Travel – Page 11 – Jellybeans in the City

Travel with your furry friends with Airbnb this festive season

This week marks World Animal Day, an international day celebrating all animals and promoting a better future for animals all over the world. As the festive season rapidly approaches, there’s no better time to start planning a getaway for your loved ones – with fur kids in tow.

Around the world, Airbnb Hosts have welcomed hundreds of thousands of guests and their beloved pets. As the pandemic pet boom continues and travel resumes, guests are increasingly looking for domestic stays that allow them to bring their furry friends along, with ample outdoor space for all to roam around.

More than 3 million pets have checked into Airbnb since last November. As of June 2022, pet-friendly stays make up almost one-fifth of all Philippines listings on Airbnb, a 44% increase compared to June 2019². The top ten destinations for pet-friendly travel in the Philippines in Q2 2022 are:

Manila, Metro Manila
Baguio, Cordillera
Calabarzon
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Taguig, Calabarzon
Cebu City, Central Visayas
Olongapo, Central Luzon
Nasugbu, Calabarzon
San Fernando, Ilocos
Calamba, Calabarzon

Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan said that when it comes to pet-friendly Airbnb stays, owners are seeking stays with additional space for their furry friends, often in locations outside capital cities.

“If you’re an avid pet lover, you’ll know that no holiday is quite complete without taking your family pet along. We have something for even the fussiest four-legged family members, and certainly, homes with spacious yards and deck areas are always among the most popular for guests with pets,” Bajaj added.

In the Philippines, over 15,000 guests have traveled with their pets on Airbnb³. To inspire more fur moms and dads planning to bring their pet friends on their next getaways, here are some amazing pet-friendly listings in the Philippines — from spacious homes with huge backyards for your pets to roam to stays co-hosted by equally hospitable pooches!

Spacious farms for the zoomies

If you’re itching for a quick weekend away from the 9-to-5 routine, these farm stays that are drivable from Manila can certainly give you and your fur baby that relaxing getaway you both deserved.

Pet Friendly Airbnb — The Alperi Farm is a newly built private farmhouse in Amadeo sitting on an expansive 2,000 sqm — perfect for non-stop fetch and the occasional zoomies. Offering guests plenty of opportunities to unplug and bond with loved ones (pets included!), the farmhouse comes with entertainment and activity options including a playhouse, bird sanctuary, a gym, and even a theater and arcade room.

Beachfront homes for the water-loving breeds

While some will just dip a toe, other dogs are born for the water — and will be truly delighted to hit the beach. Head on to these beachfront stays if you and your canine companion are dreaming of sands in your toes and paws.

Breathtaking views for your best bud

Looking for vacation rentals with picturesque views where you can bring your fur babies? Search no further! These homes are not only pet-friendly — they make you want to bask in the scenery and stay for longer.

¹ Based on Airbnb internal data from June 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022

² Based on Airbnb internal data from June 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022

³ Based on Airbnb internal data from November 11, 2019 to June 30, 2022

Note: All stays referenced are intended purely to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not recommend or endorse specific stay or experience listings on the Airbnb platform.

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.

Header Image by Lifestylememory on Freepik

Gather the family for a festive getaway hosted by Marjorie and Julia: The Barrettos’ iconic rest house is now on Airbnb

To celebrate the advent of this year’s Christmas festivities, the Barrettofamily has announced that they will become Airbnb Hosts and list their luxurious family villa in Calumpit, Bulacan on Airbnb.

Entertainment veteran Marjorie Barretto and famous actress-model Julia Barretto will be opening the doors of the River Garden Rest House on Airbnb for three consecutive weekends — with the first stay on 15 October hosted in-person by the renowned mother-daughter duo, who will share their favourite spots around the villa and attractions nearby.

The rest house will be available for a one-night stay on three exclusive dates: October 15, October 22, and October 29. Priced at Php25,000 per night excluding additional fees, the rest house can accommodate up to a maximum of 16 pax.

Starting today, interested guests can make a request to book at www.airbnb.com/h/rivergardenresthouse, along with a message introducing themselves and detailing their request including their travel companions and why they are interested to stay. Guests must have a verified Airbnb profile, a history of positive reviews, and be 18+ to request to book.

“The River Garden Rest House is extremely dear to our family and holds so many precious memories for us. I am incredibly happy to now share this special space with the world through Airbnb, and for more guests throughout the Philippines and overseas to enjoy our Filipino hospitality and rejuvenating probinsya life. I look forward to many more families and friends creating their own meaningful moments here and enjoying the rest house,” shares Marjorie.

Located an hour’s drive out from Metro Manila, the Barrettos’ expansive River Garden Rest House offers Filipinos an idyllic opportunity to reconnect with loved ones amidst nature. The villa offers four spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a large private pool, an outdoor dining area and lounge, a fully-equipped open kitchen with grill, and a gazebo boasting scenic views of the Angat River. Guests may also be able to purchase the fresh catch of the day for dinner from the fishermen nearby.

Purchased by Marjorie over 20 years ago, the villa has since been meticulously restored and furnished by the matriarch to reflect a blend of old-world charm and modern Filipino design. Local materials including pawid roofs, bamboo and capiz shell windows feature prominently. Each room also features a unique collection of precious antiques, furniture, accessories, and even heritage paintings passed down from Marjorie’s mother.

“One of my favourite things to do is spend a quiet afternoon in the shade of the gazebo, watching the river waters glisten under the sun. It’s always heartwarming seeing our family spend the day in different corners of the house, either cooped up with a book, engrossed in conversation, or dipping in the pool. I am thrilled to be supporting my mom in sharing this space with more families, and we hope our guests will enjoy and care for this space as much as we do,” adds Julia.

Recent Airbnb data revealed that destinations outside major metropolitan hubs are increasingly popular among travelers, and earnings from hosting are helping Filipinos grow their business and improve their homes.

Interested to learn more about becoming an Airbnb Host like the Barrettos? You can get free one-on-one help from an Airbnb Superhost at airbnb.com/askasuperhost, and find more useful tips and information at airbnb.com/host. For more unique stays this festive season, visit airbnb.com or the Airbnb app.

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 one-of-a-kind stays and unique Experiences 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.

AirAsia B1G Sale drums up 2023 travel with Php 1 fare Promo

AirAsia Philippines rolls out the second leg of its B1G Sale – headlined by the highly anticipated Php 1 fare promo. Guests planning to travel internationally from 01 January 2023 – or domestically from 01 June 2023 – until 28 October 2023 may book their flights while availing of the B1G Sale discount from September 19 to 25.

Passengers originating from Manila may enjoy a Php 1 base fare for top domestic destinations such as Boracay, Bohol, and Tacloban. With the AirAsia Cebu hub having been reactivated in August, flyers from Cebu can also avail of the Piso fare for routes like Cebu-Puerto Princesa and Cebu-Davao. International destinations will also be available with marked-down ticket prices – among which are Kuala Lumpur and Seoul with discounted base fares of Php 691 and Php 1,491, respectively.

AirAsia Philippines Head of Communications and Public Affairs Steve Dailisan shares:

“The travel industry is all hands on deck in ensuring that the demand continues to pick up until corporate stakeholders attain their respective pre-pandemic numbers, and eventually achieve growth post the global health crisis. As a transport enterprise, our commitment to the public is making world-class service available sans the need to hurt their wallets. Our presently-affordable fares are made even more attainable by our regular sale events, which we are optimistic will rebuild the necessary travel confidence and enthusiasm needed by people thinking of being back on the road – in our case, the skies.”

Big-ticket sale events such as the AirAsia B1G sale are expected to buoy up the revenge travel demand into 2023, hence driving the full recovery of travel enterprises from the pandemic. AirAsia Philippines is currently set to end Q3 2022 with a strong average domestic load factor of 93.5 percent. This number is foreseen to grow significantly as the holidays arrive.

AirAsia Philippines is expecting the 100 percent return of its 2019 fleet by end-year, consequently allowing the airline to increase its flight frequency and capacity to pre-March 2020 level. The airline currently flies more than 90 times a day to 16 domestic destinations and seven international.

Guests are encouraged to leverage Php 1 base fare promos as these are effective in lowering ticket pricing which is computed with other factors such as fuel surcharge, passenger service charges, aviation security fees, value-added tax, processing fees or additional fees like baggage allowance or in-flight meals. The airasia Super App also features the Snap Bundles of flight tickets plus hotel accommodation, enabling guests to optimize their travel budgeting.

About AirAsia Philippines

Philippines AirAsia, Inc. (PAA) doing business as (dba) AirAsia Philippines (with flight code Z2) is one of the country’s top low-cost airlines. It flies to a total of 15 domestic destinations and 15 international destinations as of April 2022. It was officially launched as the fourth Airline Operations Center (AOC) of the AirAsia group in 2012. Under the AirAsia Aviation Group Limited, it offers all its flight and ancillary products on the fully-integrated platform airasia Super App. Through this, guests can enjoy seamless booking of flights and hotels, and other features such as delivery, ride hailing, and online shopping.

Photo Credit: Header via photos from manusama and Dimitris Vetsikas of Pixabay

Fab foodie possibilities at Timberland Highland Resort’s Ridge Cafe

Whether you’re a guest at Timberland Highlands Resort, or you’re simply in the area (being so near great bike and nature trails which work up quite an appetite), you won’t have to stress yourself over where to eat.

At the Ridge Cafe, you can dine in comfort and style inside the restaurant, or take a spot in its al fresco dining area to take in the view as you eat.

Ridge Cafe - Timberland Highlands Resort — Ridge Cafe at Daytime

Timberland Highlands Resort — Elegant and comfy interiors

I’ve shared in my previous blog posts about its buffet offers here and here, but a new question arises: what to eat when you’re not keen on an all-you-can-eat setup?

Don’t worry: Ridge Cafe’s got you well-covered with its ala carte offerings, such as:

Sandwiches and Burgers

Snack on these sammies, all served with your choice between homemade potato fries or mixed greens.

Pasta, Noodles and Salads

Sate your hunger with filling noodle dishes, from pastas served with garlic bread to Pinoy merienda classics, or go for a helping of healthy greens.

Sushi

Don’t miss the chance to munch on some freshly made sushi rolls.

Mains

Choose from a wide variety of viands – which include Pinoy ulams and international dishes – for your lunch or dinner.

Desserts

Cap your meal with these sweet delights!

As you can see, there’s no need to worry about how to soothe your hunger pangs as you embark on your mountain adventure in San Mateo, Rizal. Simply hie yourself off to Ridge Cafe!

Ridge Cafe also offers buffet meals including:

Top of the Morning Buffet: intercontinental breakfast menu and classic Pinoy almusal at Php650 net per person (weekends from 7am to 10am)
Arabic Dinner Buffet: an exciting curation of Arabic, Mediterranean and South Asian cuisines with free-flowing iced tea at Php980+ per person (Saturdays, from 6pm to 9pm)
Filipino Buffet: favorite Filipino dishes with free-flowing iced tea at Php980+ per person (Sundays, lunch from 11.30am to .30pm | dinner from 6pm to 9pm)

To reserve a table, email timberlandfbm@timberlandresort.com or message 0999-889-2659 | 0995-840-3206 | 8891-8288 local 1030 and 1032.

Ridge Cafe is located at Timberland Highlands Resort, inside Timberland Heights, Barangay Guitnang Bayan II, San Mateo, Rizal 1850 Philippines.

Book your room via Klook today to enjoy great savings!

To know more about Timberland Highlands Resorts latest updates and offers, follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Check out my previous posts about Timberland Highlands Resort:

Food export show IFEX Philippines returns on site this September

IFEX Philippines, the country’s long-running and biggest export-oriented food show, is back on the trade show floor at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City from September 22 to 24, 2022.

With the theme “Discover your love affair with Filipino Flavors,” the event is set to offer international food importers, buyers, and aficionados a multi-sensory food experience which has been missed by many at the height of the pandemic. IFEX Philippines is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“This is the first time that IFEX Philippines is going to be back on site since the pandemic in 2020. We look forward to welcoming our participants, especially buyers and guests, and for them to see and taste first hand what the Philippines has to offer in terms of food exports,” said CITEM Deputy Executive Director Ma. Lourdes D. Mediran.

It’s a Love Affair

Built on the Filipino concept of a “love affair,” IFEX Philippines 2022 seeks to “pursue and enthrall” participants and guests by capitalizing on the practice of “panliligaw” or local courtship traditions. “Love affair is the heart of Filipino food. We’re tapping into local culture to evoke a sense of discovery and romance in creating a unique Filipino food experience. Through IFEX Philippines, we want to highlight the reasons why Filipino flavors stand out in the world and why the Philippines is a premier destination for food products and ingredients,” said Mediran.

Expected to join the expo are more than 300 companies and enterprises all over the Philippines from the following sectors: beverages; fine food and specialties; fruits and vegetables; biscuits and confectioneries; snacks and crispy savory food products; meat and poultry; dairy products; cereals, grains, and starch; seafood and marine products; organic and natural; raw materials and food ingredients; and allied services.

A Showcase of Familiar and New Flavors

IFEX Philippines 2022 will have multiple trade components including exhibitions, business matching activities, seminars and talks, and special events. The event will also feature a thematic showcase of distinct Philippine food and ingredients, dynamic cooking demonstrations, and product presentations. These on-site activities will be complemented by digital components such as virtual business-to-business (B2B) meetings and online streaming for special events.

This year’s trade show will also introduce a special section named Flavor Finds as its main highlight. It will feature new and innovative products from NXTFOOD PH, the banner for products developed under CITEM’s food innovation program, as well as currently in-demand local products like ube, plant-based food, and handcraft beer among others; and new products from select exhibitors.

The event will also pilot CoconutPhilippines, the country branding of the most versatile food produce of the Philippines, through a showcase of coconut products from food SME exporters. CoconutPhilippines is presented through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) under the Department of Agriculture (DA) which aims to increase the productivity of and modernize the country’s coconut industry.

IFEX Philippines 2022 will be held in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Offices in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and CARAGA, as well as the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau, DTI-Foreign Trade Services Corps, Philippine Exporters Foundation Inc. (PHILEXPORT), Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization, Inc. (PHILFOODEX), Integrated Food Manufacturers’ Assn. of the Phils. for Productivity (INFOMAPP), and Coconut Farmers & Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).

To learn more about the event, visit IFEXConnect.com or email ifexphilippines@citem.com.ph.

About CITEM

The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is the export promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

For nearly 40 years, CITEM has established the country’s image as a premier destination for quality export products and services. It continues to set the highest standards of creativity, excellence and innovation to achieve competitiveness in the home, fashion, lifestyle, food, creative, and sustainability sectors.

CITEM is committed to developing, nurturing, and promoting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), brands, designers, and manufacturers by implementing an integrated approach to export marketing in partnership with other government and private entities.

About IFEX

IFEX is the country’s most comprehensive trade promotions program for the domestic food industry, helping Philippine and global exporters promote premium quality food and ingredients to the world through physical and/or digital trade shows and business-to-business platforms, digital marketing efforts, an online community, and a product innovation program.

IFEX Philippines (formerly International Food Exhibition) is CITEM’s long-running trade event and sourcing program for Philippine and global food and ingredients.

Together with IFEXConnect.com, IFEX Philippines serves as a one-stop business-to-business (B2B) platform aiming to optimize their sourcing experience of buyers from anywhere in the world.

IFEX Philippines is organized by the Center for International Trade Expositions & Missions (CITEM).

Go grand at this year’s Pasigarbo sa Sugbo by booking these incredible Airbnb Stays

Osmeña Boulevard will erupt in colors and festivities once again as Cebu’s magnificent ‘Festival of Festivals’ makes its much-awaited comeback this year on August 28. A total of fifty festivals are joining this year’s Pasigarbo sa Sugbo — making it the biggest and grandest to date!

If you’re going to the Queen City of the South to witness the jaw-dropping talent and creativity of the Cebuanos, why not book an equally stunning Airbnb Stay hosted by Cebu’s top Airbnb Superhosts? They may even fill you in on the newest hole-in-the-wall gems and intriguing side-trips to explore after all the merriment and street dancing!

Luxurious pool villas in the heart of Cebu

If you’re bringing the entire family or the whole barkada, you might want to check out Superhost Chad’s modern luxury villa. With seven bedrooms spanned across three floors, a home theater, a kitchen stocked full with delicious supplies for breakfast, and an infinity pool with spectacular ocean and city views — this villa will definitely not disappoint.

For a secluded yet luxurious experience, Luxury Villa in Busay may be your go-to. Nestled in the mountain town of Busay, this villa boasts top-notch amenities and in-house staff ready to accommodate any needs, including delectable meals prepared by your personal chef. The guest favorite? Definitely the infinity pool with panoramic views of the city.

Nature sanctuaries in the outskirts for longer Cebu getaways

If you crave peace and quiet after the festivities, Nala’s Farm lies within just an hour’s drive from the city. Perched on a hill, the stay provides incredible views of the surrounding mountains and resplendent sunsets. Guests can opt to dip in the pool for a quiet afternoon, or sweat it out with a game of volleyball, basketball, or table tennis in the recreational area.

Get closer to the water and stay at Sam Xander’s Stone Beach Villa located just by the beach. Enjoy dinners and picnics al fresco on the patio, a crisply manicured lawn, and a bonfire area for late-night smores roasts. The villa also sits close to great diving spots if you and your loved ones are up for an underwater adventure after Pasigarbo.

Another seaside Cebu gem is Playa Norte located in Danao City. This expansive designer beach home can comfortably accommodate up to ten guests, and features rustic wood furnishings and multiple seaview rooms. Guests can soak up the sunshine in an outdoor tub, swim, and kayak at the beach, or curl up with a book or two on the sofa. For an enjoyable and hassle-free Pasigarbo sa Sugbo experience, all Airbnb Stays now come with AirCover — the most comprehensive protection in travel and included for free in every stay. To discover more incredible places to stay in Cebu, visit airbnb.com or download the Airbnb app.

About Airbnb

Details and images provided in a recent press release.

Fly and Live Anywhere for 30 days in the Philippines with Airbnb & AirAsia

Ever dreamt of a long leisurely getaway to live and work from anywhere, or simply enjoy the vacation of a lifetime? For the first time ever, Airbnb and AirAsia Philippines are teaming up to offer one Filipino (and up to 3 companions) the ultimate dream adventure to Fly & Live Anywhere in the Philippines for 30 consecutive days.

From remote workers to creatives, families, empty nesters, vacationers and more; Airbnb and AirAsia are seeking one special winner who will fly and live anywhere in the Philippines for one month between September to October 2022.

The winner will win an incredible Php 200,000 worth of Airbnb travel credits and 12 round-trip domestic flights with AirAsia, and can bring up to three companions on the trip.

During their month-long adventure, the winner and their guests will get to live in some of the most unique Airbnb Stays in the country, and travel with AirAsia to their bucket list destinations. Get ready to discover home in a new light while exploring new cities and hidden gems with your loved ones like never before.

“As more Filipinos enjoy greater flexibility to work from anywhere, the blurring lines between travel and living have led many to embrace remote work and more spontaneous getaways with their loved ones. As travel rebounds, we are thrilled to partner with AirAsia to offer this amazing once-in-a-lifetime adventure. We know travel connects people and brings significant economic opportunities for local communities, and we hope this contest ignites greater excitement and appetite to rediscover home,” shares Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Steve Dailisan, AirAsia Philippines’ Head of Communications and Public Affairs, notes, “The tourism industry of the Philippines boasts diversity and richness across many facets – culture and heritage, scenic spots, exclusive adventures, and culinary delights. These drivers position the Philippines as a viable destination for travelers living a nomadic lifestyle away from the usual metros. Digital nomads, barkadas, or families who have the liberty to travel while keeping their grind must know that the Philippines is ready to welcome them. We are glad to partner with Airbnb to underscore this very message.”

How to apply for your dream adventure

Starting today, August 11, through August 21, 11:59 p.m. PHT, eligible applicants may apply by visiting airbnb.com/flyandliveanywhere and completing the application form.

Participants must be over 18, have an Airbnb account and available to travel within the Philippines from September to October. The successful participant will be contacted directly by Airbnb on August 29. For more information, see the Contest Rules.

Traveling more and venturing further

For the first time since the pandemic, travelers can now fly and live anywhere and Airbnb and AirAsia are making this possible in the Philippines.

Recent Airbnb data revealed that more than a third of local Airbnb guests polled stayed with Airbnb in the Philippines to travel and work remotely¹, and that travelers are now venturing further with Filipino Hosts in over 60 new Philippines cities and towns welcoming their very first guests since the start of the pandemic².

Searching for travel inspiration for your Fly & Live Anywhere application? Check out Airbnb’s first-ever Travel Guide to the Philippines. Travellers are also encouraged to check the travel requirements of each destination, which can be found on AirAsia’s Fly Safe Page.

Note

¹ Based on a survey of 250 Airbnb home guests who booked a listing in the Philippines between June 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, and were surveyed between February 17, 2022, and March 31, 2022.

²According to internal Airbnb data between March 2020 and March 2022.

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-148895 Series of 2022.

About Airbnb

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 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 experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.

About AirAsia

Philippines AirAsia, Inc. (PAA), doing business as AirAsia Philippines (with flight code Z2), is one of the country’s top low-cost airlines. It flies to a total of 16 domestic destinations and 15 international destinations as of June 2022. It was officially launched as the fourth Airline Operations Center (AOC) of the AirAsia group in 2012. Under the AirAsia Aviation Group Limited, it offers all its flight and ancillary products on the fully-integrated platform airasia Super App. Through this, guests can enjoy seamless booking of flights and hotels, and other features such as delivery, ride hailing, and online shopping.

Pinoy hosts recognized among top Airbnb Hosts under 30 across Asia Pacific

While Airbnb Hosts span the age spectrum, Airbnb is celebrating International Youth Day (12 August) this year by shining a light on its most successful, innovative and tenacious Airbnb Hosts in Asia Pacific under 30.

Airbnb is recognizing twelve outstanding young Airbnb Hosts across the APAC region* with an average rating of 4.9 and over 4,300 guest check-ins collectively, including two Hosts from the Philippines – Dwyane Yra Dinglasan, 23, and Deo Dia, 26.

“A new world of opportunities has been unlocked for the younger generation through their access to and adeptness with modern technology. We are seeing more young Filipinos discovering Airbnb and sharing about it with their families and friends. They are not only traveling with us domestically and overseas but also becoming tourism entrepreneurs by helping their families generate new streams of income through hosting,” shared Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

More Hosts under 30 like Dwayne and Deo are now helping their families unlock new economic opportunities while spreading the Philippines’ tuloy ka hospitality with their guests and contributing to the tourism economy. As these two Hosts show, age is truly just a number.

A standout Spanish-style summer home in Batangas

Airbnb hosts under 30 — Image from Airbnb

At the young age of 23, Host Dwyane has been hosting her family’s vacation home in Nasugbu Tali Vacation Home on Airbnb for nearly four years.

“I realized there was an interest in beach home vacations, and in 2018, my family and I decided to open up our vacation home on Airbnb for extra income,” Dwayne said. The property, a Spanish colonial summer home, sits in Batangas and is well loved by guests for its amenities and seaside and sunset views. Dwayne found their home’s unique architecture to be a compelling reason to entice guests to book a stay. “There weren’t many homes in the area with the same architectural style and I figured it would be a great way to stand out,” she shared.

When asked what tips she would provide aspiring Hosts, Dwayne shared, “Have a niche! It’s important to research the other properties in the same market so you can stand out. Do not be afraid to be different in your taste and style.”

A home away from home in Tagaytay

Also situated in South Luzon is a home away from home that has welcomed many travellers, hosted by another young Pinoy. Deo Dia, 26, is the owner of Spacious house near Breakfast at Antonio’s guest house in Tagaytay that boasts a 4.93 overall rating.

Deo, a businessman, shared that through his local and international travels, he learned about Airbnb and the opportunity it provided for economic empowerment and guests who seek alternative accommodation. This led to him listing his vacation home on the platform.

“When my dad passed away, he left me with a vacation house which I barely got to use. To help me financially with its recurring maintenance costs, I decided to share this special place with others through the help of Airbnb,” shared Deo. “Today, I continue to host because of the joy and fulfillment it brings. I didn’t expect to enjoy hosting as I actually do — connecting with others, doing the little things to ensure a relaxing stay, and most of all, being a part of their precious moments.”

To learn more about hosting on Airbnb, visit airbnb.com/host.

* According to internal Airbnb data of Hosts under 30 in APAC with the best percentage of five-star reviews for Cleanliness, Communication and Check-in.

About Airbnb

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.

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.