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.”

Brandon Stanton of Humans of New York to Hold Event in Manila on February 3

Wazzup Pilipinas!

"What was the happiest moment of your life?" "When I came for the first time. God damn!" - Humans of New York.

Brandon Stanton, the photojournalist behind the popular blog Humans of New York, has announced that he is hosting an event (two occurences within 1 day) in Manila this weekend at University of the Philippines Diliman. ....and it's for free!

Surprising and moving, Humans of New York is a celebration of individuality and a tribute to the spirit of the city.


When scrolling through social media we will ALWAYS stop to read a Humans of New York post. Always.

We thought back then that we were completely in control of our emotions, but were all teary-eyed sobbing after reading just one post by Humans Of New York... After that, it was oh so addicting to read more.

Who else goes to the comments section of Humans of New York just to have a good cry?

We are among those who love their content that touches emotions and give life lessons that are inspirational and thought-provoking.

Do you ever go open Instagram expecting to see Friday night shenanigans and Humans of New York makes you tear up.

We are among those persons who stay being ignorant for the hardship next door but easily get our heart broken over a sad story on Humans of New York facebook page. Shame on us.

Because of this, we almost founded a “Humans of___” (inspired by Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton). Our first “brilliant” idea was to interview people and post their stories on the page.

We always wanted an interview series not with the moguls and magnates but rather with younger people still trying to make it. i.e. the Humans of Manila for business.

We say go for the most authentic approach. Tell feel-good stories from average people in a beautiful way.

What we heard totally moved me to do something bigger. But somehow, we couldn't pursue the goal since our work load does not permit us the luxury of time.

But remember this:

"If you're doing it for the money, you'll fail. There's a long journey of heart and hard work before the money comes." Humans of New York

Good job to Brandon Stanton for the effort he puts on his features.

Holiday Travel to Monaco f1 Sporting Main Event

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I've been watching several main sporting event live. But what excites me is the venue, for instance I like to watch Formula 1 although, I've watched it several times live in different countries. There something why I love to see this live in Monaco. 

I saw the action when Tony Stark used to socialized with Elon Musk and race here. Im talking about Ironman movie meet the SpaceX Tesla ironman in real life. The genius, billionaire, playboy and philanthropist beyond that Armour. Runned since 1929, I found it as the most classic and grandest among all travel bucket list destinations. 

Even I saw live the season finale in Yas Marina and Action in Marina Bay Sands night race. Now, I understand why they consider this as one of the best race in the world together with Indianapolis500 and 24 hours of Lemans. As the form of triple crown car related motorsport.  Located at the most glamorous and prestigious place.  

I can feel the privacy and best retirement place tax heaven for business people. I've saw several Hollywood and former world champ feel comfortable living in this place. Now you can feel the skill of the driver because the streets here is so tight and elevation varies.

Making one of the most demanding tracks in formula 1. Elevation varies from tight corner to tunnel. So the speed average is really slow and dangerous. Often time safety car intervene because of frequent crash. Graham Hill won 5 out of 14 lifetime world record wins, the Late race King - Ayrton Senna won 6 times, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso and David Coulthard won twice.  

Aside from f1 I like also to watch the Monte Carlo Masters - Tennis live here. As one of the most famous tennis tournament of the world. Maybe final battle between Nadal-Federer and Williams-Sharapova here? Richest place on earth where wealth and greatness is equal happiness. 

Big yachts, helicopters, fast cars, great casino, fancy jewelry given a unique opportunity to see the best of Europe and France. Because they don't just have millionaires but also have lots of billionaire kings. Just in relatively living in small apartment and villas here. Because of the property in the area is really expensive. 

Sea front Monaco address prime location price tag will give your eyes watered. So really the best view of Monaco as you see f1 on top of your apartment. Would roughly cost you several million Euros. But if your in a budget and you like to experience the Glamour and Glitz. You may exit Monaco and get to rent houses - around 4000 villas and apartments nearby. Which is just a few hours from Monaco. 

Montboucher-sur-Jabron, France

Because in every success there's always a price for it. Maybe Monaco is just one of it? Would you agree? Criminals are screened, safe peaceful community and streets were cleaned. So whats the use of these fine creation if you cant experience, have a bite or taste it? Ferrari's, Buggati, RR, McLaren and Lambo were anywhere in every streets of Monaco.  

So you can always see the best watch, best boat, best car, fine people, best fashion in the area. Well, I am really Jason Statham James Bond! Kings, Pretty Girls and Queens were just around the corner - any corner when you roam around. Party like a rock-star and live life to the fullest. The biggest mansion, biggest plane, biggest yacht, cool cars what else can you ask for? Two thousand millionaires and 50's billionaire in a population of 35000 is really insane.

But if you're in a tight budget and like to see Monaco. You may rent cheap villa nearby. I suggest you visit Monaco on daylight then travel couple of hours to sleep at night outside Monaco. See the cool budget itinerary here and travel bloggers testimonials of saving money. So who said Monaco is just for Rich? Because when there's a will there's always a way. So lets celebrate holiday here.