by | Apr 21, 2025 | Business
In
celebration of its 30th anniversary, P.A. Properties proudly announces the
return of its highly anticipated Kwentong Bahay, Kwentong Buhay Vlogging
Competition – Season 2, with the exciting theme: Lights, Camera, DREAM HOME!
This
year’s competition is bigger, bolder, and more inspiring as it continues to
shine a spotlight on the heartfelt stories of P.A. Properties homeowners. All
homebuyers—from long-time residents to newly turned-over units—are invited to
share their unique journey to homeownership through a compelling and creative
vlog.
Participants
stand a chance to win up to PHP 30,000.00 in cash prizes! Whether it’s about
building dreams, overcoming obstacles, or celebrating new beginnings, every home has a story—and we want to hear
yours.
Competition Mechanics Snapshot:
Who Can Join?
Open to all P.A. Properties homeowners and their immediate family members
living in the same household. Previous non-winning participants are
welcome to join! (Note: Past winners and employees of P.A. Properties are
not eligible.)
Vlog
Guidelines:
○ Vertical video format (1080×1920 pixels)
○ Duration: 1–3 minutes
○ Only one entry per household
○ Must use original or royalty-free music
Criteria for judging:
○ Storytelling
(40%): Clarity and
organization of the narrative
○ Authenticity
(25%): Genuine emotions
conveyed in the vlog
○
Video Quality/Editing (25%): Stability of the video, smooth transitions,
and audio quality
○
Audience Impact through online voting (10%)
How to
Join:
Submit
your entry by registering and uploading through the official form: https://www.paproperties.com.ph/kwentongbuhaykwentongbahayS2/
Prizes
○
Grand Prize: 30,000 Pesos
○
2nd Prize: 15,000 Pesos
○
3rd Prize: 10,000 Pesos
○
Voter’s Choice: 3,000 Pesos
Important
Dates:
○ Submission Period: April 21 to May 31, 2025
○
Announcement
of Winners: June 20, 2025 via P.A.
Properties and Kwentong Bahay Kwentong Buhay Facebook Page
Full competition mechanics
available at: www.paproperties.com.ph/KBKBS2fullmechanics
Let your story be heard. Lights,
camera… dream home!
Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-221735 Series of
2025
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
by | Apr 21, 2025 | Business
STORY:
OHA Studios, a collegiate production house from the University of Santo Tomas is set to launch a business show titled “Roar to Riches,” premiering its pilot episode on April 28 through the UST Tiger TV Facebook page at 3:00 PM. Produced as part of their TV Production class, the show promises to spotlight inspiring entrepreneurial journeys and practical financial insights for the Thomasian community and beyond.
The show, inspired by Shark Tank, assists Thomasian students, specifically from the College of Commerce and Business Administration, to have a chance to pitch their businesses in front of selected judges.
Show as an avenue of success for student-business owners
Roars to Riches stands as a powerful catalyst for aspiring Thomasian entrepreneurs, providing them with a platform to transform their business ideas into actionable ventures. In high-stakes pitching rounds, students present their concepts to a panel of business experts known as The Tigers — composed of esteemed alumni, professors, and industry leaders. This setting serves as valuable exposure and gives participants the opportunity to receive strategic feedback and mentorship from professionals who have successfully navigated the business landscape themselves.
Beyond pitching, the show promotes creativity, practicality, and collaboration, equipping students with real-world insights and a supportive community that encourages entrepreneurial risk-taking and innovation.
“This show defies the stereotype that the youth cannot drive meaningful change,” shared Nadine Hernandez, Executive Producer. “We believe in the transformative power of young innovators and want to elevate their ideas — proving that, with the right support, they can achieve greater heights.”
Through Roars to Riches, it will nurture confidence, sharpen critical thinking, and foster a sense of leadership and responsibility among its participants. It reinforces the belief that the youth, when empowered, are capable of becoming trailblazers in business and society.
