by | May 23, 2025 | Business
In
an era where digital lending is rapidly expanding in the Philippines, HappyCash
stands out as a platform committed not only to growth, but to responsible
lending practices, AI Credit decisioning, and the protection of consumers’
financial well-being.
Founded
with a mission to make access to credit simple, safe, and fair, HappyCash has
served over millions of users nationwide—many of whom are first-time
borrowers from underserved communities. By focusing on affordability and
transparency, the platform ensures that every loan product aligns with the
borrower’s actual capacity to repay.
AI Credit, Backed
by Data
HappyCash
utilizes a multi-layered credit assessment model that evaluates user behavior,
income signals, device security, and more to assign customized credit limits.
Instead of offering large loan amounts indiscriminately, the platform starts
with responsible limits and gradually increases based on repayment behavior.
This
credit model allows HappyCash to maintain a healthy balance between risk
control and inclusion, enabling safe lending even to first-time borrowers with
limited financial histories.
Aligned with
Consumer Protection Principles
As a
licensed lending entity regulated by the Philippine Securities and Exchange
Commission (SSEC), HappyCash strictly adheres with the Financial Products and
Services Consumer Protection Act and the Truth in Lending Act. Its core
consumer protection measures include:
–
Clear disclosures on fees and interest rates
- No
hidden charges or pre-payment penalties
–
Friendly reminders for due dates, with grace periods
–
Accessible customer support through multiple channels
–
Strong user data protection and secure cloud infrastructure
Educating Borrowers
HappyCash
also invests in borrower education, using its mobile platform to share simple
financial literacy content. The goal is to help users borrow confidently, repay
responsibly, and improve their long-term financial capability.
Looking Ahead
As
it grows, HappyCash continues to partner with industry-leading technology,
eKYC, and payment providers to ensure that its services remain secure,
scalable, and customer-friendly. With upcoming product enhancements focused on
more personalized credit and real-time fraud detection, the platform is
committed to being a leader in ethical and sustainable lending.
by | May 23, 2025 | Business
Bitcoin has hit a new all-time high near $111,000 amid bullish technical signals like a golden cross and favorable macro trends. Discover expert insights, price forecasts, and what this rally means for the broader crypto market.
Bitcoin’s price resurgence continues and finally hit new ATH with the price hovering around $111,000 as of May 22 after crossing “golden cross” formation at $106.889.
Check out the explanation of the latest BTC prices in this article until the end.
Golden Crosses and Their Track Record
Bitcoin has previously responded positively to golden cross formations. According to analyst Benjamin Cowen, past occurrences led to 45%-60% price increases. For example:
- In October 2023, BTC surged 45% following a golden cross, buoyed by optimism surrounding spot Bitcoin ETFs.
- In September 2021, a similar crossover preceded a 50% rally.
- Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, with Donald Trump re-elected, BTC posted a 60%+ gain, attributed in part to expected policy shifts.
However, it’s important to note that golden crosses are not infallible. In February 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic struck global markets, a golden cross was followed by a 62% crash—highlighting the need to consider broader economic indicators.
Current Technical Setup: Bullish but Cautious
As of mid-May 2025, Bitcoin’s 50-day SMA is trending upward and approaching a cross above the 200-day SMA. While the setup leans bullish, analysts are warning of a possible short-term correction before a full-fledged breakout.
Bitcoin’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) recently crossed above the overbought threshold of 70, often a precursor to pullbacks.
BTC could retest support levels around $115,400 to $120,000 before resuming its upward trend.
A bearish divergence between rising prices and falling RSI supports the case for a temporary dip.
Still, macro conditions appear favorable. Factors such as an expanding M2 money supply, easing U.S.-China trade tensions, and improved investor sentiment provide strong tailwinds.
Macro Tailwinds Support Bitcoin’s Ascent
Recent developments have added fuel to Bitcoin’s rally:
- President Trump has rolled back tariff threats, easing global trade tensions.
-
Traditional equity markets, like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, have reacted positively, with BTC following suit as a risk-on asset.
