Two Filipinos land on Forbes Asia’s 2025 ‘Power Businesswomen’ list

Two Filipinos land on Forbes Asia’s 2025 ‘Power Businesswomen’ list

JON VIKTOR D. CABUENAS
GMA Integrated News
04 November 2025

Two Filipinos were included in Forbes Asia’s Power Businesswomen list 2025, joining 18 other female leaders across Asia recognized for their role in driving growth and innovation as the region’s business and economic landscape continues to rapidly evolve.

Among them is Robinsons Land Corp. president and chief executive officer Mybelle Aragon-Gobio, the first woman and non-family member to lead the property arm of the Gokongwei group.

She joined Robinsons Land in 1993 as an administrative assistant, and later moved up to lead the company’s logistics unit and residential and office projects.

Gobio in May laid out a five year P125-billion expansion plan for the company, as she aims to double net income to P25 billion by 2030, increase malls to 69 from 55, and boost the office portfolio by 50% to 1.2 million square meters of leasable space.

Also listed is Ayala Corp. managing director Mariana Zobel de Ayala, the eighth-generation leader of the company handling leasing and hospitality of the property unit Ayala Land Inc.

Zobel is leading the P17.5-billion malls redevelopment program, covering flagship developments Greenbelt 2, Glorietta, TriNoMa, Ayala Center Cebu, among others. Ayala Land in August secured a $224-million loan from the International Finance Corp. (IFC) for the development of two malls.

Ayala Malls aims to add over 700,000 square meters of gross leasable area over the next five years including Parklinks, the joint estate development with Eton Properties in Quezon City and Pasig.

“The women on this year’s Forbes Asia’s Power Businesswomen list are not just adapting to change, but actively shaping the future of the region’s business landscape,” Forbes Asia editorial director Rana Wehbe Watson said in a statement.

“Some are forging paths in hot sectors like data centers, semiconductors, and rare earths, while others are guiding their family businesses to new heights,” she added. —VAL, GMA Integrated News

PH cafes among the world's best shops

Four PH cafes among the World's 100 Best Coffee Shops

Story by Yoniel Acebuche

Philstar Life

19 February 2025

Four cafés from the Philippines have earned spots in the inaugural World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops list.

This was revealed during the Coffee Fest Madrid 2025, which took place from Feb. 15 to 17. 

The country's Yardstick Coffee clinched the 18th spot, followed by El Union Coffee at 61st, Single Origin at 83rd, and Crema & Cream Coffee Roasters at 86th. 

Yardstick Coffee is a specialty coffee company in Manila. It was established in 2013 to bring "inherent sweetness and brightness of specialty-grade coffee." The café has branches in Legazpi Village, MOA Square, Podium, Rockwell, Salcedo Village, SM Aura, Otaku Room BGC, Opus Mall, and the Corner House in San Juan.

Yardstick Coffee is a specialty coffee company in Manila. It was established in 2013 to bring "inherent sweetness and brightness of specialty-grade coffee." The café has branches in Legazpi Village, MOA Square, Podium, Rockwell, Salcedo Village, SM Aura, Otaku Room BGC, Opus Mall, and the Corner House in San Juan.

El Union Coffee, on the other hand, is located at Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union. It serves Philippine coffees, Baguio-made pastries, and its signature dirty horchata. As you sip your cup of joe, you get to enjoy a gorgeous backdrop of Itogon Valley views and a laid-back beach vibe.

Meanwhile, Single Origin serves specialty coffee, comfort food, and craft cocktails. It has branches all over the metro at Rockwell, Salcedo, Greenbelt 5 in Makati, Bonifacio High Street in Taguig, Molito Lifestyle Center in Muntinlupa, MOA Square in Pasay, and Opus Mall and Ayala Malls Vertis North in Quezon City. 

Lastly, Crema & Cream Coffee Roasters, nestled at Brgy. Sacred Heart, Diliman, Quezon City, is a specialty coffee roaster and consultancy place. 

"From roasting to brewing, to serving and even teaching, we make sure we deliver our very best not only in quality but hospitality and professionalism as well," it said. 

Meanwhile, Toby’s Estate Coffee Roasters in Australia gained the first spot. This was followed by Onyx Coffee LAB (USA), Gota Coffee Experts (Austria), Proud Mary Coffee (Australia), and Tim Wendelboe (Norway), respectively. 

Apartment Coffee (Singapore), Kawa (France), Coffee Anthology (Australia), Story of Ono (Malaysia), and Tropicalia Coffee (Colombia) were hailed at the 6th to 10th spot, respectively. 

According to its website, the organizers established a "comprehensive set of criteria" to ensure a thorough and fair assessment to identify the finest coffee shops worldwide. 

They took into consideration factors such as the quality of coffee, barista expertise, customer service, innovation, ambiance and atmosphere, sustainability practices, food and pastry quality, and consistency. 

The organizers have also implemented a robust voting system consisting of public voting, an expert panel, vote weighting, a nomination process, and a final selection. The highest combined scores from public and expert votes will be honored as the World’s Best Coffee Shops.

Palawan among Wanderlust Travel Magazine's awardee

Palawan among Wanderlust Travel Magazine’s most desirable islands in the world for 2024

GMA Integrated News

19 November 2024

Palawan has been voted again as one of the world’s most desirable islands!

Palawan ranked 10th on the "Most Desirable Island" in the world list by Wanderlust Travel Magazine, based on the UK-based publication’s 23rd Annual Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards.

Teneguiban, El Nido, Palawan. Courtesy: Jules Bassoleil via Unsplash

Sri Lanka topped the list, bagging the gold award for Most Desirable Island in the world. It was followed by Taiwan and Puerto Rico with silver and bronze awards, respectively.

Here is the complete list of the Most Desirable Islands in the world:

1. Sri Lanka (Gold)
2. Taiwan (Silver)
3. Puerto Rico (Bronze)
4. Tobago
5. Tasmania
6. Bermuda
7. Cuba
8. Barbados
9. Madagascar
10. Palawan

According to Wanderlust, over three million votes were cast by their 168,000 readers for the annual travel awards.

This isn’t the first time the travel magazine recognized Palawan. In 2022, the island topped its “Most Desirable Island" in the world list.

Palawan, an archipelagic province in Southern Luzon, is known for its clear waters, tropical landscapes, and white-sand beaches. It has long been hailed for its responsible and sustainable tourism practices.

It takes pride in its majestic Puerto Princesa Underground River, which was included in the New 7 Wonders of Nature alongside the Amazon Rainforest in South America in 2012.

In January, it ranked fourth in most trending destinations for 2024 in Tripadvisor's annual Traveler's Choice Award Best of the Best. It also ranked sixth in Condé Nast Traveler's “Best Islands” in Asia in October.

— Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News

Palawan among world's best islands for 2024

Palawan among world's best islands for 2024

Melanie Uson
Philstar Life
22 October 2024

Palawan was named among the best islands to visit by a New York-based travel magazine. 

Banul Beach, Coron

In Travel + Leisure's World’s Best Awards for 2024 list, Palawan ranked 13 with a reader score of 90.59. 

The island, known for its “unparalleled natural beauty,” boasts stunning limestone cliffs, lagoons, and rainforests.  

Kayangan Lake, Coron

Barracuda Lake, Coron

Travelers can explore preserves such as the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, and learn about cultural practices from Indigenous communities like the Batak and Tagbanua tribes,” the description reads. 

Subterranean River National Park, Puerto Princesa City

Topping the list is the ever-famous Maldives, followed by Phú Quốc, Vietnam, and claiming the third spot is Bali, Indonesia. 

Palawan is also included in the travel magazine’s five favorite islands in Asia this 2024. 

In the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards, readers were surveyed about their travel experiences in hotels, resorts, cities, islands, airlines, and more, and rated it either excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. 

