Office vacancies linger, dragging Metro Manila rents lower

Office rents in Metro Manila continued to weaken in the first quarter of 2025 as vacancies persisted, despite a surge in leasing activity. With no new Grade A office space delivered during the period and further construction delays pushing expected completions to the second quarter, building owners find themselves with more time to fill their […]


Hong Kong firm bets $1-B on Manila casino

International Entertainment Corporation (IEC) is doubling down on the Philippines, earmarking up to $1.2 billion to transform its Manila hotel-casino complex and ride the country’s booming gaming market. The Hong Kong-listed firm secured a provisional license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) as it works toward a full gaming permit, with plans to […]


Phl unveils first AI hyperscale data center

PLDT’s data center subsidiary Vitro Inc. opened the Philippines’ first hyperscale facility purpose-built for artificial intelligence (AI) workloads on Wednesday, a move the company says signals the country’s ambition to become a digital hub in Southeast Asia. Vitro Sta. Rosa (VSR), a 50-megawatt facility located in Laguna province’s growing tech corridor, aims to attract global […]


Phl stocks take breather ahead of Holy Week break

Philippine shares ended lower in a holiday-shortened trading week, as investors trimmed positions and booked profits ahead of the Holy Week break. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) retreated 0.83% on Wednesday to close at 6,134.62, snapping a cautious week marked by thin volumes and defensive trades. The broader All Shares Index, however, managed a […]


Aboitiz InfraCapital prepares Laguindingan airport handover, expansion

Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) is laying the groundwork for the handover of facilities at Laguindingan International Airport in northern Mindanao, ahead of its official takeover later this month under a 30-year concession deal. The infrastructure unit of the Aboitiz Group will assume full operations of the country’s sixth-busiest airport in April, marking the first airport public-private […]


Converge, CPU collaborate to transform education in Iloilo

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. has expanded its footprint in Iloilo through a new partnership with Central Philippine University (CPU) aimed at transforming the educational experience with cutting-edge connectivity and technology. Founded in 1905, CPU is a leading academic institution in the Visayas, recognized for its strong programs in engineering, business, health sciences, and education. The […]


FFCCCII elects Victor Lim as top leader

The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) elected Victor Lim as its new president on Sunday, capping a three-day national convention where more than 800 delegates from 170 chambers cast their votes under SGV Group’s supervision. Lim, president and chief executive of Veco Paper Corporation and Everwealth Traders and Development Corporation, […]


FFCCCII hosts national convention with focus on prosperity through technology and innovation

The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) is hosting its 34th Biennial National Convention from April 3 to 6, gathering over 170 Filipino-Chinese chambers and diverse business associations from across the nation. The event, centered on the theme “Technology, Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Keys to Prosperity,” aims to foster collaboration and progress […]


TARI Estate boosts growth in Luzon economic corridor

TARI Estate is rapidly becoming a key driver of economic growth in Central Luzon. Developed by Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates, the 384-hectare industrial and mixed-use development in Tarlac is set to be a hub for investment, employment, and sustainable growth. Launched in 2024, TARI Estate is Aboitiz InfraCapital’s first venture in Central Luzon, building on […]


Filipino billionaires in Forbes’ 2025 wealth rankings

The Philippines has once again cemented its presence on Forbes’ World’s Billionaires List, with 15 Filipino tycoons making the prestigious ranking in its 2025 edition. Led by property magnate Manuel Villar, whose net worth surged to $17.2 billion, the list reflects the economic powerhouses shaping industries from real estate to retail. Villar, 75, maintains his […]