Building Beyond Borders: P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin marks 8 years of redefining community living

 

San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines – Eight years ago, a vision shared by two real estate firms—one Filipino, one Japanese—gave birth to P.A. Properties Hankyu Hanshin (PAHH). Today, that vision stands as a living blueprint for purposeful, people-centered housing development.

What began in 2017 as a joint venture between Philippine developer P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation and Japan’s Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp. is now a significant contributor to the country’s middle-income housing landscape, with more than 5,700 housing units launched across six cities in four provinces.

“Our next 100 years begin with today,” said Keiji Okamoto, President of Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp. Philippines “Through this partnership, we’ve seen how our philosophy of long-term, people-centered development can resonate in new contexts—and help address real challenges like urban sprawl and the housing backlog.”

At the heart of the partnership is a shared belief: that decent, affordable housing should not sacrifice quality or community. This belief materialized into the Idesia brand, which today is regarded as a model for livable, sustainable communities—built around Filipino values and Japanese discipline in planning and execution.

“The foundation of our success is trust—built through years of open dialogue, shared values, and mutual respect,” said Jonathan G. Lu, President of PAHH. “What makes this partnership work is not just complementary expertise, but a genuine belief in each other’s integrity and purpose. That trust allows us to make decisions with confidence and build communities that reflect both ambition and care.”

A Partnership of Complementary Strengths

The strength of PAHH lies in its balanced synergy: combining Hankyu Hanshin’s century of experience in transit-oriented and lifestyle-rich developments in Japan with P.A. Properties’ deep understanding of the Filipino housing market.

This balance has enabled PAHH to introduce new standards in economic and mid-cost housing—from site selection and construction methodology to architectural design and customer service thus redefining community living in the country.

 “What we see in PAHH is not just a business success story,” said Romarico T. Alvarez, Chairman of P.A. Properties. “It’s proof that international partnerships can build tangible social impact—when the partnership is grounded in mutual respect and shared purpose.”

Communities with Character: A Different Kind of Growth

The Idesia developments are notable not just for their scale but also for their intentional design, where walkability, open spaces, and social connectivity are central. Unlike many large-scale subdivisions, Idesia communities are planned to foster neighborhood belonging rather than just occupancy.

The communities are currently located in:

·       Dasmariñas, Cavite – Idesia Dasmariñas Phases 1 & 2, Idesia Heights, Idesia City

·       Lipa, Batangas – Idesia Lipa

·       Cabuyao, Laguna – Idesia Cabuyao and Idesia Cabuyao East

·       San Jose del Monte, Bulacan – Idesia SJDM

Collectively, these developments span more than 73 hectares and are home to thousands of families who now enjoy access to integrated community spaces, essential services, and future commercial hubs.

Looking Ahead: Purpose-Driven Expansion

In 2024 and 2025, PAHH expanded with the launch of Idesia Cabuyao East (covering 20 hectares) and Idesia Heights Phase 2, signed MOUs for new projects in Pampanga and Metro Manila, and initiated plans to co-develop additional economic housing sites across Luzon.

Its aim: to become not just a builder of homes, but a shaper of livable futures—where Filipino families can thrive in safe, well-designed, and culturally relevant communities.

“We don’t want to grow fast. We want to grow well,” Lu added. “Our impact will be measured not just in houses delivered, but in how people live and feel in these spaces 10 or 20 years from now.”

Hachi: 8 Years of Partnership, Progress, and Purpose

As PAHH celebrates its 8th founding anniversary, it reflects not only on the communities it has built but also on the trust and shared mission that have fueled its journey. The Japanese word for eight, “Hachi,” symbolizes prosperity and continuity—a fitting theme for this milestone year: “Hachi: 8 Years of Partnership, Progress, and Purpose.”

Eight years on, PAHH continues to demonstrate how genuine collaboration—rooted in trust and guided by purpose—can create not just housing, but hope, belonging, and a better future.

About P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation

Founded in 2017, PAHH is a joint venture between P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation (Philippines) and Hankyu Hanshin Properties Corp. (Japan). The partnership has introduced a unique model of community living through the Idesia brand, merging global standards with local realities to develop inclusive, sustainable housing communities across Luzon.

