Ferry Bayu, Author at Slvrdlphn.com

Alsons Power expands Cebu retail electricity supply footprint with Makoto Metal deal

by Ferry Bayu | Sep 17, 2026 | Business

Alsons Power Group continues to strengthen its presence in Cebu’s retail electricity market following the addition of Japanese-affiliated Makoto Metal Technology Inc. (MMTI) to its growing customer portfolio.

Through Alsons Power Supply Corporation (APSC), the company has recently closed a retail electricity supply agreement with MMTI’s manufacturing operations for its two (2) plants at the Mactan Export Processing Zone II (MEPZ II) in Lapu-Lapu City.

The agreement marks another milestone in APSC’s expansion beyond Mindanao and strengthens its growing presence among commercial and industrial customers in the Visayas.

“For a manufacturing company like Makoto Metal Technology, Inc., having a reliable, competitively priced, and flexible electricity supply is essential to sustaining our operations and supporting our continued growth. We see Alsons Power as a trusted partner that understands the unique requirements of the manufacturing industry and can provide the reliability, flexibility, and support we need as we expand our operations,” said Jon Romulo A. Montances, Admin and Support Manager, Makoto Metal Technology, Inc.

Under the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) framework, qualified electricity consumers such as MMTI can choose their electricity supplier based on factors including pricing, service reliability and supply arrangements.

“The competitive offer was an important factor in our decision. What ultimately gave us confidence in APSC, however, was their ability to clearly explain why we were experiencing the challenges we have with our incumbent supplier and provide a solution that could significantly improve our electricity costs moving forward,” Montances added.

MMTI manufactures precision metal components, die-cast parts, and optical products, and provides assembly services for various industries.

The partnership strengthens APSC’s position in Cebu, one of the country’s major manufacturing and commercial centers, as the company continues to serve businesses seeking competitive and customized electricity supply options.

“Cebu is an important market for us, particularly with its strong base of manufacturing and commercial customers. Partnering with MMTI is an important step in expanding Alsons Power’s presence in the Visayas and bringing our energy solutions to more businesses across the country,” Alsons Power Chief Executive Officer Antonio Miguel B. Alcantara said.

The MMTI agreement comes amid continued growth in APSC’s contestable customer portfolio. Currently, APSC serves nine contestable customers and sources electricity from various power facilities across the country.

APSC’s growing customers reflects increasing demand from commercial and industrial consumers for electricity supply arrangements that offer competitive rates, reliable service, and solutions aligned with their operational requirements.

APSC is the retail electricity supply arm of Alsons Power Group, serving commercial and industrial customers in the contestable electricity market. Alsons Power is the power generation business of the Alcantara Group.

by Ferry Bayu | Sep 17, 2026 | Business

Discover how Italian Atelier’s flagship panel redefined branded residences, turning European craftsmanship into tangible commercial value for Indonesia’s top developers.

As Southeast Asia’s luxury real estate and hospitality sectors enter a period of rapid transformation, branded residences and high-end mixed-use developments are reshaping the region’s property landscape.

In Greater Jakarta and beyond, developers are increasingly looking for ways to differentiate their projects while responding to a more sophisticated market of luxury homeowners, hotel guests, and international investors.

Yet translating global luxury into a successful local development presents its own set of challenges. Developers must deliver distinctive, culturally resonant spaces while managing the demanding quality standards, delicate finishes, and extended lead times often associated with international luxury design.

The ability to connect European craftsmanship with the practical realities of Southeast Asian development is therefore becoming an increasingly important competitive advantage.

This intersection of design, procurement and real estate value will take center stage at IFFINA+ 2026, where Italian Atelier, in collaboration with CJC Marketing Agency, will curate the Day 1 grand finale on Thursday, September 24, from 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM WIB at the Main Stage in Hall 3 of the Nusantara International Convention Exhibition (NICE), PIK2, Jakarta.

Organized by Nine Koeln Indonesia, IFFINA+ 2026 brings together a high-profile audience of C-suite real estate developers, hotel owners, principal architects, interior designers, and VIP international buyers.

Against this backdrop, Italian Atelier’s flagship panel will examine how European luxury design and bespoke FF&E procurement can be integrated into contemporary hospitality and branded residential projects without losing sight of local context or commercial realities.

From European Craftsmanship to a Sense of Place

One of the central questions surrounding branded residences today is how international luxury can be adapted to local markets without becoming generic.

Successful branded developments increasingly move away from simply reproducing European aesthetics. Instead, they seek to combine established international design codes with the cultural identity of their location, creating spaces that feel both globally sophisticated and distinctly local.

For Indonesia, this creates an opportunity to bring together the country’s rich craft heritage with the precision and material sophistication associated with Italian luxury design. The resulting environments can establish a stronger sense of place while giving residential and hospitality developments a more distinctive identity in an increasingly competitive market.

This approach is particularly relevant as developers seek to appeal to consumers who are exposed to global luxury standards but continue to value authenticity and cultural relevance. A branded residence cannot rely on an international name alone. Its design needs to feel considered within its geographical and cultural setting.

For Jasmine Chau of Italian Atelier, this balance sits at the heart of contemporary luxury hospitality and real estate.

“True luxury in modern hospitality is born where world-class European craftsmanship meets deep respect for local context. Our goal is to provide developers with a seamless blueprint from design vision to execution.”

Her perspective points to a broader shift in the role of luxury design. Rather than functioning solely as a visual layer added toward the end of a development, design is increasingly becoming part of the strategic process through which an asset establishes its identity and market positioning.

Where Design Meets Commercial Reality

For developers, however, the value of an international design partnership is ultimately measured not only by its aesthetic impact but also by its ability to perform within the realities of a complex project.

Cross-border procurement introduces considerations around lead times, logistics, material specifications and installation. In tropical markets such as Indonesia, engineering materials for climate durability adds another layer of complexity, particularly when projects involve delicate finishes and highly specified European FF&E.

Managing these factors effectively can have a direct impact on project timelines and overall asset performance.

This is where the relationship between design and commercial value becomes increasingly important. Premium interior design partnerships can contribute to capital appreciation and long-term asset valuation by strengthening the positioning, quality and differentiation of a property.

For major property conglomerates, the objective is therefore not simply to source exceptional furniture or finishes. It is to establish a procurement and design strategy capable of protecting the integrity of the original design vision while remaining feasible within the project’s operational and commercial framework.

The conversation at IFFINA+ 2026 will explore precisely this intersection, establishing a strategic blueprint for integrating European luxury and bespoke FF&E procurement into modern hospitality and branded residential projects.

Building a Bridge Between Two Luxury Ecosystems

The discussion also reflects the growing need for stronger connections between European design suppliers and Southeast Asia’s expanding real estate market.

Italian Atelier has positioned itself within this ecosystem as a bridge between iconic European design heritage and Asia’s rapidly developing luxury hospitality and real estate landscape. Its role at IFFINA+ extends this positioning into the Indonesian market, bringing design curation and luxury furniture procurement into a conversation with the developers and professionals shaping the region’s next generation of properties.

As branded residences continue to gain momentum across Southeast Asia, these relationships are becoming increasingly significant. Developers require access to international design expertise, while European suppliers need a deeper understanding of the local development environment, project requirements and market expectations.

Creating a meaningful connection between the two sides can open the way for more sophisticated collaborations, from bespoke residential developments to luxury hospitality projects.

A Meeting Point for Indonesia’s Property Leaders

The IFFINA+ panel is expected to bring together senior representatives from Indonesia’s leading real estate and hospitality networks, with participation from major property conglomerates, architectural practices and five-star hotel ownership groups.

Beyond the stage discussion, the gathering creates an opportunity for high-value conversations between local developers and European design suppliers, potentially laying the groundwork for future luxury residential collaborations.

This executive-level exchange is particularly relevant as Indonesia continues to attract investment into high-end residential and hospitality developments.

For decision-makers, access to the right design partners can become an important component of a project’s wider strategy, from initial concept and brand positioning through to procurement and execution.

Italian Atelier’s role as the exclusive content and curation partner for the Day 1 grand finale reflects this broader ambition. By bringing the conversation around luxury furniture procurement, architectural branding and real estate development into the same space, the company aims to address luxury design as part of a wider commercial ecosystem rather than as an isolated creative discipline.

Looking Beyond IFFINA+

The conversation at IFFINA+ 2026 is expected to extend beyond the event itself, with Italian Atelier continuing to expand cross-border design dialogues and support upcoming luxury residential masterplans across Southeast Asia.

Post-event executive networking dinners and exclusive media features across regional publications will further extend these conversations, creating additional opportunities for developers, designers and international suppliers to connect around future projects.

As Southeast Asia’s luxury real estate market continues to evolve, the relationship between European craftsmanship and local development expertise will become increasingly important.

The most compelling projects are likely to be those capable of combining the precision and heritage of global luxury with a genuine understanding of place, climate, culture and commercial reality.

