Discussions at the unveiling of Metrobank’s newest brand campaign mantra, “Let’s Grow Together”—a continuation of its more than 30-year-old slogan, “You’re in Good Hands”—centered on the President’s decision to temporarily halt the much-criticized two-year closure to “rebuild...
In the course of chasing the news, it is but natural for a journalist to rub elbows with all classes of people – the rich and famous, government leaders, business tycoons, policy and lawmakers – who make the news. More often, encounters are up close and personal. But on the first of May, I had...
They're still at it. Despite the government's imposition of SIM card registration a couple of years ago, designed to curb cybercriminal activities, including trolling, money muling, and online disinformation, these unlawful, surreptitious activities persist and have increased tremendously. Yes,...
The recent plane crash incident involving a Philippine Air Force FA-50 fighter jet piqued my curiosity about proposed changes in the structure of the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Board (AAIIB). Prior to their retirement, Transportation Secretary Jaime “JJB” Bautista and Civil...
It's expected! The directive of newly minted Secretary Vivencio "Vince" Dizon for "all" the second-tier, holdover officials at the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to submit their "unqualified courtesy resignations" has been expected. Yes, Virginia, in my exit interview with his predecessor,...
There will be a changing of the guards at the Department of Transportation (DOTr) this Monday, the eve of the bloodless revolution’s anniversary, with Jaime “JJB” J. Bautista turning over the helm to former Covid-19 Czar Vivencio “Vince” Dizon. PFI Transport Deal of the Year Asia Pacific,...
The demographics in malls and other establishments have changed. Yes, Virginia, the demographics, including Filipinos' behavior towards pets, have changed significantly over the last 10 years. Walking around malls and diners, you often see couples, groups of friends, and families with pets, either...
The spread of misinformation has been feared following the game-changing decision by Meta founder and chief executive officer Mark Zuckerberg early this month to do away with the use of third-party fact checkers across the social media platforms – Instagram, Facebook, and Threads. Yes,...
As the financial markets absorb the policy action of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), there’s a hum going around the market place about the other move being undertaken by the BSP Governor and his team. “Have been scheduled? Have you met him and his team,” are but some of the exchanges...
“Buenaventura, who?” is the latest tittle-tattle circulating in the banking community. Bankers and market players enthusiastically talk about veteran banker Gil A. Buenaventura as the seventh member of the Monetary Board, the policy-making body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)....
The Palace marching order for Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista “JJB” Tuesday is to prioritize improving the country’s gateway facilities and services to enhance travelers’ experiences and increase tourism. As a traveler, I look forward to the long-overdue transformation of Ninoy...
There seems to be a disconnect between Philippine Plaza Holdings Inc.’s (PPHI) decision to close Sofitel Manila and the firm’s decision to negotiate for an extension of an existing lease contract with Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). Yes, Virginia, it feels a bit of an oxymoron when,...