-
Crypto liquidations have surged, with $233 million wiped out in the past 24 hours, over half from short positions—indicating growing upward pressure.
Other cryptocurrencies are also riding the wave. Over the past month:
- Ethereum (ETH) has climbed 58%,
-
Dogecoin (DOGE) is up 45%, and
-
Solana (SOL) has risen nearly 23%.
No Signs of a “Double Top” Reversal
Despite Bitcoin’s price hovering near its all-time high, concerns about a potential double top—a bearish reversal pattern—are being dismissed by some analysts.
Private wealth firm Swissblock Technologies notes that Bitcoin’s Fundamental Index (BFI) remains solidly neutral, showing no signs of weakening. Their on-chain analysis suggests BTC’s bullish structure is intact, with no bearish divergence to validate a major reversal.
Market Consolidation: A Healthy Pause
Bitcoin briefly dipped to $109,000 during the recent U.S. trading session but rebounded above $111,900, marking a modest daily decline amid broader profit-taking.
Market analyst Ruslan Lienkha of YouHodler describes this as a normal pullback within a medium-term uptrend, noting that anything below a 5% price fluctuation is often just “market noise.”
Kirill Kretov of CoinPanel adds that thin liquidity can exacerbate small sell-offs, making corrections appear more dramatic than they are.
Institutional Confidence Remains Strong
Analysts at K33 Research highlight that BTC recently exited a long stretch of below-neutral funding rates, suggesting a lack of speculative excess that often precedes market tops.
Meanwhile, Steno Research points to a stealth expansion of Western private credit as the true driver of the current crypto rally, not Chinese liquidity injections as previously thought. This quiet stimulus could continue supporting crypto prices through June and early July, though analysts warn that conditions may tighten again in late summer.
Forecast: New Highs Within Reach
According to network economist Timothy Peterson, historical data shows that when Bitcoin trades within 10% of its all-time high, it sets a new one 98% of the time within 50 days.
Based on this, Peterson expects BTC to hit at least $115,000 by late June, with some models projecting $125,000 or even $150,000 by the end of the summer.
Conclusion
With strong technical signals, robust macroeconomic tailwinds, and increasing institutional conviction, Bitcoin is well-positioned for a potential breakout to new all-time highs. While short-term volatility and corrections are likely, the broader outlook remains optimistic.
As Bitcoin nears the confirmation of its golden cross and inches closer to price discovery mode, traders and investors should remain attentive—but not overly reactive—to market noise, and instead focus on the evolving macro-technical landscape guiding this historic rally.
by | May 22, 2025 | Business
May 28th is Menstrual Hygiene Day, and WaterAid Australia is calling for menstrual health to be recognised as a climate justice issue. This follows new research revealing the worsening impacts of climate change on women and girls in the Pacific.
A scoping report by WaterAid Australia and The Pacific Menstrual Health Network highlights how extreme weather events, rising costs and patriarchal systems are deepening gender inequality and making it harder for women, girls and gender-diverse people to manage menstruation safely and with dignity.
Nalini Singh, Executive Director of Fiji Women’s Rights Movement and member of the Pacific Menstrual Health Network, said:
“When a cyclone hits, our needs don’t disappear — they multiply. Managing periods becomes almost impossible without access to products, privacy, or dignity. Menstrual health must be included in disaster planning and embedded in all public health and disaster risk reduction policies and laws”
Interview participants across the Pacific reported that evacuation centres often lack the privacy, safety and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities needed to manage menstruation.
Marginalised groups, such as people living with disabilities, rural communities and LGBTQIA+ individuals, face even greater barriers during climate emergencies, including a lack of access to menstrual products, dignity kits and inclusive health services.
WaterAid Australia’s Director of Policy and Programs, Meredith Hickman, said periods don’t stop during extreme weather events, but the ability to manage them often does.
“In the Pacific, climate change is compounding existing inequalities and pushing menstrual health further down the priority list during disasters. This is a public health and human rights issue.
We need to ensure that every person who menstruates—regardless of where they live, how they identify, or their ability—can do so safely and with dignity, even in the face of the climate crisis.”
Health systems in the Pacific are already under strain, and climate disasters are making it worse. Interviewees shared that remote clinics often run out of essential supplies, forcing women to delay or skip care for menstrual pain and disorders.
“When nursing stations run out of medication, it shuts down… that’s during normal times, irrespective of whether there’s a disaster or not,” said one woman interviewed.
Despite these risks, menstrual health remains deprioritised in disaster response and climate policy. Participants noted that the government and humanitarian focus rarely extends to issues like period pain, menstrual hygiene or menopause.
Cultural and religious taboos around menstruation continue to reinforce shame and limit open conversations in communities across the Pacific. Participants described women being excluded from decision-making spaces, while also carrying the burden of caregiving during climate crises.
Despite limited policy support, grassroots and local organisations are leading efforts to raise awareness and shift harmful norms.
Community-led events and inclusive programs led by organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) are helping empower young women and marginalised menstruators.
WaterAid is urging governments, donors and humanitarian organisations to recognise menstrual health as essential to gender equality and climate resilience. The WASH organisation is calling for:
Menstrual health to be integrated into climate action plans and policiesSustained support for grassroots and community-led initiativesInclusive research and data collection that reflects diverse menstruators’ needsInvestment in WASH infrastructure and menstrual product access in schools and emergency settingsStigma-ending education to shift harmful norms and taboos
by | May 22, 2025 | Business
VRITIMES showcased its innovative press release platform at Terrapinn’s Solar & Storage Live Philippines 2025 in Manila, connecting clean energy businesses with media to boost their market presence.
May 19 – 20, 2025
Manila, Philippines — VRITIMES, the leading online press release distribution platform, proudly participated as an exhibitor at Solar & Storage Live Philippines, the country’s largest clean energy event held this May 2025 in Manila and organized by Terrapinn. The event served as a dynamic marketplace where thousands of industry stakeholders—including installers, distributors, project developers, policymakers, solution providers, and technology leaders—gathered to explore the rapidly expanding solar and energy storage market in the Philippines.
At the exhibition booth, VRITIMES demonstrated how its integrated press release creation, distribution, and analytics platform can empower solar and energy storage businesses to amplify their market reach. By streamlining the communication of product launches, project milestones, and industry innovations, VRITIMES helps companies connect with media partners and target audiences effectively, supporting growth in this fast-evolving energy sector.
Solar & Storage Live Philippines, organized by Terrapinn, is renowned for showcasing cutting-edge solutions across commercial, industrial, residential, and community-based solar and energy storage projects. VRITIMES’ presence at the event reinforced its commitment to facilitating valuable information flow and media engagement within one of the world’s fastest-growing clean energy markets.
“Participating in Solar & Storage Live Philippines allowed us to engage directly with key industry players seeking to elevate their brand visibility and public relations impact,” said Ronto Katsura, VRITIMES Philippines’ country manager . “Our platform is designed to help businesses in the solar and storage sector communicate their innovations and successes efficiently to the media and stakeholders, accelerating their market presence in this dynamic landscape.”
VRITIMES continues to expand its footprint across Southeast Asia, providing accessible, affordable, and data-driven press release solutions tailored to the unique needs of the clean energy industry and beyond.
For more information on VRITIMES and its services, visit https://www.vritimes.com.
by | May 22, 2025 | Business
May 15, 2025 — Manila, Philippines — Taxumo, the Philippines’ leading online tax filing platform, has officially partnered with Security Bank to empower MSMEs, freelancers, and self-employed professionals through accessible business loan offerings tailored to their needs.
This partnership combines Taxumo’s seamless digital platform with Security Bank’s trusted financial expertise, giving business owners direct access to customized loan options—all within a few clicks. Whether you’re expanding your operations, purchasing equipment, or stabilizing cash flow, the loan solutions available through this collaboration are built to help you take your business to the next level.
“We’re thrilled to bring this partnership to life,” said by CEO Ginger Arboleda of Taxumo, “Our mission has always been to simplify compliance and empower entrepreneurs. With Security Bank on board, we’re now adding accessible financial support into that equation—giving our users even more tools to grow confidently.”
Security Bank’s unique loan products include:
– Business Express Loan: a fast, unsecured option ideal for short-term needs such as equipment purchases, office space expansion, or daily operations.
– Business Mortgage Loan: a secured solution built for long-term growth investments.
– Business Working Capital Loan: a flexible line for everyday business demands.
Taxumo subscribers enjoy exclusive benefits such as preferential interest rates and a simplified application process via the Taxumo Loans Marketplace. From checking eligibility to booking a consultation with Security Bank, the process is designed to be easy, fast, and transparent.
This partnership isn’t just a feature—it’s a value-added service built for your success. We’ve teamed up with Security Bank to bring real solutions to real business challenges.
Take advantage of the streamlined loan application process to grow your business with ease and confidence. With tools you already trust—like Taxumo—getting funding is now more accessible than ever.
To learn more about the Security Bank loan offers available to Taxumo subscribers, follow Taxumo on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
by | May 21, 2025 | Business
Global mining services provider Thiess has expanded its service portfolio with the launch of Thiess Asset Services – leveraging over 90 years of proven expertise in managing, operating and maintaining one of the world’s largest and most diverse mining fleets.
With Thiess’ footprint spanning seven countries and over 50 projects, Thiess Asset Services will bring the operational know-how with a flexible, location-first mindset to deliver proven results. For clients, this means solutions that help to optimise equipment availability and efficiency, reduce downtime and increase productivity.
Thiess Group Executive Chair & CEO Michael Wright said: “We know firsthand the asset challenges our clients are facing, with pressure on reducing capital investment, increasing equipment lifecycles, a reduction in industry capability, and ongoing challenges in getting the right technical expertise. When overlayed with a broader expectation of reducing emissions and decarbonisation, the asset strategy and execution is absolutely critical to any mining company.”
“Within our own business, we’ve done the hard yards laying the foundation for safer, smarter and more sustainable asset services – while driving down the total cost of ownership. And we’re excited that we can now offer this expertise to our clients as a standalone service.”
Thiess Asset Services will provide whole-of-life asset solutions, including preventative maintenance, machine and component rebuilds, composite carbon fibre repairs and reinforcement, fleet management, equipment hire and energy transition services.
Thiess Group Executive Assets & Autonomy Ryan Kirkwood said: “We’re bringing a unique offering to market, backed by decades of expertise and strategic partnerships, that enables us to deliver innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and lower costs, drive decarbonisation, and therefore create value for our clients.
“This includes our partnership with Mechatronix, which uses a lightweight carbon-fibre reinforcement to strengthen rebuilds, helping to boost asset lifespan and reduce downtime, and our partnership with EACON to trial OEM-agnostic autonomous solutions, with a view to reducing capital expenditure barriers to autonomous haulage by providing a cost-efficient conversion of conventional fleet to full autonomy.”
Thiess’ Asset Services will provide tailored solutions to suit every client, budget and location, allowing asset owners to scale capabilities up or down as needed.
Thiess will leverage its global network of machine and component rebuild centres to provide comprehensive machine rebuild solutions and proven alternatives to extend machine life and reliability; and it is working to bring fleet decarbonisation options to the market, including retrofittable agnostic mining technology and hybrid and dual fuel solutions.
Thiess will officially launch Thiess Asset Services at GRX25, the Global Resources Innovation Expo, in Brisbane on 22 May 2025
by | May 21, 2025 | Business
While many still confuse Pinterest with a mood board for cupcakes and wedding dresses, Khriz Zaragoza, known in the digital space as The Pinterest Aficionado, knows better. He’s one of the first Filipino SEO professionals to treat Pinterest like what it truly is: a visual search engine, not just social media.
With a background in traditional SEO and a growing reputation in visual search strategy, Khriz is on a mission to help Filipino businesses, bloggers, and brands unlock long-term organic traffic from Pinterest, an often overlooked but powerful platform.
“Pinterest isn’t about going viral. It’s about getting discovered, again and again,” Khriz explains. “Think of Google Images.”
From SEO Roots to Pinterest Pro
Khriz kicked off his SEO journey in 2015, fine-tuning content strategies and navigating the ups and downs of Google updates. But it was in 2020, while working with travel blog The Travel Scribes, that he had his Pinterest “aha” moment.
“We were chasing traffic through Google, but I saw Pinterest quietly outperforming in certain posts,” he says. “That’s when I dove deep into Pinterest SEO, and never looked back.”
Since then, Khriz has carved a niche as the Philippines’ go-to expert for Pinterest SEO, from keyword research, content strategy, and visual SEO, especially for blogs, online businesses, and passion-driven websites.
Founder of Khrizclusive and Bruvato Marketing
Today, Khriz runs two digital ventures:
• <a href="https://www.khrizclusive.com/">Khrizclusive.com</a> – His personal brand where he shares Pinterest tutorials, productivity tips, and brutally honest insights from the SEO frontlines.
• <a href="https://www.bruvato.com/">Bruvato.com</a> – A full-service SEO agency helping global clients grow through organic search, content strategy, and technical audits.
From helping solopreneurs pin their way to passive traffic, to training teams on how to make content evergreen, Khriz combines big-picture thinking with real-world execution.
Why Pinterest SEO Matters (Especially in 2025)
With Google’s algorithm changes getting more chaotic and social media becoming increasingly pay-to-play, Pinterest offers creators and brands a unique sweet spot: search-based visibility that compounds over time.
“It’s not about trends. It’s about timeless content that solves a problem or sparks inspiration,” says Khriz. “Pinterest is where quiet experts win.”
And as one of the few specialists in the Philippines blending traditional SEO with Pinterest strategy, Khriz is leading the charge for a smarter, search-first approach to content marketing.
Work with the Pinterest Aficionado
Whether you’re a blogger tired of chasing TikTok trends, or a business owner looking for sustainable traffic, Khriz Zaragoza offers Pinterest SEO strategy that delivers real results, no fluff, no guesswork.
Portfolio: www.khrizclusive.com
SEO Agency: www.bruvato.com
by | May 21, 2025 | Business
Stay updated with the latest XRP news! Discover how Xrpturbo’s new Governance & Launchpad DApp aims to revolutionize the XRPL ecosystem amid ongoing legal challenges, ETF speculation, and Ripple IPO buzz.
Further driving excitement is the upcoming launch of Xrpturbo’s Governance & Launchpad DApp, which is preparing to go live on the XRPL Testnet.
The DApp will also offer exclusive early access to new projects launching on XRPL, bringing Ethereum-style launchpad utility to the ledger for the first time.
XRP Market Volatility Continues Amid Legal Setbacks
XRP itself remains under pressure from ongoing legal uncertainty. On May 16, U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres rejected a joint motion from Ripple and the SEC seeking to modify injunctions and reduce Ripple’s $125 million penalty.
This ruling dented investor sentiment, with XRP dropping as low as $2.2994 before stabilizing around $2.39.
The market has responded with caution. According to data from Coinglass, open interest in XRP derivatives has declined, and trading volumes are down over 29%, signaling a retreat by leveraged traders.
XRP is currently hovering near its volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of $2.34, with bearish indicators suggesting potential downside risk if the $2.31 support level is breached.
ETF Prospects: Still Alive Despite Setbacks
Despite legal challenges, optimism about a potential XRP spot ETF remains. Data from Polymarket shows approval odds for an ETF by December 2025 sit at 83%, only slightly down from earlier highs.
Market analysts emphasize that for an ETF to materialize, the SEC will need to resolve its legal posture regarding XRP.
A favorable court ruling or settlement could revive institutional interest and unlock significant upside potential. Until then, XRP is likely to remain volatile.
Ripple IPO Buzz Adds Fuel to Speculation
Contributing to market excitement is renewed speculation about a Ripple IPO. Though CEO Brad Garlinghouse has downplayed immediate plans, estimates from notice.co place Ripple’s pre-IPO valuation at $10.88 billion.
According to a speculative analysis using xAI’s Grok, if Ripple were to eventually match the market caps of tech giants like Google, Apple, or Microsoft, XRP’s price could theoretically soar to $440–$735.
However, these projections assume perfect correlation between Ripple’s corporate growth and XRP’s market value—an assumption many experts caution against.
Conclusion
Even as Ripple’s legal battles overshadow XRP’s short-term trajectory, Xrpturbo is injecting fresh momentum into the XRPL ecosystem.
The upcoming Governance & Launchpad DApp represents a major step toward community ownership and innovation acceleration on XRPL.
by | May 21, 2025 | Business
Makati City,
April 10, 2025 — P.A. Properties, through
its affiliate P.A. Residences, has
officially finalized the sale of a property to Onzal Development Corporation, marking a significant milestone in
the continued development of The North
Grove in Caloocan City. The deal was sealed during a ceremonial signing at the F&M Building in Makati
City.
The acquired lot is set to become the site of the very
first McDonald’s franchise within The North Grove community—bringing
world-renowned food service and greater convenience to residents and
neighboring communities.
This acquisition aligns with P.A. Properties’
strategic vision to enhance its residential developments by integrating
commercial establishments within its communities. By doing so, the company aims
to create vibrant, self-sustaining neighborhoods where everyday needs are
within easy reach.
“This initiative reflects our strong commitment to
providing not just homes, but thriving environments where families can live,
work, and enjoy,” said Florlita Tabuzo, SVP for Commercial Business Unit
The integration of McDonald’s into The North Grove
signals continued progress in building holistic and livable communities,
underscoring P.A. Properties’ mission of enriching the Filipino lifestyle.
####
by | May 20, 2025 | Business
Climate scientists are overall less trusted than other types of scientists, according to a new study led by the UNSW Institute for Climate Risk & Response (ICRR).
Dr Omid Ghasemi and colleagues compared responses from a survey of nearly 70,000 people across 68 countries on the trustworthiness of climate scientists with a broad range of other ideological and demographic factors.
“We don’t exist in a vacuum, and this research allows a new lens to view different factors that may influence how people view climate scientists – and the forces undermining public confidence in their work,” Dr Ghasemi says.
The results, rated on a 5-point scale from 1 (not at all), to 5 (very strongly), revealed an overall average trust rating of 3.5 for climate scientists worldwide compared to 3.62 for scientists in general.
However, six countries, and China in particular, bucked the trend entirely, indicating significantly higher trust in climate scientists.
Political polarisation putting ice caps at risk
The research showed people with right-leaning political views tended to trust climate scientists less overall, including in the US, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and much of Europe.
“It’s arguably not a surprise that you see significant increases in the trust gap between climate scientists and other scientists in these countries,” Dr Ghasemi says.
“They have had decades of coordinated efforts by conservative political actors and fossil fuel interests to politicise climate science and undermine its credibility.”
Interesting too, says Dr Ghasemi, are those countries which showed the opposite relationship, or no significant association between ideology and trust in climate scientists.
“In some Eastern European, Southeast Asian, and African countries, right-leaning individuals tended to trust scientists and climate scientists more,” Dr Ghasemi says.
“This might suggest that political leadership attitudes, rather than peoples’ political views, better explain these differences in trust.”
Demographic differences behind doubts
The survey data, collected as part of the collaborative Trust in Science and Science-Related Populism (TISP) project, covered a total 111 variables.
Dr Ghasemi’s analysis of the data collected reveals some non-political factors may also be linked to higher trust in climate scientists, such as living in cities, having stronger religious beliefs, valuing science or the scientific method, or being a younger rather than older adult.
Meanwhile, people who support social hierarchies and those who believe common sense is better than scientific expertise are less likely to trust climate scientists.
Interactive maps are available:
The difference in trust between climate scientists and scientists in general
Average trust in climate scientists versus scientists in general
The relationship between political orientation and trust in climate scientists
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