For Italian Atelier, the ambition is clear: to help create that connection, transforming exceptional European design into enduring value for the next generation of Southeast Asian hospitality and real estate.

Pag-IBIG, PHILERGY German Solar Join Forces to Make Premium Solar More Accessible to Filipino Families

by Ferry Bayu | Sep 17, 2026 | Business

New partnership gives millions of Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card holders exclusive access to special PHILERGY solar offers as electricity costs reach historic highs.

Pag-IBIG Fund and PHILERGY German Solar have officially joined forces to bring the benefits of solar energy closer to Filipino families through the Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card Program. The partnership was formally marked through a signing ceremony between Pag-IBIG Fund and PHILERGY German Solar last September 9, 2026, opening access for eligible Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card holders in NCR to exclusive discounts on selected PHILERGY solar packages and services.

More than a discount: helping Filipino families reduce one of their biggest monthly expenses

Electricity prices in the Philippines have climbed to historic levels, placing increasing pressure on household budgets. For many homeowners, electricity is no longer a small monthly expense, and solar energy is increasingly becoming a practical way to take control of that cost.

Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card holders will now have the opportunity to invest in solar at exclusive special rates with discounts of up to 16%, lowering the entry cost to a technology that can generate clean electricity and long-term savings for decades.

The initiative brings together two organizations with a shared objective: creating meaningful, long-term value for Filipino families. Pag-IBIG Fund’s Loyalty Card program has already generated more than ₱1 billion in savings for its members through hundreds of partner establishments nationwide. The addition of solar extends those benefits toward an investment that can potentially reduce a household’s electricity expenses year after year.

Award-winning German solar technology made more accessible

PHILERGY German Solar is known as the Philippines’ leading premium solar company, recognized as Solar Company of the Year Philippines in both 2024 and 2025, and further strengthening its international standing in 2026 by being awarded a Top Solar Component Supplier in APAC. The company combines high-performance solar technology with German engineering standards and comprehensive local consultation, installation, warranty and after-sales support.

“This partnership is about much more than offering a discount. It is about making a high-quality solar investment accessible to more Filipino families at exactly the time they need it most,” said PHILERGY German Solar Managing Partner Jochen Staudter. “Electricity costs have reached levels we have never seen before. Every kilowatt-hour a family can sustainably produce on its own is electricity it does not have to continue purchasing at rising utility rates. We are very proud to work with Pag-IBIG Fund to bring that opportunity to its members.”

From Loyalty Card savings to long-term energy savings

Solar introduces a new type of benefit for Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card holders: the opportunity to invest today and potentially save on electricity for decades.

A properly designed solar system can generate clean electricity directly from a home’s rooftop during the day, reducing the amount of electricity that needs to be purchased from the grid. With solar technology designed for long operating lifetimes, the cumulative savings can significantly exceed the initial investment. It is this long-term impact that makes the Pag-IBIG Fund and PHILERGY partnership particularly timely.

A new benefit for Filipino homeowners: A way to fight rising electricity costs with solar

Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card holders interested in availing themselves of the exclusive PHILERGY offer may simply present their valid Pag-IBIG Loyalty Card at PHILERGY and follow the applicable program mechanics. Details regarding the participating PHILERGY solar packages, special prices, eligibility requirements and terms and conditions will be available through Pag-IBIG Fund and PHILERGY German Solar’s official channels.

About PHILERGY German Solar

PHILERGY German Solar is one of the Philippines’ leading solar companies, combining German management, European engineering standards, and more than 20 years of global solar expertise. Backed by multiple gigawatts (GW) of installed solar capacity in Europe, PHILERGY delivers world-class solar technology for residential, commercial, and industrial projects across the Philippines. Pioneering the Philippine solar industry since 2011, PHILERGY has installed over 150,000 solar panels for more than 15,000 customers nationwide, making it one of the country’s highest-volume solar providers. Internationally recognized multiple times as “Solar Company of the Year Philippines” and awarded as a top solar component supplier in APAC, PHILERGY continues to set benchmarks in the Philippine solar industry. All installations include warranties of up to 30 years, free expert solar consultation, professional onsite analysis, and installation by highly trained teams led by German engineers. PHILERGY is also recognized as one of the country’s leaders in net metering installation volume. Offering warranties up to 10 times longer than many standard market offerings, PHILERGY German Solar delivers high-quality, reliable, and affordable solar energy solutions throughout the Philippines.

ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF) 2026 to Convene Regional Energy Leaders in Manila

by Ferry Bayu | Sep 16, 2026 | Business

Manila, Philippines – The ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF) 2026, organized by the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), hosted by the Department of Energy (DOE) of the Philippines, and co-organized by Leverage International (Consultants) Inc., will bring together policymakers, business leaders, investors, researchers, financial institutions, and key energy stakeholders from across ASEAN and beyond to advance regional cooperation and accelerate the transition toward a sustainable energy future.

Scheduled to take place from 5–9 October 2026 at the Philippine International Convention Center, Metro Manila, Philippines, AEBF 2026 will serve as a premier platform for dialogue, collaboration, and investment in the region’s evolving energy landscape.

ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF) is one of the notable flagship projects of the ASEAN Centre for Energy. It is an annual conference and exhibition that promotes and discusses the development of the energy sector in ASEAN through regional cooperation.

The business forum aims to enhance public-private engagement in the energy sector by facilitating information exchange, strengthening stakeholder networks, and enhancing project cooperation among policymakers, business leaders, researchers, financial institutions, associations, and other key stakeholders from ASEAN and beyond.

AEBF 2026 will feature a comprehensive programme comprising high-level plenary sessions, strategic dialogues, business matching opportunities, an international exhibition, networking events, and discussions on key energy priorities, including renewable energy, energy security, decarbonization, emerging technologies, sustainable financing, and regional energy integration.

The forum will provide participants with valuable opportunities to exchange insights, foster strategic partnerships, explore investment opportunities, and contribute to shaping ASEAN’s energy future through meaningful public-private collaboration.

To register as a delegate, please visit:www.asean-aebf.com/AEBF-26-registration

For more information about AEBF 2026, please visit:www.asean-aebf.com

For inquiries, please contact the AEBF 2026 Secretariat at le******@*******************al.com.

TradingPRO Secures BAPPEBTI Regulatory Licence in Indonesia

by Ferry Bayu | Sep 16, 2026 | Business

TradingPRO’s Indonesian entity, PT Trading Pro Internasional Berjangka, has received its official regulatory licence from BAPPEBTI, Indonesia’s Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Agency, marking a significant step in the broker’s Southeast Asian expansion.

TradingPRO has announced that its Indonesian entity, PT Trading Pro Internasional Berjangka, has been granted a regulatory licence by Badan Pengawas Perdagangan Berjangka Komoditi (BAPPEBTI) — the government agency responsible for supervising futures, forex, and commodity trading activity in Indonesia.

The licence confirms PT Trading Pro Internasional Berjangka’s authorisation to operate in Indonesia’s regulated financial market, in full compliance with Indonesian Law No. 32 of 1997 as amended by Law No. 10 of 2011 on Commodity Futures Trading.

BAPPEBTI operates under the Indonesian Ministry of Trade and is responsible for ensuring that market participants meet the country’s standards for financial integrity, risk management, and client protection. For Indonesian traders, a BAPPEBTI licence provides the assurance that their chosen broker operates within a framework of formal regulatory oversight — including the separation of client funds and adherence to established conduct standards.

For TradingPRO, this licence represents a natural extension of the group’s commitment to operating within regulated frameworks across every market it serves. The broker is already regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa under FSP No. 49624, and by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius under licence number GB23202513. The BAPPEBTI licence adds a third layer of regulated oversight, specifically for its Indonesian operations.

Indonesia is one of Southeast Asia’s largest and fastest-growing retail trading markets, with a population exceeding 270 million and a growing base of active investors. PT Trading Pro Internasional Berjangka’s licenced status positions TradingPRO to serve Indonesian clients with the same standard of regulated infrastructure it provides across its global operations.

TradingPRO extended its gratitude to BAPPEBTI and its legal team for their role in facilitating the licensing process.

For more information, visit here.

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TradingPRO is a globally recognized Forex broker regulated by the FSCA and FSC, committed to empowering traders with secure access to global markets, institutional-grade tools, and a client-first approach built on transparency and education. The company offers a wide range of instruments including Forex, metals, commodities, indices, and crypto CFDs, combined with ultra-tight spreads, rapid execution, and multilingual support across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

With platforms such as MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, a mobile trading app, and API access for professionals, TradingPRO delivers an intuitive trading experience for both beginners and advanced traders. Its Telegram ecosystem provides real-time signals, education, and market updates, while value-added benefits like deposit bonuses and cashback programs support trader growth. Above all, TradingPRO prioritizes safety and compliance, ensuring a trusted and regulation-backed trading journey.