Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – Clark International Airport (CRK) is now a vital link to quarantine-free travel destinations using Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) services to and from Singapore.
Starting March 4, Singapore carriers Scoot and Jetstar Asia will offer VTL services to Singapore from CRK. These developed as the Singaporean Ministry of Transport recently included Clark in its Vaccinated Travel Lane program.
Clark International Airport was chosen as Finalist in Prix Versailles World Selection
Singapore’s Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) program allows fully-vaccinated individuals to enter Singapore quarantine-free via designated VTL flights, provided that specific VTL conditions are met.
VTL travelers need not take an on-arrival Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR test) at the Changi Airport. However, they will be required to take the Antigen Rapid Test (ART), a supervised self-swab test at any test center located across Singapore within 24 hours of arrival. Short-term visitors and eligible work permit holders must also apply for Vaccine Travel Pass (VTP). VTP applications for the Philippines will open on March 1 at 10 a.m. (Singapore time).
Jetstar Asia operates 6x a week flights from Singapore to CRK and vice versa, while Scoot operates daily return flights.
The new measures are in line with Singapore’s reopening of borders to reclaim its position as a global business and aviation hub.
Bi Yong Chungunco, CEO of Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corporation (LIPAD) which operates Clark International Airport, welcomes this development. “We are very pleased with this news as we continue to be optimistic that the demand for air travel is getting back to normal. Our facilities, including the new terminal when it opens, are ready for safe and more vibrant air travel.”
MPT Mobility shares a quick guide to help you prepare for this much-needed break and road trip
Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – With COVID-19 cases declining, various local government agencies have recommended that Metro Manila’s pandemic restrictions be downgraded to Alert Level 1 this March.
MPT Mobility shares a quick guide to help you prepare for this much-needed break and road trip
This means traveling, without regard for age and co-morbidities, will now be allowed. Dining in at restaurants, visiting tourist attractions and entertainment venues, and going for staycations are now possible at full on-site capacity. However, owners and organizers should ensure minimum health measures, like proper ventilation, wearing of face masks, and proper handwashing, are implemented.
When this happens, will you be ready to pack your bags and travel up north for a quick weekend getaway? Shake off the cabin fever – prepare for that long-overdue road trip and enrich yourself with better countryside views, the fresh air, and local delicacies.
Here’s a quick guide to help you prepare for this much-needed break:
1. Bring your vaccination and booster cards.
To be sure, it is recommended that adults and vaccinated children have their vaccination and booster cards ready for inspection. Depending on where you’re coming from, some local government units (LGU) might check for Negative RT-PCR/Antigen tests. For example, Baguio City still requires this for children aged 12 to 17 years old.
2. Tourist passes
Depending on the LGU, there might be areas that still require tourist passes. Best to check for the latest updates on your destination’s websites before hitting the road.
3. Still observe health protocols
For your safety, especially when you are traveling with family and friends, it would still be recommended to always wear your face masks, observe social distancing, and always disinfect with isopropyl alcohol and disinfectants.
4. Pre-book your accommodations
If you’re planning to stay longer than a day, it is recommended that you confirm accommodation with establishments ahead of time. Check for their requirements and restrictions so you and your travel buddies will be ready. This saves you the hassle of looking for a place to stay when you are already at your destination. With everyone wanting for a break, these hotels and resorts might even be fully booked!
5. Prepare your vehicle
If you are planning to bring your own car, it would be best to have it checked by your suking mechanic. For those of us who stay and work at home, it is recommended to have our vehicles serviced first for good measure. If your car is in tip-top shape, checking for BLOWBAG (brakes, lights, oil, water, battery, air, and gasoline) is a necessity before going on that long drive. Have your back-up water, tools, and early warning device (EWD) on the ready for any incident.
6. Plan your trip
Aside from securing accommodations and preparing your itinerary, it is also important to plan your routes and stopovers. Program your destinations on Waze or Google Maps. For emergencies when traveling north or south, always keep the expressways’ hotline handy. Good thing that there is only one hotline for the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), and Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (CAVITEX) at 1-35000.
7. Check and reload your Easytrip account
When the use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) was mandated by the government in 2020, toll operators like NLEX improved their RFID services to ensure the safety and convenience of motorists. One of these providers, Easytrip Services Corp, continues to uphold this mandate through its improved RFID account management. As the innovation arm of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), MPT Mobility’s Easytrip now offers various services for its registered users under myeasytrip web. Through the myeasytrip Customer Account Management System (CAMS), registered users can now do the ff:
Check their balance and passages
Generate their statement of account (SOA)
Get the latest updates and advisories from Easytrip
Get a chance to participate and win in different promos
To register your Easytrip RFID or to check if you are already registered, try this link here. Once registered, you can create your myeasytrip CAMS account here.
Reloading is also much easier as most of Easytrip’s reloading merchants credit the loads in quick time. For a list of reloading merchants, please check here. If you still don’t have an Easytrip RFID, subscription, and sign-up are so easy, just click here.
MPT Mobility will soon launch a new mobility-related services app, MPT DriveHub. All of MPT Mobility’s services like Easytrip will be on this app. MPT DriveHub will be available for download on Google Play Store and Apple App Store on March 1.
MPT Mobility president and general manager Raul Ignacio has announced, “The?digital solutions?our business units will offer?are all about improving mobility for Filipinos, addressing?a variety of customer needs and providing life conveniences via a digital interface.” This is something to look forward to, especially when planning for trips.
With these reminders, you and your loved ones can surely have a safe and relaxing trip. Always keep yourself healthy and safe travels.
Cebu Pacific Travel Fund can be used to book flights up to one year ahead
Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – The Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), encourages guests with existing travel funds to use them before they expire, to book flights for travel up to one year ahead.
Passengers with Travel Fund may conveniently book flights before its expiry date, by choosing a flight schedule up to one year later. A Travel Fund is the value of CEB bookings stored in a virtual wallet that can be used to pay for any transaction on the CEB website – be it for flights or add-ons, like baggage allowance, travel insurance, preferred seats, meals, and many more.
CEB has an ongoing Juan Love “Sama-summer together” seat sale that offers domestic flights for as low as PHP88 one-way base fare. This sale runs until February 28, 2022, for travel from now until July 31, 2022. Travel Fund is accepted as a form of payment.
Cebu Pacific urges guests to use Travel Fund before the expiry
Guests planning trips this year – whether solo, or with friends and family – can book flights across the airline’s widest domestic network, which includes destinations such as Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo, among others.
“Now is the perfect time to book those flights as we continue seeing more destinations ease restrictions – be it for immediate travel to take advantage of flying easy now; or for future trips, everyJuan can look forward to as the fund can be used to book flights up to a year out,” said Candice Iyog, Vice President for Marketing & Customer Experience at Cebu Pacific.
Here are the steps on how to use the Cebu Pacific Travel Fund:
Remember to keep your Travel Fund booking reference on hand.
Choose your new flight and book as usual. The owner of the Travel Fund must be included in your booking.
Select “Travel Fund” and input the booking reference of the fund you want to use on the payment page.
CEB continues to offer flexible products that enable its guests to fly easy and safely, such as the CEB Flexi, a flight add-on that allows passengers to voluntarily cancel their flights for free, up to two (2) hours before departure, and store the value of the booking in a Travel Fund. This may be purchased via initial booking for as low as PHP 499.
“We’re glad to have developed this product months ago as we know this remains relevant and beneficial for all those who feel like they still need additional flexibility as the world transitions to COVID becoming endemic,” added Iyog.
On top of this, the airline continues to offer Unlimited Rebooking for everyJuan as it permanently removed change fees in 2020. Fare differences may apply.
Ready for new #CEBTravels this 2022? Fly easy and travel safely by booking those much-awaited trips with your Travel Fund – perfect for flights, seats, meals, and many more add-ons!
CEB operates the widest domestic network in the Philippines covering 31 destinations, on top of its 14 international destinations, spanning Asia and the Middle East.
Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomes the lowering of the COVID-19 alert level in the National Capital Region (NCR) and various areas across the country to Level 1, noting that this will further boost travel and tourism activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Based on the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 163-A, the 16 cities and one municipality in the NCR as well as 38 other areas (visit philippines.travel/safetrip) have been downgraded to the lowest alert level system as COVID-19 case transmission over the past few days have been decreasing, and the total bed utilization rate and intensive care unit utilization rate in hospitals are also low.
DOT hopeful on higher tourism growth with downgrading of NCR, 38 areas to Alert Level 1
“The Department welcomes this development as it not only indicates that we are well on our way to recovery but is also a testament to all the work and sacrifices we have made to reach this point,” Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said.
Under the Updated Guidelines on the Nationwide Implementation of Alert Level System for COVID-19 Response, implementation of Alert Level 1, the use of Safe, Swift, and Smart Passage (S-Pass) travel management system is not required for interzonal travel to areas under the same alert level.
“Traveling between places under Alert Level 1 status, such as Baguio, Boracay, Ilocos Region, Aurora, Batanes, Laguna, Puerto Princesa City, Bacolod, Guimaras, Camiguin, and Davao City, is now easier and more convenient. The DOT anticipates with optimism the revival of many tourism jobs and opportunities that were once lost to the pandemic,” the tourism chief emphasized.
While health declaration forms will no longer be required for all agencies and establishments, vaccinated individuals eighteen (18) years old and above” are still required to present proof of full vaccination before entry into any venue for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE); participation in social events such as parties, wedding receptions, engagement parties, wedding anniversaries, debut and birthday parties, family reunions, and bridal or baby showers; and visit to tourist attractions such as libraries, archives, museums, galleries, exhibits, parks, plazas, public gardens, scenic viewpoints or overlooks, and the like.
The same rules apply in mass gatherings or entry into indoor establishments, such as venues with live voice or wind-instrument performers and audiences such as in karaoke bars, clubs, concert halls, and theaters; indoor ancillary establishments in hotels and other accommodation establishments; and venues for election-related events.
Puyat said that the existing guidelines imposed by local government units (LGUs) with jurisdiction over tourist destinations should be adhered to help fully restore the heavily impacted tourism sector.
1+1 Deals with Listerine on February 24, Shop with Shopee
You may be packing your bags and planning the itinerary of your next trip – but that doesn’t mean that your oral health should go on vacation too!
Celebrate Oral Health Month with Listerine 1+1 deals on Shopee
Bringing your oral kit is a must. And to make my packing list easier, I usually bring a portable toothbrush, dental floss, and mouthwash. On trips that may require me to work in a coffee shop, I use whitening toothpaste to avoid coffee stains.
Oral health and overall health go hand in hand which makes Listerine the best brand to trust when it comes to mouthwash. The Listerine Cool Mint Mouthwash helps prevent gingivitis, gum disease, and reduces plaque build-up. The good news is, you can now get the Listerine Cool Mint Mouthwash 1L + FREE 750ml and Listerine Total Care Mouthwash 1L + FREE 750ml on February 24 for their one day exclusive.
More information you need to know about the Listerine Total Care Mouthwash
Listerine kills 99.9% of germs and gives 24-Hour complete mouth defense against germs that cause cavities, plaque, and gum problems, with regular use vs. brushing alone
Listerine also comes in ZERO alcohol/ no sting variants
Major Benefits of Using the Listerine Mouthwash
As mentioned above, since Listerine contains zero alcohol, this means that it has no drying effect on the mouth. What I also like about this brand is that there’s no uncomfortable burn in the mouth compared to the regular brands.
Mouthwash is known to effectively kill off an offensive odor, leaving you feeling minty fresh, especially if it’s the Listerine Cool Mint variant.
It’s better on teeth. According to studies, alcohol-free mouthwash has a better effect on the color, hardness, and wear of tooth composite restorations compared to mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
Discover the latest products, exclusive bundle deals, and exciting discounts from your favorite brands at Shopee‘s Brand Spotlight!
Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – LRT-1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) is poised to provide a modern railway system as it welcomes the civil works completion of the LRT-1 Baclaran Expansion Depot and gears up for the operations and maintenance of the new facility.
In photo: (L-R) Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko, Light Rail Manila Corporation President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso, and Light Rail Transit Authority Administrator Jeremy Regino
The expanded Baclaran Depot of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project was inaugurated in a ceremony led by officials from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), Embassy of Japan, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Pasay City Local Government. With the expansion of the LRT-1 Baclaran Depot, 4.2 hectares were added to the existing 6.4-hectare Baclaran Depot, giving way to more rail tracks and maintenance facilities to support more trainsets. The expansion project was funded through the Philippine government’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) received from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
With the civil works completion of the new depot by the Philippine government, LRMC is all set to provide the electromechanical and rail systems works which include traction power supply, overhead catenary systems, and trackworks. LRMC’s role is to ensure that these works are compatible with the existing LRT-1 system and the future Cavite Extension system.
In photo: (L-R) Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade, DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan, Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko, and Light Rail Manila Corporation President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso
“We share the same vision with the government of modernizing the railway system in the country highlighting the benefits it will definitely bring to Filipino commuters. The LRMC team, together with our partner contractor, is currently accelerating the electromechanical installations for the new facility to allow the stabling and maintenance of additional trains, particularly the new Gen-4 fleet. We remain fully committed to raise the bar of service excellence in public transport,” LRMC President and CEO Juan F. Alfonso said.
The expanded LRT-1 Baclaran depot will see the addition of 21 stabling and maintenance tracks to the existing 45, increasing the depot’s stabling capacity from 130 to 182 Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs), and will accommodate trains from existing Generations 1, 2, 3, and new Generation 4 (Gen-4). The expansion will also ease up movements of trains, as it will give enough space for ingress and egress inside the depot leading to increased train availability.
To date, a total of 20 new Gen-4 train sets (out of the expected 30) have already arrived in the Philippines. LRMC has been receiving the Gen-4 train sets in batches since the arrival of the first train set in January 2021. The new trains will be used for the existing line, and the future LRT-1 Cavite Extension whose construction remains to be in full swing with 69% completion rate as of end January 2022.
Moreover, LRMC has recently upgraded to a new signalling system that will facilitate the testing, commissioning, and operation for revenue service of the 4th Generation train sets. LRT-1’s newest trains are set to be deployed for revenue use in mid-2022 after completing the necessary safety checks, inspections, test runs with minimum kilometers, and acceptance tests.
For more updates and info on the LRT-1, follow LRMC on Facebook at facebook.com/officialLRT1, Twitter at @officialLRT1, or download the ikotMNL mobile app for free on Google Play and App Store.
Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – The City of Legazpi, home to the iconic Mayon Volcano, sizzles once more as it hosts the inaugural staging of the Exciting Bicol Oz Goose National Championships on Feb. 26-27. A first in the region, the event is organized by the Albay Yacht Club (AYC) and the Philippine Home Boatbuilders Yacht Club (PHBYC). The Department of Tourism Region 5 and the City Government of Legazpi.
Oz Goose sailboat at Albay Gulf
Set at the Albay Gulf across Legazpi Boulevard, the two-day sailfest will launch Bicol as the archipelago’s newest sailing haven.
Competing for top honors and fun sailing will be 31 Oz Goose sailboats from Subic, Batangas, Manila, and Albay.
“Bicol has been gaining in popularity with the country’s water sports enthusiasts, from wakeboarders, surfers, paddlers, scuba divers, and now, sailors. Its natural beauty is its main appeal, the people’s warm hospitality in embracing watersports compound its overall charm,” says DOT regional director Herbie Aguas.
Oz Goose sailboat at Albay
He said that potential sailing spots will be explored in the nearby provinces to make it a community sport and help breed a new generation of watersports athletes.
Meanwhile, Legazpi mayor Noel Rosal welcomed the sporting event, saying sailing will be an additional recreational activity in the City of Fun and Adventure.
“The Oz Goose sailboat sails is an ideal platform to teach people the essential skills involved in sailing, from weather awareness to basic physics. Racing sailboats is the best way to improve one’s sailing skills,” says PHBYC executive director and event organizer Roy Espiritu.
He noted that this boat type is cheap and easy to assemble, and has a huge potential to bring recreational sailing to various parts of the archipelago. Introduced in the Philippines in 2015, there are about 100 Oz Goose boats in the country at its base at the Taal Lake Yacht Club (TLYC) in Talisay town, the AYC in Legazpi, and various boat clubs.
Oz Goose sailboat in Bicol
The Oz Goose is a 12-foot long wind-powered sailboat with a 14-foot mast and crewed by two persons.
Small boat sailing has been gaining popularity in Legazpi in recent years, largely through the efforts of city councilor Fernand Imperial, who is also a sailing crew of the Subic-based Team Windshear team.
The Exciting Bicol Oz Goose Nationals is also supported by Kress Philippines, Toyota Albay, Hyde Sails Cebu, Imperial Homes, Pacific Blue Dive Center; hotel partners Proxy by The Oriental, Legazpi Oceanfront Hostel, Hotel Sentro, and RRCG Transport as the official carrier.
Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – As technology gets better and better with each passing day, the need for simplification becomes important. Especially now that most people are staying at home, you want the best technological innovations available in the simplest way possible. After all, you don’t want to be bothered with wires, charging stations, and other clutter. There’s beauty in simplicity.
Go Wireless With LG ToneFree Earbuds
This also holds true for earbuds. Going wireless gives you a lot of benefits that make life better and easier. How many times have you tried to get your earphones from your bag and was greeted with a tangled mess? Or you’re out running then the wires snag on a tree branch? True wireless technology gives you a hassle-free experience without sacrificing audio quality.
LG’s TONE Free earbud series provides a great entry into a true wireless world. Whether you’re using earbuds while working at home or working out, it provides a superior experience to wired ones. It’s perfect for active lifestyles because you don’t need to worry about wires impeding your stride or movement. LG TONE Free earbuds have a new, contoured design that conforms to the shape of your ear, providing a comfortable and stylish fit that doesn’t fall off easily. It is also IPX4 water and sweat resistant.
LG TONE Free earbuds give you privacy, even when you’re in public. Simply open the TONE Free app to use whispering mode with the TONE Free FP5. With whispering mode, you can whisper in a noisy space and still be heard clearly on your calls. Just hold the right earbud near your mouth to speak soft and clear. It also boasts of Active Noise Cancellation which reduces background and ambient noises so you can focus on what you’re listening to – and ignore the rest. It’s perfect for reducing background noise on a plane, in a busy cafe or on public transportation.
If you’re the type to want to fall asleep to music, LG’s TONE Free is perfect for you. You can immerse yourself in soothing, calming sounds to help you sleep. Ear irritation won’t be a problem thanks to soft, hypoallergenic medical grade ear gels that provide a comfortable fit.
With the LG TONE Free, you also don’t have to worry about using it for extended periods of time. Enjoy up to 8 hours of play time on your buds and a total of 22 hours of play time with the charging case—all from one charge.It also has a fast charging feature where you can get 1 hour worth of power in just 5 minutes of charging.
Experience the convenience of wireless earbuds with LG TONE Free today (link). Get a pair from LG authorized retailers such as Abenson, Ansons, and SM Appliance. You can also purchase the earbuds from LG’s flagship online store in Lazada and Shopee.
Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomes the recent decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to expand its list of accepted and recognized national COVID-19 vaccination certificates, approving twelve more from countries whose travelers are allowed visa-free travel to the Philippines.
Based on Resolution No. 162 of the IATF-EID, the national/state vaccination certificates of Argentina, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Chile, Denmark, Ecuador, Indonesia, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Portugal, and Spain, mainly 12 of the 157 countries that can visit the Philippines visa-free under Executive Order (EO) 408, shall be accepted and recognized as other proofs of vaccination required as entry requirements to the Philippines.
DOT welcomes IATF approval to accept the national VaxCert of 12 additional countries
These are in addition to the national COVID-19 vaccination certificates approved in the task force’s previous resolutions.
The same resolution also directed the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) One Stop Shop (OSS) to only accept vaccination certificates recognized by the IATF-EID.
“The DOT commits to working with other member agencies of the IATF-EID in making the travel process and requirements to the country easier for balikbayans and foreign tourists alike. This move will greatly help in restoring jobs under the heavily impacted tourism industry,” tourism chief Berna Romulo-Puyat said.
“We are grateful to the IATF-EID for this development as we aim to make travel as seamless as possible for our travelers from visa-free countries. We look forward to opening our doors to guests from all over the world, but of course, with all the necessary health and safety protocols in place,” the tourism chief added.
Meanwhile, Puyat noted that the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme that has been agreed by the governments of the Philippines and Singapore will further boost arrivals from the latter.
The NBA fanboy-turned-sportscaster shares his most cherished memories with the NBA’s greatest
Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) –So, over the years, you’ve got yourself an album filled with old school NBA trading cards, a framed photo of the Black Mamba standing next to a jeepney from his 1998 visit in Manila, and a premium account on NBA League Pass — the NBA’s premium live game subscription service made more affordable and accessible through your PLDT Home Fiber.
Boom Gonzalez PLDT Home NBA League Pass
Boom Gonzalez shares an almost similar fanboy story — except his being a fan would open opportunities for him that he didn’t even know were possible. Living a sports fan’s dream to be a sportscaster covering the NBA, the veteran carries with him stories of meeting the NBA’s biggest superstars. Since he started his broadcasting career in 1999, Boom has had the chance to get up close and personal with many of these NBA stars — dining with them, sharing jokes with them, and even getting a follow-back from an NBA coach on social media!
“As a fan, to witness the games live, the championships, the winning moments, the winning shots, the All-Star Games, and the NBA finals — the whole thing! I could not have written a better script about this,” Boom says. “Everything that has happened to me since I began covering the NBA has been like a dream that keeps coming true. It always blows my mind that I have been able to experience all that.”
PLDT Home NBA League Pass
From sports fan to sportscaster
Boom’s love affair with the NBA started at a young age, while bonding with his dad on the couch like other sports-loving father-and-son pairs would.
“My dad and I made sure we’d catch one or two games a week on TV. We enjoyed watching sports at home but basketball — and the NBA, specifically — was the biggest deal for both of us,” he recalls, nostalgic. “Even after my dad’s passing later on, I continued watching and following the NBA. But never in all those years did I imagine myself working with the league or being sent to the NBA!”
Growing up in the Bulls era with Michael Jordan as his hero, Boom, as a kid, wanted nothing more than to play. But as fate would have it, he treaded a slightly different path that he had no clue would still and ultimately lead him to the world of sports. The NBA became the highlight of that destination.
Boom, while still in college majoring in broadcasting, started doing radio work. On his fourth year, he decided to get into TV work and soon after graduation, he got his first TV job as a correspondent on the now-defunct cable sports show Gameplan. He then landed a sportscasting job at the PBA’s junior edition, the Philippine Basketball League, before finally making it to the big league. On his second year at the PBA, Boom took an offer from ABS-CBN Sports to cover the UAAP — the country’s biggest collegiate league. His career has since gone on a fast break, seeing him do commentaries on more local sports and lifestyle shows. He finally got to host his very own TV show – GAMEDAY with Boom Gonzalez — which ran from 2009 to 2014.
A shot at the NBA
PLDT Home NBA League Pass 2022
Yet one of the most pivotal moments early in Boom’s career was when he got to host for the Kobe Bryant tours back in 2007, 2008, and 2010, courtesy of an international sports brand that brought the basketball superstar to the Philippines. This only launched Boom’s sportscasting further, leading him to more opportunities to be among NBA’s greats later on.
Boom finally had his first chance to cover the NBA in 2011 – and would constantly be sent by his then-network twice a year for sportscasting duties until 2018.
Atop his list of most unforgettable coverages? Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals, when Miami Heat’s Ray Allen made a game-tying three-pointer against the San Antonio Spurs with just 5.2 seconds left on the clock. It came to be known to fans all over the world as “The Shot” that ultimately allowed Miami to win Game 6 in overtime and forced a Game 7. Heat eventually won the duel, for its third-ever title and its second straight one that time.
“Before the shot, we saw some people starting to walk toward the exits of The American Airlines Arena (the venue of the match) already, thinking it was already over. We were already planning our flights back to Manila or at least we had started talking about it already,” Boom recalls. “Then, The Shot happened and the whole place exploded! And Miami eventually won that game and the series because of that moment.”
