Companies

Ayala Land Hospitality is teaming up with global hotel giant Hilton to open the Philippines’ first Canopy by Hilton in Makati City by 2026. Rising above the new One Ayala development, the 24-story hotel will offer 400 rooms and suites designed to blend sleek urban escapes with spacious accommodations. Ayala Land Hospitality president and CEO George Aquino said the collaboration …

Berong Nickel Corporation (BNC), a subsidiary of DMCI Mining, has signed a mineral production sharing agreement (MPSA) with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) for its Long Point property in Aborlan, Palawan. The deal, inked on August 8, covers 2,177.34 hectares and grants BNC exclusive rights to explore, develop, and utilize mineral resources in the area for an initial 25-year …

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) last week stood firm behind its ₱1-billion investment in DigiPlus Interactive Corp., insisting that the state pension fund remains “strong, secure, and actuarially sound” despite growing criticism and heightened congressional scrutiny. In a statement, GSIS welcomed the public interest in its investment decisions and expressed readiness to submit all pertinent documents to regulators. “We …

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has assured the public that the Social Security System (SSS) remains financially strong enough to raise monthly pensions for its members—without increasing contribution rates. Speaking in the latest episode of *The BBM Podcast* aired last week, Marcos expressed confidence in the agency’s fiscal health, saying the continued growth of the country’s working population will sustain …

SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments) saw its net income climb to ₱42.6 billion in the first half of 2025 — a 6 percent increase — as favorable economic conditions continued to fuel growth across its key businesses. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the conglomerate also reported consolidated revenues of ₱319.2 billion as of end-June. “We continue to …

Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) kicked off 2025 on a high note, posting an 8% jump in net income to ₱14.2 billion for the first half of the year — thanks to robust sales of commercial lots and premium residences, along with strong performance in leasing and hospitality. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange last week, ALI reported consolidated …

By Tracy Cabrera In a renewed push to boost the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Roque is urging lawmakers to approve a higher budget for government loan programs designed to provide accessible, low-interest capital for small businesses. Roque’s call comes on the heels of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation …

Toyota Motor has once again claimed the crown as the world’s best-selling automaker, marking its sixth consecutive year at the top with a staggering 5.5 million vehicles sold globally from January to June 2025. The Japanese automotive giant posted a 7.4% increase in global sales compared to the same period last year, achieving its highest-ever half-year sales. Backed by strong …

For years, many Filipino farmers have been unable to break the cycle of debt and dependency that often accompanies farming. But through SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Farming Program, the beneficiaries are now finding ways to generate a reliable income from agriculture. Among those whose lives have changed is Connie Flores, a mother of six and a 2023 graduate …

To aid government workers and retirees affected by Severe Tropical Storm Crising and the intensified southwest monsoon (habagat), the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has opened its emergency loan facility in five calamity-declared areas: Quezon City, Cavite, Umingan (Pangasinan), and Calumpit (Bulacan). GSIS Officer-in-Charge Juliet Bautista announced that qualified members and pensioners in these areas may now apply for the …