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Thursday, March 17, 2022

Filipinas are driving Airbnb’s community of Hosts in the Philippines


 Latest data reveals that women are driving Airbnb’s community of Hosts in the Philippines with Filipinas making up over 62% of all Hosts*. Many of them have become pillars in their local communities — employing other women in rural areas, warmly welcoming local and international travelers into their homes and neighbourhoods, and catalyzing local economic activity as travel rebounds. 


Even as women have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic during the past two years, many have found hosting with Airbnb to be a significant way for them to support their families, pursue their passions, and achieve success. In fact, in 2021, women Hosts globally received a higher share of 5-star reviews (91%) than their male counterparts (89%)**. 

 

Manila is also home to the highest number of women Airbnb Hosts in the country, followed by Quezon, Cebu, and Tagaytay***. Notably, despite hosting during small windows of opportunities due to the start-stop order of travel restrictions last year, new women Airbnb Hosts who started hosting in 2021 collectively earned over PHP 8 million from January to June****. 

 

“Empowering and creating opportunities for more Filipinas to become entrepreneurs in the tourism sector is important to us. It’s incredibly heartening to hear first hand from our Hosts on how hosting has benefited them, and how they continue to share their warmth and hospitality with guests and in their local neighbourhoods. Our women Hosts are incredibly diverse — they include mothers, travel nomads, small business owners, and women across almost every industry. Airbnb remains committed to growing the diversity of our Host community every year, including our number of women Hosts,” said Mich Goh, Airbnb Head of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

 

Philippines’ top women Airbnb Superhosts

One of the Philippines’ most highly rated Superhosts with the highest share of 5-star ratings in the nation is Emily Avelino, who runs two cozy Airbnb stays nestled in the mountains of Rizal. Emily used to work in the corporate space and retired early to focus more on her family. 

 

She shared, “While I was homeschooling my kids, I prayed for an opportunity that would allow me to still be with my children and yet do something meaningful that I enjoy. I love that I now can host and respond to my guests from anywhere, even when I’m at the grocery store or with my kids - you don't have to sacrifice family time! Today we employ locals in the mountains to help us run both listings, most of them are working students or mothers who cannot work full time because they take care of their children.”

Hosting with Airbnb has provided Superhost Emily with additional income while still being present for her family


Emily loves going the extra mile for her guests, including arranging events and special celebrations for them

 

During the pandemic, Emily went out of her way to refund her guests in full when they requested last-minute cancellations due to health and travel issues. She also purchased a hospital-grade vacuum cleaner and air purifier and regularly tested all her staff. She added, “With the pandemic, there have been so many uncontrollable factors. But what I love most is hearing from my guests how much they enjoy spending time with their loved ones in my home, after they’ve been cooped up for so long during the pandemic.”

 

When Filipina Superhost Luz Refe retired from her corporate role in the hospitality industry, she started hosting travellers through Airbnb, “I had used Airbnb during my travels abroad, and always loved staying with locals because I get to experience a more authentic way of traveling. Airbnb has allowed me to continue sharing my passion for hospitality, create meaningful connections with strangers and travelers and help them be in the know of Manila — something that really brings joy to my heart.”

                       For Superhost Luz, hosting on Airbnb brings her incredible joy

Luz has welcomed hundreds of guests, but her favourite memories are of those who have allowed her to become a part of their lives even if for a short span of time. She recently hosted a solo traveler working on his immigration papers for the States, checking in on him daily with snacks and tea and celebrating together when he finally obtained his papers. With her bubbly personality and immense passion for people, Luz has since been able to invest in a small cafe with her hosting income.

 

For Filipinas who are considering to be part of Airbnb’s community of Hosts, both Luz and Emily share the same advice to just go for it. For both of them and thousands more women Hosts around the Philippines, hosting is an exciting and rewarding adventure. 

 

Airbnb has made it easier than ever to become an Airbnb Host, with an updated onboarding process that is just 10 steps and a plethora of unique resources and support, such as the ability to pick the brain of an Airbnb Superhost. Last year, Airbnb introduced AirCover, which provides top-to-bottom protection for free to every Airbnb Host with $1 million in damage protection and $1 million in liability coverage. Filipinas interested in hosting can learn more at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes.


Notes:

*Based on internal Airbnb data as of March 2022

**Based on Airbnb data from January 1 to June 30, 2021

***Based on internal Airbnb data as of March 2022

****Based on internal Airbnb data from January to June 30, 2021

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Celebrities, families say yes to the #MangInasalPorkBBQChallenge


After trending on Twitter for several days, Mang Inasal has an awesome surprise for food lovers everywhere as it launched another craze, and this time it's an experience that dares netizens and their families to take on the #MangInasalPorkBBQChallenge.

 

Even celebrities like Dimples Romana and Kim Atienza have jumped on the trend! They were not able to resist the tender and juicy goodness of Mang Inasal’s Pork BBQ that is paired with flavorful java rice and made even better with its newest addition, the peanut sauce.

 

Interested to take on the #MangInasalPorkBBQChallenge too? All you have to do is to dine-in at your favorite Mang Inasal stores, take a photo while enjoying the NEW Pork BBQ with Peanut Sauce and Java Rice, and share it on social media for a chance to be one of the three winners of Php 1,000 worth of Mang Inasal gift certificates.

 

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Shopee wraps up a successful first 3.15 Consumer Day!


Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, concluded a successful 3.15 Consumer Day, its first mega sale of the year. More people were able to shop and reward themselves with Shopee, with 5 times more items bought in the first 2 hours of 15 March compared to an average day. 36 million Shopee vouchers were claimed on 15 March, as users saved more on everything they needed.

 

With more users celebrating at 3.15, brands and sellers were able to easily connect with and engage them. Orders on Shopee Mall increased 5 times compared to an average day, as brands saw a surge in traffic to Official Stores. Local businesses also saw a boost in sales, powered by strong support from shoppers. In the Philippines, Rhian -- a women’s apparel shop, WJF shops (grocerysale.no1 and no1.go) and albee_298 --  all three offering home essentials and face masks,  emerged as the top local sellers this 3.15. 

Shoppers also celebrated 3.15 Consumer Day with Shopee all over social media, with over 2.6 million engagements recorded on Shopee Philippines social media channels during the campaign. Loyal Shopee users also won huge prizes with the #ShopeeCelebratesYou initiative on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, with loyal users surprised with cash prizes, latest gadgets, and K-Pop merchandise in the Philippines.

 

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines said, “We are happy to see more people find time to celebrate and reward themselves at our first 3.15 Consumer Day. Our users will always form the core of everything we do, and we are proud to pioneer another special day for them and the millions of businesses we serve. The year has only just begun, and users can look forward to even more exciting activities to enjoy in the months ahead. We look forward to creating more value and joy for all of our users in the rest of 2022.”

 

3.15 Consumer Day in the Philippines 

 

In the Philippines, more shoppers were able to discover the joy of online shopping with Shopee. In particular, 3.15 Consumer Day gave users the chance to show themselves and others around them some appreciation.

 

Joanna Villanueva, 27, Fashion Designer, said, “This 3.15, I bought some necessities--contact lenses, socks, and an iPhone cable. I usually buy these things from Shopee because there are promos and discounts within the app so my savings are significant.

 

When the pandemic hit, I had a hard time going out and the shops I usually bought supplies from for my work closed down temporarily, but through Shopee, I was able to buy sewing materials. When I was moving into an unfurnished condo during lockdown, I bought most of my furniture and appliances from Shopee too! Electronics, accessories, skincare products, pet supplies, clothes—you name it, I’ve bought it from Shopee.”

 

Maricris Lorenzo, 35, Entrepreneur, said, “During 3.15, I bought home and self-care items -- indoor pots, plant labels, shampoo, make-up brush set and load. For all these and pretty much anything I need, Shopee is my go to app since I can easily find items and order conveniently. I always wait for the sales to enjoy discounts, vouchers, and coins cashback that make my shopping spree wallet-friendly.

 

As a business woman and a hands-on mother, I am really happy to be able to do so much on Shopee. Paying our bills, buying business and home essentials, relaxing with the occasional retail therapy, and exploring the countless features of the app have brought me such joy and relief especially in the last two years.” 

 

Other 3.15 highlights in Philippines include:

 

●      Giving Filipinos time to unwind by shopping for what they need and want

○      More users were able to enjoy the value and variety offered by Shopee, with Quezon City, Caloocan City, and Davao City seeing the highest numbers for first-time shoppers 

○      Shoppers were getting ready to go out as restrictions ease, with the top most searched words were women’s sandals, dresses and face masks.

○      Users took the chance to reward themselves and others around them on 15 March. Home & Living, Health & Personal Care, and Women’s Apparel were the most popular categories, while mobile gadgets and accessories, skin care items, and home improvement supplies were most in demand 

○      Body lotions were also one of the most ordered items by Filipinos as they prioritize self-care this 3.15 Consumer Day  

 

●      Providing businesses a welcome boost in the first mega sale of the year

○      3.15 Consumer Day was the biggest shopping day in the first half of the year for many businesses:

■      Local sellers saw a lift in traffic and transactions, with an electronics  store clocking over ₱30 million in GMV on 15 March alone. A women’s apparel shop also sold over 267,000 units of items in 1 day.

■      Users discovered and purchased more self-care and grooming essentials from brands on Shopee Mall, with Uni-Care, Tiny Buds, and  FOCALLURE being crowd favourites. 

 

●      Creating more valuable and rewarding shopping experiences with ShopeePay 

○      More people continued to enjoy the ease and convenience of digital payments through ShopeePay. On 15 March, the number of new ShopeePay users surged almost 1.5 times. 

 

●      Delighting consumers across the country with more fun and entertainment

○      Almost 65 million views were recorded on Shopee Live, as users connected with sellers, brands and local celebrities.

○      Over 27 million plays were clocked on Shopee Prizes, as Filipinos continued to play and earn more Shopee coins and prizes.

○      Filipinos were able to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment during the 3.15 TV Special that showcased local celebrities such as Brand Ambassadors Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes and ₱8 Million worth of prizes. 

 

 

Download Shopee for free on the App Store or Google Play Store.

 

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Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy provides modern solutions to women’s common health concerns

The Filipina is undeniably exceptional. Young or old, a professional, a student, a beauty queen, a blue-collar employee, a homemaker, she exudes beauty, intelligence and strength wherever she sets foot in the world. But no matter her courage and strength, she remains vulnerable. 

Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy offers custom compounding medication to treat health issues caused by hormonal imbalance among Filipinas

Many Filipinas ignore health issues to focus on family or work. To help women look after their well-being and address any health concern, medical experts have developed modern solutions. One of these is compounded medicines, or medicines produced through the pharmaceutical process of compounding or customizing medicines based on a patient’s needs. Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy (AIP), the pioneer specialty compounding pharmacy in the Philippines, is helping Filipinas look after themselves more easily and effectively through its wide range of compounding medicines and services. 

This International Women’s Month, let’s take a look at some of the health concerns women continue to face and how these can be addressed through these modern solutions. 

Thyroid Issues

Thyroid disorders continue to affect many Filipinas today. These often-neglected disorders, which include goiter, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules, affect more women than men, with incidence among women three times higher than for men.[1]  

 

Thyroid disorders and iodine deficiency are considered public health threats because when left untreated they can lead to more serious problems such as thyroid cancer, goiter, reproductive failure and even mental deficiency.[2]Thyroid cancer, for one, is the most common cancer among women 15 to 24 years old, based on Department of Health (DoH) data.[3] 

Goiter, another common disorder in the Philippines, is linked to overproduction of thyroid hormones, called hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can lead to a stroke, congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation if left untreated or undertreated. 

 

Women with thyroid issues can also experience menstrual irregularities. Because the thyroid controls many parts of the body, too much or too little thyroid hormones can make a woman’s period too light, too heavy or irregular, which can then affect a woman’s ovulation and make conceiving difficult. 

 

AIP’s thyroid medications can address thyroid issues by stabilizing blood pressure, improving endocrine function and reducing hyperthyroid symptoms.

Using thyroid medications to treat menstrual irregularities and problems in conceiving birth can also help improve emotional disorders and fertility.

 

Hormonal Imbalance and Menopause
Many Filipinas silently suffer from hormonal imbalance or do not realize they have it. Polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS affects about 4.5 million Filipinas and is a major cause of infertility among women.[4] Besides irregular cycle and weight gain, Filipinas with PCOS experience bloating, hyperpigmentation and baldness.[5]

 

Meanwhile, the imbalance of hormones related to menopause creates harsh physical changes and can affect a woman’s mental health. During this stage, women experience hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleeplessness, fatigue, memory loss and weight gain. 

Women often turn to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat these symptoms. One form of HRT, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) or the process of replicating hormones using natural resources, supplements the body with the hormones it lacks. AIP’s BHRT replicates hormones such as liothyronine, levothyroxine, progesterone, melatonin, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and pregnenolone.  

 

Undergoing BHRT can increase the core temperature and basal metabolic rate, reduce gall bladder activity, normalize blood clot and vascular tone, strengthen the immune system, and improve mood, vision, energy, clarity of thinking and overall well-being. It also assists in thyroid function, slowing natural changes that occur in the body with age and building up bone and muscle strength.

 

Weight Management

Obesity remains a major health issue among Filipinas as it can lead to other more serious concerns. The adult obesity increase rate in the country has been experiencing “very rapid growth,” according to the March 2021 report of the World Obesity Federation, with the growth rate among women between 1995 and 2015 at 3.7 percent.[6].Obese women are at a high risk of developing diabetes, coronary artery disease, low back pain and knee osteoarthritis. 

Compounded medicines are also used to treat obesity. AIP’s portfolio of weight management solutions includes Phentermine, Phentermine and Topiramate, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), Methionine Inositol Choline (MIC), Methionine, Inositol,Choline, L-Carnitine and Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12).

These solutions can cater to different concerns such as obesity related to diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. AIP’s weight management services help patients lose weight easily by burning and breaking down fats within the liver to lower cholesterol, assisting the metabolism of fats and supporting the liver in excreting chemical waste products. Some medicines promote the health of cell structures and reduce blood cholesterol or boost overall metabolic rate, assist in burning stored body fat and regulate sleep, appetite and energy. 

Skin Problems

Acne, dry skin, hyperpigmentation and dark spots are just some of the common skin problems that Filipinas face. Having sensitive skin is a major concern for many as it can also mean having to be very picky with skin care products to use. Compounded dermatological preparations can cater to a patient’s hiyang and consider which ingredients might trigger allergies or negative reactions from a patient. These medicines can also be tailored to achieve the patient’s desired results. 

AIP’s compounded dermatological preparations include tretinoin, vitamin C serum, glutathione and hair  loss dermatology related products such as minoxidil, minoxidil with finasteride. There are solutions to replace older skin with new skin and treat acne, whiteheads and blackheads, wrinkles, dark spots and rough skin. Other treatments produce a smooth and glowing complexion, promote collagen production, tighten the skin, provide hydration and antioxidants, treat hair loss and neutralize free radicals. 

AIP hopes to make a difference in Filipinas’ lives through its range of compounded medicines and services. Among its 13,000 patients, 63 percent are female. AIP houses female doctors who specialize in gynecology, endocrinology and dermatology. It also has integrative and functional doctors. 

“Everyone should have access to better healthcare,” said AIP Managing Director Sophia Lista. “We want to make it easier for our fellow Filipinas. Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy empowers women through better and accessible health. Through this advocacy, we hope to become a significant part in their journeys.”

AIP works closely with doctors and its customers and considers factors such as patient age and allergy history in order to customize medicines to a patient’s needs. The pharmacy believes in the pharmacy triad or finding accountability with doctors, patients and pharmacists to provide superior pharmaceutical care, strengthening patient confidence and compliance.

To learn more about Apotheca Integrative Pharmacy, visit apotheca.com.ph and follow AIP’s Facebook, Instagram,YouTube and LinkedIn channels. 

