by Ferry Bayu | Dec 12, 2023 | Business
TAGUIG CITY, PHILIPPINES – The Philippines’ most awarded and fastest growing unibank Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) announced on December 12 that InstaPay fund transfer fees will be waived for P1,000 and below transactions and that newly onboarded RCBC Pulz mobile app users will have a chance to win three iPhone 15 smartphones.
RCBC made the official announcement in time for the much-awaited 12.12 online sale and the Christmas season. The free InstaPay fund transfers promo is an important step for RCBC towards making digital banking more accessible and attractive to more Filipinos, especially this holiday season.
Users who open an RCBC Pulz account from December 10 to January 10 will instantly get a chance to win three iPhone 15 smartphones. The account must also be active within the promo period meaning that users must use it for daily transactions such as cardless withdrawals, bank transfers, deposits, foreign currency exchange, bills payments, e-loading, and many more. Filipinos working abroad can also open an RCBC Pulz account with their international number making them eligible for the promo. Three winners will be picked through an online raffle draw on January 24, 2024.
Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation and Inclusion Officer Lito Villanueva said that the twin promos are RCBC’s simple way to thank its millions of customers for making RCBC the Philippines’ best bank for digital in four straight years, and for being voted as the number one in customer service in a survey by the Philippines Daily Inquirer and Statista, among its over 100 national, regional, and global accolades received
“This has been a year of blessings for RCBC because of the public’s continuous patronage of our world-class and multi-awarded digital banking services. It is only fitting that we pay back the public with the most exciting promo of zero Instapay fees for select transactions to give them the joy of convenience this season,” said Eugene S. Acevedo, RCBC President and CEO.
“This is an opportune time for us to launch such promos as Filipinos, especially ninongs and ninangs, will be gifting each other and there is no better way to celebrate our practices of gratitude this season than to make Instapay bank transfer fees free,” added Villanueva.
Acevedo hopes that more Filipinos will see and enjoy the power of digital banking solutions during the Christmas season wherein Filipinos become the busiest in organizing, attending, and celebrating year-end and solemn events commemorating religious festivities and the New Year.
by Ferry Bayu | Dec 12, 2023 | Business
Ring Corporation (Headquartered in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture), known for managing restaurants and producing store concepts, is excited to announce the grand opening of “Sonoda Stand Nakano” on November 21, 2023. This launch in Nakano, a popular destination for pop culture enthusiasts, marks the introduction of a modern twist to the traditional Showa-era diners, infusing elements of pop culture.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonoda_tokyo/
For inquiry or booking request: WA +62 821-1299-3477
Overview:
The new “Nakano Store” features 24 counter seats surrounding the kitchen, offering a space where everyone, regardless of age or gender, can comfortably dine. The interior, reminiscent of a traditional diner, has been revamped with modern pop culture elements, making it the second “Sonoda” outlet in the Kanto region. Located in Nakano, a hub for pop culture, the “Sonoda” taste is a must-try.
Highlights:
The restaurant’s U-shaped counter surrounding the cooking area evokes the Showa-era diner ambiance. It’s a welcoming space for solo diners or groups. The handwritten strip menu brings a nostalgic touch, inviting guests to relish their favorite dishes and drinks in a cozy atmosphere. Signature dishes like Niku-Dofu (meat tofu) and Menchi-Katsu (breaded meat cutlet) remain popular choices.

Menu:
Store Information:
Name: Sonoda Stand NakanoAddress: [Store Address in Nakano, Tokyo]Phone Number: [Phone Number]Business Hours: 11:00 – 23:00 (Last Order 22:00)Closed: Irregular Holidays (Confirmed closed from December 31 to January 5)
Why Nakano City:
Nakano is a mecca for Japanese pop culture centered around Nakano Broadway. It’s a popular area brimming with anime, manga, figurines, and other pop culture items. “Sonoda” blends this culture into its modern diner concept, aligning perfectly with Nakano’s atmosphere. The choice to open in Nakano, much like our first Kanto outlet in Gotanda, reflects our respect for the area’s culture and history.
The Philosophy of ‘Sonoda Stand’:
The idea for “Sonoda Stand” emerged from a DJ event where ramen was served. This led to the establishment of a ramen shop, which later evolved into the concept of “Sonoda Stand,” focusing on what modern “public” or “masses” desire in a dining experience. This concept became popular on social media, leading to queues outside the store. “Sonoda” aims to continue offering a nostalgic yet modern dining experience that resonates with today’s generation.
by Ferry Bayu | Dec 11, 2023 | Business
Indonesia is poised to enter a transitional phase in 2024 before embarking on a new era in the 2025-2045 national long-term development.
SINGAPORE – Indonesia is
poised to enter a transitional phase in 2024 before embarking on a new era in
the 2025-2045 national long-term development. According to the Acting Head of
the Central Statistics Agency, Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, Indonesia’s
economic growth remains fairly stable amid the ongoing global uncertainties.
Fundamentally, Indonesia’s economy is in robust shape compared to the economic
crisis of 1998. This fundamental strength will serve as a significant asset for
accelerated progress in the upcoming period.
“We believe that amidst the
geopolitical upheavals triggered by the Ukraine-Russia conflict, followed by
the current Israel-Palestine situation, and global threats to energy and food
prices, Indonesia’s economy remains solid. The macroeconomic management, both
fiscal and monetary, is well-coordinated between the central and regional
governments. We can maintain stable growth at around five per cent,” she
stated during an investment forum themed “Investment Trends in Indonesia
2024 and Green Economic Opportunities” in Singapore on Friday (8/12).
Amalia mentioned that the vision
for Indonesia Emas 2045 will soon be enshrined in law, serving as a guide for
all stakeholders in Indonesia.
“We also need to build
ownership among the people so that this vision can be a source of pride and a
shared dream. So that when it is achieved, it will be a source of pride for all
of us. Not only for the Indonesian people but also for investors contributing
to this vision.”
To achieve this goal, Amalia
pointed out the need for an additional one per cent in Indonesia’s economic
growth.
“This one per cent means we
have to find new sources of economic growth. We will continue to promote
industrialization, and downstream will not stop. Downstreaming is not only in minerals
and mining but also in agro-based and ocean-based sectors.”
Amalia is confident that with
these new approaches to managing Indonesia’s economy, the target of six per
cent growth can be achieved.
In the same event, addressing
more than 200 forum participants, the Minister of Investment/Head of BKPM,
Bahlil Lahadalia, stated that the investment climate in Indonesia is evolving,
and Indonesia remains open to collaborating with investors from Singapore to
invest in Indonesia. Bahlil also emphasized that Indonesia does not provide
special facilities for specific countries only but is open to all investors
from various nations.
“I know that Indonesia is
facing a political year, but we are confident that politics will not disturb
the investment climate in Indonesia. The government is facilitating business
permits through the OSS Indonesia application for free,” he
expressed.
by Ferry Bayu | Dec 11, 2023 | Business
The Indonesian government remains committed to advancing the green economy as part of its vision for Indonesia Emas 2045
The Indonesian government remains
committed to advancing the green economy as part of its vision for Indonesia
Emas 2045. According to Reza Yamora Siregar, the Special Staff to the
Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs, Indonesia boasts abundant resources
ranging from geothermal and solar to hydropower.
“Green economy is our
commitment to the international community. (However), the government also
supports the blue economy as part of what we will promote in the future,
encompassing activities related to the sea such as tourism, transportation,
marine products including fisheries industry, storage systems, transportation
systems, shipping lines, and more,” stated Reza during an investment forum
themed “Investment Trends in Indonesia 2024 and Green Economic
Opportunities” in Singapore on Friday (8/12).
He noted that Indonesia’s economy
has consistently grown by five percent, even though it experienced a downturn
in 2020 due to the pandemic. However, since the first quarter of 2021, growth
has returned to five percent.
“What initiatives will lead
us to achieve 6 to 7 percent? Make it stronger. We have growth targets, poverty
targets, and quality market targets.”
Reza explained that Indonesia’s
current investment phase focuses on hard infrastructure due to the massive
construction projects, meeting domestic needs for airports, ports, and roads,
making the government’s current emphasis on building physical infrastructure.
“In the second phase, we
will move on to soft infrastructure, namely digitalization. The challenge
toward a green economy is how to transform coal-based energy into less-polluted
forms. Because there are low-pollution grades of coal. We are entering into
that before moving on to renewable energy.”
During his presentation at the
seminar, Reza added that infrastructure development supporting investment in
Indonesia is an ongoing process. He emphasized that it cannot be influenced by
future political conditions because investment is long-term and requires
commitment.
“The investments we have
made are multi-year, cannot just stop here. Regardless of the government, they
must respect this. We have also reformed laws in many sectors through the
Omnibus Law,” he explained.
As known, Indonesia and the
International Partners Group (IPG), led by the United States and Japan,
declared a joint commitment to form the Fair Energy Transition Partnership
(JETP) at the 2022 G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia. JETP aims to accelerate a
fair and gradual energy transition in Indonesia’s electricity sector. Through
JETP, Indonesia pledged to reduce peak greenhouse gas emissions to 290 metric
tons of carbon dioxide (Mt CO2) by 2030, accelerate the share of new and
renewable energy (NRE) to 34 Mt CO2, and achieve Net Zero Emission (NZE) by
2050. In support of Indonesia’s goals, IPG members have promised funding of $20
billion from the public and private sectors for energy transition projects in
Indonesia.”
by Ferry Bayu | Dec 11, 2023 | Business
Victoria Bites, renowned for its culinary excellence, is thrilled to announce a bountiful array of offerings, creating the perfect culinary landscape for your festive celebrations. This holiday season, Victoria Bites invites you to elevate your gatherings with a tempting selection of dishes, including their highly anticipated centerpiece, the roasted Cochinillo.
Your Noche Buena Centerpiece Is Here! Victoria Bites Offers Crispy, Savory Cochinillo
Amidst the festive cheer, Victoria Bites introduces the masterpiece of the season – the roasted Cochinillo. This tender and flavorful roast, marinated in a blend of fresh herbs and spices, promises to be the highlight of your dining table, capturing the essence of joy in every succulent bite.
“We take immense pride in presenting our Cochinillo, meticulously prepared with the finest ingredients and culinary expertise,” said Cheryl Viola, Head of Victoria Bites. “It’s our pleasure to offer this exquisite dish as the highlight of your holiday gatherings, adding a touch of culinary finesse to your celebrations.”
This culinary delight, weighing 5-6 kgs, is available for a special price of P9,000, ensuring an extraordinary dining affair for gatherings of any size.
Holiday Bundles, Ala Carte Trays, and Irresistible Cakes – A Feast for Every Palate
In addition to the Cochinillo, Victoria Bites presents a diverse range of holiday offerings:
- Holiday Bundles: Indulge in exclusive bundles like Rosemary Roast Chicken, Chipotle Rice & Mushroom Fettuccine, Texas Style BBQ Pork, Roast Beef with Peppercorn Sauce, and Baked Chimichurri Salmon starting from 2,825.00.
- Ala Carte Trays: Choose from tantalizing dishes like Rosemary Roast Chicken, Texas Style BBQ Pork, Roast Beef with Peppercorn Sauce, Baked Chimichurri Salmon, Chipotle Rice, and Mushroom Fettuccine, serving 5-6 people per tray.
- Irresistible Cakes: Sweeten your celebrations with delectable 7-inch round cakes featuring Chocolate Moist Cake, Ube Leche Cake, and Red Velvet Cake, available starting from 500.00.
Convenient Ordering and Pickup too!
Ordering is made easy through www.victoriabites.com or by contacting 0917 8009094, with a 3-day lead time for pre-orders. Pick-up is available at Victoria Bites Pasig, or you can opt for delivery with fees based on location.
Make Victoria Bites part of your holiday celebrations with their exceptional culinary delights that bring joy and flavor to every table. With home-cooked goodness available 24/7, Victoria Bites’ kitchen never sleeps. It’s your definite go-to food destination, any time, all the time–especially this Noche Buena and Media Noche season.
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