The Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) is once again at the forefront of fostering international collaboration and inclusive travel as it hosts the 2nd Halal and Muslim-Friendly Tourism Forum on July 16, 2025, in Cebu City. The forum, held in conjunction with the 7th Global Travel Exchange and B2B Roadshow, is co-presented by the Department…
The Philippines is gaining global recognition as a welcoming destination for Muslim travelers, climbing four spots to rank 8th among the top 20 non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025, published by Mastercard and CrescentRating. This marks a significant leap from its 12th place finish in 2024. Department…
The Philippines’ manufacturing sector showed signs of renewed strength in June 2025, bouncing back from a slight dip the previous month. According to S&P Global, the country’s Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 50.7 from 50.1 in May—still a modest gain, but a step in the right direction. A PMI above 50 signals expansion,…
The Philippine stock market and local currency saw an encouraging boost on Tuesday, fueled by improved manufacturing data and favorable policy changes. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) climbed 0.93%, finishing at 6,423.85 points, while the broader All Shares index rose 0.47% to 3,799.36. Gains were seen across most sectors, led by Holding Firms (up…
Asia’s Golden Icons Award recognizes SM Investments CEO for financial excellence leadership. In an era where leadership is measured not just by profits but by purpose, Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments Corporation, has been named one of Asia’s most influential financial leaders. He was recently honored with the 2025 Asia’s Golden…
Fresh off its Agency of the Year triumph at the 60th Anvil Awards, ID8, Inc. continues its winning streak—this time, with global acclaim. The homegrown agency bagged two Gold trophies at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, one of the region’s most prestigious honors recognizing innovation across 29 countries. Founded in 2011 as the digital content…
UnionBank Private Banking has once again taken the spotlight on the global stage, clinching prestigious honors at the Global Private Banker Innovation Awards 2025, a testament to its commitment to elevating wealth management for Filipino families. Held annually, the Global Private Banker Innovation Awards celebrate world-class private banks and wealth institutions that lead through innovation,…
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to redefine the digital economy, global payments leader Visa is placing the Philippines at the center of its next wave of innovation. With digital payments making up half of all retail transactions in the country in 2023—according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)—the stage is set for a smarter,…
Mandaue City mayor ‘Jonkie’ Ouano. (Photo from Facebook) MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – Like in previous cases when a new local government chief executive comes in, employees in city hall or the provincial capitol are first to be impacted with the transition of governance as ‘streamlining’ and ‘reorganization’ becomes the order of the day. This is…
Representatives from TPB, PDOT Korea, DOT Eastern Visayas accompany guests from PADI Korea. Southern Leyte took center stage as the Philippines welcomed a group of Korean divers to explore its rich underwater treasures during the PADI Korea Dive Familiarization Trip, held from June 15 to 21, 2025. Organized through a powerful collaboration between the Tourism…