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.

 

Styler: Complete Clothing Care, The LG Way

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Coming into the second year of the pandemic, cleanliness and safety is still the number one priority for families. Even as vaccinations are slowly rolled out, nothing beats preparedness in keeping sickness at bay. Worldwide innovators, such as LG, have been hard at work to provide tools to help in the new normal. Its newest product, the LG Styler, is designed to keep clothes fresh and clean without needing to launder it excessively.

L-R: Jun Lee, LGEPH product director for Home Appliances, Stephanie Zubiri, LG brand ambassador, Sungjae Kim, LGEPH managing director

In a recent online event, LG introduced the Styler to the local market. Hosted by LG Brand Ambassador Stephanie Zubiri, the event showcased the different uses the LG Styler has for individuals from all walks of life. LG envisions the Styler as the future of wardrobe management, especially with the Philippines’ unpredictable weather. Normal clothes are easy to wash, but some, such as outerwear like jackets, or dresses with fragile fabric, are a different story. This is where the LG Styler comes in.

With the Styler, all you need to do is put your clothes inside and it’s good as new in minutes - no fuss and definitely, no damage. You can also do this to shake off wrinkles and odors. You can take care of suits, dresses, sweaters and more with the touch of a button, so you and your clothes will always look at your best. Shake off odors, leaving your clothes fresh and clean. You don’t have to worry about special fabrics. The LG Styler prevents shrinkage and damage courtesy of its Heat-Pump Technology. Gently dry clothes that require special care without worrying about shrinkage or damage. No more dampness or accidental damage - only fresh, clean clothes as they were meant to be.

During the event, event host Stephanie, who’s a mom and a journalist, shared how she loves using Styler to sanitize her kid’s stuffed animal toys. She interviewed Victor Basa and Dra. Vicki Belo who both shared their unique perspective on how the Styler helps them at home and at work. 

Victor, actor and fashion blogger, appreciates great clothing and the transformative power they possess. “I have these prized menswear pieces that really make you feel good wearing, a custom suit, Italian bespoke trousers, heirloom barong, and they all deserve the proper care and longevity. The LG Styler is definitely a game-changer. I often have to bring out my seldom used clothes like my barong out of the closet for my hosting gigs and so I don't need to get out for dry cleaning! It’s like having your own valet or gentleman’s gentleman at home, specifically responsible for my clothes. It also looks great in my interior because of the reflective mirror finish and sleek design.”

While Dra. Vicki Belo, founder and medical director of Belo Medical Group, the pioneer and number one medical aesthetic clinic in the country, was elated with her new home dream machine and all it’s amazing features. “I’m obsessed! Thanks to LG Philippines for bringing it here. I saw it in Milan around 3 years ago. The first thing I loved about it is the ease of use! I’m not that techie so this one I can easily operate after unboxing. I also like the fact that you can practically use it every day. We wear PPEs as doctors in Belo clinics so as soon as I remove it, pasok agad in the Styler. It feels as if I have a whole new wardrobe in my walk-in closet because I have a lot of delicate items that I wouldn’t wear as often, like the couture dresses, so now I can freshen them all up. Also, lahat na we wanna put inside the LG Styler, and not just the clothing, even the stuffed toys of Scarlett.” The one-of-a-kind appliance can effectively prolong the life of not only clothes but a whole variety of household items.

At the core of Styler is the patented LG TrueSteam™ technology, which eliminates over 99.9 percent of the germs and bacteria found in clothing and toys and is approved as asthma and allergy friendly® by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Clothes placed on the moving hangers shake out wrinkles and unpleasant odors while the Gentle Dry cycle removes moisture quickly and thoroughly. Heat Pump Drying reduces energy consumption by recycling heat from the hot, moist air inside Styler, and Pants Crease Care creates a crisp crease-line without an iron.

In addition, style icon and fashion+travel blogger Laureen Uy with 1M followers on Instagram posted about how amazing is her new LG Styler. Representing a new way to care for her designer clothes and other accessories, the Styler boasts many practical uses and thoughtful features including a mirror-like finish that fits her snazzy space and chic personality.

Aside from being functional, it’s sleek, stylish, and blends well with any interior. Whether you’re living by yourself or with a family, the LG Styler is a key piece in anyone’s wardrobe. With it, you can refresh clothes in the comfort of your home. From unpleasant smells, harmful pollutants, dripping wet, wrinkles, seasonal clothes and even difficult to clean items - effortlessly remove them quickly and effectively at your home.

LG also remains committed in providing smart solutions for its appliances. The Styler can be controlled using your smartphone. ThinQ™ app lets you operate or monitor precious garments from anywhere, anytime. You can use Cycle Download to add newly developed care cycles.

L-R: Sungjae Kim, LGEPH managing director, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Young Park, LGEPH product director for Air Solutions

Knowing the need to efficiently eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses in the community, LG recently donated Styler and Wearable Air Purifiers and more than 2000 hygiene kits to the local government of Pasig City through Mayor Vico Sotto. LG has always been a long and ardent supporter of the LGU where the LGEPH headquarters is located. Over the past months, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, LG also donated washing machines, refrigerators and digital signage displays to help out city frontliners and its constituents.

Seungjae Kim, LG Philippines’ Managing Director, shares his piece on how the LG Styler can benefit Filipino families and the community. “The LG Styler provides a fast and easy way of disinfecting your clothes, which is crucial in the time of COVID. It helps keep you and your family safe. It is also a perfect addition to any household, whether you’re living alone or with a family. We also believe that the CSR initiatives we have done, including the recent Styler donation will make a difference in helping out Pasig City’s civil servants.”

Read more about the LG Styler and its features on https://www.lg.com/ph/clothes-styler/lg-s3mfc or visit LG’s official social media channels. The LG Styler is available through authorized dealers and in LG flagship online stores at Lazada and Shopee.

Mark Zuckerberg : Facebook changes its name to Meta

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Facebook changes its name to Meta

The newly-rebranded name of Facebook’s parent company has been announced to be Meta on Oct. 29. The company said the change would bring together its different apps and technologies under one new brand.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg, speaking at the company’s live-streamed virtual and augmented reality conference, said the new name reflected its focus on building the metaverse.

The name change was announced at the Facebook Connect augmented and virtual reality conference. The new name reflects the company’s growing ambitions beyond social media. 

Facebook, now known as Meta, has adopted the new moniker, based on the sci-fi term metaverse, to describe its vision for working and playing in a virtual world.

“Today we are seen as a social media company, but in our DNA we are a company that builds technology to connect people, and the metaverse is the next frontier just like social networking was when we got started,” Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said.

The metaverse, a term first coined in a dystopian novel three decades ago and now attracting buzz in Silicon Valley, refers broadly to the idea of a shared virtual environment which can be accessed by people using different devices.

In addition to reflecting their vision to be seen as a metaverse, Zuckerberg wants the new name to anchor their work and identity on what they are building towards.

”Meta” was chosen as it means “beyond” and alludes to the social technologies they are building beyond pre-existing digital connections. Accompanying the new company brand is a new logo and color.

The company also said in announcing the new name that it will change its stock ticker from FB to MVRS, effective Dec. 1.

Are you ready for this? The Witcher Season 2 premieres December 17 on Netflix

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During a panel, today at the Lucca Comics & Games Convention in Italy, The Witcher showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, cast members Joey Batey (Jaskier) and Kim Bodnia (Vesemir), Production Designer Andrew Laws, and Costume Designer Lucinda Wright delighted fans with a surprise drop of the highly anticipated main trailer and key art for The Witcher Season 2.

Accompanying the trailer, Netflix also released a new set of first look unit images from the series, which premieres globally on Netflix on Friday, December 17th.

About THE WITCHER

Based on the best-selling fantasy series of books, THE WITCHER is an epic tale of fate and family. The story of the intertwined destinies of three individuals in the vast world of The Continent, where humans, elves, witches, gnomes, and monsters battle to survive and thrive, and where good and evil is not easily identified.

Season 2 Logline

Convinced Yennefer’s life was lost at the Battle of Sodden, Geralt of Rivia brings Princess Cirilla to the safest place he knows, his childhood home of Kaer Morhen. While the Continent’s kings, elves, humans, and demons strive for supremacy outside its walls, he must protect the girl from something far more dangerous: the mysterious power she possesses inside.

