Ferry Bayu, Author at Slvrdlphn.com

Bills paid na, winner pa: eTap Weekly Pamasko turns everyday transactions into a chance to win up to P200,000!

by Ferry Bayu | Sep 22, 2025 | Business

Pay bills, top up e-wallets, and buy load at eTap kiosks nationwide a chance to win up to P200,000!

With the ‘Ber months finally here, leading self-service payments kiosk provider eTap Solutions is giving Filipinos a new way to try their luck and add to the holiday cheer: from September 1, 2025, to January 19, 2026, eTap users can submit their entries to the eTap Weekly Pamasko campaign for a chance to win up to P200,000!

Instead of taking chances on costly risks, eTap invites users to enjoy the thrill of turning everyday transactions into big wins. “Imagine paying your electricity bill or topping up your e-wallet only to win back straight cash that you could use for bills or shopping,” explains eTap Solutions’ Head of Marketing Paolo Lorenzo Macaraeg. “With eTap’s Weekly Pamasko, your regular financial transactions could turn into big holiday rewards.”

Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-235004 Series of 2025, eTap Weekly Pamasko will have 100 winners of P2,500 every week. Kiosk users can then win up to P200,000 in accumulated winnings via its weekly draw and a monthly draw with prizes up to P10,000, plus a one-time grand draw with a prize of P100,000!

To enter, all eTap users have to do is make a single transaction worth ₱500 or more using GCash, Maya, GrabPay, or Dragonloans at any eTap kiosk nationwide. After completing their transaction, their entry should be submitted online through eTap’s Monday form at: https://wkf.ms/3XZz4nR. Participants will be asked to provide their name, contact details, and address, along with a photo of their transaction receipt, a selfie with the eTap kiosk, and a short story about their experience using eTap. Winners will be announced via the official eTap Facebook page.

Powered by eTap Inc., eTap Solutions’ 4,000+ kiosks can be found in various store partners nationwide, including DALI, TGP, Julie’s Bakeshop, and more. “With joining the eTap Weekly Pamasko as easy as paying your bills, we’re not just living up to our brand promise of being easy mahanap, easy mag top-up, and easy kausap, we’re also getting people into the holiday spirit by paying it forward,” explains Macaraeg.

With eTap, the holiday spirit meets everyday convenience—proving that you don’t need to take big risks to win big rewards.

For more information on eTap Solutions’ Weekly Pamasko campaign, check out the official eTap Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/etapmonayaninc/

About eTap Solutions

eTap Solutions is the country’s leading self-service payment kiosk operator dedicated to making financial transactions secure, accessible, and convenient. With a network of 400+ store partners across major retailers and strategic locations nationwide, eTap empowers Filipinos through innovative technology and a dedicated, customer-focused workforce.

Learn more about eTap Solutions at https://www.etapsolutions.co/

About eTap Solutions

Learn more about eTap Solutions at https://www.etapsolutions.co/

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Autumn Colors Week Kicks Off on Saturday, September 27th! Enjoy Fall in Otari Village, Nagano Prefecture | The Autumn Foliage Baton Relay Changes with Each Elevation

by Ferry Bayu | Sep 19, 2025 | Business

Enjoy Spectacular Views in the National Park, Along with Mushroom Soup and Herbal Tea! Nine Days to Savor Nature and Food Otari Village in Nagano Prefecture (Pronounced: Otari-mura; Location: Otari-mura, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture; Village Mayor: Yoshiaki Nakamura) will be holding the “2025 Tsugaike Nature Garden Autumn Colors Week” for nine days from Saturday, September 27, 2025, to October 5. During the event period, there will be many unmissable events, including servings of mushroom soup, herbal tea made with local Otari Village produce, and sliced apples from Shinshu. In Otari Village, Nagano Prefecture, you can enjoy autumn foliage for an extended period from September to early November. This mountainous village, rich in nature and home to two national parks, offers scenery that changes daily with the progression of autumn colors, revealing a different face with each visit. Why not visit Otari Village this autumn?

“Tsugaike Nature Garden Autumn Colors Week” Event Overview

We’re holding our “Autumn Colors Week” for the best viewing of Tsugaike Nature Park’s foliage, which is at its peak from late September to early October. Along with the changing colors that move with the elevation, we’ve prepared many captivating events for visitors, including local food offerings and a commemorative raffle. From families to nature enthusiasts, everyone can experience the unique charm of autumn. We sincerely look forward to your visit.

Event Period: 9 days from Saturday, September 27, 2025, to Sunday, October 5, 2025

Main Event Details:

⬛︎Saturday Events (September 27th & October 4th)

・Alphorn performance
・Free mushroom soup
・Free Otari Village herbal tea
・Shinshu “oyaki” (grilled buns) outdoor sale

⬛︎Sunday Events (September 28th & October 5th)

・Free Shinshu-grown sliced apples
・Free Polaroid photo shoot and gift・Shinshu “oyaki” outdoor sale

⬛︎Weekday Events (September 29th – October 3rd)

・Commemorative postcard gift for park entry・Commemorative raffle for visitors・Shinshu “oyaki” outdoor sale (October 1st only)

Note: The number of items provided for some events is limited. Some events may be canceled due to rain.

Let’s explore the best autumn foliage spots in Otari Village!

Otari Village is a mountain village located in the northwesternmost part of Nagano Prefecture, on the border with Niigata Prefecture. Its highest elevation is 2,766 meters (at the summit of Mt. Ko-Renge) and its lowest is about 173 meters.

With 88% of its total area covered by forests, the autumn colors gradually make their way down from the mountaintops to the foothills, creating a changing “foliage relay” that you can enjoy throughout the season. In October, when the first snow falls on the Northern Alps, you might even be able to witness the “three-tiered foliage”—a breathtaking sight of white snow at the summit, red foliage mid-mountain, and green at the base.

Within the village’s vast 2,600-meter elevation difference, there are many spots where the autumn colors look different depending on the altitude and direction you’re facing. This means you can see a variety of colors in a single day just by visiting different places.

Enjoy the great outdoors at Tsugaike Nature Park, whether you’re alone or with others!

One of the recommended spots for autumn colors is Tsugaike Nature Park. Located in the western part of Otari Village at the foot of the Northern Alps, Tsugaike Nature Park is a highland marsh within the Chubu-Sangaku National Park. Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,900m, it is a famous nature observation area with views of the Hakuba Three Peaks and the Ushiro-Tateyama mountain range.

Every year from mid-September, the colors begin to appear in the marsh grasses, and from early to mid-October, the mountain is blanketed in a vivid contrast of fiery red nanakamado and maple trees against the yellow of Erman’s birch. On a clear autumn day, you can witness the breathtaking scene of a blue sky, white mountain peaks, and the fiery red foliage all in one view.

The well-maintained boardwalks have a gentle elevation change and some sections are even wheelchair accessible, making it safe and easy for beginners and families to enjoy. Additionally, you can access the park by using the Tsugaike Ropeway (gondola lift + ropeway), so you don’t need any special mountain climbing gear to visit.

At the peak of the autumn season, many tourists visit the park to take photos, sketch, and observe nature.

・Park Open: June 7 (Sat) – November 3 (Mon, public holiday)

(Closed from Oct 27 (Mon) to Oct 31 (Fri) due to suspension of the Tsugaike Ropeway)

・Admission Fee: Adults 320 yen, Children 260 yen

・Official Website: https://sizenen.otarimura.com/about/

<Tsugaike Ropeway> To protect the environment of Chubu-Sangaku National Park, please use the Tsugaike Ropeway to access the park.

・Fare (incl. park admission): Adults 4,000 yen, Children 2,200 yen

・Official Website: https://www.tsugaike.gr.jp/green/ropeway

The Brocade Forest Reflected on the Water. Autumn at Kamaike Pond!

Another popular autumn foliage spot in Otari Village is “Kamaike Pond.” Located in the northeastern part of the village, within the Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park, Kamaike Pond is a tranquil body of water at the foot of Mt. Amakazari.

Situated at an altitude of 1,190m, the 2km walking trail is surrounded by a primeval beech forest. The pond is also home to carp and trout, and on rare occasions, you can see a giant carp, referred to as the “master of the pond,” leisurely swimming.

On quiet mornings, the calm surface of the water perfectly reflects the autumn colors and mountain slopes, creating a prime photo opportunity. The sight of fog and the morning sun overlapping with the foliage is one of the reasons many photographers come from all over the country.

With a well-maintained 2km walking path, anyone can enjoy the autumn scenery. It takes about 40 minutes to walk around the entire pond, allowing you to fully appreciate the crisp autumn air.

New! Enjoy a Refreshing “Foot Bath” with Ice Water This Summer

A new spot has opened at the base of the mountain this summer. Want to cool down your tired feet after a hike? Take a dip in the new footbath (ice bath) that opened in August 2025, which uses melted snow from the Northern Alps. The cold water will leave your feet feeling refreshed and revitalized. It also doubles as a footbath in the winter, making it a great spot to visit as the seasons change.

There are also many restaurants in the surrounding area, making it a perfect spot for a break during your hike.

・Location: Gondola Lift “Eve” Base Area

・Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

・Fee: Free

Autumn Flavors! Introducing Recommended Spots Nearby

Autumn in Otari Village isn’t just about the foliage. There are many restaurants, from places to eat before or after a hike to cafes for a short break. We’d like to introduce a popular shop that specializes in gelato made with local ingredients.

Otarian Gelato

The shop is famous for its classic “Soba Gelato,” made with buckwheat seeds, and “Sake Lees Gelato,” made with sake lees from local sake brands “Amakazariyama” and “Otarinishiki.” The rich milk gelato is also a popular favorite. Additionally, they offer seasonal gelato flavors using fruits and vegetables from Otari Village and Nagano Prefecture, such as kiwi berries, wild grapes, chestnuts, mugwort, and corn. The chance to discover a new flavor with every visit is part of its charm.

