The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

By Ibarra C. Mateo  Less than a fortnight to the May 9 elections, leading financial and banking executives and top economists in the Philippines have projected a rosy business climate and encouraging economic growth under a Robredo administration.  Former presidents of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) have issued a joint statement in mid-March declaring “We Choose Not …

She was dubbed as one of the TH stars in the early 1980s by entertainment writer Mario E. Bautista. TH as in Trying Hard. It was a moniker not necessarily derogatory but replete with wittiness and defiance. It carried with it an optimistic tone to succeed against all odds. Marissa del Mar might be sidetracked most of the time in …

Rediscover travel, rediscover the Philippines! Megaworld Hotels and Resorts (MHR), the country’s largest 100% homegrown hospitality chain makes the comeback of leisure and business trips for both local and international travelers even more heartfelt and exciting in partnership with the Department of Tourism UK through its MEGA European Familiarization Tour 2022 held at Savoy Hotel Manila in Newport City Pasay.  …

Two years into the pandemic, more and more people, especially those starting out in their careers or building their respective families, have fully realized the importance of health care coverage. As part of the #HealthIsTheNewWealth campaign, Metrobank teams up with its insurance affiliate AXA Philippines to offer AXA Health Care Access (HCA), a comprehensive and affordable health care plan that …

Let’s Vote PINAS, a Vote Counting Machine (VCM) Demo and Experience offered to the public by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and SM Supermalls, was launched on April 18, 2022 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. In attendance were COMELEC Chairman Hon. Saidamen B. Pangarungan, COMELEC Commissioners Hon. Socorro B. Inting, Hon. Marlon S. Casquejo, Hon. Aimee P. …

Immediately after winning Lifetime Achievement Award and Best Actor, respectively, at the recently concluded 19th Asian Film Festival in Rome, Italy, Brillante Ma. Mendoza and Vince Rillon treated themselves to a hearty summer treat at the Balesin Island off Quezon Province. Vince thanked film and television producer Wilson Tieng for hosting them at the captivating island which the latter replied back: …

Mayor Luis Chavit Singson (of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur), who decided not to run for any public office in next month’s elections, predicts a landslide win for former Sen. Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. (BBM) after recent survey results still showed a wide lead over Vice President Maria Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo, three weeks before the polls. During today’s (April 18, 2022) Kapihan …

The Philippines is still where Gloria Sevilla’s spirit reigns. Although she has gone to eternity, her memory lingers in each and every Filipino movie and television watchers who treasure her virtual presence onscreen. Just as she died while kith and kin took vigil on her in the US, her ashes will be brought to the Philippines. “It’s with deep sadness …

Olympian pole vaulter EJ Obiena received clearance from the Commission on Audit (COA) to settle his liquidation issue with the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa). Obiena posted a copy of the Credit Notice from COA dated March 31, 2022, stating the liquidation of his funds has been cleared by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and that no Notice …

The Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) will be sending a powerful delegation to the 31st Southeast Asian Games. Kristina Knott, Christine Hallasgo and Ernest John “EJ” Obiena will banner the Philippine team when the federation campaigns in 39 out of 46 events in the men’s and women’s divisions. A Tokyo Olympian and SEA Games record holder in the …