The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Sparkle GMA Artist Center invites both seasoned runners and first-timers to join Sparkle Run 2026, happening at the iconic Quirino Grandstand in Manila on May 30.  Fans get the chance to run alongside Sparkle artists Alden Richards, David Licauco, Rayver Cruz, Glaiza De Castro, Camille Prats, Derrick Monasterio, Kristoffer Martin, Mikee Quintos, Sofia Pablo, Allen Ansay, and Barbie Forteza.  The excitement continues with the appearances of Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab housemates and many …

By Maridol Ranoa-Bismark Millennials, Gen Z and Alpha people probably aren’t aware that Ivy Violan won one song competition after another where she represented the Philippines years back.  They missed half of their life by not hearing her haunting singing style, her difficult-to-hit high notes. Even baby boomers who know the Song Festival Queen would be surprised how she veered …

The new hub strengthens SMDC Nature’s footprint in the Visayas, bringing its community-centered approach closer to one of the country’s most dynamic regional markets. ILOILO CITY, Philippines — SM Development Corporation (SMDC) has opened its SMDC Nature Visayas Hub in Iloilo City, marking a significant step in the company’s continued expansion beyond Metro Manila and its commitment to serve more …

MANILA, Philippines – ArenaPlus, a leading PAGCOR-licensed online sportsbook, announced a multiyear collaboration that makes ArenaPlus the NBA’s first Official Betting Partner in the Philippines. This marks a significant milestone for ArenaPlus and strengthens its position as a leader in the country’s evolving sports entertainment landscape. As a global sports and media organization, the NBA has established a major international …

BACOLOD CITY, PHILIPPINES – Leading home improvement retailer MR.DIY Philippines returned to Negros Province for the second phase of its “Padayon sa Paglaum” (Carry on with Hope) initiative– aimed at helping communities on the road to recovery. The second phase of the initiative focused on providing essential support through the distribution of “Padayon” Relief Kits to families and “Paglaum” Student …

Japan is positioning the Philippines at the front of the line for a massive new energy support initiative, signaling deepening ties between Manila and Tokyo at a time of global fuel uncertainty. During a visit to Manila, Japan’s special envoy Fumio Kishida expressed confidence that the Philippines could be among the first recipients of assistance under a planned USD10 billion …

As soaring fuel costs continue to drive up prices of basic goods, Arsenio Balisacan cautioned against calls for a uniform wage increase across the country, insisting that salary adjustments should remain region-specific. The Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) chief emphasized that any decision on wages must go through proper consultation among stakeholders. “We would want all the parties …

Environmental regulators have flagged serious operational lapses at the Navotas sanitary landfill, pointing to failures in basic waste management practices that may have fueled the recent fire. In a briefing, Janice Pammit of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) said multiple factors likely contributed to the incident, including methane buildup intensified by extreme heat. …

The National Police Commission has dismissed complaints against operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group over a March 24 raid on alleged e-sabong activities in Tondo, ruling that the operation was lawful and properly conducted. In a statement, Commissioner Ralph Calinisan stressed that the agency will not tolerate the use of administrative cases to intimidate law enforcement officers carrying …

The Philippines is moving closer to sealing a bilateral labor agreement with the Oman, a development seen to further strengthen protections for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Gulf state. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said talks are already underway, with both sides expressing optimism about reaching an agreement soon. “Meron kasing napipintong talks tayo ngayon toward a bilateral …