The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

The Philippines’ gross international reserves (GIR) declined to $104.6 billion at the end of April 2025, according to preliminary figures released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) last week. This marked a drop from the end-March level of $106.7 billion. GIR, which consists of foreign currency assets such as securities, monetary gold, and foreign exchange, serves as the country’s …

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) held its National Convention at the Meralco Multi-Purpose Hall in Pasig City. The event was graced by the top decision-makers of the organization led by SBP Chairman Emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan, Chairman Robbie Puno, and President Al Panlilio. “The National Congress is a chance to celebrate our progress, honor those who have helped us …

MANILA – The Philippine Racing Commission (PHILRACOM) is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated first leg of the prestigious Triple Crown Stakes race, set to electrify racing enthusiasts on Sunday, 11 May 2025, at the Metro Manila Turf Club Inc., Malvar, Batangas (MMTCI). This exhilarating race will see a talented field of three-year-old thoroughbreds vying for supremacy over a challenging …

Adidas ushers in a new era for Philippine basketball as it confirms a new partnership with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) to be the new official outfitter of the national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas. This multi-year partnership is the latest milestone in adidas’ ongoing commitment to supporting national athletes, now extending support to one of the most prominent sports …

By Tracy Cabrera General Santos City, South Cotabato — Relectionist senator Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Pacquiao sets his sight to get out of retirement by eyeing a world title match against World Boxing Council champion Mario ‘El Azteca’ Barrios this coming July in Las Vegas, Nevada. Based on an Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN) report, Pacquiao will be ‘un-retiring’ to fight …

The PCAP All-Filipino Conference Final Four cast is complete. Top favorites San Juan Predators slammed the door on AQ Prime Cavite Spartans, 15-6, 10-11, and 2-1 in Armageddon, while Pasig Pirates eliminated back-to-back champions Manila Load Manna Knights, 13.5-7.5, 10-11 and 3-0 in Armageddon in a pair of heart-stopping duels in the Northern Conference. Toledo-Xignex Trojans bested Iloilo Kisela Knights, …

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) denied appeals to further expand the existing motorcycle taxi fleet in Metro Manila, reasoning this could shrink the earnings of current public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers. LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III said the agency will maintain the cap of 45,000 motorcycle taxis for Metro Manila. Guadiz also chairs the technical working group …

Hariphil Asia Resources, Inc., the Philippine distributor of Hyundai commercial vehicles, recognized the dealership teams whose exceptional performance in customer service and business development continues to drive industry transformation. The awards program took place within the first Hyundai Truck and Bus national conference of the year. Bringing together key dealership leaders and executives, the conference mapped out the year’s business …

Iñigo Anton, a promising young racer from the Philippines, made headlines recently with his outstanding performance in the first round of the Formula 4 Southeast Asia (SEA) Championship held at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. The Fast Filipino clinched two Rookie Cup wins and achieved an impressive overall podium finish—a notable accomplishment for any racer, particularly someone in their …

Astara-backed JMC Philippines is expanding its electrified lineup with the official launch of the JMEV EV2 and JMEV EV3. The JMEV EV2 blends dynamic styling with smart, refined details and powered by a 26 kW motor producing 84 Nm of torque, enabling smooth city driving and hill climbing with a top speed of 105 km/h. A 15.86 kWh battery provides …