Monetize your blog with TravelBook’s affiliate program!

For most of us who started blogging as a means for us to share our thoughts and experiences, there will come a time that we want to monetize our blog. And why not? Doing what you love and earning from it at the same time is not such a bad thing, right?

So, how can we monetize our blog? For starters, we can join an affiliate program, just like what TravelBook is offering, and which I think is perfect for a travel blogger like me.

First of all, what is TravelBook?

TravelBook.ph http://www.travelbook.ph/ is a top online travel agency with over 2,000 hotels all over the Philippines.

So what is TravelBook Affiliate Program?

TravelBook Affiliate Program allows bloggers to generate revenue by referring customers to Travel Book’s website. You can earn as much as 65% commission per booking made through your blog!

How to be you po? Uhhm, I mean, how to be an affiliate?

It’s free and easy! Just sign up at http://affiliate.travelbook.ph/ . You will receive an email confirmation if your application is successful. Once approved, you can start right away.

But I’m not a “techy” person!

It’s alright! TravelBook has easy-to-use tools to help you earn more money. Embedding the links, banners and widgets are so easy with TravelBook. Plus, you’ll be able to track your campaigns in real-time through your affiliate account.

So what are you waiting for? Jumpstart your blogging career with Travel Book’s Affiliate Program.

For more info, check out: http://www.travelbook.ph/affiliate/Manual.pdf

#‎TravelBookPH#‎TravelMore#‎TravelBookBloggerAffiliate#‎TBBloggerGetaway#TravelBookPHBloggerGetaway

Blogger Getaway: Win a trip to Caramoan!

TravelBook.ph is a top online hotel booking site in the Philippines. With over 2000 hotel partners, it ensures that travelers have the best options for accommodations no matter where their destination is.

If you are an adventurer who’s always on the go, or if you are just spontaneous and prefers deciding at the last minute, booking with TravelBook.ph is the best choice for you. It features multiple payment methods like over-the-counter, via business centers, Bitcoin, and the latest, Pay at Hotel. Travelbook.ph also has a new mobile app that offers bigger exclusive discounts and double reward points which you can use to pay for your future bookings.

But even with its innovative and reliable services, TravelBook.ph also strives to promote tourism in the Philippines. Travelbook Philippines launched an international travel contest where the winner, dubbed as the Chosen Juan, received an all-expense paid trip to 80 places in the Philippines for 80 days to explore and rediscover the hidden gems that the country has to offer. The Chosen Juan, Dave Agbayani, is just ended his journey in Boracay together with other bloggers, videographers, and some of TravelBook Philippines employees.

SO, WHAT’S NEW ON TRAVELBOOK.PH?

Blogger Affiliate Program

- For your blog post guide, please check our manual here: http://www.travelbook.ph/affiliate/Manual.pdf 

TravelBook.ph latest endeavor is the Blogger Affiliate Program that allows both up and coming and seasoned bloggers to earn extra money without having to do a lot of work. With up to 70% commission rates and assistance from our experts, this “earn for free” opportunity is something you don’t want to miss!

If you want to earn more and travel more, sign up now or like TravelBook Blogger Affiliate’s Facebook Page for updates, announcements, blogger contests, and many more!

CARAMOAN BLOGGER GETAWAY

As mentioned earlier, TravelBook.ph will give us the excitement of blogger getaways to different areas in the Philippines! And now, the team is excited to let us know their first blogger getaway in Caramoan, Camarines Sur!

We’ll go hopping to different islands in Caramoan’s West and East sides, stargazing and camping by the beach, eat fresh food and delicacies and just enjoy the beauty of nature together with your new found friends!

If you are excited about exploring this hidden gem all-expense paid, check out this easy mechanics below!

1. Sign up for TravelBook.ph's Affiliate Program here: http://affiliate.travelbook.ph/

2. Post a blog about "How to Earn with TravelBook Affiliate Program." 

3. Include these links on your blog post: http://affiliate.travelbook.ph/ and http://travelbook.ph/ 

4. To validate your entry, promote your blog post in your social media accounts with the following hashtags: #‎TravelBookPH#‎TravelMore#‎TravelBookBloggerAffiliate#‎TBBloggerGetaway. Also, don’t forget to tag @travelbookph on Facebook and Twitter. 

Once you're done with all 4 steps, let us know that you've joined the contest by registering your blog entry here: http://goo.gl/forms/KsVBaBs1W24U8Tk42 

Promo period is from July 8 to August 20, 2016. Travel date is from August 26 to 29, 2016 which is a long weekend by the way!

For questions and inquiries, you may email the TravelBook.ph Affiliate Team at travelbookph.affiliate@gmail.com

5 Reasons Why EDM Parties are the Best!

Summer is officially over, but who says you can’t still that have that EDM party by the beach? Here are five reasons why you should attend one:

5. The Encounter

Experiencing a rave celebration in the flesh differs from any type of festivals you will encounter on this planet! You will certainly be outdoors, delighting in the fresh air and taking in an ambience that is incomparable.

4. Wearing Funky Beach Clothes

You will be able to wear outfits that you would generally not use on normal days, or even in regular parties. There are no rules when it comes to beach outfits, so create something imaginative, something that draws attention, something funky. Think Coachella!

3. Being on the Beach

One of the best experiences of participating in beach raves is that feeling of happiness of just being by the beach. Although summer is over, it will still be enjoyable as you allow the sunlight to kiss your face the second time around in a cooler way, as your favorite band and DJ rock the stage for the hundreds of rave followers that you will be joining.

2. Make Friends

Beach raves are participated in by crowds with similar tastes in music. If you go to an EDM celebration, you will certainly be amongst EDM followers. These festivals will certainly be the best venue in making friendships that will last for a lifetime, or perhaps up until the celebration ends.

1. The Rave

You're there for the raves, why else would you be going to a rave celebration? Sure, there are so much more to beach festivals like arts and crafts, however,  the rave is the primary reason that you go to rave parties, right?

Photo from Sunburn Music Festival

So, party with us at Sunburn Music Festival this coming August 27, 2016 at Lingayen, Pangasinan. For more details, check out the following:

https://www.facebook.com/sunburnmusicfestivalph/

https://tag77.com/tagvert/details/sunburn-music-festival-573d6b6e161f467357726ab1

http://sunburnmusicfest.com

Team Building is Fun at Tree Top Adventure Baguio!

People troop to Baguio City for fun outings or to simply enjoy the holiday break. But did you know that the City of Pines can also be a destination place for team-building activities?

Tree Top Adventure, located inside Camp John Hay may be known as an extreme adventure theme park, but it is also the only team-building facility in Baguio City.

As part of the Bloggers’ Baguio Getaway Package, select bloggers, myself included, participated in the Team Building Activity facilitated by Tree Drop Adventure last May 13.

Bloggers were divided into Green and Red Teams. Azalea Residences Baguio staff also joined us as the Blue Team.

Our team, the Green Team or Team Good Genes! (photo by Eric Tan)

Red Team or Team-Ang (photo by Jace Mendoza)

Blue Team or Team Azalea (photo by Eric Tan)

First order of the day was to create a cheer for your team. Creativity and cooperation must come into play. We won this round -- thanks to the creativity of Allan!

Our winning cheer! (photo by Eric Tan)

Next is the Plank Step. Members must travel up to the finish line using the planks provided. This is quite difficult as the planks were small and your feet must not touch the floor. All of you will be close (literally and figuratively) after this game, haha.

Green Team doing the Plank Step (photo by Jace Mendoza)

The most difficult task for our team was the Pipeline –we weren’t able to finish this actually. Each member must hold a pipe with one hand and connect it with the other pipes to transfer a ping-pong ball up to the finish line, without letting it fall off the ground. Patience and coordination will be tested here.

Green Team doing the Pipeline (photo by Jace Mendoza)

This was followed by the ABC Game. We formed two lines, back –to-back with our teammates. Each has to say one letter of the alphabet in the proper sequence. Catch is, the next to recite should not be the one beside or behind you. The ability to concentrate is needed here. I think we were the fastest for this game.

Green Team doing the ABC Game (photo by Jace Mendoza)

The easiest activity was the Helium Stick. Here, we have to lower a long, thin, lightweight rod to the ground. Communication and coordination with other team members is vital to achieve this task.

Green Team doing the Helium Stick (photo by Eric Tan)

Next was Loop Lift. We have to lift a giant loop ring to another station. The catch -- marbles on each handle and on the center of the loop must not fall off! Talk about coordination and control. I’m proud to say that our team was able to do this in a jiffy!

Green Team lifting the loop (photo by Jace Mendoza)

We proceeded with the Bar Lifter Balancer. We have to lift bars up to a certain height simultaneously at the fastest time – without the marbles of each bar falling off! Coordination skills and strategy will be tested here.

Green Team lifting and balancing the bars (photo by Jace Mendoza)

Next is Gem Drop. This was quite difficult also because you have to get a cube from the floor and drop it to its proper place by pulling and pushing ropes. Strategy and teamwork is a must here. I think we finished second for this round.

Green Team doing the Gem Drop (photo by Jace Mendoza)

The last activity was the Treasure Hunt. First, we have to form the map to determine the location of a “Buloy.” Two of our members searched for it. But it doesn’t end there -- we have to answer a riddle. Mind you, the riddles were difficult! We finished second for this activity.

completing the map & guessing the riddle (photos by Jace Mendoza)

looking for the "Buloy" (photos by Eric Tan)

And finally the announcement of the grand winner -- the Blue Team! Even though our team finished second, I felt that we have accomplished a lot by giving our best effort in every activity. At the same time, we had fun and really bonded well even if most of us just met each other for the first time! We have learned to adjust, cooperate and be a team-player.

The facilitators were knowledgeable and helpful. The activities are measurable and can really build camaraderie among groups. Thank you Tree Top Adventure for this wonderful team-building experience!

For more info, Tree Top Adventure’s official website: http://www.treetopadventureph.com/

Special shout-out to TravelBook Ph, the official media partner for this event. Check them out at: http://www.travelbook.ph/

Extreme Adventure Awaits at Tree Top Baguio

Baguio City is known for its cold weather, strawberries and various tourist spots. But for those who are looking for thrilling outdoor activities, the City of Pines is slowly becoming a destination place for extreme adventure-- thanks to Tree Top Adventure. And as part of the Bloggers’ Baguio Getaway Package, select bloggers, myself included, had a chance to experience this last May 12.

Tree Top Adventure is the only motorized zipline in the Philippines. Its vast Baguio City branch is conveniently located within Camp John Hay. So, aside from the rides, it offers breathtaking views of mountains and pine trees. If you’re not the thrill-seeker type and won’t be trying the rides, you can go just go on a trekking adventure.

Upon arrival, we had a short briefing first. Please take note that wearing of shorts, skirts or dresses for females are not allowed. Proper safety gears are also worn before you take a ride. Rates are as follows:

For the bold and courageous, try Tree Top’s most popular attraction– the Tree Drop in which you will rappel 60 ft above ground, Mission Impossible-style. I wasn’t able to experience this because it started raining and they have to close it for safety reasons. I was relieved because I was really afraid to try it. But seeing how the other bloggers enjoyed it, I’ll (try) do it next time.

photo by Eric Tan

Another favorite attraction is the Superman Ride where you will zipline Superman-style 150 ft high, 200 meters long over a ravine. What makes it different is you will also zipline backwards and it can be a tandem ride.

photo by Eric Tan

What I find interesting is the Silver Surfer. You (together with another rider) will be standing on a platform that glides up and down through the air. What make it quite scary are the sudden stops and swings.

photo by Eric Tan

The Skywalk is just an elevated walkway where you can get a good view of the whole theme park.

photo from www.treetopadventureph.com

Another attraction that I enjoyed is the Canopy. These are cable chairs elevated at 100 ft above ground that will take you to various stations within the park. It was relaxing to just be sitting there and taking in the view and fresh air.

Another Tree Top Adventure attraction is the Funicular Ride. It only takes about 5-10 minutes where you will just be seated on a ride that will just go up and down.

photo by Eric Tan

Tourist sites visits, horse-back riding, strawberry-picking or ukay-ukay shopping are not the only “things to do” when in Baguio City. Experiencing extreme adventure at Tree Top Adventure is definitely one good reason to visit the City of Pines.

For more info, Tree Top Adventure’s official website: http://www.treetopadventureph.com/

Special shout-out to TravelBook Ph, the official media partner for this event.  Check them out at: http://www.travelbook.ph/

Azalea Residences Baguio: A Fun Holiday Getaway

With the sweltering Manila weather, a cool Baguio escapade is something that I wouldn’t certainly miss. So on May 12, I joined 17 other bloggers for a 3D/2N Group Getaway sponsored by Azalea Hotels and Residences in the City of Pines.

Azalea Residences is the first 4-star serviced apartment hotel in Baguio City, meaning it has the conveniences of a hotel and the full services and amenities of a serviced-apartment. It is located on an enclave along Leonard Wood, near Teacher’s Camp.  It is quite hidden from the main road, so be alert in looking for the Azalea signage.

Lani, Leomy, Arianne, Richelle, Rejj and I were assigned to a 2-bedroom apartment suite. It has a master’s bedroom (with own bathroom), a guest bedroom and a convertible sofa bed in the living room with a bathroom (with towels and toiletries). 

Azalea also has deluxe hotel rooms, one bedroom apartment suites, and 3-bedroom apartment suites, perfect for family or groups.

The rooms are new, clean and spacious. These three things are what I look for in an accommodation. Plus the bed mattresses are comfy and the pillows, soft. 

Each room also has a flatscreen TV with DVD player and WI-FI access. It also has a dining area and kitchenette with electric cooktops and kitchen and dinnerware set for those who opt to cook and dine in the comfort of their rooms.

But of course, a trip Baguio wouldn’t be complete without visiting its famous tourist spots. And as part of the Getaway, Azalea came up with an itinerary for the must-visit sites, which are all within reach from the hotel. 

For Day 2, we went to the Mountain Maid Training Center which is popular for its ube jam, the breathtaking view Mines View Park, the good old Wright Park, the iconic Mansion, and the haunted Laperal House, yay!  Some of us checked out the Night Market along Harrison Road.

For Day 3, we went strawberry picking and pasalubong shopping at Strawberry Farm and appreciated art at BenCab Museum (one off my bucket list!).

And all throughout our stay, we were treated to a sumptuous feast at Tradisyon Coffee Shop, Azalea’s in-house restaurant. The selection features traditional local and international comfort food staples. My favorites are kare-kare, roasted chicken and of course, their famous hot chocolate.

I’ve been to Baguio a couple of times since I was kid and have visited most of the sites already, but this time, it is quite “refreshing”, so to speak. Thank you Azalea Residences for making our Baguio stay truly a fun holiday getaway!

For room rates and other info, visit Azalea Residences’ (Baguio) official website: http://www.azaleabaguio.com/

Special shout-out to TravelBook Ph, the official media partner for this event.  Check them out at: http://www.travelbook.ph/

Zoomanity Group’s Robert Yupangco to share his wisdom at the Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2016

Robert Laurel Yupangco, a charming bachelor with successful businesses in tourism and finance, will be one of the speakers this May 27, 2016 at Asia Digital Marketing Expo 2016. Mr. Yupangco will be a panel speaker and round table discussion lead for the topic “The Digital Tourism.” He will also be one of the incubators at the “Start-Up Pitching Session.” The multi-awarded Yupangco is a favorite conference speaker because of his wit, humor, experience and wisdom.

According to Mr. Yupangco:

“Timing is important! Let me re-quote the English proverb: The early bird catches the worm but, the early worm was eaten by the bird. We may act promptly but without strategy we may not get our desired results."

"Having a good and well-planned strategy is one key to cope up in the digital era that we are now facing. Technology change and consumer adapting to technology are drawing marketing innovators to a fast face media platforms. Hospitality and tourism is one of the industries that is most affected by digital development. Technology enables consumer make better travel alternatives causing higher expectations."

