8th Isla Cup Golf Tournament: A Day of Golf and Giving

(TAGAYTAY CITY, CAVITE – PHILIPPINES) The lush greens of Tagaytay Highlands recently witnessed a blend of sporting prowess and philanthropic spirit as the 8th Isla Cup Golf Tournament, proudly presented by Isla LPG Corporation (ILC), took center stage.

CEREMONIAL TEE. Tomoaki Asai, CEO of Isla Petroleum and Gas Corporation and Jose Ricardo Delgado, Excom Chairman - Isla Petroleum & Gas Corporation,  tees off the 8th Isla Cup Golf Tournament, a day of friendly competition and networking.

A total of 110 golf enthusiasts who are also partners, customers and stakeholders graced the event. The day began with a hearty breakfast and acquaintances, setting the stage for a day filled with friendly competition and camaraderie.

From its inception, the Isla Cup Golf Tournament’s objective is to thank its customers and partners for their trust and confidence.  The company regard their customers, clients and business partners as key drivers for their success. 

That is why they build their relationship through the Isla Cup Golf Tournament. The golf tournament is the company’s way of taking care of its customers and valuing its business relationship with a long term perspective.

“We are very happy that the 8th Isla Cup Golf Tournament is very successful and we really appreciate the participation of all our customers” said TomoAki Asai, Chief Executive Officer, Isla Petroleum and Gas Corporation.

 “In the past, our annual golf tournament is a means for our customers and partners to have fun and get together. But now, we also enjoin them to be part of our CSR which is Alab Kalinga making it a day of competitive golf with a cause” added Asai.

THANK YOU FROM ISLA LPG CORPORATION. Jose Ricardo Delgado, Chairman of Isla Group Petroleum and Gas Corporation, greets participants at the 8th Isla Cup Golf Tournament, expressing his gratitude for their participation and support.

“We have been organizing the Isla Cup Golf Tournament for eight years as our way of bringing in our customers, partners and stakeholders together for a really fun morning and lunch together” said Jose Ricardo Delgado, Excom Chairman - Isla Petroleum & Gas Corporation (IPG). “It’s also the best way to connect to our customers all in one event and this is also a way for us to show appreciation to them, and for us to treat them for a very good time” added Delgado.

TEEING OF THE DAY. A great morning of golf and connecting with fellow players and guests at the 8th Isla Cup Golf Tournament.

This year’s edition of the Isla Cup Golf Tournament is special as it is aimed at giving back to different communities. During the cup, Isla LPG sold mulligans with the proceeds collected going to Alab Kalinga , the company’s corporate social responsibility arm.

“The objective of the Isla Cup Golf Tournament is to primarily thank our customers who have been with us all this time and to give them a good time through golf as we make sure that they really feel that we value them as our customers, clients, and business” said Jose Antonio “Banjo” Castillo, Chief Operating Officer, Isla Petroleum and Gas Corporation.

The success of the 8th Isla Cup Golf Tournament serves as a testament to the power of sports in bringing people together for a common cause. With the unwavering support of ILC and the enthusiastic participation of its customers and business partners, the event is poised to continue its tradition for years to come.

ABOUT ISLA LPG CORPORATION

Isla LPG Corporation (ILC) is a leading LPG supplier in the Philippines, providing LPG for household, commercial and industrial use. The company's flagship brand, Solane, is one of the most recognizable brands in the country.

Isla LPG Corp.'s business-to-business aspect involves providing LPG solutions to a wide range of commercial and industrial clients.

Industrial Fuel Supply:

· Isla LPG Corp. supplies LPG to industries that use it as a fuel source for various processes, such as:

Manufacturing        plants

Factories

Power        generation

Forklift        operation

Commercial Applications:

Businesses       in the hospitality and food service sectors:

Restaurants

Hotels

Catering        services

Malls

Food        Chains

Infrastructure and Support:

ILC       provide the necessary infrastructure and support for businesses to safely       and efficiently utilize LPG, including:

Bulk        storage solutions

Installation        and maintenance services

Technical        expertise

· ILC came into being through the acquisition of Shell's LPG business in the Philippines. This marked a significant shift in the country's LPG landscape. This acquisition was completed in two stages, and the corporation was incorporated on July 14, 2011.

· ILC is primarily focused on the distribution and marketing of LPG, notably under the brand name "Solane." The company plays a vital role in providing LPG to households and businesses across the Philippines, contributing to the country's energy needs.

· Isla LPG Corporation is leading the way in collaborating with different industries to promote LPG Fuel conversion as a means to replace traditional fuels with a more efficient, economical and environment-friendly source of energy.

PalawanPay e-Wallet Unlocks Exclusive Eraserheads Concert Access and Enhances Fan Experience

In a move that seamlessly blends fintech innovation with the fervent passion of Filipino music enthusiasts, PalawanPay is revolutionizing the concert ticketing experience for the highly anticipated Eraserheads Electric Fun Music Festival. By serving as the official payment partner, PalawanPay is not just facilitating transactions; it's delivering exclusive early access and a streamlined purchasing process, all within the convenience of a mobile app.

PalawanPay's integration with the Electric Fun Music Festival marks a significant step towards digitizing the live entertainment landscape in the Philippines. Instead of enduring traditional ticketing queues, fans can now secure their spots through a few taps on their smartphones. This mobile-first approach leverages the widespread adoption of digital wallets, effectively bridging the gap between tech-savvy consumers and the live event industry.

The PalawanPay app features a dedicated section for Eraserheads ticket purchases, simplifying the user journey. The platform's intuitive interface allows users to select their preferred ticket tier, add to cart, and complete transactions within minutes. This seamless process is further enhanced by the app's real-time transaction confirmation and digital receipt generation, eliminating the need for physical paperwork.

Are you ready to score concert tickets to the most anticipated music festival? What if we tell you…it’s as easy as a few taps on your phone?

Great news for Eraserheads fans: PalawanPay is giving you first dibs on the much-anticipated concert happening on May 31, 2025, at the SMDC Festival Grounds! An even sweeter deal that will surely take you to Alapaap: all tickets purchased through PalawanPay from March 29 to April 16 come with a 5% discount! Yes, regardless of ticket tier!

As the official payment partner at the Electric Fun Music Festival, PalawanPay is giving its users exclusive early access to ticket sales ahead of the general public. That’s right – save your energy for the concert as you get to skip the long queue! Be the first to grab your spot to rock with Ely, Marcus, Raimund, and Buddy, plus other iconic OPM bands!

Get First Dibs and 5% Discount on Eraserheads Tickets via PalawanPay in Four Easy Steps:

1) Download and Sign Up for PalawanPay.

●        Just scan the QR code or open your app store (Google Play, Apple App Store, or Huawei App Gallery) and download PalawanPay!

2) Upgrade Your Account to Get it Verified.

●        Tap ‘Upgrade Now’ in your PalawanPay app and follow the steps.

●        Submit 1 valid primary ID or 2 secondary IDs. Then wait for a few minutes for the confirmation! This will be a breeze as long as there are no errors and your ID is clear.

3) Buy Your Eraserheads Tickets in the PalawanPay App.

●        Open PalawanPay and tap ‘Eraserheads’

●        Choose the ticket you like!

●        Tap ‘Add to Cart’, then go to your Cart and tap ‘Checkout’

●        Enter your contact details and tap ‘Proceed to Payment’

●        Done! You’ll get a Transaction Reference Number in your email.

4) Claim Your Tickets at SM Ticket Outlets the Next Day!

●        Go to any SM Ticket outlet after 24 hours

●        Show them your Transaction Reference Number from your email

●        Get your ticket and have the best night at the Electric Fun Music Festival!

And that’s not all!

Everyone who purchases tickets from PalawanPay from March 29 to April 16 will be eligible for the raffle draw. A fan will be granted four SVIP tickets so they can tag their barkada along.

Explaining the mechanics of the promo, John Paulo Llamera, Brand Manager of PalawanPay shared, “if the winner already purchased an SVIP ticket, the total cost will be refunded, and they will be given three more SVIP tickets. But if a lower-tier ticket was availed, an automatic upgrade to SVIP will be implemented.”

Third Librea, CEO of PalawanPay, remarked, “The Eraserheads continue to be relevant and extremely popular. Even today’s youth sing along to their hits! We are beyond thrilled to be part of this concert. PalawanPay users deserve front-row opportunities, and this is our way of saying thank you for their continued trust and support.”

Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime chance to relive the Eraserheads magic!

Download PalawanPay, register and verify your account today and get ready to rock with the legends on May 31!

For more details, follow PalawanPay on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT PALAWAN GROUP OF COMPANIES:

The Palawan Group of Companies includes products and services such as Palawan Pawnshop, Palawan Express Pera Padala, Palawan ProtekTODO, Palawan Credit, and PalawanPay. A brand trusted by Filipinos for almost four decades, PGC is one of the fastest-growing financial institutions in the country. With its strength in remittance and pawning services, the company is the market leader in the industry and has over 70,000 branches, Pera Padala outlets, and PalawanPay Money Shops nationwide.

The Palawan Group of Companies offers a wide range of services, including pawning, domestic and international remittances, microinsurance, bills payment, electronic mobile phone loading, cash-in and cash-out of e-wallets, money exchange, ATM withdrawal, and cash disbursements. Additionally, the company sells jewelry and gold bars, catering to customers looking to invest in valuable assets.

Palawan Group of Companies introduced PalawanPay, an e-wallet app that allows users to send and receive remittances anytime, anywhere. PalawanPay is the company’s latest digital solution, offering faster, safer, and more convenient transactions. In addition to remittances, the app provides access to other financial services, including bills payments, mobile load top-ups, and scan-to-pay QR Ph codes. The app also features integrated functionality for pawn renewal, purchasing jewelry and gold items, ProtekTODO personal insurance, and claiming international remittances.

Palawan Group of Companies is supervised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

For more information, go to Palawan Pawnshop and PalawanPay Websites.

SM strengthens pivot to solar PVs in support of DOE’s renewable energy goals

 SM strengthens pivot to solar PVs in support of DOE’s renewable energy goals

SM City Bataan and its 4,060-piece solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have a peak capacity of 2,376,000 kW.

As the world continues to grapple with depleting resources, the need for renewable energy has never been more urgent. Malls, as significant energy consumers, have a unique opportunity to lead the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future by adopting renewable energy solutions that can significantly reduce their environmental impact.

Understanding this, SM has been continuously ramping up its renewable energy initiatives by adopting solutions that lower its carbon footprint. One such solution is the adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which provide clean and renewable energy by converting sunlight directly into electricity. This allows SM to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, lower energy costs, and contribute to a greener environment.

Expanding solar power across SM malls

As of February 2025, SM is nearing full operations for the solar PV systems installed in 45 of its properties across the country, with more slated for retrofitting soon.

SM’s use of solar PV systems is just one of the many ways the company has been taking a more sustainable approach to energy use while supporting the country in achieving its sustainability goals. Its efforts continue to be recognized by reputable institutions both locally and internationally. 

Industry recognition for SM's sustainability efforts

For instance, SM’s flagship mall, SM Mall of Asia, was recognized at the 2024 Energy Efficiency Excellence Awards and Sustainable Energy Awards organized by the Department of Energy (DOE). It won the Sustainable Energy Award for a Private Institution for its solar PV system, which is capable of generating 2.7-megawatts (MW) of peak energy---enough to power 1,790 households for an entire year. 

Meanwhile, SM City Butuan was recognized under the New and Existing Building category at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Energy Awards 2024 Best Practices Competition for Energy-Efficient Buildings. Endorsed by the DOE to represent the Philippines, the mall was honored for advancing energy efficiency and conservation (EEC) innovations in its design and operations.

Supporting the DOE's Renewable Energy Roadmap

Alongside its efforts to integrate renewable energy sources into its operations, SM is also committed to supporting the DOE in achieving its targets under the Renewable Energy Roadmap 2017-2040, particularly its goal to increase the country's renewable energy installed capacity to at least 20,000 MW by 2040.

SM City Tanza is one of the 45 SM malls with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, numbering 2,286 units, which will produce 1,257.30 kW peak solar power.

