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Category: Real Estate

  • 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

  • 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

  • PICC, Metro Parking renew car park partnership

    PICC, Metro Parking renew car park partnership

    The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), the country’s leading and biggest event venue, and Metro Parking Management (Phils.) Inc., an ISO-certified car park management and consultancy firm, recently renewed its partnership for another 2 years through a contract-signing ceremony.

    Metro Parking’s main responsibility has been to ensure the safety and security of all parked vehicles within the PICC grounds. Despite many parking spaces around Metro Manila under its management, Metro Parking still displayed the utmost in professionalism and expertise with regard to car park management, earning PICC’s satisfaction with its performance.

    Seen in photo are PICC General Manager Atty. Renato Padilla (L) and Metro Parking Management (Phils.) Inc. President, Richard Fong, in a firm handshake after the signing ceremony.

    REFERENCE:

    Richard Mamuyac
    09283274911

  • Tutuban Centermall’s notable momentum

    Tutuban Centermall’s notable momentum

    With its redevelopment plans in full swing, Tutuban Center’s expansion is indeed gaining notable momentum. On track to further serve and satisfy its thousands of patrons, the historic mall is set to build a three-star hotel, refurbish its food court and open a zoo within its premises.

    “Some of these initiatives may be outside of the usual redevelopment efforts we usually see in malls. Our location is very strategic. Opportunities are aplenty. Tutuban Center is not just a shopping destination, it is an experience, a tradition, a lifestyle,” explains Ernie Hilario, AVP for Marketing & Business Development of Tutuban Properties, Inc.

    One of these developments is the soon-to-rise, 41-room Orion Hotel, which will definitely change the look of the Divisoria skyline in Manila. Consisting of about 13 standard rooms and 27 deluxe single/deluxe twin rooms and one junior suite room, Orion Hotel is targeting transient travellers who wish to explore the beauty of the shopping district of Manila. Aside from that, traders from afar may also wish to stay at Orion Hotel for more convenience in the conduct of their business in the Divisoria area.

    This new and convenient haven for tourists and out-of-town shoppers will be glad to note that it will have basic hotel amenities such as a cable-ready 32-inch LCD TV, hot & cold shower, a Left Luggage room, Key Card room access and free Wi-Fi service for the digitally inclined guest.

    Orion Hotel’s doors are expected to open to the public by the 4th Quarter of this year.

    The famous Food Street and Food Court in Tutuban Center will have their facelift as well, to give both these food areas more flavour and outlook. Both Food Street and Food Court are poised for fun and enjoyable but economical dining experience.

    As if these shopping and dining options are not enough, Tutuban Center is set to unleash a Virtual Zoo, an interactive entertaining concept aimed to attract the typical Filipinos and their great passion for picture-taking and photos. The former cinema area is to be developed into a major destination for fun and recreation for the whole family.

    A unique visual attraction, the kid-friendly and tech-savvy zoo is basically a collage of 3D photos mounted on the blank walls of the cinema lobby. The 3D photos will focus on interesting and popular animals, thus, will transform the entire cinema lobby into a virtual zoo. Each wall is a photo booth open to the public.

    “This is an incredible and exciting time for Tutuban, and we are just starting!” adds Hilario.

    Reference: Joel Navarro

    AMPR Publicity and Com

    0917.8165635