New Airbnb data shows how tourism has dispersed post-pandemic, benefiting rural off-the-beaten-path communities in the Philippines and Southeast Asia

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●     Across parts of Southeast Asia and Asia Pacific, Airbnb recorded an increase in non-urban nights booked in Q2 2022 when compared with Q2 2019

●     In the Philippines, travel interest in destinations outside major cities have increased with guest searches for Siquijor surging over 280 percent

●     Tourism dispersal is creating new economic opportunities for more people in emerging destinations as they look for ways to combat rising costs of living

As the travel rebound continues to unfold, the benefits of tourism are spreading across the Asia Pacific. In Southeast Asia, new analysis by Airbnb reveals that the resurgence in domestic and inbound tourism is empowering locals to earn a living and make ends meet.

With people continuing to embrace flexible new approaches to travel and living, communities that have traditionally missed out in the past are increasingly well-positioned to secure a bigger slice of the tourism pie, according to new Airbnb report ‘Further Afield: Spreading the Benefits of the Travel Revolution’. Across the region, this has presented fresh opportunities for locals looking to supplement their income as they grapple with rising costs of living.

Across the Asia Pacific, Airbnb nights booked in non-urban areas have increased in South Korea (up more than 180 percent ), India (up about 140 percent), and Australia (up about 60 percent) in Q2 2022 as compared to Q2 2019. In Southeast Asia, searches for stays in Siquijor in the Philippines surged by more than 280 percent while searches for Marang in Malaysia almost doubled.

The typical earnings for non-urban Hosts increased correspondingly in the same period for a number of destinations. In Australia and South Korea, typical host earnings have more than doubled as travel returned in full force. In the Philippines, almost half of local Airbnb hosts surveyed said their earnings have helped them navigate rising costs of living including housing, daily necessities, and home improvement needs.

Not only are travelers eyeing destinations off the beaten path, they’re also looking to stay longer. Notably, nights booked for long-term stays (stays longer than 28 days) in non-urban areas approximately doubled in popular travel and remote working hotspot Thailand in Q2 2022, up from Q2 2019 pre-pandemic.

In Southeast Asia, a number of destinations outside major metropolitan hubs were popular  among travelers on Airbnb for long-term stays in Q2 2022. Examples included:

●       Dapa, Panglao, Dumaguete and Silang in the Philippines

●       Ipoh, Kuah, Semenyih, and Port Dickson in Malaysia

●       Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Lanta and Krabi in Thailand

Mich Goh, Airbnb’s Head of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan, said: “More than two years since the start of the pandemic, we continue to see fundamental shifts in travel that are creating new opportunities for off-the-beaten-track communities. It’s incredibly exciting to see travelers so enthusiastic about exploring new destinations, as well as the positive economic impact cascading to locals.

“The increasing popularity of Dapa, Panglao, Dumaguete and Silang reinforce the importance of the Department of Tourism’s plans to drive tourism development in the countryside and promote lesser-known destinations.  We are committed to continuing to work together with governments and stakeholders to keep inspiring travelers to step off the beaten path, and help ensure more communities can share in the benefits of tourism.”

In addition to encouraging travelers to explore further afield through innovative search tools such as Categories and I’m Flexible, Airbnb remains committed to partnering with governments and communities in Southeast Asia, including in the Philippines. The company has partnered with Thailand and Indonesia’s tourism authorities on a range of ‘Live and Work Anywhere’ initiatives to attract global digital nomads and remote workers, as part of broader efforts to drive inbound tourism as travel returns.

Readers can view the full report here https://news.airbnb.com/further-afield/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 about us and our industry that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including, but not limited to, statements regarding travel trends, the travel industry and the future of travel, the behavior of Hosts and guests and about our future performance, prospects, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements.

In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “may,” “will,” “plan,” “expect,” “could,” “potential,” “objective,” or “continues” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations. Although we believe that we have a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, we cannot guarantee that the future results, levels of activity, or events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur at all.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the objectives expressed or implied in this press release. Therefore, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the effects and duration of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic on us, the travel industry, travel trends, and the global economy generally; any further and continued decline or disruption in the travel and hospitality industries or economic downturn; changes in political, business, and economic conditions, including current geopolitical tensions and regional instability; and the other risks listed or described from time to time in Airbnb’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including Airbnb’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2022 and subsequent Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks, which are, or will be, on file with the SEC and available on the investor relations page of Airbnb’s website.

All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on information and estimates available to us as of the date of this press release. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any information contained in this press release, except as required by law.

