Invest in independence: RLC Residences unveils second phase of Sierra Valley Gardens

Invest in independence: RLC Residences unveils second phase of Sierra Valley Gardens

Monday, August 5, 2024

RLC Residences kicks off August with the highly anticipated launch of the second phase of Sierra Valley Gardens, a premier residential haven nestled within a sprawling master-planned mixed-use development in Cainta, Rizal.

After the stellar debut of its first phase in 2020, Sierra Valley Gardens has emerged as one of RLC Residences' top-selling projects, captivating millennials seeking their first real estate investment with its unique features and prime location. The initial four buildings are now 95% sold, boasting a remarkable 42% price appreciation. Building on this success, Sierra Valley Gardens proudly unveils its second phase with the introduction of its 5th building.

“Sierra Valley Gardens is truly one of our most successful projects to date, which also brought us a lot of learnings from our customers. Over time, we’ve seen how this property answers the needs of our millennial home seekers - whose goals are to seek their personal and financial independence while staying close to their loved ones. The features of this project are inspired by them, and we are grateful to continuously upgrade Sierra Valley Gardens with their needs and goals in mind so they can continuously make their smart move towards growth,” said RLC Residences Marketing Head and Chief Integration Officer Karen Cesario.

Embracing independence while maintaining connections

Located inside Sierra Valley estate along Ortigas Extension, Sierra Valley Gardens is a three-phase, twelve-building condominium that promises strategic connections to commercial establishments within the estate such as a mall, retail spaces, and office building. 

Its strategic address, along with future infrastructures soon to rise such as the MRT-4 station, will also link future residents to key destinations in Rizal while offering the convenience of reaching key business and lifestyle districts of the metro without sacrificing the distance between them and their loved ones.

Live out in the open

Set to provide a suburban home close to nature, Sierra Valley Gardens offers multiple indoor and outdoor amenities plus sustainable features that soon-to-be homeowners will benefit from.

Phase Two of Sierra Valley Gardens will have its three-floor clubhouse that will house the amenities of the development, such as ​the Residence Lounge​, Lap & Kiddie Pool​, Game Room, Function Room, Theater Room, and Fitness and Wellness Center. ​On the roof deck, the building will have its own Viewing Deck & Hydroponics Farm that promotes farm-to-table produce residents can buy for a much cheaper price in the future, while solar panels will also be installed to help power common areas in the building.

Additionally, Sierra Valley Gardens will have its own Rainwater Harvesting System to supply water for landscaped areas and other non-potable requirements of the development, while electronic vehicle charging stations on select parking slots will also be installed. All these features and other design elements make the development a sustainable community to live in.

Sparking joy by living smart

Sierra Valley Gardens has smart home features that offer convenience, energy efficiency, security, and cost savings. All units are equipped with smart locks, audio-video intercom, smart lights, and switches - all for enhanced safety and security of the unit owners. Having these makes Sierra Valley Gardens the first in the area to offer future-ready homes for a smarter investment choice.

Exclusive access to digital solutions such as myRLC Home is also offered to home seekers for added convenience. Through this all-in-one app, buyers can settle their payments and monitor their accounts with just a few taps on their phones. By the time they move into the unit, the app serves as their go-to concierge to file passes and permits and settle payments anytime, anywhere.

“Choosing a home at Sierra Valley Gardens is a smart move in the East. Our future homeowners can plant their roots in a sanctuary within a suburban estate, with community-centric amenities that allow them to embrace their independence, while enjoying the long-term financial benefit of real estate investments,” ends Cesario.

Connect with a Property Specialist today to learn more about Sierra Valley Gardens and experience the showroom. Visit rlcresidences.com and follow RLC Residences on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated about this development and other properties.

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Autism Society Philippines Champions Advocacy and Inclusivity with TikTok

Autism Society Philippines Champions Advocacy and Inclusivity with TikTok

Friday, August 2, 2024

TikTok, the leading destination for short-form mobile videos, recently partnered with Autism Society Philippines, the Local Government of Quezon City, and SM Cares to host “Adbokasya sa Social Media,” an event marking National Disability Rights Week.

This initiative underscores a collaborative effort to leverage digital platforms for advocacy and inclusivity, empowering individuals with disabilities and their advocates to amplify their voices and drive positive change.

“Adbokasya sa Social Media” provided participants with practical insights and strategies to turn their social media presence into powerful advocacy tools. The event aimed to equip members of the disability community, NGOs, government agencies, and student organizations with the skills needed to build a purposeful online presence, create strategic content, engage with their communities, and navigate the challenges of online advocacy.

Empowering Through Social Media

TikTok creators Mona Magno Veluz (Mighty Magulang), Chef Gelo Guison, Riyan Portuguez (The Millennial Psych), Your Tita Baby, and Mathilda Airlines shared their insights on leveraging social media for advocacy. They discussed strategies for crafting impactful messages, simplifying content for broader understanding, and the importance of resilience in facing public scrutiny.

Mona Magno-Veluz, National Spokesperson of the Autism Society Philippines, addressed the crucial role of social media in advocacy, focusing on the need for content that is both impactful and respectful. She pointed out that while the digital age offers unprecedented opportunities for amplifying voices, it also demands a high level of responsibility from content creators.

“To truly leverage social media for advocacy, your content must reflect a clear mission and genuine intent. It’s about more than just following trends; it’s about creating meaningful, engaging content that respects and represents the community. Authenticity and consent are crucial, especially when discussing sensitive topics like disability. We need to ensure our content not only resonates but also upholds the values of respect and inclusivity,” Veluz said.

Creating Inclusive Content

The creators underscored the significant impact of content creation on public perceptions and the importance of fostering an inclusive online environment. Chef Gelo Guison and Mathilda Airlines highlighted the need for content that resonates positively and encourages resilience in the face of criticism.

Riyan Portuguez also emphasized the value of crafting messages that are both accessible and thoughtfully presented, ensuring that content is easily understood and impactful. Meanwhile, Your Tita Baby discussed how social media platforms like TikTok are pivotal in reshaping perceptions and broadening the scope of visibility for marginalized communities, including the drag community.

Ensuring a Safe and Responsible Platform

In line with these discussions, Bea Bautista, Communications Lead for Philippines and Malaysia at TikTok, emphasized the collective responsibility of creators, the platform, and users in maintaining a safe online environment.

“Creating a safe and inclusive space on TikTok is a shared responsibility. It’s crucial for creators, users, and the platform to work together to ensure a safe place where everyone can express themselves creatively and authentically, ” Bautista said. “Your posts and interactions matter—by being mindful of what you share and engage with, we can all contribute to a safer and more respectful online community.”

TikTok’s partnership with the Autism Society Philippines highlights its ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, for those fighting for disability rights and other social issues. By providing a platform where diverse voices can be amplified, TikTok continues to strive for a space where creators from all backgrounds can express themselves freely and drive positive societal change.

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Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives Inc. Celebrates First Year Milestone with Inaugural National Leadership Conference

Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives Inc. Celebrates First Year Milestone with Inaugural National Leadership Conference

Established with a commitment to promote and advocate for cooperative enterprises nationwide, the Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives Inc. has swiftly emerged as a pivotal voice for advancing cooperative principles and a leader in addressing critical industry concerns through strategic legislative advocacy and nationwide engagement, the Chamber has fostered an environment conducive to cooperative growth and community development.

Today, The Philippine Chamber of Cooperatives Inc. (Coop Chamber) celebrates its first anniversary with an inaugural National Leadership Conference held at Sequoia Hotel, Aseana Business Park, Parañaque City, Metro Manila.

Themed "Our Coop, Our Voice," the conference marks a significant milestone for the Coop Chamber, coinciding with the completion of its nationwide organizational formation of regional coop chambers across sixteen regions. This event gathers leaders, stakeholders, and members to deliberate on key issues, adopt strategic directions for 2024-2025, and endorse vital executive and legislative agendas.

The Conference features distinguished speakers including Senator Imee R. Marcos, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Cooperatives as the Keynote Speaker, alongside representatives from the House of Representatives, government officials, cooperative leaders, and industry experts. The event’s agenda includes a mass oath-taking ceremony for regional coop chamber leaders and interactive sessions on policy formulation, advocacy strategies, and cooperative development initiatives.

"We are excited to convene our inaugural National Leadership Conference, where we will reflect on our achievements, strategize for the future, and reinforce our commitment to advancing cooperative ideals," remarked Mr. Noel D. Raboy, Chairperson and Founding Trustee of the Coop Chamber.

The event will commence with an opening ceremony featuring presentations from allied cooperatives, and solidarity messages, followed by keynote addresses, panel discussions, and a press conference. The afternoon session will focus on regional reports, strategic planning, and the adoption of key resolutions aimed at strengthening the cooperative movement in the Philippines.

The National Leadership Conference marks a pivotal moment for the Philippine Chamber of Cooperative Inc. as it celebrates a year of dedicated service to cooperative formations nationwide, reaffirming its role as a leading voice in advancing the cooperative movement in the Philippines.

For more information and updates on the Coop Chamber and its initiatives, please visit https://coopchamberph.org

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Alipay+ Expands to Serve 90 Million Global Merchants in 2024 Summer Campaign Following UEFA EURO Craze

Alipay+ Expands to Serve 90 Million Global Merchants in 2024 Summer Campaign Following UEFA EURO Craze

Thursday, August 1, 2024

Alipay+, the cross-border mobile payment and digitalization solutions operated by Ant International, continued its global summer campaign, which was kicked off by UEFA EURO 2024, in preparation for the travel industry's full rebound by the end of 2024.

Alipay+ is the Official Payment Partner of the UEFA EURO 2024™, and connects leading e-wallets and bank apps, including European partners like Bluecode and Tinaba, to 400,000 merchants across Europe. During EURO 2024 from 14 June to 14 July:

• Alipay+ merchants in Europe saw a year-on-year increase of 27% in terms of transactions made from its partner e-wallets, many of which are mobile payment leaders in Asia. The number of tourists who paid with their preferred home payment app via Alipay+ rose by over 30% during the championship period.
• Mobile-savvy travelers from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Europe, Malaysia and South Korea lead the European travel craze in terms of the number of transactions and total spending.
• While retail remains the most popular activity, travelers also pay with their home payment apps via Alipay+ at pharmacies and attractions, as Alipay+ increases its coverage in essential travel scenarios.
• Cross-border consumption rose with varied user and merchant campaigns across UEFA EURO host cities like Berlin and Munich. In Germany, Alipay+ transactions increased by more than 73%, with a 40% increase in the number of merchants accepting an Alipay+ transaction, compared to the year before.

"The surge in Alipay+ transactions during UEFA EURO 2024 shows the power of sports and major events to unite people and drive cross-border tourism,” said Douglas Feagin, President of Ant International. “European merchants and partners embraced new digital payment trends with remarkable openness and agility. At Ant International, we will continue to expand merchant coverage for consumers and bring more international businesses to the doors of global SMEs.”

Alipay+ turns the heat up with global summer campaign

This summer, tourists will be able to pay with their preferred payment apps via Alipay+ at more than 90 million global merchants in 66 markets as Alipay+ merchant coverage continues to grow, connecting them to users of more than 30 payment partners.

With Europe expected to be one of the top destinations during summer, Alipay+ will continue its momentum from its UEFA EURO 2024 drive, with more joint campaigns with partners to promote usage of their home payment apps in Europe, and offering exclusive promotions at leading merchants, particularly in key destinations like the UK, France, Italy, Spain and Germany.

Besides retailers, Alipay+ is also working with local partners to ensure more local businesses can benefit. For example, tourists can enjoy special deals at many small shops in Chinatown in Milan, with more small businesses across Europe to be progressively onboarded. Alipay+ is also adding more digital conveniences for tourists through its recent integration with the taxi app FREENOW, available in 7 European countries, and partnerships for digital tax refunds. The latter allows Chinese tourists to receive instant tax refunds on their Alipay app in-store.

In Japan, where more than 2 million merchants accept Alipay+, tourists from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR, the Philippines, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand can enjoy special discounts at 300,000 merchants across the country, including airport shops, department stores, premium shopping malls, convenience store chains, electronics and appliances retailers, and health and beauty shops.

In South Korea, Alipay+ is rolling out summer promotions with leading retailers, theme parks, traditional market and transportation providers, including duty-free stores and department stores operated by Hyundai, Shilla, Shinsegae, Lotte World, ZeroPay Jeju market and Olive Young, for users of AlipayHK, GCash, Touch 'n Go eWallet and TrueMoney.

Alipay+ expanded its acceptance for transportation in South Korea, making it easier for tourists to travel around. In Jeju, users of Alipay+ partners, including Alipay, AlipayHK, GCash, Touch ’n Go eWallet and TrueMoney, can simply use their own payment apps to pay for bus rides. The convenience extends beyond local transportation. Chinese tourists can book train tickets to travel across the country through a dedicated mini-program operated by Korail within the Alipay app.

Through its collaboration with ZeroPay, South Korea’s national QR standard, Alipay+ is accepted by more than 1.9 million merchants.

Alipay+ and its partners continue to make travel more seamless in the Chinese mainland, including the recent expansion of the International Consumer-Friendly Zone Program to Chengdu and Chongqing, as well as Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. Tourists visiting the Chinese mainland can pay across more than 80 million merchants by linking their international credit cards to the Alipay app or via 12 other Alipay+ partner payment methods.

In Southeast Asia (SEA), where Alipay+ is widely accepted, users of AlipayHK, Touch ’n Go eWallet, GCash and TrueMoney can purchase discounted travel packs for use at all Alipay+ merchants in the region. Through its partnership with national QRs in Singapore and Malaysia, Alipay+ merchants in the region include many micro and small merchants like hawker stalls in Singapore, that will allow tourists to truly ‘travel like a local’.

With SEA being a popular destination for Chinese tourists, Alipay+ is introducing more innovation and campaigns via Alipay, one of its payment partners, including exclusive campaigns with more than 30 of the most popular retailers – including Central Retail, The Mall Group and King Power in Thailand, Pavilion and Sunway Velocity in Malaysia, and Jewel, Resorts Word Sentosa and Mandai in Singapore.

Additionally, in Thailand, the top SEA destination for Chinese tourists, Alipay+ is enhancing its Alipay+ D-hub and Amazing Thailand e-card – a joint digital travel innovation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand – within the Alipay app, to promote more cities, more merchants and offer more discounts.

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Rediscover Cebu’s Vibrant Facets with lyf Cebu City’s Experience-Led Living

Rediscover Cebu’s Vibrant Facets with lyf Cebu City’s Experience-Led Living

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Dubbed the “Queen City of the South,” Cebu is a central economic hub in the Philippines, hosting a variety of industries from information technology and business process outsourcing to shipping and furniture manufacturing. This economic vitality, combined with a welcoming atmosphere, ensures that business travelers have access to a wide range of professional opportunities and resources.

lyf Cebu, Ascott Limited’s property in Visayas, makes a fine addition to the city and has quickly emerged as every traveler’s go-to destination for any occasion. Designed to create and foster a vibrant and connected community, lyf Cebu successfully redefines urban living with its experience-led social approach.

Situated in the bustling region of Cebu, lyf Cebu is more than just a place to stay; it’s a hub where like-minded individuals with different goals and aspirations come together to immerse themselves in the city’s dynamic culture while enjoying each other’s company. 

Known for its rich historical heritage, beautiful beaches, and thriving business district, Cebu has become a strategic location for both local and international visitors. As a property under the Ascott name, lyf Cebu upholds the high standards and commitment to excellence for which the brand is often recognized and expected to provide. Ascott’s reputation for delivering exceptional service and innovative living spaces is evident in every aspect of lyf Cebu—the property’s unique ability to enhance the overall city experience by offering a vibrant, community-centric environment truly sets it apart from other residences and living spaces open in the area. 

At lyf Cebu, there is an evident commitment to creating a harmonious community space where travelers from all walks of life are invited to share experiences and explore the Philippines together. Its location is strategically situated to offer easy access to the city's must-see attractions while providing a welcoming and dynamic environment that encourages interaction and personal discovery. Whether you're a digital nomad, a solo traveler, or visiting with friends, lyf offers a unique blend of comfort and community spirit.

While regular tourists only catch a glimpse of what the city may offer, residents of lyf Cebu dive deeper into the local culture and experiences. They engage in authentic interactions, uncover hidden gems, and participate in unique activities beyond the typical tourist itinerary. Whether it's joining a local festival, learning traditional crafts from artisans, or exploring off-the-beaten-path locations, lyf Cebu ensures that its guests experience the city's true essence. Through its vibrant social living concept, lyf Cebu transforms each stay into a journey of discovery and connection, encouraging guests to explore Cebu like never before.

From its modern design to its interactive spaces, lyf Cebu is tailored to encourage social connections and cultural exchanges. Guests are invited to enjoy various unique amenities and features that make it easy to connect, relax, and explore the city. Upon arrival, guests are greeted at the Say Hi check-in counter, where a friendly lyf crew ensures a smooth and personalized check-in process. The coworking spaces provide the perfect setting for productivity, blending comfort with functionality. For those looking to socialize and cook, Bond – the property’s social kitchen – offers a communal space to prepare and share meals.

“The social aspect of lyf Cebu is integral to the overall guest experience. By fostering a vibrant, connected community, we ensure that guests not only enjoy their stay but also build meaningful connections and memories that last a lifetime.” Said Joycelyn Agsaway, the Director of Operational Excellence for the lyf brand. 

Unwinding after a day of exploring or working is accessible at the Hangout (Mezzanine), where guests can share stories and experiences with fellow travelers. For fitness enthusiasts, Burn (social gym) is fully equipped to help maintain workout routines, while Dip (swimming pool) offers a refreshing escape from the city heat.

lyf Cebu, like all its sister properties, is true to its name and champions the term “Live Your Freedom,” celebrating openness, unique individuality, and creativity, empowering guests who stay true to the life they wish to lead.

lyf Cebu City is currently open and ready to welcome guests looking for both a culturally immersive and productive experience. Guests can now book their stay via this website.

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TikTok Shop Boosts Filipino MSMEs at National MSME Summit 2024

TikTok Shop Boosts Filipino MSMEs at National MSME Summit 2024

TikTok Shop, the e-commerce platform of TikTok, played a pivotal role in empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at the National MSME Summit 2024. Held during the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development Week, the summit, organized by Go Negosyo and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), focused on the theme "Innovate to Elevate: Empowering MSMEs for Sustainable Growth."

The event brought together industry leaders, government officials, and entrepreneurs to discuss strategies for leveraging digitalization to enhance competitiveness and drive sustainable growth among Filipino MSMEs. TikTok Shop emerged as a key player in this conversation, emphasizing its commitment to supporting local businesses through its innovative Shoppertainment platform.

"We are excited to partner with TikTok Shop in accelerating the growth of Filipino MSMEs," said Joey Concepcion, Founder of Go Negosyo. "TikTok Shop's unique blend of content and commerce provides a powerful platform for MSMEs to reach a wider audience and boost sales."

TikTok Shop's participation included engaging panel discussions featuring industry experts who shared insights on market trends, content creation strategies, and the benefits of online marketplaces. The company also highlighted its ACE Framework – Assortment, Content, and Empowerment – which helps MSMEs optimize their online presence and drive sales.

"We believe that TikTok Shop can be a game-changer for Filipino MSMEs," said Jonah Ople, Category Lead for Fashion, TikTok Shop. "By providing the right tools and support, we can help them succeed in the digital economy."

Undersecretary Ma. Cristina Roque of the DTI-MSME Development Group expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with TikTok Shop, emphasizing the platform's potential to help Filipino MSMEs compete on a national scale.

TikTok Shop remains dedicated to empowering MSMEs through innovative tools, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to fostering economic growth and inclusivity across the Philippines.

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SM Prime widens the landscape in renewable energy

SM Prime widens the landscape in renewable energy

As part of its net-zero commitment by 2040, one of Asia’s leading real estate and property developers, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), partnered with global integrated energy company TotalEnergies for the installation of a 2 Megawatt-peak (MWp) Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Rooftop project in Pasay City.

The partnership venture aligns with SM Prime’s efforts in expanding its renewable energy portfolio and affirms TotalEnergies’ commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions in various urban settings. 

Designed with a power yield of 3,000 Megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity annually, the solar partnership project has over 3,672 PV panels installed and is expected to provide huge cost savings for SM Prime. Located at the MOA Square in the Mall of Asia Complex, the solar installations are expected to reduce the building’s carbon footprint by about 1,430 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually.

"SM Prime is proud to work alongside TotalEnergies on this project. This partnership is our commitment to sustainability and achieving Net Zero by 2040. We are also taking a proactive stance in supporting the Department of Energy’s (DOE) target of reaching 35% renewable energy by 2030. Together, we’re driving meaningful change towards a more environmentally conscious future," said John Nai Peng Ong, SM Prime Chief Finance Officer. 

“We are thrilled to announce the successful deployment of solar rooftop installations at the Mall of Asia in the Philippines, marking a significant achievement in both environmental and economic sustainability for SM Prime,” said Elodie Renaud, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Renewables Distributed Generation Asia. 

For the past few years, SM Prime continues to grow its partnerships with key clean energy players, leveraging its relationships and earned experiences to drive its environmental stewardship campaign. Capitalizing on these partnerships has provided for SM Prime huge economic, environmental, and social dividends. 

In 2022, SM Prime secured a long-term deal with AboitizPower for its clean energy supply. Under the agreement, AboitizPower will provide reliable and responsibly-sourced energy from Tiwi-MakBan Geothermal Power Plants, and PV Sinag’s Power Plants, operated and managed by AboitizPower subsidiary, Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. (ARI). 

The following year, SM Prime signed a memorandum of agreement with Citicore Renewable Energy Company (CREC), wherein SM Prime will source 90 megawatts (MWac) from CREC’s upcoming Lumbangan Solar Power Plant in Tuy, Batangas. 

Apart from contributing to the DOE’s 35% renewable energy goal by 2030, all these partnerships are aligned with the energy department and Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) policy of expanding the adoption of Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) in the energy industry.

To date, SM Prime currently sources at least 50% of its electricity utilization from clean, renewable energy. 

SM Prime supports the Philippine government’s aim to increase the country's renewable energy supply component to 50% by the year 2040. It remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon on integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future.

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