BREAKING

Monday, May 5, 2025

Two Decades of Travel Innovation: Agoda Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Mega Sales Campaign and a Call to Hoteliers


Wazzup Pilipinas!?




This May, Agoda, the powerhouse in digital travel, marks its 20th year of transforming journeys and redefining the hospitality experience. And it’s not just blowing candles—Agoda is lighting up the travel scene with a monumental campaign that offers unparalleled benefits for both globetrotters and the hoteliers who accommodate them.


A Journey Worth Celebrating


From humble beginnings with a single boutique hotel in Pattaya to now hosting over 5 million accommodation listings, Agoda has emerged as one of the most trusted names in the travel industry. Over two decades, it has grown into a robust platform serving millions of users across borders, cultures, and time zones. Its expansion includes over 130,000 flight routes and 360,000 activity providers, making it more than just a booking engine—it’s a gateway to the world.


The 20th Birthday Campaign: More Than Just a Sale


From May 7 to 20, travelers can unlock discounts of up to 60%, culminating in a spectacular one-day-only flash sale on May 21 with exclusive savings of up to 70%. But this isn’t just a treat for the wanderlust-driven—it’s an extraordinary opportunity for hoteliers across the region.


Agoda is inviting accommodation providers to join this milestone initiative and tap into a global pool of high-intent travelers. By participating, hoteliers can enjoy increased visibility, occupancy, and revenue—powered by Agoda’s unmatched digital infrastructure and marketing muscle.


“This campaign is not just a celebration,” shares Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President of Supply at Agoda. “It’s another way for our hotelier partners to connect with international travelers through our world-class technology and deep understanding of local markets.”


Why Hoteliers Should Jump In


Agoda’s tech-backed ecosystem gives its partners more than just listing space. Through tools like Agoda Intelligence and PartnerHub, accommodation providers can gain vital insights, automate strategy, and enjoy booking surges of up to 30% more than their competitors. The platform’s data engine performs 1 trillion daily price checks, analyzes 2 billion user interactions, and processes 12 petabytes of monthly data—all in the name of precision and performance.


Take it from Daren Lee, Director of Revenue at Sunway Putra Hotel in Kuala Lumpur:


“With 650 rooms to fill, we rely on partners who deliver results—and Agoda has done just that since we started working with them. We've grown 16 times over the past decade thanks to their campaigns, insights, and relentless support—even during the pandemic.”


Global Trends Meet Local Strategies


The timing couldn’t be better. Agoda reports that 87% of its travelers plan to travel as much—or more—than they did in 2024, with over half intending to go international. This surge in wanderlust places participating hoteliers in a prime position to capitalize on travel’s strong rebound.


And with trust built over 20 years, Agoda stands as a beacon for travelers seeking reliability, affordability, and seamless experiences. Hoteliers that align with the platform now are not just joining a campaign—they’re stepping into a global spotlight backed by data, technology, and reputation.


An Open Invitation to the Hospitality World


For hoteliers, this 20th Birthday Campaign is a clarion call. It’s an invitation to join a celebration that promises not only festive fanfare but tangible business growth. As Agoda turns the page on its second decade, it does so with its partners at the forefront—empowered, equipped, and ready for the next chapter.


Agoda’s message is clear: this isn’t just about celebrating the past. It’s about building the future—together.


Interested hoteliers can sign up to be part of the campaign here.


About Agoda

Agoda is a leading digital travel platform helping users across the globe see the world for less. Available in 39 languages, with 24/7 support and a presence in over 27 markets, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG) and employs over 7,000 people worldwide.


Want to know how your property can shine in Agoda’s spotlight? Reach out today and be part of the celebration that’s setting the travel world abuzz.

Protect our Votes, Ensure Power Stability




This file photo shows a vote-counting machine used by the Commission on Elections


Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy calls on power regulators, players to ensure grid stability in upcoming Midterm Elections


May 5, 2025 – Consumer advocacy group Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy (PARE) warns that instability of the country’s power grid is putting the Philippine Midterms elections at risk.


“As the Philippines prepares for the 2025 midterm elections, all eyes should be on the safeguards that ensure every vote counts. But instead of clarity, we are witnessing a disturbing combination of rushed decisions, questionable technology, and very high risks of power instability, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process,” Nic Satur Jr., PARE convenor, said in a statement.


The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has awarded a ₱17.9 billion contract to MIRU Systems, a South Korean firm that will supply and operate the country’s new automated election system. The new machines promise faster ballot processing and real-time transmission


“However, the absence of hack-proof testing, public engagement, and experience in the Philippine setting makes this an untested and risky gamble,” Satur said.


On top of these glaring issues, Satur said power instability is threatening election day operations and voter turnout, especially in remote and off-grid areas.


While the Department of Energy has guaranteed that there will be no power outages on election day and that they have contingency measures in place, PARE believes that these are not enough assurance that there will be stable power.


“Regulators must go further and enforce accountability across the entire energy chain—from power plants and NGCP to local electric cooperatives. Any power plant that undergoes unscheduled shutdowns during election week due to ‘technical issues’ must be held accountable,” Satur said. He added that  all plant maintenance activities should be completed by April to ensure system readiness.


Satur also called on electric cooperatives to ensure stable power before, during, and after election day.


“Without accountability, backup systems, and public visibility, how can we guarantee a ‘no-brownout election’ with data transmission that is accurate, verifiable, and tamper-proof?” Satur said. 


He said the 2025 Midterm Elections must be protected from power instability. 


“Democracy must not suffer because someone failed their duty to keep the lights on,” Satur said. He added, “The stakes are too high. Democracy demands more than machines—it demands accountability, transparency, and unwavering commitment from all institutions involved.” 


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A Decade in the Making, HallyUniverse's 10th Showcase Transcends with VXON, AJAA, JASHU, and J Quinn


Wazzup Pilipinas!?



In the ever-evolving soundscape of pop culture, fan culture and student-led events have stood the test of time quite like HallyUP’s HallyUniverse. As HallyUP marks the 10th edition of its flagship event, fans are set to enter a new realm of musical wonder with HallyUniverse 10: SUPERNATURAL.

What began in 2013 as HallyUniverse: The K-pop Takeover! was a bold initiative to celebrate the Korean Wave. 10 years later, it has become a transcendent cultural phenomenon, bridging K-pop, P-pop, and Filipino fan culture in one immersive congregation.

Set for May 17, 2025, at Ang Bahay ng Alumni, this year’s concert isn’t just a musical event—it’s a tribute to a decade of community, passion, and artistic growth.

The 10th anniversary theme, SUPERNATURAL, feels especially fitting. There’s a certain magic in how HallyUniverse has nurtured emerging artists and amplified fan voices. Some of today’s biggest names in the local pop scene—SB19, G22, Calista, and BINI—once graced the HUV stage in their early years. It’s a tradition that continues in 2025, with VXON, AJAA, JASHU, and J Quinn set to headline a cosmic showcase of talent.

The concert promises a mystifying lineup. VXON’s enchanting stage presence, AJAA’s vibrant energy, JASHU’s sweet vocals, and J Quinn’s Asian pop drag artistry will each cast their own spell. Fans can also expect captivating numbers from fan-favorite cover groups like Wildcards, PRINCIPIUM, and HEATHERS PH, plus special showcases by HallyUP’s own performers, FAVE: and AECM.

But HallyUniverse is more than just festivities. The event is a convention in its own right, complete with merch and fanbase booths, games, raffle prizes, and giveaways. Every corner of the venue is designed to spark connection and nostalgia. It’s this multifaceted experience that has kept HallyUniverse relevant and beloved over the past decade.

This year, the magic also serves a mission. HallyUniverse 10 doubles as a fundraiser for two causes: the Kopino Children Association Inc., which supports Korean-Filipino children, and the Philippine Mental Health Association, Inc., which champions psychological well-being. It’s proof that fan-powered joy can make a real-world impact.

Whether you’ve followed HallyUniverse since day one or are discovering it for the first time, SUPERNATURAL offers a gateway into something special—a universe where music, fandom, and purpose align. Don’t miss out on this experience and get your tickets now at ₱250 via this link:

 https://bit.ly/HUV10TICKETS.

The stage is set. The spells are cast. And the legacy continues. Welcome to HallyUniverse 10: SUPERNATURAL.

HallyUP is the premier Korean popular culture organization in UP Diliman. Formed in 2011, they continue to organize events that promote K-pop and Korean culture within and outside the university. Stay updated with their latest happenings by following their official social media accounts!


Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HallyUP/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/officialhallyup

Instagram: https://instagram.com/officialhallyup

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@officialhallyup

Article by Irish Erika Decastillo




Enter the realm of HALLYUNIVERSE 10: SUPERNATURAL—a dynamic celebration of K-Pop and P-Pop where music, fandom, and fantasy collide. Expect powerful performances, supernatural-themed attractions, and a lineup of surprises that promise an unforgettable experience.


Join us on May 17, 2025, at 3 PM at Ang Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman for a night that blends entertainment with advocacy, as we extend support to the Kopino Children Association Inc. and the Philippine Mental Health Association. Brought to life by HallyUP, Mise En Scene, Indomie, and TopTen 10 Philippines.


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Ang Pambansang Blog ng Pilipinas Wazzup Pilipinas and the Umalohokans. Ang Pambansang Blog ng Pilipinas celebrating 10th year of online presence
 
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