Sleep specialist: Make your bed a sanctuary only for sleep and sex— sleep expert WFH bedroom set-up triggers sleeplessness

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As Filipinos climb up the charts as the 4th most sleep-deprived people in the world, a sleep specialist advised that one of the "cures" could be making your bed a sanctuary only for sleep, rest, and sex. This is amid the current work-from-home (WFH) set-up where many people have converted their bedrooms as their temporary workstations.

Dr. Debbie Bernardo, neurologist and sleep specialist, emphasized that removing all work activities and their gadgets is one important way by which Filipinos could revert back to healthy sleeping habits.

In a webinar hosted by business community Bounce Back PH and health and wellness company Wellspring Philippines, she pointed out that sleeplessness could lead to depression, anxiety, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and breast and prostate cancer.

Sleep expert Dr. Debbie Bernardo (bottom row, left most) led the discussion on the why's and how's of surviving an era of sleeplessness. The webinar hosted by Bounce Back Ph also had Wellspring CEO Casey Ching (upper row, third from left); “Mommy” Vanna Reyes, a resident mom of Madiskarte Moms PH (upper row, middle); Mark Darwin Balaswit, Top Dog Copywriter PH’s freelance writer (upper row, left most); Bounce Back Philippines CEO Nicco Viray and Bounce Back PH COO Bianca Angeles (bottom row, middle and right most respectively).

Tips for the sleep-deprived

Dr. Bernardo added, “People are not aware of their insufficient sleep so they don’t make it a priority in their schedules.” What can help them distinguish their personal and workspaces is transforming the bedroom into a “sanctuary for sleep and sex only. It has to have a comfortable, chilly room temperature and slow relaxing music. Ambient lights must be replaced by night mode, and all other electronic gadgets must be turned off at least an hour before snoozing off. Go to the bedroom only when you want to sleep.”

For her part, Casey Ching, COO of health and wellness company Wellspring, anxiety in their family was the cause of their sleeplessness.

“Our anxiety level was high especially during the pandemic we were concerned about the senior members of the family and the babies and we were also constantly thinking about our businesses so we suffered from bouts of anxiety and sleeplessness,” Ching said. This led them to look for something that would provide them relief and created the Wellspring melatonin gummies.

“We were the first to use Wellspring melatonin gummies and we continue to do so when the need arises. These gummies have helped relieve us of our anxieties and sleep deprivation.”

Discipline and mindset change

Ching shares with sleep-challenged Filipinos the lessons learned during her bouts with chronic sleep inefficiency: “When we lack sleep, we tend to not function optimally. Because you are stressed, you wake up not well- rested---and that hampers productivity generally.”

In bringing the FDA-approved melatonin gummy to the country, she saw that it addressed the sleep problems of “young adults who suffer from anxiety, mommies, and freelancers who have to do the extra hustle to make a living.” She described Wellspring melatonin gummies as “not sleeping pills, but they are there to relax you. Melatonin for example is produced by the body and has now been developed and manufactured in vitamin form. It can alleviate fatigue and let you sleep naturally and deeply.”

Regardless of their parenthood stage, mothers of all kinds---stay-at-home moms, single moms, working moms, and entrepreneurial moms---tend to be sleep-deprived. “Mommy “Vanna Reyes, a resident mom of Madiskarte Moms PH, one of the biggest mommy communities in the Philippines, pointed out that sleeplessness can also affect personal ties, not just work: “You can struggle in your relationship with friends. I have to be more attentive to my children. Alone time with your significant other is important; intimacy can decrease if it is set aside and is often overlooked because of the loaded responsibilities and worries.”

Starting sleep habits early

Balaswit recommended a drastic change in mindset to acquire good sleep: “Filipinos wear this badge of honor for sleeplessness but it needs to stop. Why not do something about it and consider alternative solutions like Wellspring melatonin gummies, exercising, and eating healthy?”

Dr. Bernardo clarified that the recommended minimum hours for adults are still seven. Less hours of sleep, especially in mid-life, “can contribute to dementia in the future. Start as soon as possible in improving your sleep.”

Reyes agreed about developing sleep habits as early as possible, this time for the younger generation. “Let your kids know that sleep is very important in their lives. I collect their gadgets before they sleep. When it’s light’s off, it’s light’s off.” She also tells her kids, “You can succeed in life if you have a good foundation in sleep.”

The devoted wife and mother of three also finds that melatonin relaxes her more and makes her “willing to fight the day with a more agreeable mindset.”

The fun way to take your vitamins

Ching believes that “many people nowadays opt to take gummies because they’re easier to swallow, and taste better.” Aside from melatonin, Wellspring gummies contain other ingredients with added benefits such as vitamin B6 and Passiflora extract.