"In order to perform well and gain competitive advantages, players in the travel industry, like us in Zoomanity Group are always looking for the newest and better ways to reach our customers. We are focusing on “real experience” through a real and live interaction with animals and nature. Zoomanity Group parks: Zoobic Safari in Subic, Residence Inn Tagaytay, Zoocobia in Clark, Pampanga, Paradizoo in Mendez, Cavite, Zoocolate Thrills in Loboc Bohol, are now expanding internationally through our projects in Nagano, Japan called Zootopia, a Ski and Summer resort park, and animal breeding center in Shepparton City inVictoria, Australia. To give our customers a better and easy way to visit our parks we’ve launched an online ticketing system called www.zoomanitypayment.com.ph."

"Change has been a vital part in our growing tourism industry especially in digital aspect. The rising customer expectations gives companies like us to have better opportunities to expand our market by giving a more quality and unique experience."

"With this, I want to share you this message: think out of the box. You will never grow if you stay inside the limited corners of an idea. Business is a world of infinite possibilities. You will not succeed if you are afraid to tap the only permanent thing in this world, change.”

TAG Media and Public Relations is the marketing & branding arm of Zoomanity Group. For more info: 09166299381

Crowdsource the BLISS of a #LiveFreePH

How do you feel about the future? Is your family doing okay? Are the people around you hopeful or gloomy? With the Brighter Life Index: Social Sentiment or BLISS, Sun Life will show how optimism, prosperity, and the bayanihan spirit can produce a positive ripple from ourselves to our loved ones and to the community where we live.

BLISS is a Facebook application that aims to get the pulse of Filipinos about their current financial situation as well as their outlook for the future.

“BLISS gives us the canvas to paint our #LiveFreePH campaign. Through crowdsourcing, we seek the brightest spots while also determining the areas that are in need of a bit more sunshine,” explained Sun Life of Canada (Philippines), Inc. Chief Marketing Officer Mylene Lopa.“Together with the Sun Life Foundation, we will help turn dim prospects to bright opportunities.”

How BLISS happens

Harnessing the power of crowdsourcing, BLISS gathers insights directly from consumers by asking Filipinos about their current state and their outlook for the future. Responses will be collected primarily via Facebook.

The results will be embodied by a map of the Philippines, where positive sentiments will be represented by sunny weather, while negative ones will be indicated by thunderstorms. This will be updated real time, with different aggregations available for viewing.

BLISS will also radiatewarmth in real life, as the Sun Life Foundation pledges to match survey responses with a donation to help localities with bleak outlooks, as indicated by the stormy icons in the results map. Inspired by the practice of bayanihan (communal work), the initiative translates insight to action, viathe information that will be shared by online users.

"Sun Life Foundation believes in action that is powered by insight, and we’re bringing that to the social media platform through BLISS,” said Sun Life Foundation Executive Director Anne Zillah Flores. “We’re taking it further by actually responding to the gaps that will be determined. We will fund projects to help communities with bleak prospects so they can adopt a brighter outlook.”

 

 

BLISS to #LiveFreePH

From the present to the future, BLISS narrates the changing story of Filipinos from multiple points of view: self, family, and community. Income, health, and work-life balance are identified as personal concerns;food, nutrition and financial security comprise the familial territory; while access to quality education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities are the societal factors that impact the nation as a whole. When addressed properly, these concerns can become the building blocks of a nationwide movement towards financial independence.

“From BLISS, we lay down the blueprint of #LiveFreePH – to practice foresight by being conscious of our needs while sharing the benefits of living the brighter life,” Lopa said.“We hope that by working together towards financial freedom, we can create a story of a prosperous and optimistic nation, because in our journey to financial freedom, we can go far if we go together.”

Share the BLISS to help communities in need and the chance to win awesome prizes like an iPad Air. Go to http://bit.ly/1hDBxhn to begin.

 About Sun Life Financial

Celebrating 150 years in 2015, Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Sun Life Financial and its partners have operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2015, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of $813 billion. For more information please visit www.sunlife.com.