REP Stages the Story of the Woman Who Mapped the Stars

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Repertory Philippines, or REP, takes a figure out of the shadows of history and brings her story to the spotlight in the science bio-drama Silent Sky. Directed by REP Artistic Director Joy Virata, Silent Sky runs from March 2 to 25 at the OnStage Theater in Greenbelt 1, Makati City. 

Playwright Lauren Gunderson’s Silent Sky is based on the true story of early 20th century astronomer Henrietta Swan Leavitt who, together with a group of female scientists, was working as a “computer” (data entry clerk) at Harvard Observatory College. Despite women being forbidden from using the observatory’s telescope, this brilliant but unsung pioneer made astonishing discoveries as she mapped the distance between the stars, the earth, and other galaxies.

As a result, Leavitt paved the way for more known astronomers like Edwin Hubble (the man said to have discovered the cosmos) to succeed in their own research.

Silent Sky is a story that harmonizes science, history, family, love, and the passion of a young woman who forged her own path through a society bent on keeping a woman in her place.

REP’s Silent Sky features some of the most captivating performers ready to bring to light the overlooked achievements of women in history. Cathy Azanza-Dy plays the lead role of Henrietta Leavitt, while joining the cast are Caisa Borromeo, Naths Everette, Shiela Francisco, and Topper Fabregas.

Don’t miss the inspiring story of REP’s Silent Sky running from March 2 to 25.

For inquiries, you may call REP at 843.3570, and Ticketworld at 891.999 or log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph.

For updates and show schedules, log on to www.repertoryphilippines.ph, like and follow repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram, and follow @repphils on Twitter.

Single on Valentine’s Day? GO Celebrate with Your Single Friends

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Yes, Valentine’s Day is all about hearts, roses, and romantic dates. But if you’re single on Feb. 14, don’t fret, as you too can join in on the festivities. The day is all about love after all, so why not celebrate it with your fellow single friends? Think of going out together as a great “thank you” gift to friends who will always have your back.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to visit the Scout Area in Quezon City. The whole place offers an interesting choice of dining places, plus more. Go Hotels, the hotel for every Juan, offers some recommendations on where you and your barkada can celebrate V-Day 2018.

Go on a staycation with the barkada

Go Hotels recommends spending the night at their branch located in Timog Ave. It has the same world-class facilities the brand is known for: clean and clutter-free rooms, comfy ambiance, comfortable beds, hot & cold showers, and free WIFI. Your barkada can book up to five rooms, and the earlier you reserve them, the more chances of availing the lowest possible rate. The hotel also offers a spa service provided by Venus Touch Spa, a perfect way to treat your body after a whole evening of partying.

"Our Timog Ave. branch is located right in the middle of Scout area, making it perfect for those who wish to go food-tripping or bar-hopping. Then, cap it off by experiencing world-class, friendly service and utmost comfort and care at Go Hotels,” said JJ Montinola, Assistant Vice President of Roxaco–Vanguard Hotel Corporation (RVHC).

Happy hearts, happy tummies

Mario’s at Tomas Morato for example is one such restaurant that offers an unforgettable culinary experience. Splurge on a three-course meal and choose among a variety of entrées like their Twin Tournados of Tenderloin Steak Duo with Béarnaise and Mushroom Sauce, or Salmon Fillet with Roasted Garlic and Charbroiled Lamb Chop with Port Mint Sauce, or Rib Eye and Prawn Thermidor. For drinks, they have a wide assortment of wine, vodka, rum, tequila, and beer.

For a livelier atmosphere, why not get a good laugh at the famous Zirkoh Bar in Timog? A comedy bar is just the right place to let all the sawi feelings subside, while enjoying some grub, too. Comedians making fun of heartbreak and other things romantic will leave everyone less upset about the clichés of Valentine’s.

Competitive singles can choose to go Ludo’s Boardgame Bar & Café at Sct. Torillo Street, a perfect place for the whole gang. Just order some food and drinks and all the board games are yours for the taking. Try themed cocktails, inspired by shows and movies such as ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Star Wars’ and dig in into their Chicken Wings, Beef Salpicao, Super Nachos, and their famous Vegetable or Cheese Gyoza.

KTV bar Music Match in Tomas Morato is a top choice for those who want to sing their hearts out on Valentine’s Day. Prepare your Most Requested Song list, grab the microphone, and sing the night away. Choose from a variety of food and drinks from their barkada packages, which include some of our favorite dishes such as sisig, chicken wings, and liempo. Large groups need not worry as Music Match has rooms that can fit up to 20 people.

And last but not the least, for those who look to party, Guilly’s Island in Tomas Morato is there for you. One of the longest running nightclubs in Metro Manila, it is known for the excellent crowd, food and music. Who knows? Maybe some in your barkada might find their one true love here.

To book your barkada’s V-Day bash now, visit http://www.gohotels.ph/locations-page/specific-location/timog-quezon-city/

HLURB Partners with Lamudi, Aims to Increase Transparency

Wazzup Pilipinas!

HLURB and property website Lamudi join forces to push for transparency in real estate this 2018

MANILA, January 29, 2018: The Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) and online real estate marketplace Lamudi Philippines come together for a partnership aimed at improving real estate practices in the country and encouraging transparency in the industry.

A ceremonial signing was held in Makati on January 24, and was attended by HLURB Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner Atty. Lloyd Christopher A. Lao, HLURB Commissioner Atty. Melzar P. Galicia, Lamudi Philippines Managing Director and CEO Bhavna Suresh, and Lamudi Philippines Director for Brand and Communication Ken Lerona.

A more visible HLURB

Under the one-year partnership, readers of the Lamudi: Real Estate Magazine should expect thought leadership pieces from none other than Atty. Lao, with topics ranging from the rights of buyers of real estate, to the verification of brokers, projects, and developers.

HLURB will also use the Lamudi platform to address frequently asked questions, including those about options for financing, procedures and remedies afforded to aggrieved buyers and developers, and even who to approach or look for when paying a visit to their office.

Consistent with its aim to increase transparency in the industry, HLURB also has revamped and upgraded its website, which now comes with a user-friendly online inquiry feature. This shall be integrated in the Lamudi website which receives around 1.5M visits per month, so property seekers will find it easy and hassle-free to search for registered brokers, as well as projects that have been issued License to Sell numbers.

All of these form part of HLURB’s efforts to keep up with the times by embracing digital, and to be more visible to the public and serve them better.
Transparency through technology

In the 2016 Global Real Estate Transparency Index (GRETI) by JLL, a leading real estate and investment management firm, the Philippines ranked 46th out of 109 countries and fell under the semi-transparent market. This tier, according to JLL, is where the most rapid progress in real estate transparency can be found.

Rising expectations from citizens as well as technological advancements serve as drivers for improving real estate transparency. Innovations in the prop-tech industry, JLL says, “offer the opportunity for a quantum leap in data access to support a rising culture of ‘open data.’”

Aside from high-quality accessible market data, ingredients of a transparent real estate market include: strong corporate governance, stringent regulatory enforcement, high ethical standards, and international best practice.

For Atty. Lao, responsible real estate practice is the key to the sustainability of the housing sector. He also maintained that although HLURB is a regulatory body, they are very much willing to help and cooperate with those under their jurisdiction.

Ms. Suresh, for her part, shared that Lamudi is one with HLURB in its aim to push for transparency as this shall open many doors in the future. As seen in JLL’s 2016 GRETI, higher real estate transparency is linked to new business and investment, and even plays a role in community well-being and inclusiveness.

“As the authority in the prop-tech industry in the country, Lamudi is thrilled to be partnering with HLURB for this,” she added. “We are here to support HLURB, and look forward to more partnerships like this one.”