ASCARO Presents the GoodFest Event Bringing Padel and Wellness Together

 

The inaugural GoodFest Event showcases padel sport and other wellness experiences while spotlighting ASCARO Padel & Social Club as the ideal location for hosting health and wellness activities and events.

KUALA LUMPUR, December 2024 - ASCARO Padel & Social Club, Malaysia's premiere padel destination hosted the inaugural GoodFest Event this past weekend featuring a variety of wellness activities and a padel tournament. 

As the padel sport has been gaining popularity, the event was attended by about 400 people including regular players, wellness enthusiasts, influencers, and experts from different specialties. There was also a padel tournament, The GoodFest Cup, which added a healthy dose of competition.

"I was absolutely thrilled by the amazing turnout at GoodFest! The event was a perfect blend of wellness, fun, and padel - all complemented by a fantastic weather and enthusiastic guests," shared Deserie Martinez, Head of Events and Communications at ASCARO.

THE GOODFEST EVENT

The GoodFest event showcased more than just padel as other wellness activities were also available for participants, ranging from restorative activities like yoga, meditation, and breathwork to strength-building like pilates, core and circuit workouts and barre. 

While there were many physical healthy activities, there were also talks that served as valuable food for thought. One of the topics highlighted was about ‘Mastering Manhood’ by Mauri, opening the conversation about what modern masculinity is expected in our current society. This talk brought to light the complex terrains of men needing to balance the personal and professional, with the need to stay physically and mentally strong. The talk encouraged the benefits of belonging to a supportive men’s community – one that can be fostered in places like the padel courts.

The other talk was about stem cell technology and how it has revolutionized the wellness space by Dr. Jezzamine Lim, CEO and founder of Cell Biopeutics Resources Malaysia. Cellular performance plays a big role in the recovery and aging aspect of wellness journeys; this biotechnology has introduced stem cell therapy and stem-cell-derived cosmetic products.

Finally, a padel tournament, the GoodFest Cup was the main event with 98 players competing for prizes and wellness goodies.

PROMOTING PADEL AND WELLNESS

Aside from the activities at the event, there were also a variety of products, rehab and physio consultations, and various other wellness-supportive brands. These included So Good, Dunlopillo, Fred Perry, Precise Rehab, Regen Physio & Sports Rehab, L’evive, l1vin, Glaceau Vitamin Water, Perrier and Licky Chan.

"We’re proud to have been a part of the GoodFest event, to highlight the importance of health and wellness to a vibrant audience. The event was an incredible opportunity to share the goodness of So Good plant-based milks, delighting attendees with delicious range of Oat, Almond and Soy milks and wholesome nutrition in every sip,” said Ashleigh Rothel, the Senior Brand Manager of International Sanitarium Health Food Company.

Cudis, the first AI smart ring that rewards your wellness journey was also there to introduce their technology.

“The GoodFest focus on holistic health, fitness and mindfulness perfectly reflected Cudis’ core values in empowering individuals on their wellness journey. It was great to connect with passionate fitness enthusiasts and wellness advocates and we’re thrilled to have been part of such a dynamic community event,” said Edison Chen, the Co-Founder and CEO of Cudis.

Finally, Martinez expressed her gratitude to everyone who made GoodFest a one-of-a-kind experience, adding, “A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us – our sponsors, instructors and speakers and of course ASCARO and Paloma – we are looking forward to having more events such as these!”

About Ascaro Padel and Social Club

ASCARO Padel & Social Club is a premier padel facility in Malaysia, featuring rooftop courts, top-tier gym amenities, international coaches, and a lively social atmosphere enhanced by a stylish bar. Located in Kuala Lumpur, ASCARO caters to all skill levels, offering an exceptional experience for padel enthusiasts and aiming to elevate their game.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Solana Price Outlook: Can SOL Price Reach $500 by 2025?

 

Explore Solana's price outlook and potential for reaching $500 in 2025. This analysis delves into current market trends, on-chain fundamentals, macroeconomic factors, and technical analysis to assess SOL's future trajectory.

The cryptocurrency market has seen significant activity around Solana (SOL), particularly as it attempts to stage a recovery during the holiday season. SOL's performance, coupled with macroeconomic and on-chain fundamentals, paints a nuanced picture of its short-term and long-term potential.

Current Market Trends: Solana’s Modest Rebound

As of Christmas Day 2024, Solana's price is making a modest recovery, trading just below the critical $200 mark. The asset has rebounded by 13% from its multi-week lows around $175, yet it remains significantly lower than its recent peak in the $260s.

However, despite the recent uptick, SOL is still trapped in a broader downtrend. Both the 21-day and 50-day moving averages (DMAs) suggest persistent bearish momentum, with analysts emphasizing that a meaningful break above $220 is necessary to confirm a trend reversal.

At the time of writing this article on December 26, 2024, Solana is trading at $193.29 with a decrease of -2.51%. The RSI value is below 50 which means the selling trend is higher than the buying trend.

Impact of Macroeconomic Factors

The Federal Reserve's hawkish policy stance, signaling only two interest rate cuts in 2025, has dampened confidence in risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.

However, bullish indicators, such as the continued strength of the U.S. economy and the incoming pro-crypto Trump administration, provide a counterbalance.

This favorable regulatory and macroeconomic environment could usher in a "golden age" for the U.S. crypto industry, potentially driving renewed investor interest in assets like Solana.

Why Solana Could Retest $260 and Beyond

Solana, despite recent market volatility, exhibits strong on-chain fundamentals and presents a compelling case for a potential retest of $260 and beyond.

Robust network activity, indicated by rising trading volumes and transaction counts, coupled with a relatively low market capitalization compared to Ethereum, suggests significant room for growth.

While a direct comparison to Ethereum is unlikely, analysts predict a substantial price appreciation driven by Solana's scalability advantages and increasing adoption within the DeFi and NFT sectors.

1. Strengthening On-Chain Fundamentals

Solana's blockchain metrics remain robust, with trading volumes, transaction counts, and Total Value Locked (TVL) showing strong upward trends, according to DeFi Llama.

These indicators highlight increasing network usage, which could support future price gains.

Solana's market cap of $94 billion, about 25% of Ethereum's, suggests ample room for growth. While it is unlikely to surpass Ethereum this cycle, analysts predict a potential 4-5x increase from current levels, driven by Solana's exceptional scalability and growing adoption in decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

2. Short-Term Technical Analysis

Key Levels to Watch

- Support: $173.42 (61.8% Fibonacci level) has emerged as a critical base for SOL. If this level holds, it could signal the end of a corrective phase and the start of a bullish reversal.

- Immediate Resistance: $193.20 (50% Fibonacci level) serves as the first hurdle for upward momentum.

- Higher Resistance: $209.93 (38.2% Fibonacci) and $230.64 (23.6%) are subsequent levels to watch for a sustained breakout.

- Downside Target: Failure to hold the $173 support could push SOL toward the $152.65 level (78.6% Fibonacci).

3. Elliott Wave Analysis

Solana appears to be in the final stages of a corrective W-X-Y wave structure. A bullish reversal is plausible if the “C” wave concludes near the $173 support zone. A successful rebound could target $230 and potentially set the stage for higher highs.

Long-Term Price Outlook: Could Solana Reach $500?

Despite current struggles, many analysts remain optimistic about Solana’s future. As the crypto market transitions to a new cycle in 2025, several factors could propel SOL toward the ambitious $500 mark:

1. Pro-Crypto Regulatory Shift: The incoming U.S. administration is expected to create a favorable environment for blockchain innovation, benefitting major projects like Solana.

2. Ecosystem Expansion: Solana continues to attract new projects, enriching its ecosystem with advanced decentralized applications, tokenization initiatives, and cutting-edge solutions.

3. Bull Market Potential: Historical patterns suggest that Solana, like other major cryptocurrencies, has yet to enter the most explosive phase of its bull market, with significant upside remaining.

Risks and Challenges

1. Low Trading Volume: Recent declines in trading activity signal reduced investor confidence, potentially hindering price recovery.

2. Macroeconomic Uncertainty: Continued Fed hawkishness and other global economic factors could limit risk appetite for speculative assets.

Conclusion

Solana’s price action reflects a market in flux, caught between bearish trends and bullish fundamentals. While the short-term outlook suggests consolidation, the long-term narrative remains promising, driven by strong on-chain activity, ecosystem growth, and favorable macroeconomic shifts.

If Solana can break key resistance levels and sustain momentum, a retest of $260 appears likely, with the $500 target in 2025 firmly within reach.

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.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Bitcoin’s Remarkable Journey in 2024: Insights, Events, and Future Outlook

 

Discover Bitcoin’s remarkable 2024 journey, with a 131.5% YtD surge and key events like ETF approvals, halving, Trump’s pro-crypto win, and Fed rate cuts. Explore market trends, challenges, and future forecasts, including Tom Lee’s bold $250K prediction for 2025.

Bitcoin (BTC) experienced a rollercoaster year in 2024, marked by significant price fluctuations, groundbreaking events, and renewed optimism among investors. By December 25, Bitcoin closed at $98,429, representing a 131.5% year-to-date (YtD) increase compared to its closing price of $42,505 at the end of 2023.

Let’s delve into the factors driving Bitcoin’s performance and its potential trajectory.

Price Highlights and Market Capitalization

Bitcoin began 2024 on a challenging note, hitting its lowest price of $39,179 in mid-January. From this low, it soared 171.6% to reach its all-time high of $106,415 on December 17.

On December 18, Bitcoin’s market capitalization surged to $2.1 trillion, elevating it to the seventh-largest asset globally, surpassing major companies like Saudi Aramco, Meta Platforms, and Tesla.

At the time of writing this article on December 26, BTC is at $98,687 with a gain of 0.44%. A price that is not too encouraging because BTC’s price is predicted to touch $100,000 again on Christmas Eve.

Four Key Events Driving Bitcoin’s Performance

Bitcoin has 4 major events happening during 2024 that will cause the token to surge in price today.

1. Approval of Bitcoin Spot ETFs in January

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved 11 Bitcoin Spot Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), including offerings from BlackRock, Fidelity, and ARK Invest.

These ETFs allow traditional investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without directly holding the asset. The approval attracted an inflow of $35.47 billion into Bitcoin Spot ETFs by December 24, pushing Bitcoin to $73,000 shortly after the announcement.

2. Bitcoin Halving in April

On April 20, Bitcoin underwent its fourth halving, reducing the mining reward from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC. Historically, halvings have triggered long-term price increases due to reduced supply.

While Bitcoin’s price consolidated between $63,000 and $64,000 immediately post-halving, it aligned with historical patterns, which often see significant price growth within six months to a year after such events.

3. Trump’s Pro-Crypto Presidential Victory in November

Donald Trump’s re-election as U.S. President on November 6 was celebrated by the crypto community.

His pro-crypto stance, including promises to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the world,” boosted Bitcoin’s price by 10%, reaching $75,984. Trump’s policies are expected to foster a more favorable regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies.

4. Federal Reserve’s Interest Rate Cuts

Throughout 2024, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 100 basis points, including reductions of 50 bps in September and 25 bps each in November and December.

Lower interest rates typically benefit risk assets like Bitcoin by encouraging capital flow away from bonds and into alternative investments.

Market Dynamics and Challenges

Just like other crypto tokens, BTC also experiences price movements that go up and down. Here's how BTC's price dynamics will be throughout 2024.

1. Derivatives and Margin Markets

Despite significant price volatility, Bitcoin’s derivatives market maintained a neutral-to-bullish stance. Futures contracts traded at a robust 12% premium, reflecting strong demand for leveraged long positions.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s margin markets showed a 25x long-to-short ratio, indicating sustained bullish sentiment.

2. Whale Activity and Sell-Side Pressure

On-chain data revealed increased sell-side pressure from large investors during market downturns. The average Bitcoin transaction size peaked at $306,100 in December, the highest in two years, often signaling intensified sell-offs.

This behavior, combined with market uncertainty, poses short-term risks to Bitcoin’s price stability.

Bitcoin’s Future Prospects

So, what is the future of BTC? Here is an explanation that you can read.

1. Support and Resistance Levels

As of December 25, Bitcoin’s key support level stands at $90,500. Breaching this level could lead to further declines, with $88,000 as the next major support.

Conversely, breaking above the $99,426 resistance could signal a bullish recovery, potentially paving the way for a retest of the $108,353 high.

2. Tom Lee’s Prediction

Prominent analyst Tom Lee predicts Bitcoin could reach $250,000 by 2025, citing a friendlier regulatory landscape and increased adoption. He also highlights Bitcoin’s potential role as a Treasury reserve asset, which could significantly bolster its value.

Conclusion

Bitcoin’s performance in 2024 underscores its resilience and adaptability amid macroeconomic and geopolitical shifts. While challenges remain, such as heightened whale activity and economic uncertainty, the asset’s growing institutional adoption and favorable regulatory developments paint an optimistic picture for 2025 and beyond.

Investors and enthusiasts alike should keep a close watch on market trends, support levels, and policy shifts as Bitcoin continues its journey as a transformative global asset.

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.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Banwa Private Island Elevates Filipino Hospitality

  

Banwa Private Island, a premier luxury retreat nestled in the pristine waters of the Sulu Sea in Palawan, Philippines. Banwa Private Island recently achieved a significant milestone by certifying 63 of its frontliners under the Philippines' Department of Tourism’s (DOT) award-winning Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) program. 

This certification underscores the island's commitment to providing world-class hospitality with a distinct Filipino touch. Beyond its exclusive accommodations and world-class amenities, Banwa Private Island is deeply rooted in Filipino culture and tradition. The island’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its eco-friendly practices, from sourcing local ingredients from its own organic farm to minimizing waste. Discover the ultimate luxury escape and experience the warmth of Filipino hospitality at Banwa Private Island. 

Banwa Private Island, a premier luxury retreat nestled in the pristine waters of the Sulu Sea in Palawan, Philippines, is proud to announce that 63 of its frontliners have been certified under the Philippines Department of Tourism’s (DOT) award-winning Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) program.

Janet Oquendo, Island Manager of Banwa Private Island, expressed the island’s commitment to providing world-class hospitality with a distinct Filipino touch. “By participating in the FBSE program and certifying 63 of our frontliners, we aim to further elevate our service standards and ensure that our guests experience the warmth and authenticity of Filipino hospitality,” she said.

Banwa Private Island offers an unparalleled luxury experience. For three consecutive years, Destination Deluxe has awarded it the title of ‘Private Island of the Year,’ and for two years in a row, Robb Report has included it in ‘The 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth.’ Beyond its exclusive accommodations and world-class amenities, the island remains deeply rooted in Filipino culture and tradition. 

The DOT’s FBSE program, hailed as the Training Program of the Year at the GovMedia Awards 2024, has empowered thousands of tourism industry professionals to deliver exceptional service. By embracing the seven core values of Filipino hospitality – Maka-Diyos (God-fearing), Makatao (People-oriented), Makakalikasan (Environmentally-conscious), Makabansa (Nationalistic), Masayahin (Cheerful), May Bayanihan (Community-spirited), and May Pagasa (Hopeful) – Banwa Private Island’s team is committed to providing warm and sincere service, from the iconic “Mabuhay” gesture to personalized attention to detail.

Through the FBSE program, Banwa Private Island’s 63 certified frontliners are now equipped to deliver world-class service, ensuring that every guest feels the warmth and hospitality that the Philippines is renowned for. 

Recognized as one of the Philippines’ important shark and ray areas, Banwa Private Island is not only an exclusive destination but also a responsible steward of the environment. The island’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its eco-friendly practices, from sourcing local ingredients from its own organic farm to minimizing waste. Beyond its operational sustainability, Banwa Private Island actively participates in various conservation programs, including marine conservation initiatives and coral reef restoration projects. By preserving the natural beauty of the Sulu Sea, the island ensures a sustainable future for generations to come. Banwa Private Island is also known for its unspoiled natural environment, with an artesian well providing fresh spring water and a naturally mosquito-free ecosystem. 

By participating in the FBSE program, Banwa Private Island reinforces its commitment to providing world-class hospitality with a Filipino heart. The island’s dedication to excellence and sustainability ensures that guests will experience a truly unforgettable and authentic Filipino experience.

For more information and inquiries in booking an island escape at Banwa Private Island, please contact our Reservations team through mobile/WhatsApp: +639178882864, send an email to reservations@banwaprivateisland.com or visit website at www.banwaprivateisland.com.          

About Banwa Private Island

Banwa Private Island is an intimate all-villa destination for discerning guests wanting to experience privacy and seamless service in a marine and land nature reserve. Nestled in one the world’s last frontiers of natural biodiversity, north-eastern Palawan in Philippines, the island sanctuary boasts of breath-taking views, verdant landscape, pristine beach and turquoise waters.

Banwa Private Island’s beachfront villas are designed to soak our guests in the natural beauty of the island. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow the outside to flood in, the beach and garden terraces are mere bare-footsteps away and an infinity pool melts into the ocean. For a quintessential island escape, guests can choose to stay in a contemporary-designed villa or exclusively charter the whole island for family, friends and colleagues.

Central to Banwa Private Island’s ethos, the Aquos Foundation was established to support, nurture and protect delicate ecosystems. Among its pioneering programs is the protection and restoration of habitats of the critically endangered Mantanani Scops Owl, Hawksbill Turtle and the Tabon Bird (Philippine Megapode).

www.banwaprivateisland.com

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES