ASCARO is Hosting Two of the Most Prestigious International Padel Tournaments in Malaysia

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 25 March 2025 – In a major milestone for padel in the region, Asia Padel Events (APE) is set to bring the CUPRA FIP Tour 2025 to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this April. Adding to the excitement, the Asia Pacific Padel Tour (APPT), the premier professional padel circuit focused on the Asia-Pacific region, will also host a highly anticipated tournament in the city. This dual offering solidifies Kuala Lumpur’s position as a leading padel destination in the region.

ASCARO Padel & Social Club, leader in exclusive clubs and racket sports, will be hosting both tournaments. Happening within weeks of each other, these two tournaments usher in a milestone for padel in Malaysia. Each one is poised to bring elite players from around the world and offer a display of world-class competition. Both local and international padel enthusiasts will have the chance to witness or participate in the action.

CUPRA FIP Tour: Malaysia's First-Ever FIP Tournament

The CUPRA FIP Tour is the official international circuit of the International Padel Federation (FIP), hosting over 500 tournaments annually across 44 countries. Asia Padel Events (APE) is the official promoter of the CUPRA FIP Tour events across Asia. In 2025, APE is leading the expansion of the CUPRA FIP Tour into new host nations across the region, including Hong Kong, Malaysia, Vietnam, and more—creating more pathways for Asian athletes to compete internationally and grow the sport across the continent.

For the first time, Malaysia will join this prestigious list with the FIP Bronze Kuala Lumpur 2025, running from April 16 to 20, 2025, at ASCARO Padel & Social Club, 1 Utama.

Awarded a Bronze classification, the tournament will offer €7,000 in prize money and vital international ranking points, giving local and regional players the chance to compete against top global talents. The event represents a critical step forward in integrating Southeast Asia into the elite global padel circuit.

The tour will boost Malaysia’s reputation as a prominent destination for international padel events. Visit FIP Bronze Kuala Lumpur 2025 to find out more or sign up to join the competition. Registration is until April 2, 2025.

The Asia Pacific Padel Tour: Returning to KL for the Second Time

The week after the FIP tournament, ASCARO is also proud to bring the APPT to Kuala Lumpur from the 25th - 27th of April. As the first-ever Professional Padel Tour in the Asia-Pacific region, the APPT has rapidly become one of the largest and most popular tours worldwide.

With dedicated categories for both professional and amateur players, the APPT provides a competitive platform for players of all levels, giving everyone a chance to battle for glory on the courts.

The tournament will be held at the ASCARO Padel & Social Club in 1 Utama. Prizes will be awarded in all men’s and women’s categories, with cash prizes totalling $6,500 for professional players, and Joma Sport Padel equipment given to the winners of amateur categories.

Visit APPT Open Kuala Lumpur 2025 for more information. Registration is open until April 21, 2025.

ASCARO Champions Padel’s Growth in the Asia-Pacific Region

ASCARO serves as the leading force in the development of padel in the Asia-Pacific region. As the premier padel club of Kuala Lumpur, ASCARO Padel & Social Club has set a high standard for what padel is. It’s not just a game, but an experience that integrates a competitive sport with style. Since 2023, ASCARO has already been making waves in Malaysia. It established the country’s first-ever professional padel club, while attracting a new generation of players and fans alike. As part of its commitment to elevate the sport across the continent, ASCARO also has plans to open four new clubs in 2025.

Now, ASCARO is bringing two important tournaments to KL, both are big opportunities to celebrate padel in the region. Spearheading this effort is Daniel Liljekvist, Managing Director and Partner at ASCARO Padel and Social Club. Liljekvist expressed: “We are proud to host two major international padel tournaments this April— the first-ever FIP tournament in Malaysia, followed by the second Malaysian edition of the APPT. This marks a significant step in the growth of padel in the region, and ASCARO is honored to be at the forefront of this movement.”

Thanks to ASCARO’s strong regional presence, padel has attracted a diverse and enthusiastic audience. A growing community that Liljekvist and his team are determined to serve. “At ASCARO, we are committed to delivering a premium playing experience, and our distinctive high-quality courts set the stage for top-tier competition. Hosting these prestigious tournaments reflects our dedication to excellence, both in the facilities we provide and the level of play we support. We look forward to welcoming elite players, passionate fans, and the wider padel community for an unforgettable month of world-class padel”, Liljekvist added.

Presented together with Qliq Damansara Hotel, ASCARO's official partner for the FIP Tour and the APPT.