・Location: 16107-1 Nakatsuchi, Otari-mura, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano

・Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

・Parking: Available

・Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays

・Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otarian_gelato/

Please come and experience autumn in Otari Village, where you can enjoy both the beautiful foliage and the delicious flavors of the season!

Access & Contact Otari Village Tourism Federation

・Address: 131 Nakaotari Hei, Otari Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture (within the Otari Village Office)

・Official HP: https://info-otari.jp/

・Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/otari_nagano_japan/

・Tel: 0261-82-2233

・Fax: 0261-82-2242

・Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK8QWdgiS4h603CbgPiGHmg

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

A New Player in the Wellness Drink Market – PR1ME Z Enters the Functional Drink Market with Ginger Turmeric + Calamansi & Piperine

by Ferry Bayu | Sep 19, 2025 | Business

Manila, Philippines — September 15, 2025 — The wellness industry in the Philippines just got more exciting as PR1ME Z introduces its latest innovation: Pr1me Ginger Turmeric with Calamansi & Piperine.

This refreshing blend combines the time-honored flavors of ginger and turmeric with the zest of calamansi and the natural enhancement of piperine (black pepper extract). Carefully crafted for health-conscious Filipinos, it’s a refreshing addition to a balanced lifestyle and daily wellness routine.

“Even as a new product, Pr1me Ginger Turmeric has already received positive feedback from early users, who enjoy its refreshing taste and natural blend of ingredients,” said Mr. Zack Lopez.

The launch of Pr1me Ginger Turmeric marks a significant milestone for PR1ME Z as the brand expands its portfolio of wellness solutions. With consumer interest in natural and plant-based products continuing to grow, PR1ME Z positions itself as a brand to watch in the health and lifestyle space.

Pr1me Ginger Turmeric with Calamansi & Piperine is now available through official PR1ME Z distributors and online platforms.

For more information, visit www.PR1MEZ.com / Facebook Page: PR1ME Z.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

From Orphaned Child to Empowered Entrepreneur!

by Ferry Bayu | Sep 19, 2025 | Business

Standing at just 4’3”, Grace Ramirez had every reason to fade into the background. Orphaned by the age of 12, she became a second parent to her younger sibling while still a child herself. Her life in the province was far from easy—selling vegetables, coconuts, and even collecting scraps to survive.

“Life didn’t give me a choice,” she recalls. “I had to grow up fast.”

At 13, Grace made a brave decision. With no money and no one to rely on, she traveled to Manila alone to work as a domestic helper. She spent six years babysitting, cleaning, and working under people who often saw her as “less”—too small, too uneducated, too soft-spoken.

But inside, Grace held on to one belief: “My dreams are bigger than me. Taller than me. As tall as the Burj Khalifa.”

The turning point came when she found REDinc—a business platform that gave her something she had never experienced before: an environment without judgment. No one cared about her height or past. They cared about her heart, her effort, and her dreams.

Today, Grace is a respected leader, public speaker, and host within the organization. More than just changing her own life, she’s helping others believe they can change theirs too. She supports an 8-year-old charity for orphans and fights for OFWs to have a way to come home for good.

“I’m bound to be more & I’ll continue thrive so I can help more people…”

About REDinc

Website: REDInc.net

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Alsons Power Scholars Bring Pride to the Nation, Set to Compete Globally this October

by Ferry Bayu | Sep 18, 2025 | Business

Pride and inspiration filled the room as Alsons Power’s weightlifting scholars Jhodie A. Peralta, Princess Jay Ann Diaz, and Alexandra Ann Diaz, together with Coach Allen Diaz, shared a Kamustahan session with CEO Antonio Miguel B. Alcantara before representing the Philippines at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain this October.

In-photo: Alsons Power CEO Antonio Miguel B. Alcantara (rightmost) and Vice President for Corporate Services Maria Jiji Q. Lara (leftmost) together with Coach Allen Diaz, Jhodie Peralta, Princess Jay Ann Diaz, and Alexandra Ann Diaz.

Alcantara lauded the young athletes for their discipline and triumphs, calling them “living proof that with determination and support, Filipinos can excel on the world stage.” He expressed confidence that their achievements will continue to bring honor to the country and inspire future generations.

Coach Allen Diaz also expressed his gratitude to the company, saying, “We are very thankful to Alsons Power for their unwavering support. Because of this program, our athletes can focus on training, chase their dreams of becoming world champions, and bring pride to our nation.”

Alsons Power, in partnership with Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, launched the Group’s weightlifting scholarship program in 2017 to support her aspiration of training Zamboanga City-based aspiring competitive weightlifters with the potential to become world-class champions. Since then, scholars from the program have consistently represented the Philippines in the global weightlifting arena and have proudly brought home medals.

The Kamustahan session underscored Alsons Power’s commitment to its brand promise We Power with Care, by empowering the youth through education and sports and supporting champions who carry the nation’s pride with every lift, medal, and victory.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES