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,...
In any open and large gathering like the annual Banking Community Cocktails held in the historic Fort San Antonio Abad at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) complex and golf tournaments, drones are being used to capture the momentous event. Yes Virginia, drones are now considered an essential...
“About all you can do is dream of a white Christmas, for it seems like it always leaves us in the red.” This quote about Christmas from the book "14,000 Quips & Quotes" by E.C. McKenzie aptly describes the position of the Chamber of Thrift Banks (CTB) and the Rural Bankers Association of...
Optimism is in the air. Yes, Virginia, positivity and enthusiasm radiated at Tuesday's HSBC-sponsored forum, where speakers unanimously declared the country "Asia's Rising Star," a stark departure from its "Tiger economy" label of the 1990s." Sandeep Uppal, president and chief executive...
Banking and the financial sectors are in a stage of transformation with the adoption of AI (artificial intelligence). Its use is expected to enhance efficiency, improve security and more importantly, customer experiences. AI is creating a new working environment – makes a whole lot easier...
