July 2022 – Jellybeans in the City

How small businesses can tap the power of micro-influencers

So now you’ve launched your own business, congratulations!

I’m sure you’re all excited to bring your particular brand of products and services to customers who need it.

The challenge is how to let them know that it exists, right?

As a small business owner, you might already find your hands full handling the day-to-day operations of your enterprise as well as coming up with long-term strategies to grow your business.

Promoting your business consistently and effectively may be quite beyond your bandwidth at the moment.

Also, while the proliferation of various social media platforms may provide a myriad of possibilities in increasing your business’ visibility, mastering how to use these digital outlets will entail a lot of time and effort that might be better used for your core business.

Why not secure the help of people who are already adept at using these platforms?

Tapping top-tier social media influencers to promote your brand may not be within your budget, but take heart: you can opt to partner with a category of social media mavens who can bring the most bang for your bucks.

I’m referring to, of course, micro-influencers.

A 2021 Forbes article by Kelly Ehlers posits that brands who want to work with any level of influencers should consider several factors which include the following:

Cost. Influencers with high follower counts command hefty fees which may limit the actual output that can be negotiated with them but the number of followers who actually make purchase decisions based on their recommendations may not be as high as expected. This would bring your brand’s return on investment (ROI) into question when working with macro-influencers. In contrast, micro-influencers with a smaller follower base may be more affordable for brands to tap and may tend to bring more into the collaboration in terms of additional posts or other services as a way of building a long-term partnership.
Authenticity. Social media users follow influencers because the lifestyle and views depicted in the influencers’ content resonate with them. A seemingly off-brand collaboration may prove to be off-putting, not just to the influencers’ followers, but also to the brands’ existing customers. Micro-influencers, on the other hand, often reach out to brands that they actually love and want to support, or brands that they feel can resonate with their audience.
Reach. While an individual micro-influencer’s follower count may limit the reach of a single sponsored post, working with various micro-influencers of varying ages, geographic locations and other demographics can allow you to expand your brand’s reach across different market segments. Furthermore, micro-influencers also have the potential to engage with niche audiences, especially if they specialize in a particular topic or interest.

So are you now ready to work with micro-influencers to grow your business?

The next challenge is how to go about finding and engaging them.

Intellifluence is an influencer marketing service that helps brands and influencers collaborate to achieve their respective goals.

Its roster of influencers include celebrities, niche authorities as well as peer-level micro-influencers which can be tapped for campaigns aimed at increasing social sales, pre-launch product testing, branding, amplification of communications and search engine optimization (SEO). Its covered platforms run the gamut of popular social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok, Twitter and LinkedIn, as well as custom marketplaces, Amazon, and blogs.

Photo credits: Header and in-article photos by freepik on Freepik

Exciting Thai Flavors at Flower Boy, The Grid Food Market

Craving for some excitement? A taste of adventure? A journey to the new and unfamiliar?

Why not try a cuisine that’s off your beaten path?

One of the eateries managed by Lowbrow Casual Restaurants, Flower Boy, operates a stall in The Grid Food Market and offers diners a peek into the bright and rich flavors of Thai cuisine.

Fried Squid Platter (Php440). Large rings of succulent squid, dipped in Sprite flavored batter then deep-fried to golden brown crispiness. Served with crunchy prawn crackers and Jaew sauce.

Bagoong Fried Rice (Php290). Steamed rice topped with scrambled egg and Flower Boy’s own recipe for bagoong made with shrimp paste, rendered pork fat, crispy ham, and tamarind.

Chicken Pad Thai (Php350). Flower Boy’s version of one of Thailand’s national dishes is made to appeal to the Pinoy palate but still keep to its Thai roots. This stir-fried noodle dish is savory, mildly sweet with lots of umami, thanks to its sauce which is cooked for three hours. It looks gorgeous and smells wonderful, too, wouldn’t you agree?

Mango Sticky Rice (Php250). A classic Thai dessert made with succulent mango slices served with sticky rice topped with toasted coconut flakes and coconut cream.

Thai Iced Tea (Php140). Thailand’s popular refreshment made with brewed black tea flavored with spices and sweetened with condensed milk..

Flower Boy is open for pickup and delivery at thegridfoodmarket.com. It is also available for dine-in at Stall 3 at The Grid Food Market, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati. It also delivers via GrabFood, FoodPanda and Pick-A-Roo.

For more details on its menu items and offers, follow Flower Boy on Facebook and Instagram.

The Grid Food Market is the resident food hall of Powerplant Mall which offers a wide range of flavors to cater to various cravings.

Check out my previous posts on other cuisines available at The Grid Food Market:

MetroMart gives tips on how to make the most out of your online grocery shopping

One great thing that came about with the new normal is the convenience of shopping for our groceries online. Here are some tips so you can really maximize your budget and time on your next digital shopping journey with MetroMart – the #1 online grocery delivery service in the Philippines.

Make a list

Just like a physical trip to the store, go into the shopping platform with a plan, and stick to it. Try writing down all your meals for the coming week so you know all the ingredients you’ll need. If you come across something you like but can’t buy yet, don’t worry, just click the heart or like button and you can add it to your wishlist for later!

Save through sales

Try to schedule your checkout time when there’s a sale. These are usually during payday periods like the 15th and end of every month. Check out featured items on sale in MetroMart’s “Payday Specials” to score a big bargain. In this way, you not just save with your online shopping by foregoing the gasoline and transportation expenses, but you also get more savings on your groceries and essentials.

Buy in bulk

Take advantage of the wholesale and retail prices of supermarkets such as UltraMega, that’s now also available on MetroMart! Re-stocking for your home pantry or for your sari-sari store is now 1, 2, easy, and just a few taps on your phone. Especially with the wide selection of items with budget- and retailer- friendly prices from UltraMega Supermarket. You can also avail FREE Delivery for orders with a minimum spend of ₱1,000 until August 2.

Pay and get more discounts

All customers of MetroMart have a wide selection for modes of payment on their online shopping. These include Cash on Delivery, via e-wallet through GCash, or via Debit/Credit cards with leading banks nationwide. Even more promos and discounts will be available through the different modes of payment availed by the customer.

Buy for your special someone

Did you know that you can order your groceries with MetroMart and then get it delivered to another address, even when you’re out of town or abroad? This would be especially helpful if you want to get fresh vegetables and food for your family, but they’re in a different location. What’s really cool too is that MetroMart has expanded to new locations throughout the Philippines like in Davao, Bicol, Cabanatuan, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Palawan, and Pangasinan. The big convenience of online grocery shopping is definitely for every Pinoy!

Try new things, love local

Sometimes, you just never know what kind of food you may want to try or what you’ll suddenly need for your home. Never fear, just go straight into your MetroMart app and order right away! Apart from the leading supermarkets, MetroMart has other specialty stores in different categories like hardware, toys, novelty items, pet care, food products, furniture and medicine. It’s a great way to check out and support new brands by awesome Pinoy entrepreneurs, all in the comfort of your home and on your smartphone.

Stay tuned for lots of upcoming promos, discounts and sales events at MetroMart this 2022. Carpe diem and carpe discounts, happy shopping!

MetroMart is the #1 online grocery delivery service in the Philippines. Our grocery partners include Robinsons Supermarket, S&R (with or no membership card required), Landmark, The Marketplace, Shopwise, All Day Supermarket, Merrymart and over 500+ specialty store retailers like Pet Express, Baby Company, Toy Kingdom, Toys R Us, National Book Store, Office Warehouse, Southstar Drug and AllDay Rx. Customers can order from their favorite stores on the MetroMart app and have it delivered to their door in less than 2 hours! For more updates on MetroMart, like and follow us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/MetroMartPH. Order groceries online or download the app via https://bit.ly/DownloadNowMM.

Attention, A.R.M.Y.: You can relax like BTS as IN THE SOOP Estate is now on Airbnb

K-Pop fans rejoice! The expansive property where 21st-century pop icons BTS stayed during the filming of HYBE’s original content, IN THE SOOP BTS ver. Season 2, is now on Airbnb for an overnight stay for the first time ever. Guests will get the chance to find a moment of peace in the lush countryside of South Korea’s Gangwon region – just as the seven members did while enjoying everyday life and rest on the original content produced by HYBE.

22 - Airbnb BTS IN THE SOOP - Landscape - Credit Time of Blue

21 - Airbnb BTS IN THE SOOP - Mountain Views - Credit Time of Blue

During the second season of IN THE SOOP BTS, the band members experienced leisurely moments and reconnected with nature amidst their busy schedules. Guests will stay at the property, which is a part of a larger estate, and relive their favorite IN THE SOOP BTS moments, such as:

Reading books in the study like RM or relaxing, Jin-style, on the unicorn-shaped float in the home’s pool
Finding creative inspiration and strumming guitars like SUGA, snapping selfies with a Polaroid like j-hope or painting on a canvas as V does
For more high-energy entertainment, weight training like Jimin, flying high on a trampoline like Jung Kook or bouncing a ball in the basketball court like Bam, Jung Kook’s dog

20 - Airbnb BTS IN THE SOOP - Gym Equipment - Credit Time of Blue

14 - Airbnb BTS IN THE SOOP - Music Room - Credit Time of Blue

About the stay

The one-night stay* on August 29 for only $7** — a nod to the band’s seven members — will immerse two lucky guests in the various elements the K-pop group personally enjoyed during their time on property only a few months ago, including:

Some of the same furniture and amenities that appeared on the show so guests can truly channel the lifestyle of BTS
A karaoke machine, sound system and all of BTS hit tracks and albums, including “Permission to Dance”, “Butter” and their just-released album, Proof
Specially catered dishes like charcoal grilled Korean beef (which the band referred to as “the best taste in the universe” in the show), and tteokbokki, or simmered rice cakes. Plus egg tarts produced by Bang & Bakers, currently served at HYBE INSIGHT, HYBE’s music museum.

17 - Airbnb BTS IN THE SOOP - Kitchen - Credit Time of Blue

12 - Airbnb BTS IN THE SOOP - Living Room 2 - Credit Time of Blue

How to book

Guests can request to book this stay on Tuesday, August 2 from 11 AM KST (10 AM PHT) at airbnb.com/inthesoopbts. Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from Seoul, South Korea. Round trip car transportation will be provided for the 20-minute journey from KTX PyeongChang station to the IN THE SOOP BTS property.

While only one overnight stay will be offered, “geok jeong ma” — there will be an opportunity to check out the IN THE SOOP BTS property while staying at other listings near the property soon.

09 - Airbnb BTS IN THE SOOP - Dining Room - Credit Time of Blue

05 - Airbnb BTS IN THE SOOP - Bedroom 2 - Credit Time of Blue

For those looking to discover similar stays surrounded by nature, Airbnb recently introduced a new way to search and discover homes through Airbnb Categories. With 200,000 countryside homes available around the globe, there are plenty of “in the soop” inspired getaways.

Those hoping to stay in the IN THE SOOP BTS ver. ‘Pyeongchang’ Filming Location should note that this stay’s rules require following applicable local rules and guidelines as well as Airbnb’s COVID-19 Safety Practices, which will include wearing a mask and practicing social distancing when required by local laws or guidelines. Staff will also comply with local rules and guidelines while on-site, and will abide by our five-step enhanced cleaning process.

19 - Airbnb BTS IN THE SOOP - Staircase - Credit Time of Blue

06 - Airbnb BTS IN THE SOOP - Bedroom Nook - Credit Time of Blue

*This one-night stay is available for one participant and their fellow guest and is not a contest.

**Plus taxes and fees

Airbnb is closely monitoring Korea COVID-19 infection rates and government policies and will offer booking guests a US $1,000 Airbnb travel credit if Airbnb determines it is necessary to cancel the stay

About Airbnb

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to 4 million Hosts who have welcomed more than 900 million guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer one-of-a-kind stays and unique Experiences that make it possible for guests to experience the world in a more authentic, connected way.

About HYBE

HYBE, rebranded from Big Hit Entertainment in March 2021, is a global entertainment lifestyle platform company that seeks boundless expansion in order to innovate the music industry. Ever since, HYBE has been expanding its multi label system including BIGHIT MUSIC, BELIFT LAB, SOURCE MUSIC, PLEDIS Entertainment, KOZ ENTERTAINMENT, ADOR, HYBE LABELS JAPAN, while HYBE AMERICA also manages its affiliate labels including Big Machine Label Group. In addition to the label business, HYBE established an integrated structure with its solution business that creates concert, video content, game, original story and retail, as well as a platform business through Weverse, a global fandom platform. Composed of its three headquarters based in Korea, Japan and the US, the company works towards bringing innovative change throughout the global music industry.

About BTS

BTS, an acronym of Bangtan Sonyeondan or “Beyond the Scene,” are a GRAMMY-nominated South Korean boy band that has been capturing the hearts of millions of fans globally since their debut in June 2013. The members of BTS are RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook. Gaining recognition for their authentic and self-produced music, top-notch performances, and the way they interact with their fans, the band has established themselves as 21st century pop icons breaking countless world records. While imparting a positive influence through activities such as the LOVE MYSELF campaign and the UN ‘Speak Yourself’ speech, the band has mobilized millions of fans across the world (named ARMY), collected six No.1 Billboard Hot 100 singles in a span of a year and just over a month, and performed multiple sold-out stadium shows across the world. They were also named TIME’s Entertainer of the Year 2020. BTS were nominated two years in a row for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 63rd and 64th GRAMMY Awards and have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards like the Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards (Artist of the Year 2021) and MTV Video Music Awards.

01 - Airbnb BTS IN THE SOOP - Exterior with BTS IN THE SOOP - Credit Time of Blue

About IN THE SOOP

IN THE SOOP, an original content produced by HYBE, features artists embarking on a break in the woods as they step away from their regular work routines. Starring artists reconnecting with nature, HYBE released a series of shows from “In the SOOP BTS Ver.”, “In the SOOP BTS ver. Season 2”, “IN THE SOOP SEVENTEEN ver.”, to its spin-off “IN THE SOOP : Friend-cation”. Based on the concept of restful and healing break from the series, HYBE introduces off-line pop up stores with lifestyle products in multiple cities around the world including Seoul, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. Fans will also be able to experience a unique accommodation and F&B experience at IN THE SOOP BTS ver. ‘Pyeongchang’ Filming Location starting August 2022. Through IN THE SOOP, HYBE continues to provide immersive entertainment lifestyle experiences through original content featuring artists, merchandise and offline stores.

House images and details provided by Airbnb in a recent press release.

A new way to get some #IndulgingComfort: Cinnabon’s Toffee Minichocobon!

Oooh, my sweet-tooth senses are tingling!

It might have something to do with this mysterious box of goodies from Cinnabon!

Since 1985, Cinnabon has been making dreamy cinnamon buns: the soft and fluffy kind with sweetly spiced cinnamon tucked in between layers and topped creamy and gooey frosting.

From its hometown in Seattle, WA where father-and-son entrepreneurs Rich and Greg Komen partnered with expert baker Jerilyn Brusseau to craft the ultimate cinnamon bun, Cinnabon has been producing batch after delectable batch of this irresistible stuff.

Having made its way to the Philippines back in 1999, the brand has since established its presence in the country to include twenty Cinnabon bakeries which beckon shoppers and passersby with the irresistible fragrance of hot cinnamon buns, fresh from the oven.

Its global empire really began with the creation of the Classic Cinnabon Roll, which then made way for new and delicious variants such as the Caramel Pecanbon (the classic roll with the addition of caramel sauce and chopped pecans) and the Chocobon (the classic roll with lots of chocolatey goodness). This triumvirate of Cinnabon flavors, along with an occassional new flavor such as the recent Cranberry Biscoff Minibon, has been providing dessert lovers some #indulgingcomfort that only perfectly baked Cinnabon rolls can give.

Now, there’s something new and exciting baking at Cinnabon: the Toffee Minichocobon!

The all-time favorite chocolate-flavored cinnamon roll gets an infusion of toffee flavors, thanks to the toffee crunch bits tucked into it and sprinkled on top, plus the drizzle of yummy toffee sauce, truly a new #recipeforwonderful.

Enjoy a piece of this #indulgingcomfort for Php100 at your nearest Cinnabon outlet, or grab a box of four for Php300 or a box of nine for Php600 to enjoy with your fellow dessert lovers at home.

And don’t worry about finishing the entire box all at once. Store your buns at room temperature for up to two days and then re-heat in the microwave oven for 15-20 seconds (add 5 seconds per additional bun).

Cinnabon stores are located at:

SM Aura Premiere, SM Baguio, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA and SM North EDSA North Towers, SM City Clark, SM Cagayan de Oro, SM Seaside Cebu, SM Fairview, SM Mindpro
Estancia Mall
Trinoma Mall
Festival Mall
Ayala Malls Manila Bay
Robinsons Magnolia, Robinsons Galleria
Alabang Town Center
SLEX Shell Travel Plaza – Main, SLEX Shell Travel Plaza – Deli2Go, SLEX Shell Mamplasan
Petron Travel Plaza
Caltex San Pedro Travel Plaza
NLEX Shell Travel Plaza – Deli2Go, NLEX Drive & Dine
NAIA Terminal 3, NAIA Terminal

Can’t go to a Cinnabon bakery? Order your Cinnabons for delivery right to your doorstep via GrabFood, FoodPanda and G-Life.

For the latest news on its products and offers, follow Cinnabon on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my other posts about Cinnabon:

Cinnabon Estancia — Quick and sweet escape at Cinnabon, Estancia Mall

Cinnabon Cranberry Biscoff — Enjoy some #IndulgingComfort with Cinnabon’s Cranberry Biscoff Minibon

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature story.

Cool down with fun icy treats at Dripp, The Grid Food Market

The long, hot summer may be giving way to the rainy season but we’re not there yet, folks!

So whenever the heat and humidity of the metro threaten to befoul your mood, know that you can always counter them with something delightfully delicious: cereal soft-serve and swirls from Dripp!

Located inside The Grid Food Market in Powerplant Mall, Dripp is all set to be your go-to stall for yummy post-meal desserts or your icy snack to help you stay cool on a hot day.

What goes into your Dripp? A whole lotta goodness, that’s what!

It all starts with Dripp’s creamy 100% fresh milk soft-serve base, then comes added flavors and textures from:

Cereals such as Coco Pops, Froot Loops, Frosties, Koko Krunch, Milo Cereal, Trix, Gold Corn Flakes, Honey Stars and Honey Gold Corn. For an additional Php25, you can add premium cereals such as Dunkin Caramel Macchiato, Dunkin Mocha Latte, Fruity Pebbles, Lucky Charms, Oreo O’s, Reese’s Puffs, Chips Ahoy Cereal, Cinnamon Toast Cruch, Chocolate Churros and Wendy’s Frosty
Mixins such as Polvoron, Milo Powder, Crushed Oreos, Matcha Powder, Barquillos Crisps, Dark Chocolate Sticks, Almonds, Black Sesame, Candy Sprinkles, Cashew Nuts, Rice Crispies, Choc Nut, Mini Kitkats, Crushed Grahams and more
Drizzles such as Caramel, Chocolate, Honey and Strawberry

For Php180, you can Make Your Own Soft Serve Flavors by picking one each from the Cereals, Mixins and Drizzles selections to add to your premium milk-based soft-serve or choose from the top combinations recommended by Dripp’s very own Chef Patrick Go which include:

The Grrrid Blend: Gold Corn Flakes, Graham, Caramel
Choco Crunch: Koko Krunch, Rice Crispies, Chocolate
Pop That Matcha: Coco Pops, Matcha Powder, Chocolate
Funfetti: Froot Loops, Candy Sprinkle, Strawberry
Milo Loco: Milo Cereal, Crushed Oreos, Caramel
Fruity Stars: Trix, Honey Star, Strawberry

But the fun doesn’t end there: Dripp recently made a move towards creating more out-of-this-world ice cream concoctions with its new secret menu which includes:

Hot Cheetos: inspired by the fan-favorite snack, this sundae is covered in crushed Hot Cheetos for a sweet-salty dessert with a kick
Dripp Scramble: Dripp’s own version of the classic Pinoy dessert overloaded with sprinkles, marshmallows, chocolate drizzle, and more
my personal pick, Horlicks Crunch: this has that distinctive, malty flavor that reminds you of ‘50’s American-diner milkshakes, to which I added more crunch in the form of almond slices

So, really, whether the summer season is on the rise or ebbing away, there’s always a reason and an opportunity to treat yourself to a cool and creamy delicious delight at Dripp!