Ching added that Wellspring is the only brand in the market today to have three variants of their melatonin gummy products. These are the Melatonin Sleep Aid Gummies with passion fruit extract to help relax promote calm before bedtime, Wellspring Nighttime with Collagen and Hyaluronic acid for better sleep and glowing skin, and Extra Snooze Extra Strength Melatonin with L-theanine and Lemon Balm gummies for an added dose of relaxation for that extra good night’s sleep.

Dr. Bernardo expressed hope that others, especially the sleep-deprived, will help her spread “the gospel of sleep. A good night’s sleep is essential for good health.”

Relive the Night like your favorite content creators with the OPPO Reno8 Series, Now Available

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Head over to OPPO Brand Stores, partner dealers, and OPPO Official Stores on Shopee and Lazada to grab the new Portrait Expert

From OOTNs and makeup selfies, to time spent with loved ones on nights out or under the stars, there are many moments after dark that are meant to be revisited over and over. While professional cameras may be the most powerful tools to capture these in high definition, they’re not always the easiest to bring around. Global smart device brand OPPO continues to push the boundaries of phoneography, and this year unveils its latest Portrait Expert, the OPPO Reno8 Series 5G, ready to capture all your best memories in Ultra Clear Portrait.

Some of today’s top content creators took the Reno8 5G for a spin on a night out, and documented the best ways to spend moonlit nights in the metro. Here’s how they chose to #ReliveTheNight:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CiCtzGHjbND/ 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CiHrz4hhSMS/

#ReliveTheNight with Friends

Lifestyle influencers Laureen Uy and Rei Germar love to hang out with their friends and share these moments on their social media. “Me and my friends' days can be so busy - so I value our nights together where we can catch up, have fun, and be completely ourselves,” says Rei.

From eating the best food and dancing their hearts out, to taking portraits with brightly lit signs, they both love to #ReliveTheNight by capturing these precious moments with those most important to them.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch15CfKBSIh/

#ReliveTheNight with Fashion

Model Jessica Yang expresses herself through her style choices. “Fashion has become part of my life. I breathe it during the day, but I live it at night when I snap photos in the dark and under the moonlight,” she says.

#ReliveTheNight by putting on your best fashion foot forward and sharing your favorite after-dark ‘fits.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch2AHwsJQiN/

#ReliveTheNight with Photography

Fashion photographer Xander Angeles knows that shooting at night means chasing where the lights are. “Night photography is moody, interesting, and tricky, but that's the kind of challenge I like when it comes to photography,” he says as he roams the streets of Manila with his trusted Reno8 5G.

With the Reno8, you can #ReliveTheNight with the background of city lights that becomes stunning and picturesque.

#ReliveTheNight with OPPO Reno8 5G Series

Capture your best moments and express yourselves freely at night, just like your favorite content creators with the all-new OPPO Reno8 Series 5G. The latest Portrait Expert boasts of the most innovative night photography features, like Ultra Night Video and Ultra Night Portrait modes, that brighten every subject to help you relive your best moments as if you were viewing them in real-time.

The OPPO Reno8 Series helps you capture everything you see in the day and at night. The Reno8 5G leverages Dual Sony Flagship Sensors to document your best memories in the highest definition, from the bright lights of the city to the stars in the night sky. The 50MP main camera comes with Sony IMX766 Sensor, while the 32MP front camera is equipped with 32MP Sony IMX709 Sensor, to let you shine even in the dark.

Meanwhile, the OPPO Reno8 Z 5G’s 64MP Triple Camera Setup empowers you to become a Portrait Pro. With Ultra-Clear 108MP Image, it delivers a high-definition photo so you can keep zooming in with crisp detail. The triple camera also comes with a Bokeh Depth Sensor for professional looking shots and 4cm Macro Lens. At the front is a 16MP selfie camera with Selfie HDR AI that gives excellent clarity on both your face and your background, with all the colors bright and perfect.

More than just enhancing your portraits and moving images, the Reno8 Series also enhances your life with improved performance features to match your everyday needs. The Reno8 5G is powered by the efficient MediaTek Dimensity 1300 chip, giving you smooth performance for games, apps, streaming and more. With 8GB RAM+256GB ROM, you’ll have more than enough storage to save photos, videos, apps and games. It also comes with AI System Booster, to ensure your phone’s performance does not decline over the years.

On the other hand, the Reno8 Z 5G comes with Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 to keep up with your fast-paced life. The smartphone champions productivity, immersive gaming, and high-end mobile photography with its 8GB RAM+128GB ROM storage.

Both models are powered by ColorOS 12.1 which assures a smooth and efficient mobile phone experience. Features include AI Gestures for hands-free control over your calls, favorite apps and more; Multi-Screen Connect to sync up your multiple devices for maximize productivity; and Privacy Protection to guard your information against wandering eyes.

The Reno8 Series also comes with a 4500mAh battery, as well as top-of-the-line flash charging to power your life on the go. Charge up your Reno8 5G to 50% in just 11 minutes with 80W SUPERVOOC charging, while the Reno8 Z 5G’s 33W SUPERVOOC technology gives 32% in just 15 minutes.

Pushing smartphone design forward, the OPPO Reno8 Series features a streamlined unibody design for a seamless, premium feel. Available in two colorways each - Shimmer Gold and Shimmer Black for Reno8 5G and Dawnlight Gold and Starlight Black for Reno8 Z 5G - the gadgets feature a 6.4” AMOLED Screen and all-day Eye Care to make viewing easy on the eyes.

Relive the Night anywhere you are and get your own OPPO Reno8 Series 5G now available via OPPO Brand Stores, partner dealers and OPPO Official Stores on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop. Shop the ​​OPPO Reno8 5G for Php27,999 and the OPPO Reno8 Z 5G for Php19,999.

Available with Smart

Take home the latest Portrait Expert with Smart Signature Device Plans. With a one-time cash out of Php2,100 and an additional Php100 per month, own the Reno8 5G with Smart Signature Device Plan 1499. The plan comes with 10GB data, Unli AllNet Calls and Texts, and 100 minutes PLDT calls. Sign up today until September 15, and get a free pair of OPPO Enco Buds with your new smartphone.

Meanwhile, subscribers can also apply for a Smart Signature Device Plan 999 and take home the Reno8 Z 5G, with a one-time cash out of Php2,500 and an additional Php200 per month. The plan comes with 5 GB data, Unli AllNet Calls and Texts, and 50 minutes PLDT calls. Those who sign up until September 15 will also take home a free Game Grip.

Get it from Globe

For Globe subscribers, grab the Reno8 5G with no additional cash out through GPlan 1999. The plan also comes with 15GB all-access data, unli all-net text, unli calls to landline, free 3GB GoWiFi and an individual subscription to KonsultaMD.

Those who prefer the OPPO Reno8 Z 5G can avail of GPlan 1799 and get their new gadget with no additional cash out. Users will also get 13GB all-access data, unli all-net text, unli calls to landline, and the same freebie plan inclusions. Plus, the first set of buyers who avail of these Globe exclusives will also bring home a free robot vacuum.

To know more about OPPO’s latest Reno8 Series 5G, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/.

UNICEF cards bring back Paskong Pinoy

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• Give the gift of joy with limited-edition UNICEF Christmas cards  featuring the work of National Artist Larry Alcala

UNICEF shares in the excitement of the upcoming holiday season as the country opens up after a long period of lockdowns. The UN children’s agency brings back a Pinoy kind of Christmas with holiday cards featuring National Artist and master cartoonist Larry Alcala.

Showcasing Alcala’s iconic work from his Slice of Life cartoons, Remembering the Joy of Paskong Pinoy is a limited-edition set of cards that embodies the spirit of generosity and community that is the hallmark of Filipino culture.

From homes decorated with light-filled parols, to the bibingka and puto bumbong stalls that greet Simbang Gabi attendees, to the little ones’ laughter and joy as they make merry during their favorite time of the year, Mang Larry captures these uniquely Pinoy moments.

“UNICEF wanted to capture the color and spirit of one of the longest Christmas celebrations in the world. When you give the gift of a UNICEF Christmas card, you not only bring a smile to your family or friends, you also give the gift of health and well-being to children in the Philippines,” shares Carli Snyman, Chief of Fundraising, UNICEF Philippines

Last year’s edition of UNICEF Christmas cards made by artist Robert Alejandro raised PHP8.4 million for children in the Philippines, among them children affected by Typhoon Odette. This year’s edition is a fitting tribute to one of the icons of Philippine art.

“This year marks the 20th anniversary of my grandfather’s passing, and I think this project brings together so many things about his legacy. As a cartoonist, his work has been one of the most accessible forms of Philippine art, enjoyed by people of all ages, from all walks of life. So many people have shared to me their childhood memories of looking through lolo’s Slice of Life in the Sunday paper, and I’m so happy that with these Christmas cards, a new generation of children will not only enjoy his work but also benefit from the proceeds of this fundraising,” shares Ana Alcala, granddaughter of National Artist Larry Alcala.

Just like these nostalgic and heartwarming Christmas Cards, UNICEF hopes to bring back joy to children and the young at heart through this fundraising campaign. Proceeds of each UNICEF Slice of Life Greeting Card set will go towards helping vulnerable children stay healthy, educated and protected – before, during and after emergencies.

Get one set of UNICEF Cards featuring the work of National Artist Larry Alcala for every Php 1,000 you donate—and give children the chance for a better, brighter, and healthier future. Donate now at https://donate.unicef.ph

*Delivery of cards start in October 2022

About UNICEF Cards

UNICEF's first greeting card was a painting by seven-year-old Jitka Samkova, whose village in Czechoslovakia received UNICEF emergency assistance in the form of food and medicine following World War II. Since then, giants of contemporary art, including Picasso, Matisse, Miro, and Chagall, have created original artwork for the cards. Every greeting card will help fund lifesaving vaccines, nutrition, education, and emergency relief for the world's most vulnerable children.

About the Artist

Larry Alcala (1926 - 2002) was posthumously conferred the title of National Artist for the Visual Arts and the Grand Collar of the Order ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining for his contributions in editorial cartooning and illustration. Known for his iconic cartoons "Mang Ambo" and "Kalabog en Bosyo," among others, Larry Alcala has inspired generations of cartoonists and comic artists.

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. In more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

For more information about UNICEF and its work for children in the Philippines, visit www.unicef.ph. Follow UNICEF Philippines on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more information, please contact

Niko Wieland | Chief of Communication | +63 917 867 8366 | nmwieland@unicef.org

Marge Francia | Communication Officer | +63 917 858 9447 | mfrancia@unicef.org

Stylish workout tips and outfits that will turn you into a gym-fluencer

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Starting a journey with fitness goals is never easy. Spending an hour at the gym or working out at home is one of the best to stay fit and heathy. But how long it takes a new habit to form can vary widely depending on the behavior, the person, and the circumstances.

Motivation is what gets you started. Think of it as a lifestyle, and take it slow, steady and enjoyable.

Find something you love doing, and stick with it! Combine that with healthy eating and you’ve already got a recipe for success. People from all walks of life start a new exercise and/or diet routine for a variety of reasons - build muscle and increase your resting metabolism, Lose weight, gain weight or muscle and improve your mood and self confidence. Even new to the game, you should by all means be able to lose fat and gain muscle at the same time.

Even if you don’t lose a bunch of weight even if you don’t go through a major transformation, you are getting healthier and you'll live a longer and enjoy more fulfilled life.

As you walked past a mirror at the gym (or at home) and couldn't help but to check yourself out. As soon as you put on your workout clothes, you’ll definitely feel more pumped to head to the gym or even just workout at home. Especially with workout gear becoming more and more fashionable.

The E-commerce shop called Waistdear, provide trendy shapewear collections with unique designs in various categories. The page brings out the wholesale shapewear and presents items for every woman on the planet, details posted and has real pictures that will be your choice to enjoy. The shapewear serves to manipulate bodies to suit current fashions.

It is important to have good workout clothes to get in the best shape with your workout. You need to consider the type of workout that you are doing, your style, and what will fit you the best. Choosing the best outfits can be a challenge.

All sorts of activewear, from cheap to expensive and everything in between, here are a few tips that will help you out with this!

We all have our own preferences when it comes to fashion or style, whether in the gym or out and about. Often our style goes with our shape and body confidence, To put it simply, exercising actually helps reduce stress levels and gives you an elated feeling. 

Having the perfect workout clothes is essential for a perfect workout and this site is suitable for everyday wear.

With these waist trainer wholesale you can see that they are extremely comfortable and trendy right now. is suitable for everyday wear. It is super soft, lightweight, and breathable.

With these garments they'll make you look and feel like someone who is in good shape.These products can also be worn as shapewear underneath your clothing to give you the shape and support you want with any outfit.

Boost your bum and your confidence at the gym when you add these outfits into your daily wardrobe rotation. With a high-rise fit and seamless design, these are made to move with you throughout your workout and day-to-day.

The result is stunning curves for any body type. Butt-lifting shapewear are the obvious choice for anyone who wants to look good even when working up a sweat. Check out our entire selection of butt-lifting activewear and apparel to find the best butt-lifting look for your needs.

Get yourself a pair of butt lifting shapewear. You'll enjoy life-changing pairs of butt-sculpting, shaping, lifting, and contouring shorts that will make your behind shine.

You will love these for workouts because its ultra-stretchy fit will have you feeling comfy. And at the same time, your booty will be looking great with the butt-lifting feature, pattern was literally made to push up the booty.

Stylish activewear may just be the boost you need to get up and going. This means that you’re getting the best bang for your buck when you shop for activewear online. Workout outfits that will turn you into a gym-fluencer. Good luck and enjoy!