The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the North Luzon Expressway Corporation of Metro Pacific Corporation, and the local government of Hermosa, Bataan have recently partnered to construct a P495.35-million road interchange. The new interchange will connect the municipality of Hermosa in Bataan to the 94-kilometer Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), supporting the growth …

AI has recently released an interesting study or survey if not a news feed. It has ranked four Filipino film directors in prominence and relevance. Among the filmmakers, dead or living, rated were Brillante Ma. Mendoza, Lino Brocka, Lav Diaz and Eric Oteyza de Guia, better known as Kidlat Tahimik. That’s how discriminating Artificial Intelligence is for it exclusively concentrated …

Don’t ever think that Jessica Pica–the actress who defeated Hilda Koronel at the “Miss Nite Owl Dance Party” aired in the late 60s and early 70s over Channel 11—has resigned from show business. She hasn’t. As a matter of fact, Jessica is as active as anyone in the biz. The last time she made a public appearance was when she …

The tables were turned around in the case of GMA Network broadcaster Mav Gonzales. Instead of her asking questions even on an impromptu interview on cam, I was the one throwing queries on Mav, a GMA Network news reporter on sports and other news types. Gonzales is at the moment with her fiancé, Fil-American Matthew Valena who is in the …

Before haute couture legend Albert Figueras celebrates his forty years in the fashion and entertainment industry this year, he was offered a stint in a runway event by impresario Nardie Presa Montoya at the Crowne Plaza in Ortigas Avenue. Albert, no matter how he was in the company of a bevy of new fashion designers, stood out among them in …

The global maritime community celebrated the Day of the Seafarer last June 25, 2025 with a bold initiative of promoting harassment-free ships. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) launched the campaign “My Harassment-Free Ship” to promote a culture of respect and zero tolerance for bullying and harassment at sea. IMO said in its official website that the campaign aims to raise …

The Philippines signed an agreement with the United States (US) for technical assistance in the construction of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Railway, a major component of the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC). The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said an agreement with the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is for a proposed freight cargo railway, stretching 250 kilometers, connecting four major economic …

The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has slapped AirAsia’s travel booking division with a P6 million fine for allegedly charging excessive fares, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The AirAsia Move app was accused of overpricing after a lawmaker flagged a booking amounting to P77,720 for two passenger tickets from Tacloban to Manila. In response, DOTr ordered the immediate shutdown …

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) warned motorists against tampering with or covering their vehicle license plates to evade the No-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP). The agency said show cause orders would be issued to about 50 motorists caught violating the policy. LTO Chief Vigor Mendoza II said violators will face both administrative and criminal charges, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos …

TOULOUSE, France—The future of flying, according to Philippine Airlines (PAL), is a fleet of modern aircraft that conserves aviation fuel and elevates the experience of passengers, especially long-haul travelers who always suffer from jet lag crossing time zones. PAL is acquiring next-generation long-range aircraft that can connect the Philippines to key economic centers and tourism hot spots across the Pacific …