House for sale in Indonesia -- with free wife

An advert for a house in Indonesia has gone viral online after the woman selling it offered to throw in an unusual extra feature for free -- her hand in marriage.

The Internet ad reads for the most part like a regular house listing, saying that the single-storey property has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a parking space and a fish pond.

But it also proposes to buyers a "rare offer" -- "when you buy this house, you can ask the owner to marry you", alongside a picture of Wina Lia, a 40-year-old widow and beauty salon owner, leaning against a car in front of the house.

The ad said that terms and conditions apply, and notes the offer is "for serious buyers and non-negotiable". The house in Sleman, on the island of Java, is on the market for 999 million rupiah (about $75,000).

News of the offer quickly spread among Internet users in social media-crazy Indonesia.

Boldies99, a user on popular online forum Kaskus, said Lia was "quite smart -- even though the house will be sold, she will remain the owner."

Lia told AFP she was "shocked at the reaction", as she had been overwhelmed by journalists coming to interview her, and even the police in the conservative, Muslim-majority country had been asking questions.

The police "came to verify the news as they consider it as an improper advertisement. But I explained to them that it was not my idea," she said.

The mother of two explained that she had asked a friend who was a property agent to help her find a buyer -- and in the process a husband -- but she had expected him to pass on the news to a limited number of people, not put an ad online.

"I told a friend of mine who also works as property agent that if there is a buyer who is a single man or a widower who wants to buy a house, and at the same time look for a wife, he can let me know as I'm also a widow," she said.

She added that there was only one potential buyer, who had visited on Wednesday, but refused to give further details.

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Manila in Fragments WTA Architecture and Design Studio in La Biennale 2014

Metro Manila continues to witness major transformations on its landscape. What were once barren districts are now thriving with structures that host multinational companies and iconic commercial and residential developments.

Long-standing buildings from old avenues are being preserved through furthering its purpose and role in the growth of its provenance. The number of city centers, or at least those that are aspiring to serve as one, is on the rise—bringing together the live-work-play aspects in a single dense area to fulfil the promise of convenience and modern living.

Despite such renovations, the paths that identify the richness of Manila’s history are still visible— how the metropolis sprung from cohesion of small communities in the form of barangays, as well as the influence of the colonial era. Picturing these elements, when combined, the city has an immense contrast of edifices that help strengthen the character and diversity of its entirety. 

These are just some of the ideas that make up WTA Architect and Design Studio’s installation for the Global Art Affairs Foundation Architecture Exhibition, a collateral event for the 2014 Venice Architecture Biennale. Carrying the theme Fragments: Uncertainties and Characters, WTA will be presenting the various cultural, social, and political influences that mould the urban character of cities in the Philippines, particularly that of Metro Manila. Dissecting Manila’s Urban Fabric “Our exhibit seeks to elaborate how uncertainty and informality allow for a greater growth and creativity,” shares Founder of WTA Architect William T. Ti. 

WTA Architecture and Design Studio is the first Philippine-based firm to take part in the Biennale. The firm’s participation aims to show the international community what is going on in the Philippine architecture scene. “Fragments: Uncertainties and Characters” will show the city of Metro Manila as seen through the lens of the firm's experiences, highlighted by a selection of WTA’s projects that are envisioned to create the biggest positive impact in the landscape. 

To date, the Venice Architecture Biennale is one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in the world that showcases architecture installations and large-scale contemporary art crafted by different artists and designers across the globe. The exhibition is held once every two years in Venice, Italy, and for this year, the show will run from June 7 to November 23, 2014.

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Ten fully-furnished condo units to be won in the SM Supermalls Shop and Win Promo

Ten lucky shoppers will get to experience star-life condo living as the country’s largest chain of malls, launches their biggest and grandest promotion, the SM Supermalls Shop and Win an SMDC Condo Promo. The country’s largest shopping mall operator teamed-up with SM Development Corporation (SMDC), the leading real estate company in the Philippines, to give away 10 fully-furnished condominium units in prime locations. 

To join, one need only to shop or dine for a minimum of P1,000 single or accumulated purchase in any of SM Supermalls’ 56 mall locations nationwide including SMDC Jazz and Sun Mall. Shoppers simply present their receipt/s along with their E-Plus Loyalty card, SM Advantage card, SM Prestige card or BDO Rewards card for an e-raffle entry. Double e-raffle entries will be given with the use of the E-Plus Loyalty card. 

Every month, two condominium units from SMDC’s prime properties will be given away, strategically located in key areas across Metro Manila. These are Field Residences, M Place South Triangle, Light Residences, Sun Residences, Princeton Residences, Blue Residences, Grass Residences, Sea Residences and Jazz Residences and an 80-square meter penthouse at Mezza Residences.

Steven Tan, Senior Vice President for Operations of SM Supermalls said during the recent Shop and Win Promo launch last June 24, 2014 at the SMDC Grand Showroom, “SM will continue to provide not only affordable luxury and family fun mall experience but also a chance to experience the SMDC star-life condo living!”

The SM Supermalls Shop and Win Promo starts from June 22 up to November 22, 2014. Visit www.smshopandwin.com for more details. Like and follow SM Supermalls on facebook.com/smsupermalls and on Twitter and Instagram (@smsupermalls) for regular updates.

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