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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by | Apr 23, 2025 | Business
The Rapid Relief Team (RRT) was up from sunrise to serve up 1,200 meals in support of the annual Good Friday Appeal to raise funds for The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) in Victoria.
Thirty RRT volunteers were on hand to provide hot, delicious food in the courtyard of RCH Melbourne, making sure kids and families, hospital staff, and other special guests were well-fed throughout the day.
Melbourne LTL Billy Salisbury said it is the ninth year RRT has supported the Good Friday Appeal for RCH.
“RRT loves events like the Good Friday Appeal – our volunteers provided quality food to the RCH community, making it a great day for all and helping them to reach their fundraising goal,” said Billy.
“Thirty volunteers were on the barbecues from the crack of dawn, cooking up bacon and egg rolls, sausage sandwiches and RRT Signature Burgers.
“We are so happy and humbled to have been part of this event since 2016, and we hope to be back for a tenth year in 2026,” he said.
“RCH has such a significant impact on the lives of kids in our community, and that is why the Good Friday Appeal has such incredible support and raises a huge amount of money.”
This year the Good Friday Appeal raised a total of $23,822,792.
As the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, RRT supports frontline workers and emergency services by providing food, donations and other resources, as well as hosting events for the community.
Established in 2013 to assist emergency services in times of disaster and crisis by providing meals and other support, it’s expanded to more than 16,000 volunteers and provides support to the community through charitable donations and events.
For more information on RRT, please go to www.rrtglobal.org/.
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by | Apr 23, 2025 | Business
Discover how Justin Arvin Santos Atendido, founder of LFP Consulting, is transforming leadership and teamwork in the Philippines through purpose-driven teambuilding facilitation and impactful events management.
Justin Arvin Santos Atendido: Purpose-Driven Leadership Behind LFP Consulting’s Success in Teambuilding and Events Management
In the dynamic world of leadership development and events management, Justin Arvin Santos Atendido stands out as a trailblazing young entrepreneur who has redefined what it means to lead with heart, purpose, and vision. As the founder and lead teambuilding facilitator of LFP Consulting, Justin is helping organizations across the Philippines build stronger teams and cultivate leadership that lasts.
Meet Justin Arvin Santos Atendido: A Young Leader with a Mission
At a very young age, Justin Arvin Santos Atendido has already made a powerful impact as a successful entreprenuer, a professional teambuilding facilitator, and business consultant. With a background rooted in services, business, personal development, and values-driven leadership, he launched LFP Consulting with a clear vision: to empower individuals and organizations to lead with integrity, collaborate with purpose, and grow together.
Who is LFP Consulting?
LFP Consulting, officially known as LFP Management and Leadership Consultancy (LFP-MLC), stands for Leadership, Faith, and Purpose—the core principles behind the company’s approach. Specializing in teambuilding facilitation and events management, LFP Consulting delivers transformative workshops and leadership programs that strengthen team dynamics, boost morale, and align people with their organization’s deeper mission.
At its heart, LFP Consulting is built on the belief that leadership should go beyond profit—it should be purposeful, people-centered, and anchored in faith-based values.
“True leadership begins with clarity of purpose and a commitment to service,” says Justin. “At LFP, we believe that every leader has the power to inspire and every team has the potential to thrive.”
Expertise in Teambuilding Facilitation
As a sought-after teambuilding facilitator, Justin Arvin Santos Atendido has led countless workshops that inspire collaboration, trust, and performance. Whether facilitating immersive off-site retreats or conducting hands-on corporate workshops, LFP Consulting uses a tailored, values-driven approach that helps teams connect, communicate, and work effectively toward shared goals.
Justin Arvin Santos Atendido’s events are known for being engaging, impactful, and deeply rooted in LFP’s unique approach to faith-based, purpose-driven leadership.
Events Management with Positive Impact
Beyond teambuilding, LFP Consulting also offers events management services designed to elevate corporate gatherings, leadership conferences, and organizational milestones. By integrating professional planning with inspirational content, LFP ensures every event becomes an opportunity for learning, growth, and transformation.
Clients choose LFP Consulting not only for its seamless event execution but for the meaningful experiences that leave lasting impressions on attendees.
A Brand of Leadership that Inspires
Under the leadership of Justin Arvin Santos Atendido, LFP Consulting has become a trusted name in the Philippines for organizations seeking authentic, values-aligned leadership development. With programs grounded in integrity, service, and vision, Justin has helped shape leaders who are not only effective in their roles but also rooted in purpose.
His work reflects a growing movement toward transformational leadership—one that sees faith, mission, and community as essential elements of success.
Ready to Transform Your Team?
If you’re looking for a teambuilding facilitator who brings both expertise and heart—or if you need an events management partner who understands how to lead with impact—LFP Consulting is your best partner.
“LFP Consulting is transforming how Filipino organizations build stronger teams, develop leaders, and create purpose-driven cultures,” says Justin Arvin Santos Atendido.
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by | Apr 22, 2025 | Business
For the first time in its 61-year history, the Eden Killer Whales football team will field three teams in the debut girls’ competition of the Far South Coast Football Association, thanks to vital support from Reflections Holidays.
The participation of the Eden Killer Whales girls teams (Under 9s-10s, Under 10s-12s, and Under 13s-15s) was made possible by the lone sponsorship of Reflections Eden, whose park manager Tiarne Cronk plays in the Whales’ women’s team, and whose 13-year-old daughter will pull on her boots in the all-girls competition.
Ms Cronk believes it is important to support the girls in her community, particularly at a time when their participation rate in soccer was dwindling – and a recent report found that there is an urgent need to encourage Australian girls to play more sport.
“Last year the women’s football team was struggling to get numbers so I decided to play – I am not very good, but I had such a good time, so supporting the foundation of the girls’ team this year was a no-brainer,” said Tiarne, whose young sons also play soccer.
Far South Coast Football Association’s representative teams co-ordinator Peter Rees said the decision by the club to stage the girls’ competition was an historic first, propelled by the popularity of Australia’s female football team, the Matildas, and Australia hosting the World Cup.
“I am over the moon that this is happening, and the clubs have worked really hard to get it off the ground,” Mr Rees said.
“Our club numbers have grown across the board in recent years and in fact 33 per cent of our members are female – and that told us it was time for a stand-alone competition for girls.”
Minister for Lands, Tourism and Sport, Steve Kamper, said Reflections Holidays manages 41 holiday parks on Crown land, with profits reinvested into the parks and reserves on which they are located for the benefit of NSW residents and regional tourism.
“It’s great to see Reflections supporting both regional tourism and sport through initiatives including its sponsorship of the Eden Killer Whales, and the Cadet Cup junior surfing competition which it hosts at its coastal holiday parks,” Mr Kamper said.
Mr Rees and the Association’s president, Matt O’Reilly, said that there were clear benefits of having a stand-alone girls’ competition.
“The girls can get a little left out by the boys in the mixed competitions, but our girls’ registrations have shot through the roof in the last couple of years, so this competition is now possible,” said Mr O’Reilly.
Adds Mr Rees, who has been pivotal in encouraging more girls onto the field and encouraging elite skills: “What I like is that the girls can go out and they decide what happens on the field, there are no boys and it’s all up to them. They are playing under their own right, and that’s what it’s all about as far as I am concerned. The elite players can do both, – play with the girls or play with the mixed competition, and some are doing both.
Ms Cronk, whose father once played for Tathra, said it was a significant milestone for the local community and regional sport to have the all-girls competition, which fostered inclusivity and an increase in participation: “Sport is absolutely crucial, not just for fitness and mental health but to be a part of a team and for building social skills and resilience.”
Ms Cronk said that until the launch of the new 2025 girls’ competition, girls at primary and high schools in Eden were playing in mixed competitions until they reached the age of 16.
“The new league will provide a platform for girls to improve their skills, build confidence, and develop a sense of self-worth in a supportive environment that will hopefully see more girls continue playing football as they move into their teenage years,” she said.
Reflections Eden is sponsoring the Killer Whales over four years, funding the training equipment and uniforms for its three teams.
Reflections CEO Nick Baker said the organisation’s belief that life’s better outside extended to the sporting field, noting that many Reflections parks sponsored or supported local sporting teams who would otherwise struggle to afford miscellaneous costs.
“We’re thrilled that Tiarne and her park team have helped their local competition in Eden off the ground and we can’t wait to see how they perform throughout the season,” Mr Baker said.
Eden’s Killer Whales, who celebrated their 60-year anniversary in 2024, will face off against teams from Tathra, Bega, Bemboka, Wolumla, Merimbula, Pambula, and Mallacoota in the new competition, which kicked off this month.
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by | Apr 22, 2025 | Business
XRP enters a new era with legal clarity, ETF momentum, and institutional adoption on the horizon. Discover how SEC leadership changes and Ripple’s strategic moves are reshaping XRP’s future.
In a pivotal moment for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the broader cryptocurrency landscape, Paul Atkins officially assumed the role of SEC Chairman on Monday, April 21.
His appointment marks a significant leadership shift at the agency and could have profound implications for digital asset regulation, particularly for Ripple’s XRP token.
