Travelers are now able to discover and explore the most unique spaces all over the world with Airbnb

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

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

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.

Maya can help you cut your spending on everyday transactions with the new Maya Visa card

With oil prices going up, it's now more important than ever to find ways to make the most out of your money. Whether shopping for groceries, paying for gas, or even booking a trip, the country's only all-in-one money app Maya can help you cut your spending on everyday transactions with the new Maya Visa card until July 31! 

 

Just use your Maya Visa virtual or physical card when paying for purchases, and you automatically get a 1% cashback (max of P200) on every transaction worth at least P800. This is a great way to maximize your budget because you know that you're always getting something back in your Maya app! 

 

Because you're using a Visa-powered card for your transactions, you can pay with your Maya Visa card practically anywhere – even abroad. To make this deal even better, you can enjoy it with Visa's other exclusive offers to maximize your budget. 

To top it all off, cashing in via Maya is completely free at over 90,000 touchpoints nationwide. This means you're only spending your hard-earned money on things that matter to you (at a lesser price, at that!) – not on unwanted cash in fees.  

 

Getting a Maya Visa virtual card is easy as it automatically comes when you sign up for a Maya account. New users can activate it by cashing in at least P100. You can use the Maya Visa virtual card in your app for online transactions.

 

Meanwhile, you wouldn't want to miss having your own Maya Visa physical card! This much-coveted card looks very sleek with its black minimalist design. You can score a 25% discount when you purchase your card at https://store.maya.ph/ and start cutting your spending. You can buy a Maya card for as low as P150 and also bundles of two or three cards for your family members and barkada to get free shipping.  

 

You can use your Maya Visa physical card at over 100 million merchants in more than 200 countries and territories, including local stores in the Philippines. You can also use your Maya Visa physical card to withdraw funds at any Bancnet ATM. 

 

Once you're done shopping with your Maya Visa cards, use your cashback as additional funds for your bills, buy crypto, or add it to your Maya Savings account to enjoy the unbeatable 6% interest rate. With Maya, you can enjoy the best deals and manage your funds better because it's an all-in-one money app.

 

Completely free to download from Google Play Store and Apple App Store, Maya combines the power of an e-wallet with new features like crypto, credit, and an innovative digital banking experience powered by Maya Bank, to allow you to spend, save, grow, invest, and master your money — all in just one app. 

 

 To know more about Maya, visit maya.ph or follow @mayaiseverything on Facebook, IG, Tiktok, and YouTube and @mayaofficialph on Twitter. Join our Telegram community at https://t.me/TeamMayaPH for Maya exclusives. 

Here are Marian Rivera’s top 3 tips for homemakers

 

Upgrading your home isn’t always easy. And with having so many options but with limited time and budget, sprucing up each space can be a challenge. But take it from Shopee Primetime Queen and hands-on homemaker Marian Rivera, whose tips on home design and budget-friendly must-haves will help guide you as you do home improvements without breaking the bank:

 

1. Always set a budget

Even with her current superstar status, setting a budget for everything is still an important aspect for Marian especially when buying her essentials for home and living. And just like most of us, Marian also looks out for the best deals on Shopee! As for her tip to new homeowners? Marian shares: “Always look for a peg. In that manner, mas makikita mo kung ano yung kailangan mong bilhin, kung anong kulang. [Always look for a peg. In that manner, you’ll see exactly what you need to buy and what’s still missing.]” 

 

And for 7.7, you can maximize your budget and enjoy shipping discount vouchers, 10% off daily, and ₱49 deals and below when you add-to-cart and check out your home must-haves at the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale. You can also score a variety of ₱7 deals every 15 minutes at 12-1PM and 8-9PM during the Lightning Flash Hour Sale this 7.7 Mid-Year Sale. To know more about these amazing deals, visit the Lightning Flash Hour Sale page on Shopee. 

Want to get an idea on what to check out this 7.7? Here are Marian’s recommended swak sa budget home items to add to your essentials: 

  

Too much clothes but not enough space? This Hanging Closet Organizer is a lifesaver thanks to its multiple pockets perfect for small items. You can also hang this either inside your closet, in the bathroom, and even in your laundry area. Maximize every bit of space in your home with the help of this Wall-mounted Rotatable Hook and easily mount it anywhere without damaging your walls. Avoid spilling your toothpaste products with the help of this Automatic Toothpaste Dispenser, which also serves as a toothbrush storage to keep your sink neat and tidy. Organize your grocery items with the help of this Refrigerator Storage Box, which has a space-saving design that makes stocking up supplies easier and more convenient.

 

2. Know your priorities when it comes to decorating your home

Known for her multiple roles both on and off screen , the most important role Marian considers is being a mom to her kids, prioritizing everything that they need. “Mahilig kasi ako mag-ayos-ayos sa bahay lalo na pag walang ginagawa. Syempre first thing na kinoconsider ko is ang safety ng mga anak ko. Syempre bata, maligalig, mahirap namang makatabig-tabig sila or malapit sa disgrasya so I always make sure na kid-friendly ang mga gamit at ayos namin sa bahay. [I love decorating everything in our house especially when I’m not busy. Whenever I decorate, the first thing I consider is the safety of my kids. Since they’re kids, they’re very active and prone to accidents so I always make sure to have a kid-friendly home design.]”

 

If you’re like Marian who keeps things safe and sound at home, then better consider these budget-friendly and kid-friendly items on Shopee: 

 

Have a go-to tumbler you bring everywhere? This Protective Bottle Sleeve has a non-slip, anti-scratch, and anti-collision surface to keep your tumbler protected at all times. Make use of this Multipurpose Bath Ladle for your daily home tasks including watering the plants, washing ingredients in the kitchen, or even for your next bath time session with the kids. Avoid cluttering harmful items kids can reach with the help of this Under Desk Organizer, which you can also use for your home office setup. Prevent any accidents in the kitchen with the help of this cute Cartoon Bottle Opener, safe to use in opening bottles and jars with ease. 

 

3. Choose convenience when shopping for your home necessities

Marian is an avid shopper, and Shopee is her go-to source for all things home essentials. On what she usually buys, Marian shares: “I am very fond of kitchenwares; mga ingredients ng kung anu-anong niluluto ko, lalo na minsan of course may mga ingredients na mahirap hanapin sa grocery, so sa Shopee agad ako magchecheck. [I am very fond of kitchenwares; some ingredients are hard to find in the grocery, so I immediately check Shopee for those.]”

 

Want to make things hassle-free while cooking? Better add-to-cart these affordable items to have a more enjoyable time in the kitchen:

 

If you love cooking just like Marian, then go for this Condiments Organizer to help keep your spices in place in an aesthetic way. Make cooking a fun and safe experience with these non-slip Silicone Oven Gloves, which you can use to hold and transfer hot objects. Replace your plastic containers with these Sealed Jar Containers, which come in different sizes where you can store extra ingredients and food items. Always keep your cooking station spotless clean with this quick drying  Multipurpose Kitchen Towel, which you can also use on kitchenwares. 

 

This 7.7 Mid-Year Sale, don’t miss out on ShopeePay-exclusive load deals, shipping discounts and bills payment cashback vouchers. Thinking of purchasing these home essentials? Make sure to check out with ShopeePay if you’re just like Marian who puts importance on convenience and budgeting.  Access rewarding perks when shopping, as well as exciting deals when you buy load, pay bills, and send money with ShopeePay. Be updated with the latest promos by following ShopeePay’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

 

To know more about the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale, visit the 7.7 Mid-Year Sale page on Shopee. 

  

Garmin brings to the Philippines the Edge 1040 Solar and the Rally XC200

Garmin brings to the Philippines the Edge 1040 Solar and the Rally XC200, two new cycling equipment to bring Filipino cyclists closer to their goals. 

Driven by its Never Stop Cycling campaign that champions consistency, perseverance and transformation among cyclists, Garmin has been expanding its portfolio of products to make advanced and reliable equipment accessible for both aspiring and professional cyclists. Its new solar GPS bike computer and pedal-based power meters pack innovative features that will push 

Packed with Garmin’s performance, navigational, safety and connectivity features, Edge 1040 Solar is the ultimate GPS bike computer that lets cyclists ride longer, explore farther and train harder

Ride longer, explore farther and train harder

Garmin’s latest and ultimate GPS bike computers, the Edge 1040 and the Edge 1040 Solar are packed with a powerful, long-lasting battery, multi-band GNSS technology and other innovative features to boost cycling performance, navigation and safety.

 

“Cyclists expect as much from their GPS bike computer as they do themselves, and that is why we are thrilled to introduce the Edge 1040 Solar,” said Mr. Scoppen Lin, Assistant General Manager, Garmin Asia. “Durable, accurate and ready to go the distance, the Edge 1040 Solar is the pinnacle of GPS bike computers. No matter where you ride, or what bike you choose to use, the Edge 1040 Solar is ready for any adventure – from remote gravel trails to epic climbs.” 

Cyclists can explore far and cover more ground without having to worry about running out of power: The Edge 1040 can provide 35 hours of battery life, with an additional 70 hours on battery saver mode. The Edge 1040 Solar GPS bike computer’s Power Glass™ solar charging lens extends battery life by as much as 100 hours on battery saver mode, giving cyclists additional 42 minutes per hour for their daytime rides. 

 

Featuring multi-band GNSS technology, both the Edge 1040 and Edge 1040 Solar let cyclists go beyond familiar paths. With more accurate GPS positioning and coverage, cyclists can explore and conquer the most challenging environments such as dense urban areas or locations with thick tree foliage. 

