Domestic travel to drive recovery of tourism industry, says survey

Domestic travel will lead the recovery of the country’s tourism industry with Filipino travelers expecting to go to destinations closer to home and spending less amid lingering health concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is the gist of the results of the recent survey conducted on the pandemic’s effects on domestic and international tourism and on Filipinos’ travel behavior in the new normal.

The Department of Tourism released the report entitled “Philippine Travel Survey: Insights on Filipino Travel Behavior Post-COVID 19” to various tourism stakeholders in a webinar on Monday (June 29). 

The key insights of the survey, which was conducted last May among over 12,000 respondents across the country, were:

1.     Domestic leisure travel will lead the recovery of Philippine tourism;

2.     Majority of travelers expect a reduction of their income and travel budget;

3.     Health and safety remains the primary concern of travelers;

4.     Travelers prefer reduced-contact activities once leisure travel restrictions are lifted;

5.     Travelers prefer online and digital channels for convenience and reduced contact; and

6.     Travelers plan to travel close to home.

The survey represents the data-driven efforts of the DOT and tourism stakeholders to restart the local travel industry, which had been gravely affected by restrictions caused by the pandemic.

“We believe in a collaborative approach to recovery,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat. “The survey, which was distributed online, sought the sentiments and concerns that respondents have concerning domestic travel in light of the pandemic, in order to provide insights to tourism enterprises to better prepare, respond, and serve guests and tourists again.”

The travel survey is a joint project of the DOT, the Asian Institute of Management Dr. Andrew L. Tan Center for Tourism, and Guide to the Philippines. It shows how the public, the government, the private sector, and the academe can collaborate for the industry’s eventual recovery, Puyat said.

Domestic leisure travel will be a huge driver

The survey found that domestic travel will lead the recovery of the Philippine travel industry, with 77 percent of respondents expressing their willingness to travel to local destinations once restrictions are lifted. More than half of the respondents also look forward to travel for leisure or vacation, even in the absence of a vaccine against COVID-19. 

Popular local tourist spots, especially beaches, are expected to see a surge in visitors. Boracay, Siargao, and Baguio top the list of destinations to visit when travel is permitted again. Filipinos also prefer to travel to destinations closer to home. 

The majority of the respondents also prefer activities they deem “safe” with limited face-to-face interaction. Top travel activities that are high on their minds are beach trips, road trips, and staycations at 69, 54, and 41 percent, respectively.

Domestic travel will be the main priority as fewer people are likely to travel internationally in the near future. This is due to reduced incomes and travel budgets in the light of the pandemic’s impact on the economy.

Domestic tourism expenditure expanded from PhP 2.85 trillion in 2018 to PhP 3.14 trillion in 2019. It’s also worth noting that about 10.8% of the 12.7% gross domestic product (GDP) share comes from domestic tourism, making it the biggest contributor to the tourism industry.

The digital shift

Travel plans are also largely going digital, as 72 percent of travelers directly and independently book travel arrangements with establishments online. Nearly half of the respondents will also go with online travel agencies and aggregators.

Channels with reduced contact will become the new norm. Majority of Filipinos are expecting tourism establishments to implement self-service processes such as contactless check-in and digital payments. 

Health and safety still travelers’ top priority

Although Filipinos expressed a desire to travel as soon as restrictions are lifted, their main concern is still their health and safety. Many said they would only feel comfortable taking their trips once a reliable anti-COVID-19 vaccine or treatment becomes available, and when the situation in the country gets better.

The pandemic has raised traveler expectations on health and safety, with more than 80 percent of the respondents expecting tourism establishments to follow best practices in sanitation and health. At least 88 percent of respondents also express willingness to comply with existing health and safety protocols, such as undergoing rapid COVID-19 tests prior to departure and submitting a medical certificate before traveling.

Building travelers’ trust and confidence in the industry is vital in ensuring its recovery. The report recommends that establishments and organizations emphasize safety and be transparent in addressing customers’ concerns. It also recommends that tourism stakeholders closely collaborate with other authorities and find ways to innovate and adapt to the new normal—including digital shifts where it is needed—to help manage uncertainties about traveling.

Earlier this month, the DOT released new health and safety guidelines in the new normal to local tourism-related sectors such as hotels, resorts, tourist transportation, surfing and restaurants in anticipation of their reopening.

To read the full report and survey results, click www.guidetothephilippines.ph/ph-travel-survey.

The Frame: Samsung brings together the complete TV experience and art appreciation

Critically-acclaimed films and programs are now widely considered as art, which deserve to be seen through an exceptional TV.  Visual masterpieces by some of the world’s greatest artists are also now easily accessible at home, as part of your interior design, with Samsung’s The Frame. 

Samsung hopes to inspire art enthusiasts, interior designers, and other tastemakers as it re-introduces The Frame, a lifestyle TV that features QLED picture quality and functions as your living room’s piece of art at the same time, to the Philippines.

With this latest innovation, Samsung, the Global No. 1 TV brand for 14 years, has created a TV that is truly top-of-the-line functionally and aesthetically, one that brings video and colorful images to life as it reflects the contemporary taste of urban homeowners.

TV when it’s on, art when it’s off

The Frame functions as a TV when it’s turned on and projects itself as art when it’s turned off. More than integrating QLED technology and other smart features that Samsung has been known for, The Frame enriches the viewing experience and appreciation even further with Art Mode function, bringing world-class galleries to one’s home through the Art Store platform. 

The Art Store, which comes with a one-month free trial, is a subscription-based database of digital art, allowing the TV’s user to curate a personal art collection from top galleries around the world and bring these masterpieces straight to the living room. A full subscription provides unlimited access to 1,200 classic and contemporary artworks and photography from 36 galleries in 18 countries.

Royal Collection Trust, Art Space, Saatchi Art, and Lumas are some of the major gallery partners of Samsung in bringing classic and modern art into your home.

With Auto Curation, The Frame can also serve as a personal art agent, learning one’s style and taste, to recommend art that they would love to see inside their homes. Artists and photographers can also choose their favorite works and curate their own gallery.

Elegantly-framed

Designed to look like an elegant picture frame that enhances any space, The Frame’s interchangeable accessory bezels match the style or reflect the mood of one’s interiors.

These magnetic bezels—in earth tones of beige or brown and elegant black or white colors—connect effortlessly to enable the TV to blend in and fit in any décor, or stand out and draw attention to itself.

The No-Gap Wall Mount feature also helps The Frame blend in from any angle, and can be easily installed to sit flushed against the wall to hang like a real framed gallery piece. A separate Studio Stand also allows The Frame to be placed anywhere in the house, to match one’s style and taste.

The Frame 32-inch (P31,999), 55-inch (P79,999), and 65-inch (P109,999) models will be available in Samsung Authorized Dealer stores starting July 1, 2020. Each purchase comes with one free Frame Bezel of your chosen color, redeemable via the Samsung Redemption website.  Additional accessories for The Frame can be purchased from Samsung’s online store. To know more about The Frame, please visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/lifestyle-tvs/the-frame/highlights/

JKris Seeks Second Chance at Love in New Single "Tsansa"

Universal Records R&B singer JKris marks 2020 return with his latest single "Tsansa."

2019 brought a milestone for the Tawag ng Tanghalan alum, as he celebrated his first million streams with his rendition of the Ogie Alcasid classic "Sa Kanya" (the track now has over 1.5 streams on Spotify). Since his departure from the It's Showtime variety segment, he has gone to collaborate with OPM Rap Icon Gloc on the tracks Norem (which also featured Shanti Dope) and his debut single Pamaypay.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2O1gWsP8CCo

This new song "Tsansa," written by JKris himself and produced by Sly Kane (of Blaze 'N Kane), showcases the vocal range JKris is known for on top of a smooth listening track. Talking more about the song, JKris says he wrote the song based on a personal experience a few years back: "The song is about asking forgiveness from the person you care for, and in hopes that person will give you another chance in the relationship, hence the title." 

<iframe src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/12kF1cqDKdIuKSPVABR2Ur" width="300" height="380" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe>

With his distinct sound and relatable message, Tsansa offers another chance for JKris to take the OPM spotlight.

Tsansa is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and Deezer under Universal Records.

No more game downtime with vivo V19 Neo's large-capacity 4500mAh Li-Po battery

Nowadays, with people spending most of their time online, some have become dependent on electronic devices, especially smartphones, to keep them connected with friends and loved ones, and to conveniently pursue and enjoy their lifestyles.

And with different activities—messaging on various platforms, posting on social media, surfing the internet, buying from online stores, listening to music, watching movies and videos, and playing online games—keeping people busy on their smartphones wherever they may be, it would truly be disappointing to get a low battery warning, or the handset going “dead”.

Thankfully, the latest V19 Neo is powered by a 4500mAh lithium-polymer (Li-Po) battery, one of the largest capacities in its price range, to keep vivo’s flagship midrange smartphone running in optimum performance, longer.

With its long-lasting Li-Po power source, the V19 Neo can accommodate Google, Gmail, Facebook, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok, and other heavily used applications that can typically drain a standard battery.

The 4500mAh battery can also smoothly run the V19 Neo’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 675 AIE octa-core processor with 8GB RAM and 128GB ROM, making for fast app launches, better navigation and multi-tasking; and enabling users to play their favorite graphics-heavy mobile games for hours.

The handset is also equipped with AI Turbo, Center Turbo, Game Turbo, Net Turbo, Cooling Turbo, and ART++ Turbo. These multi-turbo functions offer an elevated and exciting gaming experience especially when playing PUBG Mobile, NBA 2K, Mobile Legends, Fortnite, or other favorite RPGs, shooters, SIMS, puzzle, strategy, racing, sports, and augmented reality games that will keep gamers up all night.

With a battery that powers up hours of game time, the V19 Neo also features an Ultra Game Mode which makes for totally undisturbed playing, blocking messages and alerts, so one can be fully immersed and engaged with the game. 

And when the battery is about to be depleted, users can rely on the V19 Neo’s 18W dual-engine fast charging technology to juice up the 4500mAh power source in a flash, so they can quickly get back to winning their game.

Aside from its high-capacity battery and fast-charging technology, quadcore processor, and game modes, vivo’s flagship midrange smartphone also boasts of an Ultra O AMOLED capacitive touchscreen which makes the gaming experience even more thrilling.

The 6.44-inch FHD+ screen brings out the games’ vibrant and authentic colors without causing unnecessary eyestrain. Its low brightness anti-flicker technology also provides added protection for the eyes, especially when playing in low-light and dark conditions.

The V19 Neo is available in Crystal White and Admiral Blue colorways, for only P17,999 at authorized Vivo stores nationwide. To know more about the vivo V19 Neo, visit  https://www.vivo.com/ph/products/v19neo# or https://www.vivoglobal.ph/.

Mayor Joy Belmonte shares first year highlights in "Ulat sa Bayan"

Mayor Joy Belmonte’s first year at the helm of Quezon City was highlighted by various trials, as well as triumphs for Metro Manila’s largest city. Throughout this, Belmonte said that her administration has never lost track, and remained focused on working for the welfare of her constituents, as well as strengthening businesses and communities.

“For the past year, we as a city have had to face many different trials, challenges, and setbacks. But we remain focused, working towards inclusivity, growth, prosperity, and security for our residents, businesses, and communities,” Belmonte said in her Ulat sa Bayan, posted on the Quezon City Government Official Facebook Page.

A few months into her first term in 2019, Belmonte was able to effectively deal with the emergence of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the city, as the deadly disease swept throughout the country and crippled the livestock industry. “Mabilis nating na-kontrol ang sakit na ito, at nakapagbigay tayo ng financial assistance sa mga apektadong hog raiser,” she said.

In the early months of 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic swept across the world, causing ripple effects across all sectors of society. In Metro Manila, Quezon City was the first local government to declare a state of calamity before enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was placed in Luzon and in other parts of the country. With Belmonte’s decisive action, the city’s 142 barangays were able to immediately address the needs of its citizens through their Quick Response Fund.

Belmonte said the city earmarked almost P7 billion for food packs, cash aid and other forms of assistance under its COVID Response program. “Kabilang na dito ang ‘Kalingang QC ‘ para sa ating vulnerable sectors katulad ng senior citizens, persons with disability, solo parents, lactating mothers, transport sector workers at market vendors.”

“The city also came up with its own Social Amelioration Program (SAP) for those who were excluded from the national government’s SAP program, and provided food assistance to residents of areas under special concern lockdown areas,” emphasized Belmonte.

The local government also allotted funds for decontamination efforts, accommodations, equipment, hazard pay for frontliners and test kits, quarantine facilities and hygiene kits for COVID-19 patients and additional equipment for city-run hospitals. As the city adjusts to the new normal, the local government has crafted a comprehensive recovery plan, including the allocation of P2.9 billion for the blended learning in public schools and universities in the city and stimulus packages to support the city’s micro and small entrepreneurs in this time of need. 

            

“We are also focusing on economic recovery.  Tayo ang unang lungsod na nagbuo ng P700 million economic stimulus package.  Bahagi nito ang wage-subsidy o ayuda ng LGU sa mga empleyado ng qualified micro and small businesses para matulungang maitaguyod ang kanlang mga nagosyo,” stated Belmonte.

With food security as a vital component in the city’s recovery plan, community farms have been established to complement food security needs. “We are turning idle lands into urban gardens where residents can plant and grow their own produce,” said Belmonte, adding that the city will also establish Mobile Soup Kitchen to provide nutritious food to the needy.

The city has also boosted its bike lane project, allocating 161 kilometers of road for the exclusive use of bicycle riders. “Isasabay ito sa ating pedestrianization project upang maging walkable at bike-able city ang QC. Ito rin ang ating paraan para makatulong maging mas madali ang pagpasok ng ating Qcitizens sa kanilang mga trabaho.”

”We are also transitioning and making online the different processes that used to require face-to-face interaction to make it easier and faster for businesses and the general public to engage with city hall,” said Belmonte.

The city’s unified ID system or QCitizen Card that will expand e-services to all residents is also in the pipeline. Belmonte also gave livelihood to tricycle and jeepney drivers who lost their source of income due to COVID-19 by connecting them to digital platforms Foodpanda and Lalamove for their delivery services.

As for the city’s workers, Belmonte has worked for the increase of their salary into minimum livable wage and provided them with permanent positions, especially those with contractual status for decades. 

”Alam po namin na hindi naging madali ang nakalipas na taon. Kaya kami po ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa inyong pakikipagtulungan at kooperasyon,” said Belmonte.

”I am proud of our accomplishments as a city, because these are the results of our collective efforts and commitment for positive change,” she ended. 

Check Out These Awesome Insights for Aspiring Architects on TikTok

TikTok has become known for its fun dance challenges and lip sync videos, but did you know that there is a lot of educational content on the platform, too?

Over the last few weeks, there has been a surge of educational creators and videos on TikTok, and the viewership for these posts has grown as well. In support of this, and to encourage users to consistently produce accurate, reliable and ingenious content, TikTok continuously develops the platform to ensure that it is a safe space for creativity, learning and self-expression.

Yes, you can definitely gain a lot of insight and information when you browse through your TikTok feed, especially when you know the right creators to follow. For those interested in pursuing a career in architecture, for instance, there are already several professionals and students from the field who share what they know with their followers on the app.

Users such as Madam A, Ar. Saira Margarita, Peter Kryce, Michael Fernand, Gian Borlongan generously impart their architectural knowledge and wisdom on TikTok. Here’s a roundup of awesome content from these creators that can help you learn more about what it’s like to become an architect.

Do you feel that Architecture is right for you? Here’s a sneak peek at some of the classes you need to take when you want to pursue this course in college. 

●      https://www.tiktok.com/@studiosaira.ph/video/6822612499519638785?source=h5_t

●      https://www.tiktok.com/@dinengdeng/video/6821828461917670658?source=h5_t

When designing for a client, it’s important that you understand their needs and wants. Ar. Saira Margarita shares some basic questions to ask every client when you start working with them on a project.

●      https://www.tiktok.com/@studiosaira.ph/video/6823178179650391297?source=h5_t

●      https://www.tiktok.com/@studiosaira.ph/video/6826188878639090945?source=h5_t

What’s it like in architecture school, really? These videos have some insider info that can answer this question for you, plus some expert advice, too!

●      https://www.tiktok.com/@studiosaira.ph/video/6826128327250660609?source=h5_t

●      https://www.tiktok.com/@studiosaira.ph/video/6825770224600485122?source=h5_t

Find out what life is actually like as an architect by watching these videos.

●      https://www.tiktok.com/@dinengdeng/video/6824452606715448578?source=h5_t

●      https://www.tiktok.com/@dinengdeng/video/6822973887966383362?source=h5_t

Not sure about which architectural tools and software to use? Our creators might be able to help.

●      https://www.tiktok.com/@dinengdeng/video/6822547910526242049?source=h5_t

●      https://www.tiktok.com/@goldenkrys/video/6811064005013130497?source=h5_t

●      https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelfernand_/video/6828501173713014018?source=h5_t

Enrich your browsing experience by following more educational creators on TikTok today. Download the app on your iOS and Android devices to get started.

Popeyes dine-in opens with a Sweet Offer for Everyone

Did you miss the Louisiana vibes of Popeyes restaurants? Well, they are all set to welcome you back!

After several months in quarantine, Popeyes is finally reopening its doors for everyone who terribly missed its signature Louisiana-inspired flavors. Now, diners can savor its signature Popeyes fried chicken and biscuits and other favorites, while enjoying its relaxing and vibrant restaurant ambiance. 

Of course, strict safety measures, in compliance with the government, are in place such as wearing of masks, observance of social distancing, checking of temperature and placement of alcohol dispensers inside the restaurants. Popeyes employees are also required to wash their hands and change gloves frequently. 

To make the comeback even sweeter, Popeyes is offering a special promo: For every purchase of Popeyes Sundae, diners get another Sundae for free! Choose to enjoy this sweet and creamy vanilla soft serve with either a rich chocolate syrup or a yummy caramel drizzle.

This special promo will be available for dine-in and take-out until July 12, 2020 and customers can avail of multiple orders in one transaction. Multiple transactions are also allowed.

This offer is available at the following Popeyes restaurants which are now open for dine-in: Popeyes ArcoVia City, Alabang Town Center, SM San Lazaro, NU Mall of Asia, Eastwood, SM Southmall, Alimall, Kroma Makati, and Robinsons Place Manila.

For more updates, make sure to follow @popeyesph on Facebook and Instagram. You may also join Popeyes Philippines’ official Viber community, Popeyes PH.

Lockdown career tips: 5 pointers on how to be an all-star at work

Even in times of uncertainty, there are still ways you can improve yourself and make great strides in your career. While under a community quarantine, utilize the extra time to reevaluate your career trajectory and seize opportunities to move it forward.

Much like an NBA All-Star, you need a concrete game plan to achieve desirable outcomes in your career. AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurers and the official insurance partner of the NBA in the Philippines, is here to help with some job advice.

Improve personal branding. Your branding is largely based on your online image -- it allows you to let employers know your story, goals, skills, and expertise. It can make you stand out and give your career a boost. To build your personal brand, make sure to update and organize all your online profiles, especially on social networking platforms including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. On your profile, use a professional photo and quantify your accomplishments. Try to avoid posting anything that isn’t appropriate for work. You should also opt to follow leaders in your field and share top industry stories. You can also create a personal website, portfolio, or blog where you can showcase your professional journey, work, and achievements.

Keep learning. If you want to be productive during quarantine, why not take online classes? There are thousands of options that can enhance your knowledge on business, communication, marketing, financial literacy, and more. Many websites, experts and even Ivy League schools in the U.S., are offering classes for free during the lockdown so make the most of this opportunity. You can also read career advice books that can help you be a more well-rounded person at work. Whether you want to know how to achieve work-life balance, become an excellent leader, develop better work habits, or recover from a career setback, there is something for you. Once the crisis is over, you’ll have gained new learnings that can be used in your career. Additionally, think about pursuing higher education and getting your master’s degree, which sometimes is a requirement for a job or even a promotion.