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Stressed? Find out more about it



Being stressed can be very challenging— we tend to miss our meals, have lack of sleep and relaxation, and don’t get to enjoy quality time with the people who matter. But, because we must continue with our daily life despite the stress, we tend to ignore the physical and mental effects of stress on our body for the sake of our goals. 

 

Because of stress, it's possible that the nutrients in your body have started to be depleted. Overthinking may cause the vital nutrients in the brain nerves to be affected, which can cause you to lose focus and become distracted. The lack of nutrients because of overwork can make you feel more tired than usual, and you appear pale and ill which could be the source of your unhealthy skin.

 

These are how stress can affect our performance:

 

  1. Difficulty in focusing and decreased mental alertness

Nutrients in the brain help increase mental alertness and focus. Due to stress, the brain cells can be affected causing the brain to function slowly impacting memory and distraction. Some of the mental symptoms due to stress are difficulty concentrating, struggling to make decisions, feeling overwhelmed, constantly worrying, being forgetful and more likely to be preoccupied and will pay attention less.[1]

 

  1. Difficulty in mental recall and memory function

Human brains have nerves that aid in memory recall. It can be a natural part when getting older but sometimes, it may be caused by something common and treatable like stress.[2] Vitamin B plays a vital role in maintaining the normal performance of the brain including memory function, with the help of a balanced diet and exercise. Stress can affect memory which can cause them to feel disorganized and seems to interfere with cognition, attention, and memory.[3] These symptoms can disrupt daily activities such as remembering things, misplacing car keys or forgetting the tasks need to be done on the day. 

 

  1. Nutritional deficiency and Fatigue in the body

The human body needs enough nutrients including vitamins and minerals to keep the body functioning properly. If one does not eat a nutritious diet, a deficiency may occur.[4] Stress may deplete nutrients more quickly and raise the body’s metabolic needs, making it at risk and prone to tiredness and exhaustion. People feeling stressed may not have the time to prepare nutritious, balanced meals, or may skip eating meals. This will cause stressed-out people to feel tired at work causing them to perform poorly.

 

  1. Aging effects and unhealthy skin

The human bodies' primary protection against external threats and bacterial infection is the skin. Nutrition is one of the several elements that must be considered to maintain good skin health. But due to the physical effects of stress on the body; skin becomes pale and unhealthy.[5] Stress can exert negative effects on overall skin wellness, through excess oil production and clogged pores and cause aging. 

 

  1. Weakened immunity

To be able to protect the body from any serious diseases, the human body requires proper immune function. Stress could reduce the number of many types of immune cells in the body, which are needed to fight viruses.[6] Vitamins play important roles to facilitate the functions of the immune system, which can keep the body in healthy condition and protect it from any life-threatening disorders.[7]

Aside from trying a relaxing activity, mindfulness meditation, yoga, and exercise, stressed people need to replenish the depleted vitamins and nutrients to protect their minds and bodies. A healthy balanced diet is still the best source to get this, accompanied by regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. However, having a balanced diet, is hard to achieve consistently, which can lead to lack of or even deficient intake of vitamins and minerals.

 

Stresstabs is a well-known multivitamin that replenishes nutrients that are affected because of stress. It can help support the body to stay active and focused at work, home, and school by helping improve mental alertness. It contains energy-restoring nutrients like Vitamin B and Iron, which help the body stay active and have more energy (vs. non-use) and sharpen mental focus. It also contains vitamins that aid in the regular function of the immune system, such as Vitamin C and Folate, and Vitamin E, which has immunomodulatory properties and skin-repairing nutrients that help in the battle against the aging effects of stress.

 

You can better handle stress with the help of Stresstabs! Available in leading drugstores nationwide.

 

To know more about Stresstabs; like, follow, and visit facebook.com/Stresstabs-Philippines. Stresstabs is available at all leading drugstores nationwide. 

 

Multivitamins + Iron is the generic name of Stresstabs. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Always read the label prior to use.

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GINEBRA SAN MIGUEL REVEALS FIVE "GINSTANALO" MILLIONAIRES

  Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI) has announced the five lucky instant millionaires of its "Gin is In, Gin to Win, Ginstanalo" prom...