Public-Private Partnerships for a sustainable future

SM collaborates with partner solar PV system providers under the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Distributed Energy Resources program. These service contracts define the conditions of the partnership, project timelines, and the assigned malls for each provider, aligning with SM's adoption of renewable energy.

"At SM, sustainability is a commitment. Our growing solar portfolio demonstrates our dedication to a greener future for the Philippines, in partnership with the DOE and our valued partners," shared SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance Group Engr. Liza Silerio.

 “Together, we’re not just generating cost savings – we’re shaping a more sustainable future by supporting long-term environmental goals of our partners while contributing to the Philippines’ green transition,” said Green Heat Corporation Director Glenn Tong. Green Heat is one of SM’s solar PV system providers.

 

SM City Butuan with its solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. 

A model for sustainable development

Beyond its environmental and economic benefits, SM’s implementation of solar PV systems serves as a progressive model for public-private partnerships (PPPs). By collaborating with the DOE, SM gains access to technical expertise and financial incentives while helping the country meet its sustainability goals. This approach promotes innovation, creates jobs, and sets a precedent for other commercial establishments to follow.

DOE's support for sustainable energy development

“The DOE has implemented sustainable energy development strategies and institutionalized national and local capabilities, and we are heartened by the strong support we have received from both the private and public sectors,” said DOE Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara in her opening address at the Sustainable Energy Awards. 

To learn more about SM’s various sustainability initiatives, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

VRITIMES Partners with GeekyFaust to Elevate Technology News and Content Distribution

VRITIMES Inc. Jan 27, 2025

January 27, 2025 – VRITIMES, a leading platform for press release distribution, is thrilled to announce its partnership with GeekyFaust, a renowned technology site based in Davao City, Philippines. Founded in 2009, GeekyFaust has grown from a personal blog into a trusted source of tech news, reviews, and insights. This collaboration aims to provide tech enthusiasts, businesses, and organizations with a powerful platform to amplify their stories and reach a wider audience.

With VRITIMES’ innovative press release distribution technology, businesses can now seamlessly connect with GeekyFaust’s tech-savvy readers, ensuring that announcements about technology advancements, product launches, and industry insights resonate with the right audience.

“We’re honored to partner with GeekyFaust, a site that has made significant contributions to the tech community in Davao and beyond,” said Ferry Bayu, CEO of VRITIMES. “This collaboration not only allows us to support local and national tech stories but also provides businesses with a platform that understands and engages the modern tech enthusiast.”

 Known for its authentic and insightful tech content, GeekyFaust is a go-to destination for technology lovers seeking honest reviews, how-to guides, and the latest tech trends.

Through this partnership, VRITIMES and GeekyFaust are set to elevate the reach of technology news in the Philippines, fostering deeper connections between businesses and the ever-evolving tech community.

Contact

VRITIMES Media Relations: marketing@vritimes.com

Solar PV Systems

Imagine a world powered by the sun, the ultimate source of life. As climate change worsens due to fossil fuel use, sustainable energy alternatives are more crucial than ever. 

The Philippines, with its abundant sunlight, is uniquely positioned to harness solar power and help combat climate change. In 2024, Manila experienced around 4,440 hours of daylight, which translates to a significant potential for solar energy production.

SM Prime recognized this potential early on. In 2014, SM North EDSA became the first commercial property in the Philippines to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on its roof, achieving the largest installation in Southeast Asia at the time. This move signaled the beginning of SM Prime’s commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency.

SM Supermalls President Steven Tan explains, “SM’s environmental sustainability began with energy and water conservation. Revolutionizing our malls’ energy efficiency through renewable sources magnifies our responsibility to serving people and the planet.”

Today, SM Supermalls operates 44 malls with solar PV systems, generating a combined peak energy of 51.6 megawatts (MW). The largest installation is at SM City Santa Rosa. 

With a total of 96,000 solar panels across malls in Luzon and Visayas, SM Prime holds the Philippines’ largest solar energy portfolio, covering around 33 hectares. These efforts are a vital part of the company’s Net Zero by 2040 strategy, aimed at reducing its carbon footprint.

