The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Hans T. Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime), recently showcased the company’s sustainability drive at the 2022 General Membership Meeting of the Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE) of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) in Geneva, Switzerland. “Resilience, being a priority in SM developments, is factored into …

To maintain the integrity of Philippine currency, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) retired 519.93 metric tons of unfit, demonetized, mutilated, and counterfeit (UDMC) coins through defacement. The defacement process was undertaken beginning October 2021 until September 2022. Coin defacement, done via machine, involves a process that alters the surfaces of coins to prevent them from being recirculated. The defaced coins may then be recycled into …

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Felipe M. Medalla underscored the need to smoothen movements in the foreign exchange (FX) rate during the “The Asset 17th Philippine Summit” held recently in Taguig City. “You got to come in and reduce the volatility,” explained Governor Medalla, who highlighted that BSP’s participation in the market centers on promoting FX rate stability and the country’s …

Immediately after severe Tropical Storm “Paeng” lashed many parts of the country, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) reached out to several local government units (LGUs) that were gravely affected by heavy rains and floods. A total of 6,350 families from the province of Bulacan and San Pedro, Laguna were among the initial recipients of PAGCOR’s relief aid, which …

SM Megamall starts to spread sparks of happiness with an out-of-this-world Christmas event SM Supermalls brings back the excitement in every visit, joy in every sight, and a magical connection in every experience that will make every Filipino’s Christmas happier and brighter. Ode to outer space: An out-of-this-world celebration starts at SM Megamall SM officially ushered the holiday season with …

SM City Sorsogon, the Bicol Region’s newest destination mall opens on Friday, October 28.  It is SM Prime’s 81st supermall, and the fourth in Bicolandia after SM City Naga in Camarines Sur, SM City Legazpi in Albay and SM City Daet in Camarines Norte. SM City Sorsogon brings SM’s shopping, leisure, and entertainment excitement to this beautiful and bustling province. …

Pioneer SM City tenants share Tatang’s advice that helped make them grow. It may be hard to imagine now, but leading brands such as Ideal Vision, Great Image, Toby’s Sports, Papemelroti and Sportshouse were just starting out when they grabbed at the opportunity to be among the first tenants of SM City North Edsa, which opened in August 1985. Back …

To celebrate some of the milestones it has reached so far this year, Ayala Foundation, the social development arm of the Ayala group of companies, gathered a select number of partners and supporters for a themed thanksgiving lunch.  Ayala Foundation President Ruel T. Maranan thanks the guests and highlights the collaborative spirit of the organization in his message. The intimate …

Launched in 1998, the program ‘Tubig Para Sa Barangay’ (TPSB) or Water for the Community continues to remain as Manila Water’s flagship program which is designed to provide access to safe and reliable water supply to urban poor communities in eastern Metro Manila and Rizal Province. To date, Manila Water has completed more than 750 TPSB projects benefiting close to …

We know that dining is a multisensory experience, but with Ilonggo cuisine, it becomes completely immersive because every bite brings with it the unique character and charm of the region’s culinary history. Chef Ariel Castañeda of Richmonde Hotel Iloilo, knows this well, having been born and raised in Iloilo City and exposed to authentic Ilonggo cooking all his life. When …