TRAVEL WORLD: 02/09/22

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Catch 2022’s hottest and newest shows only on HBO GO — powered by PLDT Home! February 09, 2022 at 02:18AM

Out of Town Blog
Catch 2022’s hottest and newest shows only on HBO GO — powered by PLDT Home!

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – Seamlessly watch Harry Potter 20th Anniversary, Peacemaker, Euphoria, and more binge-worthy offerings everyone is raving about around the world!

February may be a short month, but there’s no shortage of amazing shows on HBO GO including favorites as well as new films and series. So, if you’re in the mood for a trip down a magical memory lane, hankering for good ‘ol superhero action, or just thirsty for scandalous drama, HBO GO has got you covered with its massive library of content available to stream — anytime and anywhere!

What’s more, PLDT Home allows its subscribers to enjoy top-notch and seamless entertainment experience at home with HBO GO — at only P149 a month or P299 for three months. With the Holideals promo extended until February 28, 2022, subscribers can now avail a four-month subscription for P379 (P94/month)! The best part? HBO GO subscriptions are charged straight to your PLDT Home bill — guaranteeing convenient, no-fuss payments!

Make your breaks and days off worthwhile by treating yourself to a smorgasbord of fresh entertainment. Enjoy February right with HBO GO and PLDT Home!

Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts

It’s been 20 years since tweens, teens, and young adults first got through to Platform 9 3/4. Yes, it’s that long since the first installment of the film franchise enchanted a generation, which is still waiting for owls to deliver their acceptance letters. Two decades following the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and a decade after the release of the last film of the franchise Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, relive the magic of Hogwarts with its most beloved characters in Casey Patterson’s 2-hour special!

Watch Harry Potter‘s spellbinding cast and crew look back on the 11 years they spent crafting all eight films and chat about how each production became so magical. Go on a nostalgic journey within the halls of Hogwarts as Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), and more share their once-in-a-lifetime experiences creating one of the most popular film franchises in the world. Catch juicy deets like Watson crushing hard on Tom Felton (Lucius Malfoy) and production shenanigans revealed for the first time that will amaze Potterheads and casual streamers alike!

Peacemaker

Superheroes are relied on to keep the peace. For DC’s Peacemaker who takes his job so seriously, he is not averse to using force to achieve it.

A spin-off of The Suicide Squad (2021), Peacemaker follows the titular “super”hero (John Cena) recovering after the near-fatal gunshot wound he suffered at the end of the film. Proving that fighting for peace is a mission that’s never done, Peacemaker brushes off his injuries and takes on a new project with a new team of misfits including Leota Adebayo (Danielle Brooks), Vigilante (Freddie Stroma), and Clemson Murn (Chukwudi Iwuji). Also in the cast are Steve Agee, Jennifer Holland, and the great Viola Davis in a cameo as the terrifyingly comic-accurate Amanda Waller.

Euphoria Season 2

When Euphoria dropped in 2019, it easily became a smash hit. It tackled the very present issues of drug abuse, sex, and trauma plaguing today’s youth starring a talented cast led by Zendaya — all while serving up eye-catching fashion. The first season ended on a cliffhanger that detailed the complications of drug dependence. It showed how getting clean is very much an uphill battle, as Rue (Zendaya) relapsed after separating from girlfriend Jules (Hunter Schafer).

Euphoria Season 2 zooms in on this: How everyone is dealing with their own traumas and problems. Incredibly gripping arcs and binge-worthy episodes ahead!

Batman: The Long Halloween Part One

It’s Halloween in the crime-riddled city of Gotham. Vigilante superhero Batman is in pursuit of a serial murderer with a penchant for, well, killing during holidays!

In the first part of this animated series based on DC Comics’ 1996 limited, Jeph Loeb-penned series of the same name, Batman (voiced by Jensen Ackles) finds company in police officer James Gordon (Billy Burke), district attorney Harvey Dent (Josh Duhamel), and Catwoman (the late Naya Rivera’s last role before her passing in July 2020). In hunting for the killer, Batman discovers how everything is connected all while confronting his own ghosts.

Directed by Chris Palmer, the 42nd film of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies is set in the same timeline as Superman: Man of Tomorrow and Justice Society: World War II.

The Gilded Age

It’s the 1880s and the Big Apple is bustling — from old money, families lording over society to the nouveau riche keen to muscle in by building palatial mansions across Manhattan. Then there are the poor immigrants, people of color, all of whom are trying to survive and maybe climb up the social ladder if luck would have it.

Thus sets the stage of The Gilded Age, Julian Fellowes’ love letter to old America. Starring Christine Baranski as society matron Agnes van Rhijn head to head with Carrie Coon as the wife of a robber baron, Bertha Russel, the series lets you into a New York long gone. Epic. Dramatic.

Raised by Wolves Season 2

In the first season of Raised by Wolves, viewers were treated to otherworldly imagery of the planet Kepler-22b — where androids (played by Amanda Collin and Abubakar Salim) raised human children following the Earth’s destruction. The children grew up as atheists, only for a colony of religious human survivors landing on their planet to spark conflict.

The first season ended with more questions than answers as the simple premise felt like the tip of an iceberg, where everything might just be connected. Off of an Emmy nomination, the second season now seeks to unravel the mysteries of this sci-fi masterpiece by showrunner Aaron Guzikowski and Ridley Scott (executive producer-director).

Catch all of these and more only on HBO GO — by availing the HBO GO 4-month pass powered by PLDT Home! The HBO GO 4-month pass promo is open to all PLDT Home Fiber & DSL Subscribers. To avail of the HBO GO 4-month pass promo, visit pldthome.com/hbogo.

Allowing Filipinos to live their best life at home through experiences and services like HBO GO, 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.

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Original article: Catch 2022’s hottest and newest shows only on HBO GO — powered by PLDT Home!

Catch 2022’s hottest and newest shows only on HBO GO — powered by PLDT Home!
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog

Six Unmissable Events in 2022 From Around the World February 08, 2022 at 10:37PM

Out of Town Blog
Six Unmissable Events in 2022 From Around the World

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – The New Year has come and with it, more hope for globetrotters everywhere that this is the year they can tick off their travel bucket list. As borders slowly open up and travel becomes a reality, it’s finally a good time to start thinking about future travel plans and get excited about upcoming trips. For those looking for ideas of combining travel with big events to make their trip even more memorable, look no further.

Agoda highlights six events from around the world to give travelers ideas and inspiration for a memorable trip in 2022, whichever corner of the world you want to discover. From north to south and east to west, and everywhere in between, there are memorable events happening this year that will bring travel back with a bang.

Wintry Wanderers – Winterlude 2022 – Canada

Ready to chill? Indulge in chilly winds, fluffy snow, and beautiful ice sculptures at the magical winter festival in Ottawa, Canada. There are several indoor and outdoor activities for people of all ages to enjoy, highlighting Canada’s cultural, artistic, and culinary diversity. The best thing? Most of them are free. For thrill-seekers, take a skate on the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The festival is usually organized during the first three weekends of February each year. This year the event will take place in the urban Ottawa-Gatineau region from 4-21 February. Get your skates on if you want to be there!

Technology Enthusiasts – Expo 2020 Dubai – United Arab Emirates

This spectacular major global event is a showcase of innovations, technologies, arts, and cultures from organizations and 192 participating nations. The whole site was constructed in the desert under the ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ theme, and divided into three districts: Mobility, Opportunity, and Sustainability. There are countless activities to do and attractions to marvel at, including ‘The Future of Food: Epochal Banquet’ – a culinary voyage as imagined in the year 2320, inspired by AI, microbiology, and space. Don’t miss ‘Kaleidoscope’ – an immersive night-time extravaganza that combines lighting effects and visual arts. Expo 2020 exposition runs until 31 March 2022.

Nature Lovers – Floriade Expo 2022 – The Netherlands

If you are looking for ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle, this decennial international horticulture exhibition is an interesting event to learn more about sustainability. There are over 40 inspiring pavilions where countries showcase their latest green innovations. During the entire opening period from spring to early autumn, you can taste and smell the beautiful plants and flowers, with colorful music and art of the participating countries complementing the experience. Want a little more excitement? Try taking a ride in the cable car over the park. After the exposition, which runs from 14 April to 9 October, the site in Almere will be redeveloped into a green, healthy urban district called ‘Hortus’.

Time Travelers – Inti Raymi 2022 – Peru

Be amazed by the grand celebration of ‘Inti’, the most powerful sun god of the Inca civilization. The event, in conjunction with the South American winter solstice, involves beautiful costumes, sumptuous feasts, an elaborate reenactment of ancient Inca rituals meant to honor Inti, culminating in a royal procession to an ancient fortress. Travelers will be able to experience indigenous cultures from before Western influences came to South America. For a change of scene, there are ruins, farms, and trails scattered in the surrounding area. This year the traditional religious festival will be celebrated in Cusco from 21-24 June.

Musically-moved – MassKara Festival – The Philippines

Move to the rhythm of joyful music and kick it with the locals at the liveliest street party in Bacolod, known as the City of Smiles. One highlight activity is an epic dancing competition where dancers in colorful costumes and iconic smiling masks perform their impressive dance moves. The masks are a declaration from the locals that they will survive any challenges they face. After dancing, grab a bite and try the city’s famous grilled chicken dish called ‘Chicken Inasal”. Other fun activities include the MassKara Beauty Queen pageant, night parties, sports, and much more. This year the event will last for the whole month of October, with the main activities taking place on the 24th.

Wonder Seekers – Official Opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum – Egypt

Although currently delayed by the pandemic, this magnificent crown jewel of Egypt, located on the Giza Plateau, is set to be the largest, most modern, and most renowned museum complex in the world when completed. As building cost now exceeds $1 billion, the highly anticipated grand opening will surely be an event to remember. Slated to be opened in November, the museum will house about 100,000 ancient artifacts—around 20,000 of those have never been publicly displayed before—and the largest collection of Tutankhamun relics. At the entrance, you will be welcomed by a colossal statue of Ramses II, the third king of the 19th dynasty of ancient Egypt.

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Original article: Six Unmissable Events in 2022 From Around the World

Six Unmissable Events in 2022 From Around the World
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog

All systems go for PHL reopening for international travel- Puyat February 08, 2022 at 07:12PM

Out of Town Blog
All systems go for PHL reopening for international travel- Puyat

Team Out of Town Blog Hub (Outoftownblog.com) – Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said Tuesday that the Philippines is ready for the reopening of international travel beginning Wednesday (February 10) to fully vaccinated tourists from visa-free countries.

“These are exciting times for Philippine tourism. We have been ready since 2020; with the significant dwindling of new COVID cases, the Department of Tourism (DOT) can now push forward with our plans and programs for the full recovery of the Philippine Tourism industry. Those among you who follow developments in the travel and tourism sector know that tomorrow, February 10, we will begin the next chapter in the road to recovery,” the tourism chief said as she led the Kapihan Sa Manila Bay virtual forum along with other key tourism stakeholders on Tuesday.

The Philippines reopening for international travel

This development came after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) recently approved the DOT’s proposal to allow the entry of fully vaccinated tourists coming from the 157 countries that have visa-free arrangements with the Philippines. The task force also scrapped the color-coded classification system of countries based on their COVID-19 status to facilitate the recovery of the heavily impacted industry.

“Allowing the entry of these international travelers is a welcome development that will lead to growth in the travel and tourism sector, the restoration of lost jobs, the generation of much-needed revenue for tourism-related enterprises, tourism communities, and the government, plus many other benefits that will be felt by the entire tourism value chain,” she said.

The tourism chief noted that fully vaccinated Filipino nationals and foreign tourists are exempt from the 5,000-passenger arrivals cap set by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its One-Stop-Shop (OSS).

Meanwhile, according to the DOT- National Capital Region (DOT-NCR), there is 68 percent or 37,348 occupied rooms in Quarantine facilities consisting of 418 hotels operating with 55,150 rooms, as of February 7. These hotels cater to the unvaccinated travelers completing their quarantine period, long staying guests, OFWs ready for departure, and BPO employees.

As many as 76 quarantine hotels have submitted a Letter of Intent to shift to regular hotels and cater to leisure tourists.

“I am excited about the prospects of a healthy rebound in tourism for a good number of reasons: the high vaccination rate among our tourism workers, the public health safeguards and guidelines that have been put in place, and the number of new tourism circuits that have been developed,” she said.

As of February 4, 92. 51 percent or 317, 892 out of 349, 534 tourism workers have received their COVID-19 jabs. She said tourism destinations with 100 percent vaccination rate among its tourism workers include: Baguio City; Aurora; Palawan towns Coron, El Nido and San Vicente ; Puerto Princesa City, and Camiguin island. ACCORDING TO PUYAT, the DOT offices are also facilitating the roll-out of booster shots for eligible tourism workers.

The NCR registered the highest coverage for tourism workers on a regional basis with 99.91 percent.

Puyat also announced that she will also attend the roll-out of the Resbakuna KIDS Boracay Island on Friday (February 11) with members of the IATF-EID.

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Read: The Farm Reopens Health Care Services

Original article: All systems go for PHL reopening for international travel- Puyat

All systems go for PHL reopening for international travel- Puyat
Melo Villareal
Out of Town Blog