Karaoke Manekineko Introduces “Shake Shake Fries” to Complement Leisure Dining Trends

Karaoke Manekineko Malaysia has expanded its snack menu with a new playful twist, aimed at enhancing the customer experience beyond just karaoke. The introduction of the MANECKEY Shake Shake Fries signals the brand’s growing interest in snack culture and casual food trends among younger audiences.

A familiar staple gets a fun upgrade as Karaoke Manekineko rolls out its latest menu item: MANECKEY Shake Shake Fries. This new offering taps into the appeal of interactive snacking—where customers can season and shake their fries to their liking before digging in.

Designed to align with evolving dining habits, the Shake Shake Fries come with a choice of seasoning flavours and a signature packaging that encourages customer participation. While karaoke remains the core attraction, the brand is increasingly acknowledging that customers are also seeking light, enjoyable meals that complement the social and entertainment setting.

A representative from Koshidaka Malaysia noted that the snack was introduced following observations that quick, customizable bites tend to perform well among teen and young adult demographics, particularly those visiting during student hours or group hangouts.

“Snacks like these serve as a bridge between music, movement, and food,” the representative shared. “It’s about enhancing the experience without interrupting it.”

The introduction of the MANECKEY Shake Shake Fries also reflects a broader trend in the F&B space, where brands are prioritizing novelty, shareability, and minimal mess—attributes that fit well within karaoke room environments.

As part of the launch, customers may see the item featured in upcoming themed events and seasonal menus, though the product will be available as a regular item across all Karaoke Manekineko Malaysia outlets.

About Koshidaka International KL Sdn Bhd

Koshidaka International was incorporated in 2021 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as a full subsidiary of Koshidaka Holdings. The company serves as a management consultancy arm for the Karaoke Manekineko operations in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Karaoke Manekineko is a friendly and safe environment for Karaoke that is designed to accommodate a diverse range of customers, from families with young children to groups of friends and corporate teams.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

Fortress Investment Group Takes Over Therium’s Litigation Portfolio in Major Industry Shake-Up

Fortress Investment Group has quietly assumed operational control of Therium Capital Management’s global litigation-funding portfolio, completing a discreet transfer executed on 11 June 2025 after months of deep restructuring at Therium.

The hand-off, which covers more than forty active disputes spanning Europe, Asia and North America, is the largest realignment the asset class has seen since the United Kingdom’s PACCAR decision tightened recoverability rules for funders last year. Fortress, an alternative-assets manager overseeing roughly US $70 billion and already exposed to some US $6.8 billion in legal assets, will now set budgets, determine strategy and authorise capital calls for every matter previously under Therium’s watch.

Practitioners predict an immediate cultural shift. Therium historically offered flexible, claimant-friendly drawdowns and tolerated longer timelines; Fortress operates on quarterly performance metrics, demands weekly reporting and applies strict risk-adjusted return hurdles. Claimants whose cases have drifted, or whose damages models have weakened, may be pressed to accept earlier settlements, post additional security or face funding withdrawal if revised forecasts fail to satisfy those hurdles.

Insiders also anticipate tougher document scrutiny. Fortress is expected to require comprehensive counsel memoranda, granular budgets broken into six-month tranches and rolling scenario analyses before it releases each slice of capital. Lawyers who miss new benchmarks risk payment delays, while co-funders may be asked to surrender a larger share of upside to compensate for heightened volatility.

The controversial US $14.92 billion claim brought by the heirs of the Sultanate of Sulu against Malaysia remains funded but “under review.” Observers believe Fortress will keep the asset on the books until a Spanish court rules on pending annulment proceedings, yet several sources caution that further adverse findings could trigger an exit clause embedded in the transfer agreement.

Stakeholders therefore have a narrow window to renegotiate terms before Fortress completes its baseline portfolio review in early July. Delays will likely prove costly for all parties.

Analysts view the takeover as part of a broader consolidation trend in which large credit houses seek to ring-fence litigation risk during an era of rising capital costs. Should Fortress succeed in streamlining the inherited book, peers such as Burford Capital and Omni Bridgeway may pursue similar bolt-on acquisitions to defend margins and reassure investors.

For claimants and law firms the message is clear: documentation must be airtight, timelines realistic and economic models defensible, because the era of lightly monitored, open-ended funding has ended.

Image Source: Fortress Investment Group

About KnowSulu.ph

Know Sulu is a collective of scholars dedicated to preserving and sharing the Sulu people’s heritage and present-day realities. Through rigorous research and firsthand narratives, it documents Sulu’s historic leadership, cultural richness, and ongoing socioeconomic challenges. The platform amplifies Sulu voices, fosters informed dialogue, and invites partners to support a resilient community’s future.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

With JERA’s New LNG Agreements, All Eyes Turn to Tokyo as Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition 2025 Opens this Wednesday

 

JERA’s major U.S. LNG supply deal sets the stage for Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition 2025, taking place 18–20 June in Tokyo, with live commentary expected from JERA’s Global CEO and METI during the Opening Ceremony. - The Strategic Summit will feature top executives from Shell, TotalEnergies, and Linde, alongside government leaders, addressing global energy stability, LNG diversification, and clean fuel investments. - With over 100 exhibitors and sponsors, and high-level sessions, the event offers a powerful forum for energy security, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.

Just days after JERA, Japan’s largest power utility, announced landmark agreements to secure up to 5.5 million tonnes of U.S. LNG annually over 20 years, attention now turns to Tokyo where the global energy community will converge for the Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition 2025, taking place 18–20 June at Tokyo Big Sight. The timing could not be more critical. With energy security and diversification top of mind, JERA’s announcement exemplifies the type of leadership and investment that will dominate discussions throughout the three-day international summit.

Opening Ceremony: JERA’s Chair Highlights LNG's Crucial Role in Japan's Energy Strategy

JERA’s Global CEO and Chair, Mr. Yukio Kani, and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) will both address these developments live at the events’ Opening Ceremony on 18 June at 10:00. Their remarks will underscore the strategic relevance of long-term LNG supply agreements, and the indispensable role LNG continues to play in Japan’s energy resilience.

In a show of institutional alignment, the 14th LNG Producer-Consumer Conference, co-hosted by METI and the International Energy Agency (IEA), will be co-located with the Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition on 20 June for the first time, reinforcing the event’s growing prominence as a market-moving platform.

Exhibition Floor: JERA, Tokyo Gas, Aramco, and Chevron Present Energy Transition Solutions

The exhibition floor will feature major players including JERA, Tokyo Gas, Chevron, Aramco, Cheniere, JOGMEC and TotalEnergies. Attendees can explore market-ready solutions spanning LNG, ammonia, hydrogen, AI-driven optimisation, renewables, and next-generation infrastructure. JERA will also host daily live knowledge-sharing sessions at their booth, offering insights into their Digital Power Plant initiative and AI-enabled operations.

Strategic Summit: Featuring CEOs from Shell, Linde, and TotalEnergies

Beyond the exhibition, the Strategic Summit will feature a powerhouse line-up of speakers, including Wael Sawan, CEO of Shell; Sanjiv Lamba, CEO of Linde; and Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies. Discussions will centre on energy diversification, LNG certification, Scope 3 decarbonisation, and the role of clean fuels in industrial growth.

Fostering the Next Generation in Energy: The Climatetech Theatre & Diverse Networking

The Climatetech Theatre will offer free-to-attend sessions each afternoon, including the highly anticipated panel on fusion energy innovation and the final pitch round of the Energy Innovators Challenge, spotlighting next-generation startups and ideas. Side events, such as the Women in Energy Networking Reception, Future Leaders Breakfast, and a Private Networking event hosted by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), round out a packed programme of strategic engagements and high-level convenings.

In a year where Japan’s Seventh Strategic Energy Plan and international LNG dynamics are reshaping global energy policy, Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition 2025 stands as the essential meeting point to engage with decision-makers, catalyse partnerships, and secure the future of energy.

For more information or to register, visit: www.japanenergyevent.com

To request media passes: Media Registration

About DMG EVENTS ASIA PACIFIC PTE. LTD.

– Organiser of Japan Energy Summit & Exhibition dmg events is a leading global business events organiser, connecting industries and fostering innovation through world-class exhibitions, conferences, and strategic forums. Established in 1989, dmg events operates from 13 offices worldwide, delivering over 115 events annually that attract more than 650,000 attendees, driving industry growth and collaboration. With a strong presence across 10 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, South Africa, the UK, Canada, and Singapore, dmg events is uniquely positioned to understand market dynamics, cultivate meaningful relationships, and deliver impactful, market-leading experiences.

Through dmg energy events, dmg events serves as a global convening platform for the energy industry, hosting over 40 influential energy events across four continents, including ADIPEC, Gastech, EGYPES, Global Energy Show, and NOG Energy Week. These platforms bring together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and innovators to advance the global energy transition, forge strategic partnerships, and drive transformative investments. By mobilising diverse perspectives and fostering cross-sector collaboration, dmg events inspires actionable solutions to address the world’s most pressing challenges. The company is committed to accelerating a sustainable and resilient future, ensuring its platforms empower decision-makers to navigate global shifts in energy, technology, and industrial transformation. For more information, visit www.dmgevents.com.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

MANECKEY Spicy Ramen Heats Up the Menu at Karaoke Manekineko Malaysia

 As comfort food continues to evolve with local preferences, Karaoke Manekineko Malaysia has added a bold new dish to its expanding snack menu—MANECKEY Spicy Ramen. The launch signals a growing alignment between entertainment spaces and food offerings tailored for urban youth.

In response to the rising demand for flavour-forward comfort food among younger consumers, Karaoke Manekineko Malaysia has introduced a fiery new dish: MANECKEY Spicy Ramen. Served hot and infused with rich, savoury broth and a signature spicy blend, the dish is positioned as a satisfying companion to karaoke sessions.

The dish is offered in two variations: the MANECKEY Spicy Ramen, designed for those who enjoy a traditional kick, and the Spicy Carbonara Ramen, which balances heat with creamy richness. Both options are halal-certified and were curated to appeal to regular guests seeking a quick yet hearty meal between performances.

The ramen’s launch reflects a growing shift in karaoke venues that are increasingly catering to all-in-one leisure experiences—combining music, casual dining, and social gathering under one roof. For Karaoke Manekineko, this move aligns with evolving customer behaviour, especially among urban youth and working adults who view karaoke lounges as more than just music spaces, but lifestyle destinations.

While not a seasonal feature, the MANECKEY Spicy Ramen is expected to be spotlighted in upcoming campaigns and may appear in limited-edition set menus or event packages. However, the item is now part of the regular menu across all Karaoke Manekineko Malaysia outlets, and early feedback from staff and customers suggests it could become a popular staple.

From a food trend perspective, the inclusion of spicy ramen highlights a broader regional preference for customisable heat levels and comforting textures—a trend that continues to influence food service design across lifestyle entertainment venues.

About Koshidaka International KL Sdn Bhd

Koshidaka International was incorporated in 2021 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as a full subsidiary of Koshidaka Holdings. The company serves as a management consultancy arm for the Karaoke Manekineko operations in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Karaoke Manekineko is a friendly and safe environment for Karaoke that is designed to accommodate a diverse range of customers, from families with young children to groups of friends and corporate teams.

Solana in the Spotlight: Whale Transfers, ETF Hype, and Institutional Moves Spark Investor Frenzy

 

 Solana (SOL) is back in the spotlight as $320M in mysterious whale transfers, rising ETF approval odds, and surging institutional interest stir both fear and excitement. Could this altcoin be the next breakout star of 2025?

As the broader cryptocurrency market endures a wave of volatility, Solana (SOL) has become a central figure in both investor anxiety and optimism.

From sudden multi-million-dollar whale transfers to soaring ETF speculation and surging institutional interest, Solana's recent activity paints a complex but compelling picture of a blockchain network at the crossroads of speculation and adoption.

$320 Million in SOL Moved in Mysterious Whale Transfers

On June 12, the crypto market took a bearish turn, with top assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum plunging sharply.

In the midst of this downturn, on-chain analytics firm Whale Alert flagged a staggering 2,023,142 SOL, worth over $320 million, being transferred within a two-hour window. The transactions were split into two tranches:

1. The first transaction moved 1,063,142 SOL (~$169 million).

2. The second, more intriguing transfer sent 960,000 SOL (~$154 million) to a newly created wallet just one hour before the transaction.

The anonymous nature and scale of these movements raised alarms and speculation. Could these be whales offloading assets ahead of a broader correction, or internal reshuffling in preparation for institutional custody?

While no one has claimed responsibility, many analysts suggest these could be bearish whales bracing for deeper losses.

Meanwhile, SOL’s price dropped by 6.67%, hitting $146.97, underscoring growing uncertainty and fear in the market.

Source: Bitrue Platform

Futures Market Sees Institutional Inflows

Supporting the rebound is growing confidence from institutional players. According to derivatives data:

1. Open interest in Solana futures soared 12% in 24 hours, reaching $7.54 billion, just 12% shy of its all-time high.

2. This signals renewed institutional appetite, even amid elevated liquidation risks.

Solana’s Ecosystem Strengthens

Beyond price and speculation, Solana's fundamentals are showing remarkable improvement:

1. Total Value Locked (TVL) has risen to 56.8 million SOL (~$9.1 billion)—the highest since June 2022.

2. Daily active addresses have jumped 38.5%, totaling 2.7 million.

3. Key decentralized applications (DApps) have seen 77% to 300% increases in unique wallet interactions.

These metrics indicate not just investor interest, but real user engagement, laying the foundation for long-term growth.

Solana ETF Approval Odds Hit 91%

Adding fuel to the bullish fire, prediction market Polymarket has placed 91% odds on the SEC approving a spot Solana ETF by 2025. Major asset managers, VanEck, Bitwise, and Grayscale, have already filed for such products.

Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas even predicted Solana could lead an upcoming "Altcoin ETF Summer," similar to what Ethereum and Bitcoin experienced during their ETF hype cycles.

Technical analysts further point out a bull flag pattern forming on the SOL/USD weekly chart, potentially targeting a move toward $335—if momentum holds and SOL reclaims the $190 support level.

DeFi Development Corp's $1 Billion Solana Bet Hits a Regulatory Speed Bump

Source: DeFi Development Corp

In a parallel storyline, DeFi Development Corp (DDC), a Nasdaq-listed firm and self-proclaimed “Solana Treasury Company”, has run into SEC resistance on its path to raise $1 billion for additional Solana purchases.

The company attempted to file a Form S-3 registration statement on April 25 to use proceeds for buying more SOL. However, the SEC rejected the filing due to missing internal control documentation.

As a result, DDC voluntarily withdrew the request but confirmed plans to resubmit via a resale registration statement in the near future.

Despite the setback, DDC’s commitment remains strong:

1. It already holds over 609,190 SOL (~$97 million).

2. Recent purchases include 16,447 SOL at an average of $139.66.

3. The firm also adopted liquid staking, converting some of its SOL to dfdvSOL to enhance capital efficiency.

Now led by former Kraken executives, most notably Joseph Onorati, ex-Chief Strategy Officer of Kraken, DeFi Development Corp has transformed from a real estate tech company into a serious crypto player.

Conclusion: Solana Walks the Tightrope Between Fear and Opportunity

Solana is currently walking a tightrope between short-term volatility and long-term promise.

While large whale transactions and regulatory setbacks create anxiety, the concurrent rise in institutional investment, strong on-chain data, and ETF optimism point to a potentially explosive upside.

If the SEC greenlights a Solana ETF and market sentiment stabilizes, SOL could be poised to not only revisit its all-time highs but also claim a dominant role in the future of decentralized finance and blockchain infrastructure.

For investors, the message is clear: Watch Solana closely. It could be the most important altcoin story of 2025.

About Bitrue

Bitrue is a leading cryptocurrency exchange, offering a wide range of digital assets, innovative features, and user-focused services. Founded with the mission to empower the world’s crypto enthusiasts, Bitrue continues to expand its platform with new products, events, and opportunities for users worldwide.