The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

After the complete buyout by Banco de Oro Unibank (BDO) of one of the country’s biggest rural banks (RBs), One Network Bank (ONB), the stage is set for the country’s biggest banks to enter micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). 

Washington—Americans bought homes in June at the fastest rate in over eight years, pushing prices to record highs as buyer demand has eclipsed the availability of houses on the market. 

Athens, Greece—Greece’s radical left-led government emerged bloodied but alive last Thursday from a key vote in parliament, which overwhelmingly approved new creditor-demanded reforms, despite a revolt among hardliners in the main coalition partner. 

By Lito U. Gagni The Medical City (TMC) has ventured into US territory Guam with the setting up of the $240-million, 130-bed Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC), the first-ever Philippine hospital to put up a medical facility on US soil.

St Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) has just finished its offering for the first International Course on Minimally Invasive Surgery which was held for two sessions this month that featured hands-on dissection of fresh frozen human cadavers that were sourced as part of a body donation program from the United States. 

Filipino boxing great Manny Pacquiao will travel to Japan next month to lend a hand as the Philippines bids against China to host the 2019 basketball World Cup. 

Guilin, China—Little League Philippines Major Boys, 12 years old and younger, scored an impressive run in the recent Asia Pacific and Middle East Regional Tournament, concluding their World Little League qualifiers with an exciting second runner-up finish. 

Atlanta—After the feel-good summer of 2014, the United States was eager to pick up another Gold Cup title and lock up its spot in the next Confederations Cup. Instead, the Americans are dealing with one of their most shocking losses. Giving up two first-half goals on set plays, one delivered by goalkeeper Brad Guzan’s blunder on a routine throw, the …

Days after it was announced that she will hold a concert in Manila early next year, Madonna says she thinks artists deep into their careers should stop if they don’t have anything more to say. 

Review by Todd McCarthy / The Hollywood Reporter Based on an earlier teen fave novel by The Fault in Our Stars author John Green, Paper Towns is a mild coming-of-ager about dawning awareness and life lessons learned among a small group of Florida high school seniors. Part mystery story, part road movie and part pre-prom graduation romp, the film is most …