Latest news with #KTB
The Star
06-08-2025
- Business
- The Star
Kenya to leverage sports to boost tourism sector
NAIROBI, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Kenya said on Wednesday that it will harness the power of sports to boost the tourism sector, underscoring the country's commitment to diversifying the sector beyond wildlife and beach products. Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano told journalists in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that the East African nation will be promoted as a premier tourist destination by aligning the country's prowess in athletics, rugby, and other sports endeavors with tourism promotion efforts. "We also have world-class sports facilities that appeal to international visitors," Miano said during the signing ceremony of a partnership between state-owned Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and the Football Kenya Federation. According to data from the tourism ministry, Kenya received 2.4 million foreign visitors in 2024, making it one of the main sources of foreign exchange alongside tea and horticulture. June Chepkemei, chief executive officer of the KTB, noted that Kenya has already experienced an upsurge of international sports visitors as a result of co-hosting the 2024 CAF African Nations Championship together with Tanzania and Uganda, which kicked off on Aug. 2. Chepkemei added that the football tournament offers Kenya an opportunity to showcase its tourist products to a continental audience.
Bangkok Post
06-08-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
KTB, MRTA team up for transport payment card
Krungthai Bank (KTB) has partnered with Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) to launch the Mang-moom EMV Card, a chip-based contactless card for fare payments across all MRT lines. The partners introduced the card yesterday, which can also be used for retail purchases, offering consumers greater convenience. According to Gardphajon Udom- dhammabhakdi, the MRTA governor, the card lets passengers pay fares across all MRT lines using EMV contactless technology, including for the Purple, Blue, Pink, Yellow and Red lines. The service begins this month and expands to include the Airport Rail Link in October. "This partnership aims to improve quality of life by connecting transport infrastructure with financial services, making access more convenient, faster, and more secure, while supporting sustainable living," said Mr Gardphajon. The card is considered an upgrade of the existing MRT Plus card, eliminating the need for separate cards for each rail line. Tawatchai Cheevanon, chief product and business solutions officer at KTB, said the initiative seamlessly integrates public transport with financial services, in line with MRTA's mission to modernise the mass transit system and KTB's strategy to develop a mass transit ecosystem -- one of the bank's five focus areas. The Mangmoom EMV Card also supports the government's 20-baht flat fare policy, according to KTB. Users can register for this benefit through designated government applications. Individuals can apply for the card at MRT Purple Line ticket offices or register online through Pao Tang Pay on the Pao Tang app, without additional identity verification or know-your-customer procedures. The card has an initial price of 50 baht with no annual fees and can be delivered nationwide. Distribution began on Aug 1. Users can manage their cards through Pao Tang Pay. The card offers value by combining transit and payment functions in a single card for cashless payments, providing various benefits and privileges at merchants that accept Visa or Mastercard, noted the partners.
GMA Network
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Kiss The Bride vinyl honors late Pinoy Jazz icon
Article Inside Page Kiss The Bride vinyl LP release features an eclectic mix of their rearranged originals, which doubles as a timely homage to their former bandmate, friend, and percussionist, Uly Avante. After close to 16 years, more than 40 original songs, and countless live performances, the members of Kiss The Bride are still making beautiful music together. The brainchild of keyboardist/composer Tony Razon, acclaimed fusion guitarist Joey Puyat, and band manager Cecile Rodgers, Kiss the Bride has probably the best survival rate of any Filipino jazz fusion group. Notwithstanding the pandemic that pushed the 'pause' button on live gigs, the band has consistently been doing live performances and recordings since its inception in 2009. Despite a revolving chair of musical personnel over the past years, Kiss The Bride's current lineup includes Cecile Rodgers (synth), Otep Concepcion (drums/percs), Julius Lopez (bass), Stephen Lachica (bass), Fernando Mendoza (drums), Mel Torre and Arla Concepcion (vocals). Defying jazz tradition, the group refuses to be typecast in the 'smooth jazz' mold, fusing their deft improvisational skills over a backdrop of blues, funk, Brazilian, Mediterranean and even pop/RnB influences. Their latest labor of love, a Vinyl LP release featuring an eclectic mix of their rearranged originals, doubles as a timely homage to their former bandmate, friend, and percussionist, Uly Avante, who passed away in May 2017. A consummate session musician whose discography reads like a who's who of the local recording industry, Uly had already honed his chops in various fusion outfits (including Mother Earth, Hourglass and Phase Two) before he became a mainstay of the legendary Circus Band, and eventually became an indispensable ensemble player for the likes of top-caliber jazz performers such as Boy Katindig, Bong Peñera, Tadao Hayashi, Tots Tolentino, Rudy Lozano, among others. Despite his jazz roots, Uly was equally adept playing pop gigs, earning his rep as a first-call session man for some of the country's biggest pop icons such as Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez and Zsa Zsa Padilla. Joey and Uly were long-time bandmates, starting from way back during their college years when they figured in many band settings together, and coming full circle as they rekindled their rare musical chemistry in Kiss The Bride. 'Uly added that special spark to the music that we constantly miss in our gigs. That he was a kind, funny, and true friend as well makes him even more irreplaceable. Uly was simply one of a kind,' Joey fondly reminisces. Interestingly, the Kiss The Bride vinyl release (succinctly named 'KTB') is much more than just a repackaged collection. Joey elaborates, 'This endeavor is special as we pay tribute to Uly and his unique talent and expertise in percussion playing. I just felt that he had to be in it! So instead of getting someone else to play his parts, I decided that Uly's previously recorded tracks would be used while updating the other instrumental tracks with fresh solos and tweaked arrangements to give the music a more contemporary feel.' 'Because the music of KTB is based on set patterns overlaid with jazz-influenced improvisation, rearrangements of these tunes were needed to allow for fresh solos that would be different, but similar enough so that Uly's original tracks could be retained in their original recorded form.' The Vinyl LP release holds an even deeper significance as it reflects Joey and Uly's shared passion for records. He adds, 'Because Uly and I were vinyl aficionados since our school days, it was easy to decide that a vinyl release would reflect our common musical passion. From a personal viewpoint, I have always loved the experience afforded by vinyl. The pleasure in the listening experience is heightened when our music is heard in this format--with real floor-standing speakers instead of headphones, earplugs.' Related gallery: Celebrity deaths 2025: Actors, singers we've lost The KTB LP is a self-produced album in collaboration with Backspacer Records and will be on a limited run of 150 copies. Distribution is exclusively done by Backspacer Records via their physical store and through their online website. As part of their promotional efforts for the record, the band embarked on a limited bar tour, which kicked off last July 4 at Tago Jazz (Cubao, Quezon City), and which will have its second leg on July 18 at the 78-45-33 jazz bar in Salcedo Village (Makati City). Looking ahead, Joey remains optimistic for the future of Kiss The Bride and their ever-growing audience. He shares, 'The band has evolved significantly since our early days in 2009 when we were playing purely original music. We feel the reason we are still here today is because we constantly and consciously adapt to the changing tides of music that influence the attitudes and taste of the listening public.' 'Our countless live performances in various venues have given us the opportunity to listen to our audience as much and as eagerly as we invite them into our own musical world.'
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jim Cramer on Kontoor Brands: 'Just Completed a Dynamite Acquisition'
Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE:KTB) is one of the 25 stocks Jim Cramer recently shared insights on. During the episode, Cramer made quite positive comments on the company's acquisition of Helly Hansen. 'Let me give you another one that has a 3% yield, has just completed a dynamite acquisition. Kontoor Brands, the maker of Wrangler and Lee jeans, which did miss the quarter not that long ago, but bear with me here… Helly Hansen's, that's a fantastic clothing brand, just purchased by Kontoor Brands. A view of a designer staff in front of a studio with lifestyle apparel they designed. Kontoor (NYSE:KTB) is a lifestyle apparel company that designs, markets, and distributes denim, apparel, footwear, and accessories primarily under the Wrangler, Lee, and Rock & Republic brands. While we acknowledge the potential of KTB as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
4 Discretionary Stocks to Buy as Inflation Continues to Cool
Inflation is finally showing signs of cooling, and consumer spending is increasing. The Commerce Department reported on Friday that inflation rose only slightly in April, a positive sign for the economy after it contracted in the first quarter of 2025. President Donald Trump's tariffs, which were announced in early April, have been put on hold as trade negotiations with several countries are ongoing. Also, consumer confidence rebounded in May, indicating that people now have more faith in the economy's prospects. Given the positive sentiment, it would be prudent to invest in consumer discretionary stocks such as Interface, Inc. TILE, Kontoor Brands, Inc. KTB, GDEV Inc. GDEV and Netflix, Inc. NFLX. These stocks have seen positive earnings estimate revisions in the last 60 days. Each of our picks carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. The Commerce Department reported that in April, the personal consumption expenditure (PCE) index, the Federal Reserve's key inflation gauge, rose 0.1% sequentially and 2.1% from year-ago levels, after increasing 2.3% in March. Core PCE, which strips out the volatile food and energy components, rose 0.1% month over month in April and 2.5% from the year-ago levels, the smallest advance since March 2021. The Federal Reserve tracks PCE for its 2% inflation target. April's reading suggests inflation is on track to meet the Fed's target. Consumer spending slowed in April but still increased 0.2% month over month. Personal income also rose 0.8% sequentially in April. Inflation has been showing signs of cooling over the past few months. However, sweeping tariffs announced by Trump in early April rattled Wall Street as concerns grew that higher import duties could trigger inflation and push the economy into a recession. However, those fears have subsided over the past month after the tariffs were temporarily paused and the United States initiated trade talks with several countries, including China. The White House also announced a trade deal with the UK last month. Slowing inflation and fading trade war fears have raised hopes that the Federal Reserve could soon resume its rate cuts. Also, higher personal income and consumer spending signal a resilient economy. Given the positive sentiment, it would be ideal to invest in consumer discretionary stocks. Interface, Inc. is the world's largest manufacturer of modular carpets, which it markets under the Interface and FLOR brands. TILE is committed to the goal of sustainability and doing business in ways that minimize the impact on the environment while enhancing shareholder value. Interface's expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 8.2%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved by 2.6% over the past 60 days. TILE presently has a Zacks Rank #2. Kontoor Brands, Inc. is an apparel company. KTB designs, manufactures and distributes products. KTB's brand consists of Wrangler, Lee and Rock & Republic. Kontoor Brands Inc. is based in Greensboro. Kontoor Brands' expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 9.6%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 2.9% over the past 60 days. KTB currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. GDEV Inc. is a gaming and entertainment powerhouse, focused on growing and enhancing its portfolio of studios. GDEV's diverse range of subsidiaries, including Nexters, Cubic Games, Dragon Machines and more. GDEV's expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 58%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 21.8% over the past 60 days. GDEV currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. Netflix, Inc. is considered a pioneer in the streaming space. NFLX has been spending aggressively on building its portfolio of original shows. This is helping Netflix sustain its leading position despite the launch of new services like Disney+ and Apple TV+, as well as existing services like Amazon Prime Video. Netflix's expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 27.7%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 3% over the past 60 days. NFLX currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Netflix, Inc. (NFLX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Interface, Inc. (TILE) : Free Stock Analysis Report Kontoor Brands, Inc. (KTB) : Free Stock Analysis Report GDEV Inc. (GDEV) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research 擷取數據時發生錯誤 登入存取你的投資組合 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤 擷取數據時發生錯誤