Living the dream
Boom’s palpable level of professionalism and love of the games combined made him a favorite and reliable sports figure among Filipino fans. It has since made him a top-of-mind personality among outfits and brands, too, which then tapped him to host and interview the likes of LeBron James and the late Kobe Bryant flown in for exclusive events.
While he already has a lifetime’s worth of memories covering the league, Boom says he would never pass up the chance to cover the games again if it comes his way. He’s still very much a fanboy at heart, he admits.
“Every time I was sent to the NBA, I thought of it as my last because you never really knew when it was going to happen again. It’s been an incredible journey. Everything has been so unexpected, bigger than anything I’ve ever dreamed of. The things that I got to do and learned, the people I got to meet — it’s mind-blowing, honestly.”
Should he get another go at it, Boom shares his interview wishlist: Ja Morant, Trae Young, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo — last season’s MVP who led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship. Of course, Boom also fancies “reuniting” with the likes of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant — all of whom he described as articulate, brimming with passion for the game, and just fun to be with off cam and off the court. Next to these living legends’ talent, Boom believes it is their relatable qualities that make Filipino fans idolize them.
“It’s quite well known in NBA circles that our passion for basketball is like religion. When NBA celebrities come here, the first thing they say is, ‘Everything we’ve heard about Filipinos and their love for basketball is true and even more that what we expected.’ That’s how these NBA stars know us,” says Boom.
PLDT Home NBA League Pass with Boom Gonzalez
Fanboying from home via PLDT Home Fiber’s NBA League Pass
The pandemic may have halted the NBA action for a while, but it’s now back in full swing just in time for the 75th season. Like many Filipino NBA fans, Boom closely follows the games via his NBA League Pass made more affordable and accessed more conveniently through PLDT Home Fiber. The next best thing to the seamless, virtual front-row experience is sharing game commentaries with other Filipino fans on social media. Boom himself routinely joins the hordes sports fans taking game discussions and analyses to Twitter in real-time!
This February 19-21 in Manila (February 18-20 in Cleveland, Ohio), one of this season’s most anticipated events — NBA All-Star 2022 — will have LeBron James and Kevin Durant captaining two star-studded teams at the All-Star Game. For as low as PHP 85, PLDT Home customers can catch the event including the much-awaited All-Star Game with a subscription to the 3-Game Choice package on League Pass. The promo gives users access to three games of their choice per month. For non-stop basketball action, subscribers can opt for the PHP 485 monthly package, which provides unlimited access to an entire season of NBA games in high-definition for one whole month.
Allowing Filipinos to live their best life at home through experiences and services like the NBA League Pass, PLDT Home remains undisputed as the fastest broadband network in the Philippines. It dominated telco rivals with a Speed Score of 77.24 at the Ookla® Speedtest Awards for Q3-Q4 2021. Speed Score is a measure that takes into account both upload and download speeds.
For more information on how to enjoy the NBA League Pass via a PLDT Home subscription, please visit the official website at pldthome.com/nba-leaguepass.
Cebu Pacific Restarts Ho Chi Minh, Taipei, and daily Dubai operations in March
Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – The Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), has resumed its thrice-weekly flights to Bangkok, and weekly flights to Fukuoka and Jakarta, in time for the easing of Philippine arrival quarantine restrictions and reopening of borders for tourists this month.
The IATF has recently revised the entry and quarantine protocols for international arrivals to the Philippines, temporarily suspending its country classification restrictions (listing countries under green, yellow, and red categories). Based on these guidelines, fully vaccinated passengers from visa-free countries can visit them for business or leisure purposes and are no longer required to observe mandatory facility-based quarantine upon arrival, as long as they present a negative RT-PCR test result taken 48 hours before arrival.
“This development will benefit the tourism industry across the Philippines as we welcome vaccinated travelers from around the world to explore our beautiful shores. We laud the Department of Tourism for actively pushing for our country to start accepting foreign tourists again, and we will support this initiative however we can,” said Xander Lao, Chief Commercial Officer at Cebu Pacific.
Cebu Pacific also plans to resume its flights to other international routes from Manila next month, specifically Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) on March 1 (Tuesday); and Taipei on March 2 (Saturday).
The UAE authorities have also lifted capacity restrictions on the Dubai-Manila route, enabling CEB to resume its daily flight frequency beginning March 1 (Tuesday).
“We continue to bank on the rebound of domestic tourism this year while remaining agile in addressing the demand for international travel as well. We are encouraged that with these positive indicators, more OFWs can also fly back home easily and safely to their families,” added Lao.
Passengers are reminded to ensure their requirements are complete before the day of travel. Everyjuan is advised to input their own contact details on their bookings to ensure timely receipt of important reminders, flight changes, and the like.
CEB will provide updates on travel requirements via bit.ly/CEBTravelRequirements as soon as the airline receives them.
CEB operates with a 100% vaccinated active flying crew. Our pilots and cabin crew undergo regular antigen testing (Test Before Duty) before they are assigned to operate flights. CEB has already started its booster program to ensure the continued safety of its employees and passengers.
The airline has also been rated 7/7 stars by airlineratings.com for its COVID-19 compliance as it continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety
Cebu Pacific resumption of flights to Bangkok, Fukuoka, and Jakarta
in accordance with global aviation standards. This includes daily extensive cleaning and disinfection protocols for all aircraft and facilities and contactless flight procedures. Its jet fleet is equipped with hospital-grade HEPA (High-Efficiency Particular Arrestor) air filters, keeping viruses at bay.
CEB operates the widest domestic network in the Philippines, covering 31 destinations and its 15 international destinations. It has a 74-strong fleet, one of the youngest globally, which includes two (2) dedicated ATR freighters.
Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – Quest Hotel, Tagaytay offers guests a new way to experience Tagaytay and rediscover its unique charm with its Live, Love, Explore package as part of Chroma Hospitality’s Live Love Local campaign.
Guests of all ages can enjoy a one-of-a-kind Tagaytay experience and explore Tagaytay’s freshest produce with an exclusive guided tour at Gourmet Farms; welcome treats from Rowena’s Pasalubong and an overnight stay for two at a cozy and well-appointed room with a view.
The 164-room, three-star hotel is the newest accommodation in Tagaytay City, where all types of travelers can enjoy the cool breeze and its convenient location right across the Fora Mall at the rotunda.
Rowena’s Pasalubong Tagaytay
Quest Hotels and Resorts is managed by Chroma Hospitality Inc. and owned by Filinvest Hospitality Corporation and Archipelago Hotels. It also runs hotels in Cebu and Clark and soon in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.
Quest Hotel Tagaytay
The group, which also runs the upscale Crimson brand in Alabang and Mactan, is known for combining the value of premium budget hotels with inspiring home-grown designs, creative hospitality concepts, and state-of-the-art technology for stylish and comfortable travel.
For inquiries and bookings, log on to questhotelsandresorts.com/Tagaytay, email tagaytayrsvn1@questhotelsandresorts.com, or message 0919-0618210.
Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – Get a headstart on your summer preparations by scoring a new smartphone with powerful camera features to capture #EveryEmotionInPortrait at a steal price!
OPPO Reno6 Z gives perfect gaming experience
Global smart device brand OPPO announces a special promo with mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc (Smart), offering the latest Reno6 Z 5G through Smart Prepaid for Php17,999, slashed off from its original price of Php19,999.
From now until March 31, 2022, get this exclusive discount when you purchase Smart-exclusive Reno6 Z 5G units through selected OPPO concept stores and partner dealers.
OPPO Reno6 Z Flash Charge
The OPPO Reno6 Z 5G is a content creator’s dream thanks to its 64MP Triple Camera Setup that helps capture your true emotions and best moments under the sun. It also has features like Bokeh Flare Portrait, AI Palette, and AI Highlight Video, which automatically enhances your photos.
OPPO Reno6 Z Product Photo
You can unwind by streaming a new show or playing your favorite mobile game with its wide AMOLED display from anywhere. The Reno6 Z5G also has a 4,310 mAh battery and a 30W charger which powers up the phone to 100% in 52 minutes.
Enjoy all your favorite online activities with the OPPO Reno6 Z 5G powered by Smart, the country’s fastest 5G mobile network according to Ookla, the global leader in mobile and broadband intelligence.
OPPO Reno 6 Z 5G Smart Kit
Experience and capture every emotion in portrait with the OPPO Reno6 Z 5G, available through Smart Prepaid and TNT where you can get the P2,000 off, up to 10GB free data plus calls and texts. Meanwhile, you can also avail of OPPO Reno6 Z 5G via Smart Signature M for postpaid. For more information, visit the OPPO Philippines Facebook page or Smart website.
DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-136497 Series of 2022
Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – DoubleDragon Corporation’s (“DoubleDragon”) offshore subsidiary, Hotel 101 Worldwide Private Limited “(Hotel 101 Worldwide)”, completed the change of its principal activities on Singapore’s Regulatory Authority. The amendment in Singapore’s Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) is covered by Receipt # ACRA220211134043 dated February 11, 2022.
The change and update of its primary and secondary activities now allow it to conduct acquisition, investment, and development of real estate properties and ventures, as well as to conduct real estate sales, marketing, operations, and management of the Group’s projects outside the Philippines. A step forward towards DoubleDragon’s aspiration to export the Hotel 101 brand and concept globally.
Hotel 101 Manila
The expansion may be directly by Hotel 101 Worldwide or through partnerships and joint ventures with other property developers in other countries. Given this development and the latest easing of restrictions of the Covid19 pandemic, DoubleDragon expects to acquire its first property for development in Asia by the second quarter of 2022, and launch by the second half of 2022. DoubleDragon has shortlisted sites where Hotel 101 is expected to be patronized by local and foreign tourists as well as Filipinos who visit that country for business or leisure. The first Hotel 101 project outside the Philippines is also expected to give Filipino investors a chance to make their first offshore real estate investment with affordable payment terms for their hybrid condotel Hotel 101 investment.
The concept patent of Hotel 101’s pioneering condotel concept has already been filed. The Hotel 101 trademark and domains have been secured in various countries of the world. The Hotel 101 concept is a hybrid condotel model where all the units or “Happy Rooms” as they are called are identical, thus, allowing all unit owners to have an equal share in the revenues of the Hotel 101 property. The Hotel 101 App for both Apple iOS and Android will be launching soon.
The unique Hotel 101 asset light concept allows DoubleDragon to generate revenue and income twice, first from the pre-selling of the Happy Rooms, then second after the project is constructed it generates long term recurring revenue from hotel operations.
Hotel 101-Manila in full year 2021 achieved an average occupancy rate of 96.03%. “The development and completion of these new Hotel 101 projects will be perfectly timed with the full recovery and anticipated rebound in the tourism industry. We believe in a couple of years, all this pent up demand for tourism will cause an unseen surge in demand for hotel rooms across the globe,” said DoubleDragon Chief Investment Officer Hannah Yulo-Luccini.
“We have observed that the US has Holiday Inn, Europe has Novotel, China has Jinjiang Inn, Malaysia has Shangri-La, Thailand has Dusit, Japan has Nikko, Singapore has Raffles, but the Philippines has none. We have also observed that in other countries, many have a strong mindset of gearing their businesses for export. Pursuing business ventures, brands and concepts that are geared to be exported to the 195 countries globally is truly admirable,” said DoubleDragon Chairman Edgar “Iniap” Sia II.
Hotel 101 Manila Happy Room
Message from the Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary Hon. Berna Romulo-Puyat;
“The Department of Tourism lauds the efforts of DoubleDragon Corporation to establish its Hotel101 concept as the very first homegrown global hotel chain. With two icons of Philippine entrepreneurship, namely Edgar “Injap” Sia, founder of Mang Insal, and Tony Tan Caktiong, the founder of Jollibee, at the helm, Hotel101 has the potential to manifest and promote the unique and exceptional Filipino brand of service as the chain expands all over the world” “By doing so, Hotel101 could very well serve as an international goodwill ambassador of the hospitality industry for the Philippines, the same way Jollibee outlets that have made their mark for food in various corners of the globe,” added Philippine Department of Tourism Secretary Hon. Berna Romulo-Puyat.
“Filipinos are admired all over the world for being highly hospitable people. In fact, many hotels around
the world are ably handled by Filipino talents.
With that in mind, DoubleDragon believes it’s about time that a Filipino company pursues that aspiration of creating a homegrown Filipino hotel brand that is recognized globally and will eventually bring honor and pride to Filipinos.
We are grateful to the DoubleDragon team who have, over the years, been able to put together, polish, and test the unique and pioneering Hotel 101 hybrid condotel concept and most especially put to life an exportable concept for the world. We are also glad to have been able to file the Hotel 101 concept patent early on,” said DoubleDragon Chairman Edgar “Injap” Sia II.
DoubleDragon is currently in 4 diversified sectors (1) Provincial Retail leasing, with its chain of CityMalls, (2) Office leasing with DD Meridian Park complex in Bay Area, Pasay City, the 42-storey Jollibee Tower in Ortigas CBD, and The Skysuites Corporate Tower in Quezon City, (3) Hotels with the chain of Hotel 101 and Jinjiang Inn Philippines as well as the currently under construction Ascott in DD Meridian Park, and (4) Industrial Warehouse leasing with the chain of CentralHub warehouse complexes, a joint venture with Jollibee Foods Corporation that the DoubleDragon plans to transform into a REIT by the second half of 2022. DoubleDragon’s pipeline of leasable space also includes Robinsons DoubleDragon Square office towers which is a joint venture between Robinsons Land and DoubleDragon located in Libis, Quezon City.
HOTEL 101 GROUP
DoubleDragon currently has 6,165 hotel rooms in its nationwide portfolio that are operational, under construction, and about to launch hotel projects across its brands Hotel 101, Jinjiang Inn Philippines, and Ascott-DD Meridian Park.
“The aspiration to expand Hotel 101 outside the Philippines has been there since before but was further delayed by the Covid 19 pandemic. Now that the borders have opened up and the Covid19 pandemic looks bound to end, we believe the elements are already there to finally put forward this aspiration of DoubleDragon to create a global Filipino hotel brand that every Filipino can be proud of, just like the pride that we feel when we see a Jollibee store in other parts of the world,” added Mr. Sia.
“Our whole team will continue to be relentless in our pursuit to make all the business units and brands under DoubleDragon and MerryMart a well-loved household brand serving well all its stakeholders and for both to become a major contributor to our economy in the years to come,” said Mr. Sia in closing.
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