About Ascaro Padel and Social Club

About ASCARO Padel & Social Club ASCARO Padel & Social Club is a premier padel sport facility offering rooftop courts, top-tier gym amenities, international coaching, and a vibrant social atmosphere, complete with a stylish bar and restaurant. Established in 2021 on the rooftop of Sweden’s most renowned department store, ASCARO provides the original padel and social experience. In 2023, ASCARO expanded to Kuala Lumpur and plans to open 15 additional clubs by 2027 in the rapidly growing and underserved Southeast Asian market. Our vision is to lead the premium padel market in Southeast Asia by providing a luxurious sports and social experience.

AgadPay Launches in the Philippines, Tackling the Payday Loan Trap Head-On

AgadPay, a new Earned Wage Access (EWA) platform, is now available nationwide, providing Filipino employees with safe, convenient access to the wages they have already earned—before payday. This solution involves no loans, no interest, and no debt traps. Instead, workers can withdraw a portion of their accrued salary for a small, transparent fee, eliminating the need for high-interest payday loans that can lead to spiraling debt.

What is Earned Wage Access (EWA)?

Earned Wage Access is an arrangement that lets employees tap into the income they have already accumulated prior to the official payday. It bridges the common financial gap that arises toward month’s end, cutting down on reliance on payday loans and informal lending. EWA is increasingly recognized as a sensible response to the urgent reality faced by Filipino workers, with 80% of Filipinos reportedly living paycheck to paycheck, 36 million still borrowing cash for daily needs, and 60% lacking any form of emergency fund. All these figures are underscoring the depth of financial stress many Filipinos experience.

Why the Philippines Needs EWA

The prevalence of high-cost lending is illustrated by the fact that 47.1% of Filipino adults regularly borrow money, often at interest rates that are difficult to repay. Many employees find themselves in a continuous cycle of debt, unable to break free from payday lenders. Studies have found that 66% of EWA users report reduced financial stress and that 79% of employees would consider changing jobs if EWA were offered elsewhere. This demonstrates strong demand for a more sustainable way to handle short-term cash shortages and underscores the value of EWA as a credible alternative to predatory lending sources.

A Better Option for Employees

By offering access to wages that have already been earned, AgadPay provides a dignified, debt-free way for workers to cover urgent expenses such as utility bills, tuition, or healthcare costs. There is no interest charged, only a minimal convenience fee, and employees remain in control of their own earnings rather than getting trapped in loan repayment cycles. This model relieves the anxiety that stems from living paycheck to paycheck and bolsters overall financial well-being.

A Win-Win for Employers

AgadPay is entirely free for companies to offer. Employers who adopt EWA report positive outcomes that include higher retention rates and a more engaged workforce, an important factor given that 1 in 5 employees admits to reduced productivity due to financial strain. Studies also indicate EWA can increase employee retention by up to 78%. AgadPay integrates easily with existing payroll systems, meaning organizations can support the financial health of their workforce without taking on additional administrative burdens.

AgadPay is now open to businesses across the Philippines. To explore how this new EWA platform can benefit both companies and their employees, visit www.agadpay.ph for details on scheduling a demo or requesting more information.

About AgadPay

AgadPay is a Philippine-based Earned Wage Access (EWA) platform that allows employees to access a portion of their already-earned wages anytime—without loans, interest, or debt traps. By offering a safe alternative to payday lenders, AgadPay helps reduce financial stress and improve employee

retention and productivity, all at zero cost to employers.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

Top Crypto Exchanges In The Philippines To Start Crypto Investing

 

Top Crypto Exchanges In The Philippines To Start Crypto Investing

For starters, investing in crypto is intimidating, and starting to diversify your assets toward digital finance, in that of Cryptocurrencies is relatively new. Cryptocurrency has become one of the most exciting and innovative ways to invest, and the Philippines has seen a surge in interest in this digital asset class. Whether you're new to investing or looking to diversify your portfolio, choosing the right crypto exchange is crucial for ensuring your journey into the world of cryptocurrencies is secure, user-friendly, and efficient. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top crypto exchanges in the Philippines, perfect for beginners looking to invest and trade in the world of crypto investing. 

1. Bitget 

Bitget, trusted by 100 million users worldwide, is one of the top crypto exchanges globally which started in 2018. It boasts a reliable and secure platform to safeguard your Bitcoins and other crypto assets. Whether you just want to buy Bitcoin long-term or trade it short-term with various different products, you can never go wrong with Bitget. With over 700+ coins to choose from, surely the crypto token that you are looking for is listed in Bitget. With its $600+ million Bitget Protection Fund, users need not to worry about their assets being stolen. With industry-leading security and full transparency of asset records with their Proof of Reserves (PoR) that you can track in real-time, Bitget offers an efficient and smart trading experience to its users. 

Bitget is known for its largest crypto copy trading platform and boasts its platform token, BGB which exceeded far great expectations for the first half of 2024. Aside from Bitcoin breaking all-time high prices up to $110K, BGB also surged to $8.5 in December of 2024 (as of the time of writing). Also, Bitget has its own Web3 wallet known as Bitget Wallet which is in a league of its own compared to other wallets out there with safer transactions and competitive prices.

Key Features:

BGB, as a platform token, the top priority for BGB is to provide diverse range of exclusive benefits to holders, so that we can benefit together from Bitget’s growth

Low fees, with the platform offering some of the most competitive rates in the industry.

Supports local payment methods

High-level security, with monthly Proof of Reserves (PoR) and Protection Fund Report to assure users of its transparency and credibility 

Why Choose Bitget in the Philippines: Bitget's global presence and strong reputation make it an excellent choice for Filipino crypto investors. Whether you're a beginner looking to start with the basics or an experienced trader interested in advanced features, Bitget provides a well-rounded platform with all the necessary tools and security.

2. Coins.ph

One of the top cryptocurrency platforms in the Philippines, Coins.ph excels at fusing practicality with quality financial services. Its ability to smoothly combine digital currency with conventional financial operations—enabling users to purchase, sell, and manage cryptocurrencies alongside regular financial activities like bill payments and mobile top-ups—is what makes it admirable. Recently, they introduced PHPC stablecoin which is backed by Fiat, with a target price of 1 PHPC to 1 Philippine Peso. With this release, Coins.ph aims to use it in cross-border money transfers, merchant payments, and trading. Additionally, it places a strong emphasis on security, protecting users' assets and data through encryption. Coins.ph provides a complete solution that assists both new and seasoned users in understanding the world of cryptocurrencies by bridging the gap between digital money and everyday use.

Why Choose Coins.ph in the Philippines: Coins.ph is a fantastic option for beginners because of its simplicity and ease of access. With its ability to link with popular local payment apps like GCash and PayMaya, it makes the transition into crypto very seamless for Filipinos.

3. PDAX 

PDAX is a domestic digital asset exchange in the Philippines. You might have seen this in GCash’s crypto platform, as they power GCrypto. They are also UnionBank's cryptocurrency partner. PDAX maintains its position as one of the top cryptocurrency exchanges based in the Philippines by focusing on user convenience and accessibility. The exchange provides quick trading, and affordable prices using the Philippine Peso, way to go in ensuring ease of access, right? PDAX is a force to be reckoned with as one of the greatest cryptocurrency exchanges for Filipino customers due to its ease of use and simple interface. 

Why Choose PDAX in the Philippines: For Filipino investors who want a local platform with government oversight, PDAX is an excellent choice. The exchange’s focus on security, local payment methods, and regulatory compliance makes it a safe and reliable platform for those new to crypto investing.

4. Kraken 

A well-known cryptocurrency exchange with a wide range of features and strong security measures is Kraken. Kraken, a trading platform that caters to both novice and advanced traders, was founded in 2011 and offers spot trading, futures, and margin trading. Its use of cold storage for cash, frequent security audits, and robust encryption procedures all serve to highlight its emphasis on security. Kraken is well-known in the cryptocurrency trading scene for its dependability, transparency, and user-friendliness. It also offers cheap costs, a wide range of cryptocurrencies, and a user-friendly interface.

Why Choose Kraken in the Philippines: Kraken is well-suited for both beginners and more advanced traders. Its combination of robust security, range of cryptocurrencies, and advanced trading features gives it a strong edge. For those who may want to get into more complex trading later on, Kraken provides the tools to grow and diversify their portfolio.

5. Crypto.com

Founded in 2016, Crypto.com is a well-known cryptocurrency platform that provides a variety of financial services, such as trading, staking, and interest-earning on cryptocurrencies. The platform supports a large variety of digital content and has an intuitive user interface. Among its noteworthy products are a native token (CRO), a Visa card with cryptocurrency benefits, and a range of DeFi and NFT services. With features like cold storage and sophisticated encryption, Crypto.com prioritizes security and good user experience. 

Why Choose Crypto.com in the Philippines: Crypto.com’s versatility makes it an attractive option for Filipinos who are looking to explore more than just basic trading. Its broad range of services—like staking, rewards, and its crypto Visa card—gives users many ways to grow their portfolios. For those looking to dip into multiple aspects of the crypto ecosystem, Crypto.com is a one-stop-shop.

As the cryptocurrency market continues to grow, the Philippines is emerging as a major hub for crypto adoption. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience in investing, the right exchange can make all the difference in your crypto journey. All in all, no matter what Crypto Exchange you choose, choose one that prioritizes your safety and security. 

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES