Filipino online shoppers emerged as Southeast Asia's "savviest" consumers in a 2026

Filipino shoppers ranked as Southeast Asia's 'savviest' online

Philstar.com
October 4, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino online shoppers emerged as Southeast Asia's "savviest" consumers in a 2026 regional e-commerce report, with more than one in three falling into its top shopper segment.

The 2026 eCommerce Savvy Shopper Report for the Philippines found that 36% of Filipino shoppers qualified as "savvy," the highest share among six Southeast Asian markets covered.

Another 22% were classified as "near-savvy," bringing the combined share to 58%, also the largest pool in the region.

The Philippines was followed by Indonesia, where 28% of shoppers were classified as savvy, Vietnam at 25%, Thailand at 22%, Malaysia at 20% and Singapore at 9%.

Filipino savvy shoppers also stood out for how much more they spent.

Their monthly spending was 47% higher than that of general shoppers, the biggest difference among the six markets.

Vietnam followed with a 44% spending uplift, Malaysia with 36%, Thailand with 27%, Indonesia with 19% and Singapore with 13%.

The report estimated the weighted spending gap associated with savvy shoppers in the Philippines at $3.3 billion in 2026. It said the estimate was based on annual e-commerce marketplace spending in Southeast Asia in 2026.

What makes a shopper 'savvy'?

The report, jointly conducted by e-commerce company Lazada and market data firm Cube, assessed shopper savviness across four dimensions: verification, value optimization, digital fluency, and confidence and protection.

These measured whether consumers choose the right products, get the best value, use available digital tools effectively and feel protected when something goes wrong with a purchase.

Across Southeast Asia, the report found that shoppers were more willing to put in additional effort to secure better value than give up trust-related protections.

Forty-three percent said they were willing to wait longer for delivery, 41% would spend more effort finding a deal and 36% would compare offers.

By comparison, only 14% were willing to give up authenticity signals, while 13% would sacrifice purchase protection.

The Philippines also stood out as the only Southeast Asian market in the report where Gen X and Gen Z shoppers were equally willing to pay more for stronger purchase protection.

The report described this as an indication that trust cuts across generations rather than being limited to younger online consumers.

The Philippines report, however, did not disclose key survey methodology, including its sample size, sampling and recruitment method, fieldwork period or the scoring thresholds used to classify shoppers as "savvy" or "near-savvy."

Philippines has taken the lead among major Southeast Asian economies in adopting renewable energy policies

PH leads race for clean energy among emerging SE Asia countries — study

Ted Cordero
GMA News
30 September 2026

Over six months after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a national energy emergency, a new study revealed that the Philippines has taken the lead among major Southeast Asian economies in adopting renewable energy policies during the peak of the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

In a news release, international climate and energy research organization Zero Carbon Analytics said it conducted a study on six fastest-growing Southeast Asian markets — the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, alongside Vietnam — “all of which have committed to accelerating their shift to green technology amid historic oil market volatility.”

In its report, Zero Carbon Analytics said crude oil experienced greater volatility during the first six months of the conflict than 95% of all six-month periods since 2007, marking one of the most turbulent episodes for oil markets in nearly two decades.

In response, the research group said the Philippines adopted 13 clean energy policies between February and August 2026, representing the highest number among the tracked countries, which collectively announced 37 clean energy policies.

Across these nations, short-term clean energy policies outpaced the 29 fossil fuel policies passed during the same period, while long-term initiatives on renewables and electrification outpaced fossil-based efforts by a ratio of four to one, with 24 policies compared to six, according to Zero Carbon Analytics.

The research group cited key developments in the Philippines such as the proposing of the Sariling Kuryente Act, fast-tracking at least 250 megawatts of solar capacity to the grid, mandating energy storage systems for new renewable energy developers, and expanding electric vehicle adoption under the national energy emergency directives.

Despite its clean energy leadership, the group said the Philippines also adopted nine fossil fuel-focused policies, accounting for 40% of the energy policies tracked in the country.

These included accelerating up to 5 gigawatts of coal capacity and establishing the country's first government-managed Strategic Petroleum Reserve facility.

In a Facebook post, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin welcomed Zero Carbon Analytics’ findings.

“Who has introduced the most fossil fuel and renewable energy policies in the region? The Philippines has introduced the most energy policies since the start of the conflict, with 22 in total, leading in both fossil fuel and renewable energy policies,” Garin said.

“This is likely due to its declaration of a national energy emergency on 24 March 2026. The declaration included a list of emergency relief measures, such as directly procuring oil and increasing government control over fuel prices, as well as longer-term steps to accelerate renewables, EVs and energy efficiency across all sectors,” she said. — BAP, GMA News

Singapore caught Eala Mania

Eala Mania hits Singapore as Filipino star draws huge crowd

Filipino star set to begin her campaign against Tatiana Prozorova in the round of 16

Jai Rai
Gulf News (United Arab Emirates)
24 September 2026

Alex Eala’s popularity continues to soar. Every city the Filipino tennis star visits seems to embrace her with an even bigger following, and Singapore has been no exception. After drawing huge crowds in Washington, Toronto, and New York, Eala has now brought “Eala Mania” to Singapore.

A throng of fans turned up for a public Q&A session featuring Eala on Wednesday, just a day before she was set to begin her campaign at the Singapore Tennis Open against Tatiana Prozorova in the round of 16.

Fans of all ages began arriving at Gate 6 of the National Stadium hours before the match schedule.

Eala was warmly cheered by the crowd as she chatted with the host about a variety of topics, from her favorite food and music to her experiences on tour. She also took time to read messages from her fans.

Among those in attendance were supporters who had previously tried but failed to see Eala play live, as well as fans who arrived wearing Eala’s blue US Open kit.

An hour after the Q&A session, Eala headed to Court 1 for practice. The 30-minute workout was open to the public, giving fans who stayed behind an up-close look at how the world No. 18 was preparing for her clash with Prozorova.

Eala was joined on court by Sandro Viaene, her coach from the Rafa Nadal Academy.

After completing her practice session, Eala once again made time for her supporters. Fans waited patiently with caps, tennis balls, and other merchandise in hand, hoping to get an autograph from the Filipino star.

When asked whether they were ready for “Eala Mania” — the growing phenomenon surrounding the Filipina tennis star — Singapore Tennis Open co-tournament directors Laura Ceccarelli and Yazed Osman could only laugh.

“I don’t think we can ever be ready,” Ceccarelli said. “It’s a surprise every day. You hear more and more.”

Growing support

Osman welcomed the growing support from the Filipino community, emphasizing the connection between athletes and fans.

“We welcome the Filipino community to support their star player,” Osman said. “This is something we create not only for the Singapore community, but for having that connection between athletes and fans.”

The occasion was made even more special by Eala’s history with Singapore, which dates back nearly a decade.

In 2016 and 2017, Eala competed in the WTA Future Stars event in Singapore, where she even received a special award.

“Eala came here when she was very young,” Osman said.

“She even won a special award — the Li Na Award, for the most inspirational player of the future,” Ceccarelli added.

Manila will make a push to anchor Southeast Asia’s $300-billion creative economy

Philippines vies to be Southeast Asia’s creative economy hub

Logan Kal-El M. Zapanta 
Inquirer.net
18 September 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Manila will make a push to anchor Southeast Asia’s $300-billion creative economy when the region’s heads of state troop to the Philippines in November, where it will pitch a center of excellence dedicated to the sector.

That center, planned for the 21,000-square-meter Likhang Filipino site in Pasay, would be just the second Asean center established in the Philippines, following the Asean Centre for Biodiversity in Los Baños, Laguna.

According to Junie del Mundo, senior adviser for creative economy at the Asean Business Advisory Council Philippines, setting up the center would allow Manila to take the lead in growing the sector, including efforts to improve intellectual property commercialization, financing and market access across the region.

“The onus will be on us, because the center of excellence is here in the Philippines,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the Asean creative economy briefing on Thursday.

Del Mundo said the proposal had already cleared Asean economic and culture ministers, leaving it up for the approval of the bloc’s leaders.

Singapore and Thailand are also interested in hosting the center, he said.

Once operational, the center is envisioned to bring together the public and private sectors from Asean member states, providing a focal point for addressing common industry challenges while helping connect creators with financing and markets.

Its financing and governance structures are still being developed, with implementation targeted for 2028.

Hosting the center would also build on the Philippines’ sizable creative economy, which already accounts for one of the larger shares of economic output in the region.

In 2025, the Philippine creative economy was valued at P2.12 trillion, equivalent to 7.6 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. That puts the Philippines toward the higher end of estimates across Asean, where creative industries account for roughly 2 to 8 percent of national economies.

A study presented by Isla Lipana & Co./PwC Philippines estimated that creative industries across selected Asean economies generate roughly $300 billion in aggregate annual value in 2025 and about $150 billion in creative goods and services exports in 2024.

The study covered film, animation, game development, fashion and performing arts across all 11 Asean member states.

Philippines forecast to be second fastest-growing economy in SE Asia through 2035

Philippines projected to be second fastest-growing economy in SE Asia until 2035

BusinessWorld
September 17, 2026

THE PHILIPPINES could emerge as Southeast Asia’s second fastest-growing major economy over the next decade, with growth averaging 5.8% through 2035, according to a report by Bain & Company, DBS Group Holdings, and Vriens & Partners. 

In the Southeast Asia Outlook 2026-2035 report released on Wednesday, the Philippine economy is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 5.8% from 2026 to 2035 under the baseline scenario.

“The Philippines, which has a favorable demographic tailwind, could grow at a 5.8% average annual rate as consumption, infrastructure, and governance reforms unlock investment,” the report said.

This would make the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) growth the second-fastest among the six major Southeast Asian economies covered by the report, behind only Vietnam, which is projected to expand by an average of 6.2% annually until 2035.

The Philippine economy is expected to outpace Indonesia (5.4%), Malaysia (4.3%), Singapore (2.7%), and Thailand (2.2%).

Philippine GDP growth over the 10-year horizon is also above the 4.8% average for the six Southeast Asian economies.

The latest regional forecast for Southeast Asia is slower than the earlier average expansion of 5.1% for the 2024-2034 period, reflecting a more complex and volatile global environment.

However, the Philippine economy is experiencing a sharp slowdown this year, averaging 2.6% in the first half. The government is targeting 3.5%-4.5% GDP growth for 2026, and 5%-6% annually from 2027 to 2030.

Despite its relatively strong baseline forecast, the Philippines is also among the Southeast Asian economies facing the greatest downside exposure, according to the report.

The report noted that Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand would be the most exposed under a downside scenario because of their “capital-flow sensitivities, energy dependence, political uncertainty, and weaker structural momentum.”

Under more favorable global conditions, the Philippines could also capture less upside than Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, which are better positioned to benefit from their roles in capital intermediation and global manufacturing supply chains. 

“Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines see more limited benefit, as persistent structural constraints limit their ability to translate an improved external environment into stronger growth,” the report said.

The Philippines’ favorable demographics, steady remittance inflows, and consumption-led  economic model provide some insulation from disruptions to global trade, it added.

However, it warned that the country’s dependence on imported energy, weaknesses in policy implementation and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven disruption to the outsourcing industry could prevent the economy from reaching its full potential.

The report also pointed to longer-term risks from AI-driven automation to the country’s business process outsourcing industry.

“Without stronger energy security and governance consistency, growth could be capped below the Philippines’ potential,” it said.

The report said that one of the Philippines’ immediate challenges is managing the transition to AI.

“The next few years will be critical; the Philippines must move into higher-value services while sustaining reform momentum through its next leadership transition,” it said.

The country also needs to strengthen its energy system, as gains in Philippine technology services have been constrained partly by limitations in the power grid. 

Across Southeast Asia, the report said growth over the next decade will increasingly depend on stronger institutions, more reliable energy systems and the ability to use AI to raise productivity.

“Dependence on imported energy quickly turns external price shocks into household inflation, while weak policy implementation hinders the conversion of investment commitment into actual deployment,” the report said.

It said grid capacity and reliability will be increasingly important in determining whether economies can expand their industrial bases and support power-intensive AI infrastructure.

The Philippines has already fallen short of the report’s earlier growth expectations. From 2024 to 2025, the economy grew by an average of 5.1%, compared with the 6.1% average assumed in their previous 2024-2034 forecast.

“The Philippines saw growth impeded by weaker investment and public sector execution,” the report said. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

PH companies dominate ASEAN’s best tech workplaces 2026

PH firms dominate ASEAN’s best tech workplaces

Story by J.G. Amor 
The Manila Times
02 August 2026

PHILIPPINE-based companies dominated the inaugural Southeast Asia's Best Workplaces in Technology 2026 rankings released by workplace culture authority Great Place To Work, accounting for seven of the top 10 organizations recognized across the region.

The rankings were based on more than 58,200 confidential employee survey responses representing over 219,200 employees from technology companies in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand. Organizations were evaluated on employee trust, workplace culture and the consistency of employee experience across their workforce.

Cisco topped the regional list, followed by Carelon Global Solutions Philippines and Insight. Other Philippine-based organizations in the top 10 were Genpact, Concentrix Philippines, Capital One Philippines and Lexmark Research and Development Corp., a subsidiary of Xerox Corp. Cognizant, which operates across several Southeast Asian markets, ranked eighth, while Vietnam-based Bosch Global Software Technology Co. Ltd. placed ninth.

The study found that younger employees expressed the highest levels of confidence in their employers. Workers aged 25 and below accounted for 11 percent of respondents and recorded a 91.1-percent trust score in leadership, exceeding the overall average for recognized workplaces.

It also found that 79 percent of employees in the under-25 age group had been with their employers for less than two years. According to the report, they were the demographic group most prepared to embrace innovation in the workplace.

Compensation, however, remained an area of concern. The statement, "I feel I receive a fair share of the profits made by this organization," received a 75-percent rating, making it the lowest-scoring measure even among the region's highest-ranked employers.

Pay fairness and transparency in promotions were identified as the weakest aspects of workplace culture across all categories.

Great Place To Work said participating organizations were assessed through employee feedback on leadership, credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie. Regional rankings also considered each company's presence across Southeast Asia, employee population, and the number of markets where it had achieved Great Place To Work certification.

Charles Plumley, general manager of Great Place To Work Philippines, said the inaugural rankings reflected the growing importance of workplace culture as Southeast Asia's technology industry expands.

"There has never been a more exciting time to work in technology in this region," Plumley said. "The companies that will define the next decade are the ones measuring how their people feel."

"Southeast Asia is where the next decade in technology is being decided," said Evelyn Kwek, managing director for Asean and Australia-New Zealand at Great Place To Work. "The 219,262 employees behind this list have given the region a clear, public benchmark for how technology companies treat the people doing the building."

Michelin-rated Filipino Restos around the World

16 Michelin-recognized Filipino restaurants around the world

JC Cailles Lo
ABS-CBN News
July 04, 2026

There's no doubt that the Philippines is home to many world-class restaurants recognized by the Michelin Guide — 108 to be exact. But for those living abroad who crave Filipino food or are looking to experience Filipino cuisine for the first time, here's a list of award-winning Filipino restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide and where to find them.

NEW ZEALAND | Bar Magda (Auckland)

Fresh from its win at the inaugural Michelin Guide New Zealand 2026 ceremony held on June 30, this hidden bar and restaurant in Auckland, helmed by Davao-born Carlo Buenaventura, is the sole dining destination to make the list. Now part of the Michelin-selected distinction, expect dishes inspired by the chef’s Mindanaoan heritage, including a new take on Chavacano-style Paella.

SINGAPORE | Hayop ni Manam (Singapore)

Among the 302 restaurants in the Michelin Guide Singapore, Hayop is the only Filipino restaurant on the list. Created by the team behind the Michelin Bib Gourmand Manam, Hayop offers a more elevated take on Filipino cuisine, featuring premium versions of its signature dishes like the iconic Watermelon Sinigang, but this time uses Australian Wagyu short ribs.

UNITED KINGDOM | Belly (Kentish)

Located in Kentish Town, a vibrant neighborhood in Northwest London, this Michelin-selected restaurant is a modern Filipino-inspired French bistro known for its fresh interpretations of classic dishes and its warm, welcoming atmosphere. Expect offerings such as Seafood Caldereta, Chargrilled Scallop Bicol Express, and Ube Tiramisu.

UNITED KINGDOM | Donia (London)

This modern Filipino restaurant made history as the first and only Filipino restaurant in the UK to earn a Michelin Bib Gourmand, a distinction recognizing restaurants that offer high-quality food at great value. The sharing style menu pays homage to the chef’s Filipino roots while showcasing the best of British seasonal produce. Standout dishes include Sea Bream Kinilaw, Lamb Shoulder Caldereta Pie, and Adobo Mushroom Croquetas.

IRELAND | Kaldero (Dublin)

Named after the Filipino word for cooking pot, this is the only Filipino restaurant recognized by the Michelin Guide Ireland. Inspired by the Filipino tradition of communal dining, the Dublin-based restaurant serves pulutan-style snacks, generous sharing plates, and fire-cooked dishes. Diners can choose from a curated à la carte menu or a generous sharing set featuring ulams such as Bistek, Kare Kare, and Squid Adobo.

 

FRANCE | Maison Nipa (Fillé)

Just about 2.5 hours from Paris by car, or accessible by train and bus, Fillé is a charming, peaceful village in the Pays de la Loire region of western France. Helmed by a Franco-Filipino couple, the sole Filipino Michelin-selected restaurant in France serves surprise seasonal five or seven-course menus, along with shorter lunch menus that change every eight weeks.

CANADA | BB’s (Toronto)

Bright and filled with natural light, the only Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded Filipino diner in Toronto and the whole of Canada serves a straightforward menu for brunch and dinner. Expect Filipino breakfast staples like Silog meals with your choice of protein, while the dinner menu features favorites like Lechon Kawali, Pork Sinigang, and fast-food-inspired Spaghetti.

USA | Kasama (Chicago)

The highest-ranked restaurant on this list, Kasama holds two Michelin Stars, a distinction recognizing excellent cooking worth a detour. Kasama is also arguably the first and so far the only two-Michelin-Star restaurant in the world serving Filipino cuisine. Located in Chicago, it is both a bakery and a modern Filipino restaurant, offering a casual à la carte daytime menu and a seasonal tasting menu for dinner.

USA | Naides (San Francisco)

This San Francisco-based restaurant earned its first Michelin star in June 2026, just over six months after opening. The distinction recognizes restaurants with high-quality cooking that is worth a stop. Named after the chef's mother, Naides serves modern interpretations of Filipino cuisine with a strong focus on preservation and fermentation in an intimate dining room.

USA | Kaya (Orlando)

This Filipino neighborhood restaurant and bar in Orlando, Florida, is built on the Filipino phrase "kaya natin," reflecting a steadfast belief that we can create and do things on our own terms. It is also the only restaurant on this list to earn a Michelin Green Star, recognizing its strong commitment to sustainable gastronomy. As a farm-to-table restaurant, it works closely with local suppliers and creatively uses by-products to minimize waste.

USA | Boonie's (Chicago)

A Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in Chicago, Boonie’s describes itself as a cozy Filipino eatery. Its name is inspired by the surname of chef’s grandmother — Bondoc. What began as a pop-up has grown into a full-fledged restaurant with a loyal following, serving timeless Filipino favorites such as Longsilog, Lumpiang Shanghai, and Crispy Pata. The restaurant also offers seasonal menus for catering and private events.

USA | Estrellita (Atlanta)

A Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in Atlanta since 2023, Estrellita is named after the Spanish word for little star and aims to be exactly that in their Grant Park neighborhood. The restaurant welcomes guests in a warm, cozy setting that feels "like walking through the front door of a classic Filipino home." The menu showcases family recipes passed down from the chef's mother, including classics like Beef Nilaga, Pork Adobo, and Filipino Chicken BBQ.

USA | FOB Kitchen (Oakland)

A Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in Oakland, California, FOB Kitchen believes in making every guest feel like family. The chef and owner is also a proud advocate for people of color, women, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Inspired by recipes she learned from her mother and grandmother during a 2015 visit to the Philippines, the menu focuses on comforting Filipino home cooking.

USA | Bayan Ko (Chicago)

The Michelin-selected restaurant in Chicago currently offers a unique six-course Surf & Turf tasting menu inspired by Filipino and Cuban cuisines, reflecting the personal backgrounds of its owners — a Filipino husband and a Cuban wife. The new menu includes Filipino dishes such as Pancit Luglug and Kare-Kare, alongside Cuban classics like Croquetas and Tamales.

USA | Kamayan ATL (Doraville)

The Michelin-selected restaurant is located in Doraville, Georgia, near Atlanta. It offers an extensive à la carte menu and prides itself on serving authentic Filipino cuisine guided by the Filipino value of Bayanihan. The highlight for first-time guests is the Kamayan feast, which must be pre-booked. This communal dining experience features dishes served on banana leaves and eaten by hand.

USA | Abaca (San Francisco)

Widely regarded as San Francisco's premier Filipino-Californian restaurant, this contemporary establishment offers three distinct menus: weekday breakfast, weekend brunch, and dinner, including a family-style menu. It blends traditional Filipino flavors with the freshest ingredients from Northern California, resulting in standout dishes such as Tortang Talong, Lobster Arroz Caldo, and Bistek American Wagyu Wellington.

Philippines climbs four places in a global competitiveness ranking 2026

PH climbs four spots in competitiveness list

Niña Myka Pauline Arceo
The Manila Times

19 June 2026

THE Philippines has gained four places in a global competitiveness ranking, reflecting improved perceptions of the country’s ability to foster a business-friendly environment despite lingering concerns over supply chain disruptions and exchange-rate volatility.

The country ranked 47th out of 70 economies this year, up from 51st in 2025, according to the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook released by the Switzerland-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD).

The improvement allowed the Philippines to retain its position as the 10th most competitive economy among countries with gross domestic product (GDP) per capita below $20,000.

The annual ranking assesses economies based on their capacity to create and maintain an environment that sustains the competitiveness of enterprises. It evaluates countries using four broad factors: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure.

“I’ve seen improvements in institutional quality of the country based both on government and business efficiency,” World Competitiveness Center Director Arturo Bris told The Manila Times late on Wednesday.

“The country’s performance in the economic performance factor is the one that marks the country’s performance in the overall ranking,” he added.

Singapore returned to the top of the competitiveness rankings in 2026 after placing second last year, helped by a sharp improvement in business efficiency that propelled it to first place globally.

Hong Kong climbed to second place, extending its steady rise over the past three years and reinforcing the strong presence of Asian economies at the top of the list.

Switzerland slipped to third from first in 2025 after a decline in economic performance, one of the ranking’s four key factors, falling 24 spots to 37th.

Meanwhile, Taiwan rose two places to fourth, continuing its upward trend from eighth in 2024 and sixth in 2025. The United Arab Emirates remained in fifth place.

The Philippines, meanwhile, remained 13th out of 15 economies in Asia-Pacific region.

The country’s improved standing came against the backdrop of an increasingly fragmented global economy marked by geopolitical tensions, supply chain realignments and heightened uncertainty.

The IMD said competitiveness in today’s environment extends beyond traditional indicators such as market size, low labor costs and growth prospects.

Instead, institutional credibility, regulatory predictability and governments’ ability to respond to shocks have become increasingly important determinants of investor confidence.

“I think the good news for the Philippines is that institutional quality keeps on improving, that tends to be in the long term the best predictor of the competitiveness ranking,” Bris said.

“Because of the turmoil in the world economy last year and the stability created by tariffs and other geopolitical events, the country has suffered, in which I would say it’s only a temporary event,” he added.

But despite the country’s improved ranking, Filipino executives continued to identify several risks that could undermine confidence and future competitiveness gains.

About 67.4 percent of the executives surveyed cited supply chain disruptions as a major factor affecting business confidence. Meanwhile, 69.8 percent pointed to exchange-rate volatility as a significant concern, underscoring the vulnerability of businesses to external shocks and fluctuations in global financial markets.

The IMD identified several challenges the Philippines needed to address this year, including sustaining economic growth while keeping inflation in check amid external shocks.

It also stressed the need to improve government efficiency and reduce corruption risks, ensure quick responses to energy and food supply disruptions, address issues affecting access to and the quality of basic education and encourage investments in renewable energy and climate resilience.

Nine Young Filipinos makes it on Forbes' Asia List 2026

Nine PH entries land on Forbes' 30 Under 30 Asia list 2026

Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas
GMA News
29 May 2026

Nine entries from the Philippines were included in this year’s Forbes “30 Under 30 Asia” list, which recognizes entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators across the Asia-Pacific region “pushing the boundaries” in their respective fields.

The listees were chosen from close to 4,000 candidates who were evaluated by the Forbes Asia team and a panel of judges based on factors such as funding and revenue, social and industry impact, product-market fit, inventiveness, and potential.

Below are the listees from the Philippines, with cofounders of the same company listed together as one entry:

BayaniChain Tech cofounders Raphael Sevilla and Brandon Angelo Wong

Photo: Forbes| People Asia

Tennis player Alexandra Eala

Photo: Alex Eala Official | Screencap

Singer-songwriter Zack Tabudlo

Photo: Zach Tabudlo Official | Screencap

Amico Innovations cofounder Kharl Christian Yeung

Photo: Forbes | People Asia

Fan connection SEA cofounders Pauline Dizon and Adrian Jumangit

Photo: Forbes | People Asia

GoRocky cofounders Kiyanusch Braun and Martin Joaquin Palaña

Photo: Instagram | People Asia

ASEAN Youth Advocates Network founder Emmanuel Mirus Ponon

Photo: Facebook Profile | People Asia

Empath founder Steph Naval

Photo: Instagram | People Asia

Siklab founder Saje Miguel Molato

Photo: Siklab Pilipinas | Screencap

“The 11th edition of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list spotlights a fresh wave of young minds from across Asia Pacific, who continue to innovate and disrupt their industries at a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping our daily lives,” Forbes Asia editorial director Rana Wehbe Watson said in an emailed statement.

“From entrepreneurs building companion robots and AI tools to up-and-coming stars stepping into the global spotlight, this year’s listees illustrate Gen-Z’s influence across business and culture in the region,” she added.

The list covers 10 categories: AI; Consumer & Enterprise Technology; Entertainment & Sports; Finance & Venture Capital; Healthcare & Science; Industry, Manufacturing & Energy; Retail & Ecommerce; Social Impact; Social Media, Marketing & Advertising; and The Arts.

India had the most entries for the year with 78, followed by China with 46, Australia with 38, and Japan with 32. Indonesia, Singapore, and South Korea all had 18. —VAL, GMA News

Jollibee crowned No. 1 chicken QSR in Southeast Asia

Jollibee crowned No. 1 chicken QSR in Southeast Asia

Richmond Mercurio
Philstar.com
01 May 2025

MANILA, Philippines — Jollibee, the flagship brand of Asian food conglomerate Jollibee Foods Corp., has been ranked the No. 1 chicken quick-service restaurant (QSR) in Southeast Asia by Euromonitor International.

The Jollibee Group said the recognition underscores the brand’s sustained growth and strong consumer demand across multiple Southeast Asian markets.

Euromonitor International’s assessment draws on comprehensive research methods, including in-country research, store checks, trade interviews and company analysis to determine market size and competitive positioning across the region.

Jollibee has built broad market appeal across Southeast Asia by balancing menu localization with a consistent core brand experience.

Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Group global president and CEO, said the recognition reinforces Jollibee’s role as a key driver of international growth and highlights the group’s capability to scale restaurant brands across diverse markets through strong fundamentals and execution discipline.

“This milestone underscores the strength of Jollibee as our flagship brand and our ability to build brands that connect across markets. It reflects years of disciplined execution — deep consumer understanding, strong operating systems and a growth strategy that balances relevance with consistency,” he said.

Tanmantiong said Jollibee is well-positioned to scale significantly over time, supported by disciplined expansion and strong market fundamentals.

He added that the group would focus on scalable brands that stay meaningful to customers as it expands across Southeast Asia and other regions.

“With 317 stores across Southeast Asia outside the Philippines, we have a solid platform for continued expansion in this high-growth region,” Tanmantiong said.

Jollibee was recently ranked No. 1 QSR in Vietnam by Euromonitor International, despite not having the largest store network.

In Singapore, Jollibee was previously recognized by The Straits Times as the No. 1 fast-food brand in customer service, based on a nationwide consumer survey.

Jollibee also stands as the No. 1 QSR by store network in Brunei.

“There’s a common perception that Jollibee primarily serves Filipino customers outside the Philippines, but what we’re seeing on the ground is very different,” Dennis Flores, president of Jollibee Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia, said.

“In markets like Vietnam and Brunei, nearly all our customers are locals, and in Singapore and Malaysia, locals make up most of our customer base. This tells us that great taste and a strong brand experience resonate beyond borders — it’s something consumers choose, regardless of culture,” he said.

Philippines climbs to 56th in global competitiveness report

Philippines climbs to 56th in global competitiveness report

Louella Desiderio 
Philstar Global 
05 November 2025 

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines climbed five places to the 56th spot out of 69 economies in this year’s World Digital Competitiveness Ranking (WDCR) released by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Center (WCC).

The Philippines got a score of 50.87 this year, an improvement from 45.18 last year.

Released annually, the report measures the capacity and readiness of economies to adopt digital technologies for economic transformation in business, government and the wider society.

Economies are ranked using hard data and survey responses from business and government executives.

Through the report, IMD aims to help policymakers and companies understand what drives performance and where they should focus their resources.

IMD looks at digital competitiveness through the following factors: knowledge, technology and future readiness.

In the knowledge factor, the Philippines’ ranking slid to 65th from last year’s 64th.

The report cited female researchers as the country’s strength, while artificial intelligence articles were tagged as a weak point.

Meanwhile, the Philippines moved up to 54th place from the previous year’s 56th in terms of technology.

IMD said investments in telecommunications and high-tech exports are strong areas for the Philippines in technology, but starting a business, enforcing contracts and communications technology need improvement.

When it comes to future readiness, the Philippines went up to 52nd place from the previous year’s 58th spot.

While the Philippines is strong in flexibility and adaptability and public-private partnerships, the report showed that the country needs to work on the government’s cybersecurity capacity.

Within Southeast Asia, the Philippines lagged behind its neighbors Singapore (third), Malaysia (34th), Thailand (38th) and Indonesia (51st).

Overall, Switzerland topped the list, followed by the United States and Singapore.

Amid global trade fragmentation, the report said economies need to find new strategic advantages in the digital sphere.

IMD WCC director Arturo Bris said that trade fragmentation is affecting digital competitiveness in three main ways.

In particular, it is creating winners and losers in digital infrastructure, based on investments made in building a better framework for telecommunications and use of technologies.

While talent remains mobile, Bris also said that people are not entering certain countries in the same numbers due to geopolitical instability.

“This affects digital competitiveness when domestic policies and regional instability combust into a situation where more talent is leaving the country than entering it,” he said.

Bris also cited regulatory advantages as key determinants of digital competitiveness.

“Regulatory clarification and safety enable companies and governments to incorporate the technology available as efficiently and effectively as possible,” he said noting that the European Union, US and Southeast Asia are recognizing this through certain regulatory improvements.

ASEAN investment in the Philippines rises

PHL attracting more investments from ASEAN neighbors — BoI

Justine Irish D. Tabile, Reporter
BusinessWorld
03 September 2025

INVESTMENT PLEDGES from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries have reached P251.98 billion since 2020, reflecting the region’s increasing confidence in the Philippines, the Board of Investments (BoI) said.

“As we build stronger trade and investment ties with our ASEAN neighbors, these numbers reflect the growing confidence of foreign investors in the Philippines as a place for business growth,” Trade Secretary and BoI Chairperson Ma. Cristina A. Roque said in a statement on Tuesday.

“We will keep working to create a stable and welcoming business environment, one that brings in more investments and opens up real opportunities for Filipinos,” she added.

According to the BoI, Singapore has been the biggest source of investment pledges since 2020, accounting for P245.97 billion of the total. The other top sources were Thailand with P4.34 billion, Malaysia with P1.65 billion, and Indonesia with P12.27 million.

In terms of industries, around P170 billion of these investments went to the information and communication sector, while P74.2 billion went to the power sector.

“The BoI-approved projects from ASEAN investors, particularly those in the information and communication and the renewable energy sectors, align with the Philippines’ push for smart and sustainable manufacturing and services,” said BoI Executive Director Evariste M. Cagatan.

The other top sectors were manufacturing (P5.58 billion), administrative and support services (P1.41 billion), and agriculture, forestry, and fishing (P930 million).

“Collectively, these projects are projected to generate 15,358 new jobs for Filipinos from 2020 up to July 2025,” the BoI said.

Meanwhile, from January to July this year, total approved investment pledges from the ASEAN region reached P58.07 billion, according to the agency.

Citing a report from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the BoI said there is also a sustained growth in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows from Southeast Asian countries.

In the first seven months, net FDI from ASEAN reached $95.78 million, with investments from Singapore accounting for $63.61 million and Malaysia accounting for $31.56 million.

Moving forward, the BoI said the country’s participation in the ASEAN Investment Forum in Kuala Lumpur next month will help to further boost investments from the region.

The event is expected to showcase investment-ready projects under the ASEAN Regional Investment Promotion Action Plan 2025-2030 spanning biofuels, carbon capture and storage, medical devices, solar photovoltaic equipment, and regional supply linkages.

High production costs and labor shortages in their own countries are causing ASEAN economies to invest in the Philippines, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

He said the Philippines’ large and young population of over 114 million and leadership in the business process outsourcing sector also make it a viable market for ASEAN investors.

“The Philippines can also be an alternative, lower-cost destination for heavy industries such as shipbuilding, due to being cheaper and having a greater labor supply, such as engineers at a lower cost,” he said.

“It is also the 10th largest market in terms of sales for some of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, making it viable for production facilities, especially for perishable products.”

Philippine Institute for Development Studies Senior Research Fellow John Paolo R. Rivera said the increasing investments from ASEAN countries reflect deepening regional integration and confidence in the Philippines as part of intra-ASEAN supply chains.

“The relocation of production capacities, regional hedging against global uncertainties, and proximity advantages are likely drivers,” he said in a Viber message.

The US is imposing sweeping tariffs on goods coming from its major trading partners, including the Philippines and other ASEAN member states.

Mr. Rivera said ongoing infrastructure development in the Philippines under the “Build Better More” program has also enhanced the country’s attractiveness to regional investors.

“Additionally, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area frameworks make it easier for ASEAN firms to view the Philippines as a strategic node for manufacturing, logistics, and services expansion,” he said.

“However, these may be negated by hounding corruption issues.”

Three PH firms included in Forbes Asia's '100 to Watch' list 2025

Three PH firms included in Forbes Asia's '100 to Watch' list 2025

Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas
GMA Integrated News
26 Aug 2025

Three Philippine companies were included in Forbes Asia’s annual ‘100 to Watch’ list for 2025, which highlights small firms and startups in the Asia-Pacific region with up to $50 million in annual revenue, and up to $100 million in total funding.

According to Forbes Asia, this year’s list showcases a range of startups in fields such as biotechnology, space technology, and green technology, with India leading the pack with 18 companies, followed by Singapore and Japan with 14 each, Indonesia and South Korea with eight each, and Australia with seven.

“They are utilizing advanced technologies like AI to enhance their products, which include gene-editing tools and propulsion systems for spacecraft. As a clear indication of their potential, these 100 startups have raised a combined total of nearly US$3 billion in funding to date,” Forbes Asia editorial director Rana Wehbe Watson said.

The listees are grouped under 10 categories, with the largest cohort in biotechnology and healthcare with 18, followed by enterprise technology and robotics with 16.

The Philippine companies included in this year’s list are the following:

Enstack

The e-commerce and retail firm was founded in 2021, and offers an AI-assisted app that can be used to design web stores. It has been downloaded over 100,000 times from Google Play, and expanded into Thailand this year. It has raised $3 million in total funding from backers such as BlackPine, Mangrove Capital Partners, Unifer Ventures, and Xendit.

NetBank

Founded in 2019, NetBank provides digital financial services such as loan management, and payments and disbursements. Its backers Beenext and Kaya Founders, and counts Smart Money, TikTok, and Lazada as clients. It posted a net profit of P22.2 million or $390 million in the first half of 2025, driven by the strong loan growth and the rise in deposits.

Xpress Super App

The consumer technology company was founded in 2022, offering ride-hailing, delivery, and courier services through its  application. It was co-founded by PJ Lhuillier Group president and chief executive officer Jean Henri Lhuillier and AppFactoric founder Nathan Taylor, and now has over 100,000 downloads in Google Play while a separate app for its driver community has over 10,000 installs.

The finalists were selected from online submissions that were solicited, along with the nominations from accelerators, incubators, universities, venture capitalists. They were chosen based on factors such as impact on and contribution to their industry and region, market fit, promising business model, innovation, track record, and their ability to attract funding. —KG, GMA Integrated News

Manila among most affordable cities for the rich in 2025

Manila among most affordable cities for the rich in 2025

Ayie Licsi 
Philstar.com
15 July 2025

Manila is among the most affordable cities for the wealthy, ranking 23rd out of 25 major cities around the world in the Julius Baer Lifestyle Index for 2025.

The index analyzes the cost of 11 goods and nine services representing the discretionary purchases of high-net worth individuals (HNWI). This includes items like watches, jewelry, handbags, luxury clothing, shoes, cars, as well as services such as healthcare, education, etc.

Singapore remains the costliest city for the affluent in 2025, followed by London in second, and Hong Kong in third. 

Meanwhile, the five most affordable cities for the rich are Mumbai, Mexico City, Santiago De Chile, Manila, Vancouver, and Johannesburg. The South African city is the least costly city for the rich in 2025.

The Philippines' capital city dropped two places from its 21st spot in 2024. The index noted the "peculiarity" with the results concerning Manila, as there had been a 7.5% increase in average local currency prices.

What do the rich spend on?

Across regions, the index found a rise in business class air fares by 18.2%. This is attributed to a change in how people travel, "revenge spending," and an increased focus on experiential luxury.

"Upscale leisure travelers like to enjoy their entire journey. They do not want to get to the airport as late as possible and simply work or sleep through the flight as many business travelers do. As a result of this, many airlines are investing heavily in lounges, food and wine, and onboard amenities," the index reads.

HNWIs are also investing in their health and well-being. 100% of those surveyed in APAC said that they are taking some measures to increase their longevity through lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, good diet, gene therapy, and cryogenic chambers.

In the past 12 months, the affluent in APAC have spent the most on fine dining (65%), smartphones (65%), hotels (64%), healthcare (63%), and high-end clothes for women (55%).

As for specific commodities, champagne and ladies' handbags were the second and third costliest in Manila out of the 25 cities.

For the Lifestyle Index, prices were gathered from brand-owned boutiques, websites, and authorized vendors in 25 major cities in November 2024 and March 2025. Researchers also interviewed 360 HNWI with bankable household assets of $1 million or more across regions.

PH moves up in global competitiveness ranking

Philippines moves up to 51st spot in global competitiveness ranking

Ted Cordero
GMA Integrated News
17 June 2025

The Philippines’ competitiveness ranking rose one notch this year amid improvements in economic performance and infrastructure, according to a report by the Switzerland-based Institute for Management Development (IMD).

In its 2025 World Competitiveness Report, the IMD placed the Philippines 51st, up from 52nd last year, out of 69 economies it ranked all over the world.

The IMD’s World Competitiveness Ranking, first published in 1989, “analyzes and ranks countries according to how they manage their competencies to achieve long-term value creation.”

IMD divides its data into four areas, namely economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure.

The four areas, together, capture various aspects of competitiveness, such as macroeconomic stability, fiscal policy, institutional quality, market openness, business dynamism, innovation, education, health, and environmental performance, according to the Swiss institute.

The latest IMD report showed the Philippines' ranking in terms of the four key areas:

• Economic Performance - 33rd up from 40th
• Government Efficiency - 51st down from 49th
• Business Efficiency - 46th down from 43rd
• Infrastructure - 60th up from 61st

Among Asia-Pacific’s 14 economies, the Philippines ranked 13th—unchanged for six consecutive years.

The IMD’s report cited the following challenges for the Philippines this year:

• Rekindle the country’s economic dynamism and growth trajectory.
• Address inflation expectations.
• Promote investments in inclusive technology to boost labor productivity and empower entrepreneurship.
• Improve education and healthcare to promote inclusive growth and reduce vulnerabilities.
• Adapt to shifting global economic and geopolitical dynamics.

The report ranked Switzerland as the most competitive economy in the world this year, followed by Singapore and Hong Kong. —VBL, GMA Integrated News