All-new Nissan Patrol debuts
The all-new, seventh-generation Nissan Patrol was formally launched last Friday. ‘Velocity’ was among media outfits afforded a preview ride-and-drive of the SUV. Our full coverage next week.
Style (03/31/25)
Alo opens in Manila
ALO, the fashion and lifestyle brand known for luxury activewear rooted in mind-body wellness, is set to open its first store in the Philippines in partnership with retailer SSI Group, Inc. Located at Level 1, Greenbelt 5, the new flagship store is slated to open in Q2 2025, marking the brand’s official entry into the Filipino market. Alo Yoga (Alo) is a Los Angeles-based premium lifestyle brand specializing in luxury activewear, first launched in 2007. “Bringing Alo Yoga to the Philippines reflects our commitment to offering world-class brands that resonate with the evolving lifestyles of Filipino consumers,” said Anthony T. Huang, chief executive officer & president of SSI Group, Inc., in a statement “As wellness and mindful living continue to gain importance, we are excited to introduce a brand that empowers our customers to look and feel their best — whether in motion or at rest.” The store will feature Alo’s signature styles across women’s, men’s, and unisex categories; from loungewear and coordinated sets to elevated leisure looks. For updates on Alo Yoga’s launch in the Philippines, follow @ssilifeph on Instagram and Facebook, or visit ssilife.com.ph for more details.
ArteFino opens applications for 2025 edition
LIFESTYLE FAIR ArteFino will be held anew at The Fifth at Rockwell on July 31, and they are looking for new artisans to showcase their wares. According to a statement, they are seeking brands that are “globally competitive, yet deeply rooted in local traditions.” “We value brands that collaborate with local communities, fostering cultural heritage and economic growth. We are looking for conscious designers and creators with innovative design concepts to showcase and authentic stories to share,” said the statement. Interested parties may apply through https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkavN__5PdmRmia_siYdMDtkGjKYMZHo75uXFPd-pzCJGopQ/viewform until April 21.
Ternocon exhibit opens
PHILIPPINE visual arts and fashion intertwine in Filipiniana x Obra, an exhibit featuring capsule collections designed by winners, mentors, and finalists of the recent TernoCon 2025. Organized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in partnership with the Bench/Suyen Corp., this is open to the public until May 4 at the Sandiganbayan Reception Hall of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila. Following TernoCon 2025’s successful runway showcase on Jan. 26, the Filipiniana x Obra exhibit displays terno collections inspired by the visual masterpieces of Filipino artists — several of whom are National Artists — who have shaped the nation’s cultural and artistic landscape. Visitors may view the winning collection by Peach Garde of Tapaz, Capiz who won the Pacita Longos Medal (Gold Award) of TernoCon 2025. Mr. Garde’s pieces reinterpret the brutalist works of National Artist for Architecture Leandro Locsin, like the Philippine International Convention Center and the CCP Main Building. Visit www.culturalcenter.gov.ph for more information.
TikTok Shop expands plus-size category
TIKTOK SHOP commits more to inclusivity with the launch of its Womenswear Plus-Size subcategory. This expansion provides plus-size women with greater access to fashion that fits while also supporting female creators and entrepreneurs in the digital commerce space. TikTok Shop’s new subcategory introduces a selection of quality and authentic plus-size fashion items; from wardrobe staples to statement pieces. As part of TikTok Shop’s commitment to accessibility, the platform integrates interactive features such as live try-on sessions, authentic creator reviews, and direct engagement with sellers. This allows shoppers to make informed purchasing decisions while discovering brands that cater specifically to their needs. “With the launch of our Womenswear Plus-Size subcategory, we want to ensure that every woman has access to fashion that makes her feel confident and empowered,” said Jonah Ople, TikTok Shop Philippines fashion category lead in a statement. “TikTok Shop is more than just a shopping platform — it’s a space where inclusivity thrives, and where shoppers, creators, and entrepreneurs can connect and grow together.” Visit TikTok shop and view posts with #OwnYourCurves.
P5-M pavilion to rise in New Clark City
THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is building a P5-million multi-purpose pavilion within the Ayta Ethno Botanical Center (AEBC) in New Clark City, Tarlac.
“In New Clark City, our goal is to ensure that economic growth and development benefit all sectors of society, especially our local Aeta communities,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang in a statement over the weekend.
“We are committed to empowering our stakeholders and building this Ayta Ethno Botanical Center into a cornerstone for agricultural education, innovation, and environmental stewardship,” he added.
The multi-purpose pavilion is part of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) the BCDA signed with Hann Philippines, Inc. and Hann Foundation, Inc.
The project is expected to provide the local community with a venue for training, meetings, assemblies, exhibits, and other activities for the purpose of protecting and preserving Ayta culture and heritage.
“Aside from promotion of cultural heritage, agriculture, and innovation, this project also promotes employment and entrepreneurship,” said Hann Foundation Executive Director Ana Christi G. Galura.
The 10-hectare AEBC, a project between BCDA, Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office III, and Pampanga State Agricultural University, aims to scale up the agricultural capabilities of local farmers and fisherfolk.
The project will be rolled out in three phases, beginning with the multi-purpose pavilion, a ceremonial ground, a market, a coffee shop, a tamarind orchard, a coffee farm, and a pond.
Phase 2 will include a mango orchard, picnic areas, and natural trails, while Phase 3 will add rice terraces, a bamboo grove, a dormitory, and a viewing deck, according to BCDA.
BCDA plans for the AEBC to serve as a model for food forests to be established in other green areas of New Clark City, which is eyed to boost food security and provide livelihood opportunities. — Justine Irish D. Tabile
How PSEi member stocks performed — March 28, 2025
Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Friday, March 28, 2025.
Peso to move sideways vs dollar before next tariff announcement
THE PESO may continue to move sideways against the dollar this week as investors await the details on the Trump administration’s planned retaliatory tariffs.
The local unit closed at P57.381 per dollar on Friday, inching down by 1.1 centavos from its P57.37 finish on Thursday, Bankers Association of the Philippines data showed.
Week on week, the peso dropped by 5.1 centavos from its P57.33 finish on March 21.
The peso slipped against the dollar on Friday before the release of the US personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index data later in the day, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.
“The dollar-peso traded sideways as market participants continued to wait for details on Trump’s retaliatory tariffs and ahead of the PCE, which should provide cues on the US Federal Reserve’s monetary path,” a trader said in a phone interview.
US consumer spending rebounded less than expected in February while a measure of underlying prices increased by the most in 13 months, stoking fears the economy was facing a period of tepid growth and high inflation amid an escalation in trade tensions, Reuters reported.
Economists say President Donald J. Trump’s protectionist trade agenda, marked by a rush of tariff action announcements since taking office in January, will boost prices of imported goods and drive inflation higher in the coming months.
The PCE price index increased 0.3% in February after advancing by the same unrevised margin in January and in line with economists’ expectations.
In the 12 months through February, PCE prices increased 2.5%, matching January’s rise.
Before the PCE data release, the dollar was headed for a steady week as concern about tariffs slowing US growth has pushed down US yields, stocks and the currency.
The dollar’s decline over the past few months has confounded market expectations for a higher US currency under Mr. Trump’s tariffs, wiping out long dollar positions and leaving traders unsure how to position or react as he upends trade relations.
For this week, the trader said the peso’s movements will largely depend on the PCE data and the Trump administration’s tariff announcements.
The trader sees the peso moving between P57.20 and P57.60 per dollar this week, while Mr. Ricafort expects it to range from P57.20 to P57.70.
Mr. Trump said on Friday that he was open to carving out deals with countries seeking to avoid US tariffs but those agreements would have to be negotiated after his administration announces reciprocal tariffs on April 2, Reuters reported. — A.M.C. Sy with Reuters
PHL shares may decline amid Trump tariff watch
PHILIPPINE SHARES could decline this week as uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration’s trade policies continues to affect sentiment.
On Friday, the bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose by 0.12% or 7.93 points to 6,147.44, while the broader all shares index inched up by 0.12% or 4.59 points to 3,666.95.
Week on week, however, the PSEi dropped by 1.9% or 119.31 points from its 6,266.75 finish on March 21, declining for a third consecutive week.
“The local bellwether index held steady at its trading range, primarily pushed-and-pulled by interest rate-related headlines,” online brokerage firm 2TradeAsia.com said in a market note.
“The local market had a bearish week as it went below its 50-day exponential moving average. Its MACD (moving average convergence/divergence) line has crossed below the signal line, implying downward momentum in the short term. Trading has been anemic, showing weak market confidence,” Philstocks Financial, Inc. Senior Research Analyst Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco said in a Viber message.
For this week, the market will likely keep an eye on the Trump administration’s tariff plans, he said.
“We still see global economic outlook concerns caused by the US’ protectionist stance posing downside risks to the local bourse. In line with this, investors are expected to watch out for the implementation of the US’ upcoming reciprocal tariffs to see if there will be any adjustments. Any new tariff announcement from the US government is expected to pull the local bourse lower,” Mr. Tantiangco said.
US President Donald J. Trump on Friday said that he was open to carving out deals with countries seeking to avoid US tariffs but those agreements would have to be negotiated after his administration announces reciprocal levies on April 2, Reuters reported.
“On a positive note, hopes that the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) will cut rates in their April meeting may help lift sentiment. Investors are expected to watch out for our March inflation due on Friday as this will give clues on the BSP’s next policy moves,” Mr. Tantiangco added. He said the PSEi could move from 6,000 to 6,400 this week.
A BusinessWorld poll of 17 analysts conducted last week yielded a median estimate of 2% for the March consumer price index.
If realized, this would be a tad slower than the 2.1% in February and the 3.7% clip in the same month a year ago. This would also be the lowest monthly inflation in six months or since the 1.9% print in September.
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort placed the PSEi’s support at 6,000 and resistance at 6,275-6,530.
2TradeAsia.com put support at 6,000 and resistance at 6,400. “Sentiment remains relatively fragile above 6,300 as upcoming inflation data and central bank policy rhetoric remain at the forefront, ahead of any mid-year adjustments at the corporate earnings level.” — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
Expanded livelihood aid sought for transport workers, small businesses amid EDSA rehab
By Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporter
THE PHILIPPINE government has been urged to expand livelihood assistance to transport workers and small businesses likely to be affected by the impending year-long rehabilitation of the Epifanio De los Santos Avenue (EDSA) this April.
Federation of Free Workers President Jose Sonny G. Matula said the government must proactively protect transport workers, such as drivers and conductors, by expanding programs like EnTSUPERneur, which provides up to P30,000 in livelihood assistance.
He also cited the Tsuper Iskolar of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), which offers skills training and scholarships.
“Clear communication, financial support during disruptions, and consultation with workers’ groups are also essential to ensure their rights and welfare are upheld during this period of transition,” he said in a Viber chat.
He also encouraged the National Capital Region branch of the Labor department to communicate with affected workers.
“Stakeholders warn that without immediate government intervention, prolonged disruptions could deepen the financial strain on an already vulnerable workforce,” the labor group leader added.
Geoffrey P. Labudahon, national coordinator of Riders-Sentro, said transportation network vehicle systems workers would be negatively affected by the rehabilitation of EDSA.
“Longer trips mean longer time to drop off, fewer delivery jobs can be completed, and more time is needed to finish each order,” he said in a Viber chat. “Fuel consumption and maintenance costs will also increase because vehicles experience more wear and tear in heavy traffic.”
This could also delay deliveries and cause a rise in complaints, which could lead to account suspensions or terminations of riders.
He also noted riders may not have a choice but to reroute, resulting in more penalties as any deviation would be noticed by applications.
The Department of Transportation and the Metro Manila Development Authority said last week the rehabilitation of Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfare would take a year up to a year and a half.
Transportation chief Vivencio B. Dizon assured motorists last week they will be amenable to delays if they do not reach a plan that would fit all, especially motorists and commuters.
The rehabilitation is expected to address structural deterioration and improve the overall condition of the infamously congested highway.
Around 300,000 to 400,000 vehicles pass through EDSA daily, with an estimated 1.6 million commuters relying on various modes of transportation along EDSA.
Gov’t to send troops to Myanmar
THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT will send soldiers, medical personnel, and search rescue and retrieval teams to Myanmar after it was hit by a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that killed over 1,600 people, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
In a statement, the OCD said the team of 114 personnel will be sent to Myanmar on April 1 and will be deployed for two weeks to support those affected by the quake.
The 7.7-magnitude quake hit Myanmar on March 28, considered to be one of the biggest in the last century and has crippled airports, bridges and highway amid an ongoing civil war that has displaced millions, Reuters earlier reported.
The military government said on Sunday that the quake’s death toll has climbed to 1,644, with nine people dying in neighboring Thailand.
The Philippines will send 31 personnel from the Department of Health, 80 personnel consisting of light Urban Search Rescue teams from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Metro Manila Development Authority, and Apex Mining Corp./First Gen-Energy Development Corp. search, rescue, and retrieval teams.
The team will also include two personnel from the OCD and Philippine Air Force Contingent Commander Lieutenant Colonel Erwin Diploma.
Myanmar had requested emergency search and rescue teams (with K9 or SAR dogs), medical assistance teams, medicines, medical equipment, emergency first aid kits, mobile generators, water sanitation kits, solar-powered lights, among other supplies, according to the OCD.
“We stand in solidarity with Myanmar during this difficult time,” Philippine Defense Secretary and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Chairman Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo C. Teodoro said in the same statement.
“The Philippines is ready to respond to the urgent needs of our neighbors, and we are mobilizing resources to provide assistance as quickly as possible.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez
Keep plant shutdown on track, DoE told
A PHILIPPINE SENATOR has called on the Department of Energy (DoE) to ensure that the scheduled shutdown of natural gas power plants remains on track and would not be extended.
“We recognize that preventive maintenance is critical to deter unplanned downtime, which adversely affects businesses and inconveniences energy consumers. We are hoping that the DoE would be able to ensure that this activity would not cause undue loss of power,” Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian said in a statement on Sunday.
Last week, the DoE announced that South Premiere Power Corporation (SPPC) and Excellent Energy Resources Inc. (EERI), jointly owned by Meralco PowerGen, San Miguel Global Power, and Aboitiz Power, will be conducting scheduled maintenance from March 29 to March 31.
The energy department also called on Luzon consumers to implement energy conservation measures throughout the weekend to ensure sufficient supply.
Mr. Gatchalian added that the DoE should closely monitor the scheduled maintenance of the power plants to ensure that they will be completed on time.
He said that consumers should practice energy efficiency and conservation measures to “help shore up the available energy supply and prevent power interruptions.”
“Such conservation efforts would also generate savings for consumers,” he added. — Adrian H. Halili
Boracay tops family getaway list
MORE FILIPINO FAMILIES are looking to travel locally this summer, with Boracay and Manila topping the list of family-friendly getaways this season, according to digital travel platform Agoda.
Filipino families showed a 39% higher preference for domestic over international travel, based on Agoda’s accommodate search data for check-in dates between April 15 to June 15.
Boracay remains the top summer destination among Filipino families with its wide range of kid-friendly resorts, data showed.
“With its gentle waves, soft white sand, and wide range of kid-friendly resorts, the island provides an ideal setting for children to enjoy the waves while parents unwind by the shore,” Agoda said.
Manila was the second most preferred destination with its educational attractions, theme parks, and interactive exhibits. Its shopping malls also feature indoor play areas, cinemas, and family-friendly dining spots.
Filipino families also chose Cebu as their local summer getaway, driven by its famous historical sites and outdoor activities, Agoda said.
Other kid-friendly destinations among families include Bohol and Batangas, both known for their nature-inspired destinations and activities.
“Beach and nature destinations like Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, and Batangas, alongside all-time favorites like Manila, offer both adventure and relaxation for kids and parents alike,” Michael Hwang, country director for the Philippines at Agoda, was quoted as saying.
The rankings were based on the total number of accommodation searches for families with at least one child.
As of January, the Philippines has earned over P65 billion in tourism revenues, exceeding pre-pandemic levels or the P43 billion recorded in Jan. 2019, data from the Tourism department showed. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz
Ginebra wins P66-M tax case
THE Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) ruled in favor of Ginebra San Miguel, Inc. (GSMI), which claimed it was “erroneously and illegally” charged P66.38 million in excise tax.
GSMI sought P66.38 million in tax refund, paid for the period starting Jan. 23, 2020, to Feb. 9, 2020. This amount reflects the excess of the basic excise tax computed using the new rates, under Republic Act 11467. The said law increased the excise tax on distilled spirits to P42 per liter from P24.34.
The company argued the amendment did not take effect until Feb. 10, 2020, after the law’s publication in print.
The CTA Third Division, in a ruling publicized on March 21, said the law did not take effect on Jan. 1, 2020, the prescribed date in the law, as it was only published in print in the Official Gazette on Feb. 10, 2020.
“The publication requirement for Republic Act No. 11467 was complied with only on February 10, 2020, when the law was published in printed form in the Official Gazette,” the 24-page ruling, penned by Associate Justice Marian Ivy F. Reyes-Fajardo read.
It also noted a digital circulation does not meet the publication requirement of laws, citing a Supreme Court ruling.
The court ordered the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to refund P66.38 million in excise taxes paid under protest.
GSMI paid this amount under protest on Dec. 29, 2020, after the BIR issued a Notice of Discrepancy and an Amended Notice of Discrepancy assessing deficiency excise tax.
The alcohol company brought the case to the tax court after the BIR failed to resolve its claims for refund. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana
Cops seize P1-M drugs in Zamboanga City operation
COTABATO CITY — Plainclothes policemen and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) seized P1 million worth of crystal meth (shabu) from a male dealer entrapped in Barangay Guiwan in Zamboanga City on Friday night.
Officials of the Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) confirmed on Sunday that the suspect is now detained, to be prosecuted for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Brig. Gen. Roel C. Rodolfo, director of PRO-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, said the suspect was immediately arrested after selling more than a hundred grams of shabu, costing P1 million, during a tradeoff in a roadside motel in Barangay Guiwan in Zamboanga City.
Radio reports in Central Mindanao on Sunday stated that the operation was laid out with the help of confidential informants.
Mr. Rodolfo was quoted in radio reports as saying that the PRO-9 has an unrelenting anti-narcotics campaign supported by local executives and vigilant residents in all cities and provinces under its jurisdiction. — John Felix M. Unson