The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

The extended cinema screening of the eight official entries in the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) is good news. From the January 7 last day of the event to the January 14, 2026 extension is a welcome treat. ​Even if it has unmasked the truest face of Philippine cinema, it shows honesty on the part of the Metro Manila …

Lopez, Quezon—Kins, friends, retirees, well-wishers, townsfolk and guests were stunned by the singing styles and contents of Amazing Diva Armie Zuniga when she paid her musical tribute during the observance of the first death anniversary of a dear pal, Lily V. Arriero, in this town last week. Armie opened her homage to Lily, who died last year, by singing David …

The Megastar is now a member of the Senior Citizens Club. Sharon Cuneta recently celebrated her sixtieth year marking her entrance to the Senior Citizenship circle. ​In one of her reels, Sharon gladly announced her joy and happiness being a Senior Citizen. ​There are series of shows that paid tribute to her natal day, two of them, a 2026 countdown …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP’s) reported gross international reserves (GIR) totalling $110.9 at the end of December, 2025 is admittedly lower month-on-month and would have been much lower if not for the ramping up of the price of gold in the global market. The GIR reached $110.12 billion in 2020, and declined to $108.79 billion in 2021 and $96.15 …

Secretary Frederick D. Go of the Department of Finance (DOF) was sworn in as a Monetary Board member on Thursday, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said. BSP Governor and Monetary Board Chair Eli M. Remolona, Jr. administered Go’s oath at the BSP head office in Manila. He joins the other Monetary Board members Benjamin E. Diokno, Romeo L. Bernardo, Rosalia …

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has warned financial investors against transacting with HFM-HF Markets and Exness Global Ltd., saying that these platforms, although legal in other countries, do not have the required license to operate in the Philippines. The commission noted that while the firms are registered as broker-dealers in other countries, they lack Philippine registration as required under …

Palawan ProtekTODO, the microinsurance arm of Palawan Group of Companies, is offering a new insurance plan designed for everyday workers—household helpers, drivers, security guards, teachers, and farmers. The new offerings are built around the realities of these essential workers, providing practical and affordable protection for those who often go without coverage. Each plan includes benefits such as accidental medical reimbursement, …

There is another reason for content creators and bloggers in the Philippines to be happy with Salmon, the fast-growing fintech firm. The bank has invited content creators and other creatives to join its campaign to make financial services more accessible to all Filipinos—and make some more income for themselves. Through the program, creators can earn up to 500 pesos for …

THE 45th Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Track Championships returns to the Philippines after 31 years at the new Tagaytay City CT Velodrome with 12 nations confirming their participation for the March 25 to 31 competitions. “It’s been three decades since the country hosted the Asian track championships—1995 to be exact at the then Amoranto Velodrome in Quezon City,” said Philippine …

THE Philippine Sports Commission extended its all-out support to the Philippine Basketball Association in celebration of the league’s 50th anniversary. The government sports agency now headed by Patrick “Pato” Gregorio has opened anew the doors of both the Ninoy Aquino Stadium and the iconic Rizal Memorial Coliseum to serve as game venues for the remainder of the PBA season. The …