Budget Hotel NIDA Provides Affordable Option for TravelBook.ph Customers

Press Update:

TravelBook.ph, the leading hotel booking website in the Philippines, has officially partnered with NIDA rooms, one of the biggest budget hotel operation networks in South East Asia, as part of the company’s goal to provide quality and affordable rooms for every traveler.

Travelbook.ph is the first Online Travel Agent (OTA) that established a partnership with NIDA Rooms.

Visitors to TravelBook.ph or users of the mobile app can now browse for NIDA rooms at the country’s key destinations including Boracay, Cebu, Davao, and Manila. As the only hotel booking website that sells NIDA rooms in the Philippines, Travelbook.ph ensures that more travelers get quality rooms at very affordable rates with more than 200 properties available and ready for booking.

Originally established in Indonesia, NIDA rooms is a growing branded hotel room network that partners with budget hotels and manages low-occupancy vacant rooms to help these hotels sell accommodations in a much lower cost. These rooms then are branded as NIDA rooms, which come with clean and comfortable beds as well as amenity kits that include standard conveniences like towels and basic toiletries. To date, NIDA rooms is the first and only Virtual Hotel Operator (VHO) in the Philippines with over 50 partner hotels nationwide.

While travelers can reserve hotel accommodations directly with NIDA rooms, Travelbook.ph assures a better deal as your bookings come with exclusive reward points, where one point is equivalent to PHP 1.00. You can then use these reward points to lower the cost of your future bookings.

Find the best NIDA room near you by visiting the TravelBook.ph website or checking out the mobile app on Android or iOS.

TravelBook.ph Selects P100 Hotel Stay for Summer Sale 2017

Travelling around the Philippines need not be unreachable especially with the average Filipino employee's income.    Pinoys should be able to travel and experience the beautiful spots around  their own country without going broke. Not anymore with TravelBook.ph, the country's biggest online travel agent.   You get better deals and guarranteed arrangements even without a credit card for reservation.  Pay at hotel or over the counter: banks, 7-Eleven, department stores, and payment centers.What better time to try it out than this coming summer break.

CEO Hiroyuki Murrai

Summertime is the best time for families to  travel around the Philippines, as this is the longest vacation period for the children.  As school closes by third week of March, parents have already planned where to go for the summer.  For those who haven't made plans yet, now is your chance to get better travel deals with TravelBook.ph.  On top of the convenience of booking online,  TravelBook.ph offers exclusive reward points: Customers automatically earn back 5% of the total amount they spend as reward points which they can use to get discounts on future bookings (1 point is equivalent to Php 1.00)

TravelBook.ph offers two exciting promos for its 2017 Super Summer Sale.
First, one can avail of massive discounts of 50% off and special stays worth only P100 on select hotels and resorts by booking through the TravelBook.ph website or mobile app.  Second, the Konnichi-WOW monthly raffle offers guests, who have made online bookings from March 11 to March 31, 2017, a chance to win a trip to Japan for two with full accommodations and pocket money.  A winner will be drawn every month until May.

Customers can use TravelBook.ph's convenient mobile app to book accommodations on the go, available on the App store and Google Play.

A proud Philippine-based company with 24/7 support, TravelBook.ph has a Filipino call center ready to assist customers anytime.  They can be reached through these numbers:  Landline- +632 662 1111, Globe- +63 917 850 9029, Sun-        +63 925 887 2835, Smart- +63 998 961 3012.
TravelBook.ph will also be releasing their self-titled magazine, a free publication that will feature the country's most scenic travel spots, local secrets and tips.  In addition, the company is committed to providing excellent service and operations to make travelling accessible, inclusive, and affordable for all.

Go to TravelBook.ph website at www.travelbook.ph or download the mobile app on iOS and android platforms to make your dream destinations come true.

TravelBook.ph started in 2010 as an online catalog for local accommodations before it grew into an online hotel booking service in 2013.  In its first few months, the company has been averaging 185,000 unique visitors monthly and with a peak of 290,000.  Today, almost 3,000 local hotels and resorts are listed on their website, providing more opportunities for Filipino wanderers to travel around the country and support local tourism.

The Latest Hot Shots This Summer . . . X-T20 and James Reid

As we prepare for the hot season with our swimming gear and cool outfits,  it's time to make some memories with the hottest cams . . . and with possibly a hotttie too.  But even if you are on solo flight, having a hot mirrorless camera to shoot some scenes with friends is just as fun.

FUJIFILM Philippines launched its newest mirrorless innovation, the X-T20 last March 11, 2017 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati with James Reid as the face of the camera-loving millennials.

“James Reid embodies what the FUJIFILM brand is all about --- young, current, and innovative,” says Takuya Maeda, Fujifilm Philippines’ Division Head for Electronic Imaging and Photo Imaging.

So what makes the X-T20 so special? Handy and powerful, the X-T20 is equipped with a 24.3 MP X-Trans CMOS III *1 sensor and X-Processor Pro image-processing engine. It is able to track moving objects with ease because of updated sensors, processors, and redone AF algorithm. The X-T20’s touchscreen LCD monitor can be used to see before you shoot photos and videos, even at 4K quality to make those professional looking movies together with FUJIFILM’s proprietary Film Simulation modes.

Available in silver and black, the X-T20 is perfect for budding directors with its phenomenal autofocus speed. You can use 24 high-performance FUJINON X-mount lenses for ultimate versatility. You can also shoot in different conditions and still expect superb image quality.

So if you simply want to conduct interviews and shoot scenes, you can take advantage of the X-T20’s output video which can be recorded to an external monitor via the HDMI port and input audio from an external microphone.  Easy and convenient to use for anyone who loves taking photos and shooting scenes, which is actually most of us.  Let's make the most of the hot summer season with great colorful photos and videos . . . with or without a hottie.

AirAsia Big Seat Sale P599 starting April 2

Press Announcement::

 CLARK, PAMPANGA, 1 April 2013 – Book your trips for 2014 now and enjoy early bird savings through Philippines’ AirAsia’s big seat sale promo starting today (April 2). All-in promo fares from as low as P599 only for international and domestic destinations are available for booking via www.airasia.com  from 2 to 7 April 2013, and the travel period will be from 1 January to 30 April 2014.

 

“AirAsia continues to change the landscape of low-cost travel. With our big sale promo, planning a trip is easiest with our all-in fares and rates clearly laid out for our guests, so grab those promo seats now and enjoy huge savings,”  Freddy Herrera, AirAsia Inc. Commercial Head, said.

For payment convenience, AirAsia’s payment partner service provides guest the option to pay for promo seats booked online in cash through any 7-Eleven and Bayad Center outlets nationwide.

“AirAsia believes in providing convenient service to make traveling easier and more affordable for our guests. In the coming weeks, we are expanding our cash payment partner service to include Cebuana Lhuillier and other popular outlets and banks so that more and more people will have access to our promo fares and bargain deals,” Herrera added. 

The promotional seats are also available for booking via AirAsia’s mobile booking platforms through WAP enabled phones at mobile.airasia.com and AirAsia apps on iPhone and Android devices. Philippines’ AirAsia call center also accepts booking of regular fares via +632 742.27.47 from Monday to Sunday at 0800hrs to 2100hrs.

“There are exciting summer vacation activities and places close to home and around Asean cities waiting to be discovered.  With our big sale promo and AirAsia’s awesome network of 186 routes with 85 destinations throughout 18 countries, you get a head start on your barkada and family summer getaways,” Herrera said.

Never miss out on updates about our bargain deals by following AirAsia via Facebook (facebook/airasiaphilippines) and Twitter (twitter.com/airasiaph).

Philippines' AirAsia is a low cost carrier operating from Clark Philippines. It is a joint venture amongst Antonio O. Cojuangco, Michael L. Romero, Marianne Hontiveros, and AirAsia Investment Ltd. It started operations only in 2012 with two brand new Airbus A320s, operating routes from Clark to Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taipei, Kalibo, and Davao.

Time for your Philippine Adventure . . . More Fun with Great Bargains!

Press Release: PHILTOA Launches the Country's Largest Tourism Expo

If you've ever thought about taking a vacation and exploring the Philippines, now would be the best time to turn that idea into a reality.

It doesn't matter if you want a quiet retreat or a thrilling adventure; whether you're planning your honeymoon or just going out with friends, there is no shortage of options in the upcoming 23^rd Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) this coming August 10 to 12 at the SMX convention Center in Pasay City.

Now bigger than ever, the Philippine Travel Mart (PTM)—the longest-running travel trade show in the country—is set to showcase the Philippines in the upcoming Sale ng Bayan. Featuring heritage and eco-adventure tours from all over the Philippines, the 23^rd PTM is the result of various familiarization and exploration trips that bring new tour products into the market every year.

The annual event is organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), in cooperation with the Department of Tourism. With almost 250 exhibitors presenting their tour products through colorful pavilions and booths, the Sale ng Bayan will also launch “Philippine Island Fun Caravan Getaways”—joint group tours that cover various locations from all over the Philippines. These 4-day to 8-day tours pool local, balikbayan, and foreign tourists together to avail of special packages that would have otherwise cost a lot of money if done individually. Featured tours include the Batanes-Cagayan Northern-scape, Cordilleras Cultural Weekend Warrior Caravan, Central Visayas Backdoor tour, and the Tuna-T'Boli trail, among others.

“It has always been our goal to outdo ourselves every year,” says PHILTOA President Cesar Cruz, who is also the chairman of the upcoming PTM. “Innovation is key. We've been working closely with tour operators and government agencies alike to offer newer, better products yearly.”

Like most trade shows, the PTM will still feature classic destinations such as Bohol, Boracay, Cebu and Palawan. Also not to be missed are the individual tour packages that have anywhere from 70 to 80% discounted prices, such as “Kulinarya” (Binondo food trip for as low as P648), “Health and Wellness” (Tagaytay Wellness trip for as low as P2900), “Festivals” (Panagbenga trip for as low as P5500), and many more. Aside from the endless array of tour products in the country's biggest gathering of tour operators, the PTM will also provide informative seminars for students dubbed as Byahe-info. Also scheduled is an Eco Chorale Competition, a Folk Dance Competition, and even a Tourism Quiz Bee—ensuring educational activities for everyone in attendance.

It's more fun in the Philippines!

 ###

The Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), Inc. is a non-stock and non-profit organization of tour operators and allied members actively involved in the advocacy of responsible tourism. The membership includes travel agencies, hotel, resorts, transportation companies, handicraft stores, and other tourism-oriented establishments and associations. For more information on the 23rd Philippine Travel Mart, visit <www.philtoa.org>.

Press Release: Tab and Travel in Style

Dress-up your tablet with fashionable iCoat-Travel case for iPad2 and iPad3  from Ozaki. Available in various designs featuring famous landmarks from Rome, London, Rio de Janeiro, Beijing, Tokyo, New York, Dubai, Taipei, Sydney, and Paris, iCoat-Travel allows you to fold the case in different ways for multi-angle versatility and comes with a detachable stylus holder. For added protection of your tablet, iCoat-Travel comes with an elastic band to securely seal the flop cover. Planning a trip abroad? Set your mood with Ozaki i-Coat Travel . SRP 3,295

iCoat-Travel

•    2012 Red Dot design award winner 

•    10-country iconic design with story of travel for tourists around the world

•    Front and back protection for iPad2 and new iPad

•    Slim size with both portrait and landscape view

•    Adjustable Multi-angle viewing mode for landscape view

•    Stand steadily even when play touch screen game

•    With detachable Stylus holder

•    Support iPad auto On/Off functions

BORACAY: A Feast for the Eyes (Circa 2004)

“I shall return” was what I said to myself as my boat pulled away from the shore of the beach famed for its white, powdery sand. My fourth trip to Boracay was no less fascinating than my three previous visits in March 1994, October 1998 and May 2001. Any normal beach lover like myself would fall in love instantly at the sight of this dream-like beach. It’s like your screensaver or post card coming to life. If I had my way, I would go to Boracay every three months because I just can’t get enough of the place. Unfortunately, I have neither the luxury of time nor money to do so.

My adventure began with the friendly exchange of greetings with the airline employees as I checked in my black, compact luggage (which contained only the basic essentials such as bathing suit, shorts, shirts, sunblock and mojos). As usual, I would request for a window seat to savor the majestic view of the land and body of water below from a bird’s eye view. As I stepped into the plane, I felt sheepish when I realized that most of the seats in this 19-seater aircraft were located near the window; and the middle seats had easy access to both window views. After I buckled my seatbelt, I said a short prayer --- a standard procedure of mine before a flight (especially when riding a small plane).

