by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 6, 2024 | Business
SARIAYA, QUEZON – PHILIPPINES – Universal Robina Corp. (URC), one of the country’s largest food and beverage firms, is set to open a new mill in Sariaya town, in Quezon Province to boost its production of quality flour further.
Committed To Nourishing The Nation.

With the launch of URC Flour’s newest flour plant, the company is helping lay a solid foundation for advancing food production and security in the country. L-R: Conrado M. Estrella III, Secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform, Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr., Secretary of Department of Agriculture, Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., President Republic of the Philippines, Lance Gokongwei, Chairman Universal Robina Corporation, Irwin C. Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer, Universal Robina Corporation, Ellison Dean C. Lee, Managing Director, Universal Robina Corporation- Flour Division.
“We are seeing an ever-growing demand for our products. This new flour mill will allow us to meet that demand, maintain the quality of our products, and keep our price point competitive,” said Irwin C. Lee, URC President & CEO.
The new facility will use a fully automated flour-milling technology that fully integrates the roller mill’s control and monitoring system in the main station, a first in the Philippines.
Pressing Forward To A Brighter Future.
The URC Flour Sariaya Plant is now operational, which will bring the company’s total milling capacity to over 104,100 bags daily. L-R: Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines, Irwin C. Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer, Universal Robina Corporation, Lance Gokongwei, Chairman Universal Robina Corporation, Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr., Secretary of Department of Agriculture and Conrado M. Estrella III, Secretary of Department of Agrarian Reform.
“This Php 5.4 billion investment is an affirmation of our confidence in our economy and the conducive investment climate in our country. It is also a concrete manifestation of our steadfast support in improving our nation’s food security, aligned to the priorities of His Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel to enhance agricultural productivity and strengthen the grain sector,” said Lance Y. Gokongwei, Chairman Universal Robina Corporation. “With the launch of this new flour mill, we are helping lay a solid foundation in advancing food production and security in our country,” added Gokongwei.
URC Flour Sariaya will also have the capability to do fully automatic packing operations, which will speed up the production process and reduce wastage.
This technology upgrade maximizes efficiency at the plant, reduces costs, and cuts URC’s carbon footprint overall. This is in line with URC’s push to reduce the amount of energy and other resources it uses to manufacture its products.

