Positive signs of Philippine tourism recovery with more than 140 percent increase in international guest searches for Airbnb stays in the country

As travel restrictions continue to ease, international travelers are increasingly looking to visit the Philippines, according to newly released Airbnb data. Travelers are also eager to stay longer and explore more places than ever before, as part of a travel revolution that’s creating more economic opportunities for locals.

Since the country eased all travel restrictions in April, there has been an incredible amount of enthusiasm among international travelers looking to travel to the Philippines. Searches by international guests for Airbnb stays in the Philippines grew by more than 140 percent year-over-year from Q1 2021 to Q1 2022¹, suggesting that the travel industry is once again spurring economic recovery for the country.

Enjoy Emirates’ special fares to Dubai, Europe, and US this July

Fly safe and stress-free with Emirates to the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Dubai and Emirates’ extensive European and US network

Families, business travelers and holiday seekers traveling to Dubai, Europe, and the US can now enjoy special fares via Emirates. With comprehensive health and safety measures at every step of the journey, Emirates continues to offer stellar and safe travel experiences to Dubai and the rest of its global network. 

Travelers in the Philippines can look forward to flight deals with return fares starting at only USD 787 in Economy Class, USD 2276 in Business Class, and USD 4869 in First Class. Special seasonal fares are available for bookings made from July 11 to 31, 2022, valid for travel between September 1, 2022 and May 30, 2023.

Binibining Pilipinas Candidates Radiate 'Bagong Araw, Bagong Awra' with Silka

Binibining Pilipinas and Silka joins forces in search of Binibining Silka 2022

Since the beginning of time, Filipinas have glowed with the spirit of strength and beauty. Whether they be draped in the intricate filipiniana or clad with warrior’s garb in many of our fiercest battles, Filipinas have always shone with power. Their intelligence and beauty have been an inspiration to many and have left a trail of positive impact on the world. 

Emirates and Air Canada Form Strategic Partnership

Emirates and Air Canada announced the signing of a strategic partnership agreement that will create more options for customers when traveling on the carriers’ networks while also enhancing the customer experience throughout the journey.

Emirates and Air Canada intend to establish a codeshare relationship later in 2022 that will offer enhanced consumer travel choices for Air Canada customers to travel to the United Arab Emirates and to destinations beyond Dubai. Emirates customers will also enjoy an enhanced travel experience when travelling to Toronto or to key destinations across the Air Canada network. Customers will have the ability to book connecting travel between both airlines’ networks with the ease of a single ticket, seamless connectivity at the carriers’ respective global hubs and baggage transfers to their final destinations. 

“This is a significant partnership that will enable our customers access to even more destinations in Canada and the Americas, via our Toronto and US gateways. It also opens up many new route combinations for travelers across Emirates’ and Air Canada’s extensive networks in the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. We are pleased to partner with Air Canada, one of North America’s most established airlines and Canada’s flag carrier and we look forward to jointly progressing on various areas to provide even better customer flight choices and experiences,” Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said. 

These extraordinary Filipino Airbnb Hosts will make you go OMG!

As unique homes increasingly become destinations in themselves, travelers are searching for extraordinary spaces that make for a truly special getaway. And with Airbnb’s newly launched browsing experience via Airbnb Categories, it’s now easier to discover these homes than ever before.

Specifically, Airbnb’s new OMG! Category leads travelers into a world of incredible getaways that are equal parts wacky and wonderful. The OMG Category – which currently has one of the highest rates of engagement amongst guests browsing Airbnb¹ – showcases the craziest homes around the world from the fairytale-inspired to the downright unimaginable.

 

If you’re craving an extraordinary getaway or aspiring to become an OMG! Host yourself, hear firsthand from these Filipino Airbnb Hosts who own some of the most OMG!-worthy Airbnb listings in the country.

 

“We wanted guests to experience the outdoors in style”

 

 

Vintage Airstream Suite on Top of a Hill owned by Host Dennis Canonizado

 

Host Dennis is a frequent traveler who loves discovering and staying at unique accommodations. When the thought of owning a vacation house popped into his mind, he took on the challenge of creating a new, exciting vacation rental never seen before in the Philippines — and thus came about the very first Airstream accommodation in the country.

Ortigas Art Festival broadens to celebrate Filipino art in many forms.

In its fifth year, Ortigas Art Festival broadens to celebrate Filipino art in many forms, and becomes a spectacle of expression and creativity. Watch Award-winning Classic Filipino Films for FREE this weekend, in partnership with Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and Ortigas Cinemas at Estancia Mall. 

Pre-register through this link: 

Insiang - https://forms.gle/R46QeLyVUzPNGrkP8

Manila by Night - https://forms.gle/6pHqc3hCJLE1Uihp6

Fly Better with Emirates First Class now available in the Philippines

Emirates takes the country’s luxury air travel to a higher level with launch of pioneer cabin offering

Emirates recently achieved another major milestone in the Philippines with the launch of the country’s first-ever daily First Class service from Manila. 

Experience luxury air travel like never before with a number of amenities designed to make your journey one you'll never forget. Sit back, unwind, and make lasting memories as you travel in style in Emirates’ Boeing 777 First Class.

When you fly Emirates First Class, you'll get to travel in privacy with your own private suite, featuring soft leather seating, sleek interior design, a personal bar and meticulous attention to detail, bringing a new level of luxury on board.

JAAF Awards Grants For Spark-A-Change Youth-Led Community Challenge

On 11 May, J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF) launched Spark-a-Change, a youth-led community development challenge.  This was aimed at creating pockets of positive social changes in different corners of the Philippines through the youth projects and, at the same time, investing in the development of the future generation of leaders.

The winners for 2022 were announced, with 8 Filipino youth organizations shortlisted to get grants for project implementation. There were four winners under Category A to receive Php5,000 grant, while the other four under Category B will receive Php20,000 grant.

Category A winners include:

Angadanan National High School Supreme Student Government for Project LIBRO (Librong Iaalay sa Bata, tulay sa Responsableng Pagbabasa, Oportunidad ay Matatamasa).  The Project involves turnover of book that will benefit 250 students in Sinabbaran Elementary School, Angadanan West District, Sinabbaran Angadanan, Isabela.

5th Ortigas Arts Festival paints broader stroke of Philippine art with film, dance, and visual arts

Ortigas Art Festival returns for its 5th year with a month-long celebration of Filipino art in forms.

“This year’s festival paints a broader stroke of Philippine art where we encompass more art forms from visual art, film, dance, and even pottery,” said Renato “Mang Ato” R. Habulan, head curator of Ortigas Art Festival. “We want to show the diversity of talents across many disciplines Filipino artists have and we are honored to present all of those–and more–through this year’s exhibit and festivities.”

Launched in 2018, the Ortigas Art Festival was created with the goal of making art accessible to everyone. From featuring over 60 local artists during its first run, the number of artists who participated in the festival reached more than 200 and even included artists from Southeast Asia, America, and Europe in 2020.

Running from July 7, 2022 (Thursday) until August 7, 2022 (Sunday), the festival will showcase a wider variety of Filipino arts and culture across five pillars: Painting & Sculpture, Film and Photography, Dance and Fashion, ArtisTree, and Workshops.

Saeed Abdulla Miran is Emirates’ new country manager for the Philippines

Emirates has recently appointed Saeed Abdulla Miran as Country Manager for the Philippines.

With an almost decade-long track record with Emirates, Saeed is tasked to lead the airline’s operations here in the Philippines while helping drive further its growth in the country. His appointment comes at a time when air travel from the Philippines to other destinations around the world is picking-up following the easing of border restrictions in many countries. Emirates is considered the top carrier for hundreds of thousands of Filipinos who live and work in the UAE, and as the new Country Manager, Saeed’s leadership will be critical in setting the future direction of the airline in the market.

Before being assigned to the Philippines, Saeed was the Area Manager for Hong Kong, where he was assigned to lead the operations of Emirates. He also oversaw key stakeholder relations amidst an ever-evolving travel environment. He also directly contributed to the growth of Emirates’ market share in Hong Kong. 

Ortigas Malls announces groundbreaking of Greenhills Mall annex, set to open end-2022

Ortigas Malls announced today the official groundbreaking of Greenhills Mall’s upcoming three-storey annex building that is set to open by the end of 2022. In the photo, from left to right: Ortigas Land Chief Finance Officer Mr. Davee Zuniga; Maritess Ortigas; San Juan City Vice Mayor; Ortigas Malls Vice President Arch. Renee Bacani; San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora; Ortigas Land CEO & President Junie Jalandoni; Cong. Bel Zamora; Mr. Javier Ortigas; and Ortigas Land Vice President Atty. Michael David Abundo III. 

Ortigas Malls announced today the official groundbreaking of Greenhills Mall’s upcoming three-storey annex building that houses the latest lifestyle offerings and attractions.

LTO Opening in Estancia

(From left) Jackree Luz, Owner of Alert Driving Academy; Julia Jatico, Managing Director of Think Wise Medical Services; Arch. Renee Bacani, VP of Ortigas Malls, Estancia Mall in Pasig City; Asec. Edgar Galvante, LTO ASEC; Usec. Mark Steven Pastor, DOTr USEC; Frank Alido, President of DLRO; Alex Uy, Managing Partner of Think Wise Medical Services; Willy Lim

Estancia Mall welcomes a new Land Transportation Office located at the 4/F East Wing. Nearby residents and mall goers can now enjoy the convenience of renewing their driver’s license and getting their student-driver’s permit every Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Requirements such as theoretical driving course and medical exams can be taken within the area as well. Avail of their excellent service while enjoying a wide selection of global and lifestyle brands, and unique café and restaurant concepts at Estancia! To stay updated, follow the Estancia at Capitol Commons Facebook page or download the Ortigas Malls app

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

 

 

Emirates arrives in Tel Aviv

First flight was welcomed by Israel’s Minister of Transport and Road Safety

Emirates showcases its latest Boeing 777 ‘game-changer’ aircraft at its newest destination

Emirates touched down in Tel Aviv today on its first ever service into Israel, operated with its latest Boeing 777 ‘game-changer’ aircraft.  

Reflecting the importance of this new air transport link, the high-profile delegation onboard the inaugural flight included: His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy; His Excellency Mohamed Al Khaja, UAE Ambassador to Israel; His Excellency Amir Hayek, Israeli Ambassador to UAE; Mr Waleed Al Naqbi, Senior Administrator – Coordination & Follow up, UAE Ministry of Economy; Mr Richard Mintz, Advisor to the UAE Ambassador in the United States; Mr Ahmad AlMarri, Dubai Economy and Tourism, Head of Region – GCC & Mena International Operations; Mr Abdulhamied Seddiqi, Vice Chairman at Seddiqi Holding; and Mr Ross Kiel, Director at Kosher Arabia.