The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Life is expensive, but joy doesn’t have to be. In this time of soaring prices, when the rest of the world says, “You can’t afford happiness.” Filipinos say, “Watch us find it anyway.” Because joy, to us, isn’t something we buy, it’s something we make. When there’s no electricity, we bring out the guitar. When onions hit ₱700 a kilo, …

by Boy Villasanta What sets apart a feature biopic from a documentary film? A lot. In a filmbio, the narrative is creatively woven wholly or loosely based on facts and figures. In a doc project, the veracity of the characters, situations, circumstances, actions, relationships, even motives etc. are truthful and verifiable. In other words, accuracy and precision are expected of …

The proverbial seas parted, making way for Metro Cebu’s shores to rise. With everything cleared by the courts, regulators, and authorities, the GlobalCity Mandaue Corporation (GMC), may now transform 131 hectares of reclaimed land into a sprawling lifestyle and commercial hub. GMC, a Filipino-owned real estate development corporation, led the ₱20-billion initiative in Mandaue City, laying the foundation for a …

The 8th Entertainment Editors’ Choice (The EDDYS) honored outstanding achievements in Philippine cinema on Sunday, July 20, with Green Bones emerging as the night’s top winner. The film earned five awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. Zig Dulay received Best Director for helming Green Bones, while Dennis Trillo claimed Best Actor for his role in the same …

by Boy Villasanta A multigeneration of females in the Lopez clan will soon find its gender equality role anew when a member gives birth to a baby girl anytime. Actress Mara Lopez who is heavy with a child is excited to contribute to the expanding and freedom loving family of girls among the Lopezes. Mara’s mom, beauty queen and prizewinning …

by Boy Villasanta Veteran and well-loved stage and television director Fritz Ynfante died Monday and the local entertainment industry is paying him a homage not only as a professional artist but as a lovable person as well. Fritz was known for directing “Bida si Mister, Bida si Misis,” “Penthouse Live,” among other toprating TV shows. Here are some of the …

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) commends the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the successful filing of 34 criminal charges before the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) and the Courts of Caloocan City against World Balance, also registered as CHG Global Inc. (CHGGI), in connection with its ₱178.8 million basic tax deficiencies.  On July 9, 2025, the DOJ filed before …

By Tracy Cabrera Despite the looming impact of a steep 20% tariff imposed by the United States on Philippine exports, the country’s economy is expected to remain resilient, buoyed by easing inflation and a more supportive monetary policy stance. In its latest ASEAN macroeconomic outlook, Maybank Research forecasts the Philippine economy to grow by 5.8% in 2025 and 6.0% in …

In a major step toward digital transformation, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has partnered with leading payment solutions provider Dragonpay to make financial transactions easier, faster, and more accessible for its members and pensioners. The partnership was formalized on July 16, with GSIS President and General Manager Jose Arnulfo ‘Wick’ Veloso and Dragonpay CEO and founder Robertson Chiang signing …

The Marcos administration’s push for digital governance is getting a major thumbs-up from the country’s jeepney drivers and operators, as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) launches the Online Driver’s License Renewal System (ODLRS) via the eGovPH mobile app. For many in the public transport sector, the move is a game-changer. “Sobrang ginhawa nito,” said jeepney driver Romeo Magura, who sees …