Travel with Airbnb

When I was in Germany last 2006-2007, I got to travel to some places during weekends.  In one of the places I went to, most of their accommodation are of the guest house type.  Not inns, hotels or pension houses.  But residential houses converted into sort of an accommodation for tourists to stay in.

And I have always liked it.  The place is homey.  You get to interact with the owners in a more personal way. 

I got excited when I learned of a company which offers travellers a choice of homey accommodations.  You get to book your desired place to stay online.  Hassle free.  The company, Airbnb, based in California, USA is now in the Philippines. Oh yeah!

Image Source : http://www.techinasia.com/airbnb-focuses-on-philippines/

Now I know where to find a place to stay for my next trip.  Below is a press release of Airbnb for their efforts in Cebu City.

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Press Release | Airbnb in Cebu City 

Cebu City, Philippines – July 2013 -- Airbnb, the world’s leading marketplace to list, discover and book unique accommodations, today announced its continuing expansion into Philippines with the beginning of focused efforts in Cebu City.

“Philippines is emerging as an exciting tourism and we expect significant demand for Cebu City, both for leisure and business travellers“ says Airbnb’s Philippines Country Expert, Joy Tacandong. “Cebu is both a business hub and increasingly a popular spot for travellers, and we’re keen to build this market.”

A few statistics on  Airbnb’s growth in Cebu: 

• Top 5 nationalities that travel to Cebu on Airbnb are Americans, Koreans, Filipinos, Australians and Germans
• Airbnb has  over 1,600 listings in Philippines and plans to grow to at least 300 listings in Cebu
• The total number of guests visiting Cebu through Airbnb has grown by over 300% in the last year

To support  the growth in Cebu, Airbnb will host events and meet-ups to better support the existing community of users and grow the number of hosts in the city.

Airbnb is currently the world market leader in unique, short-term accommodations. In January the company celebrated 4 million guests. On any given night, over 50,000 guests are staying at Airbnb accommodations around the world. 

About Airbnb:

Founded in August of 2008 and based in San Francisco, California, Airbnb is a trusted community marketplace for people to list, discover, and book unique accommodations around the world — online or from a mobile phone. Whether an apartment for a night, a castle for a week, or a  villa for a month, Airbnb connects people to unique travel experiences, at any  price point, in more than 33,000 cities and 192 countries. And with world--‐class customer service and a growing community of users, Airbnb is the easiest way for people to monetize their extra space and showcase it to an audience of millions. 

Cebu Press Contact: 
Joy Tacandong
philippines@airbnb.com

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And here is a video on "How to Airbnb"

When I get to have a place of my own, I will have a space listed in Airbnb.   :-D

For those who loves to travel and is always looking for a place to stay, use Airbnb.

And for those who have an extra space in their homes, list your place in Airbnb and earn extra income.  :-D

A No-Cook Birthday Celebration

Today, I turned 39.

And what I liked about the whole day is that I didn't get to cook a single meal, hehehe...  Seems like the cook is on day off. :-)

Ate breakfast together with Pat.  We had bread, with my homemade sandwich spread of chicken, boiled eggs and bacon bits. :-) 

Then for lunch, I went to Iligan Medical College to meet up with Pat.  We ate at Hungry Juan, across the school.  Since it was so hot during the day. I slept in the afternoon for about 2 hours. ;-D

And for dinner.  Pat and I left the house at past 6pm (after watching a cartoon movie).  We had dinner at Zoey's Cafe.  :-)

 

Pat : "hmm.. unsay ako orderon?"

While waiting for our orders. Piktyoor2x sa. :-)

Pat with my camera. This is what happens, hehe...

Shrimp Pesto Linguine
I can't taste the pesto, hehe

Mustard Cream Dory
  Pat said he can't taste the mustard, hehe

Ka-double date namo ni Pat
Pat's niece, AJ, and her younger sister bb J
Our instant kids, hehe

Strawberry Shortcake
The very last food to be finished.  bb J took some time to finish it. 
AJ said the cake is very dry. :-(

Kulit bb J.  She spiced up the night. :-D

The love birds  :-D

Thank you Lord for another year.   Thank you for all the blessings. 

Thank you Pat for the no-cook birthday for me. Love ya. :-)

Freedom at 39

July 6, 2013.  Is the day I am 39.

5 days earlier.  July 1.  I am officially resigned as a city government employee.  Now I am free to do the things I love to do which I wanted to do for so long a time. :-)

I've been dreaming for this day to come. 

I've always wished for it to happened.   

And now, it is finally here!!!!!!!

For five days now, I still can't believe I am finally living it.  I am finally starting to live my dream.  I can't express how I feel. Even what I think.  All I know is, this is it. :-D

You see, I have always wanted to have my own business.  Ever since I was in 3rd year college.  However, after I finished school, I got a job in the city government.  And got stuck there for 17 years.
Though, I have to say, I don't regret working in the city government for the past 17 years. 

First, it has financially helped my family.  It has given me enough income to buy the things I want.  When financial crisis hit my family in 2002-2003, I became the sole breadwinner.  And with that I am forever grateful with my job at the city government.

Second, it has helped me to grow as a person.  My years in the city government has me traveling and seeing things I only get to see in the movies and in books.  I have my many firsts while I was with the city government. Like, my first plane ride during my first trip to Manila. Then, I was sent to Australia for 10 days.  Then to Germany for 11 months, which also gave me the opportunity to visit other places in Europe like Paris, Luxemburg, Brussels, Zurich, Amsterdam, etc.

Third, I've made new friends with my coworkers and the other government employees in the city government as well as other agencies.   The City Planning and Development Office has become my second home. 

Fourth, while with the city government, I met the love of my life, Pat, in 2003. This probably is the most important of all, hehehe :-D

But as time passed, the reason for my being has again called on me.  My passion for business and the things I love to do makes my heart ache as I go every morning to city hall. With Pat's and my family's blessing, I decided to end this chapter of my life and start anew.

Many have been shocked of my decision.  They'd say, "sayang. sayang ang imong position. sayang ang imong sweldo." I just smile.  The money I earn every month at city hall could be considered a loss when I resigned. 

But then.

There are things money can't buy. 

So now, I am enjoying my 6th day of Freedom. 

And as the 6th day of July is my birthday.

At 39, I finally have freedom.

Freedom at 39 :-D