Team Ridemax Introduces Jak Roberto as the New Endorser for Venom Power Tires and Fuel Offroad at Manila Auto Salon 2025

by Ferry Bayu | Nov 19, 2025 | Business

Team Ridemax delivered one of the most talked about moments on the opening day of Manila Auto Salon 2025. Instead of announcing their new endorser outright, the group opened with a short guessing game that drew visitors into the experience. Attendees were asked to guess who would represent Venom Power Tires and Fuel Offroad Wheels. The clues pointed to someone active in the car community, someone familiar with real builds, and someone who understands the demands of Philippine driving. Each clue raised the excitement until the reveal finally came.

When Jak Roberto stepped forward, the crowd confirmed the choice with a strong reaction. Jak is known as the CEO of JC Essentials, but car enthusiasts also recognize him as someone who truly enjoys the automotive world. He spends time around builds, talks openly about performance parts, and has taken vehicles on long drives that push equipment beyond typical city use. This combination of public presence and genuine involvement made him a fitting representative for both brands.

During the introduction, Jak shared why he trusted Venom Power Tires and Fuel Offroad Wheels. He explained that Philippine driving conditions can shift without warning. A smooth highway can easily become a rough provincial road. Weather can change fast. Long distance trips test the strength of equipment in ways many drivers overlook. Jak highlighted that both brands delivered stability and durability in these unpredictable situations. For him, consistency is the real measure of performance. A product should not only look good. It should work when the road becomes demanding. Venom Power and Fuel Offroad earned his confidence by meeting that standard.

Inside the exhibit hall, Team Ridemax presented a complete booth that showcased all its umbrella brands. Venom Power Tires Philippines and Fuel Offroad Wheels lead the lineup with builds that demonstrate their capability in real use. Some vehicles highlight offroad strength. Others show more refined setups for everyday driving. Each build helps visitors understand how the products perform and how they might look on their own vehicles.

One of the most distinctive parts of the Team Ridemax Booth is the dedicated Michelin section, which brings a clear luxury element into the overall presentation. The area is designed with an elegant and refined layout that reflects Michelin’s global reputation for superior engineering and longevity. The products are displayed with precision, giving visitors a sense of technical craftsmanship and quiet confidence. The premium feel of this section forms a subtle contrast to the rugged builds nearby, allowing guests to experience different sides of the Team Ridemax brand family. It reinforces the idea that the company carries a range that serves both high performance needs and sophisticated everyday driving expectations.

The booth’s strength lies in its clarity. Every corner is organized to help visitors understand what each brand offers. Tire patterns, wheel designs, and performance qualities are presented in a direct and accessible manner. Drivers can easily compare options and visualize how each setup fits their lifestyle. Whether someone is an offroad enthusiast or a city driver looking for dependable daily performance, the booth offers practical examples instead of confusing technical language.

Throughout the day, the Team Ridemax booth draws a steady flow of visitors. Many stop to inspect the builds more closely, while others ask about performance differences between the brands. The team provides straightforward information to guide them. The goal is to help drivers understand real value without overwhelming them with unnecessary terminology. The energy in the booth grows as more attendees discover the lineup and experience the balance of rugged capability and refined performance.

Team Ridemax’s presence at Manila Auto Salon 2025 reflects its long standing commitment to the Philippine automotive community. The group has built a reputation for partnering with strong brands and presenting them in a way that feels genuine and accessible. The introduction of Jak Roberto strengthens that identity. His involvement brings credibility and local understanding, bridging the gap between the brands and the drivers who rely on them.

Stop Chasing the Market Hype: The Thirty Minute Trader Unleashes Black Friday Sale, Launching Mind Over Markets

by Ferry Bayu | Nov 17, 2025 | Business

The brutal truth about trading is this: technical knowledge only gets you halfway. The other 50% is the psychological battle you’re losing every time you overtrade, chase an entry, or panic-exit.

This press release has also been published in VRITIMES

Villar River Rehabilitation Wins Global Environmental Honors

by Ferry Bayu | Nov 14, 2025 | Business

For over a decade, the Villar’s key environmental initiatives, particularly the Sagip Ilog (Las Piñas–Zapote River Rehabilitation) and the Riverdrive Projects, have been recognized as pioneering models of community-led river rehabilitation, flood control, and waste management. These programs have received numerous national and international awards. These recognitions stand as proof of the project’s positive environmental, social, and community impact.

1. UN Human Settlements Program and the Dubai International Award  – “Best Practice Award for Outstanding Contribution Towards Improving the Living Environment” (2006)
2. International Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice (2009) for the “Sagip Ilog” River Rehabilitation Program from the Green Organization of London in 2009.
3. Oikos Global Case Writing Competition (Switzerland) for the “Social Enterprises from River Rehabilitation Program,” (2009)
4. UN “Water for Life Award – Best Water Management Practices” presented in Zaragoza, Spain during World Water Day (2011)
5. “Kampeon ng Katubigan” Award , presented by DENR-NCR to Former Senator Cynthia Villar in 2018 for her tireless efforts in protecting bodies of water such as the Las Piñas–Zapote River and the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park.
6. Gawad Taga-Ilog 2.0: Search for the Most Improved Estero in Metro Manila awarded Former Senator Cynthia Villar as Environmental Champion by DENR–NCR in March 2022.
7. Energy Globe Award “Certificate of Honor” recognizing the Las Piñas Kitchen Waste Composting Project as one of the World’s Best Environmental Projects, part of the Sagip Ilog and River Rehabilitation Programs (2002)
8. Human Rights Awards for Poverty Alleviation from United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP), recognized Former Senator Cynthia Villar for her initiatives in eliminating poverty and maintaining a healthy environment. (2024).

The Riverdrive was constructed along the government-owned 6-meter river easement, meaning no private land was taken and the natural width of the river remained intact. The combined Las Piñas–Zapote and Molino Riverdrive spans 40 kilometers, making it the longest riverdrive in the Philippines, completed between 2012 and 2022.

Before this project, the riverbanks were occupied by informal settlers living in hazardous and flood-prone conditions. These families were not forcibly evicted; they were properly and compassionately relocated to Naic, Cavite with assistance from the National Housing Authority.

Additionally, the Villar Family extended ₱20,000 in relocation assistance per family to help them rebuild their lives.

Today, these properties have increased in value as the area has grown due to improved infrastructure, a new bridge from Bataan, developing tourism areas, and the establishment of a PEZA Economic Zone that has opened jobs and livelihood opportunities.

Contrary to accusations, the Riverdrive did not make the river narrow. It was built on the easement, ensuring clear water flow and helping prevent flooding.

The Villar Family personally funded the construction of two vital bridges to enhance connectivity and community access:

· One bridge provides 24/7 free access to Bacoor and Imus

· Another bridge ensures free and convenient access to the Farm School and Tourist Farm.

The bridges were constructed at no cost to the government, underscoring the Villar Family’s commitment to public service and community development. By opening their private property to build connecting roads leading to Bacoor, the family provided the public with free and convenient access. Although the route passes through the Villar Farm School and Tourist Farm, its greatest beneficiaries are the residents of Las Piñas, Bacoor, and neighboring communities, who now enjoy safer, faster, and more efficient travel.

The Villar Farm School & Tourist Farm stands today as a national model for agricultural education and farm tourism, aligned with the Farm Tourism Law (Republic Act No. 10816) authored and passed by Senator Cynthia Villar in 2016. Farm owners, cooperatives, and farmer organizations from across the country come here for study tours, hands-on training, and real-world learning.

Each year, the Villar Farm School provides free training to more than 1,000 individuals, equipping them to become agricultural trainers. After the program, these graduates return to their respective communities to mentor farmers, support local agricultural initiatives, and contribute to strengthened food production and improved rural livelihoods .

The farm features integrated and sustainable agricultural systems, including, a rice farm , a vegetable farm, an aquaculture demonstration area, a dairy farm with around 50 carabaos, and a coconut farm intercropping with cacao.

For more than 20 years, from 2002 up to the present, the Villar Family has also consistently led efforts in river cleanup and rehabilitation, long before the issue gained widespread public attention.

River wastes were transformed into useful products and livelihood opportunities. Water hyacinths are crafted into baskets and mats, coconut husks into coconets and coco peat for soil improvement, and kitchen and garden waste into organic fertilizer and distributed for free to farmers and urban gardeners. waste plastics are recycled into school chairs and are given to public schools and farm schools for free.

The Las Piñas–Zapote Riverdrive is a long-term development effort that has improved lives, restored the river, and strengthened the Las Piñas community.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

A Match Made in Heaven: OGAWA Opens Its Newest Concept Store in Okada Manila

by Ferry Bayu | Nov 14, 2025 | Business

The world of wellness meets the world of luxury as OGAWA Philippines unveils its newest concept store at Okada Manila, marking another milestone in the brand’s journey to bring relaxation and innovation closer to Filipinos.

Strategically located at the Upper Ground Floor, Coral Wing, The Promenade, Okada Manila, this 140-square-meter wellness haven is designed as an “oasis of discovery”—a space that engages the senses, inspires calm, and reflects OGAWA’s commitment to making everyday luxury more attainable. The store embodies OGAWA’s signature balance of innovation, design, and tranquility—perfectly blending with the refined atmosphere of Okada Manila.

A Match Made in Heaven

The integration of OGAWA’s cutting-edge massage chairs within Okada Manila’s luxurious amenities is more than a collaboration—it’s a natural synergy of two brands devoted to elevating the human experience. As Marianne Rodillo, Marketing Manager of OGAWA Philippines, shares, “Immersing one’s self in a healthy lifestyle and learning to relax can be life-changing.” This philosophy perfectly aligns with Okada Manila’s mission to provide holistic, world-class experiences that nurture both body and soul.

