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.

 

Make The MaxPro Choice to Fight Severe Sore Throat

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SORE THROAT – Always Present, With or Without COVID-19

Sore throat continues to be a common illness that recurrently affects a lot of people. Experts have determined that in the past 12 months, at least 6 out of every 10 people have experienced sore throat. And with sore throat being a major symptom of COVID-19, especially for the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants, the market demands an effective, more convenient, faster acting, and long-lasting relief from sore throat.

Although there’s a host of sore throat solutions like throat sprays and gargles, the most preferred medical treatment for sore throat is still the lozenge which boasts of clinically proven strong efficacy, which works directly in the throat to reduce local inflammation providing deep down, long-lasting relief.

In the Philippines, sore throat relief has become synonymous with one lozenge brand: Strepsils. Trusted by millions across the globe to soothe and protect the throat, Strepsils recently highlighted Flurbiprofen (Strepsils MaxPro) via an online event “KEEPING UP WITH THE PROS: MAKE THE MAXPRO CHOICE”. The online event showcases Flurbiprofen (Strepsils MaxPro) which is a lozenge intended to provide 4 in 1 relief for severe sore throat sufferers. It combines the power of Flurbiprofen, a painkiller and anti-inflammatory with the local action of a lozenge to help reduce inflammation and relieve sore throat pain. What’s more, it works in as fast as 60 seconds, with an effect that lasts up to 6 hours!

HOW THE PROS – MEGAN YOUNG AND MOIRA HANDLE SORE THROAT

Seasoned presenter Issa Litton hosted the event with guest medical expert, Dr. Tess Jimenez discussing the symptoms, causes and remedies of sore throat. In keeping up with the theme, the event featured known PROS from various fields who balance a thriving career, health, and personal life; and how they successfully adapted to life during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Celebrity guest Ms. World 2013 Megan Young recounted her life experiences and discussed how she takes care of her throat and how she keeps it healthy with Strepsils like a pro. Megan narrates:

“I realized yung similarities of Flurbiprofen (Strepsils MaxPro)’s 4 in 1 action in my lifestyle. The many facets of my daily life can only be fulfilled if I have the utmost physical strength and health. Sa dami ng kailangan gawin, there’s only one thing that can make all those possible - and that’s being at my MAX health. Isa sa mga natutunan ko from Doc Tess also is that we shouldn’t ignore the small signs, these are the signals from our body that we need to listen to. Pero in the case of sore throat, if hindi na maiwasan maging severe siya, we always have Flurbiprofen (Strepsils MaxPro) we can count on.”

Singer-songwriter Moira Dela Torre, who performed and graced the event, also shared: 

“It’s not a secret that in my profession, there’s really a need to take care of my health, especially when it comes to my throat. Kaya mula noon, hanggang ngayon, when I get severe sore throat, I take Flurbiprofen (Strepsils MaxPro) 4 in 1 action to help relieve my inflamed throat! So, for those of you who are the same as me, you need a partner in making sure you are well taken care of especially now that we really need protection. Make the MaxPro CHOICE.”

Flurbiprofen (Strepsils MaxPro) comes in a convenient 8s pouch pack and a 16s blister pack. With its unique mode of action and strong science in providing relief for moderate to severe sore throat, Flurbiprofen (Strepsils MaxPro) does not just “kill the pain”, it also helps treat inflammation.

To watch the full Strepsils MaxPro Facebook Live Event KEEPING UP WITH THE PROS: MAKE THE MAXPRO CHOICE,  visit

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=666914901234810

Flurbiprofen (Strepsils MaxPro) is available in leading drugstores and online stores: https://c.lazada.com.ph/t/c.bjbSRf?intent=false&fallback=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lazada.com.ph%2Fproducts%2Fstrepsils-max-pro-8s-i1320952055-s4823716255.html%3Fspm%3Da2o4l.seller.list.63.74c34ec6H0c9dN%26mp%3D1

New breed of racers trained at the Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy Philippines

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Motorsports enthusiasts feel the thrill of the tracks with the Vios OMR cars

A fleet of the trusted Toyota Vios in its One-Make-Race build used by participants in the Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy Philippines 2022.

Continuing its mission of promoting motorsports and igniting a passion for the sport among Filipinos, Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy (TGRA) Philippines is back this year for yet another run. TGRA is part of leading mobility company Toyota Motor Philippines’ motorsports program in conjunction with its one-make-race series, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup.

TGRA aims to provide an avenue for race enthusiasts to get started on the sport through practical training led by industry professionals. This 2022, TGRA welcomed a number of neophytes and first-time racers to the tracks.

“What’s very important about having these newcomers join the class is it means that there is really a lot of interest out there to participate,” said JP Tuason, lead instructor for TGRA.

The importance of the race academy

Being the first and only program of its kind in the Philippines, the TGRA aims to offer a platform for aspiring racers and motorsports fans to get a professional training combined with a heart-racing driving experience.

“Through the Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy, we give our students a proper, safer venue instead of them racing on the streets. At the same time, they will learn the proper way of driving. I think it’s a very good program for Toyota to reach out to the young ones,” said Ferdinand Ong, race director for the Toyota GAZOO Racing Vios Cup and one of the instructors during the TGRA class.

TGRA is divided into two levels. The first level teaches racers the basics of driving a car geared for racing. Activities during the level one training include braking, follow-the-leader, and slalom exercises. The level two class is designed to teach more advanced racing skills for those looking to become professional racers. With these specialized lessons, Toyota aims to push the limits of participants for them to become better drivers.

Drawn together by their love for racing, Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy participants gathered to learn and race at the Clark Speedway.

For the love of racing

Drawn together by their love for racing, racing students, both young and young-at-heart, zoomed through the Clark Speedway during the TGRA classes.

“When I got the chance to join the Academy this year, I jumped at that opportunity,” said Carla Lizardo, one of the participants during the 2021 Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup Autocross Challenge. “I love it, I was able to learn so much in a day. I really wanted to dive into the details of racing and I got that today.”

Felvin Gurrea, a participant who took both level 1 and 2 training sessions with TGRA, also shared his thoughts on the experience. “Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy is really helpful because it teaches you the basics before you move to the next step in racing. It’s a very organized racing academy and they take care of you until you learn,” he said.

Felvin, who is set to compete in the upcoming 2022 Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup, recorded the fastest time and was recognized as first placer in the slalom exercise during theTGRA class. When asked why he joined the Academy and why he looks forward to the upcoming Vios Cup, he answered simply: “I love the challenge, the thrill and the adrenaline.”

Felvin Gurrea took both level 1 and 2 training sessions with TGRA and is set to compete in the 2022 Toyota Vios Cup.

The TGRA classes also proved to be a unique shared experience with the family for several participants. Father and son Darwyn and Ethan Mercado both joined the TGRA and raced side-by-side during the classes.

“What I really treasure is the time together,” said Darwyn. “We would like to thank Toyota for bringing this kind of program to the Philippines. For my son and I, this has been a bonding experience.”

Similarly, Jesse and Joshua Marquez also attended the TGRA event at the Clark Speedway together. Joshua is an avid fan and participant of motorsports activities, including cart racing and simulation racing. This year, Joshua has decided to venture into car racing, thus joining the TGRA. Having driven the Clark Speedway via simulator in the past, Joshua says that driving it in real life is at once a new but familiar feeling.

“Experiencing that for the first time is surreal. It’s a pinch-yourself-moment that I’m actually here,” Joshua said.

Jesse, who came to support his son Joshua during the classes, expressed that TGRA was a step towards Joshua’s dreams of joining the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup.

“I wanted Joshua to try the academy first before transitioning from cart to car,” Jesse shared. “As far as I’m concerned, whatever his dreams are, we support him as a family.

Ready, set, start!

For those looking to jump start their journey towards professional racing, TGRA Philippines continues to accept participants for the 2022 classes.

“We believe that the racing class is not only an experience but also an investment. By coming to the class, they invest in themselves to become better drivers,” said JP Tuason. “Whether you want to become a professional race car driver or you just want to become a better driver on the road – this is the place to start.”

The next session of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy Level 1 will once again take place at the Clark Speedway on June 26, 2022. To apply you may register through the following link.

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Follow TMP’s official pages – Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, toyota.com.ph, Twitter (ToyotaMotorPH), and Viber (Toyota PH) – for regular updates on products and services, dealer operations, announcements, and events. Download the myTOYOTA PH app for Android and iOS for all your Toyota needs, from car selection, to car care, maintenance and upgrades.

Teleperformance promotes work-at-home solution in Luzon with Cloud Campus Jeepney roadshow

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Teleperformance (TP) Philippines, the global leader in outsourced customer and citizen experience management and advanced related services, is bringing the TP Cloud Campus Jeepney on a roadshow across Luzon to promote work-at-home career opportunities through its Cloud Campus solution.

Cloud Campus Jeepney is Teleperformance’s innovative approach to job recruitment where TP brings work-at-home jobs to the provinces, tapping the Philippines’ vast countryside talent pool.

The Cloud Campus Jeepney has been touring key locations in Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. The Jeepney will continue its roadshow in Urdaneta, Pangasinan from June 18 to 20. Its next stop is Tarlac from June 24 to 25 before heading to its last stop in the north in Pampanga from June 28 to 30. It will be making its last Luzon stop in Batangas from July 6 to 8.

Recently, the TP Cloud Campus Jeepney motorcade was also held around Laoag and San Nicolas, where TP launched their first Cloud Campus hub in Ilocos Norte. As the company’s 23rd business site, TP Cloud Campus Ilocos Norte will open more jobs for residents of the Ilocos region that will allow them to “work wherever they live and live wherever they love”. This site also hopes to contribute to the capability building and economic growth of the province.

The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 1 (DOLE RO1) Regional Director Atty. Evelyn Ramos shared during the event, “What Teleperformance is doing here in the Philippines is valuable. We gladly welcome here in Ilocos region the launching of Teleperformance Cloud Campus site, which is expected to pave the way for the employment of thousands of Ilocanos. Further, we also laud the virtual workforce platform for enabling a work at home business.”

Launched in the Philippines in early 2021, the Cloud Campus solution is the revolutionary and innovative new global operating model of Teleperformance, specifically designed to enable a socially enriched work-at-home environment, allowing brands to easily expand their business and deliver superior customer experiences through Teleperformance’s unique, cloud-centric solution.

Home-based interaction experts can work from anywhere and remain connected to their Teleperformance team through the Cloud Campus hubs, which come with innovative features to help employees stay engaged and connected, while maintaining operational efficiency. Currently, there are two main Teleperformance Cloud Campus hubs located at TP Fairview, Quezon City and at TP Aura, Taguig City and multiple smaller kiosks which serve as the operational command center of virtual teams.

“During the pandemic, Teleperformance Philippines was one with the industry in shifting to work-at-home and we’ve seen how this arrangement has benefited some of our workforce. As Teleperformance continues to grow and invest in the Philippines, we want to be able to give more people the option to work from wherever they live. Geography and location will no longer be a barrier when it comes to job opportunities; with TP Cloud Campus, they can pursue their career in the IT-BPM industry from wherever they are,” shared Teleperformance Philippines Chief Operations Officer Joey Marquez.

The new Teleperformance “Campus Culture” supports the employee’s physical and mental well-being, assisted by bespoke Technology, Analytics, and Process Excellence (T.A.P.TM) solutions that harness human insights, fun, teamwork, friendly competition, and continuous learning.

The Teleperformance Cloud Campus model also provides a comprehensive solution to companies looking at remote work as part of their growth plans in the new digital economy. It thoughtfully addresses the main concerns of companies for processes that are to be handled from a home environment, such as security, performance and control, and engagement of remote teams

“It’s a win-win solution as Teleperformance Cloud Campus allows companies to ensure the health and wellness of employees without compromising business continuity, which is a must in today’s digital economy,” Marquez noted.

To learn more about TP Cloud Campus, visit the Teleperformance website at www.teleperformance.com.

Cebuana Lhuillier, its CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier receive Golden Bridge and Quill recognitions

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Lhuillier and company receive prestigious acknowledgements for their innovations in financial inclusion and strategic creative communications

COMMITTED TO SERVICE EXCELLENCE. Cebuana Lhuillier and its President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier once again bagged multiple business awards from local and international award-giving bodies.

 

The country’s leading micro financial services provider, Cebuana Lhuillier, along with its President & CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier continued their winning streak with newly-badged recognitions from the Golden Bridge Business and Innovations Awards and the Philippine Quill Awards.

 

The company received 17 distinctions from Golden Bridge, including the Grand Globee Award which is bestowed to companies with the most number of wins for the year. Meanwhile, Jean Henri Lhuillier received four awards— including the Lifetime Achievement Award, Maverick of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, and Executive Achievement of the Year. All four titles are indicative of the high caliber leadership exemplified by Cebuana Lhuillier’s chief executive.

 

The company also made strides as it accounted majority of the awards, with 10 distinctions comprising Gold award for Comms Campaign of the year, Best Corporate Brochure, and Best Annual Report categories for its yearly publication, Benedizioni. Its Mother’s Day 2021 social media campaign, “Dakilang Ina”, also won the Gold across three categories. The company’s year-ender event, “Humans of Cebuana Lhuillier”, also received two more gold awards.

 

Additionally, Cebuana Lhuillier was awarded with four Quill awards this year in recognition of its various communications campaigns, covering various channels such as internal communications, digital, and public relations.

 

Michael Sena, Integrated Marketing and Communications Group Head of Cebuana Lhuillier

 

“These wins are proof of our continuous efforts to strive for excellence not only as the leading player in the micro financial services industry; but inherently, in all that we do as one organization. Guided by our corporate values, our commitment to excellence has allowed us to always push the boundaries on what we can accomplish—not only on the products and services we offer, but also on how we communicate and engage the public,” Lhuillier said.

 

Other big winners include the company’s internal COVID-19 response publication, Ka-Cebuana Healthwatch, “Tulong sa Pagbangon”, its very own CSR response during Typhoon Odette, as well as its pawning web platform, Cebuana-from-Home.

Michael Sena, Cebuana Lhuillier’s Integrated Marketing and Communications Group Head, puts emphasis on the important role that communications play in engaging, empowering, and inspiring people. “As an organization, we believe in the power of strategic and impactful communications in order to reach our desired audience and inspire them into action. We aim to tell the stories of the people we serve, and use this as a driving force to fulfill Cebuana Lhuillier’s commitment of pushing for financial inclusion.”

Jean Henri Lhuillier was also recently named as “Master Innovator” during the recently-concluded 2^nd Mansmith Innovation Awards where he and the company were cited for the various tech-oriented breakthroughs of the company’s micro insurance products.