The weather cooperated without a grumble so there wasn’t much turbulence to and from Boracay unlike the stormy week before. I prayed that that the storm would end before my trip the following week as I booked my tickets and accommodation. I guess Somebody up there really cares that I have a great time as the sun shone on my weekend, well most of the time anyway. After alighting from the plane and going through the inspection line, the guests proceeded to a waiting bus that took us from the airport to the pier. From here, we took a short, exhilarating boat ride to our destination. I was surprised to find that I was the only guest in my resort this weekend so I had the boat trip to myself. My rare VIP-feeling moment . . . and it took more than 15 minutes too.

Land Ho!
Land ho! Thank goodness I was in the appropriate Boracay attire of shorts, t-shirt and mojos aware that I would be getting wet until mid-thighs on reaching ashore. My past experience of soaked jeans and rubbershoes, which were practically useless during my stay, has prepared me to dress and pack right. I felt the excitement rise inside me as I set foot on Boracay’s powdery shores. The view of the horizon with sails floating on the deep blue water and the high-noon sun making the colors so vivid was truly a mesmerizing sight. After I hurriedly unpacked and changed to my swimsuit, I went straight to the lounge chairs, just to take in the visual treat before me. These were the times I felt so thankful to be alive and enjoy God’s blessings.

Boracay Trademark
Time and again, visitors to this lovely paradise have written about its awesome allure which is not at all an exaggeration. The descriptive phrase of “crystal clear water and powdery soft beach sand” instantly brings images of Boracay to mind. It is a Boracay trademark, an apt description of the beach and not mere ad copy. Unfortunately, after experiencing Boracay, all other beaches fall short of expectation for me.
I can’t imaging anyone not ever experiencing Boracay . . . it is simply a must. What makes Boracay more special than the others for me? Well, aside from the glorious sunset and sunrise, its quaint village-like setting makes me feel safe and comfortable even if I decide to travel alone. Boracay’s incomparable edge, in my opinion, is its unique combination of: natural beauty, beach and shops accessibility through walking, interactive environment, and reasonable rates. It is one big party place where you will bump into all kinds of people, unlike exclusive resorts that encourage only a certain crowd and discourages friendly interaction with other guests.

The Boracay Character
I have observed major changes since my last visit, such as infrastructure improvements. Some resorts now have as high as four-story buildings as more and more travelers are expected. I don’t believe that it has marred the beauty of Boracay one bit. The entry of internet and computer technology even encourages a longer stay as you can do some work while enjoying the beach. The more adventurous souls can enjoy the many activities offered at Boracay such as boating, snorkeling, sailing, rock climbing, trekking, parasailing, horseback riding and more. It would not be fair to compare Boracay with the serenity and privacy of other beach resorts because Boracay has a character of its own. Take it or leave it.

You’ll love the Nightlife
The Boracay nightlife is another story. After sunset, the romantic hues from the candle lit dining tables and the jazzy lights from the row of bars along the shore brings the night to life. The display of colors amidst the starry night and the latin and reggae music against the rhythmic sounds from the ocean is an experience that can’t be described with words alone. I wish I had more guts to sit in a bar and have a drink by myself but I guess I’m not the type.

I prefer the laid back activities than the adventurous ones like parasailing, scuba diving or riding the banana boat. Strolling by the beach under a starry night or watching the sunset while having a fruitshake with a friend may be the pinnacle of cornyness but these are my favorite activities in Boracay. Enjoying the morning coffee while watching the sunrise, having a quiet massage right before sunset . . . what can I say? I guess I’m really corny at heart. Where can you get a combination of reflexology-shiatsu massage infront of the beach minus the exhorbitant spa rates for only P25O (about $5 only). Only in Boracay.

Towards the end of my 3-days/2-nights vacation package that breezed by so fast, I was tempted to extend my stay like I did before. But I had to use my head over my heart so I decided against it because of my appointments scheduled the next few days which I couldn’t miss. I hated the feeling when it was time to go, because the truth is: I couldn’t get enough of the place. I will keep coming back for more . . .the place is simply addictive.