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Category: Press Release

  • Five Smartphone Trends that may change the Filipino Real Estate Market in 2015

    The rise of smartphones will change the real estate game is played in the Philippines in 2015.

    It goes without saying that the Philippines’ mobile Internet landscape is fast evolving. Smartphone penetration, although relatively low at 15 percent, has been growing over the last couple of years. It is expected to leap to 50 percent in 2015.

    Filipinos do not leave home without their smartphones. We book taxis, check road traffic conditions, and purchase gadgets and shoes using our smartphones. Mobile apps even proved very useful when Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) struck the Visayas Region in late 2013, mobilizing an army of volunteers and a massive relief drive.

    Indeed, smartphones have become the place where Filipinos research everything, including real estate. This presents a huge opportunity for the industry.

    With these developments, Lamudi has compiled a list of smartphone trends that could stand to change Filipino real estate in 2015.

    1. Half of Smartphone Users Have Spending Power

    Research conducted by mobile market research firm On Device Research found that 44 percent of all mobile Internet users in the Philippines are between 25 and 44 years. This age bracket is when people have stable incomes, start to think about settling down, and are strongly considering purchasing a property for their families.

    This is a huge opportunity for the real estate industry. Not only are these people determined to finally own a home, more and more of them are starting their research on their smartphones, making mobile presence a must for any real estate player.

    2.Almost Half Are Women

    The same research found that 44 percent of Filipino smartphone users are female, higher than Southeast Asia’s average of 37 percent. This is exciting news for the real estate industry, as research conducted by Lamudi earlier this year found that women in emerging countries, including the Philippines, are driving the house-hunting process. Mobile advertising targeted at female home-buyers may make or break a successful real estate marketing campaign.

    3. Filipinos Are on Their Smartphones Longer

    We use our smartphones everywhere and for longer durations. In fact, 40 percent of all Filipino smartphone users spend more than five hours per day on their phone, according to On Device Research. This is approximately 30 percent of our waking hours.

    This means people sitting in a restaurant or waiting at the supermarket checkout are highly likely to be browsing for properties using their smartphones. Hence, targeting these potential buyers at the Zero Moment—the precise moment when they have a need, an intent, or a question they want answered—will be crucial for the industry.

    4. Filipinos Spend More Time on Social Media

    The Philippines is the world’s social media capital. Filipinos spend four hours per day on social media, and a whopping 94 percent of Filipino Internet users have Facebook accounts. Compared this to 54 percent in the United States, the birthplace of Facebook. Therefore, marketing utilizing Facebook (or any social networking site for that matter) will effectively complement any offline campaign.

    5. Apps Are Extremely Popular

    Thirty-two percent of Filipino smartphone users download six or more apps per month, and 45 percent of these people have shelled out some money for these app installs or made purchases using any of these apps.

    But what’s more noteworthy is the popularity of mobile messaging apps. Eighty-two percent of mobile users have Facebook Messenger app, 27 percent use Viber, and 27 percent have Skype. The latter two offer free international calls, which Filipinos utilize fully to call immediate family members working abroad. Since up to a third of OFW remittance to the Philippines is spent on real estate, there is a huge opportunity for the industry to target OFW families looking into buying their first home.

    ABOUT LAMUDI

    Launched in 2013, Lamudi is a global property portal focusing exclusively on emerging markets. The fast-growing platform is currently available in 28 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, with more than 600,000 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.

    REFERENCE / MEDIA CONTACT:
    Rodel Ambas
    Content Editor, Lamudi Philippines
    Email: rodel.ambas@lamudi.com.ph
    Phone: +63 917 3015127

  • Christmas Decorations Around The World

    Take a world tour of how different countries prepare for Christmas.

    Trees covered in tinsel and baubles. Stockings hanging from the fireplace. Elaborate outdoor light displays popping up all over the neighborhood.

    Think of decorating your home for Christmas and at least one of these traditions will likely spring to mind. Yet all over the world, countries celebrating Christmas have their own set of customs for decorating their homes for the holidays.

    In Mexico, nativity-themed Christmas decorations are carved from radishes. In chilly Antarctica, fish heads hang in doorways to replace mistletoe. And in Ghana, palm trees decorated with candles replace traditional Christmas trees to suit the tropical climate.

    As the festive season approaches, global real estate portal Lamudi takes you on a tour of Christmas decorations to be found in houses the world over.

    Africa

    In Africa, Christmas dinners after the church ceremony are prepared on tables out the front of homes, inviting people’s family and close friends to share a meal together. For this reason, outdoor decorations are more important than the interior. You may see fake snow decorating store fronts in Nairobi, oil palms loaded with bells in Liberia, or palm trees laden with candles in Ghana.

    In Zimbabwe, Christmas is far from being a casual celebration. It is tradition for people to set up their biggest speakers in front of their house and play their favourite music as loud as they can. But don’t expect only Christmas tunes. You will likely hear everything from the latest pop tunes to more traditional African favourites.

    Latin America

    Christmas is the most important holiday of the year for most countries in Latin America. Cities are loaded with spectacular, colourful decorations, including lots of fairy lights. In Colombia, December 7 is Dia De Las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles) where the night is spent decorating all public spaces with paper lanterns and candles. Each household lights approximately 100 candles and places them outside their home in honour of the Virgin Mary.

    On December 23, just before Christmas, farming folk in Mexico celebrate Noche de rábanos, or the Festival of the Radishes. They carve the vegetables into human figures, including those from nativity scenes. On Christmas Day, children can be found in Mexican living rooms attempting to and break apart decorated clay piñata using a stick – while blindfolded. Inside are small presents and sweets.

    Asia

    Because fir trees are not common in India, mango trees are often decorated instead. In addition, the whole house is decorated with mango leaves in order to brighten up homes. Large star-shaped paper lanterns are also very popular.

    In the Philippines cities shine in colorful lights during Christmas. People decorate their homes with buntings, candles, and wreaths. The most popular decoration in the Philippines is parol (pah-role). This is a bamboo pole with a bright star on top. The pole represents the guiding star of Bethlehem. People also put numerous Christmas cards in the living room for family and friends.

    But one of the most original Christmas traditions comes from Antarctica. With mistletoe being in seriously short supply, residents will often hang up a fish head instead.

    ABOUT LAMUDI

    Launched in 2013, Lamudi is a global property portal focusing exclusively on emerging markets. The fast-growing platform is currently available in 28 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, with more than 750,000 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 ASIA PACIFIC INTERNET GROUP

    Asia Pacific Internet Group (APACIG) is a joint venture of Rocket Internet and Ooredoo. The group’s network consists of 11 e-commerce and online marketplace companies, operating across 15 countries. Since it was founded in 2014, APACIG has become the leading online platform in Asia, building top internet companies in the region. For more information, please visit www.asiapacificinternetgroup.com

    REFERENCE & MEDIA CONTACT

    Rodel Ambas
    Content Editor, Lamudi Philippines
    Email: rodel.ambas@lamudi.com.ph
    Phone: +63 917 3015127

  • Yoshinoya Gyudon Eating Contest: “Moving ‘4-Ward’”

    Yoshinoya Gyudon Eating Contest: “Moving ‘4-Ward’”

    There’s no stopping Yoshinoya, the country’s most popular fast-food chain that specializes in all-time favorite Japanese culinary fare, from going forward with its remarkable Gyudon eating challenge.

    Now on its 4th year, this much-awaited event has earned the respect of many hungry Filipinos who want to test their mettle when it comes to gastronomic challenges. If Coney Island in New York, USA has the world-famous Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, then the Philippines definitely has Yoshinoya. And just like in the previous editions, the Yoshinoya Gyudon Eating Contest promises to be nothing short of exciting as more Gyudon-loving Pinoys are expected to troop to the Yoshinoya stores and sign up.

    Composed of 2 challenges, the contest is open to all male and female participants 18 years old and above. Qualifying Rounds will be held Monday through Friday at all Yoshinoya stores from April 21 up to May 30, 2014.

    To be able to participate, customers simply need to pay P199 at the counter, fill out the Registration Form and sign a Health and Release waiver, and present a valid ID (School ID, Company ID, Driver’s License, SSS ID, GSIS ID, NBI Clearance, Postal ID, Voters ID, or Passport) to the store manager.

    For the qualifying round the beef bowls should be consumed in the store. The customer who consumes the most number of bowls or has the least amount of leftover food in 5 minutes wins the day’s challenge.  The names of the four (4) fastest challengers will be on display at each store’s Leader Board and will be updated every time a new record is set.

    All weekly winners who qualified in each of the stores will be notified by phone call, email or registered mail and are automatically entered in the Grand Finals, which will be held on June 14, 2014, 1 pm, at the Activity Center of Glorietta in Makati City.

    During the final match, all finalists will compete by eating the most number of bowls in 15 minutes. The Top Three (3) Finalists with the most number of bowls consumed and the least weight of food left after 15 minutes will be declared winners of the Yoshinoya Gyudon Eating Contest 2014.

    And definitely, this year’s prizes gets even better—and bigger—especially for the First Place winner, who will receive P150,000 in cash and Two (2) round trip tickets to Japan courtesy of Cebu Pacific. The Second Placer gets P50, 000 while the 3rd placer takes home P25, 000. Non-winners will each be given consolation prizes of P2, 000 worth of Yoshinoya gift certificates.

    Expect tremendous and awesome fun and excitement for this year’s 2014 Yoshinoya Gyudon Eating Contest, which, after 4 years, still stands as a sure-fire hit among gyudon-loving Pinoys. Coming in droves to register for the past challenge editions just goes to show how much this great Japanese meal, composed of steaming white rice topped with sumptuous beef and onion stirred in a mild sweet sauce, is loved by many Filipinos and have made it as part of their daily food fare.

    For more details about the Yoshinoya Gyudon Eating Contest 2014, visit the Yoshinoya store nearest you (SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM Manila, SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Galleria, Glorietta, Fairview Terraces). You can also visit the Yoshinoya Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/YoshinoyaPhilippines) or follow Yoshinoya Instagram or Twitter accounts, or you can go to www.yoshinoya.ph.

    REFERENCE:

    Richard Mamuyac
    09088135326

  • Experience the 4th Bulihan Festival from April 23-26 at Sampaloc, Quezon

    Experience the 4th Bulihan Festival from April 23-26 at Sampaloc, Quezon

    Spirits are high as residents of Sampaloc town in Quezon Province lay the groundwork for the 4th Bulihan Festival scheduled from April 23 to 26.

    Thanks to Mayor Emmanuel S. Torres, who vigorously campaigned to highlight the Bulihan Festival. “This is something I want to highlight in our municipality: the importance of the Bulihan Festival. Through this festival, we give jobs to our residents, and we are able to promote tourism. There’s so much fun and excitement here. I hope they will visit us soon. Discover Sampaloc now!” Torres declared.

    There is a full list of exciting activities at Sampaloc beginning on April 23 with the display of native delicacies in a program dubbed “Lutuing Sampalukin.” 14 barangays from Sampaloc are taking part in the food show. On April 24, the Payas Contest will be held, wherein houses along the parade route are encouraged to decorate the exteriors of their homes with colorful buri and other indigenous materials. The theme for this year’s festivity is “Blooming Sampaloc,.’ Forty-six houses are vying for cash prizes. On April 25, the Paradang Bayan 2014 will take place, followed by the awarding of the Search for Natatanging Anak ng Sampaloc. On April 26 comes the Lunesan ng Fiesta sa Ilog to be held on the Maapon River in Kakati, where residents will join in a boat race and hold picnics by the river.

    Mayor Torres encouraged constituents to invite their friends from all over the country to join in the festival’s events. In promoting the fiesta, the local government has launched a homestay program where the residenst of Sampaloc “adopt” visitors for the duration of the event.

    Want to experience Sampaloc, Quezon? Tour packages are available. For details, call Tina Poblete of the Sampaloc Municipal Planning and Development Office at (042) 555-83-42 and (042) 716-0011, or e-mail sampalocquezon@yahoo.com, xtiantina@gmail.com.ph, and nabracia@yahoo.com.

    REFERENCE:

    Richard Mamuyac
    09088135326

  • Crosswinds Swiss Luxury Resort is the dog-friendly resort in Tagaytay

    Crosswinds Swiss Luxury Resort is the dog-friendly resort in Tagaytay

    Pet lovers who wish to share a peaceful, beautiful environment with their canine companions would do well to visit Crosswinds Swiss Luxury Resort, which is 100-hectares of lush green residential resort property set in one of the highest and breeziest areas of Tagaytay, with more than 23,000 pine trees filling the air with their fresh, sweet scent. The architecture of Crosswinds takes inspiration from the picturesque chalets of Switzerland. This haven of fresh breezes, pine trees, and breath-taking views hosted an event exclusive for dog lovers and their four-legged friends belonging to the Cavite Canine Club.

    Participants at the dog show organized by The Cavite Canine Club get their entries in the Group 6 –Beagle category ready for competition. The dog show was held at the Crosswinds Swiss Luxury Resort in Tagaytay.
    Dog show officials_Maribel S; Ekarat Sangkunakup (Thailand); Dr. Jose Mendiola (Phl); and Dr. Andi Hudono (Indonesia) pose for posterity during a break from the competition. The event was organized by The Canine Club of Cavite and held at the Crosswinds Swiss Luxury Resort in Tagaytay.

    The Cavite Canine Club held its all-breeds dog shows—the 123rd, 124th, and 125th–at the Crosswinds, with more than 250 dogs participating in each show. Participants from all over the Philippines joined the shows, which were officiated by Mr. Ekarat Sangkunakup from Thailand; Dr. Andi Hudono from Indonesia; and Dr. Jose Mendiola from the Philippines.

    Different canine breeds were featured in the competition including American Cockers; Golden Retrievers; Labrador Retrievers; Jack Russell Terriers; Beagles; Chihuahuas; Pekingese; French Bulldogs; Pugs; Shih Tzus; Boxers; Bulldogs; Dobermans; Great Danes; Minipins; Chowchows; Pomeranians, and Siberian Huskies.

    This glamorous Standard (Not French)Poodle received the BIS3 prize in the dog show organized by The Canine Club of Cavite. Also in the photo are Maribel Sy; Dr. Andi Hudono; Handler JR; and Dr. Jose Mendiola. The event was held at the Crosswinds Swiss Luxury Resort in Tagaytay.

    Amid the verdant, picturesque setting provided by Crosswinds and the fellowship, goodwill, and camaraderie among the participants, everyone had an enjoyable, memorable time during the event, which lasted from 10 am to 8 pm. The success of the dog shows was made possible through the support of Senators Manny and Cynthia Villar, as well as Mr. Martin John Lim of Crosswinds Resort Suites and Ms. Joan Patricia Dial, Division Head of Brittany Corporation.

    The winner in the Beagle category category of the Cavite Canine Club’s dog show is presented to the audience. Dog show officials Dr. Andi Hudono (Indonesia)(left) and Dr. Jose Mendiola (Phl)(right) were on hand to give out the prizes. The dog show was held at the Crosswinds Swiss Luxury Resort in Tagaytay.
    A Siberian Husky won the Best in Show prize in the event organized by The Canine Club of Cavite. Also in the photo are Maribel Sy; Dr. Andi Hudono; Handler JR; and Dr. Jose Mendiola. The event was held at the Crosswinds Swiss Luxury Resort in Tagaytay.

    The Cavite Canine Club was organized in the year 2000. Since then, it has been organizing dog shows in Cavite as well as conducting seminars for dog owners and exhibitors to teach them the proper way to ensure proper nutrition and good health for their canine friends. The Club is also an accredited LGU by the Municipality of Kawit. It is presently under the leadership of its Club President, Mr. Eduardo Sy.

    REFERENCE:

    Judy Ann Teo
    Insight.Publicity Corp.
    Mobile No. 0917-5608050

  • 2013 PSTD Gawad Maestro Call for Nominations

    2013 PSTD Gawad Maestro Call for Nominations

    The Philippine Society for Training and Development (PSTD) has issued a call for nominations to the 2nd PSTD WLP Gawad Maestro Awards 2013.

    The Gawad Maestro Awards was launched on March 28, 2011 with the objective of honoring outstanding individuals and organizations that have demonstrated leadership and creativity in the field of workplace learning and performance or WLP. The categories include: Leader Extraordinaire; Outstanding WLP Program of the Year; Outstanding WLP Organizational Champion; Outstanding WLP Manager; Outstanding WLP Professional.

    Honored during the 1st PSTD WLP Gawad Maestro Awards Night at the Grand Ballroom, Manila Diamond Hotel on November 21, 2011 were: Sec. Herminio Coloma of Presidential Communications Operations Office, Undersecretary Rizalino Rivera of the Dept of Education, Tita Puangco of Ancilla Consulting and Arthur Luis Florentin of the Center for Innovation, Change and Productivity – Leader Extraordinaire;Globe Telecom – Outstanding WLP Program of the Year; Pfizer – Wyeth Philippines and Integra Business Processing Solutions – Outstanding WLP Organizational Champion; Benedict Salvador of Integra Business Processing Solutions – Outstanding WLP Manager; and Cherry Crisostomo of Concentrix Phil., Inc.– Outstanding WLP Professional.

    This year’s awardees will be honored at the 2nd PSTD Gawad Maestro Awards Night, in line with the 38th PSTD National Convention which will be held on May 8-10, 2013 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City. The 38th National Convention, with the theme, “Delivering Performance Breakthroughs through WLP,” will be a venue for the exchange of breakthrough experiences, models, and strategies in workplace learning and performance improvement. It will bring together practitioners from the public and the private sector nationwide.

    PSTD is the country’s premier professional organization dedicated to providing development and learning opportunities, global standards and ethical guidelines in the practice of workplace learning and performance (WLP). Send in your nominations to pstd.gawadmaestro.secretariat@gmail.com now. Deadline for submission of nomination forms and all pertinent documents is February 28, 2013. You may call PSTD Secretariat at telephone nos. (02) 7038789 or (02) 8140372 for details and inquiries.

    Reference: Richard Mamuyac

  • Honda donates Php 5Million to victims of super typhoon “Yolanda”

    Honda donates Php 5Million to victims of super typhoon “Yolanda”

    The Honda Group of Companies in the Philippines would like to express its deepest sympathy to the flood victims of southwest monsoon rain caused by super typhoon “Yolanda” (international name Haiyan). Through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, Honda Foundation, Inc., the local Honda subsidiaries will provide one (five) million Pesos to help assist in the relief and recovery efforts.

    The Honda Group of Companies in the Philippines, composed of Honda Philippines, Inc. (Manufacturer and distributor Honda motorcycles and power products), Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (Manufacturer and distributor of Honda automobiles), Honda Parts Manufacturing Corp. (Manufacturer of automobile component parts) and Honda Trading Philippines Ecozone Corp. (Trading company),  is one with the nation in continuously praying for the immediate healing of the victims and their families and the recovery of the affected areas.

    REFERENCE:

    Richard Mamuyac
    09088135326

  • Lamoiyan Corporation continues to be Pinoys’ pride

    Lamoiyan Corporation continues to be Pinoys’ pride

    Fully Filipino-owned Lamoiyan Corporation has more reasons to smile as it continues to bring world-class quality yet affordable products that never fail to earn the peoples’ trust and loyalty, especially now that the company is in its 25thyear of existence.

    In perfect time with its Silver anniversary this year, the company now has more than 30,000 fans in leading social network site Facebook, and still continuously growing – a feat that only proves the unstoppable patronage it gains from the local market.

    Hapee’s Facebook page served as a venue to connect with the brand’s market, most of them Filipino moms. Not only that the site served as a tool for Hapee to reach out to its market, but also it served as a page where fans can get practical household tips and useful parenting advice for everyday. And when the page reached its 10, 000 mark, Hapee took the chance to hear more from their fans and asked them: “Bakit Hapee ang toothpaste mo?”

    From among the thousands of statements made during the campaign, one of the most convincing ones was that of Daisy Villadores de Belen, who admits that their family already tried almost all the toothpaste brands available in the market and yet they still stuck to Hapee for her kids really love the taste that is not too spicy. With this, she writes: “Happing happy kami sa Hapee .”

    The same reason was also given by Era Mae Dagondon, who particularly liked Hapee’s flavorful taste, not to mention its refreshing effect to the mouth and the softness of the bubbles she feels every time she brushes her teeth. Meanwhile, Filomena Villanueva swears that it’s “really worth it without the need for a mouthwash”.

    Apart from its world-class quality that is comparable to other more expensive brands, what’s also keeping consumers loyal to Hapee toothpaste is its reasonable price. According to Michelle Talaboc, while prices of some commodities continue to go up, it’s good to know that Lamoiyan remains affordable, especially for those who have less in life. This, in turn, gives her a reason to smile amid life’s challenges.

    For practical mothers who want only the best for their family, Hapee toothpaste is indeed the right choice for them. Belinda Maravilla, who considers herself so meticulous in choosing every product she buys, shares that it’s only Hapee that her family is very satisfied with given the kind of dental care it provides and yet friendly to the budget.

    The self-confessed frugal Merly Onayan, on the other hand, cites that she, who values the hard-earnings of her husband, won’t settle for something expensive if there’s an alternative that can also give the best result in oral hygiene. Because Rho-anne Repre considers the brand as the “Hapee ness ng pamilya ko, Hapee ness pa ng bulsako!” she indeed gives the consuming public a convincing statement that they need not have to spend more just to have a beautiful smile.

    Beyond the wonders of Hapee toothpaste as a product, the legacy behind it also contributes to its big following. It is a known fact that Lamoiyan Corporation is a 100 percent Filipino firm established in March 1998 by no less than its visionary owner, Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro who, despite the unfortunate closure of his first business venture Aluminum Containers, Inc., was not discouraged but instead opted to challenge the big multinationals by introducing a purely local brand that is of the same quality as theirs.

    Seeing the company’s humble beginnings, Cristina Lim stresses that Hapee toothpaste truly reflects the very distinct Filipino quality that is “masikap” or “diligent,” which can be at par with the best in the world. Proud of the company and its founder’s success, Ria Tacderas Bahri, meanwhile, says that it is but proper to love and patronize a brand made by a Filipino for the Filipino. What’s more, Lamoiyan sets a good example as a firm that offers equal employment opportunities for hearing-impaired individuals which, for Ace Mendoza, only shows that it truly cares for the people.

    These responses, which also share the same sentiments with the rest, clearly reflect this: That Hapee toothpaste is truly a world-class yet affordable brand in the market today made by a homegrown company that is Lamoiyan Corporation, whose mission to produce quality products as well as create opportunities for the people for the betterment of the country, is truly a source of Filipino pride. Visit www.facebook.com/HapeeToothpaste, for more household tips and to know more about Hapee toothpaste.

    REFERENCE:

    Richard Mamuyac

    Contact No. 09283274911

    AMPR Publicity and Communications, Inc.