Wednesday, October 29, 2025

P.A. Properties and P.A. Hankyu join the National Housing Expo 2025 in support of the 4PH Program

P.A. Properties and its joint venture company, P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin (P.A. Hankyu), joined the National Housing Expo 2025 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, reaffirming their commitment to addressing the country’s housing backlog and helping Filipino families achieve their dream of owning safe, decent, and affordable homes.

The Expo, organized by the Pag-IBIG Fund as part of the National Shelter Month celebration, gathered over 50 housing developers offering more than 100,000 new homes through the government’s flagship housing initiative, the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who led the opening of the event, emphasized his administration’s resolve to ensure that every Filipino has a home to call their own.

“Hangga’t may mga Pilipinong nagnanais ng sariling tahanan, hindi po titigil ang pamahalaan sa aming pagkilos. Walang hihinto sa trabaho. Walang maiiwanan sa Bagong Pilipinas,” President Marcos said in his keynote address.

He lauded the collaboration between the government and the private sector in expanding housing programs, streamlining services, and developing climate-resilient communities through the Green Lane Program.

The participation of P.A. Properties and P.A. Hankyu in this year’s Expo underscores their continued collaboration with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Pag-IBIG Fund, highlighting their shared goal of improving the lives of Filipinos through homeownership.

The partnership between P.A. Properties and Japan’s Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp. has introduced thoughtfully designed, Japanese-inspired communities in the Philippines, such as the Idesia developments in Cavite, DasmariƱas, and Lipa—combining comfort, functionality, and modern living for Filipino families.

The National Housing Expo 2025 also featured thousands of brand-new homes and discounted Pag-IBIG-acquired assets, providing Filipinos with expanded opportunities to secure their own homes.

Through its sustained participation in initiatives like the National Housing ExpoP.A. Properties and P.A. Hankyu continue to uphold their long-standing advocacy: “Building homes, building lives.”

About P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation

Nestled in San Pedro, Laguna, P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation (P.A. Properties) is a leading developer of low to medium-cost housing communities in Southern Luzon. Since its establishment in 1994, the company has crafted over 30,000 homes across key Philippine provinces, with plans to build an additional 20 communities in the next 5 years. 

P.A. Properties, guided by the tagline "Behind Every Home is a Story," not only addresses the nation's housing backlog but also actively contributes to economic growth. Through philanthropic initiatives, such as hospital donations in Cabuyao, providing right of way in Pampanga for civic centers, and establishing SanJo's markets in provinces like Laguna and Bulacan, the company weaves a narrative of community development and nationwide impact.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Join Training at PetroSync: Your ASME Journey Starts Here


 Join PetroSync ASME training to boost team productivity, optimize operations, and save costs. Stay ahead of competitors with expert-led courses.

Why Falling Behind is Risky for Your Team

Imagine your team working hard, yet losing out to competitors simply because they aren’t updated with the latest ASME standards. In today’s fast-paced industrial world, outdated practices can lead to costly downtime and operational errors. By joining the ASME PCC-2 training, your team gains the knowledge to perform pressure equipment repairs according to global standards, reducing risks and ensuring reliability. Don’t let competitors take the lead while your team is still catching up.

Unlocking Operational Efficiency with ASME Knowledge

Efficiency isn’t just a buzzword—it’s measurable results. Companies that integrate ASME best practices report up to 25% reduction in operational downtime. Through ASME Section I training, your team will master power boiler operations, streamlining processes and improving safety. Adding AI chatbots to monitor operations can further cut administrative tasks by 20%, freeing your team to focus on strategic initiatives while saving costs.

Boost Team Productivity and Stay Ahead of Competitors

A well-trained team is a productive team. With ASME B31.3 training, your team learns precise process piping methods, reducing errors and increasing throughput. Studies show that teams trained on ASME standards can increase productivity by 15–30%, translating to faster project completion and fewer reworks. While competitors struggle with trial-and-error, your team moves confidently ahead, saving both time and money.

Start Your ASME Journey Today – Don’t Let Competitors Get Ahead

Every day you delay training is an opportunity for competitors to gain ground. By enrolling in ASME Section VIII training, your team will master pressure vessel design and inspection according to global standards, ensuring safety, efficiency, and profitability. Begin your ASME journey today and secure a competitive edge—because in business, staying ahead is everything.

About PetroSync Global Internasional
PetroSync was established in Singapore in 2010 and began its expansion into Indonesia in 2013. To this day, PetroSync has become a leading oil and gas training provider, with a participant passing rate as high as 90%.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES 

Saturday, October 25, 2025

Prepare the Perfect Holiday Gift: Experience the Smart Reluxe V3 by Ogawa

This holiday season, give the gift of wellness, luxury, and innovation with the OGAWA Smart Reluxe V3. More than just a massage chair, the Smart Reluxe V3 is designed to bring the spa experience into the comfort of your own home—perfect for those who deserve the gift of relaxation and care.

As the holiday rush approaches, OGAWA encourages families to look beyond the usual presents and invest in wellness gifts that truly last. With its advanced features and sleek design, the Smart Reluxe V3 delivers the ultimate blend of comfort, technology, and therapeutic relief.

SMART FEATURES FOR A RELAXING SEASON

The Smart Reluxe V3 boasts innovative functions that elevate the massage experience to new heights. Its Voice Command and Touch Screen controls allow effortless customization, while a built-in Bluetooth speaker lets you enjoy music as you unwind. The Zero Gravity mode reduces spinal pressure and improves circulation, perfectly complemented by 12 auto programs and 6 manual massage modes for personalized therapy. 

With airbag massage technology that provides comprehensive relief for arms, shoulders, and legs, along with an enhanced leg massage system and foot rollers that deliver deep comfort and improved circulation, relaxation has never been more complete. Added touches like the waist heating button, which soothes sore muscles, and the spot or partial back massage function, which targets problem areas with precision, make every session feel tailor-made for ultimate relief.

A GIFT THAT LASTS

Priced at Php 259,000.00 SRP but available this season at a special discounted price of Php 179,000.00, the Smart Reluxe V3 is the perfect investment in health and happiness. Customers can take advantage of exclusive holiday benefits such as Buy Now, Pay Later with 0% interest, flexible installment plans of up to 36 months, a 2-year warranty that includes the leather upholstery, and FREE delivery within Metro Manila. Backed by OGAWA’s ISO-certified wellness products, families can be assured of world-class quality, durability, and a gift that keeps on giving well beyond the holiday season.

WELLNESS WITHIN REACH

With over 30 branches operating nationwide, OGAWA makes premium wellness easily accessible to Filipinos. In Metro Manila, customers can find stores in landmark destinations such as Shangri-La Plaza, SM Megamall, Greenbelt 5, One Ayala Makati, Uptown Mall BGC, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Robinsons Manila, Ayala Malls Vertis North, Eastwood Mall, Robinsons Magnolia, SM Fairview, SM North EDSA The Block, UP Town Center, Greenhills Promenade 3, Gateway Mall, Alabang Town Center, Evia Lifestyle Center, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, OKADA Manila, SM BF ParaƱaque, and Newport Mall. Beyond the metro, OGAWA is also present in key cities through SM City Bacoor, Ayala Solenad 3, and SM Sta. Rosa in Laguna; SM Seaside City Cebu; SM Lanang Premier in Davao; SM Clark in Pampanga; and SM City Olongapo Central.

Whether in-store or online, OGAWA ensures a seamless shopping experience for all. Customers can easily explore the brand’s collection, place orders, and send inquiries through OGAWA’s official website, as well as their Facebook and Instagram pages—making wellness just a click away.

WELLNESS, WRAPPED FOR THE HOLIDAYS

“The Smart Reluxe V3 is more than a chair—it’s a gift of health, rest, and time for yourself and your loved ones,” said Marianne Narag, Marketing Head, OGAWA Philippines. “We believe that wellness is the most meaningful present one can give, especially during the holidays.”

This holiday season, make the OGAWA Smart Reluxe V3 the centerpiece of your gift-giving. Because nothing says love more than giving the people who matter most the chance to recharge, relax, and experience true well-being.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Join PetroSync ASME Training — Where Expertise Meets Excellence

  



Join PetroSync ASME Training and elevate your team’s expertise. Boost productivity, streamline operations, and save costs with certified ASME courses — stay ahead of competitors.

Don’t Let Your Team Fall Behind — Elevate Their Skills Today

Imagine your team tackling complex pressure equipment or piping projects without the latest ASME knowledge. While competitors invest in continuous learning, your team risks delays, mistakes, and missed opportunities. With ASME PCC-2 training, your engineers gain the expertise to repair pressure equipment safely and efficiently, boosting productivity and ensuring your team stays ahead. Companies that prioritize skill development report a measurable increase in team output — sometimes up to 25% higher than industry average.

Streamline Operations or Watch Costs Soar

Operational inefficiencies silently drain profits. Ineffective processes and mismanaged projects can lead to costly downtime. Investing in ASME Section I training empowers your staff to operate power boilers with precision, reducing errors and streamlining workflows. Add AI-powered chatbots to assist in routine inspections and maintenance queries, and you can cut operational costs by up to 20%, freeing budget for strategic initiatives rather than firefighting issues.

Master Pressure Equipment & Piping Before Competitors Do

Your competitors aren’t waiting. They are certifying their engineers in process piping, pressure vessels, and complex power systems. By enrolling your team in ASME B31.3 training and ASME Section VIII training, you secure your company’s technical advantage. Skilled, certified engineers handle projects faster, minimize rework, and safeguard operational integrity — critical factors in keeping clients loyal and preventing them from switching to more capable competitors.

Future-Proof Your Business with Certified Expertise

Investing in ASME training isn’t just about compliance — it’s about trust, credibility, and staying competitive. Companies that continuously upskill their workforce experience stronger client retention and higher market confidence. Picture a future where your team is not only compliant but leading the industry in safety, efficiency, and innovation — leaving competitors scrambling to catch up. With PetroSync ASME courses, you’re not just training engineers; you’re future-proofing your business.

About PetroSync Global Internasional
PetroSync was established in Singapore in 2010 and began its expansion into Indonesia in 2013. To this day, PetroSync has become a leading oil and gas training provider, with a participant passing rate as high as 90%.
 
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Monday, October 13, 2025

Straw Innovations launches Philippines’ first Rice Straw Bioenergy Hub in Laguna

   

On October 7, 2025, Straw Innovations and partners launched the Rice Straw Bioenergy Hub in Pila, Laguna — the first in the country. The Hub was inaugurated by the British Embassy Manila, Department of Agriculture (DA) and its different agencies, and Laguna LGUs in attendance. The Hub showcases world-first technologies: ✅ Straw Traktor® – collects straw even in wet fields, saving fuel & doubling efficiency ✅ Takavator™ – turns straw into biochar for soil health & carbon credits ✅ Koolmill™ – uses 90% less energy in milling, reducing grain losses ✅ Biogas Hub – clean energy from rice straw Beyond technology, the Hub puts farmers first — with leasing schemes for service providers and new uses for straw such as swine bedding and composting. This milestone helps the Philippines cut methane emissions, boost farmer incomes, and build a more climate-resilient rice sector.

Pila, Laguna — October 9, 2025. The Philippines’ first Rice Straw Bioenergy Hub was officially launched in Pila, Laguna on October 7, bringing together national leaders, local officials, international partners, and farmers to showcase groundbreaking solutions that transform rice straw from waste into valuable products.

The event was attended by the Economic and Climate Counsellor Lloyd Cameron of the British Embassy Manila, Regional Executive Director of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region IV-A Fidel L. Libao, Chair of the Committee on Agriculture for the Province of Laguna, Hon. Karla Adajar-Lajara, representatives from other DA agencies, institutional partners, farmer leaders, and local government officials from the province of Laguna.

The Hub demonstrates how rice straw, an abundant but often wasted by-product of rice farming, can be transformed into valuable products such as renewable energy, biochar, and soil amendments. This innovation offers solutions to some of the Philippines’ most pressing challenges in rice farming: open-field burning, greenhouse gas emissions, high production costs, and low farmer incomes.

The Hub, developed by Straw Innovations Inc. with partners Aston University, Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), Koolmill Systems, Takachar, and Innovate UK, demonstrated how rice straw can be upcycled into biochar, renewable energy, soil amendments, and livestock bedding—while also providing farmers with new business opportunities and reducing harmful methane emissions.

Technologies Showcased

At the launch, participants witnessed live demonstrations of:

Straw Traktor® – a world-first 3-in-1 machine that can collect rice straw even in wet conditions, while spreading soil amendments and rotavating land.

Takavator™ (by Takachar) – a portable system that converts rice straw into biochar, improving soil health and enabling carbon credit opportunities.

Koolmill – a next-generation rice mill that uses up to 90% less energy and reduces grain breakage, increasing profits.

Biogas Production – a demonstration of how low-quality rice straw can be used to produce clean, renewable energy for rural communities.

A Farmer-Centered Approach

Beyond technology, the Hub is designed to put farmers at the center of innovation. By making machinery financially accessible, local farmers and entrepreneurs can run profitable businesses offering harvesting and land preparation services. In pilot sites, some operators have already improved their livelihoods to the point of renovating their homes and supporting their families’ education.

Rice straw is also being piloted as deep-litter bedding for swine farmers, reducing waste management costs and producing compost as an additional income source. These early interventions demonstrate how straw management can support farming communities socially, economically, and environmentally.

“What Straw Innovations has done is a huge help—not only are they a business, but they are truly helping the farmers. Not just for us, but we are also able to provide our services to our fellow farmers at a lower cost. That’s why Straw Innovations’ arrival is such a big deal.”
— Leonardo Lospe Jr., Farmer, Straw Innovations Partner

Partnerships with Local Government and Agencies

The success of this initiative relies on close collaboration with Philippine government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Department of Science and Technology (DOST), as well as municipal agriculture offices in Laguna and nearby provinces.

“DA-CRAO welcomes partnerships that can help integrate rice straw solutions into local programs and pilots, supporting productivity, emissions reduction, and rural livelihoods.”
— Director Agnes Catherine Miranda, Department of Agriculture - Climate Resilient Agriculture Office 

“Aligned with SEARCA’s mission to empower farmers, the development of rice straw management solutions will not only contribute to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions but also enable communities to turn agricultural wastes into livelihood opportunities that increase incomes. The promotion of policy-backed innovative technologies and strategies indeed help drive the use of climate smart practices that are beneficial to agriculture and environment.”
— Dr. Mercedita Sombilla, Center Director, SEARCA

“Businesses which treat climate risks as opportunities will define the markets of the future. When UK science meets Philippine innovation, rice straw becomes more than a byproduct, it becomes part of the solution. That partnership lies at the core of the Rice Straw Bioenergy Hub: harnessing new technology, developing local business models, and increasing productivity.”
— Mr. Lloyd Cameron, Economic and Climate Counsellor, British Embassy Manila

Driving Climate Action and Food Security

Rice is the lifeblood of the Philippines, feeding over 115 million Filipinos and sustaining millions of smallholder farmers. But it also sits at the heart of a global challenge. As a staple food for more than half the world’s population — with 90% of rice grown in Asia — the crop is increasingly vulnerable to climate extremes. Floods, droughts, and typhoons threaten harvests, while rising demand continues to put pressure on food systems. 

At the same time, rice farming comes with a steep climate cost. Across Asia, rice straw is often left to rot or is burned in the field, releasing methane, a greenhouse gas more than 80 times more potent than CO₂ in the short term. In the Philippines alone, millions of tons of straw are burned each year, contributing to poor air quality, respiratory health issues, and climate-forcing emissions. In fact, rice cultivation is the country’s largest source of methane emissions, a major contributor to climate change.

The Rice Straw Bioenergy Hub offers a game-changing solution. By deploying innovations like the Straw Traktor®, which works even in flooded fields, farmers can now collect straw efficiently, halve methane emissions, and prepare land quickly enough to unlock an additional harvest each year. With complementary technologies like the Takavator™ biochar system, Koolmill’s energy-efficient rice mill, and biogas production, the Hub transforms what was once a waste problem into a suite of solutions that enhance soil fertility, sequester carbon, generate renewable energy, and improve rural livelihoods.

This integrated model directly supports the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement by cutting methane and carbon emissions from agriculture, while also strengthening food security and farmer income. Beyond climate targets, the approach delivers immediate co-benefits: healthier air for rural communities, reduced costs for farmers, and a pathway towards low-emission, regenerative agriculture that helps the Philippines to remain resilient in the face of global food and climate crises.

About Straw Innovations Inc.

Straw Innovations Inc. is a sustainability-focused agritech company transforming rice straw — one of Asia’s largest agricultural waste streams — into valuable resources. Founded in 2018 and based in Laguna, Philippines, the company pioneers the Reverse Refinery™ model, integrating technologies like the Straw Traktor®, Takavator™, and KoolMill™ to reduce costs, save energy, and boost farmer incomes. Working with partners across Asia, Straw Innovations is helping rice farmers unlock new income streams while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building a more resilient, efficient rice supply chain.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Sunday, October 12, 2025

Turn API Knowledge into Industry Power – Join PetroSync Now

 

While You’re Waiting, Your Competitors Are Winning

Imagine this: while you're still considering your next move, your competitors are already investing in their teams—getting them certified, updated, and trained on critical API standards. They’re not just sitting back; they’re leveling up. And what does that mean for you?

It means they're ahead. They're becoming the safer, faster, more trusted option in the eyes of clients and regulators. In a landscape where every decision can affect millions in revenue or reputation, being second is not an option. If your team isn’t up-to-date on API standards, they’re not just behind—they’re vulnerable.

That’s why PetroSync offers cutting-edge programs like the API 653 training, specifically tailored for professionals responsible for storage tank integrity. Equip your team now—or risk watching the opportunity pass to someone else.

Don’t Let Outdated Knowledge Cost You the Contract

Global standards change. Asset integrity requirements evolve. And the contracts you want? They're increasingly awarded to teams that know the latest API protocols—not those who "plan to learn them."

Without certified expertise, it’s easy to overlook crucial damage mechanisms or fail inspections that delay projects. These delays cost money. Worse, they cost trust. Clients and stakeholders expect assurance—not excuses.

Courses like our API 571 training help your team stay ahead of equipment failures and inspection risks by mastering the science behind degradation. Because in today's market, knowledge isn't power—applied knowledge is.

Operational Inefficiency Is an Invitation to Be Replaced

Companies that neglect training often find themselves overwhelmed by preventable downtime, inspection failures, and unexpected shutdowns. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about competitiveness.

Studies have shown that companies leveraging structured technical training see:

21% higher productivity19% greater operational efficiencyAnd up to 15% cost savings—especially when integrating AI and automated inspection systems alongside well-trained personnel.

When teams are certified through programs like API 570 training for piping inspectors or API 510 training for pressure vessels, they don’t just follow—they lead.

You Can’t Afford to Fall Behind—Train Smarter, Compete Harder

The oil & gas and petrochemical industries are transforming rapidly. Clients expect better. Regulators demand more. And the window to stay ahead is getting smaller by the day.

PetroSync doesn’t just train your team—we elevate your company’s reputation. Our API programs are led by seasoned experts, tailored to your region’s needs, and designed to make sure your team doesn’t just pass the exam—they master the material.

If you want your business to thrive—not just survive—it’s time to invest in what truly matters: your people’s expertise.

About PetroSync Global Internasional
PetroSync was established in Singapore in 2010 and began its expansion into Indonesia in 2013. To this day, PetroSync has become a leading oil and gas training provider, with a participant passing rate as high as 90%.
 

This press release has also been published in VRITIMES

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

API Expertise Starts Here – Join PetroSync Training Today

Advance faster in oil & gas with PetroSync’s API training. Gain expertise, ensure safety, and unlock career opportunities.

When Your Competitor Moves Faster, What’s Holding You Back?

Imagine this: your closest competitor just announced zero non-compliance issues in their latest inspection report. Meanwhile, your team is still scrambling to interpret the latest API Standard.

This isn’t a fictional scenario. In today’s high-stakes oil and gas industry, those who upskill fastest, win fastest. The reality? Companies that invest in structured API training are outperforming those who don’t—by a large margin.

Your competitor’s edge isn’t always technology—it’s their people. And if your team isn’t equipped with the right API knowledge, you’re not just falling behind. You’re giving others permission to lead.

Productivity Drops Don’t Always Come from the Market

We often blame market instability or supply chain issues for declining performance. But let’s be honest—when deadlines are missed, audits fail, and reworks pile up, it’s often due to a lack of technical competency on the ground.

According to a recent McKinsey study, companies that prioritized upskilling saw productivity improvements of up to 25%. How? By aligning their teams with industry-recognized certifications such as API 510, which ensures pressure vessel integrity through accurate inspection and evaluation.

This isn’t just training. It’s transformation.

The Hidden Cost of Delayed Training

You may think training is expensive. But what about the cost of failure?

When your team doesn’t understand API standards inside-out, you’re not just risking minor delays. You’re risking shutdowns, safety breaches, and penalties. Worse, you're losing client trust.

Let’s not forget operational inefficiencies—something that can cost your company millions over time. Teams trained in API 510 training consistently report reduced inspection time, fewer reworks, and faster compliance clearance.

And with modern support tools like AI-driven inspection chatbots, efficiency skyrockets even more. One case study showed a 30% reduction in inspection-related downtime thanks to AI-assisted decision-making post-training.

Empower Your Team Before Others Overtake You

By joining PetroSync, you're not just accessing certified API training—you’re unlocking a competitive strategy.

Our expert-led programs are designed to elevate operational excellence, empower professionals, and align your team with the most current API practices. Whether you’re a plant manager, operations head, or senior engineer, the path to greater confidence and performance starts with a single step.

And that step is today. Not tomorrow. Because every day you wait, your competitor gets stronger.

About PetroSync Global Internasional

PetroSync was established in Singapore in 2010 and began its expansion into Indonesia in 2013. To this day, PetroSync has become a leading oil and gas training provider, with a participant passing rate as high as 90%.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES


P.A. Properties and P.A. Hankyu join the National Housing Expo 2025 in support of the 4PH Program

P.A. Properties  and its joint venture company,  P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin (P.A. Hankyu),  joined the  National Housing Expo 2025  at t...