Recent News

Marco Polo Residences in Cebu: Where investment value meets elevated hotel-style living
Oct 28, 2026

Marco Polo Residences in Cebu: Where investment value meets elevated hotel-style living

For over a decade, Federal Land’s Marco Polo Residences in Cebu has offered a tranquil living environment for residents seeking elevated city living. Located atop Nivel Hills, it is Cebu’s first branded residence, offering panoramic views of the city skyline and coastline. Its location directly beside Marco Polo Plaza Cebu also gives residents convenient access


MVP sees tougher times for Philippine economy but says investments to continue
Oct 28, 2026

MVP sees tougher times for Philippine economy but says investments to continue

Businessman Manny V. Pangilinan, chairman of MVP Group which has interests in telecommunications, infrastructure, and utilities, on Friday said it will get tougher for the Philippine economy but added that the conglomerate will proceed with its investments.


Cebu holds its residential ground
Oct 28, 2026

Cebu holds its residential ground

CEBU, Philippines — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) policy rate was raised to 5.5 percent on Oct. 22, the fourth hike this year. September inflation accelerated to 7.2 percent, and the Philippine Statistics Authority put second-quarter gross domestic product growth at 2.3 percent, the weakest since 2021. Central Visayas inflation, meanwhile, ran at 8.1 percent


Cebu gears up for growth comeback, sets sights on expansion
Oct 28, 2026

Cebu gears up for growth comeback, sets sights on expansion

CEBU, Philippines — Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro and Nestor Archival pulled off upset victories against their more politically entrenched and moneyed rivals during the 2025 elections mainly due to Cebuanos’ ardent desire for change. Cebuanos wanted a fresh perspective and a chance to alter the narrative of their home city and province by having new leaders


New campaign puts Cebu at the heart of Visayas tourism
Oct 28, 2026

New campaign puts Cebu at the heart of Visayas tourism

Cebu has a little bit of everything any tourist could ask for: breathtaking beaches, mountain trails, majestic waterfalls, historic landmarks and a distinctive culinary tradition. You name it. The province packs a remarkable range of experiences into one trip. It is, after all, the “Gateway to a Thousand Journeys.” Now, Cebu wants to make that


Business leaders chart path to Cebu’s next economic push
Oct 28, 2026

Business leaders chart path to Cebu’s next economic push

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu needs to chart a new course for economic growth, and one that moves beyond its traditional strengths to build a more competitive, resilient and investment-ready economy. With growth slowing and businesses grappling with rising operating costs, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is pushing for closer collaboration between the


Metrobank marks six years as Philippines’ Strongest Bank
Oct 28, 2026

Metrobank marks six years as Philippines’ Strongest Bank

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) has retained its position as the Philippines’ Strongest Bank for the sixth year in a row, with The Asian Banker (TAB) recognizing the Bank’s performance across key measures of financial strength, asset quality, liquidity, and risk management. “Our strength comes from the trust our customers place in us and


Modernizing a Cebu landmark while preserving its soul
Oct 28, 2026

Modernizing a Cebu landmark while preserving its soul

CEBU, Philippines — For generations, Carbon Market in Cebu City has been more than a place of trade. It has been a living landmark where livelihoods are built, traditions are passed from one generation to the next and countless stories of Cebu unfold every day. Today, that legacy enters a new chapter with the rise of


Discover Cebu City in 48 hours
Oct 28, 2026

Discover Cebu City in 48 hours

CEBU, Philippines — In just 48 hours, you can journey through the past and present of the Queen City of the South, from centuries-old churches and historic streets to bustling markets and hilltop views. A day exploring Cebu City can begin among the historic landmarks of the downtown district, continue through the food stalls and trading aisles


Why Hong Kong rents are hitting records while home price gains lose momentum
Oct 28, 2026

Why Hong Kong rents are hitting records while home price gains lose momentum

Hong Kong’s lived-in home prices fell 0.8 per cent in the third quarter, their first quarterly decline after five quarters of gains, as a September rebound failed to fully offset a summer slowdown in the residential market. Prices rose 0.19 per cent in September from August, marking a second consecutive monthly increase, according to data released by the Rating and Valuation Department on Wednesday. The index reached 320.8, but remained 19.4 per cent below its September 2021 peak. Prices were...


Tracing the past, exploring the wild side of Southern Cebu
Oct 28, 2026

Tracing the past, exploring the wild side of Southern Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — From Carcar’s ancestral streets and Argao’s traditional delicacies to the turquoise waters of Kawasan Falls and Moalboal, Southern Cebu tells its story through old towns, local flavors and landscapes shaped by the sea. Southern Cebu is a journey through different layers of the province’s identity. Old churches and ancestral houses recall centuries of


SSS: Qualified members with P10,000 monthly salary credit or below to get UPLIFT aid
Oct 28, 2026

SSS: Qualified members with P10,000 monthly salary credit or below to get UPLIFT aid

The Social Security System (SSS) on Wednesday announced that eligible members under the expanded coverage of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) UPLIFT Assistance program will receive up to P8,000 in financial assistance beginning October 30, 2026.


MVP still keen on Maya public listing
Oct 28, 2026

MVP still keen on Maya public listing

Business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan said Wednesday the plan to offer fintech firm Maya's share to the investing public is still on the table.


Bukidnon tribe's arabica coffee gets nearly P98-M boost from World Bank
Oct 28, 2026

Bukidnon tribe's arabica coffee gets nearly P98-M boost from World Bank

A P97.91-million investment under a World Bank-funded initiative is expected to boost the coffee industry in the Daraghuyan Ancestral Domain in Bukidnon.


Chinese drug sector’s stature grows at major cancer conference
Oct 28, 2026

Chinese drug sector’s stature grows at major cancer conference

An array of Chinese drug makers showcased positive trial results for new cancer treatments at a major European medical conference, underscoring the expanding international influence of China’s biotech sector. Domestic innovative drugs, particularly antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), delivered impressive data across multiple tumour types at the European Society for Medical Oncology (Esmo) Congress, with some early-stage data further showing the country’s “innovation capabilities”, said analysts...


With PH peso plunging to record lows, should Filipinos panic?
Oct 28, 2026

With PH peso plunging to record lows, should Filipinos panic?

The Philippine peso has hit a record low against the US dollar for the 33rd time.


Meralco customers face higher electricity prices amid peso depreciation
Oct 28, 2026

Meralco customers face higher electricity prices amid peso depreciation

Customers of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) should expect electricity prices to go up as the continuing depreciation of the Philippine peso is seen to affect the power generation costs.


Peso gains vs. US dollar but remains at P64:$1 level
Oct 28, 2026

Peso gains vs. US dollar but remains at P64:$1 level

The Philippine peso closed stronger on Wednesday, albeit still at P64-to-one dollar level.


Why Hong Kong’s extensive I&T ecosystem and global connectivity appeal to top-tier talent
Oct 28, 2026

Why Hong Kong’s extensive I&T ecosystem and global connectivity appeal to top-tier talent

Talent recruitment and development are playing a prominent role in Hong Kong’s long-term development strategy as it looks to lure skilled professionals from around the world to drive growth in its key industries. In his first five-year plan announced last month, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu highlighted Hong Kong’s commitment to leveraging its advantages as an international city, strengthening its position as a global hub for high-calibre talent, and attracting skilled professionals to serve...


China’s hybrid car exports to EU up 200%; response to Tesla’s ‘flying car’: 7 EV reads
Oct 28, 2026

China’s hybrid car exports to EU up 200%; response to Tesla’s ‘flying car’: 7 EV reads

We have put together stories from our coverage on electric and new energy vehicles from the past two weeks to help you stay informed. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. BYD to build new factories in Europe to beat trade barriers aimed at Chinese EVs China’s BYD will build new factories in Europe for a bigger market share, as the world’s largest electric vehicle (EV) maker faces fiscal support pullback at home and rising trade barriers overseas,...


Yulan bond debuts in Dubai amid Beijing’s yuan-denominated asset push
Oct 28, 2026

Yulan bond debuts in Dubai amid Beijing’s yuan-denominated asset push

Against a backdrop of geopolitical strains in the Middle East, the Yulan renminbi bond structure has made its debut in Dubai, garnering strong investor interest with its order book more than five times oversubscribed, as global investor appetite for yuan assets remains firm. Bank of China Dubai rang the listing bell at Nasdaq Dubai on Tuesday for its offshore bond, issued under the Yulan structure. Priced at 2 billion yuan (US$299.6 million) with a two-year tenor, the deal tightened 50 basis...


JPMAM plans more active ETFs in China after debut fund hits US$300 million cap on day one
Oct 28, 2026

JPMAM plans more active ETFs in China after debut fund hits US$300 million cap on day one

JPMorgan Asset Management (JPMAM) expects to launch more actively managed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in mainland China after its first such fund there hit the 2 billion yuan (US$300 million) fundraising cap on the first day of sales, its China chief said. “The first launch is just an opening move in a much bigger game,” Desiree Wang, the firm’s CEO for China, said in an interview with the South China Morning Post on Tuesday. Any active strategy that suits the ETF vehicle and meets investor...


Lower feed costs to protect hog raisers from low farmgate prices - DA
Oct 28, 2026

Lower feed costs to protect hog raisers from low farmgate prices - DA

Lower feed costs will help hog raisers from low farmgate prices, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday after the government raised the country"s corn import quota under the minimum access volume (MAV) scheme to 500,000 metric tons (MT).


Thailand Approves Four New EEC Zones to Attract Advanced Industry Investment
Oct 28, 2026

Thailand Approves Four New EEC Zones to Attract Advanced Industry Investment

The EEC Policy Committee approved four new economic zones in Chon Buri and Rayong to boost advanced industries, emphasizing technology, infrastructure, and workforce development for attractive international investments.


China’s stock slide can’t be reversed by massive state buying, analysts warn
Oct 28, 2026

China’s stock slide can’t be reversed by massive state buying, analysts warn

Increasingly apparent state buying in China’s struggling stock market helped drive the benchmark CSI 300 Index up 0.9 per cent on Wednesday, but will be insufficient to engineer a durable rally in the world’s second-largest equity market, according to analysts from global investment banks. “National team” investors – state entities buying exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other vehicles – poured as much as 170 billion yuan (US$25.5 billion) into the market this month. But such intervention was...


Why Hong Kong developer CK Asset sold a mall at an ‘exceptionally cheap’ price
Oct 28, 2026

Why Hong Kong developer CK Asset sold a mall at an ‘exceptionally cheap’ price

With the “exceptionally cheap” sale of a vacant Hong Kong shopping mall, developer CK Asset Holdings is freeing up capital for other projects, while the buyer will have to be patient because the location will struggle to attract tenants in the short term, according to analysts. The developer completed the mall in its residential project Seaside Sonata on Hai Tan Street in Sham Shui Po five years ago but never leased it out. It recently changed hands along with a batch of parking spaces for...


Standard Chartered shares close 7.6% higher after third-quarter earnings beat forecast
Oct 28, 2026

Standard Chartered shares close 7.6% higher after third-quarter earnings beat forecast

Standard Chartered’s third-quarter net profit rose 46 per cent as strong growth in wealth management and lower credit impairment buffered one of Hong Kong’s three note-issuing banks from provisions linked to geopolitical tensions. The bank’s shares surged as much as 8.7 per cent after the earnings report was released, before paring gains to close 7.6 per cent higher at HK$219.80 on Wednesday. Net profit increased to US$1.5 billion, or 68.9 US cents per share, in the quarter that ended on...


How growth in use of AI and globalisation have transformed wealth management
Oct 28, 2026

How growth in use of AI and globalisation have transformed wealth management

The widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is helping to transform the way businesses operate around the world, including the analysis of huge quantities of data to provide valuable insights. Yeo Wenxian, head of wealth for Asia South at the global bank Citi, says the increased use of AI and expansion of globalisation are changing the way businesses and clients approach wealth management and adding a personal touch to the process. “While these are two separate trends, they are also...


Closed fishing season for galunggong begins Nov. 1
Oct 28, 2026

Closed fishing season for galunggong begins Nov. 1

The annual three-month closed fishing season for round scad or galunggong will begin on November 1, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Mimaropa announced.


Improper antibiotic dosing linked to resistant E. coli in meat -- DA
Oct 28, 2026

Improper antibiotic dosing linked to resistant E. coli in meat -- DA

Improper antibiotic dosing in livestock has contributed to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli bacteria, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday.