GetAsia buys 3 RP portals

In a move that redefines the Philippine Internet scene, GetAsia.com has acquired three leading Filipino city guide and lifestyle portals LegManila.com, Localvibe.com and ClickTheCity.com. The deal marks GetAsia‘s entry into the Philippine market, adding to the company’s already impressive roster of sites, including Singapore’s top lifestyle portal Metroage.com.

The resulting merger between Localvibe.com, Leg Manila.com and its subsidiary site, ClickTheCity.com, will create the most comprehensive lifestyle and city guide website in the Philippines.

"We’re thrilled that LegManila and Localvibe have both joined GetAsia," said Kenneth Felberbaum, CEO of GetAsia, Inc. "The merger makes perfect sense for everyone. These companies complement each other very well and makes us the dominant mover in the Philippines."

Over the past two years LegManila and Localvibe have established themselves as Manila’s leading sources of entertainment, nightlife and shopping information. Legmanila and Localvibe were both pioneers in distributing content via SMS, WAP and AvantGo! technology.

The merger of the once fierce competitors will allow the sites to leverage each other‘s resources, talent pools, and client bases. "The parallels between our two companies make this move a logical one," said Localvibe’s managing director Carlo Navarro. "We are now the definitive Internet instrument for our business partners to access the hundreds of thousands of Filipino users around the world."

"It is a surprising turn of events," agreed LegManila‘s president Alex Reguyal. "We’re very excited to be working together and we believe that the three groups working together will be able to dominate the Philippine Internet market."

Established in January 1999, Localvibe "www.localvibe.com" has defined itself through its edgy, hip and up-to-the-minute coverage of all aspects of Metro Manila’s lifestyle scene. The site delivers in-depth coverage of Manila restaurants, bars, movie schedules, museums and local events. The site features nine channels: Art, Entertainment, Food, Metropolis, Music, Nightlife, Style, Sports and Travel.

Launched in December 1998, LegManila "www.legmanila.com" features the on-line city guide, ClickThe City.com, as well as the community-oriented discussion service, "Ano Kamo?"

ClickThe City.com has thousands of listings in its business directory and includes hotels, restaurants, shops and services. Through the online discussion board Ano Kamo?, users enjoy lively conversations on topics that range from TV commercials to the best beaches in the country. Rich in content and with a distinct editorial voice, LegManila has earned a reputation as the premier site for discerning Filipino readers.

GetAsia "www.getasia.com" is a US incorporate Internet company with a network of lifestyle and entertainment websites in Southeast Asia. GEtAsia.com websites provide city guides, shopping information, travel recommendations, and entertainment reviews to both local and international readers.