Dripp is located Stall 19, The Grid Food Market, R2 Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Drive, Rockwell Center, Makati City.

For more details on its promos and offers, follow Dripp on Facebook or Instagram.

The Grid Food Market is the resident food hall of Powerplant Mall which offers a wide range of flavors to cater to various cravings.

Check out my previous posts on other cuisines available at The Grid Food Market:

Disclosure: I attended a food tasting held at this establishment. Food items mentioned here were served at no cost to the attendees.

Australian brand Coles now available exclusively at SM Markets

When you think of Australia (the continent and the country!), what comes to mind?

Is it the unusual fauna such as koalas, kangaroos and wallabies that make Austrialia their home? Is it Australia’s iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge? Is it the natural wonders that abound in the continent such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Great Outback?

Being the sixth largest country in the world, Australia is filled with awe-inspiring wildlife and sceneries, which also makes it one of the top tourist destinations of the world.

And while visiting Australia is not something you can do everyday, you can definitely enjoy some of the flavors that make The Land Down Under a delicious place to be.

SM Markets exclusively brings home hundreds of Coles products and makes them available in select SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket and Savemore branches.

Coles is one of Australia’s largest supermarket chains with over 800 outlets. It made its way tot he Philippines for the very first time through its sole distributor, SM Markets, giving Pinoys the chance to experience Aussie flavors at home. With high-quality, yet practical and budget-friendly products ranging from cookies, chocolate bars, milk, Australian honey, coffee, tea and cereals to baking needs, condiments, hearty soups, tasty liquid stocks and more, Coles is all set to expand Pinoys’ gastronomic horizons.

“We’re very proud to exclusively carry great selections of Coles products as part of our already wide range of offerings,” shares Jojo Tagbo, SM Supermarket president. “Coles is a very practical brand that offers value for money and we definitely recommend it for everyday use, especially because of its affordability. It has always been SM Markets’ endeavor to bring the world’s best products to the grocery carts and, ultimately, the tables of our customers. We feel very privileged to be the only store where people can find and satisfy their Coles cravings.

Coles products are available in thirty branches all over the country:

SM Supermarket: Baguio, Aura Premier, Davao, Megamall B, Mandurriao, San Lazaro, Bacolod, Fairview, Makati, Naga, Lucena, Cebu Reclamation, Southmall, Dasmarinas, Roxas, and soon in Lanang Davao, Olongapo Central, North EDSA, Puerto Princesa, Seaside Cebu, Sta. Rosa, Marikina, Bacoor, Cagayan de Oro and Pampanga
SM Hypermarket: Mall of Asia, Clark, Pasig, Fairview, Marilao, North EDSA, Taytay, Bicutan, Sucat, Cherry Congressional, Las Pinas, Jazz, Molino, and soon in Baliwag, Rosales, FTI, Marketmall Dasma, Jmall, and Dagupan
Savemore Market: Acacia, La Trinidad, and soon in Light Residences, Parkmall, Dumaguete, Tacloban, Bangkal, Angono and Boracay

Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature. Details provided in a recent press release.

High Vaccine Coverage, Vaccine Suitability, crucial to combating Pneumonia in PH, says Vaccine Expert

A VACCINE EXPERT reinforced high vaccine coverage and the suitability of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) as crucial strategies to reducing overall pneumococcal disease burden in the Philippines.

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death of children below five years old in the Philippines. Globally, around 672,000 children die from pneumonia every year. This is equivalent to a child dying every 47 seconds.

Dr. Olakunle Oladehin, a vaccine expert and current Regional Vaccines Medical Lead for GSK, stressed the importance of high vaccine coverage to ensure success of a vaccination program especially in the current context of the pandemic.

“Even if we have the best vaccines, we will not be able to see its full impact if vaccination coverage is low. It is critical that every country strives to revive its vaccination uptake against diseases like pneumonia,” said Dr. Oladehin in a scientific lecture with local healthcare experts last July 7.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), childhood immunization fell to 48.5% in 2021 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the necessary focus on COVID-19 vaccination as a response. The DOH has continuously ramped up its routine immunization activities including implementing the Chikiting Bakunation Days from April to June.

“I commend the determination of the Philippine government to bring back its immunization rates coming from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr Oladehin.

Meanwhile, Dr. Oladehin also reiterated the importance of ensuring that a given PCV should protect against relevant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the Philippines, a type of bacteria that causes pneumonia and other invasive diseases.

“To achieve overall protection, the choice of PCV should address the most prevalent strains in the local landscape,” said the vaccine expert.

In 2020, the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) of DOH reviewed the use of PCVs in the country, coming from a position statement issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2019. The mandate of HTAC is to undertake technology appraisals by determining their clinical and economic values in the Philippine healthcare system.

In its report, HTAC recommended the use of PCVs protecting against 11 important strains which accounted for 48% of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD) cases found in the Philippines namely 1, 4, 5, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F and 23F. The recommendation was based on local surveillance data from the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) from 2012-2019.

Majority of these strains are highly invasive, and it is imperative that a given PCV should have evidence of being able to protect against them, Dr Oladehin said.

“Invasive pneumococcal strains like 18C and 4 can destroy living tissues or spread to many organs of the body through the blood, increasing likelihood of death,” Dr Oladehin zeroed in during his presentation.

Currently, there are three PCVs pre-qualified by the WHO—PCV13 and 2 kinds of PCV10: PHID-CV and SIIL- PCV. The two PCVs that were reviewed by HTAC—PHID-CV and PCV13—are suitable to address the 11 strains in the country.

Backed by real-world evidence and experience of being used in National Immunization Programs (NIP) across the world, both PHID-CV and PCV13 are included in the Philippine National Formulary (PNF) and can be procured for use under the Philippine’s own NIP.

Details and photo of Dr. Oladehin provided in a recent press release.

Header photo by CDC on Unsplash

From campers to domes: 10 Most Wishlisted Unique Airbnb Stays to spice up your next vacation

Ever wanted a special stay for that long-awaited work recharge or a weekend getaway to celebrate loved ones? If you’re not sure where to start searching, Airbnb’s new Categories search tool is set to change that with the launch of 56 new categories.

Travelers are now able to discover and explore the most unique spaces all over the world — including Campers, Treehouses, A-frames, and Domes. To get you started, Airbnb has rounded up some of Filipinos’ most wishlisted unique stays on the platform.

#VanLife Campers

airbnb airstream 1 — Vintage Airstream Suite in Batangas

airbnb jeepney 1 — Jeepney Camper in Rizal

For those thinking about moving into a van and traveling the world, why not get a taste of #vanlife first with these beautiful trailers:

Jeepney Camper in Rizal: This cosy jeepney-turned-camper promises to provide a truly Pinoy #vanlife experience. Nestled in the lush rainforests of Sierra Madre, the stay comes with a campfire pit and a pool so guests can enjoy the outdoors.
Vintage Airstream Suite in Batangas: The very first Airstream accommodation in the country, this vintage 25-foot footer camper offers a living area with a couch, dining area, kitchenette, and a bedroom with a queen-sized bed. Even if you are not a fan of tiny houses, it is easy to fall in love with this trailer’s rustic charm.

Whimsical Treehouses

Airbnb — Treehouse by the Ocean in Batangas

Go off-grid with these glorious homes perched high on the treetops:

Treehouse by the Ocean in Batangas: In this vibrant and proudly local hut located in sunny Calatagan, guests can enjoy a private pool, coral reef beach and starry night skies perfect for stargazing. It’s also near Cape Santiago Lighthouse for a quick historical trip.
Treehouse de Valentine in Cebu: Unconventional for all the right reasons, this treehouse is the perfect nest away from the busy Queen City of the South. Guests will find it hard to pick their favorite feature of this treehouse villa – be it the wooden hot tub, patios overlooking the rainforest, or charming rustic decor.

Gorgeous A-frames

Whether oceanside, lakeside, or mountainside, these vacation homes are as fun as they are cosy:

Mango Nest Hut in Zambales: Planning a glamping trip for two? Located just fifteen minutes from Subic’s waterfalls and beaches, Mango Nest is a 12sq m tiny hut located in a garden. Outside, you can enjoy a picnic and say hello to the Host’s friendly poodles wandering about the garden.
Alhibé Farm Exclusive Homestay in Cebu: Check out Alhibé Farm, a boutique mountainside homestay complete with its own nipa hut and swimming pool with water from the nearby springs. A bantawan (covered bamboo deck) for private events and movie night experiences inside the mini forest is a bonus point.

Rejuvenating Beach Homes

These homes are the perfect rejuvenating getaway, where you can listen to the waves crashing against the sand in the morning and lulling yourself to sleep with the sound of the sea every night:

Anilao Beach House in Batangas: This oceanfront glasshouse in Anilao comes with a reef at your doorstep, making it the perfect spot for avid divers. You can also rent diving gear, jet skis and windsurfing equipment for an ultimate adrenaline-packed weekend.
Floral Island in Palawan: With its great food, incredible snorkeling spots, and warm hospitality, Floral Island is undeniably one of the best private islands in Palawan. Each booking includes access to six villas, a private restaurant, beachside bonfire, and massage hut; plus exciting activities like kayaking, island hopping, and even coral reef planting.

Geodesic Domes

Experience the wilderness in these geodesic domes, perfect for long nights of stargazing:

Domescape in Batangas: Located in Nasugbu, Domescape features six tastefully styled domes surrounded by lush greenery and natural pools, letting nature-lovers experience the great outdoors without compromising comfort. Each dome comes furnished with comfy beds, an air-conditioner, and mini-fridge.
Dome Mufli King in Laguna: Situated in a glamping site that looks straight out of a sci-fi film, Dome Mufli King is fully run on solar power. Bookings are inclusive of a home-cooked breakfast and free use of kayaks, floaters, and fishing poles, which you can enjoy in the waters of Lumot Lake.

About Airbnb

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to 4 million Hosts who have welcomed more than 1 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer unique stays and one-of-a-kind activities that make it possible for guests to experience the world in a more authentic, connected way.

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

Top of the Morning weekend breakfast buffet at Timberland Highlands Resort’s Ridge Cafe

Weekends are for leisure and enjoyment, do you agree? That should certainly include your breakfast.

Weekend breakfasts provide you with the opportunity to take things slow – in contrast to the mad rush during workday mornings – and spend time with your loved ones.

At Ridge Cafe in Timberland Highlands Resort, you can do that and more!

Ridge Cafe is one of the resort’s dining venues which boasts of well-appointed interiors, definitely an elegant venue to enjoy a show-stopping meal.

It also has an al fresco dining area where diners can enjoy the crisp and clean mountain air as well as the magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and the Metro Manila cityscape.

Aside from its usual menu of Filipino and international dishes available ala carte, Ridge Cafe also serves a sumptuous buffet on Saturday and Sunday mornings, dubbed as the Top of the Morning buffet.

Curious as to what you can look forward to at this weekend buffet spread? Check these out:

Imagine waking up to your true-blue almusal faves: the silogs! Pair your choice from viands such as Corned Beef with Potatoes, Tocino, Longganisa and Tocino, with Garlic Fried Rice and your choice or fried eggs from the Egg Station.

Want to break your fast with something wholesome and healthy? You can opt for locally-grown fresh produce for salads or fruit desserts.

If you prefer baked goods for your first meal of the day, then you can have your fill from a woundrous variety of freshly baked breads and pastries. These include four types of pan de sal (regular, ube, cacao and malunggay), cinnamon and fruit Danish, as well as various jams, cheeses and butter to spread on them.

There’s something for the kiddos as well, thanks to continental breakfast choices such as cereals, chicken nuggets and breakfast sausages. You might as well let them indulge in sweet treats that include mini pancakes (with syrup!) and cookies.

Of course, the best part about having so many choices available in the buffet spreas is that you can pick and choose your favorites or explore a totally new cuisine for a weekend breakfast experience that you assembled for yourself.

Whether you’re on your first breakfast buffet at Ridge Cafe, or on your umpteenth visit, you can count on a delicious meal that you can savor with your nears-and-dears.