Lamudi PH reports 2015 growth

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Data shows that the Lamudi PH website is now the most visited real estate platform in the Philippines.

Lamudi Philippines (www.lamudi.com.ph) is now officially the most visited real estate website in the Philippines. Citing its own data and that from web analytics platform SimilarWeb, Lamudi reported that visits to its platform for the first six months of 2015 is 34 percent higher than those recorded for the entire 2014. In addition, at 320,000 monthly visits, Lamudi’s site visits via desktop are now at least 28 percent higher than its nearest competitor.

2015 was also a year of milestones for Lamudi. In February, the company secured $18 million in funding to boost its operations in Asia and Latin America. In May, Lamudi acquired competitor MyProperty.ph to further cement its position as the Philippines’ number one property website.

A first in Philippine real estate, Lamudi Philippines is also harnessing its massive online and listings data to generate reports and other content for Filipino homebuyers and property investors. For example, Lamudi analyzes data from its listings and regularly publishes content on condo, house, and commercial property price data.

The company’s onsite search data also provides a picture of online property-hunters’ behaviors and preferences. Lamudi found that most Filipino homebuyers still prefer houses over condos, despite Metro Manila’s condo boom, and that Quezon City is the most searched city in the Philippines for properties. Furthermore, Lamudi found that U.S.-based house-hunters are looking for houses more than half of the time (57.8 percent) and that after Quezon City, Makati, and Manila, Tagaytay and Baguio are the fourth and fifth most searched cities by Filipino-Americans.

According to Lamudi Philippines managing director Jacqueline van den Ende, these reports generated from the platform’s data provide sellers, brokers, and property developers much-needed insight to inform their marketing strategies.

Jacqueline van den Ende

“For a while, we’ve known that Filipinos are rapidly moving online to inform their purchase—from clothes, gadgets, and even real estate. But most sellers of real estate still have no idea as to how homebuyers behave online. Our data provides these sellers with data on buyers’ preferences, from location, price range, size, type, and even amenities.”

To tap into mobile-first consumers, the Lamudi Philippines app is now available for both iOS and Android devices, while the website itself has a mobile version. van den Ende said the importance of being available on mobile cannot be overemphasized. In the first half of 2015 alone, 32 and 15 percent of Lamudi’s traffic came from mobile and tablet users. Swedish ICT provider Ericsson also reported in June that mobile penetration in the Philippines will reach 40 percent by the end of this year, thanks to the popularity of more affordable smartphones.

ABOUT LAMUDI

Launched in 2013, Lamudi is a global property portal focusing exclusively on emerging markets. The fast-growing platform is currently available in 32 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, with more than 900,000 real estate listings across its global network. The leading real estate marketplace offers sellers, buyers, landlords and renters a secure and easy-to-use platform to find or list properties online. 

For more information, please visit http://www.lamudi.com.ph

Visit Lamudi Philippines on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.

ABOUT MYPROPERTY.PH

Established in September 2010, MyProperty.ph is one of the leading Philippine real estate online and print brand that brings property buyers and sellers together. The website’s main offerings are listings of pre-selling properties and properties for sale and for rent. Both website and magazine also provide relevant and updated industry news and information for its clients and consumers. And with the release of its mobile version, finding or selling a home is made even easier. Visit www.property.ph

Visit MyProperty.ph on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Instagram

Alden Richards' newest single "Wish I May"

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Alden Richards has a brand new single composed by Agat Obar-Morallos, "Wish I May" to be released in October! 

Alden's latest single "Wish I May" from his soon-to-be-released studio album under GMA Records debuts at number 1 spot on iTunes PH besting world's best-sellingrecording artists Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber. Alden Richards, the other half to the phenomenal AlDub love team, is likewise dominating the record sales.

Video Courtesy: GMARecordsOfficial

Wish I May

by Alden Richards

Wish that I could say these words tonight

Wish I have the courage wish I might

Have the chance to show you

Speak what’s on my mind

While you are right next to me

I’ve loved you from the start

Wish that I could walk you down the road

Share each moment, have my hand to hold

My imagination’s beginning to unfold

Every wish is granted, every dream and hope

Wish I may, wish I might find a way to your heart

Wish that I’ll be the sun to warm you all through your life

Wish you may feel my love that is hidden in the stars

Wish I may wish I might be the one

Maybe now I’m ready to be found

Then I’ll be a part of who you are

Promise of forever never break your heart

Always there to listen always by your side

Wish I may, wish I might find a way to your heart

Wish that I’ll be the sun to warm you all through your life

Wish you may feel my love that is hidden in the stars

Wish I may wish I might be the one

Wish you may feel my love that is hidden in the stars

Wish I may wish I might be the one

Wish I may…. wish I might… be the one!

MasterCard introduces Bali to the global Priceless Cities program

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Experience Bali like never before, reimagined with Priceless Bali

A host of complimentary benefits await MasterCard cardholders at any one of the 700 luxurious villas available through ministry of villas.

MasterCard today announced the inclusion of Bali into the global Priceless Cities program, on the heels of the Priceless Japan launch just a month ago in July. Bali is the second city in Southeast Asia to be part of Priceless Cities, three years after the launch of Priceless Singapore in 2012.

Under the Priceless Bali program, both visitors and residents alike can look forward to specially-designed activities that are packaged to give privileged access and unique experiences to cardholders. By curating one-of-a-kind experiences for cardholders, MasterCard seeks to continuously connect consumers to their passions in new and exciting ways. 

Based on MasterCard's research, consumers around the world are broadly passionate in the areas of: Stay, Eat, Play, and Shop.

Priceless Bali opens up access to novel experiences for cardholders, such as the opportunity to take to the skies on a private helicopter ride for an aerial view of the famed Uluwatu Temple that sits atop a 70-metre tall limestone cliff facing the open ocean. Or to do a guided culinary adventure on the Bali Food Safari to mystery restaurants that surprise with exquisite cuisines. 

Those with an eye for design could choose to spend an afternoon with internationally acclaimed French artist Pascal Morabito and even stay at his luxurious 12-bedroom villa, used as a private gallery for his works. Food lovers are invited to indulge in a private Balinese feast prepared exclusively for them in their villa, while being entertained by a traditional Balinese dance performance. Alternatively there is a whole host of complimentary benefits including yoga classes, private massages, surf lessons, horse riding and more, when booking at any one of the 700 luxurious villas available through Ministry of Villas. 

The introduction of Priceless Bali marks an extension and evolution of MasterCard’s existing “Destination Bali” program that has been running for the last five years, during which cardholders have enjoyed access to a wide range of over 200 benefits and privileges available locally. 

“The Priceless Cities platform has seen strong traction throughout the world – in just five years, it has been launched in over 35 markets and counting. We find consumers are always keen to try new things or re-experience the familiar in a novel way. So bringing Bali into the Priceless Cities program was a natural step, given the strong travel demand we’re seeing for this beautiful island, particularly for the Australia, China, Malaysia and Singapore travel corridors,” said Deborah Goldingham, Head of Marketing, South East Asia, MasterCard.

MasterCard research shows that Bali ranks as one of the top travel destinations in Southeast Asia. 

“According to MasterCard’s Asia Pacific Destinations Index, this year Bali is expected to welcome over 7 million visitors who will spend US$11 billion and Priceless Bali will definitely strengthen the island’s appeal as a coveted getaway destination as we uncover hidden gems and allow visitors to re-experience Bali in surprising and unexpected ways,” Ms. Goldingham added. 

Tweet: #MasterCard launches #PricelessBali, the second #Priceless city in #SoutheastAsia http://news.mstr.cd/1Pyr95G

Get a 10% discount on Bali Hai Cruise packages with your MasterCard. 

Get exclusive privileges such as discounts, style consultants and door-to-door transport when you avail Travelshopa’s personalized shopping tour using your MasterCard. 

Enjoy a complimentary transportation to and from your villa and a dessert or signature cocktail at the Happy Chappy Chinese Restaurant when booked at Ministry of Villas with your MasterCard. 

Filipinos in Europe Get Ready for ASAP 20 Live in London

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"ASAP20 in London" is set to be as stellar with its line-up of more than 40 of the most respected recording artists, the most awarded performers and the most exciting showbiz personalities from the Philippines.

It was in April this year when new ABS-CBN Managing Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Kai V. Rodriguez announced that for the first time ever, ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel (TFC) in Europe would unfold a four-pillar event series as a tribute to and in celebration of Galing ng Filipino (Greatness of the Filipino) in the region.

The series of TFC summer events kicked off with TFC Summer Caravan 2015 held in various cities and countries, followed by the the launch of TFC  theMovies in theaters and the two-day 31st Barrio Fiesta sa London. Throughout June and July, the TFC EMEA team left a trail of merry festivities that acknowledged Filipino heritage, culture and achievements in the new societies that they live in.

“We’ve come a long way and our last pillar event this year celebrates that in grandiose fashion,” said Rodriguez. “The history of the journey of Filipinos in Europe will mark the day when thousands of our heroic Filipino nurses, caregivers, nannies, hotel and restaurant workers, entertainers and other professionals congregate on September 6, 2015 to take part in a showcase of world-class Filipino talent via the Philippines’ longest-running, top-rating live musical variety show, ASAP 20 Live in London, at the British historic venue of The SSE Arena Wembley.”

The SSE Arena Wembley, erstwhile called the Empire Pool when it was built for the 1934 British Empire Games before it adopted its current name in 2014, has played host to musical legends like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who, ABBA, U2, The Cure, George Michael, Elton John, Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, Madonna, Britney Spears and Beyonce. This indoor arena sits beside the Wembley Stadium, which is the largest stadium in United Kingdom and the second largest in Europe. The SSE Arena Wembley is the country’s second largest indoor arena. 

A venue and event of such prominence deserve no less than a top-notch celebrity roster. Confirmed to be part of ASAP 20 Live in Londonare: Aiza Seguerra, Alex Gonzaga, Angeline Quinto, Arci Munoz, Ariel Rivera, Bamboo, Coco Martin, Dawn Zulueta, Enchong Dee, Enrique Gil, Erik Santos, Gary Valenciano, Jake Cuenca, James Reid, Janella Salvador, Jed Madela, Jessy Mendiola, John Prats, Julia Barretto, KC Concepcion, KZ Tandingan, Lani Misalucha, Liza Soberano, Luis Manzano, Maja Salvador, Martin Nievera, Nadine Lustre, Paulo Avelino, Piolo Pascual, Rayver Cruz, Richard Gomez, Richard Poon, Robi Domingo, Sam Milby, Shaina Magdayao, Vina Morales, Xian Lim, Yeng Constantino, Zsa Zsa Padilla plus more surprise celebrities and guests!

“Our huge and impactful event journey this year in Europe has drawn thousands of Filipinos together to represent with pride, joy and confidence. With our September 6 show, TFC joins ASAP as it takes its 20th anniversary celebration to a level that rivals the best that the global entertainment industry has to offer. This says without apologies that we Filipinos have arrived in Europe, what we are and offer are world-class, and that we have the numbers, the skills and the power to make a difference in European society,”Rodriguez said. “We believe in ourselves, we are proud of our ‘galing’ and we will let it shine wherever we are.”

For more information on ASAP 20 Live in London and how to purchase tickets, visit http://www.asap20inlondon.com

Leon Gallery pays tribute to Romulo Olazo

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For artist Romulo Olazo, who has been known for mastering the art of abstract, it’s been a life well-lived, full of colors. And this September, his signature masterpieces are exclusively included in the magnificent roster of artworks and objet d'art to be auctioned at Leon Gallery.

Permutation Series No. 6' by Romulo Olazo

Olazo’s signature Diaphanous series, which he had worked on for more than 30 years, take center stage at the Magnificent Auction 2015. By now, they are considered as some of the most canonical works in contemporary Philippine art, featuring veritable visions of light achieved though freehand and gestural painting methods, as well as templates and patterns.

From the Diaphonous 230, where he projects a theatrical and operatic presence, to Diaphanous 285, a 1981 work which shows a sweeping dynamic verve that appeals to the viewer. The great contrast between the fragility and the dark background is also shown in this particular work through warm tones of orange, perfectly layered to present surprising structural directions. 

This signature abstraction, which is often monochromatic and looks like touching images from a film negative, is also presented in Diaphanous signed and dated 1977. In this work, the color is reserved to cool monochrome greens to achieve ethereal effects.

Olazo’s recorded artworks spiked in number during the late ‘70s, and this is the period when he released the Mini-Diaphanous paintings. At the Leon Gallery auction, four Mini Diaphonous paintings can be found, which “echo nature, makes pictographs” by transforming abstraction into a deep expression, according to Ray Albano in 1978.

But aside from the Diaphonous series, the Magnificent Auction 2015 also draws light to Olazo’s Permutations, with Permutation Series No. 86 signed and dated 1994. From this, one can see a kind of cubist image formed by the overlapping pages showing through their irregular gaps. 

Happening on September 12, 2015, 2 PM, these Olazo masterpieces are set to be auctioned along with the National Artist Juan Luna’s untitled work, featuring a comely European lady in full figure, Anita Magsaysay-Ho’s “Boti Garapa!” circa 1946 and Fernando Zobel’s “Sin Titulo” to name a few. But the main highlight is Benedicto Cabrera’s largest “Sabel” to be auctioned in the history, a portrait of a real life vagabond who used to roam around Bambang district in Sampaloc where the artist grew up.

“It has always been our commitment to uplift Filipino talent, culture and history through the arts; and it is with great pride that the works of these renowned artists have found home at Leon Gallery. Through this, we pay tribute to their notable legacy and skills, like Romulo Olazo,” said Leon Gallery director Jaime Ponce de Leon.

Visit Leon Gallery located at the G/F, Eurovilla 1, Rufino corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City. For more details, visit http://leon-gallery.com/.