The mill sits on 10 hectares in Sariaya. When fully operational, it will provide at least 150 jobs.
Witness The Unveiling Of A New Era.
URC Flour’s investment in their new Sariaya Flour Mill brings great promise to the local community of Sariaya. Beyond its economic impact, generating jobs and creating business opportunities for suppliers and service providers. L-R: Conrado M. Estrella III, Secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform, Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr., Secretary of Department of Agriculture, Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., President Republic of the Philippines, Lance Gokongwei, Chairman Universal Robina Corporation, Irwin C. Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer, Universal Robina Corporation, Ellison Dean C. Lee, Managing Director, Universal Robina Corporation- Flour Division.
“URC Flour Sariaya is a testament to our unwavering dedication to innovation, quality, and growth,” said Lee. “With its enhanced technology, substantial capacity, and focus on community development, the plant is poised to become a cornerstone of URC’s progress and a catalyst for positive change in the area,” Lee added.
URC Flour is one of the Philippines’ top flour millers. It started commercial operations in 1970, with its first plant in Pasig. It opened its second plant in Davao in 1991.
About Universal Robina Corporation (URC) Flour Division:
URC’s Flour Division is one of the top flour milling companies in the Philippines. With plants present in Manila, Davao, and now Sariaya, Quezon. The addition of this new plant, which is URC’s largest, brings the company’s total milling capacity to an extraordinary 3,470 tons per day, which is equivalent to over 104,100 bags daily. Through its state-of-the-art flour mills and blending facilities, URC Flour Division offers customized products that cater to the specific needs of its customers.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 6, 2024 | Business
Bitcoin surpasses $100,000, marking a historic milestone in cryptocurrency evolution. Explore key factors, challenges, and future trends shaping Bitcoin’s role in modern finance.
The world’s leading cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, has achieved an unprecedented milestone, surging past $100,000 for the first time during late trading on Wednesday. This marks a watershed moment in the evolution of digital assets, a sector increasingly intertwined with technological innovation, financial strategies, and global geopolitics.
Key Factors Behind Bitcoin’s Ascent
There are many factors about the increase in Bitcoin price today, some of them are:
1. Regulatory Optimism
Bitcoin’s recent rally has been powered by investor anticipation of clearer, more supportive regulations under the incoming administration. The creation of a cryptocurrency advisory council and the potential mainstreaming of crypto assets as part of government reserves have amplified confidence in the sector.
2. Institutional Adoption and Market Dynamics
The approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) earlier this year opened doors for institutional investors, further legitimizing Bitcoin as an asset class. With ETF holdings exceeding $100 billion, the demand for Bitcoin has surged.
Additionally, the recent “halving” event, which reduced the rate at which new Bitcoins are mined, has exacerbated supply-demand imbalances, pushing prices higher.
3. Market Sentiment and Strategic Buying
Sudden price corrections, historically a source of panic in the market, now represent buying opportunities for a growing pool of investors who view Bitcoin as a legitimate, long-term investment vehicle.
High-profile corporate acquisitions, such as MicroStrategy’s massive Bitcoin holdings worth over $40 billion, continue to anchor confidence in the digital currency.
4. Trump’s Role in Crypto Fever
Donald Trump’s presidency has become a turning point for the cryptocurrency industry. Initially a skeptic, Trump’s pivot to crypto-friendly policies has catalyzed the sector. His administration’s rhetoric and appointments signal a commitment to fostering innovation while reducing regulatory friction.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about the potential risks of deregulation, drawing parallels to past financial crises.
Proponents, like Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz, argue that Bitcoin’s surge reflects a paradigm shift. Novogratz highlights the convergence of institutional adoption, advances in blockchain technology, and a clearer regulatory roadmap as transformative forces propelling Bitcoin into the financial mainstream.
Challenges on the Horizon
While Bitcoin’s record-breaking rally has been a cause for celebration, its ascent is not without challenges. The cryptocurrency’s inherent volatility, regulatory uncertainties, and environmental concerns remain significant hurdles.
1. Volatility: A Double-Edged Sword
Bitcoin’s price history is a testament to its volatility. Despite its current upward trajectory, past boom-and-bust cycles remind investors of the risks involved. Market corrections are a natural part of any financial asset’s journey, and Bitcoin is no exception.
Analysts like Josh Gilbert and Mike Novogratz caution investors to practice disciplined profit-taking, ensuring they are not overly exposed to potential downturns.
2. Regulatory Uncertainty
Regulation remains a contentious issue in the cryptocurrency space. While Trump’s administration promises a lighter regulatory touch, critics argue that unchecked growth in the crypto sector could exacerbate existing issues such as fraud, tax evasion, and market manipulation.
The nomination of Paul Atkins as SEC Chair suggests a pivot toward more industry-friendly policies, but this shift may face resistance from lawmakers and traditional financial institutions wary of Bitcoin’s disruptive potential.
Additionally, global regulatory coordination is lacking, with some countries embracing cryptocurrencies while others impose outright bans. This fragmented approach could create hurdles for Bitcoin’s seamless integration into the global financial system.
3. Environmental Concerns
Bitcoin mining, the process by which new coins are created, has long been criticized for its energy-intensive nature. With many mining operations relying on non-renewable energy sources, Bitcoin’s carbon footprint has become a growing concern.
Advocacy for cleaner energy solutions within the industry has gained momentum, and some companies are exploring renewable energy options to address these criticisms. However, whether these efforts can scale to meet Bitcoin’s increasing energy demands remains to be seen.
The Institutional Shift
Despite these challenges, Bitcoin’s growing acceptance among institutional investors marks a pivotal shift. Financial giants like BlackRock, Fidelity, and Invesco have not only legitimized Bitcoin but also opened the floodgates for broader participation.
The launch of Bitcoin ETFs has been a game-changer, providing a regulated and accessible entry point for traditional investors.
As more institutions integrate Bitcoin into their portfolios, its role as a hedge against inflation and geopolitical instability continues to strengthen. This mainstream adoption could potentially reduce volatility over time, transforming Bitcoin into a more stable asset class akin to gold.
What’s Next for Bitcoin?
Looking forward, several factors will shape Bitcoin’s trajectory:
1. Policy Changes Under the Trump Administration: Pro-crypto policies, such as tax exemptions and the establishment of a national Bitcoin reserve, could drive further adoption and investment.
2. Global Economic Conditions: Bitcoin’s appeal as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation makes it sensitive to macroeconomic trends. Rising inflation or economic instability could further boost its demand.
3. Technological Innovations: Advancements in blockchain technology and scalability solutions, such as the Bitcoin Lightning Network, could enhance Bitcoin’s functionality as a payment system and drive broader use cases.
4. Market Dynamics: Continued development of financial instruments, including futures, options, and ETFs, will likely attract more investors and deepen Bitcoin’s liquidity.
5. Public Perception and Education: As awareness and understanding of cryptocurrencies grow, Bitcoin’s adoption among retail investors could accelerate. Efforts to demystify the technology and address misconceptions will be crucial in this regard.
Conclusion
Bitcoin’s milestone is a reflection of how far cryptocurrencies have come—and how much further they could go. While risks abound, the growing institutional interest, regulatory shifts, and technological advancements point to a promising future.
Yet the road ahead will be fraught with challenges that will test Bitcoin’s ability to maintain its momentum and evolve as a cornerstone of modern finance.
As the world grapples with the implications of this digital revolution, Bitcoin stands at the forefront, embodying both the potential and perils of an increasingly digitized financial landscape.
Whether it remains a symbol of innovation or succumbs to the pitfalls of volatility and speculative excess, one thing is certain: Bitcoin’s story is far from over.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 6, 2024 | Business
Discover 17 exciting airdrop events happening in December 2024, including GOATS, Uniswap, Sonic Lab, MemeFi, and more. Learn how to participate and maximize your crypto earnings with millions of tokens and USDT prizes. Don’t miss out—start claiming your rewards today!
Getting maximum benefits in the crypto ecosystem is easy, one way is to participate in airdrop events. For you Airdrop Hunters, this article is written especially for you. It will explain about 17 airdrop events in December 2024 that you can participate in and maximize your profits.
Read this article until the end to find out the requirements for participating in the GOATS, Uniswap, Sonic Lab, MemeFi, Tomarket, and other airdrops with prizes of millions of crypto tokens.
1. GOATS Airdrop

