Toner Wars: How Brands Battled for the Top in Indonesia’s Skincare Boom

by | Apr 25, 2025 | Business

Indonesia’s toner and mists category saw strong growth in 2024, peaking in Q4 with $39.4M GMV and 11.4M units sold. Shopee led the market with nearly 90% share, while brands like Skintific, Skin1004, and Avoskin drove competition. Avoskin’s Miraculous Refining Toner emerged as the top-selling product of the year.

Jakarta, April 25, 2024 – The Indonesian beauty and personal care market continues its upward trajectory, with the toner and mists segment emerging as a key growth driver. According to Statista, the market grew from $1.31 billion in 2021 to $1.94 billion in 2024—a 48% increase. Skincare, which represents around 30% of this market, has benefited significantly from the self-care boom among Indonesia’s youth. Toners and mists have particularly thrived, with 73% of users aged under 40 and heavily influenced by social media beauty trends.

Toners and Mists Market Overview

<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/public-165" alt="Picture: E-commerce market growth of toners and mists” />

Magpie data reveals that in 2024, the toner & mists category held 5.6% of the total beauty category in e-commerce. Market performance soared in Q4 2024 with GMV reaching $39.4 million (+166.22% YoY) and 11.4 million units sold (+159.09% YoY), marking it as the strongest quarter of the year. This growth was driven by year-end promotions and increasing product demand. Despite slight declines in Q1–Q3 compared to prior quarters, the category maintained a consistent year-over-year upward trend.

Shopee Leads the Charge in Online Market Share

<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/public-167" alt="Picture: E-commerce market share of toners and mists” />

Shopee dominated the e-commerce landscape with an 89.33% share of toner & mists sales in 2024, followed distantly by Lazada (6.28%), Tokopedia (4.34%), and Blibli (0.05%). 

<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/public-169" alt="Picture: E-commerce market share over time of toners and mists” />

Shopee’s lead remained steady throughout the year, reinforcing its role as the primary platform for skincare brands seeking scale and visibility.

Brand Dynamics Show Fierce Competition and Shifting Leadership

<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/public-170" alt="Picture: Brand market share of toners and mists” />

The top five brands—Skintific, Skin1004, NPure, Wardah, and Avoskin—captured 38.3% of the total market.

<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/public-171" alt="Picture: Brand market share over time of toners and mists” />

While Skintific led overall with a 16.1% share, its dominance was challenged mid-year by Skin1004, which overtook the lead in June. Wardah saw strong momentum in Q4, ending the year at 8.1% share. The competitive shifts reflect evolving consumer preferences and the impact of promotional strategies.

Performance by E-commerce Platform

Shopee

<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/public-172" alt="Picture: Top brands of toners and mists on Shopee” />

Skintific led with 17.0% share and $11.8M in revenue. Skin1004, NPure, Wardah, and Avoskin trailed with shares between 7% and 3.9%.

Lazada

<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/public-173" alt="Picture: Top brands of toners and mists on Lazada” />

Clariderm led early but was later overtaken by Avoskin and a surge from unbranded products. At year’s end, Clariderm claimed 17.2% share.

Tokopedia

<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/public-174" alt="Picture: Top brands of toners and mists on Tokopedia” />

Skintific remained strong but faced competition from Avoskin and NPure in key months. Skintific ended the year as the top brand with a 9.4% share.

Blibli

<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/public-175" alt="Picture: Top brands of toners and mists on Blibli” />

Cetaphil emerged as a surprise leader, peaking at 72% market share in November due to aggressive promotions. It closed the year at 23.3% share, ahead of Skintific, Laneige, and SK-II.

Top-Selling Products Reinforce Brand Momentum

<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://slvrdlphn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/public-176" alt="Picture: Product market share of toners and mists” />

The category’s best-performing product was Avoskin’s Miraculous Refining Toner, which generated $727K in revenue and sold 73.6K units. Other top products included Skin1004’s Madagascar Centella Toning Toner and Pyunkang Yul’s Essence Toner, reinforcing consumer demand for effective, exfoliating, and soothing skincare solutions.

About the Data

Data was gathered from top e-commerce platforms in Indonesia between January 1 and December 31, 2024. With over 23.1 million products tracked, GMV was estimated using daily product quantity and price tracking. The analysis specifically focused on products within the “Beauty Group > Skin Care > Toner & Mists” subcategory.

Picture on Thumbnail from: freepik.com

What is CK4444? From Music History to Cybersecurity Concerns

by | Apr 25, 2025 | Business

Explore the multifaceted identity of CK4444—from its roots in jazz history to its troubling ties with crypto speculation, scam websites, and cybersecurity threats. Stay informed and protected.

The alphanumeric designation “CK4444” appears across various domains—from jazz history and cryptocurrency commentary to the dark corners of scam-ridden cyberspace.

While it may seem innocuous at first glance, a deeper look reveals a complex and evolving identity that raises red flags in the digital security world.

CK4444 in Cryptocurrency Communities

Among cryptocurrency enthusiasts, CK4444 is recognized as a prolific contributor on Binance Square (formerly Binance Feed), a platform where users share insights, opinions, and analyses on digital assets.

The account bearing this username frequently posts speculative takes on blockchain trends, market sentiment, and trading strategies.

Although the posts may appear authoritative to newcomers, it is crucial to note that CK4444 has no verified institutional backing or credentials.

Readers are advised to treat the content with the same scrutiny as any other social media commentary—especially in the volatile realm of digital finance.

CK4444.net: A Suspect Digital Entity

More concerning, however, is the use of the same identifier—CK4444—as a domain name. The website ck4444.net has been flagged by cybersecurity watchdogs and scam detection tools, including Scamadviser, as potentially fraudulent.

Although the site mimics the interface of legitimate gaming or trading platforms, user reports and technical analyses suggest malicious intent. Among the red flags:

1. Unexpected redirects to unrelated pages.

2. Requests for intrusive device permissions.

3. Suspected phishing behavior via deceptive login interfaces.

4. Security analysts urge extreme caution when interacting with this domain.

The CK4444 Casino App: A Trojan Horse in Disguise?

Linked closely to the domain is a mobile application posing as a casino gaming platform. Despite appearing to offer routine gambling features, this app has triggered widespread concern in the cybersecurity community due to its:

1. Aggressive access requests (camera, microphone, GPS, and file storage).

2. Silent background operation after installation.

3. Potential surveillance capabilities and unauthorized data extraction.

These behaviors far exceed what is required for a digital gaming app and strongly suggest malware functionality. Security experts strongly recommend avoiding installation of the CK4444 app under any circumstances.

A Surprising Origin: CK 4444 in Music History

Long before its digital reincarnation, CK4444 had a harmless—and even culturally significant—role in the music world. It served as the Columbia Records catalog number for the 1987 CD reissue of Duke Ellington’s 1958 jazz classic “Ellington Indigos.”

This version featured revised artwork and a different track arrangement, offering jazz aficionados a unique listening experience. In this context, CK4444 remains a point of interest for collectors and historians, entirely unrelated to its modern digital identity.

Appearances in Technical Communities

There are also sporadic mentions of CK4444 in developer forums and open-source discussions, including platforms like GitHub.

In these instances, the identifier seems to be used arbitrarily, with no thematic link to its presence in crypto or gaming. These references appear benign and largely experimental.

The Rise of a Fake Brand: CK4444 Gaming Platform

Adding further complexity, CK4444 is also presented as a “premium online gaming platform”, complete with a polished promotional narrative. This marketing copy paints CK4444 as an innovative digital casino, offering everything from slots and live dealer games to sports betting and progressive jackpots.

However, the glowing descriptions are starkly at odds with cybersecurity evaluations. The website’s low trust score, hidden ownership, and recent registration date all raise suspicion.

Even though the platform advertises transparency, fair play, and responsible gaming, experts caution that such promises may serve as a smokescreen for data harvesting operations or financial scams.

Key Promotional Highlights

1. Welcome Bonuses up to BDT 40,000.

2. Cashback Offers up to 15%.

3. VIP Membership Perks and weekly tournaments.

4. A “Refer a Friend” program with bonus incentives.

All of these features are designed to entice players, but given the site’s shady reputation, engaging with it could be highly risky.

Independent Evaluations: Trust or Trick?

According to Scamadviser, ck4444.net shows strong indicators of being a scam. Although some security layers (like a valid SSL certificate and external review options) are present, the negatives outweigh the positives:

1. Owner uses WHOIS protection to hide identity.

2. Low site traffic—a red flag for legitimacy.

3. Cryptocurrency integration—a high-risk vector.

4. Affiliation with gambling content, often used to obfuscate true intent.

Safety Tips: How to Avoid CK4444-Like Threats

To safeguard against apps and platforms with shady origins, users should adopt proactive digital hygiene:

1. Enable Google Play Protect or Apple’s security tools.

2. Review app permissions before installation—deny access to camera, microphone, and location unless essential.

3. Only download apps from official stores (Google Play, App Store).

4. Keep your OS and security software updated.

5. Use strong passwords and biometric locks.

6. Avoid public Wi-Fi without a VPN.

7. Regularly audit your installed apps.

8. Stay alert to suspicious links and unsolicited messages.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale in the Digital Age

The term CK4444 spans a curious spectrum of applications—from a vintage jazz CD to a dangerous digital façade. While it once stood for musical refinement, its current incarnation is largely marred by associations with suspicious websites, privacy-invading apps, and potential scams.

In a world where digital identities can morph and multiply, vigilance is essential. Users must learn to differentiate between legitimate innovation and malicious mimicry, and CK4444 serves as a potent reminder of how thin that line can be.

Algorand (ALGO) Price Prediction 2025: Will the Fallen Angel Rise Again?

by | Apr 25, 2025 | Business

Is Algorand (ALGO) set for a comeback in 2025? Explore price predictions, technical patterns, ecosystem challenges, and whether ALGO’s recent momentum could mark a major reversal for the once-hyped blockchain.

Algorand (ALGO), once celebrated as a next-generation blockchain poised to revolutionize the decentralized world, is now treading the line between recovery and decline.

Despite struggling fundamentals, technical patterns and renewed market interest hint that a rebound might be on the horizon. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of Algorand’s current situation, future potential, and the key signals every investor should watch.

Current Price Snapshot

As of April 25, 2025, Algorand is trading at $0.2236, up 6,93%, slightly above this month’s low of $0.1480, but still +90% below its all-time high.

Although this paints a bleak picture, short-term price momentum shows a promising upward trend, with technical indicators and trading activity offering renewed optimism.

Fundamental Challenges: A Ghost Chain in Decline

1. Decreasing Developer and User Activity: Third-party data now classify Algorand as a “ghost chain” due to the significant drop in developer and user engagement over recent years.

2. Shrinking DeFi Presence: Total Value Locked (TVL) has shrunk from an all-time high of $395 million to just $109 million.

Compared to rising chains like Base, Sonic, and Berachain, Algorand’s ecosystem appears stagnant.

Top projects still active in the ecosystem include Lofty, Folks Finance, Reti Finance, and Vesta Equity.

1. Low DEX Volume: Daily decentralized exchange (DEX) volume on Algorand is just $1.48 million, far below Ethereum, Solana, and other top chains that transact in the billions.

2. Staking Liquidations: Over the last 30 days alone, the network has seen the liquidation of 301 million ALGO tokens (~$65 million), with the staking ratio dropping to 12.5%.

3. Small Stablecoin Market Cap: While the stablecoin market on Algorand has grown slightly to $140 million, it’s still modest compared to leading blockchains.

Technical Analysis: Bullish Patterns Forming

1. Weekly Chart: Double Bottom Pattern

• Algorand has repeatedly bounced off the $0.097 level since 2023.

• A double-bottom pattern is visible with a neckline at $0.6135, signaling a potential 190% price surge if confirmed.

• A fall below $0.09 would negate this bullish scenario.

2. Daily Chart: Falling Wedge Breakout

• A falling wedge pattern recently completed, a typically bullish reversal signal.

• The breakout from the wedge targets a move toward $0.2880, offering short-term price potential.

• The Relative Strength Index (RSI) and Stochastics have both turned upward, further confirming momentum.

On-Chain Activity & Market Sentiment

1. Spiking Volume and Addresses

• April 14 saw a 12% price surge, fueled by a 300% increase in ALGO/USDT volume on Binance and higher activity on Kraken.

• Active addresses have increased to 100,000, reflecting 15% growth in a short time.

2. Technical Indicators

• RSI is at 68, approaching overbought territory.

• MACD shows a bullish crossover, indicating positive momentum.

New Strategic Partnerships & Utility

Algorand has recently partnered with an artificial intelligence firm to explore decentralized AI applications.

This collaboration, alongside real-world asset integration, introduces new utility layers to the ecosystem. The announcement resulted in a 5% price increase, suggesting the market values innovation beyond technical indicators.

Future Price Projections and ROI Estimates

While current market dynamics show volatility, long-term projections remain moderately optimistic based on a steady 5% annual growth model:

Monthly Forecast – 2025

1. April: $0.219 – $0.234 | ROI: 84%

2. May: $0.201 – $0.244 | ROI: 91.8%

3. June: $0.214 – $0.190 | ROI: 68,2%

4. July: $0.200 – $0.220 | ROI: 73%

5. August: $0.204 – $0.231 | ROI: 81.6%

6. September: $0.210 – $0.224 | ROI: 86.3%

7. October: $0.219 – $0.257 | ROI: 102%

8. December: $0.251 – $0.271 | ROI: 113.1%

Conclusion: Turning Point or Temporary Lift?

Algorand’s future remains uncertain. On one hand, its weakening fundamentals, such as a shrinking DeFi presence and low developer activity, pose real threats.

On the other, its strong technical setup, increasing on-chain engagement, and strategic partnerships signal a potentially undervalued asset.

Whether ALGO will reclaim its former glory hinges on the successful execution of new ecosystem initiatives, continued real-world integration, and its ability to reignite developer interest.

The current phase may represent a compelling entry point for risk-tolerant investors, but with cautious optimism.

XRP News Today! XRP’s Defining Moment: Legal Clarity, ETF Momentum, and a Shifting Crypto Landscape

by | Apr 25, 2025 | Business

XRP faces a pivotal moment as legal clarity, ETF momentum, and growing institutional interest converge. Discover how regulatory shifts and market trends could define XRP’s future in the evolving crypto landscape.

XRP, the Ripple-affiliated cryptocurrency, is once again at the center of the digital asset conversation. It faces a storm of legal, regulatory, and market developments that may define its long-term future.

From courtroom battles to ETF speculation, and from macroeconomic shifts to surging investor activity, XRP finds itself at a pivotal crossroads.

Legal Developments: The Ripple vs. SEC Saga Nears Conclusion

In a recent turn of events, XRP was named as an unregistered security in a new lawsuit filed against Coinbase by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield. Alongside XRP, several other prominent tokens—such as ADA, AVAX, AAVE, UNI, FLOW, LINK, and MKR—were also targeted. This move drew criticism from the crypto community and Coinbase, which labeled the suit as “meritless” and an attempt at “regulation by enforcement.”

This development sparked confusion because XRP’s regulatory status had ostensibly been resolved in 2023 when a federal judge ruled that XRP was not a security when sold to retail investors. The SEC later dropped its appeal, especially following the departure of its former chair, Gary Gensler.

Optimism is now growing around the possibility of a final settlement in the Ripple-SEC lawsuit. With the recent confirmation of crypto-friendly Paul Atkins as the new SEC Chair, many anticipate that the agency’s tone will shift. Already, Ripple and the SEC have filed a joint motion to pause appeals in favor of settlement discussions, fueling speculation that a formal resolution—and the lifting of legal restrictions—could arrive imminently.

ETF Momentum: XRP Takes the Spotlight

Amid the backdrop of legal clarity, XRP is rapidly emerging as a top candidate for a U.S. spot-based exchange-traded fund (ETF). According to Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas, XRP is among the leading tokens in over 72 crypto-related ETF filings currently under review.

Notable players like Grayscale, Bitwise, WisdomTree, and even Fidelity have shown interest in launching XRP-backed products.

Earlier this month, Teucrium launched the first leveraged XRP ETF, the 2X XRP ETF, aiming to deliver double the daily price performance of XRP. Analysts suggest this could pave the way for an unlevered, spot-based ETF, potentially triggering large-scale institutional inflows.

Bill Morgan, a prominent pro-crypto legal analyst, noted a 67.5% spike in active XRP addresses just before Coinbase launched XRP derivatives—another critical signal of institutional and retail interest converging. Morgan emphasized that these futures are typically precursors to spot ETFs, offering a bridge between traditional finance and crypto without the complexities of direct custody.

Market Performance and Investor Sentiment

On the technical front, XRP has experienced substantial growth. After surging more than 327% year-over-year—from $0.49 to recent highs around $2.30—the token briefly touched $2.3007 before pulling back to around $2.24.

Despite the short-term resistance at the $2.30 mark, bullish sentiment remains high. Trading volumes peaked at $5.92 billion, though they have slightly dipped to around $5.86 billion, indicating a potential consolidation phase.

Large transactions by XRP whales—over 650 million XRP in April alone—suggest that smart money is positioning for future gains. If accumulation continues, it could set the stage for the token to test higher resistance levels at $2.70, $3.00, and even $3.60, with some analysts projecting a target of $10 within 12 to 18 months under sustained bullish conditions.

Macroeconomic and Political Catalysts

XRP’s momentum is also being influenced by broader economic and political shifts. Remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump about reducing tariffs on Chinese imports and supporting a crypto-friendly regulatory approach have added fuel to the rally.

Trump Media’s plans to launch ETFs combining stocks and cryptocurrencies have further stoked speculation that XRP could be featured in these hybrid financial products—particularly as the token is set to play a role in the U.S. digital-asset reserve program.

Meanwhile, Fed policy remains a double-edged sword. While rate hikes have pressured risk assets in the short term, the expectation of eventual monetary easing is contributing to longer-term optimism.

Investor Psychology: Navigating Between Hope and Hype

Despite the clear signs of progress, the XRP community remains a mix of hopeful anticipation and impatience. Influencers like Edoardo Farina argue that many investors overlook tangible gains, focusing instead on unrealistic price targets. Analysts echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of long-term perspective and milestone recognition over short-term volatility.

Indeed, XRP is no longer the speculative bet it once was. With legal clouds lifting, ETFs on the horizon, and real-world use cases validated, XRP is transitioning into a mature, institutionally palatable asset.

Conclusion: A Defining Chapter for XRP

XRP is now navigating one of the most consequential periods in its history. Legal clarity, renewed institutional interest, ETF momentum, and broader macroeconomic shifts are aligning in a way that could fundamentally alter its future.

Investors are advised to maintain a balanced view—recognizing the risks, but also appreciating the unprecedented opportunities. While the path ahead will not be without obstacles, XRP’s trajectory suggests that it may soon emerge not only as a survivor of regulatory scrutiny but as a leader in the next wave of digital finance.

With key catalysts in motion and strong foundations in place, XRP’s next chapter could very well be its most transformative.

Taxumo and BPI Business Banking Team Up to Empower SMEs with Faster Access to Ka-Negosyo Loans

by | Apr 25, 2025 | Business

April 25, 2025 — Manila, Philippines — Taxumo, the Philippines’ leading online tax compliance platform, has announced an exciting new partnership with BPI Business Banking to provide greater access to funding for Filipino small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Through this collaboration, Taxumo subscribers—both sole proprietors and corporations—can now enjoy faster loan processing and exclusive business loan rates under BPI’s Ka-Negosyo Loan portfolio.

This partnership aims to address one of the most common pain points of business owners: access to financing. Since all Taxumo subscribers are legitimate and consistent tax filers, they already have access to organized and verified tax records—key documents often required in business loan applications. With this new offering, subscribers can easily apply for BPI Ka-Negosyo Loans by simply clicking on the Business Loans tab in their Taxumo account, streamlining the entire process and increasing their chances of getting approved.

“We’re excited to work with BPI Business Banking to open new opportunities for entrepreneurs,” said Taxumo Chief Executive Officer, Ginger Arboleda. “This collaboration is about empowering our SMEs—giving them the tools and financial support they need to grow their businesses with confidence. With Taxumo, business owners, with their consent, can easily share their financial information with banks, allowing for a smoother process in assessing and approving their loan applications.”

BPI’s Ka-Negosyo Loan products cover a wide range of business financing needs—from working capital to business expansion—offering flexible terms and competitive rates. With the integration of Taxumo’s platform, subscribers can expect a smoother and more efficient loan experience.

“First foremost, we [BPI and Taxumo] share the same vision, we share the same value, we want to help Filipino SMEs grow their business and reach their dreams.” said by Ms. Joyce, one of the representatives of BPI’s Ka-Negosyo Loans.

Key Benefits for Taxumo Subscribers:

• Faster BPI Ka-Negosyo Loan processing
• Preferential business loan rates

 – Streamlined document and data submission

• Access for both sole proprietors and corporations

This initiative marks another step in Taxumo’s mission to support the success of Filipino entrepreneurs—not just through tax compliance, but by opening doors to new business opportunities and financial growth.

To learn more about the BPI Ka-Negosyo Loan offers available to Taxumo subscribers, follow Taxumo’s Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok pages.

Schneider Electric advances in product environmental data transparency

by | Apr 24, 2025 | Business

Schneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has launched its Environmental Data Program. This initiative, which builds on the legacy Green Premium label, provides customers with unique access to information on the environmental impact of its products, enabling them to make better informed, data-based decisions and meet evolving regulatory requirements with confidence. 

Schneider Electric has frequently been recognised as a leader in sustainability – including being named the world’s most sustainable company by Time Magazine and Statista in 2024 and by Corporate Knights for the second time in January 2025. It’s this commitment to environmental leadership and customers’ growing demand for transparency that led to the program’s launch. 

By providing critical information, like carbon footprint, energy efficiency, packaging, and recycled content, Schneider Electric helps organisations make choices that align with their sustainability goals, by enabling them to better track, understand, and reduce their own environmental impact.    

Schneider Electric now shares information on 14 environmental data attributes, offering a more comprehensive understanding of a product’s environmental impact. Those 14 attributes are available online for 110,000 commercial references. Schneider Electric aims to provide the same coverage for 155,000 commercial references by the end of the year, covering 80% of product turnover – up from 70% today. 

With 2024 officially recorded as the hottest year on the planet, the urgency for accelerated progress on environment and climate action has never been more apparent. At the same time, studies show that the global economy is only 7.2% circular. Regulatory evolutions over the past years (such as the draft EU Green Claims Directive) have been raising the bar for transparency and accountability. The data provided by the Environmental Data Program will make it easy for customers to use these metrics for business as well as compliance and reporting purposes. Environmental data transparency is fundamental to both decarbonisation and competitiveness, two goals that will define the times ahead. Ultimately, it’s about powering choices thanks to better, clearer, and more reliable data. 

Chris Leong, Schneider Electric’s Chief Sustainability Officer, explains: “With over 15 years of experience in environmental product data, we’ve built a legacy of trust and transparency. Now, with the Environmental Data Program, we’re setting a new benchmark for environmental data accessibility and performance. We remain committed to helping our customers and partners across the industry to continue making informed, data-based, and responsible decisions with transparency at the core to use better, use longer, use again.” 

Céline Coulibre-Duménil, Chief Sustainability Officer at Rexel, global leader in the distribution of electrical supplies, values the Environmental Data Program: “Giving customers access to more transparent and factual product data to help them make informed decisions on the environmental impact of their choices is a must. We support Schneider Electric’s ambition to influence the industry towards more environmental product transparency.”  

“NIKUNO YOICHI” to Open Second Malaysian Outlet in Petaling Jaya, Selangor on May 5, 2025

by | Apr 24, 2025 | Business

Act Community Inc. (Head Office: Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan; CEO: Masato Yanase), the operator of NIKUNO YOICHIi—a Japanese “Yakiniku Entertainment” brand with over 30 locations in Japan—will open its second Malaysian outlet in Damansar Utama, Petaling Jaya on May 5, 2025.

After making waves in Penang’s Georgetown in 2024 with its concept of affordable halal- meat yakiniku restaurant, NIKUNO YOICHI is ready to bring the second chapter of its culinary journey to the heart of Kuala Lumpur area.

Wagyu and Rice — The Soul of Japan, Now in Malaysia

What makes NIKUNO YOICHI truly special is its authentic, casual dining experience centered around Japan’s national dish—Yakiniku. At the core of this experience is A5-grade halal wagyu beef, served with freshly steamed Japanese rice cooked in a traditional iron pot imported from Japan, providing a sensory dining experience like no other.

Even our signature yakiniku sauce, based on a secret recipe, has been redeveloped in Japan to fully comply with local halal standards, ensuring a safe and satisfying experience for all Malaysian guests.

Bringing Japanese Yakiniku Culture to the World with Local Adaptations

At NIKUNO YOICHI, our mission is simple:
“Bringing smiles to the world with the finest meat and rice.”

Following the success of our Penang outlet, the upcoming Uptown Damansara location will offer a more refined blend of yakiniku and entertainment, aiming to make the deliciousness of Japan a familiar part of everyday life in Malaysia. We are committed to sharing authentic Japanese yakiniku culture with the world.

About NIKUNO YOICHI Malaysia

“The first Malaysian outlet opened in April 2024 in Georgetown, Penang. by sourcing whole wagyu cattle through exclusive channels, we are able to offer premium A5 wagyu at more affordable prices than our competitors — with A5 wagyu kalbi priced at just RM35 for 80g.

We also plan to expand our franchise network across Malaysia in the near future.

Website: www.instagram.com/nikunoyoichi_penang/

Strengthening Community and Influence: Blogapalooza’s Milestones for a #BetterBloga

by | Apr 24, 2025 | Business

April has been an exciting month for Blogapalooza, as we leaned into what matters most—building a stronger, more intentional creator community. True to our mantra of #BetterBloga, this month was all about connection, collaboration, and empowering creators to make a real difference through meaningful initiatives.

Empowering Future Leaders at Mad World

We proudly stood with the next generation of change-makers at Mad World: Beyond Style and Glamour, supporting young marketers and future leaders in a space where creativity meets purpose. Nurturing the youth has always been at the core of what we do, and this initiative was a perfect reflection of our mission to uplift and empower and create opportunities for the next wave of visionaries. 

Fashion with Purpose: A Movement for Culture and Sustainability

In a bold fusion of fashion, culture, and sustainability, Blogapalooza partnered with Kaunlaran para sa Kultura at Kalikasan for an event that was as meaningful as it was stylish. This gathering challenged creators to lead with intention, encouraging them to push the boundaries of influence and spark conversations that truly matter. It also highlighted the importance of supporting local artisans, embracing traditional techniques, and championing homegrown brands that honor both culture and craftsmanship, showing that impact can be made through conscious choices.

Celebrating Filipino Excellence

We also celebrated Filipino excellence through arts as we joined Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP) for the launch of its 2025 season with “PAGDIRIWANG: Sayaw Alay sa Sining.” The BlogaFam got to witness the breathtaking fusion of tradition and innovation, featuring the brilliance of National Artist Alice Reyes, renowned international choreographers, and the much-awaited return of the iconic Candice Adea. A true testament to world-class talent, and we were honored to be part of it.

As we move into the rest of the year, we remain committed to our vision of a stronger, more intentional creator community. Every event, every partnership, and every conversation we spark is a step toward building a #BetterBloga—one that creates value, drives purpose, and inspires others to do the same. Through it all, we continue to #ElevateInfluence, empowering creators to lead with meaning using our voices to spark change, tell meaningful stories, and create impact that truly matters.

P.A. Properties named Pag-IBIG Fund Top 10 developer in NCR

by | Apr 24, 2025 | Business

Makati City, Philippines—P.A. Alvarez
Properties and Development Corporation has been recognized as one of Pag-IBIG
Fund’s Top 10 Accredited Developers in the National Capital Region for 2024 — a
prestigious honor that underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to
making homeownership more attainable for Filipino families.

In addition to the company’s achievement,
Atty. Marianne Reyna L. Cruz, President of P.A. Properties, as represented by
Atty. Chrisgene Castillo, AVP for Legal Services, received a Plaque of
Appreciation for her unwavering support, valuable insights, and inspiring words
shared during the Pag-IBIG Fund Stakeholders’ Accomplishment Report for the
Year 2024.

The awards were formally presented during
the Pag-IBIG Fund Stakeholders’ Accomplishment Report 2024, held on April 4,
2025, at Dusit Thani Manila, Makati City. The event gathered key stakeholders
from the housing and real estate sectors, recognizing outstanding partners who
contribute to Pag-IBIG Fund’s mission of providing affordable housing to
Filipinos.

“This recognition strengthens our drive
to continue building quality and affordable homes for Filipino families across
the country,” said Atty. Cruz. “We share this milestone with our hardworking
teams and partners who help bring our mission to life every day.”

P.A. Properties remains committed to
creating sustainable communities and contributing to national housing goals
through strong partnerships and innovative solutions.

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