Team Out of Town Blog Hub (www.outoftownblog.com) – The local government units of five destinations in the 2GO Travel network have relaxed travel restrictions and have simplified entry requirements. The cities of Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, and the province of Cebu are now granting entry to fully vaccinated travelers without the need for RT-PCR tests.
Fully vaccinated passengers bound for Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, and Iloilo can easily apply for their travel coordination permit via S-PaSS. Meanwhile, all passengers are welcome to Cebu province by simply presenting a medical certificate issued within 24 hours before arrival.
2GO Travel P99 Promo – 2GO Travel Destinations Now Accept Vaccination Cards In Lieu of Swab Tests
In support of the above easing of travel restrictions, 2GO Travel launched the ?99 promo inclusive of 50kg baggage allowance and free unlimited rebooking. Passengers can avail of the promo from October 20 to 26, 2021 for sailing from November 15 to December 31, 2021. Fully vaccinated passengers will enjoy a 10% discount on non-promo tickets purchased from 2GO stores.
“Safely restarting domestic travel plays an integral part in improving our economy. 95% of 2GO’s vessel crew are vaccinated against COVID-19. Protocols that protect passenger and crew welfare are in place, and we are in constant communication with LGUs to enable us to quickly cascade new developments on travel requirements to our passengers via our hotline and social media presence. With this, we are encouraging all our passengers to continue with their holiday plans and travel safe with 2GO,” said 2GO assistant vice president for Marketing Blessie Cruz.
2GO Travel sails from Manila to Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Ozamiz, Puerto Princesa, and Zamboanga. Out of Batangas, 2GO travels to Caticlan and Roxas.
To book your trip tickets, please visit 2GO Travel’s website, https://travel.2go.com.ph/, call our hotline (02) 8 528 7000, email us at travel@2GO.com.ph, or visit any 2GO outlet, authorized agent, and SM Business Center near you!
New Airbnb data shows a spike in domestic demand for stays after the recent easing of travel restrictions; trending destinations include Zambales, Batangas, and Tagaytay
More Filipinos are searching for getaways lasting a week or longer, at family-friendly villas and bed and breakfasts
Team Out of Town Blog Hub (www.outoftownblog.com) – Airbnb today launched its new #TravelAsJuan campaign that aims to energize the Philippines’s tourism recovery throughout the remainder of 2021 and beyond. As part of the campaign, the company is encouraging Filipinos to rediscover their country with their loved ones, while celebrating unique stays and hidden gems across the nation. The #TravelAsJuan campaign also aligns with the Department of Tourism’s 2022 plan to rebuild a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive domestic tourism industry.
Airbnb encourages Pinoys to #TravelAsJuan as travel searches surge for beachside and nature destinations near Metro Manila
Responding to the Department of Tourism’s call for Filipinos to become “Ambassadors of Fun”, Airbnb’s #TravelAsJuan will work closely with its community of #AirbnbJuanderers including Filipino Hosts and local content creators. They will shine a light on the country’s off-the-beaten-path destinations, from lesser-known beaches to mountainous getaways and farms, as well as tips for safer travel. The campaign will kickstart by highlighting destinations where intra- and inter-state travel are currently allowed and expand to cover more destinations as more cities and provinces reopen.
Airbnb is already seeing surging interest in domestic stays as Filipinos look forward to traveling with the platform once more, following the recent easing of travel restrictions. In September, searches for Airbnb Stays in Zambales spiked by over 100% month-over-month* after the government announced travel rules allowing Metro Manila residents to travel to areas under more relaxed quarantine rules. In the same period, searches for Airbnb Stays in Batangas and Tagaytay also almost doubled month-over-month*.
Beachside and nature destinations, especially locations within driving distance of Metro Manila, remain popular among Filipinos. Zambales and Batangas, both popular for their beaches and coves, along with nature-based destinations Tagaytay, Pampanga, and Baguio, are currently the top five trending destinations among Filipino guests on Airbnb. This follows key findings from a YouGov survey conducted earlier in the year, which found that Filipinos want to travel to nature retreats and places within driving distance once they can get back on the road.
The easing of travel restrictions has spurred Filipinos to quickly plan for upcoming trips with their family and loved ones. While Filipino guests on Airbnb are largely searching for Stays with a duration of 1-6 nights, there is a growing trend towards longer domestic getaways of one week and longer, to make up for the past year spent at home. Larger family-friendly Stays are also increasing in popularity, as Filipino guest searches for villas and bed-and-breakfasts spiked by more than 50% month-over-month*.
Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, Airbnbshares: “Filipinos are eagerly anticipating the return of domestic travel, and search trends on Airbnb indicate a strong, positive uptick in travel sentiment as restrictions ease. With our wide variety of unique stays hosted by locals across the Philippines, Airbnb offers something for everyone through our #TravelasJuan campaign, which highlights the wonderful places, experiences, and communities that make the Philippines such an incredible place to experience for both locals and visitors alike. Airbnb is committed to being a good partner to the government to rejuvenate the country’s tourism sector; and help drive travel that is more diverse, resilient, and empowering for more people and communities than ever before.”
Beachside and nature destinations near Metro Manila
Safety remains a priority
Health and safety remain a top priority for travelers as they search for upcoming travel accommodation. To that end, Airbnb introduced the Enhanced Clean protocol in June last year, the first overarching standardized guidelines for cleaning and sanitization in the home-sharing industry. Endorsed by the World Travel and Tourism Council, the protocol helps guide Hosts across the Philippines to provide safer and cleaner accommodation for guests.
Airbnb also recently announced a partnership with global provider Sherpa, an online tool that provides travelers with real-time travel information on their destinations. Travelers can access information on COVID-19 related requirements including testing, quarantining, and social distancing guidelines. This will help guests plan their trips more effectively as they continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19 regulations.
Note:
*Based on internal Airbnb guest search data in September 2021, as compared to August 2021.
**Based on internal Airbnb data from January to June 2021.
Team Out of Town Blog Hub (www.outoftownblog.com) – If you’ve read my previous blogs, you’ve probably seen my trusted realme arsenal, including activated night light, smart audio (realme buds wireless neo), and the realme Watch 2 Pro I reviewed last July. What I love most about this brand is that they keep on developing wearables having a range of technical abilities like the latest realme band 2.
realme smartwatch Band 2 Review
According to ageinplacetech.com, while wearables may be new to most older adults this year, it will drive more interest among the 65+ age range as these wearables will become more informative, actionable, and more affordable. Smartwatch, for example, will be in demand within the next five years, as this will help monitor your current blood pressure accurately, including the heart rate and oxygen levels.
realme Band 2 Health App
Plus! You can now add this to your gift guide idea for this upcoming Christmas season.
If you want to learn more about what really caught my attention at realme’s latest realme Band 2, read this full article.
(Note: I did 30-minute cardio wearing this. See photos for actual readings)
The Overall Look of the realme Band 2
Team Out of Town Blog was fortunate to get a hands-on review of this realme Band 2. It’s officially launched today and is packed with features also available in high-end smartwatches.
The realme Band 2 Features
First off, let’s talk about its design. The stylish smartwatch has a 1.4″ screen touch display and a 167×320 resolution, a huge upgrade from the previous model. You can now run outdoors in scorching heat without having trouble looking at the screen.
This product is also powered by an industry-leading GH3011 sensor making the heart monitoring highly accurate and reliable. I also tried running for half an hour, and this perfectly fits my wrists – no slipping because of the sweat.
Measuring Oxygen Level on Band 2 smartwatch by realme
What’s inside the box?
The item came with 1 realme Band 2, a charging base, and a user manual.
What’s New?
Band 2 now has stress measurement, women’s health tracking, and a SpO2 sensor to measure blood-oxygen levels.
The realme Band 2 Features
The realme Band 2 is equipped with 90 Sports Modes instead of the nine workout modes the first-gen Band came with.
realme Band 2 Smartwatch Review
It also has 24/7 Health Monitoring features, a stylish design, and a 12-day Battery Life that can support your health and wellness journey. It also has a removable strap in case you want to change it according to your style. If you’re a jet setter or a thrill-seeking individual, then you’ll love the realme Band 2 water resistance and its 12-days battery life. No need to worry about chargers and missing sockets since it comes with a convenient magnetic charger.
Lastly, the realme Band 2 also features a Sleep Quality Analysis where you can monitor the quality of your sleep. While using your realme link app through your smartphone, it will show you sleep advice on how to improve your sleeping patterns.
In my opinion, the highlight of this watch is the 90 different sports modes such as running, hiking, and many more. Wear this to track calories burned in its most accurate result. Other features you’ll love include the following:
Music Control
Weather
Forecast
Camera Control
Step Goal
Completion Reminder
Event Reminder
SedentarReminder
Hydration Reminder
How to set it up
If you’re using it for the first time, place the Band on the charging base and wait for it to automatically turn on.
Upon opening the Band, you will be given a QR code to download the realme app directly.
On your realme app, click the add device option and pair it with your Band.
Once your Band is connected, swipe down your Band to see notifications, and swipe up to browse applications. If you want to see the widgets, swipe left.
When the display is off, short press it to brighten the display.
The realme Band 2 supports Bluetooth 5.1, realme Link App, Android 5.1+, and iOS 11+ and will be available in 1 color, Space Black. This one is definitely for the books. It keeps you up and going – and helps you skip the sedentary lifestyle, which is unhealthy for anyone.
Pros
Undoubtedly, smartwatches like the latest realme band 2 play an essential role in tracking our health – from the accurate oxygen and blood pressure reading to sleep function features that will help improve our sleeping pattern. It’s also a good thing that the app is available for Android and iOS smartphones.
What makes it a standout compared to other brands and the previous realme Watch 2 pro is that this unit looks sleek, and the straps are interchangeable depending on your current style and mood.
It doesn’t look bulky when you wear it, and the resolution and brightness have improved – making it the perfect smartwatch to wear anytime and anywhere. It’s so lightweight – you wouldn’t even feel you’re wearing one.
Cons
Compared to the realme Watch 2 Pro that’s easy to connect with, the realme Band 2 seems a bit confusing at first, especially that it turns off immediately – so tapping at all times is recommended while using this. The instructions are straightforward, so you’ll get used to it after extended usage. But overall, it’s a very convenient smartwatch to have, especially if you’re switching to a healthier lifestyle.
Price and Availability in the Philippines
The realme Band 2 is available for SRP P2,490. It has one color variant in the Philippines, color Black. As an early-bird offer, the realme Band 2 will be available for only P1,740 (P750 discount) on Lazada & Shopee starting October 22.
Keep your eyes locked in at realme’s official website and Shopee to check more information on the latest smartwatch. You can also visit any realme authorized stores near you!
Complete your realme TechLife with the brand’s latest tech innovations,all at exciting early-bird deals starting October 22! #realmeTechLife
Team Out of Town Blog Hub (www.outoftownblog.com) – realme, the Philippines’ no. 1 brand for smartphones, watches, and True Wireless Stereo (TWS) for Q2 of 2021, just launched a stellar lineup of new TechLife products aimed at empowering the modern digital lifestyles of Filipinos.
realme Pad
Unveiled via a livestream event on the realme Philippines Facebook page and YouTube channel last October 21, the new devices are part of realme’s full-circle digital ecosystem with smart AIoT products designed to complement each other smoothly to help Filipinos live more efficiently and conveniently. Included in the launch were the realme Pad, the realme Band 2, the realme TechLife Robot Vacuum, and the realme TechLife Handheld Vacuum, among many others.
An all-around tablet under P10,000
The livestream event was headlined by the launch of the new realme Pad, the brand’s first-ever contender in the tablet category. Designed to entertain, it provides a no-frills all-around tablet experience that lends well to our day-to-day lives, be it for work or for play.
The realme Pad boasts a crisp and vivid 10.4-inch WUXGA+ immersive display with up to 2000×1200 resolution, Dolby Atmos Quad Speakers on each corner, and a Helio G80 Gaming Processor that can handle and perform various tasks with ease. Other features include a 7100mAh massive battery, 8MP front and rear camera, and Dual Mic Noise Cancellation, perfect for all your tech-driven needs.
The realme Pad comes in two colors: Real Grey and Real Gold, and in three variants: 3GB+32GB available for P10,990, 4GB+64GB for P14,990, and 6GB+128GB for P16,990.
Starting October 22, customers can avail the realme Pad 3GB+32GB for an exclusive early-bird deal on Shopee of only P8,990, a P2,000 discount from SRP.
The realme Pad is also available in nearly 500 realme stores and over 4,000 partner dealers nationwide. From October 22 to 31, the realme 3GB+32GB variant will also be available at a discounted price of P9,990, P1,000 off from SRP.
The 24/7 health and fitness companion
Aside from the realme Pad, the brand also unveiled the realme Band 2, which is designed to be your 24/7 health and fitness companion anywhere you go.
The fitness watch has a 1.4-inch 320×167 touchscreen, and is equipped with notable health features such as 24/7 heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen monitoring, sleep tracking, step counting, and hydration and activity reminders, among many others.
Coming in a sleek black colorway, the realme Band 2 is available with an early-bird price of P1,740 (P750 OFF SRP) via the realme Official Store on both Shopee and Lazada.
realme TechLife Products
Make cleaning smarter and more efficient
The brand also unveiled two important new additions to their TechLife lineup of smart home devices, which help housework be even easier and more effortless. These are the realme TechLife Robot Vacuum and the realme TechLife Handheld Vacuum.
The realme TechLife Robot Vacuum is a two-in-one robot vacuum and mop that works with a LiDAR Smart Mapping and Navigation System, which allows it to intelligently sense its surroundings and clean more efficiently. It also allows for a customized cleaning plan for different areas of the house.
Meanwhile, the realme TechLife Handheld Vacuum is a lightweight wireless vacuum cleaner with 9.5KPa super suction and multiple brushes to help you clean your home more efficiently. To prevent secondary pollution, it also adopts a high-efficiency HEPA filter to capture microscopic dust and allergens.
The realme TechLife Robot Vacuum retails for P16,990, while the realme TechLife Handheld Vacuum goes for P8,990; both have flash sale offers on Lazada and Shopee for P13,990 (P3,000 OFF SRP) and P6,490 (P2,500 OFF SRP) respectively.
Aside from these devices, realme has also released a wide range of other products designed to complete your TechLife. This includes the realme Beard Trimmer and Beard Trimmer Plus available respectively for P1,090 and P1,990 (flash sale price: P710 and P1,390), as well as the realme Hair Dryer available for P1,690 (flash sale price: P1,290).
Start living your realme TechLife today! Get the realme TechLife products you need on the official realme store on Lazada and Shopee, and in nearly 500 realme stores and over 4,000 partner dealers nationwide. For more information and updates on realme, visit realme Philippines’ website https://www.realme.com/ph/ and follow realme Philippines’ official Facebook page at http://facebook.com/realmePhilippines.
