The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

East Rutherford, NJ – Philippine brands seeking expansion in the United States have a rare opportunity on August 16–17, 2025, as Fiesta in America—the most trusted Filipino American business and cultural expo on the East Coast—returns to American Dream Retail and Entertainment Center in New Jersey. Now in its 28th year, the two-day indoor event brings together 13,000+ highly engaged …

By Robert Andaya It will be a title rematch in the NCRAA Season 31 between defending champion Immaculada Concepcion College and runner-up De La Salle University – Dasmariñas at the CSJDM Sports Complex. The championship showdown is scheduled on June 17 — right after the battle for third place in the women’s and juniors divisions. The Caloocan-based Blue Hawks are gunning …

The skating gods continued to smile on Audrey Mikheila Martinez of SM Megamall in the recently concluded 2025 Skating Manila at the SM Mall of Asia Ice Skating Rink. Martinez, who dreams of representing the country in the Olympics, sustained her winning form as she bagged 13 gold and three silver medals in different events. “I’m very happy to have …

DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 returns on AM radio with a new round-the-clock programming lineup, simulcast on DZMM Teleradyo on pay TV and online starting June 2. While celebrating its rebirth, DZMM also celebrates the return of two of the most iconic voices on Philippine radio, Noli de Castro and Charo Santos. DZMM’s “Kabayan,” the flagship public affairs program of veteran …

Despite pending proposals in Congress to postpone the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) and extend the terms of incumbent officials, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has affirmed that the polls will proceed as scheduled on December 1, 2025. Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia emphasized that preparations are underway for a fully manual election, addressing speculation on the possibility of …

In light of the persistent underperformance of the country’s education sector, the Senate has adopted a resolution urging President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to create a Cabinet Cluster for Education. The goal is to ensure the cohesive implementation of education laws, policies, reforms, and regulations across all government agencies. Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 21, principally authored and sponsored by Senators …

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has put the brakes on the planned rehabilitation of Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), citing the steep public cost in terms of traffic, time, and daily inconvenience. The project, which would have reintroduced an odd-even traffic scheme starting June 16, has been temporarily shelved. Speaking at the launch of the Pamilya Pass 1+3 promo at …

In a renewed effort to resolve persistent issues in internet connectivity, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda announced the government’s focus on improving both the speed and stability of internet service nationwide, along with enhancing quality of service to ensure seamless connectivity across the country. Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum held at …

The country urgently needs more infrastructure for segregation, recovery, and recycling to address its escalating plastic waste problem, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said on Thursday. Speaking during the Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Day 2025 celebration in Makati City, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga issued a strong call for united and science-based action against plastic …

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has released a special commemorative stamp in honor of the late Pope Francis, celebrating his enduring legacy of faith, compassion, and service to humanity. PHLPost Postmaster General and CEO Luis Carlos said the initiative is the agency’s “humble way of honoring a global religious figure who has touched countless lives, including millions of Filipinos.” The …