The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Patience and enormous talents have paid off in Beauty Gonzalez’s acting career. After considerable years in the biz, Beauty’s thespic skills are being recognized here and abroad. Gonzalez recently bagged the Best Actress trophy at the recently concluded Five Continents International Film Festival (FCIFF) for her arresting portrayal of a homecoming resident of a mystical town and how her sudden …

Fashion czar Albert Figueras and his protege Erick Valena used to be inseparable. As a team, Albert and Erick were symbiotic. Figueras was generous enough to share his skills, talents and business acumen with Valena while the latter was obedient and cooperative with the vision and mission of the former in the growth and development of their respective fashion design …

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) must pick up where it left off in 2024 and continue focusing on the task at hand as the agency pushes for a more connected Philippine archipelago, Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said during the simple 126th anniversary celebration of DOTr. Sec. Bautista urged agency officials and personnel to “buckle down and get to work” to …

The Manila Bay-Pasig River-Laguna Lake (MAPALLA) ferry system project’s feasibility study is expected to be completed by mid-2025. “Nakikita po natin na matatapos ang feasibility study nito by the first half of this year. Inaasahan natin na by the middle of 2025 makakakuha na tayo ng approval para sa proyektong ito,” said Transportation Undersecretary for Planning and Project Development Timothy …

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) plans to build an underground rail line in Cebu Province to help alleviate traffic congestion in the area. According to Transportation Undersecretary for Planning and Project Development Undersecretary Timothy John Batan, discussions with Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and the provincial government for the construction of a Cebu Subway started in 2024. The project was conceived …

The Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation’s (SAICT) Special Operation Group (SOG), with operatives from the Philippine Coast Guard and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), confronted the persistent issue of “colorum” or unauthorized public transport vehicles in the Tabang area of Guiguinto, Bulacan. On the morning of January 22, 2025, SAICT’s Special Operation Group (SOG) swooped down …

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) broke ground for a new bridge to be constructed by the Coast Guard Base Taguig (CGBT). According to the CGBT Commander, Captain Victorino Ronaldo Acosta IV, the bridge will strengthen operational capabilities of the base by improving access to key areas, facilitate smoother mobility for personnel and vehicles, increase safety by addressing outdated infrastructure, and …

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) assured the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) of its required resources and infrastructure as well as policy measures to further improve its maritime capability and capacity in performing its mandate. “We aim to provide the PCG with the resources, infrastructure, and policy backing it needs to fulfill its mission. Let us continue to work hand in …

New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), private operator of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), opened the main arrival curbside at Terminal 1 to all private vehicles, making the once-restricted area accessible to all passengers—not just VIPs. The change provides a more inclusive and convenient experience for arriving travelers and their loved ones, as part of a broader effort to improve traffic …

By Boy Villasanta Internationally renowned director Brillante Ma. Mendoza will head the jury of the 2025 Cinema at Sea Okinawa Pan-Pacific International Film Festival to be held in Okinawa from February 22 to March 2, 2025. Mendoza will evaluate the merits of all entries in the feature and documentary films submitted to the festival. “This is an honor for me,” …