Airbnb launches $10M OMG! Fund for the world’s craziest listing ideas

●     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.

 

Cebu Pacific adds flights to Singapore from Manila and Cebu - Intends to fly 2x daily from Manila and 3x weekly from Cebu in July

 The Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific, continues to boost its international network as it ramps up flights to Singapore from two of its largest hubs, Manila and Cebu.

CEB doubles its daily frequency between Manila and Singapore on July 1 as it adds a morning schedule option for everyJuan. Flight 5J 813 is scheduled to depart Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 at 5:35AM, and is set to arrive at Changi Airport at 9:20AM. Its return flight, 5J 814, is scheduled to leave Singapore at 10:15AM, and arrive in Manila at 2:00PM.

On July 15, CEB intends to restart its flights between Cebu and Singapore, beginning with a thrice weekly frequency (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). Flight 5J 547 is scheduled to depart Mactan Cebu International Airport Terminal 2 at 11:05PM, and is set to arrive at Changi Airport by 3:00AM the following day. Its return flight, 5J 548, with flights every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, is scheduled to leave Singapore at 4:00AM, and arrive in Manila at 8:05AM.

“We are delighted to continue ramping-up our international flight frequencies, not only in Manila, but also in Cebu. We know majority of the travelling public have been looking forward to travel internationally again, especially since a lot of countries have eased their restrictions. We continue to work towards the expansion of our international network while we maintain operating over 100% of our pre-pandemic domestic capacity,” said Xander Lao, CEB Chief Commercial Officer.

Fully vaccinated travelers flying to Singapore are no longer required to submit a pre-departure COVID 19 test. They must instead present their proof of full vaccination (VaxCertPH or BOQ Yellow Card), and fill out a Singapore Arrival card three (3) days before arrival. For more information, passengers may refer to CEB Travel reminders page for the latest updates and complete travel guidelines to their destination.

CEB continues to offer its guaranteed low fares to stimulate travel across its flight network. It continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety, while it operates with a 100% fully vaccinated crew, 95% of whom have been boosted – all to ensure every Juan flies safely and conveniently on Cebu Pacific.

Travel Advisory: Higher Free Baggage Allowance (20kg) on domestic turboprop flights starting June 15

Good news for our passengers:

Effective from June 15, 2022, all PAL domestic flights utilizing the De Havilland Dash-8 turboprop aircraft (except flights to and from Basco, Batanes) will offer up to 20kg Free Baggage Allowance (FBA) – a 100% increase from the previous maximum FBA of 10kg that has been in effect for several years.

The increased baggage allowance will allow more flexibility and convenience for domestic travelers, as well as result in a uniform standard for PAL domestic flights whether operated with jet or turboprop aircraft.

Passengers holding old and new tickets issued for travel on or after June 15 will be allowed to check-in up to 20kg on applicable booking classes (Economy Value and Economy Flex).

The new FBA will apply to PAL’s turboprop flights from our Manila, Cebu, Davao and General Santos hubs, including flights to Butuan, Cotabato, Catarman, Calbayog, Dumaguete, Antique, Siargao, Legazpi, Caticlan (Boracay), Busuanga (Coron), Iloilo, Tagbilaran (Panglao), Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Clark, Davao, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban and Zamboanga.

However, we will retain the current maximum FBA of 10kg for flights to and from Basco (BSO), because of unique route operational conditions that limit the baggage capacity on these flights.

To book and fly, check out www.philippineairlines.com, call our hotline at (02) 8855 8888 or reach out to your travel agents.

https://www.philippineairlines.com/AboutUs/NewsandEvents

DOT Presents “Escape: Stories from the Road” Podcast

 The Department of Tourism (DOT) presents its first podcast, “Escape: Stories from the Road,” showcasing the best destinations in the Philippines through stories from different personalities

Escape: Stories from the Road

This five-episode podumentary, a combination of podcast and documentary, infuses an element of storytelling, veering away from the usual question-and-answer formats of podcasts. Through these stories, the DOT hopes to reach out to the various audiences and inspire them to participate in meaningful tourism through unique experiences and local interactions.

One of the special guests, National Artist Kidlat Tahimik, shared stories about Baguio—his home and a UNESCO Creative City. Photo courtesy of Kidlat De Guia.

Each episode follows a theme, such as adventure, identity, fiestas, music and food. Among the notable individuals interviewed for this podcast are National Artist Kidlat Tahimik; Dr. Felicidad Prudente, who is one of the leading Filipino ethnomusicologists in the country today; and former Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

Paragliding adventure in Nueva Vizcaya. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

The first episode on adventure features some of the best outdoor experiences in Nueva Vizcaya, Kalinga, and Camotes Island; while the identity episode brings the audience from Baguio to Davao to share stories of people who, in finding the path to gain their identity, found the path to greatness.

The episode on music explores the sounds of the islands, from the city to the remote forests of the Philippines, emphasizing that music not only serves to entertain but to preserve history in our soundscape. The fiesta episode discusses how Filipino festivals have evolved from honoring patron saints to highlighting the best of the towns and provinces.

For the food episode that was recorded in May, then Tourism Secretary Puyat shared her advocacy in supporting local farmers and how this led to further developing food and farm tourism in the country.

DOT’s “Escape: Stories from the Road” podcast is hosted by travel filmmaker and photographer Aaron Palabyab along with guest co-hosts, national athlete Maureen Schrijvers; designer, musician, and filmmaker Kate Torralba; and sports broadcaster and podcaster Cesca Litton. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Castro, Overcast, and Anchor.

LRMC launches new beep™ card promo, announces free LRT-1 rides on Independence Day

 Private operator of LRT-1 Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) joins the nation in celebrating the 124th Philippine Independence Day on 12 June 2022 with special promotional offers for commuters.

Starting 12 June 2022, the total cost of a new beep™ card with load will be PHP50 from the previous total amount of PHP100. The cost of the beep™ card itself remains at PHP30, but the minimum load required for new beep™ card purchases has been reduced to PHP20 from the previous amount of PHP70. Passengers may avail of this special offer until 30 September 2022 at LRT-1 teller booths only. beep™ cards have a validity of four (4) years, which is subject to extension upon request at the LRT-1 stations.

“We are launching this initiative to make beep™ card more accessible, more affordable for budget-conscious passengers. Through this promo, they can now buy a reloadable Stored Value Card (SVC) or beep™ at half of the previous total cost of new beep™ card with load. This aligns with LRMC’s Tap2Ride campaign which aims to promote the use of contactless transactions in LRT-1 for safety and convenience,” LRMC Head of Corporate Communications and Customer Relations Jacqueline S. Gorospe said.

“Aside from safer and faster travel, passengers can enjoy a wide range of benefits when they use beep™ such as discounted LRT-1 fares which can mean savings for commuters. There are more ways now to reload their beep™ cards such as Ticket Vending Machines, beep™ loading machines, and LRT-1 merchant loading kiosks – all located in LRT-1 stations. They can also use beep™ as e-money to purchase food or services from select LRT-1 merchants,” Gorospe added.

Moreover, LRT-1 passengers will enjoy a free ride from 7:00am – 9:00am and 5:00pm – 7:00pm on 12 June 2022 as part of the yearly Independence Day promo. Existing beep™ card holders shall pass through the usual Automated Fare Collection System (AFCS) gates and tap their cards to avail of the free ride without charge. Passengers without beep™ may get single journey tickets for free from the LRT-1 teller booths.

LRT-1 will follow normal operating hours on Independence Day, with the first trips leaving both Baclaran and Balintawak stations at 4:30am, and the last trips at 9:15pm (LRT-1 Baclaran Station) and 9:30pm (LRT-1 Balintawak Station).

For more updates and info on the LRT-1, follow LRMC on Facebook at facebook.com/officialLRT1, Twitter at @officialLRT1, or download the ikotMNL mobile app for free on Google Play and App Store.

The future of work - sustainable office building

Green, the color of nature, has become the color people look for and want - in the products they buy, their homes and even the place where they work. Green means environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Parkway Corporate Center in Filinvest City, Alabang wears “being green” as a badge of honor, presenting itself as a sustainable office space in a sustainable garden central business district. Filinvest City, is a complete and thriving CBD, has the distinction of being the first central business district in the Philippines to receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED v4 Gold for Neighborhood Development (LEEDv4 ND) from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), and one of the largest neighborhood developments in Southeast Asia to pass the world’s most rigorous green building rating system.

Parkway Corporate Center boasts of premium amenities to make working in it as good for the health as it is good for business because the development was planned and designed for this purpose.

As Metro Manila and the rest of the country prepare themselves to resume their routines that were rudely interrupted and disrupted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, they also brace themselves for the resumption of the old headaches - monstrous traffic jams, limited seats in public utility vehicles, and a very polluted atmosphere. Those who are fortunate would have the good luck to work at Parkway Corporate Center would have the luxury of being cocooned in a healthy working environment where they can take advantage of the development’s distinctive green building features such as its excellent indoor air quality, and breathable open spaces. According to research findings conducted by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), green buildings make employees healthier and happier. With more employees returning to their office set up in the midst of the emerging pre-pandemic hustle and bustle of Metro Manila, this is the ideal time to find sustainable office spaces in a prime location at a competitive price range. Parkway Corporate Center offers the complete package. It is located in a prime location and has the added advantage of being a green building, so employees can be productive and efficient but healthy as well.

Parkway Corporate Center is green not just because it is located in Filinvest City, but because it also has its own LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification from USGBC to prove it. The LEED certification is an honorable seal that not only validates Parkway Corporate Center as a sustainable office building but also establishes its tenant’s confidence in providing their employees a safe and healthy environment to work.

In addition, it offers premium amenities and access to major transportation hubs and roads that connect Parkway Corporate Center to cities north and south of Filinvest Cityit. It has the prime business spot in Filinvest and provides greater mobility and convenience. It is close to Festival Mall, five-star Crimson Hotel, Westgate, Asian Hospital and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.

H1 Architecture and Design, one of the country's top architectural firms, designed its future-proof, premium-grade office tower that is now ready for occupancy. Modern features and amenities include high-speed elevators, an elegant lobby, modern business centers, a podium deck garden, and spacious parking spaces. All unsold units of Parkway Corporate Center are available for leasing, with price starting at 900 pesos per square meter. Units range in size from 36 to 252 sqm and may be combined.

To know more, visit parkwaycorporate.com

DOT launches “Keep the Fun Going” sustainable tourism campaign with gamified challenges

The Department of Tourism (DOT) launches the second phase of the Save Our Spots (SOS) campaign titled, “Keep the Fun Going”, to encourage tourists to practice eco-friendly travels.

The campaign builds on the gains of the SOS phase one that was launched in 2019 to educate travelers about becoming responsible tourists. “Keep the Fun Going” aims not only to educate but also motivate travelers to take part in sustainable tourism practices, mainly through gamified challenges.

“The DOT has been integrating sustainable tourism principles in its projects, programs and policies, even involving tourists to be part of these efforts. Through the SOS campaign, we aim to raise awareness about responsible travel and emphasize that every small act goes a long way to ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from and enjoy nature’s abundance,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

The Philippines is home to some of the world’s richest ecosystems and diverse species, which are facing both climate change and human threats, such as over tourism and neglect of the environment.

Loboc River Cruise, Bohol. Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

To inspire more tourists to practice sustainable travel, the campaign will highlight a gamified experience featuring four eco-friendly ways to travel. The challenges will be demonstrated through collaboration with local key influencers, after which, the public will be enjoined to accomplish at least two of the four activities, which are:

● The “Certified Foot Soldier Challenge” that encourages travelers to walk, hike, or bike more often;

● The “Zero-Waste Warrior”, which inspires travelers to reduce waste by avoiding single-use plastics and always bringing reusable water bottles, utensils, and shopping bags;

● The “resTOURism Advocate Challenge” that encourages tourists to volunteer in restoration efforts of communities, such as planting activities, clean-up drives, and wildlife preservation; and,

● The “Eco-Staycationer Challenge” that motivates tourists to book in eco-friendly accommodations, such as local homestays or ANAHAW-awardee hotels that take action to promote sustainability.

Participants will have a chance to win by completing at least two challenges and posting them on social media with the following guidelines:

STEP 1. Take a photo of yourself doing the challenges.

For Certified Foot Soldier, you may use an app to track or record your steps or bike ride as proof.

For Eco-staycationer, best if you can include an eco-friendly practice of the establishment in your video. Camping and staycation trips (in a green hotel) are qualified.

STEP 2. Upload your photo.

Put a geotag and write a short description.

STEP 3. Tag the official DOT social media accounts:

Tiktok: tourismphilippines

Instagram: tourism_phl

Facebook: facebook.com/DepartmentOfTourism

Twitter: TourismPHL

STEP 4. Include the #KeepTheFunGoing and #ChallengeDone hashtags in your caption

STEP 5. Tag 3 of your friends in your post

STEP 6. Make sure to set your profile in public so we can see your entry

All entries will be drawn through an electronic raffle. Weekly winners will be announced every Saturday and will be notified thru Facebook Personal Message. The two grand winners, which will be chosen from all the qualified entries, will win a FREE TRIP for two to Palawan.

Join the #KeepTheFunGoing movement today and be an eco-warrior. To learn more about the campaign, visit philippines.travel/saveourspots.