Advanced navigational tools such as ride-specific maps based on Trendline™ popularity routing and turn-by-turn navigation and alerts keep riders informed of popular roads and trails and warn of sharp curves, respectively. With the Trailforks app, cyclists can view routes and trail details from more than 80 countries.

Beyond battery power and navigation, the Edge 1040 series incorporates state-of-the-art technologies and connectivity features to serve as cyclists’ training partner.

To help cyclists take their training a notch higher and stay consistent with their training goals while also protecting them from getting injured, Garmin included a cycling ability and course demands in the Edge 1040 series. These enable cyclists to identify their strengths and weaknesses and prepare for the demands of a specific course. The power guide provides power targets to help users manage their efforts throughout a course. 

Cyclists can track exertion levels during rides in real-time using the real-time stamina insights and monitor how their body is holding up in different environments with the Heat and Altitude Acclimations feature. They will also receive notifications when it is time to take a break and hydrate. When aiming for the peak during a climbing course, the ClimbPro feature lets riders track the remaining ascent and grade. 

After a long, hard day of training, cyclists can review their performance using the Firstbeat Analytics,™ which provides insights on VO2 max, recovery time, training load, training focus and more. Cyclists will also receive daily workout suggestions based on the results of their VO2 max and training load. 

For safety while out for a ride, the Edge 1040 series features incident detection and assistance. With LiveTrack, family members can view a cyclist’s preplanned course and track their real-time location.  Group messaging and tracking features also let cyclists stay in touch when they get separated from the pack.

For added confidence while riding, the Edge 1040 Solar is compatible with the Varia™ line of cycling awareness devices. The Edge 1040 Solar also works with inReach^® devices⁴ so cyclists can view and reply to messages, share trip data and trigger interactive SOS alerts with an active inReach subscription.⁵ In addition to receiving smart notifications and automatically uploading rides to Garmin Connect, the Edge 1040 Solar easily pairs with a Tacx^®indoor trainer, so cyclists can ride whenever they want.

Garmin’s Rally XC200 delivers reliable power measurements and advanced cycling dynamics with compatibility 

with SHIMANO and SPD cleats for off-road riding

Putting the pedal to the metal
The Rally XC200, the newest addition to Garmin’s Rally™ power meter series in the Philippines, measure total power, cadence, advanced cycling dynamics including left/right balance, power phase and more. These sleek pedal-based power meters feature sensors that deliver reliable and accurate data for every ride and training session. 

“We know cyclists are out there training to improve their performance every day, and we have created a power meter that they can depend on to help them achieve their goals. The Rally XC200 pedal have undergone rigorous testing to ensure we are not only providing cyclists with a superior pedal design, but with a power meter that riders can rely on to take their training to the next level, Lin added.

The Rally XC200 is designed for off-road cyclists, introducing its compatibility with SHIMANO SPD cleats. Its dual-sensing pedal-based power meters let cyclists review right and left leg data metrics separately so they can better understand their strengths and weaknesses and improve their pedaling form. Cyclists can also track the time they have spent seated and standing to measure position effectiveness and identify where power is being applied on the pedals for proper cleat positions. 

The Rally XC200 features up to 120 hours of battery life, which can support trainings for weeks or even months at a time. They can be installed like any other pedal and can be swapped between bikes. Their uniquely designed spindle can be transferred between different Rally pedal bodies, allowing cyclists to ride year-round on and off the road. 

Riders can get the most from their training by pairing the Rally power meters with compatible Edge^® cycling computers and the Garmin Connect™ app to seamlessly upload data and update software. The Rally power meters are also compatible with popular indoor training platforms, including the Tacx Training app, Zwift, TrainerRoad and more.¹

Champions choose Garmin
More than 15 professional cycling teams and hundreds of professional runners, cyclists and triathletes have chosen -- and relied on -- Garmin and Tacx products to help them meet their training and racing goals. 

The Quick Step-Alpha Vinyl, a Belgian UCI WorldTeam cycling team, will be using the whole Garmin cycling ecosystem, including the Edge cycling computers, Tacx NEO 2T Smart Trainers, Varia rearview radars and premium wearables, for their training. The team consists of 30 riders from 13 countries, including reigning world champion Julian Alaphilippe. 

Alongside the Quick Step-Alpa Vinyl, other professional cycling teams will also use the Garmin and Tacx ecosystems such as the INEOS Grenadiers, the Team Jumbo-Visma, Astana Qazaqstan Team and Canyon CLLCTV XCO. 

