REUTERS THE PHILIPPINES is expected to be the fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia this year, according to Fitch Ratings. Data from Fitch Ratings’ Asia-Pacific Sovereigns Credit Outlook for February showed that the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to expand by 6.4% this year. This will be the fastest […]
Philippines slightly improves in Human Development Index
Students are seen walking to school in Manila, Feb. 24, 2024. — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN THE PHILIPPINES jumped five spots in the latest Human Development Index, but remained one of the laggards in Southeast Asia, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) said. The Philippines ranked 113th out of 193 countries […]
FSCC keeps eye on potential spillovers from global uncertainties
The main office of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in Manila. — BW FILE PHOTO THE FINANCIAL STABILITY Coordination Council (FSCC) is keeping a close eye on the possible spillover effects from global developments, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. said. In a statement, Mr. Remolona, […]
Gov’t faces challenges in bringing down fiscal deficit
By Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson, Reporter THE GOVERNMENT might find it challenging to meet its targets in bringing down its fiscal deficit in the near term if it does not ramp up fiscal consolidation plans, analysts said. “By and large, although the country has narrowed down its budget deficit… […]
SMC profit surges 67% to P45 billion
ANG-led conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) recorded a 67% jump in its net income for 2023, reaching P44.7 billion, driven by growth across its business segments. The conglomerate’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) last year rose by 24% to P205.3 billion, while consolidated operating income improved by […]
Filipina celebrities define the female struggle
HUMILITY, humor, and humanity are three qualities that a “shero” or female hero must have, said Filipina celebrities at a discussion held to commemorate International Women’s Month. Insurance company InLife organized the event gathering five different women to talk about their perspectives on modern feminism, albeit from different backgrounds. The […]
PLDT inks clean energy supply deal with ACEN unit
PLDT INC. announced on Thursday an agreement with ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions (ACEN RES) to power the telecommunications company’s facilities. “This supply agreement with ACEN RES expands and diversifies renewables in the energy mix of our key facilities. Our continuous transition to [renewable energy] supports the direction to make our […]
Eternity and a day
Movie Review Gaano Kita Kamahal Directed by Mario O’Hara COMING OFF the commercial and critical success of Kastilyong Buhangin (Castle of Sand, 1980), Nora Aunor, Lito Lapid, and Mario O’Hara put their heads together once more to present Gaano Kita Kamahal (How Much I Love You, 1981), a more ambitious, […]
DoubleDragon: Hotel101-Madrid finished by Q4 2025
SIA-LED DoubleDragon Corp. (DD) on Thursday said its hotel project in Madrid is expected to be finished by the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025. The Hotel101-Madrid project, which is being implemented by DoubleDragon’s subsidiary Hotel101 Global, will begin construction in April, the listed company said in a regulatory filing. Hotel101 […]
As Oppenheimer triumphs at the Oscars, we should ask how historical films frame our shared future
BOX office receipts for Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer had already approached the billion-dollar mark worldwide before the 2024 Oscars ceremony. To this financial success, along with film awards for Best Director, Cinematography, Editing, Sound, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor, Oppenheimer garnered Mr. Nolan his first Academy Award for Best Picture. […]