Combining Educational Value with Real-World Preparation
Breaking away from the mold of traditional business competitions, Roars to Riches introduces a fresh and reality-inspired format that blends learning with entertainment. The show immerses student entrepreneurs in real-world scenarios that challenge their creativity, business instinct, and decision-making under pressure.
“They will expect a new and innovative concept for a student-produced show as we venture into the realm of business,” said Justine Ariola, Executive Producer. “We have pushed the boundaries to create a reality-like television experience that captures both the creative and strategic aspects of negotiation. The show will feature aspiring student entrepreneurs and business experts, providing high-stakes moments, valuable insights, and inspiring stories.”
“The show cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset among Thomasians by providing real-world experience in business planning, pitching, and even production,” added Coleen Hufanda, Executive Producer.
Beyond the entertainment, Roars to Riches doubles as a hands-on learning experience. It is an opportunity to grow not only as future business leaders but also as creative thinkers and a crash course in entrepreneurship taught not in a classroom, but in front of the cameras.
“More than just a show, our mission is to actively contribute to the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 9, which champions innovation and sustainable industries,” said Nadine Hernandez, Executive Producer. “Through this program, we aim to empower young entrepreneurs, inspire them to be catalysts for change, and encourage them to play a pivotal role in shaping a better, more sustainable future.”
Within the Thomasian community, Roars to Riches is helping to spark a culture of innovation. It brings together students from different backgrounds to collaborate, share ideas, and build something impactful, something that reflects not only their business skills but also their values and vision.
Running from April 28 to May 13, Roars to Riches is a three-episode showcase of the bold and boundless spirit of entrepreneurship. More than just a show, it’s a launchpad for student dreamers—those unafraid to take risks, challenge norms, and grow into visionary leaders who will shape industries and uplift communities.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
by | Apr 20, 2025 | Business
Navigating the treacherous world of crypto scams: Learn from the insidious rise of SnapeDex and its imitators. Understand their deceptive tactics, from fake rewards to fee-based traps, and discover crucial red flags to protect your investments. Stay vigilant and informed to avoid becoming the next victim in this growing ecosystem of deception.
The allure of quick riches in the cryptocurrency market has, unfortunately, spawned a parallel ecosystem of sophisticated scams that prey on both novice and experienced investors.
The SnapeDex fraud serves as a stark warning, emblematic of a broader and deeply troubling trend: the systematic exploitation of users through deceptive promises, fee-based traps, and the untraceable siphoning of funds.
As cryptocurrencies continue to gain mainstream attention, it’s crucial to understand how these scams operate and how to protect yourself.
The Modus Operandi: How the SnapeDex Scam Worked
SnapeDex presented itself as a generous crypto reward platform, enticing users with the seemingly irresistible offer of 0.31 BTC (approximately $20,000) simply for registering. This initial lure is a common tactic in the world of crypto scams.
The deception unfolded as follows:
1. Illusory Rewards: Upon signing up, users were greeted with an artificially inflated wallet balance, creating the illusion of instant wealth. This psychological manipulation is designed to build trust and encourage further engagement.
2. Fee-Based Baiting: When users attempted to withdraw their supposed reward, they were met with a series of demands for “network fees” or “verification charges.” These initial payments, often relatively small, act as the hook, drawing victims deeper into the scam.
3. Escalating Demands and Delays: After the initial payment, victims faced a variety of scenarios, none of them leading to the promised payout. They might encounter additional fee requests, perpetual withdrawal delays, or outright account lockouts.
4. The Nonexistent Bitcoin: The promised Bitcoin reward was, of course, a mirage. No real cryptocurrency ever existed, and the entire operation was designed to defraud users.
This deceptive model, while disturbingly effective, is not unique to SnapeDex. It represents a common structure employed by crypto scams worldwide.
A Growing Ecosystem of Deception: SnapeDex’s Imitators
SnapeDex is just one example within a much larger and rapidly expanding ecosystem of deceptive digital entities.
Many of these scams operate under names that closely resemble legitimate crypto platforms, making it even more challenging for users to discern the truth.
Here are some prominent cases that mirror SnapeDex’s fraudulent methodology:
1. BTCRevolution.cloud & Bitcoin Revolution: These platforms promised unrealistic profits through automated trading bots and often leveraged fake endorsements from celebrities and media personalities to enhance their credibility.
2. AlphaWallet.net: This scam posed as a secure wallet service, only to vanish with users’ stored funds, highlighting the dangers of trusting unverified platforms with your assets.
3. Coinegg (ceggcc.vip) & vexjex.cc: These fake exchanges were linked to “pig butchering” scams, a particularly insidious form of long-term grooming that culminates in manipulated losses and significant financial damage.
4. Apyeth Gifts (apyeth.gifts): This scam masqueraded as a giveaway platform for NFTs, ultimately stealing users’ private keys and draining their wallets.
5. Clubillion.io: This operation claimed to be a blockchain-based social network while secretly operating as a Ponzi scheme, demonstrating the deceptive power of combining social media trends with financial fraud.
6. Topkex.com, Gccmoney.org, Trustpips.com, and Expert Capitals: These platforms impersonated legitimate exchanges, freezing withdrawals and demanding additional fees before abruptly disappearing, leaving users with no recourse.
These scams frequently employ a range of deceptive tactics, including phishing, fake trading interfaces, and social manipulation. They may impersonate influencers, livestreamers, or trusted brands to gain the confidence of unsuspecting victims.
The Anatomy of a Crypto Scam: Recognizing the Red Flags
To protect yourself from falling victim to these elaborate schemes, it’s crucial to be able to identify common scam hallmarks:
1. Unrealistic Promises: Be extremely wary of any platform that offers free crypto with minimal effort or guarantees exceptionally high returns. Scams often use the lure of easy money to bypass users’ skepticism.
2. Upfront Fees: Legitimate platforms rarely, if ever, demand payment before providing access to rewards or balances. Fees labeled as “unlock charges,” “tax deposits,” or “verification fees” are a major red flag.
3. Fake Wallet Interfaces: Many scams display convincingly real-looking balances that are, in reality, simply hard-coded into the interface. Do not be fooled by a visually appealing dashboard.
4. Anonymity and Lack of Transparency: If a platform lacks a clearly listed team, verifiable company details, or genuine social proof, proceed with extreme caution. Transparency is essential in the crypto space.
5. Impersonation: Scammers often mimic the branding of trusted crypto exchanges or use slight misspellings in domain names to deceive users. Always double-check the website address.
6. High-Pressure Tactics: Be wary of time-limited offers or warnings that funds will be forfeited unless you act quickly. These tactics are designed to manipulate your emotions and pressure you into making hasty decisions.
Recovery: A Difficult but Not Entirely Impossible Endeavor
Cryptocurrency transactions are generally irreversible, and once funds are transferred to scam wallets, they are often laundered rapidly through mixers or converted into privacy coins to obscure their origin. This makes recovery extremely challenging.
However, under certain circumstances, there may be a possibility of recovering lost assets:
1. Regulated Exchanges: If the initial payment was made through a regulated exchange that adheres to Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures, there may be a chance to trace or freeze the funds.
2. Credit Card or Bank Transfers: Victims who used credit cards or bank transfers should immediately contact their providers to initiate a dispute or chargeback. Time is of the essence in these situations.
3. Prompt Reporting and Blockchain Forensics: If the fraud is reported quickly, blockchain forensic experts may be able to trace the movement of funds and flag associated wallets. These services specialize in analyzing blockchain transactions to identify illicit activity.
4. Legal Action and Coordinated Reporting: Filing legal complaints and reporting the fraud to relevant authorities, such as the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or local law enforcement, can initiate broader investigations, especially if multiple victims report the same wallet addresses.
It’s important to acknowledge that even with advanced tools like Chainalysis or CipherTrace, most crypto scam cases are closed without restitution, particularly when the perpetrators operate from unregulated jurisdictions or use decentralized systems with limited oversight.
Prevention: The Most Effective Defense
Given the low recovery rates and the constantly evolving nature of these scams, prevention remains the most reliable protection.
Here are some core prevention strategies:
1. Be Skeptical of Unrealistic Promises: Exercise extreme caution when encountering platforms that offer large crypto incentives with no clear business model. If it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
2. Verify Legitimacy: Always verify the legitimacy of any platform through official channels, such as CoinMarketCap, CoinGecko, or trusted news sources. Do not rely solely on information provided by the platform itself.
3. Conduct Thorough Research: Perform reverse image searches and WHOIS checks to assess the domain’s age and ownership. Look for user reviews and independent analyses of the platform.
4. Engage with Verified Communities: Join verified crypto communities on platforms like Reddit or Twitter to stay informed about emerging scams and share experiences with other users.
5. Prioritize Security: Use hardware wallets to store your cryptocurrency and never, under any circumstances, share your seed phrases or private keys, regardless of how trustworthy a site may appear.
Snapdeal vs. Snapdex: A Crucial Distinction
It’s important to distinguish between legitimate entities and fraudulent operations. In the context of cryptocurrency, it’s essential to understand the difference between Snapdeal and Snapdex.
1. Snapdeal: This is a reputable Indian e-commerce platform established in 2010. It allows customers to make purchases using cryptocurrencies through third-party payment solutions, offering a convenient way to integrate crypto into online shopping.
2. Snapdex: This term has been associated with a cryptocurrency scam that lures users with promises of free Bitcoin and then defrauds them through various fees and deceptive tactics.
It is critical to avoid confusing the two. Snapdeal is a legitimate business, while Snapdex, in its reported context, is a dangerous scam.
The Perils of “Free BTC” Offers: The Snapdex Case Study
The lure of “free BTC” is a common tactic employed by crypto scammers. The Snapdex case provides a clear example of how these schemes operate.
Snapdex enticed users with the promise of 0.31 BTC (worth a significant amount of money) simply for signing up. This seemingly generous offer is a classic red flag.
The scam unfolded as follows:
1. Enticing Offer: Snapdex advertised the free Bitcoin offer, often accompanied by fake endorsements from public figures to create an illusion of legitimacy.
2. Fake Balance Display: Upon registration, users were shown a fake dashboard displaying a balance of 0.31 BTC, reinforcing the deceptive narrative.
3. Withdrawal Trap: When users attempted to withdraw the funds, the platform demanded various fees, such as “network fees” or “verification fees,” which users were required to pay in real Bitcoin.
4. No Payout: After users paid the fees, they received nothing. The platform would either demand more payments, delay the withdrawal indefinitely, or simply lock the user out of their account.
5. No Real Bitcoin: The promised Bitcoin never existed. The displayed balance was a purely visual trick to deceive users.
Conclusion: Vigilance and Informed Skepticism
The cryptocurrency landscape, while offering exciting opportunities, is also fraught with risks. The proliferation of scams like SnapeDex underscores the critical importance of vigilance and informed skepticism.
By understanding the common tactics employed by scammers, recognizing the red flags, and adopting robust prevention strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.
Remember, in the world of crypto, if an offer seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Always prioritize caution, conduct thorough research, and never let the fear of missing out cloud your judgment.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
by | Apr 20, 2025 | Business
XRP News Today: Get the latest on XRP price analysis, including crucial legal settlement updates in the Ripple vs. SEC case, growing momentum for a potential XRP ETF, and the ongoing battle between investor hope and expectation.
XRP (XRP-USD), one of the most watched altcoins in the crypto sphere, is once again under the spotlight. As of mid-April, XRP is trading around $2.08, experiencing moderate consolidation after recent highs of $2.14.
Despite this seemingly modest price action, the cryptocurrency finds itself at a critical junction—where legal clarity, renewed institutional interest, and macroeconomic trends all converge to shape its near- and long-term future.
A Tale of Consolidation Amid Volatility
XRP’s price action this week has been a tight dance between $2.00 and $2.24, with the latest tick resting just above $2.08. This follows a remarkable 327% annual gain, having climbed from just $0.49 five months ago.
While this trajectory marks significant progress, the crypto community remains divided—some hopeful for further upside, others frustrated by what feels like stagnation in the face of promising news.
Despite the broader market showing early signs of strength—Bitcoin hovers near $84,000 and Solana (SOL) leads altcoin gains—XRP’s story is more nuanced. Its current momentum hinges heavily on legal resolution and institutional validation.
ETF Speculation Ignites Institutional Curiosity
Perhaps the most bullish narrative right now revolves around XRP’s potential for an exchange-traded fund (ETF). Financial giant Franklin Templeton recently amended its spot XRP ETF filing, quietly signaling sustained interest.
While the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has yet to greenlight the proposal, the move drew immediate attention.
Approval of a spot XRP ETF could dramatically alter its investment profile, inviting billions in institutional capital. Following the success of Bitcoin ETFs earlier this year, which helped BTC rally to new highs, XRP is now viewed as the next contender.
Several firms—including Bitwise, Grayscale, and ProShares—have shown active interest in launching XRP-backed financial products.
Legal Progress: The Ripple vs. SEC Saga Nears a Climax
A breakthrough in the long-standing Ripple-SEC legal battle might finally be on the horizon. On April 10, both parties filed a joint motion to pause ongoing appeals in favor of a settlement discussion.
This followed the appointment of Paul Atkins, a crypto-friendly figure, as the new SEC Chair—fueling optimism that the agency’s stance toward digital assets may soften.
Further developments came on April 16, when the U.S. Court of Appeals granted a motion to hold the appeals in abeyance, suggesting that a resolution could be imminent. Ripple’s legal team indicated that the SEC had agreed to drop its appeal, while Ripple will relinquish its counter-appeal.
Additionally, the SEC plans to lift the injunction previously placed on institutional XRP sales—a move that could significantly accelerate adoption in the United States.
Legal commentators like Bill Morgan and Fred Rispoli hint that the next big announcement could be the formal modification of the judgment, including a reduction in Ripple’s fine and full clearance for XRP institutional sales.
This would not only remove a major legal overhang but potentially unlock a path toward ETF approval.
Investor Psychology: Between Hope and Unrealistic Expectations
Despite all these promising indicators, many XRP holders remain frustrated. Crypto figure Edoardo Farina, founder of Alpha Lions Academy, recently commented on this contradiction.
He acknowledged that even if XRP were to surge to $50—a level that would imply a $5 trillion market cap—some investors would still call for $100. He argues that this constant chase for higher prices often overshadows the real achievements.
According to Farina, the key issue is a lack of long-term perspective. He highlights how the coin’s current price represents a fourfold increase from late 2023. Yet, many investors choose to ignore this progress, fueling a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction.
This sentiment was echoed by other community analysts like BarriC and Amonyx, who argue that past price targets once deemed unrealistic now appear attainable.
Technical Levels and Market Catalysts to Watch
At present, XRP is hovering just above the crucial support level of $2.08. Technical charts suggest that a push past $2.20 could open the door to further upside, while failure to hold $2.04 might drag prices back to the $2.00 zone.
Recent whale sell-offs have also influenced short-term price action. Between April 1 and 14, wallets holding 100M–1B XRP offloaded over 370 million tokens. Despite this, XRP rebounded from $1.73 to $2.14 within days, signaling accumulation by smaller investors and renewed belief in its long-term potential.
Looking ahead, analysts consider $10 as a reasonable target if major catalysts—such as a favorable legal settlement, ETF approval, and broader crypto adoption—materialize.
Under sustained bullish conditions, this level could be reached within 12–18 months. Absent such triggers, the timeline may extend into 2026 or beyond.
Macroeconomic Context: Cautious Optimism Returns
Global macro sentiment also plays a role. While the U.S. Federal Reserve’s reluctance to cut interest rates has briefly rattled markets, crypto assets like Bitcoin and XRP have shown surprising resilience.
Moreover, geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing U.S.–China tech war, are creating headwinds for risk assets. This has led to heightened volatility and cautious positioning across markets.
Still, growing global liquidity and dovish long-term expectations provide a supportive backdrop. According to trader Ted, “Eventually, this liquidity will flow into crypto”—benefiting coins like XRP that boast regulatory clarity and real-world use cases.
Conclusion: A Defining Chapter for XRP
XRP is standing at a crucial inflection point. Legal clarity, ETF optimism, macroeconomic recovery, and strategic investor sentiment are all aligning to potentially reshape its future. While short-term price movements may seem underwhelming, the foundation being laid could be transformative.
The key takeaway for investors? Patience and perspective are essential. While chasing sky-high price targets might feel exciting, recognizing the milestones already achieved—and the massive upside potential unlocked by pending developments—may offer the most rewarding mindset.
With the legal fog finally lifting and institutional doors starting to open, XRP’s next chapter could be its most defining one yet.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
by | Apr 17, 2025 | Business
Rabobank’s Rabo Client Councils have partnered with rural training provider AgriFocused to deliver farm business skills for primary producers in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.
The practical online Farm Office Plus program provides tools to improve management of the “office side” of farming businesses.
The hands-on training aims to assist with establishing easy record-keeping systems, streamlining bill payment and bookkeeping, reduce accounting fees, minimise filing time and develop time management skills.
The initiative has been spearheaded and funded by food and agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank’s Rabo Client Councils, a group of innovative, forward-thinking clients who are passionate about making a difference in their communities and who support initiatives with the goal of making a meaningful impact on the vibrancy and resilience of rural Australia.
Through the support of the NSW and Victoria and Tasmania Rabo Client Councils, farm businesses can sign up for Farm Office Plus training at a discounted price. Course participants do not have to be Rabobank clients. The discounted positions are limited to 160 and will be distributed in order of registration.
Rabobank’s NSW Client Council member and Gunning-based sheep and cattle producer Lucy Knight said there is a “need and thirst” amongst farmers to build office administration skills.
“Many farming businesses are becoming larger, more complex and operating with fewer staff – managing the farm office is not immune from these pressures – farmers are looking for ways to streamline administrative processes,” Mrs Knight said.
The Farm Office Plus training is designed for people who may have been “battling in the office for a while” and looking for an opportunity to upskill, she said.
Mrs Knight said the training aims to enhance farmers’ “non-paddock skills” and boost their confidence in managing their farm office.
The training will be delivered by AgriFocused founder Carmen Quade. Ms Quade has worked as a university lecturer in accounting and agribusiness, as well as having experience in local government, focused on economic and community development and corporate governance. Together with her husband and family members, Ms Quade is a partner in a mixed farming business at Tallimba, in the Northern Riverina.
Ms Quade said the administrative requirements of running a farming business have grown exponentially.
“Staying on top of finances, managing the email load and fulfilling record keeping requirements can take a lot of time, often impacting on farm operations and family life,” she said. “Efficient and effective systems and a better understanding of tech solutions can win back hours. And timely information can lead to less stress and better decisions.”
Rabobank state manager for NSW Toby Mendl said Rabobank’s Client Councils are helping rural communities flourish.
“Alongside local Client Council members, we engage in listening and learning about the key issues that matter most to our clients, communities and the broader food and agriculture industry,” he said.
Rabobank’s Rabo Client Council network is focussed on developing meaningful grassroots initiatives to support key themes focusing on building industry capacity, championing rural-wellbeing, sustainability and strengthening the rural/urban connection.
Mr Mendl said the AgriFocused training is “empowering farmers by providing the tools and systems that help with the growing complexity of the administrative tasks associated with farming businesses. Ultimately, this allows them to make timely decisions, spend more time in the paddock and allocate more time on other aspects of their business”.
Farm businesses based in NSW, Victoria and Tasmania can sign up for the Farm Office Plus training and receive a $200 discount. This offer is available until March 2026 or until supported positions are filled.
To find out more about the program, click here
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
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