Nestlé Philippines, SF Group of Companies’s Sunfood Marketing Inc. Forge Partnership to Boost Sustainable Coffee Farming

  

Nestlé Philippines and the SF Group of Companies (SFGC) have sealed a strategic partnership with a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing, marking a significant step toward sustainable and profitable coffee farming in Northern Cotabato.

Under this partnership, Sunfood Marketing Inc., a subsidiary of SFGC, will spearhead efforts to expand Robusta coffee cultivation in the region. As part of SFGC’s agritech ecosystem—spanning farm inputs to food production—Sunfood will apply its expertise in agricultural technology and sustainable farming practices to enhance efficiency and productivity.

The pioneering partnership, the first of its kind for Nestlé, enhances its Nescafé Plan, dedicated to helping Filipino smallholder coffee farmers improve their yields, incomes, and quality of life for the long term, by sharing with them the most advantageous farming knowledge, techniques, and technology. Also included are basic business concepts, environmental sustainability practices, and regenerative agriculture. The latter aims not only to maintain but enhance future agricultural productivity, while building resilience to climate change. Further, the Nescafé Plan works with coffee farming communities to accelerate their development. Through the partnership, Nestlé PH will provide technical assistance and capacity-building programs to coffee farmers.

The Nescafé Plan is one means by which Nestlé PH is implementing responsible sourcing as a major aspect of its local roadmap for zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

By combining SFGC’s innovative farming solutions with Nestlé’s global standards for coffee cultivation, the partnership aims to strengthen the agricultural value chain, create economic opportunities for farmers, and build a coffee-growing network in Northern Cotabato.

More specifically, the focus of the partnership is strengthening and expanding Robusta coffee farming in Mindanao through the Corporate Growership Program of SMI. With domestic demand for coffee rising continuously, this collaboration underscores a shared commitment to scaling up Philippine coffee production and increasing Nestlé’s local sourcing of Robusta green coffee bean (GCB) as the country’s biggest coffee manufacturer, in support of farmers and the industry for eventual self-sufficiency and greater food security.

About SF Group of Companies

About SF Group of Companies SF Group of Companies is a leading agribusiness conglomerate in the Philippines, comprising Agridom, Aerobot, Farmtech, Sunfood, DJAS, and Genius Tech. The group specializes in agricultural solutions, from farm inputs and technology to food production and distribution. Committed to innovation and sustainability, SF Group empowers farmers with advanced farming techniques, cutting-edge technology, and strategic partnerships to enhance productivity and economic growth in the agricultural sector.

About Nestlé Philippines

Nestlé Philippines, a subsidiary of Nestlé S.A., is one of the country’s leading food and beverage companies, dedicated to nutrition, health, and wellness. With a strong commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing, Nestlé works closely with local farmers and communities to promote sustainable agriculture and ethical business practices. Through its various programs, the company supports Filipino farmers, enhances local supply chains, and delivers high-quality products that nourish generations.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Celebrate Mother’s Day with Sweet Karaoke Deals at Manekineko

 

This Mother's Day, treat the most special woman in your life to joyful moments filled with music, laughter, and great vibes! From 5th to 11th May 2025, Karaoke Manekineko is rolling out a heartwarming promotion to make your celebration extra meaningful — and affordable too!

Looking for a meaningful way to spoil Mom this Mother’s Day? Karaoke Manekineko invites all families to celebrate with a special promotion exclusively for mothers, running from 5th to 11th May 2025 across participating outlets.

🎉 Moms can enjoy discounted karaoke rates throughout the entire week!

Monday to Thursday (Whole Day):

🎤 1 Hour – RM6++

🎤 2 Hours – RM12++

🎤 3 Hours – RM15++

Friday to Sunday (PH Eve & PH – Whole Day):

🎤 1 Hour – RM9++

🎤 2 Hours – RM18++

🎤 3 Hours – RM20++

This special deal is eligible for mothers only, so make sure to bring Mom along and celebrate with her favorite songs in a cozy, music-filled room. Whether she loves classic love songs or modern pop hits, there’s no better way to say "Thank you" than singing together!

📅 Promo Period: 5 – 11 May 2025

💡 Prices exclude 8% SST and 10% service charge

📍 Available at all Manekineko outlets EXCEPT:   

❌ Pearl Point Mall ❌ Sunway Giza Mall

Let’s make this Mother’s Day unforgettable — one song at a time!

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

XRP News Today! XRP at a Crossroads: Legal Limbo, Technical Glitches, and ETF Hopes Define Market Sentiment

 

 XRP faces a critical turning point as legal uncertainty, a 10,000 XRP wallet glitch, and rising ETF hopes fuel market speculation. Discover the latest updates shaping XRP's future.

The XRP ecosystem is facing heightened volatility and uncertainty as a series of legal developments, technical controversies, and growing ETF speculation dominate headlines.

From a failed 10,000 XRP wallet transaction to the looming SEC meeting, XRP investors find themselves navigating a complex landscape filled with risk and opportunity.

10,000 XRP Glitch Sparks Wallet Controversy

Source: 9to5_freedom on X

A recent incident involving a failed 10,000 XRP transaction has ignited debate across the XRP community.

The transaction, flagged on the XRP Ledger (XRPL) as a payment to a "Xaman Service Fee," emerged during a routine swap operation but ultimately failed due to insufficient funds—specifically, the transaction was labeled “UNFUNDED_PAYMENT.”

Although the transaction didn’t succeed and no funds were lost, the unusually large attempted amount quickly raised concerns about potential manipulation, software bugs, or deeper vulnerabilities in the Xaman Wallet.

Some users speculated whether the incident was part of a coordinated effort to tarnish reputations or target projects critical of the XRPL ecosystem.

Ripple’s CTO David Schwartz swiftly addressed the situation, clarifying that it was the result of a rare edge-case bug—not a malicious act.

“The glitch has now been fixed,” Schwartz assured, adding that the ledger and wallet systems remain secure.

Nonetheless, the event exposed fault lines in community trust, highlighting the need for robust third-party wallet infrastructures within the Ripple ecosystem.

Legal Uncertainty: SEC Appeal Still in Limbo

Parallel to the technical incident is a legal stalemate between Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Despite Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse’s earlier statements suggesting the SEC would drop its appeal following Judge Analisa Torres’ 2023 ruling in favor of Ripple, the Commission has yet to vote on the matter formally.

Garlinghouse clarified, “We have reached agreement with staff .… but the Commission hasn’t yet voted.” Crypto journalist Eleanor Terrett confirmed the delay, noting that the SEC’s next closed-door meeting on May 8 may finally result in a formal dismissal.

This ongoing legal ambiguity continues to weigh heavily on investor sentiment, stalling momentum despite broader optimism in the crypto market.

The SEC’s decision remains a key catalyst not only for XRP price movement but also for the potential approval of a U.S.-based XRP-spot ETF.

Market Performance: Price Dips Amid Broader Crypto Weakness

On May 3, XRP fell by 0.97%, closing at $2.1882, marking its second straight daily decline. This followed a modest 0.14% loss the day before, reflecting broader market uncertainty as total crypto market capitalization shrank to $2.94 trillion.

XRP’s recent consolidation between $2.17 and $2.26 suggests hesitancy among traders awaiting clarity from regulators and Ripple.

Still, XRP remains technically supported, trading above its 200-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), though below the 50-day EMA—a mixed signal indicating longer-term optimism but near-term bearishness. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) sits at 51.82, leaving room for a potential rally.

Whale Activity and Exchange Transfers Fuel Speculation

Adding to the intrigue, blockchain tracker Whale Alert recently flagged a 29.5 million XRP transaction (worth over $64.4 million) from an unknown wallet to Coinbase.

The anonymous nature of the transaction and its timing raised questions about large-scale liquidation, strategic exchange positioning, or potential institutional maneuvers.

Analyst Ali highlighted a broader trend of whale accumulation, noting that around 900 million XRP were scooped up by large holders in the past month. This sustained activity underscores institutional interest, even amid market uncertainty.

ETF Speculation Builds as Legal Decision Looms

Optimism surrounding a U.S.-based XRP-spot ETF continues to build. Polymarket places the odds of approval by December 2025 at 79%, up from 68% in late April.

However, analysts stress that formal resolution of the SEC’s legal challenge is likely a prerequisite for ETF approval.

The SEC recently extended its review period for Franklin Templeton’s XRP-spot ETF application, aligning closely with legal timelines for the Ripple appeal. This convergence suggests the ETF decision may be tied directly to the lawsuit’s conclusion.

Analyst Outlooks: Diverging Price Predictions

XRP’s future trajectory remains a hot topic among analysts and influencers. While some warn of prolonged consolidation, others predict explosive upside potential.

Influencer John Squire pointed to XRP’s resilience, citing its active presence in over 55 countries and its survival amid intense regulatory scrutiny: “XRP is the only top 10 coin to fight the U.S. government and survive.”

Bold predictions abound—analyst Davinci Jeremie sees XRP surging 970% to $24 by the end of 2025. More speculative voices, like Edoardo Farina, forecast a possible price of $10,000, though such projections are widely considered unrealistic.

Still, Farina emphasized the value of modest holdings, noting that owning just 2,500 XRP places an investor in the global top 10% of holders.

What’s Next for XRP?

The next several days are poised to be critical for XRP’s future. The May 8 SEC meeting could bring long-awaited resolution to the Ripple lawsuit.

A formal dismissal of the appeal, followed by progress on ETF approvals, could provide the bullish momentum needed to retest the all-time high of $3.5505—and potentially higher.

In the short term, XRP bulls aim for resistance at $2.22, $2.50, and $3.00, while bears eye support at $2.05 and $1.93.

Meanwhile, macroeconomic factors—such as the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions and global crypto regulation—will continue to shape the broader environment for XRP and digital assets alike.

Conclusion

The XRP ecosystem stands at a pivotal crossroads, shaped by the convergence of legal, technical, and market forces.

While recent events have tested investor confidence, they’ve also reinforced the community's resilience and belief in Ripple’s long-term vision.

As ETF speculation grows and regulatory clarity inches closer, XRP’s next move could be historic. Whether it leads to a new breakout or another period of consolidation, one thing is clear: the story of XRP is far from over.

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.

Sing It Loud for Teachers! Special Teachers’ Day Promo at Manekineko!

Teachers, it's your time to shine! In celebration of Teachers’ Day, Karaoke Manekineko is launching a special promotion to thank all educators for their dedication. From 5th to 11th May 2025, eligible teachers can enjoy exclusive discounted rates and sing their hearts out at selected Manekineko outlets!

To honor and appreciate the incredible work of educators, Karaoke Manekineko is offering a Teachers’ Day Promotion from 5th to 11th May 2025. Whether you teach kindergarteners or university students, this is your chance to relax, unwind, and belt out your favorite tunes — all at a special discounted rate!

This promotion is exclusively for teachers, so don’t forget to show your teacher ID or related proof at the counter.

🎓 Promo Details (Whole Day):

🗓 Monday to Thursday

RM 6++ for 1 Hour

RM 12++ for 2 Hours

RM 15++ for 3 Hours

🗓 Friday to Sunday (PH Eve & PH)

RM 9++ for 1 Hour

RM 18++ for 2 Hours

RM 20++ for 3 Hours

📍 Available at all Manekineko outlets EXCEPT: ❌ Pearl Point Mall ❌ Sunway Giza Mall

💡 *Prices exclude 8% SST and 10% service charge.

🪪 *Teacher ID or related document required for verification.

Let’s give our teachers a round of applause and a mic in hand — because they deserve the spotlight too!

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