by | May 8, 2025 | Business
Harriet washes her son in a basin full of water now that she has easy access to clean water at home in, Uganda, May 2024. WaterAid/ James Kiyimba
This Mother’s Day, while many mums will wake up with a cup of tea delivered to them in bed or a relaxing bubble bath, millions of mums around the world will face a different reality.
For them, the day begins not with joy, but with the heavy burden of securing something most of us take for granted — clean water for their families.
In countless communities, the simple act of turning on a tap is not an option and mothers bear the weight of making sure their family survive without it.
In fact, globally, women and girls spend 200 million hours every day collecting water.
In Papua New Guinea,pregnant mother Jennifer is preparing to welcome her second child. But unlike many expectant mums, her journey to motherhood is filled with obstacles most of us can’t imagine.
The local health centre, which serves more than 8,500 people, is crumbling. The building is riddled with termites, the delivery room lacks sanitation and the water tanks are rusted and contaminated. With no running water and broken toilets, Jennifer is forced to use the bushes or walk to the river — even while in labour.
The risks are serious. Without clean water, infection is common. Mothers must bring their own water to take medication. Staff clean instruments with bleach when no steriliser is available. In the wet season, overflowing pit toilets pose serious health hazards.
“If the clinic had clean water and proper equipment, I would feel safe to give birth here,” Jennifer says. “But it doesn’t.”
Jennifer Kenea, 23, and her son Michael wait outside Kuriva sub-healthcare centre, Central Province, Papua New Guinea. WaterAid/Tariq Hawari
In Uganda, mums like Harriet go to extraordinary lengths every day to protect and provide for their children.
Harriet’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact water can have on a mother’s ability to care for her family. For years, Harriet and her children relied on unsafe, contaminated water sources shared with animals. The consequences were severe: stomach aches, skin rashes and frequent illnesses became part of daily life.
Before gaining access to clean water, Harriet said:
“I really feel envious when I see that the other villages have water, and we don’t. I feel like the world belongs to them and we’re just visitors in this world. “
The search for water also consumed much of Harriet’s time, time she could have spent earning an income or helping her children thrive. Instead, the family’s limited resources were diverted to medical expenses, leaving nothing for essentials like school fees or nutritious food.
But with access to clean water, everything changed.
Sumaya, 9, Aidah, 10, and their mother Harriet going to collect unclean water from a
pond for their household use in Uganda. WaterAid/ James Kiyimba
Today, Harriet’s children are healthier. The financial strain of constant illness has eased. The time once spent searching for water is now used to build a better future. Clean water hasn’t just transformed Harriet’s day-to-day life — it has restored her hope.
In Cambodia,Sun, 33, lives with her four children. Her husband works in Thailand, sending money home when he can. Like many mothers in the region, Sun carries the full weight of raising her children without reliable access to safe water.
Each day, Sun walks to a nearby well or pond, collecting just one bucket of water at a time.
The water looks clear, but she worries about illness. Her youngest child suffers from stunting, a lasting impact of not having enough nutritious food or safe water during pregnancy.
“When she was born, she weighed only 1.5kg. I wanted to take her to hospital, but I couldn’t afford the transport.”
Sun still dreams of a simple tap at home.
Sun Seiya, 33, with her children (left to right) Chantha, 5, baby Channa, Sreyleak, 4, and Samnay, 10 in their community in, Cambodia.. WaterAid/Tariq Hawari
Nicole Ryan, Acting Director of Community and Corporate Engagement at WaterAid Australia, said:
“This Mother’s Day, let’s not forget that for many mums like Sun in Cambodia, there are no flowers or breakfast in bed—just another day of walking for water and worrying about their children’s health.
No one should have to raise their children without access to something as basic and essential as clean water. At WaterAid, we’re working alongside our partners in Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea and beyond to make sure every mother has the chance to watch her children grow up healthy and strong—with clean water close to home.”
by | May 8, 2025 | Business
Bitcoin nears $100,000 amid short-term volatility, rising institutional inflows, and macro uncertainty. Will BTC break new highs in 2025? Here’s the outlook.
Bitcoin touched a new all-time high of $99,700 on May 8! While this dip has sparked uncertainty among traders, especially with upcoming macroeconomic events like the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision, multiple indicators suggest that Bitcoin’s long-term bullish trajectory remains intact.
Short-Term Weakness Amid Market Caution
The recent correction in Bitcoin price has coincided with growing uncertainty ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policy announcement on May 7.
While CME Group’s FedWatch Tool indicates only a slight chance of a rate cut, crypto markets are expected to remain volatile in the short term.
Despite the recent dip, Bitcoin is still trading above its 20-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), currently near $99,630, with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) in a positive zone—signaling that buyers continue to have the upper hand.
Analysts warn, however, that if BTC fails to rebound from its current levels and falls below the 50-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) around $86,682, the correction could deepen. Yet, if the bulls hold support above $95,000, the next target remains clear: the psychological $100,000 barrier.
Institutional Inflows and Dominance Signal Strength
Despite the price volatility, institutional appetite for Bitcoin continues to surge. Between April 22 and May 2, Bitcoin spot ETFs saw inflows of $4.5 billion, while open interest in Bitcoin futures soared 21% since March, totaling 669,090 BTC, according to CoinGlass.
Notably, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) now holds over $13.5 billion in open interest, reinforcing Bitcoin’s role in institutional portfolios.
Furthermore, Bitcoin’s market dominance has climbed to 70%, the highest since January 2021, even amid a flurry of new token launches like SUI, TON, TAO, and TRUMP.
This dominance underscores a strong investor preference for Bitcoin over riskier altcoins, especially in an uncertain macroeconomic environment.
Macro Uncertainty and Policy Gaps Create Headwinds
Despite solid fundamentals, Bitcoin’s ascent toward $100,000 is not without hurdles. Investor confidence has been tempered by the lack of progress on the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Bill, announced in March.
To date, there’s been no clarity on government Bitcoin holdings or purchase plans, with similar efforts at the state level, such as in Arizona, also stalling.
Global tensions, particularly surrounding the U.S.—China trade relations, continue to suppress risk appetite. While Bitcoin has long been touted as a hedge against traditional markets, recent performance suggests otherwise.
Over the past three months, gold prices have risen 16%, while Bitcoin dropped 5%, and the S&P 500 declined 6.5%, prompting questions about Bitcoin’s safe-haven status.
Strategy’s Bold Bet: Doubling Down on Bitcoin
One of the most bullish signals for Bitcoin’s long-term trajectory comes from Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), led by Michael Saylor.
On May 5, the company announced the acquisition of 1,895 BTC, followed by an SEC filing revealing a total purchase of 6,556 BTC between April 28 and May 4 at an average price of $95,167.
This brings Strategy’s total holdings to 555,450 BTC, valued at over $38 billion, with an average purchase price of $68,550 per coin.
To support these purchases, Strategy raised $128.5 million via its at-the-market (ATM) program and an additional $51.8 million through preferred share sales, maximizing its previous $21 billion ATM offering.
Looking ahead, the company unveiled its ambitious 42/42 Plan, a roadmap to raise $84 billion over two years, split equally between equity and debt, exclusively to acquire more BTC.
Despite posting five consecutive quarterly losses, investor sentiment toward Strategy remains optimistic due to its BTC-heavy balance sheet, which now represents nearly 3% of Bitcoin’s total supply.
Altcoins Show Isolated Strength Amid Bitcoin Consolidation
While Bitcoin consolidates, several altcoins are showing bullish patterns:
1. Hyperliquid (HYPE) is testing resistance at $21.50, with strong support from a rising 20-day EMA and near-overbought RSI.
2. Aave (AAVE) rebounded from its moving average on April 30 and is eyeing $196 as the next resistance level.
3. Render (RNDR) is attempting a breakout past $4.87, while buyers defend support at the 20-day EMA near $4.31.
4. Fetch.ai (FET) has corrected from $0.84 to $0.65, with the 20-day EMA serving as a potential bounce point.
These movements show that selective altcoin strength persists, particularly in tokens with active development and strong community backing.
Conclusion: The Path to $100,000 Is Still in Sight
Despite the short-term volatility and policy-related headwinds, the foundation for a new Bitcoin all-time high in 2025 remains strong. Institutional demand is robust, market dominance is rising, and strategic corporate acquisitions underscore long-term confidence in BTC.
For Bitcoin to break through $100,000, clarity on global economic policy, especially U.S.-China trade relations and Federal Reserve decisions, will be key. But with growing institutional commitment, a supportive macro backdrop could quickly reignite bullish momentum.
As it stands, the Bitcoin bulls are regrouping, not retreating.
by | May 8, 2025 | Business
Discover how Vaultro Finance is transforming DeFi on the XRP Ledger with decentralized index funds, tokenized real-world assets, and the upcoming $VLT token launch, ushering in a new era of transparent, user-driven investing.
In the ever-evolving world of decentralized finance (DeFi), Vaultro Finance has emerged as a groundbreaking force, pioneering the first decentralized index fund protocol built entirely on the XRP Ledger (XRPL).
As the boundaries between traditional finance and blockchain blur, Vaultro is ushering in a new era of thematic investing, one that is decentralized, automated, and accessible to a global audience of crypto-savvy investors.
A New Paradigm: On-Chain Index Funds on XRPL
Vaultro Finance addresses a common challenge in crypto investing: the complexity of managing diverse assets across sectors.
By offering fully on-chain, tokenized index funds, Vaultro allows users to invest in diversified baskets of digital assets with just a single transaction.
These funds are governed by transparent smart contracts, giving users complete custody of their assets in a non-custodial and trustless manner.
This model mirrors traditional index investing but brings it into the decentralized world of Web3. Vaultro’s thematic funds include:
1. AI Index Funds: Exposure to the most promising tokens in artificial intelligence.
2. DeFi Protocol Funds: A diversified entry point into decentralized exchanges, liquidity pools, and lending protocols.
3. Metaverse & Gaming Funds: A simple way to invest in the growing virtual economy and digital ownership.
Each fund is built to reflect sector-specific performance, making it easier for users to align their portfolios with emerging blockchain trends.
Bridging Traditional and Decentralized Finance with RWAs
Looking beyond crypto-native assets, Vaultro Finance is preparing to integrate Real-World Assets (RWAs), such as real estate, commodities, and equities, by tokenizing them on XRPL.
These assets will be issued as compliant, on-chain tokens, making them accessible around the clock and enabling investors to build hybrid portfolios that combine traditional and digital financial instruments in a fully decentralized environment.
The Utility and Power of the $VLT Token
At the heart of Vaultro’s ecosystem lies $VLT, the utility and governance token that powers the platform. Far more than a speculative asset, $VLT delivers tangible functionality:
1. Fund Creation Rights: $VLT holders can create and curate new decentralized index funds, launching unique investment products directly on the Vaultro platform.
2. Governance Participation: Token holders vote on protocol upgrades, fund compositions, and new features, giving the community direct influence over the platform’s development.
3. Fee Reductions: Users enjoy lower transaction fees when minting, rebalancing, or burning index fund tokens if they hold $VLT.
4. Staking Rewards: Long-term participants can stake $VLT to earn passive rewards, strengthening economic alignment within the ecosystem.
The $VLT presale begins on May 8, 2025, offering early supporters a chance to join the protocol’s foundational phase and help shape its trajectory.
Ripple’s Strategic Shift: Fueling Institutional DeFi Growth
Vaultro’s rise coincides with a significant shift in Ripple’s broader strategy. The enterprise blockchain firm is focusing on regulated DeFi solutions, bringing institutional-grade financial products to XRPL.
Most notably, Ondo Finance will soon launch a tokenized U.S. Treasury fund (OUSG) on the XRP Ledger.
Backed by Ripple and connected to BlackRock’s USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL), OUSG represents a low-risk, yield-bearing blockchain investment, a significant milestone in the integration of traditional finance into decentralized systems.
Ripple is also backing the fund with initial liquidity and utilizing its RLUSD stablecoin for seamless minting and redemptions.
This initiative and Ripple’s previous $10 million investment in OpenEden’s TBILL product showcase the company’s commitment to making XRPL a go-to platform for tokenized RWAs.
Regulatory Caution and Transparency Evolution
Amid these developments, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has announced a shift in the company’s approach to XRP disclosures. Starting in 2025, Ripple will stop releasing quarterly XRP market reports, instead opting for blog and social media updates.
The move is designed to reduce legal risks, especially after the SEC used past disclosures as evidence in its ongoing lawsuit.
Despite this change, Ripple insists that its commitment to transparency remains strong, with holdings and updates continuing to be published openly, albeit in a more flexible format.
The XRP Ecosystem: Momentum and Market Outlook
Despite ongoing legal tensions, XRP has demonstrated resilience in the markets. At the time of writing, XRP token holds support above $2.19, buoyed by growing institutional interest and whale accumulation.
Optimism surrounding the XRPL’s increasing utility, from DeFi protocols like Vaultro to compliant RWA integrations, is shaping a bullish narrative around XRP’s long-term prospects.
Conclusion
Vaultro Finance is not just another DeFi project, it is redefining decentralized investing by making tokenized, sector-specific index funds available on the fast, low-cost XRP Ledger.
By combining the power of smart contract governance, non-custodial portfolio creation, and real-world asset integration, Vaultro is creating a comprehensive financial ecosystem rooted in transparency and user empowerment.
As the $VLT token prepares to launch and projects like OUSG bring Treasuries to the blockchain, XRPL is rapidly evolving into a leading platform for regulated, next-generation finance.
Whether you’re a retail investor, fund curator, or institutional player, the future of DeFi on XRP is more accessible and promising than ever before.
by | May 7, 2025 | Business
Global smart appliance leader MOVA Tech is making its highly anticipated debut in the Australian market bringing with it two cutting-edge cleaning solutions that have already captured international attention.
Following their global unveiling at CES 2025, the X4 Pro Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner, the Z50 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mopand theP50 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop were officially available to Australian consumers from Monday 5th May at JB Hi-Fi and will be rolled out at other major Australian retailers, including Harvey Norman and The Good Guys, as well as au.mova.tech, from Monday 19th May. The X4 Pro will be exclusive to JB Hi-Fi for the months of May and June.
The X4 Pro Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner garnered major accolades at CES, including the House Digest CES Innovation Award and the Twice 2025 Picks Award, thanks to its powerful stain removal, innovative Hot Water Mopping, and precision SpotHead Spray Cleaning technologies.
Key product features of the X4 Pro Wet and Dry Vacuum Cleaner:
Featuring SpotHeat™ Spray Cleaning with 80°C Hot Water Floor Cleaning and 100°C Deep Brush Washing, the X4 Pro removes even the most stubborn of stains
With powerful suction, zero-gap dual-edge cleaning, and a 180° lie-flat reach, X4 Pro makes cleaning up much easier and faster
Hands-free base station features an innovative design that eliminates the need for manual lifting, tilting, or flipping. This extends shelf life by preventing damage, and ensuring that the X4 Pro is charged and ready for the next clean.
Meanwhile, the Z50 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop was hailed as a groundbreaking advancement in smart cleaning, featuring Triple-Intelligence AI Sensing Tech that dynamically adjusts cleaning strategies based on dirt levels. Its real-time mop cloth fluffing and 36°C Thermostatic HydroSync Mopping with track-type roller technology represent a new standard in automated floor care.
Key product features of the Z50 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop:
First-in-class D-shaped track-type roller mop, which uses running water alongside real-time fluffing technology to refresh the track-type roller mop while it cleans – this advanced system effortlessly removes stubborn dirt, ensuring that no stains are left behind.
With a peak suction power of 19,000 Pa and a strong 18N scrubbing force, the Z50 effectively sweeps and mops in one go while preventing dirt from transferring to other areas during the cleaning process.
Dual-edge cleaning function combines extended side brushes with circular edge mopping, ensuring thorough cleaning that reaches even the tightest of corners.
Built for ultimate convenience, the P50 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop delivers 19,000Pa of suction power and seamless multi-surface adaptability. It removes dust, dirt, pet hair, and fine debris from hardwood and carpeted floors with ease. The vacuum’s FlexReach™ technology swings mop pads outward to clean narrow gaps and corners, while CleanLift™ lifts mop pads when moving over carpet to prevent cross-contamination.
Key product features of the P50 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop:
Self-cleaning dock handles mop washing with 75°C hot water, 45°C drying, automatic dust disposal (up to 75 days), and water refills.
Smart obstacle avoidance and app control ensure deep, efficient, hands-free cleaning.
“Our entry into the Australian market represents a thrilling and transformative moment in MOVA’s journey to revolutionise everyday living through innovation,” said President of MOVA Global Business, Romeo Luo.
“These two next-generation products reflect our commitment to delivering smarter, more intuitive home cleaning solutions that truly enhance the way people live. This launch marks just the beginning of our mission to introduce a wave of cutting-edge, innovative products to Australian homes.”
MOVA Tech is a global brand committed to leading innovation and connecting technology with daily life. With a focus on intelligent home ecosystems, MOVA continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in smart living.
by | May 7, 2025 | Business
SAN PEDRO LAGUNA, MAY 2025 — P.A. Properties, one of
South Luzon’s trusted real estate developers, is once again putting the
spotlight on its homeowners with the launch of Kwentong Buhay, Kwentong Bahay Season 2, a vlogging competition
that invites residents to share their inspiring homeownership journeys through
a vlog.
Now in its 30th year, P.A. Properties continues to fulfill
its mission of building affordable, accessible, and lasting communities for
Filipino families. With more than 30,000 homes built to date, the company
believes that behind every house is a powerful story—one filled with
determination, family milestones, and dreams fulfilled.
“Homeownership
is not just a transaction—it’s a journey. And we believe that by listening to
our homebuyers, we can continue to build homes that truly matter,” said
Atty. Marianne Reyna Lina-Cruz, President of P.A. Properties. “These stories inspire others and help future
homeowners understand the real experiences behind the dream.”
Kwentong Bahay, Kwentong
Buhay
returns for its second season with the theme “Lights, Camera, DREAM HOME!” The competition is open to all P.A.
Properties homeowners, from long-time residents to new move-ins. Participants
are encouraged to create heartfelt and informative vlogs that explore different
aspects of their journey to homeownership.
Suggested vlog topics include:
● Tips for first-time buyers
● House hunting experiences and decision-making
tips
●
A step-by-step
look at the buying process
●
Family
milestones made possible through homeownership
●
Budgeting,
loan tips, and financial preparation
● Move-in moments and interior design
inspiration
The goal? To celebrate real stories from real people, while
providing practical insights and encouragement to those still dreaming of
owning a home.
Up to PHP 30,000.00 in
cash prizes await the best entries, and the winning stories will be
featured on P.A. Properties’ digital platforms to inspire a wider audience.
Full contest mechanics and details are available at: tinyurl.com/KBKBS2mech
Whether choosing between a corner unit or saving up for that
first down payment, every decision in the journey to owning a home carries a
lesson worth sharing. Through this initiative, P.A. Properties reaffirms its
belief that “Your home. Your story.”
could be someone else’s roadmap to making their dream come true.
Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No.
FTEB-221735 Series of 2025
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