By introducing OGAWA’s advanced massage technologies in the heart of Okada, guests are invited to unwind, rejuvenate, and rediscover balance in an environment that marries wellness and sophistication. Visitors can relax after a thrilling day at the casino or enjoy a moment of calm amid the hotel’s grandeur—proof that relaxation and refinement truly go hand in hand.

The MyZonic Series: Wellness, Redefined

At the heart of the new concept store lies OGAWA’s latest innovation—the MyZonic Series, a trio of massage chairs that redefine modern relaxation through technology, comfort, and style.

The MyZonic, priced at Php 79,900.00 (from Php 139,000.00 SRP), is thoughtfully designed for accessibility and ease. It features fixed multiple massage rollers and a gentle kneading function ideal for seniors, complemented by 18 airbags, thermal heating, Bluetooth connectivity, and Zero Gravity modes for a complete wellness experience—all controlled through intuitive voice command.

For those seeking deeper customization, the MyZonic Pro offers an elevated experience at Php 119,000.00 (from Php 199,000.00 SRP). With moving massage rollers, 12 auto programs, and 6 manual modes, it provides fully tailored relaxation. Enhanced with wireless charging, Bluetooth speakers, and voice command features, it caters to users who desire a more dynamic and responsive massage therapy.

Completing the collection is the MyZonic Lux, a premium model that brings spa-level indulgence into the home. Available at Php 149,000.00 (from Php 249,000.00 SRP), it boasts a 4D massage mechanism, attentive body scanning, and an SL-Track system that follows the spine’s natural curve. With 36 air cells for full-body compression, lumbar heat therapy, calf and foot rollers, Bluetooth surround sound, USB charger, and up to 36 months installment options, it embodies the pinnacle of comfort and innovation.

A New Era of Wellness Retail

The Okada concept store exemplifies OGAWA’s modern architectural design—featuring glass and steel structures, flowing spaces, and abundant natural light that invite customers to linger. The interiors merge function and aesthetics, highlighting OGAWA’s dedication to creating an immersive, wellness-focused environment where every corner encourages exploration and relaxation.

This new concept store also symbolizes OGAWA’s brand revitalization, reinforcing its position as a global leader in wellness innovation. Its engaging layout and interactive displays showcase the brand’s state-of-the-art technologies and commitment to improving the everyday lives of its customers.

Wellness Within Reach

With over 30 branches operating nationwide, OGAWA makes premium wellness easily accessible to Filipinos. In Metro Manila, customers can find stores in landmark destinations such as Shangri-La Plaza, SM Megamall, Greenbelt 5, One Ayala Makati, Uptown Mall BGC, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Robinsons Manila, Ayala Malls Vertis North, Eastwood Mall, Robinsons Magnolia, SM Fairview, SM North EDSA The Block, UP Town Center, Greenhills Mall, Promenade Greenhills 3, Gateway Mall, Alabang Town Center, Evia Lifestyle Center, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, OKADA Manila, SM BF Parañaque, and Newport Mall.

Beyond the metro, OGAWA is also present in key cities through SM City Bacoor, Ayala Solenad 3, and SM Sta. Rosa in Laguna; SM Seaside City Cebu; SM Lanang Premier in Davao; SM Clark in Pampanga; and SM City Olongapo Central.

Whether in-store or online, OGAWA ensures a seamless shopping experience for everyone. Customers can explore the full collection, place orders, and send inquiries through OGAWA’s official website and social media platforms—making wellness just a click away.

A Win-Win Partnership

The collaboration between OGAWA and Okada Manila is a true partnership of prestige and purpose. OGAWA gains access to Okada’s discerning clientele, while Okada Manila further enhances its luxury offerings—creating an unparalleled experience that integrates innovation, technology, and relaxation.

As the demand for wellness-driven lifestyles continues to grow, the OGAWA Okada store stands as a beacon of innovation, design, and self-care. It embodies how two brands, both devoted to excellence, can redefine what it means to live well in the modern world.

Discover the full range of OGAWA’s wellness products at its nationwide branches or visit the newest OGAWA Okada Manila store at UGF Coral Wing, The Promenade, Okada Manila. Learn more and shop online through OGAWA’s official channels: website at www.ogawaworld.net.ph, Facebook at OGAWA Philippines, Instagram @ogawa_ph, and TikTok @ogawaphilippines.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES.

Taxumo and REKO Join Forces to Empower Filipino Authors with Easy, Affordable Tax Compliance

by Ferry Bayu | Nov 13, 2025 | Business

Manila, Philippines — November 15, 2025 — Taxumo, the Philippines’ leading online tax filing platform for freelancers, professionals, and small business owners, has partnered with REKO, the country’s first all-Filipino eBook platform, to make tax compliance simpler and more affordable for local authors.