The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

In theater, I was taught by my professor, the late erudite Dr. Carolina U. Garcia, the concept and trend that are embodied in the literary philosophy of Relativity of Truth. Dr. Garcia utilized the modern European play “Right You Are If You Think So” written by Italian playwright Luigi Pirandello to illustrate the dogma. The theater piece is about a …

Although kabuki as a theater form in Japan has been around and embedded in the Japanese arts and culture for four hundred years, it has not reached mass audiences in the Philippines except perhaps to lit students and theater enthusiasts and practitioners and Oriental philosophy learners. Unlike anime which has swept the whole world by storm, kabuki has been relegated …

Young aspiring playwrights can now apply for the Virgin Labfest XX Writing Fellowship Program (VLF XX WFP) until April 30, 2025. The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), through its Artist Training Division, spearheads the VLF XX WFP, a two-week mentorship program on the study and practice of dramatic writing for the stage. The VLF XX WFP is open to …

Foreigners numbering more than 1.65 million visited the Philippines in the first quarter of 2025, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT). Although the figure was fewer by 0.60 percent for the same period in 2024, DOT data showed a surge in arrivals from Japan, Canada and Australia, while significant decline was reported in tourist arrivals from South Korea, China …

After the Department of Transportation extended the operating hours of the Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT 3) indefinitely, unconsolidated jeepney drivers were also allowed to operate again. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said he had already issued a directive to his department to help the unconsolidated drivers resume their routes and operate legally. Dizon said government must consider the plight …

Despite the integration of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental to form the Negros Island Region, Hiligaynon remains the main dialect with Kinaray-a, Capiznon and Aklanon also spoken in other provinces of Panay. Another indication of Negros’ rich culture is Sagay City in Negros Occidental which exemplifies authentic ecotourism. Carbin Reef which is part of the Sagay Marine Reserve, is one …

Gen. Santos City – long regarded as the country’s Tuna Capital – is fast earning a new reputation: farm tourism hub of Mindanao. The recent 8th Philippine International Farm Tourism Conference, organized by the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) with support from the City Government of Gen. Santos, made this possible. “At the heart of farm tourism lies a simple …

Batan Island – gateway to Batanes – is one of three main islands of the province (the other two – Sabtang and Itbayat). It is also site of four of the province’s six municipalities, including Basco, the provincial capital.   Visitors can circumnavigate the island in less than a day but touring the island should be done at leisure, the north …

Looking for a different kind of family getaway this summer? Alaminos, Pangasinan, just might be for you. Alaminos offers a unique balance between relaxation and adventure – away from the maddening crowd that accumulate at well-known tourist destinations. With its scenic beauty and laid-back charm, it allows you to escape the city’s hustle and enjoy a rustic environment without venturing …

by Boy Villasanta The local entertainment industry is in mourning. It is because Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales is gone. Pilita, Maria del Pilar Garrido Corrales, died this morning due to a still unknown cause. Corrales’ death was announced by her granddaughter Janine Gutierrez. “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mami …