Find a mentor. A mentor can benefit you and your career in many ways. They can offer valuable insight in advancing your career and be a sounding board for your ideas at work. Since you may come from different backgrounds, having a mentor can sharpen your communication skills and provide a new perspective, which can be helpful in relating to your co-workers and other individuals you cross paths in your career. A mentor is also an avenue to build your network. When looking for a mentor, it’s advisable to consider someone you know who is at a job or position you aspire to be at. Alternatively, you can reciprocate the relationship by offering them resources or promoting their projects to your network.

Gain experience. Experience is one of the key factors that hiring managers look at. Consider making use of your spare time to gain more experience in the field that you’re currently in or an area you want to transfer to, while also earning some extra income. Even at home, you can seek virtual tutoring opportunities and other online freelance jobs. Try not to spread yourself too thin and find a side hustle where you can manage your own time, like being an AXA financial advisor. During this time, you might also want to consider doing volunteer work like organizing fundraising activities, food drives or PPE donations. You can even help the community and join a cause you’re passionate about.

Be smart with money. Living from paycheck to paycheck may hinder you from taking chances on progressing your career given the fear of being left with no steady source of income. If you want to take risks and advance your career, creating a financial plan is a must. Start building an emergency fund, save up for retirement, and opt to buy the right health and life insurance products so that you’ll have a safety net when emergencies or unexpected job problems occur. AXA Philippines has an extensive portfolio of insurance and investment products that suits every need and budget.

For more information, visit https://axa.com.ph/.

PLDT Inc. recently donated food supplies and vitamins to over 1,000 families in Cebu City and Malabon City

PLDT Inc. recently donated food supplies and vitamins to over 1,000 families in Cebu City and Malabon City adversely affected by the COVID-19 in partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).

"Urban poor families are some of the most vulnerable at any given time, more so in this period of uncertainty and hardship. Thank you to PLDT for choosing to allocate its Motolite PBSP Balik-Baterya funds to support our COVID-19 campaign. The provision of food packs is incredibly important in minimizing the adverse impact of job losses and suspended economic activities. Our communities are grateful for PLDT's generosity and solidarity," said PBSP Deputy Executive Director Elvin Ivan Y. Uy.

Families in Brgy. Mambaling, Cebu City received food packs containing vegetables, crops, onion and garlic and canned goods. Condiments, germicidal soap, as well as Cebuano-translated info sheets about COVID-19 are also included in the food pack donations. In addition, 450 boxes of Vitamin C were also distributed.

To support over 40 farmers and fellow farm laborers, all the vegetables were sourced locally from barangays Tabunan, Gaas and Sudlon 2 in Cebu.

In Malabon City, PLDT distributed food packs containing rice, eggs, dried fish, dressed chicken and vegetables to the indigent families surrounding Catmon Integrated School, which is among the beneficiaries of the Company's school-building programs. The families are from PBSP-assisted homeowners associations.

"PLDT recognizes the power of unity in these trying times, and we are truly grateful for our partnership with the PBSP as well as on-ground organizations in Cebu and Malabon, who enabled us to reach out and touch the lives of these families in need,” said PLDT Community Relations Head Katherine P. Diaz De Rivera.  

PLDT’s donations were taken from its Balik-Baterya funds, PBSP’s institutional environmental program which involves the collection, proper recycling and selling of used acid-lead batteries to fund various corporate social responsibility projects. PLDT, as its pioneer supporter, remains to be the Program's top donor.

PLDT and PBSP's efforts to fight COVID-19 goes all the way back at the onset of the Enhanced Community Quarantine, when the Company donated P1M to the Bayanihan Musikahan, which was used to fund food packs for 1,300 families in various underprivileged communities in Metro Manila. 

To know more about the efforts of the PLDT Group in beating the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit https://beta.pldt.com/covid19.