At the end of November, the official GOAT account on Twitter announced that it would be listed on December 5, 2024. This listing schedule coincides with the airdrop event, which has been running since November 30 and will end on December 19, 2024. The prizes offered are 8,000,000 GOAT tokens and 70,000 USDT.
2. Avax Airdrop by Bitrue

Prizes of up to $30,000 USDT can be won at the “Trade AVAX Futures” airdrop event from Bitrue. You can trade AVAX futures to get USDT bonuses directly.
New and existing Bitrue users can participate in this event because it includes three airdrop activities: new user benefits, an AVAX futures trading competition, and an invitation to new traders to trade AVAX. This Bitrue airdrop event will run until December 9, 2024.
3. Uniswap Labs Airdrop

Uniswap Labs is launching a bug bounty program to improve the program into a more mature program later. You can participate in this bug bounty event by checking the Uniswap V.4 contract, which you can find in the Uniswap GitHub repository, and then participating in the airdrop event on the Uniswap blog with the description V4 Bug Bounty.
For this event, Uniswap is providing prizes of up to $ 15.5 million USD and is claimed to be the largest prize in DeFi history.
4. WAM Airdrop

You will compete for prizes of up to 1,000,000,000 WAM tokens for the airdrop event hosted by Wam. This event is a game tournament from the WAM play-to-earn platform where the combination of blockchain, AI, and games is available it.
To join, you can access wam.app which can be downloaded by iOS to Android, and then play arcade games in it.
5. GameFi Carnival Airdrop