In the Philippines, pro cyclists Jermyn Prado and Marella Salamat use Garmin’s cycling products for their trainings and competitions. Garmin Philippines has also recognized them as its cycling ambassadors, sponsoring them with a number of equipment such as the Edge 1040 Solar, Rally RS200, Tacx NEO 2T smart trainer and Tacx Boost. 

“Filipinos are widely known for their passion and talents, including athletic abilities in cycling. Whether a rookie or a pro, cyclists need professional equipment to help them achieve progress and keep pushing the limit in their training. These new tools from Garmin are not only designed to make Filipino cyclists physically stronger but will help instill in their minds the importance of persistence and perseverance in the sport,” said Ms. Stella Tan, Marketing Manager, Garmin Philippines.

Step into world of Garmin cycling that offers all your possible cycling needs. Stay on top of your racing goals and never stop cycling like the pros with both Edge 1040 series and Rally XC200. The Edge 1040 Solar or the Edge 1040 Bundle, inclusive of Edge 1040 non-solar + speed/cadence sensor and HRM Dual, can be purchased for only Php40,865, and customers can get the Rally XC200 for only Php66,995. 

Visit the minisite and learn more about Garmin Cycling ecosystem and its latest additions to its lineup – Edge 1040 Solar and Rally XC.

 

Garmin’s products are available at Garmin stores nationwide and its Lazada and Shopee stores. You may also browse Garmin’s products though www.kinetic.com.ph or send a message through Garmin Philippines’ Viber Community.  

Galaxy Racer features top-rating Content Creators, Kristine Santamena, Yna Magenda, and Kitz Cua

 

Galaxy Racer (GXR), a Transmedia Powerhouse leading the way in esports, content creation, music, and sports, also shows how to lead and cultivate a culture of inclusion. With thousands of team members spread out across the globe, from members of the organization to esports teams to content creators, GXR is indeed a community of diversity.

Kitz Cua

The world is evolving into a generation with more younger people than ever in our history. And this younger generation is inherently inclusive as opposed to any other generation before it. Their worldview is more expansive as the information channels are wide open, and communication is no longer bordered and limited. It is the internet age, and open-mindedness falls under a fresher and broader definition. 

This generational evolution has created a new breed of information sources that we now commonly refer to as content creators. They dominate the online sphere, from social media platforms to websites, blogs, and vlogs. Each has something unique to offer, and their uniqueness has spurred a fanatical following that is admirable in many ways.

Marcia Guillermo, Galaxy Racer's country manager shared, "It is a movement never seen before and is quite evident in the Philippines. We see more and more creative content crafted by unique individuals. This movement inspired us (in Galaxy Racer) to create a talent management arm, GXR Creators." She added, "GXR Creators' primary agenda is to connect brands with its audiences through GXR's pool of creators."

 

GXR Creators is proud to be collaborating with notable creators like Kitz Cua, Yna Magenda, and Kristine Santamena. With millions of followers across different platforms, these creators (clearly) set themselves apart from other creators through their content. 

 

Initially a cosplayer, Kitz Cua, found her home in TikTok and Twitch, where she feels very comfortable creating content and has successfully nurtured a friendly and supportive community. Cua shares, "I used to do cosplay videos where I lip-sync to a song or do a dance, but it did not do well. I decided to showcase transitioning from my usual self to a character with my video editing style, which worked well." 

She also livestreams playing Wild Rift and shares, "With Wild Rift, I get to enjoy the game and the interaction with my followers. The streaming community is so tight-knit that almost everyone knows everyone, and I have made many genuine friends."

Yna Magenda

Yna Magenda, another GXR Creator talent, shares, "Just have fun and make sure you're happy with what you're doing". Yna’s words of wisdom to new creators seeking their place in the world wide web. 

 

An avid player of Mobile Legends and streams her plays online, she shares, "It helps me to relax, and I decided to Livestream to share with everyone how happy it makes me and to allow my supporters to play with me." But more than this, Yna shares that the acceptance as "nanay" is the most memorable part of his online career.

Kristine Santamena

An early adopter, Kristine Santamena, started to stream as early as 2018. She shares, "At the beginning, I was always nervous, but eventually, I got the hang of it, and it became more of a routine." Adding delightedly, "I was encouraged to do it more regularly when I started noticing that my followers were increasing and are watching more regularly to the point that I memorized most of their names."

 

She said, “I know gaming and streaming are male-dominated fields, but I do not let that affect me, even when there are negative comments. I just focus on improving my gameplay, being more respectful, not thinking about the negative, and being a good example to both my male and female audiences."

Kitz, Yna, and Kristine share a common desire: To always keep their audiences happy, the key to keeping their community together and supportive of whatever they put out as their unique content.

"GXR Creators will continue to support our talents, providing them meaningful career advice and the chance to connect them with brands that align with their messaging," shares Guillermo. She closes, "The opportunity to reach a more significant number of audience is immense, by simply collaborating with our creators."