Visit : 

Youtube @witchernetflix

Instagram @witchernetflix

Twitter @witchernetflix

Facebook @witchernetflix

Watch the trailer here

Follow these Self-Care Tips to Keep Yourself Happy and Healthy During the Busiest Time of the Year

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Treat yourself to wellness items at Shopee’s Oct 30 Payday Sale and enjoy free shipping with no minimum spend, 30% bills cashback, and 30% off vouchers

The holidays bring us joy, but the season also marks one of the busiest and most demanding times of the year. While we look forward to our loved ones’ company, there are still plenty of tasks at hand: virtual parties to plan, a holiday shopping list to organize, and work to wrap up before we go on vacation.

If you want to maximize the holiday festivities, take some time to focus on your well-being. This is supposed to be the happiest time of the year, after all! Take it slow, decide which tasks to prioritize, and ask for help if you’re struggling with all the responsibilities on your plate.

Here are a few other tips to help you take it easy during the holidays:

Get enough sleep

A good night’s sleep equips you with enough energy to face the day. Wake up to better mornings by indulging in a luxurious at-home massage with Rest Easy Massager, which comes with an advanced heating function. Then snuggle in bed and relax any tense muscles with the ergonomic Hosh Memory Foam Pillow. Lastly, improve the air quality and add a relaxing ambiance to your room with the Fresh Air Wooden Humidifier. 

Get your mind off work

It’s difficult to relax when your phone keeps pinging. If you can, disable notifications after working hours and try out new hobbies to take your mind off work. For instance, spend more time outdoors and try gardening. Ace Hardware Garden Tool Set, which includes a trowel, transplanter, and pruning shear, is perfect for budding green thumbs. If you’ve always wanted to explore the art of baking, Oster 6-Speed Hand Mixer will make each culinary experiment easier with its powerful 250-watt motor and chrome-plated beaters and dough hooks. Meanwhile, those interested in dabbling in photography should invest in Paperang Portable Thermal Printer for high-quality instant photos

Build a self-care routine

Each day, take the time to pamper yourself and melt the stress away with personal care products. With glowing, hydrated skin, you’ve got one less thing to worry about! Start your skincare routine with the Garnier Cleanse Glow Trio. This serum, micellar water, and day cream set contains a concentrated Vitamin C formula to help even out your skin tone. Don’t forget to treat your legs and arms to some loving too. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion protects dry skin with natural colloidal oatmeal blended with rich emollients.

Indulge in guilt-free me-time

Sometimes all you need to destress is leisurely me-time. Take a much-needed breather and release your pent-up stress using Nintendo Switch Console V2. Its new system features a vibrant seven-inch OLED screen, wide adjustable stand, dock with a wired LAN port, 64 GB of internal storage, and enhanced audio. Or sit back and binge-watch your favorite K-dramas on Avision Smart Digital LED TV, which features a 1366x786 display resolution. For quality audio, you can’t go wrong with Xiaomi 11T Pro. With its Dolby Atmos dual speakers, you can unwind while listening to your relaxation playlist. 

Self-care means getting the best bang for your buck, too! To enjoy more deals at Shopee’s Oct 30 Payday Sale, check out with ShopeePay for safe and cashless payments. Get free shipping vouchers with no minimum spend, 30% off discounts, and 30% cashback on your self-care purchases, exclusively with ShopeePay.

You can also use ShopeePay to buy load, pay bills, and scan to pay at thousands of merchants nationwide. Get up to 50% discount on load for all networks. Pay your bills with ShopeePay to avail of the special 30% cashback this Oct 30 Payday Sale. You can use it to pay Meralco, Maynilad, PLDT, BPI, and a growing list of partner billers. Lastly, buy ShopeePay ₱1 Deals on the app and enjoy exclusive discounts when you pay via ShopeePay QR at Puregold, Potato Corner, Bonchon, Fruitas, and other partner merchants. Make sure to activate your ShopeePay wallet and cash in through online banking, debit card, and over-the-counter partners to enjoy these exclusive perks.

For more deals this payday, visit https://shopee.ph/m/payday-sale.

Download the Shopee app for free via the App Store or Google Play.