The next airdrop event comes from the global crypto exchange, Bitrue, which is holding an airdrop event “GameFi Carnival Airdrop“. You have the chance to get $10,000 USDT.
This event can be followed by all Bitrue users, both existing users and new users in the period from November 26 to December 10.
6. Sonic Labs Airdrop

Sonic Labs is offering up to 200,000,000 $S tokens for this airdrop event. You can directly visit the Sonic Arcade Airdrop page on soniclabs.com and connect to your wallet to add the Sonic testnet. Later, you will immediately get 429 $TOKEN from the faucet by joining the game up to 20 times a day to collect lots of points.
7. Mega XRP & USDT Airdrop Event

Who doesn’t want to get XRP and USDT tokens for free? Bitrue allows you to get both tokens for free in the “Mega XRP & USDT Airdrop Event“. This airdrop event will be held on November 29 and ends on December 13, 2024.
There will be 2 contests in this airdrop event: Deposit Rewards and Trading Rewards with a raffle ticket system. The prizes provided are 2,000,000 XRP tokens and 200,000 USDT tokens.
8. Monad Airdrop

Monad Airdrop is held on monad.xyz by giving away $MONAD tokens. This Ethereum Layer 1 Blockchain requires participants to follow Monad’s social media on Twitter and Discord and then explore the accelerator program with the documentation available on the website.
9. MemeFi Airdrop

This Telegram game that just launched its token is holding an airdrop event on the memefi.club website. This airdrop event provides a prize of 50,000 $MEMEFI tokens through a referral system.
You can access this play to earn game from the Sui blockchain on the Telegram bot, then complete various tasks and connect your Sui wallet.
10. The Sandbox Airdrop

If you want to join The Sandbox airdrop event, you can directly contact the website sandboc.game/en/. There, you will get the chance to win $SAND token prizes as well as exclusive NFTs.
The requirements are very easy, you can immediately install the Sandbox Game Client to access the metaverse and then complete the available quests.
11. Tomarket Airdrop and Listing Date

This December airdrop event coincides with the launch of the Telegram Tomarket game token. Officially, Tomarket announced the launch of its token on December 20, 2024.
As is the usual practice for listing Telegram game tokens in general, Tomarket is certain to also hold a TOMA token airdrop on a date close to the token listing.
12. Vertus TGE & Airdrop

In the Vertus community group on Telegram, Vertus officially announced that it will hold a TGE on December 27, 2024 on 5 leading crypto exchanges. On the TGE schedule, rewards will also be distributed to Vertus players and the community to get $VERT tokens. So, make sure you play Vertus more often so that you have more opportunities to get VERT tokens.
13. WCoin Airdrop and Listing Date

WCoin is reported to be listing its token in December. However, the official date has not been confirmed so you still have plenty of time to continue playing the tap-to-earn game so you have a chance to get a bigger airdrop.
14. Time Farm Airdrop & TGE Launch

According to Time Farm’s plan, this Telegram game will launch the $SECOND token in Q4 2024. It is estimated to happen in mid-December, but the official date has not been announced so you can be more diligent in playing Time Farm to announce more coins that can be exchanged for $SECOND tokens when the airdrop event is launched.
15. Blum TGE and Airdrop Event

Blum is confirmed to list the BLUM token in December 2024. The official date has not been announced, but the certainty of the airdrop event at the end of the year will happen because the Blum roadmap project is explained to launch the product in Q3-Q4 2024.
16. Seed Airdrop & TGE Plan

After the rumor of a listing in November was refuted, it was reported that SEED would launch its token in December 2024. However, Seed has not yet confirmed the official date. If the Seed token listing happens in December, then the SEED airdrop event will also be held this month.
While waiting for certain information, you can continue playing the Seed game on Telegram and collect more points for a chance to get more airdrops.
17. Bird Ton TGE & Airdrop Event

In its official Twitter account, @BirdTonGame, Bird Ton announced the token listing schedule on December 26, 2024. Along with the listing date, the $BIRD token will also be distributed in the form of an airdrop for Bird Ton players and the community.
The steps for launching to the airdrop event are being prepared by Bird Ton and you can be more diligent in playing Bird Ton on Telegram to get more $BIRD tokens.
Conclusion
Those are 17 airdrop events in December 2024 that you can join. The more you join airdrop events, the more you can get free crypto tokens so you can get more money.
If you want to get the latest news from the crypto ecosystem, you can directly access the Bitrue website and get information for free.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 5, 2024 | Business
Fujifilm Philippines, the global leader in imaging and healthcare technology, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Philippines’ healthcare system, particularly in the fight against tuberculosis (TB).
Recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) for 2024 reveals that the Philippines remains among the top five countries responsible for more than half of the global TB cases. The Philippines is also listed among the 10 nations with a “high burden” of TB incidence, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced detection and treatment strategies.
In response to this critical healthcare hurdle, Fujifilm Philippines is reinforcing its efforts to end TB by bringing advanced technology that supports early detection and diagnosis in the country. The company has introduced the FDR X-Air, a portable X-ray system that plays a vital role in TB screening by enabling healthcare professionals to conduct rapid and accurate diagnostics in diverse and often challenging environments.
Fujifilm’s strong commitment to supporting the Philippines’ fight against TB is expressed through its donation of cutting-edge X-ray systems. In the turnover to DOH, held at the Official Residence of the Ambassador of Japan on December 3, Fujifilm Global President and CEO Teiichi Goto expressed his support for the Philippine government’s efforts in addressing public health concerns, stating:
“At Fujifilm, we recognize that timely and accurate diagnosis is essential in saving lives. Unfortunately, many people in remote or resource-limited areas lack access to essential diagnostic tools like X-rays. Through the FDR X-Air, known for imaging accuracy and portability, Fujifilm aims to help address gaps in healthcare access and enhance diagnostic capabilities throughout the Philippines. The technological advancements that come with the FDR X-air help clinicians deliver more precise and timely diagnoses, leading to better treatment decisions and improved patient outcomes.”
Mr. Goto went on to emphasize that early diagnosis is key to beating tuberculosis, among other diseases, and how Fujifilm is dedicated to enabling healthcare professionals with the tools they need to diagnose and treat this disease promptly.
The FDR X-Air is particularly engineered with portability – it is currently the lightest among registered portable X-ray equipment, has a compact design, and high image quality, making it an essential tool for improving TB screening efforts even in remote, underserved communities where access to healthcare infrastructure is limited. Its ease of use in rural areas where traditional, large-scale diagnostic equipment may not be feasible ensures that more Filipinos, especially those in hard-to-reach regions, can be screened and treated early.
Fujifilm’s initiative is part of the company’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts aimed at enhancing healthcare systems and supporting the government’s goal of reducing the TB burden in the country. By equipping healthcare facilities and professionals with state-of-the-art tools like the FDR X-Air, Fujifilm is playing a pivotal role in improving the accessibility, speed, and accuracy of medical diagnoses, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for the Filipino people.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 3, 2024 | Business
Explore the impact of Bitcoin dominance dropping to 56.1%, signaling the start of altseason. Discover why altcoins like XRP and Ether are rallying, with XRP projected to hit $2.57 and Ether poised for a $4,000 surge by early 2025. Analyze key drivers, Bitcoin halving effects, ETF potentials, and market trends shaping the crypto landscape.
Bitcoin dominance, a critical indicator in the cryptocurrency market, has recently shown significant signs for altcoin investors. Its decline signals the beginning of altseason, creating opportunities for altcoins like XRP and Ether to rally as 2024 comes to a close and 2025 begins.
This article explores Bitcoin dominance, the concept of altseason, and the potential for altcoins to attract investor interest.
What is Bitcoin Dominance and Altseason?
Bitcoin dominance measures the percentage of Bitcoin’s market capitalization compared to the total cryptocurrency market. A drop in Bitcoin dominance often signals the start of an altseason, a period where altcoins outperform Bitcoin.
Bitcoin dominance has fallen to 56.60%, breaching its two-year support line. This shift suggests that the market has officially entered altseason, where smaller cryptocurrencies gain traction and value.