A New Direction at the SEC
Atkins’ return to the SEC ushers in a potential policy pivot from the enforcement-heavy stance of his predecessor, Gary Gensler, toward a more innovation-friendly regulatory approach.
A former Chief Executive of Patomak Global Partners and non-executive chairman at BATS Global Markets, Atkins is widely recognized for his support of best practices in the digital asset industry.
With crypto-friendly Commissioners Hester Peirce and Mark Uyeda also on board, the SEC appears poised to consider dropping its appeal against the court ruling on Ripple’s Programmatic Sales of XRP.
Legal observers speculate that the SEC may have intentionally delayed the vote on the appeal until Atkins’ confirmation, potentially to align with the anticipated policy recalibration.
Ripple Lawsuit Nears Resolution
The legal cloud hanging over XRP may soon dissipate. A joint motion to pause the SEC’s appeal hints at a looming settlement. This outcome could finally liberate XRP from the regulatory ambiguity that has long hampered its institutional adoption.
If the court vacates the earlier judgment limiting XRP sales to institutional investors, and if the SEC formally withdraws its appeal, the Ripple case could officially close. Such an event would signal regulatory clarity, unlocking new opportunities for Ripple and potentially transforming the market perception of XRP.
The ETF Catalyst: Institutional Access on the Horizon
Few events could elevate XRP’s market standing as significantly as the approval of a spot ETF.
According to Bloomberg Intelligence Senior ETF Analyst Eric Balchunas, a crypto ETF functions like a distribution breakthrough, similar to a song making it onto major streaming platforms.
“It doesn’t guarantee listens,” he noted, “but it puts your music where the vast majority of the listeners are.”
The ETF buzz has steadily grown louder. Grayscale, Franklin Templeton, Bitwise, and 21Shares have filed for XRP-spot ETFs, and the recent announcement from HashKey Capital adds fuel to the momentum.
HashKey is launching Asia’s first tracker fund for XRP—backed by Ripple as an early investor—which it hopes to evolve into a full-fledged ETF within two years, pending regulatory approval.
Meanwhile, market watchers continue to scrutinize BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, which has yet to file for an XRP ETF despite its success with Bitcoin and Ethereum funds.
XRP proponents speculate that BlackRock’s delay is strategic, hinging on XRP’s legal status. As one investor noted, “Why add risk when you’re dominating the two most proven crypto assets?”
Market Reacts: Volume, Volatility, and Growing Interest
XRP’s price action has mirrored the market’s shifting expectations. On April 21, XRP gained 0.39% to close at $2.0855, rebounding from a 0.43% dip the day before. The broader crypto market rallied 1.81%, lifting total capitalization to $2.7 trillion.
Trading volumes surged—up more than 69% in 24 hours to $2.34 billion—suggesting strong speculative interest and possibly early positioning ahead of a major catalyst. The token is currently trading at $2.1017, down 1.34% on the day.
Analysts are watching closely for a potential “golden cross,” a historically bullish technical pattern that could precede a move toward XRP’s all-time high of $3.55.
Macro Tailwinds and Institutional Momentum
XRP’s resurgence coincides with broader market dynamics. Bitcoin has soared past $87,000, while gold has notched a new all-time high of $3,382—both indicators of investor unease with traditional monetary policy.
The weakening U.S. dollar, driven by speculation about leadership changes at the Federal Reserve, has made alternative assets like XRP more appealing.
The volume-to-market cap ratio for XRP now stands at 1.88%, underscoring not just price appreciation but meaningful investor engagement.
The Ripple Ledger: Building for the Future
Beyond price action and legal battles, Ripple continues to expand its ecosystem. The XRP Ledger is central to Ripple’s $1.25 billion acquisition of Hidden Road, a prime brokerage firm.
The move signals Ripple’s intent to integrate its blockchain into traditional finance infrastructure, particularly to support its upcoming U.S.-backed stablecoin, RLUSD.
Cassie Craddock, Ripple’s Managing Director for UK and Europe, confirmed that the XRP Ledger will be a key settlement layer in future cross-border financial applications—potentially increasing both utility and demand for XRP.
Conclusion: A Pivotal Year for XRP
The convergence of legal clarity, ETF anticipation, and blockchain innovation sets the stage for a transformative period in XRP’s history.
With the Ripple lawsuit potentially nearing resolution and institutional interest on the rise, XRP could soon move from legal uncertainty to mainstream financial integration.
While BlackRock’s next move remains a wildcard, the groundwork for wider adoption is already in place. As Bloomberg’s James Seyffart put it, the ETF approval process may take time, but its probability is growing.
For now, XRP is no longer just a speculative asset—it is becoming a core player in the evolving financial landscape. And if the stars align in 2025, this could be the year XRP steps fully into the spotlight.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
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