This 51.6 MW capacity significantly cuts carbon emissions, providing clean energy that powers thousands of homes or removes thousands of cars from the roads. It also reduces the need for coal, offering environmental benefits for both the planet and local communities.

The solar power generated directly fuels essential mall operations like lighting and escalators, reducing SM Supermalls' reliance on the national grid. This, in turn, helps stabilize the power supply, reducing the risk of outages and easing the burden on electricity providers. By tapping into clean, renewable energy, SM Prime is contributing to a more sustainable future for the Philippines.

SM Prime’s sustainability efforts extend beyond solar energy. The company also focuses on waste management, water conservation, and air quality initiatives, all designed to minimize environmental impact. 

Through these comprehensive measures, SM Prime strives to create a positive change while ensuring responsible, innovative operations.

In sum, SM Prime’s large-scale adoption of solar PV systems, combined with its broader environmental initiatives, exemplifies its dedication to creating a sustainable future for the Philippines. By leading in renewable energy and sustainability, SM Prime is helping pave the way for a cleaner, greener, and brighter tomorrow.

SolX Technologies: Advancing 365 MW Capacity and PHP 500M Savings with Tech Energy Solutions

SolX Technologies Inc. Jan 10, 2025

In 2024, SolX Technologies' clients realized total savings of PHP 500 million through innovative energy solutions applied across 365 MW of capacity in industrial facilities, commercial establishments, and educational institutions.

Manila, Philippines – January 2025 – SolX Technologies Inc. is at the forefront of transforming the Philippine energy landscape, empowering businesses to address regulatory compliance challenges, sustainability, and operational efficiency. In 2024, SolX Technologies' clients realized total savings of PHP 500 million through innovative energy solutions applied across 365 MW of capacity in industrial facilities, commercial establishments, and educational institutions.

With an average electricity savings of 25% per client—and exceptional savings of up to 40% for clients managing more than five facilities and subscribed to at least three of our services, including the Renewable Energy Marketplace (REM), Energy Efficiency and Compliance (EEC), and Energy Portfolio Management (EPM)—SolX Technologies continues to excel in delivering substantial and measurable value.

Our flagship Energy Portfolio Management (EPM) service alone has generated over PHP 220 million in savings, along with an additional PHP 80 million in cost reductions from our Renewable Energy Marketplace (RE Marketplace).

Helping Clients Meet RA 11285 Compliance

As the April 15, 2025, deadline for compliance under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (RA 11285) approaches, SolX Technologies is dedicated to guiding industries through the transition to a sustainable future. Our comprehensive Energy Efficiency and Compliance services are designed to optimize energy usage and support the adoption of renewable energy, ensuring businesses meet regulatory standards while realizing significant cost savings.

Key clients, including Converge ICT, Charter Chemical & Coating Corp., Genstar Manufacturing Corporation, the Lua Group of Companies (Nature Spring), Splash Corporation, and 21st Century Steel Mills, have partnered with SolX Technologies to enhance compliance and operational efficiencies. A prominent collaboration is with Sta. Lucia Mall.

Through this partnership, Sta. Lucia Mall aims to save PHP 1.7 million monthly by improving its energy procurement strategy and implementing energy-saving measures, resulting in significant cost reductions and enhanced operations. 

"Energy efficiency encompasses more than merely attaining compliance; it drives sustainability and facilitates long-term cost reduction," stated Atty. Bradley Cua, Co-Founder of SolX Technologies Inc.  

"Partnering with SolX Technologies has enabled us to optimize our energy procurement, securing a contract that forecasts monthly savings of PHP 1.7 million," added Ms. Andres, Vice President for Finance at Sta. Lucia Mall.

Commitment to Sustainability

SolX Technologies prioritizes regulatory compliance and promotes energy safety through workshops and consultations on responsible energy use. We invest in training for our energy auditors and data teams, fostering innovative solutions that align with the Philippine Energy Transition Strategies outlined in the Philippine Energy Plan for 2023 to 2050.

Future Outlook

With the RA 11285 compliance deadline on the horizon and growing demand for renewable energy solutions, SolX Technologies is well-positioned to continue its innovation trajectory. We remain committed to advancing solar energy adoption and providing robust support to businesses as they strive to meet regulatory milestones.

Contact

Claudio Espiol | Marketing Manager claudio.espiol@solx.ph 09332507384 

Bloom with Infinix ZERO Flip, your next ultimate accessory

November 25, 2024 — It’s always exciting when you find a fun trend that you can incorporate into your everyday style and routine. And with the year almost up, it’s time to bring some vibrancy into your life as you enter 2025 – be it a new hobby or a new vibe that makes a statement.

Top tech brand Infinix lets you get a head start with the latest Infinix ZERO Flip, the world’s first vlogging flip phone made in partnership with GoPro. This smartphone lets you capture your most memorable moments in 4K, while also inspiring you to take control and personalize your memories. 

“I get it when people say, 'Be present in the moment,' that you have to put your camera down and simply take it all in. But based on experience, you can do both,” said content creator and entrepreneur Ayn Bernos, who continues to film awesome memories with her Infinix ZERO Flip.

If you’re looking for your next statement piece, the Infinix ZERO Flip in Blossom Glow is definitely for you.

Don’t miss any angle of your life

It’s high time that you start romanticizing your life. Filipina pilot Chezka Carandang knows this very well as she gets to travel around the world for a living. “With the Infinix ZERO Flip’s 4K Vlog and ProStable video capabilities, I can capture every moment from a fresh perspective, sharing stories that lift us all to new heights,” she said.

With the Infinix ZERO Flip, you can capture every angle in crystal clear quality with the Dual 4K Vlog Cameras with ProStable video capabilities to ensure that each shot is steady and blur-free. The 50MP Front Camera is there to take perfect portraits anywhere, anytime. You can also seamlessly integrate the ZERO Flip with your GoPro, letting you expand your creative possibilities wherever you go.

Revamp your style with Blossom Glow

It’s not too late to add color to your look, and Blossom Glow is a great start. Dubbed as WSGN’s trendiest smartphone color for 2025, the bright pink is reminiscent of cherry blossoms, signifying renewal and elegance. Importantly, it’s become a symbol of women empowerment too.

The Infinix ZERO Flip also comes in stunning Blossom Glow, adding a pop of color to any outfit and can even inspire you to start wearing the shade. The pink color reflects beautifully in the light while capturing different angles with the Dual 4K ProStable Vlog Cameras. As actress Michelle Vito shares, she's able to capture all her bloom moments with the ProStable Vlog camera. "Each challenge I faced helped me grow and see myself bloom into the person I am today. 

I'm grateful to capture every step with the Infinix ZERO Flip's 4K camera and ProStable function." This kind of confidence and stylishness that Blossom Glow brings is the perfect vibe for the new year.

Fuel your creativity however you want

As a stylish vlogging phone, the Infinix ZERO Flip can inspire you to be creative and express yourself more all year round. The nifty AI tools can enhance and streamline your content creation process, helping you compile videos to create an attention-grabbing vlog of your “Blossom” moments. Of course, you can also edit the videos manually on the full 120Hz display with Zero Gap Hinge and Minimal Screen Crease.

You can also get the chance to win your own Infinix ZERO Flip by posting your Blossom Glow-inspired OOTD photo or video on Facebook (don’t forget to set the post to Public!), and share your bloom story in the caption with the hashtags #BloomWithZERO Flip and #InfinixZEROFlip and tag your girlies. 

The top five entries with the most combined likes and shares will win a brand-new Infinix ZERO Flip. Plus, two lucky winners will get the awesome chance to win BLACKPINK 2025 Concert tickets.

Snap your best Blossom Glow photos and videos now. The last day for entries is December 16, 2024 at 12pm. Winners will be announced on December 20, 2024.

The new year is the perfect time to “GET IN NOW” and Bloom in your best form, just like the inspiring Infinix ZERO Flip ambassadors Ayn Bernos, Ayn Bernos, Chezka Carandang, Michelle Vito, Cherizawa, Chacha Pega, and Celeste Cortesi.

Flaunt your newest accessory, the Infinix ZERO Flip, now available at P29,999 in Blossom Glow and Rock Black. Get it now at all Infinix stores and kiosks nationwide and e-commerce sites Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok Shop.