The decline in Bitcoin dominance typically occurs as investors take profits from their Bitcoin positions and reallocate funds to altcoins with higher growth potential. This flow of capital from Bitcoin to other assets provides increased liquidity and demand, propelling altcoins to new highs.
BTC Price Today

As of this writing on December 2, 2024, BTC price has decreased by 0.5% to trade at $95,990 with its highest price being $98,130 in the last 24 hours. the prediction of Bitcoin price reaching $100,000 could be achieved before 2025.
However, when Bitcoin dominance continues to decline and is replaced by Altseason, the dream of BTC price of $100K will have to wait longer.
Should you buy Bitcoin now when dominance and price are decreasing? You can do more research on whether Bitcoin will really experience a correction and the prediction of Altcoin Season will really come. Check the Bitcoin price and convert the BTC price to USD so you can find out your budget in more detail.
XRP: A Top Contender in Altseason

While BTC experienced a price drop, XRP price experienced a significant increase of up to 30%. Currently, XRP is trading at $ 2.4374 with an RSI value reaching more than 86 and is considered to be at the overbought point. The MACD line has increased drastically and shows signs of bullishness coming soon.
Among the altcoins expected to benefit from this trend, XRP stands out. As the world’s sixth-largest cryptocurrency, XRP is projected to see significant gains throughout the season. Ryan Lee, Chief Analyst at Bitget Research, predicts that XRP could reach $2.57 by December 2024.
Key Drivers for XRP’s Price Surge
1. Bitcoin Halving Effect: Historically, XRP has shown significant growth approximately 228 days after a Bitcoin halving event. With the most recent halving in 2024, XRP is positioned for a strong rally as the year ends.
2. Potential XRP ETF Approval: The filing for an XRP ETF by asset manager 21Shares with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could act as a major price catalyst. If approved, this ETF would enhance institutional trust and adoption of XRP.
3. Regulatory Changes: The anticipated departure of SEC Chair Gary Gensler in January 2025 is expected to bring more crypto-friendly regulations, potentially boosting XRP and other cryptocurrencies.
Ethereum: Another Rising Star
Ethereum (ETH), another major altcoin, is also drawing significant attention. Following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, demand for leveraged Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) surged by over 160%. Analysts expect Ether to surpass $4,000 ahead of Trump’s inauguration in January 2025.
The increased interest in Ether ETFs signals strong institutional confidence in its long-term potential. Market optimism surrounding Trump’s inauguration and potential policy shifts could bolster investor risk appetite, benefiting Ether and other altcoins.

Currently, price of ETH is $3,658 with a decrease of 1.28%. Reaching the price of $4,000 does look quite difficult because the price of ETH often follows the price of BTC. However, the RSI value and MACD line are still above average, ETH’s optimism towards the resistance price remains high.
Key Milestones in January 2025
The first month of 2025 is expected to be pivotal for the cryptocurrency market due to several significant events:
1. Trump’s Presidential Inauguration: Likely to boost market confidence and risk-on sentiment.
2. SEC Chair Gensler’s Resignation: This could accelerate the approval of crypto-based ETFs and foster a more favorable regulatory environment.
3. Post-Bitcoin Halving Effects: Historically, Bitcoin halvings have a delayed impact, creating ripple effects for altcoins like XRP and Ether.
Conclusion
The decline in Bitcoin dominance marks the beginning of altseason, offering substantial growth potential for altcoins like XRP and Ether. With XRP expected to reach $2.57 by December 2024 and Ether potentially crossing $4,000 by early 2025, the coming months could be highly rewarding for cryptocurrency investors.
However, as with any investment, the cryptocurrency market remains highly volatile. Investors should conduct thorough research and implement risk management strategies to navigate the complexities of this evolving space.
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