The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) continues to go above and beyond its concession obligations with the Philippine Ports Authority, adding another berth at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) – the Philippines’ premiere gateway for international trade.  Currently under phase two development, MICT’s berth 8 has a design depth of 15 meters that will enable the terminal to handle …

Enrique K. Razon, Jr., ICTSI Chairman and President said: “ICTSI delivered a strong performance in 2022 with revenues up 20 percent to US$2.24 billion and EBITDA of US$1.41 billion, an increase of 24 percent against the previous year driven by tight operational controls and volume growth of nine percent to 12,216,190 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU).   “In a year marked by …

The National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) has appealed to senior citizens to stay calm but cautious over the proliferation of ‘distorted news’ and ‘misinformation drive’ spreading like wildfire over social media that has caused confusion and unnecessary alarm. NCSC Chairman Atty. Franklin Quijano issued the public advisory to warn the elderly about rumors and disinformation issues ranging from distribution …

Much has been said about Liza Soberano’s vlog and the contents like revelations of her past that make people, particularly her colleagues, react to the diverse issues and facts in more ways than one. There are pros and cons on the case in point. Critics say she doesn’t observe and exercise the value of “utang na loob (debt of gratitude),” …

It has been more than a month after the launch of “SekSinema (Gender Images in Philippine Sex Cinema Enfolding Pandemia)” authored by this writer at the Philippine Expressions Bookshop in 479 W. 6th Street, San Pedro, California 90731 and it has still resonated not only abroad but in the local shores as well. Even if it was raining the proverbial …

Honestly, it was my first time to her about Philippine Expressions Bookshop in the US when I requested fellow Lopenze—a native of Lopez, Quezon—Rod Cantiveros who is based in Canada to connect me to Linda Nietes-Little who he said is a friend and a fellow Thomasian (graduate of the University of Santo Tomas). While Rod got his Bachelor of Literature …

Actor-politician’s Alfred Vargas’ enterprising spirit is on the roll anew. After producing “Supremo,” “Tagpuan” etc., Alfred is ready to bankroll on a very gigantic big screen project which has a casting coup. “Pieta” which is a new screen version of the visual arts adaptation of the religious narrative of the sorrowful Virgin Mary clasping in her arms bloodied son Jesus …

The Philippines was named as “best” diving destination by a group of foreign diving enthusiasts. According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), the country was hailed as Best Dive Destination during the Diving, Resort and Travel Show in Malaysia last Feb. 24 to 26. The Philippines defeated Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan and Maldives in getting the recognition from what was considered …

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is committed to “modernize” and improve the country’s transportation system to foster growth and revitalize the economy. During the contract signing of the electromechanical systems and track works of the North-South Commuter Railway in Malacañang, the President recognized that an “efficient” transportation system will have a multiplier effect on employment and on the economy. “As we …

In a country rich with famous holiday and tourist destinations, there is no shortage of places here in the Philippines. Sometimes it just does wonders to distance ourselves from the things that stress and tire us. From Baguio and Cebu to natural wonderlands like Boracay and Palawan, there are many retreats one can choose from. In the south, there are …