128GB version’s recommended retail price is PHP 17,990, while the 6GB + 256GB retails at PHP 19,990. A limited early bird price of PHP 14,990 and a free Xiaomi Smart Pen for the 6GB + 128GB variant will be offered exclusively on Xiaomi Official Global Store via Lazada on September 24 only. Xiaomi Pad 5 will be available on Xiaomi Authorized Stores nationwide starting October 1.

Mi TV P1 specifications:

Developing Young Tech Talents is Crucial to Support the Growth of E-Commerce

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E-commerce continues to play a significantly important role in the Philippine market and is estimated to be worth US$12 billion by 2025. As more consumers turn to e-commerce, and as more businesses capitalize on the potential of the emerging digital economy, there is also a rising demand for qualified tech talents. According to Linkedin, tech roles make up the majority of “emerging jobs” in the region, with robotics engineer, cyber security specialist, and javascript developer roles making the job trend list.

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, prepares and nurtures students and professionals for the digital landscape through its various talent development initiatives. One of these is the Shopee Apprentice Program which is an internship program designed to develop young tech talents into leaders through high-impact projects, specialized learning and development training, and mentorships led by Shopee leaders.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, said, “As the demand for tech roles rises, Shopee will continue to train and equip the next generation of leaders through initiatives like the Shopee Apprentice Program. We will ramp up our efforts to provide proper mentorship and a well-rounded work experience for individuals joining our internship program.”

These Participants of the Shopee Apprentice Program highlight how they gained significant professional and personal growth to jumpstart their careers in e-commerce.

For Kyla, the Shopee Apprentice Program was an enriching experience. With a specialization in data science and analytics and equipped with advanced coding skills, she created end-to-end training portals during her stint with the Shopee Business Intelligence Team.

 “Even though the entire program was held virtually, Shopee translated their work culture online which is a great factor in my whole experience as an apprentice. I learned a lot from my mentors and also improved my skills in terms of presentation, time management, and communication. The program encouraged me to step up and be more confident to drive better results with what I do. I am glad a lot of people supported me throughout my whole Shopee journey,” Kyla shared.

Lance, another Shopee Apprentice Program participant, said that his experience was eye-opening, improved his problem-solving skills, and helped him understand the industry better. He worked with the People Team and displayed exemplary standing not only when it comes to his studies but also with his work at Shopee. “With Shopee, I learned how to look at a multifaceted problem, break it down into its constituent parts, and build it back together to form a comprehensive, results-driven strategy. With this mindset, I was able to drive concrete impact by implementing workable solutions that will help drive the business forward.”

After finishing the program, Kyla highly recommends other individuals check out the program for growth and new learnings. “For those who want a career in e-commerce and tech, the Shopee Apprentice Program can definitely equip you with the necessary skills through their mentorships, training, and projects. You can definitely drive your own growth as well as bring value and positive impact to Shopee through this internship. If you are up for a challenge to do meaningful work, the Shopee Apprentice Program might just be for you,” Kyla shared.

For more information about the Shopee Apprentice Program, visit https://careers.shopee.ph/apprenticeprogram/. To check out other career opportunities at Shopee, check out https://careers.shopee.ph/.

Buy Load, Pay Bills, and Scan to Pay with ShopeePay. Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.

Get your hands on the new, limited-edition Jollibee Funko Soda!

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Since the Jollibee Funko Pop debuted in 2018 as the first-ever local brand with its own Funko vinyl figure, the partnership between the two global brands have created widespread excitement and buzz from toy collectors and Jollibee fans alike. And this year, Jollibee and Funko continue to bring the fun and joy with another first – the limited-edition Jollibee Funko Soda!

Get your hands on the limited-edition Jollibee Funko Soda on the Jollibee App!

With this newest release, Jollibee joins the ranks of iconic global properties and brands such as Batman, Disney’s Steamboat Mickey, The Matrix, and Energizer Bunny with its own Funko Soda. It features a cute 4.25” Jollibee vinyl figure in a unique soda can packaging. It also comes with a collectible disc, and lucky customers even have the chance to get the Chase glow in the dark version.

The Jollibee Funko Soda is available on the Jollibee App for P790, with a minimum order of P200.

“We are very happy to launch the Jollibee Funko Soda and give our customers another premium novelty item to add to their growing collection. This is another first for the Philippines’ favorite bee and we are proud to share this milestone with our fun partners from Funko,” says Francis Flores, JFC Philippines Country/Regional Marketing Head and Jollibee Philippines Marketing Head.

The new Jollibee Funko Soda is available via the Jollibee Delivery App from September 24 to 26 in select Jollibee delivery stores. Customers can get it for only P790 with a minimum P200 food purchase. So, make sure to mark your calendar and order via the Jollibee App to get your hands on this limited-edition collectible!

For more information on the Jollibee Funko Soda, watch this video and visit Jollibee’s Official Facebook Page.