Islands were evaluated based on their natural attractions and beaches, activities and sights, restaurants and food, people and friendliness, and overall value.

In January, Palawan was also included in TripAdvisor’s Trending Destinations for this year, following Tokyo, Japan in the first spot; Seoul, South Korea in second; and Halong Bay, Vietnam in the third spot.

In March, the Hidden Beach in El Nido, Palawan placed 19th in Condé Nast's Traveler's 34 best beaches worldwide. 

6 Philippine hotels make it in the Michelin Guide

LIST: 6 Philippine hotels make it in the Michelin Guide

Mike Diez
Philippine Star
08 October 2024

The Michelin Guide, celebrated for its authoritative evaluations of restaurants, also features hotel recommendations that exemplify outstanding hospitality.

This year, six distinguished establishments from the Philippines have earned a coveted spot on this prestigious list, offering discerning travelers a curated selection of accommodations that embody luxury and exceptional service.

Here are the six featured local hotels, each providing a unique blend of opulence and unforgettable experiences. 

Amanpulo

Nestled on the serene Pamalican Island, Amanpulo is a hallmark of luxury, featuring exquisite casitas and villas designed for utmost comfort. Guests enjoy daily breakfast, afternoon tea, and a range of activities, including snorkeling and wellness classes, making it a favored retreat for celebrities and those seeking privacy.

Hotel Okura Manila

Situated within the vibrant Newport World Resorts in Pasay City, Hotel Okura is celebrated for its sophisticated Japanese dining experience at Yamazato. The hotel offers a blend of modern elegance and traditional hospitality, with a selection of 190 rooms and suites designed for relaxation. 

The Peninsula Manila

A staple in Makati City, The Peninsula Manila is renowned for its opulent interiors and top-notch service. The hotel's prime location in the bustling Central Business District complements its culinary offerings, including the celebrated international buffet at Escolta.

Admiral Hotel Manila - MGallery

This boutique hotel on Roxas Boulevard presents stunning views of Manila Bay from its 123 rooms. Known for its rooftop restaurant, Admiral Club Manila Bay, guests can indulge in delightful culinary experiences while enjoying breathtaking sunsets. 

Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan

This expansive six-hectare beach resort in Cebu is ideal for travelers seeking a tranquil escape. With beach casitas and private pool villas, guests can unwind in style just 20 minutes from Mactan International Airport.

Nay Palad Hideaway Siargao  

Celebrated as the “birthplace of Barefoot Luxury,” Nay Palad Hideaway offers an immersive experience in nature, with easy access to tropical jungles and pristine beaches. Its spacious villas cater to groups of four to nine guests, equipped with eco-friendly amenities. 

Recognizing paradise

Originally launched in France in 1900 as a guide for motorists, the Michelin Guide has evolved to become a global authority on culinary and hospitality excellence. Its rigorous evaluation criteria assess hotels based on quality of facilities, personalized service, and overall guest experiences, ensuring that only the finest establishments receive recognition. 

QC mayor in Forbes' first sustainability leaders list

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte among Forbes' first-ever sustainability leaders list

Story by NICK GARCIA
Philstar.com
20 September 2024

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte was among the 50 individuals recognized as sustainability leaders by Forbes Magazine.

In its first-ever sustainability list, Forbes noted that after Belmonte took office in 2019, Quezon City became the first city in the Philippines to declare a climate emergency.

"That move allowed Belmonte to allocate 13% of the city’s budget (which has since increased) to climate initiatives to reach its stated goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050," it said.

The magazine also highlighted some of the mayor's green initiatives like doubling the city’s bike path network to 217 miles (314 kilometers), electrifying its free bus service, adding solar panels to public buildings, banning plastic bags and single-use utensils, introducing a “trash-to-cashback” program, and creating refilling stations for liquid detergent and other common household products.

Forbes said it's spotlighting the entrepreneurs, scientists, philanthropists, investors, politicians, and activists leading global efforts to combat the climate crisis.

"Decades of research confirm Earth’s climate is warming. CO2 levels are unprecedented, catastrophic weather events are becoming more frequent and severe, and human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, are the primary driver of the warming observed in the past century," it said.

"The stakes are high, and the scientific consensus is clear: Without fast and significant action to address climate change, it will get worse—more extreme weather, food and water insecurity, mass displacement and public health crises."

The sustainability leaders list was vetted by a panel of distinguished climate experts.

Quezon City is the largest city in Metro Manila. With an area of 16,112.58 hectares, it makes up nearly a quarter of the capital.

It has a population of at least 2.9 million residents.

Philippines has 12 of the best companies in the world

12 Philippine Companies Make It to TIME's Best Companies in 2024

Story by Micah Avry Guiao 
Spot.ph
13 September 2024

TIME has unveiled its inaugural 1,000 World’s Best Companies list—with 12 Philippine companies making the cut for 2024. Ayala Corporation leads the pack at the 274th place. 

The companies were ranked based on three main categories: employee satisfaction, revenue growth, and sustainability transparency.

Prominent conglomerates and holding companies from the Philippines included in the list are San Miguel Corporation, SM Investments, Jollibee Foods Corporation, Aboitiz Group, Robinsons Retail Holdings, and Alliance Global, so it's a group that covers various sectors from business services to food and beverage.

The banking and financial services sector is also well-represented with Security Bank Corporation, China Bank, and Metropolitan Bank and Trust making it to the elite 1000.

Impressively, Security Bank Corporation had both the highest employee satisfaction rank at 5th place and the highest sustainability rank at 632nd place out of the 12 Philippine companies on the list.

Philippine companies in TIME World's Best Companies list

Ayala Corporation (Conglomerate)

• Rank – 274
• Overall score –89.43%
• Sustainability rank – 655
• Employee satisfaction rank – 41
• Revenue growth – High

Security Bank Corporation (Banking and Financial Services)

• Rank – 451
• Overall score – 87.39%
• Sustainability rank – 632
• Employee satisfaction rank – 5
• Revenue growth – Moderate

San Miguel Corporation (Food and Beverages)

• Rank – 463
• Overall score – 87.24%
• Sustainability rank – 851
• Employee satisfaction rank – 123
• Revenue growth – Very High

SM Investments (Banking and Financial Services)

• Rank – 502
• Overall score – 86.73%
• Sustainability rank – 763
• Employee satisfaction rank – 288
• Revenue growth – Very High

SM Prime Holdings (Business Services and Supplies)

• Rank – 577
• Overall score – 85.75%
• Sustainability rank – 735
• Employee satisfaction rank – 592
• Revenue growth – Very High

Jollibee Foods Corporation (Food and Beverages)

• Rank – 649
• Overall score – 84.81%
• Sustainability rank – 831
• Employee satisfaction rank – 425
• Revenue growth – Very High

Aboitiz Group (Conglomerate)

• Rank – 727
• Overall score – 83.81%
• Sustainability rank – 809
• Employee satisfaction rank – 639
• Revenue growth – High

Robinsons Retail Holdings (Retail, Wholesale, and Consumer Goods)

• Rank – 775
• Overall score – 82.89%
• Sustainability rank – 838
• Employee satisfaction rank – 316
• Revenue growth – Moderate

China Bank Philippines (Banking and Financial Services)

• Rank – 849
• Overall score – 80.98%
• Sustainability rank – 883
• Employee satisfaction rank – 465
• Revenue growth – High

Alliance Global (Conglomerate)

• Rank – 863
• Overall score – 80.49%
• Sustainability rank – 940
• Employee satisfaction rank – 120
• Revenue Growth – High

PLDT (Telecommunications Services)

• Rank – 897
• Overall score – 79.38%
• Sustainability rank – 691
• Employee satisfaction rank – 435
• Growth rate – Moderate

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Banking and Financial Services)

• Rank – 935
• Overall score – 77.38%
• Sustainability rank – 980
• Employee satisfaction rank – 162
• Growth rate – Moderate

Puregold Price Club (Retail, Wholesale, and Consumer Goods)

• Rank – 997
• Overall score – 72.14%
• Sustainability rank – 988
• Employee satisfaction rank – 694
• Growth rate – Moderate

According to TIME, "no one sector dominated" in 2024, but four of the top 10 companies in the world are tech giants Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta Platforms (Facebook's parent company) scoring above 96%.

Crosta Pizzeria climbed to the 12th spot on the World list

The 12th best pizza in the world comes from the Philippines

By Pauline Miranda

Inquirer.net| Lifestyle
September 11, 2024

Pizza is one of the most consumed food products in the world, so it’s no surprise to find exceptional pizzerias across the globe, even miles away from its home country of Italy. In the Philippines, two pizzerias have been recognized by the Italy-based 50 Top Pizza World list for making outstanding pies.

In the recent 50 Top Pizza World awarding ceremony, Crosta Pizzeria climbed to the 12th spot on the World list, more than 40 spots up from when it first entered the list in 2023. It’s also second in the Asia-Pacific list. It is the second top pizzeria located in Asia, following Tokyo’s The Pizza Bar on 38th, which ranked third.

The pizzeria, under the helm of award-winning Filipino-Japanese chef Yuichi Abellare Ito, was cited for the well-thought-out menu. “The products, of excellent quality, are a mix of Italy, the Philippines, and Japan.”

According to the award-giving body, the most noteworthy are Crosta’s Roni Sicilian with salami, and four cheese pizzas. 

Ito also received the Pizza Maker of the Year 2024 Ferrarelle Award.

A Mano, helmed by Amado Fores, was also recognized, securing the 70th spot on the World list. The restaurant climbed 26 spots from its initial placement at 96 in 2023. Fores’ pizzeria was recognized for its modern and bright interiors, with its Neapolitan-style pizza. Must-tries according to the award-giving body are their Spicy Salami and Carbonara pizzas.

Aside from their pizza, A Mano was also given the Best Pasta Proposal 2024 Pastificio Di Martino Award.

Two PH beaches among the world's best

Two PH Beaches Voted Among 50 Best in the World

Story by the SPOT.ph team 
04 May 2024

(SPOT.ph) In case you need further proof that our beaches are among the best in the world, here you go. A new global list just named beaches in Palawan and Romblon among the World’s 50 Best Beaches, and you may just want to include them in what's left of your summer itinerary.

The World’s 50 Best Beaches, an annual list that gets travelers and "Beach Ambassadors" to vote on their favorite shores, has just named Entulala Beach in Palawan and Bon Bon Beach in Romblon as two of the world’s finest. They join other destinations that travelers love including Trunk Bay in the US Virgin Islands, which topped the list, Cala Mariolu in Italy on second place, and Meads Bay in Anguilla, coming in third.

Why these Philippine beaches got the vote

If you’re wondering why other popular destinations in the Philippines didn’t make the cut, like perhaps a beach in Boracay or Siargao, it’s because criteria for voting put a premium on seclusion and relative quiet in the beaches selected. And based on this, the two Luzon beaches trumped all other shores in the country.

The annual voting measures nominated beaches based on the following qualities, according to its website:

• Unique
• Wildlife
• Untouched
• Soundtrack of Nature
• Easy to Enter
• Often Calm Water
• Not Too Crowded
• Frequently Idyllic

Enthralled in Entulala  

The list called Entulala Beach "Palawan’s overlooked slice of heaven." You will find yourself tulala—as in enthralled—by the white sand beach set against limestone cliffs- a signature of the province’s prized coves. Its irresistible clear and calm waters are great for some undersea exploration, where visitors will enjoy the sight of coral reefs. 

It is "never crowded," according to the list, as it is accessible only by boat, making it a peaceful retreat from El Nido’s other tourist-flocked shores.

"This beach is less frequented than others in the area, offering visitors a chance to escape the usual tourist spots and truly immerse themselves in nature," the list said.

The Department of Tourism celebrated Entulala’s inclusion on the list, calling on travelers to "see for yourself" why it’s among the world’s best.

"Entalula Beach was voted based on criteria such as unique characteristics, wildlife, untouched nature, soundtrack of nature, ease of water access, calm waters, lack of crowding, and frequency of idyllic conditions," it said in a Facebook post.

No bars but a sandbar in Bon Bon

Meanwhile, Bon Bon Beach in Romblon took 45th place for being "a laid-back undeveloped paradise," according to the list. Its highlight is a natural sandbar that appears during lowtide, allowing visitors to enjoy the unique experience of walking on a stretch of fine white sand beach that comes and goes.

"Bon Bon Beach on Romblon Island is admired for its unique natural sandbar that stretches out to Bangug Island. Visible during low tide, this sandbar allows visitors to walk across the shallow, clear waters to the neighboring island," the list said.

The destination is far away from the tourist packs, "so much so that you could have this beach all to yourself," the citation read.  

The tourism department said Bon Bon’s new acclaim "reaffirms the Philippines’ reputation as one of the world's premier beach destinations."

In case you’re still planning for a summer getaway this May, you may want to book a trip to these beaches before the crowds come descending.

Koreans are the top tourists in PH

South Korea takes top spot in Philippine tourist arrivals! See who else made the list

Visitor arrivals jump 21.27% in Q1 2024, as tourism agency ramps up campaign

Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor and 

Infographics by Vijith Pulikkal, Assistant Product Manager
Gulf News
23 April 2024

Manila: Tourism has made a huge comeback in the Philippines with 1.7 million arrivals in the first three months of 2024, official data revealed.

The 21.3-per cent rise in arrival numbers in the first quarter this year – from 1.29 million in the same period in 2023 – could help the country hit targets enough to match pre-pandemic levels before 2024 is out.

The Department of Tourism is ramping up its tourism campaign with the global travel trade, covering more cities around the world, including the Middle East, alongside a whole-of-nation drive to boost Halal tourism.

Top 5, by country of residence

In terms of country of origin, South Korean tourists topped the list of arrivals with 458,619, or 27.59 per cent of the total, up from 26.02 per cent in the same period last year.

The luxury cruise ship 'Norwegian Jewel' calls the Port of Currimao (top photo), in northern Philippines, after spending a day in the capital Manila.

The luxury cruise ship 'Norwegian Jewel' calls the Port of Currimao (top photo), in northern Philippines, after spending a day in the capital Manila.

The US came second with 264,690 tourist arrivals, equivalent to a 15.92 per cent share of total arrivals – and 4.36 per cent higher than the first quarter of 2023.

On the third spot is China, with 109,568, accounting for 6.59 per cent of tourist arrivals and 149.9 per cent jump from 43,833 in the first quarter of 2023.

Japan took the fourth spot with 109,347 arrivals from January to March 2024, or 6.34 per cent of total arrivals during the period, a 63.21 per cent increase from the first quarter of 2023 with 64,547.

Australia took the fifth spot with 67,634 arrivals, or 4.07 per cent of the total. This, however, represented a 3.75 per cent drop from 70,266 in the first quarter of 2023.

Affordable, diverse

The Philippines, known for its affordability and diverse offerings, anticipates a surge in regional arrivals due to its proximity and robust transport connections.

A cruise ship near the central resort island of Boracay, Philippines. Image Credit: Carlos Celdran | FB

Fitch Solutions unit BMI forecasts a return to pre-pandemic foreign visitor levels, estimating arrivals to reach 8.21 million by the end of 2024. The Department of Tourism is aiming for a more modest target of 7.7 million tourist arrivals this year.

In 2023, the Philippines welcomed over 5.45 million foreign visitors, surpassing BMI's projection of 4.9 million for 2023 and DOT's own target.

The tourism sector's complete recovery is expected to get an added boost from a rise in arrivals from key markets in Asia, Europe, and the US and Canada. 

Manila tops Global Index in Residential Price

Manila Tops Global Index in Prime Residential Price Increase

Story by the SPOT.ph team
21 April 2024

Manila has topped a global listing again. But whether or not it should be cause for jubilation depends on who's looking. 

The capital has emerged at the top of the Knight Frank Prime Global Cities Index on prime residential prices, reflecting strong growth of the real property market driven by strong demand. 

The listing, which covers 45 real property markets from around the world, showed that Manila logged a growth rate of 26.3 percent year-on-year by the end of 2023. This price growth rate eclipsed other powerhouse cities such as Dubai, a far second at 15.1%, and Mumbai, which recorded a 10% increase. 

Manila’s prime residential price growth is an improvement from its performance in the third quarter of 2023, where it logged a 21.2% increase. This development had also landed Manila at the top spot of the global index in the same quarter. 

Of the 45 global markets covered, Manila was the one that recorded a growth rate above 20%. Other cities in the top 10 are Shanghai, with a growth of 8.6%, Los Angeles at 8.2%, Vancouver at 7.2 percent, Christchurch at 6.8%, Miami at 6.6%, Madrid at 6.4% and Seoul at 6.2 percent.

The average annual price increase was at 3.7% across the 45 markets on the list, the "strongest growth recorded since Q3 2022," the report said. 

"The biggest impact of the rate tightening cycle in the past 12-months has been on sales volumes, which have fallen in most markets by around 10% to 20%. While prices did initially fall as rates rose in 2022, as supply has been squeezed prices have ticked up. Rate cuts in the second half of 2024 will add further impetus to the market," said Liam Bailey, Knight Frank’s global head of research. 

What does it all mean? 

Manila’s standing is a reflection of the country’s strong economic performance, which has spurred housing demand in the capital. The report said the growth of residential prices in Manila was on the back of "rising housing demand, with agents reporting a surge in requirements from expatriates returning to manage local businesses."

This means overseas Filipino workers were funnelling money they had earned overseas to buy property back home as they begin new businesses locally.

But for locals in the market for a new home, this would mean higher prices of houses and condominium units. If you're on the lookout for new digs, you have to make sure you have enough saved up. 

The Prime Global Cities Index (PGCI) is a "valuation-based index" which looks at movements in prime residential prices across 45 cities using research data. 

PH banks make it to Forbes' List

Nine Philippine Banks Make It to Forbes' Best in the World List

Story by Micah Avry Guiao 
Spot.ph
19 April 2024

Forbes’ annual list of World's Best Banks is challenging us to rethink what makes a good bank great. While nine Philippine banks make it to the prestigious list, the chosen ones are not the usual institutional giants one would expect.

Philippine National Bank was named the best Philipine bank for 2024; in last year's list, they took second place. Meanwhile, Union Bank and Maya Bank take second and third place, respectively.

Notably, almost all of the digital banks in the Philippines earned a spot on the list. As defined by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, "digital banks offer financial products and services that are processed end-to-end through a digital platform or electronic channel with minimal or no reliance on physical touchpoints."

Forbes offered a likely explanation as to why we're seeing a rise in digital banking: "Faced with a confluence of shifting factors–including tech advancements, generative AI, high interest rates, increased institutional oversight, and evolving customer expectations–banks are being called on to adjust their business and operating models."

Last year's leader, CIMB Bank, was not even part of the list at all. Similarly, two of the biggest banks in the country, BDO Unibank and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), were also absent.

Philippine banks on World’s Best Banks by Forbes

Here are the Philippine banks included in the 2024 World's Best Banks by Forbes:

1. Philippine National Bank
2. Union Bank
3. Maya Bank
4. OFBank
5. UnionDigital Bank
6. UNO
7. GoTyme Bank
8. Landbank
9. Metropolitan Bank & Trust

Forbes partnered with Statistica to ask more than 49,000 participants to evaluate banks where they currently have a checking or savings account, rating each on five criteria: trustworthiness, terms and conditions (such as fees and rates), customer service (wait times and helpfulness of employees), digital services (ease of using the website and app), and quality of financial advice.

Philippines among top country for expat in 2023

Philippines among best countries for living and working abroad in 2023—survey

Story by Yoniel Acebuche
Philstar Life
18 April 2024

The Philippines was among the top countries for expats in 2023, according to a recent survey on living and working abroad.

In the latest Expat Insider survey, the country placed eighth in the list of best places for expats when it comes to "the ease of settling in and getting started abroad" as well as personal finances, work, and quality of life in general.

In case you didn't know, an expat or expatriate is "an individual living and/or working in a country other than their country of citizenship, often temporarily and for work reasons." They can also be someone who "has relinquished citizenship in their home country to become a citizen of another."

Around 12,000 expats based in 172 countries and territories participated in the survey. Mexico, Spain, Panama, Malaysia, and Taiwan topped the list, followed by Thailand, Costa Rica, the Philippines, Bahrain, and Portugal, respectively.

According to the survey, Mexico's top performance didn't come as a surprise as the country has consistently been part of the Top 5 since its first edition in 2014. It has also consistently ranked among the best in the Ease of Settling In Index for ten years due to local friendliness, finding friends, easy-to-get-use culture, affordable housing and accommodation, as well as personal career opportunities such as fair pay, work-life balance, and quality of life.

Expats also said that they "feel at home and happy in Spain," making it the second best country worldwide for them. They also found Panama, which placed third on the list, an easy destination to settle in.

Conde Nast Traveler, in a report on the same survey, said that the Philippines made it to the list likely because of its proximity to some of the world's most beautiful islands and affordability.

"We suspect being near some of the world's most beautiful islands probably makes expats pretty happy," the digital travel site said. "The country ranked third in the survey's 'Personal Finance' index, with people reporting an enviable cost of living and affordable housing."

The Expat Insider 2023 survey was conducted by InterNations, an expat networking community with more than 5 million members.

The latest edition assigned ratings to more than 50 aspects of expat life, including the ease of settling in, work-life balance, cost of living, healthcare quality, and friendliness of the local population.

3 PH cities cleanest in Southeast Asia

Three PH cities among least polluted regional cities in Southeast Asia

Story by Zacarian Sarao 
Inquirer.net
17 April 2024

MANILA, Philippines — Three cities in the Philippines were among the least air polluted cities in Southeast Asia, a 2023 international report on air quality showed.

The Swiss air-monitoring company IQAir’s 2023 World Air Quality Report provides a global review of air quality, citing PM2.5 air quality data from 7,812 cities spanning 134 countries, regions, and territories for 2023.

              Three PH cities among least polluted regional cities in Southeast Asia | Inquirer                        

PM2.5 concentration describes the amount of fine particulate aerosol particles up to 2.5 microns in diameter and is used as the standard air quality indicator for the World Air Quality Report. Measured in μg/m3, PM2. 5 is one of six major air pollutants commonly used in the classification of air quality.

According to the study, Calamba City in Laguna ranked sixth in the entire Southeast Asia for having the safest air quality in the country, with an 8.2 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) average of PM2.5.

This makes Calamba City the least air polluted city in the country.

Carmona City in Cavite also landed on the list with 8.9 μg/m³ average PM2.5, while Balanga City in Bataan ranked 11th with 9.2 μg/m³ average PM2.5.

Still, all three cities still did not meet the prescribed annual average PM2.5 concentration of 5 or less.

Meanwhile, Mamuju, Indonesia led Southeast Asia with the lowest average PM2.5 at only 3.7 μg/m³, followed by Kupang, Indonesia with 4.6 μg/m³ and Bongawan, Malaysia with 6.7 μg/m³.

The most air polluted cities in the region, on the other hand, was South Tangerang, Indonesia with 71.7 μg/m³, followed by Tay Ho, Vietnam with 61.5 μg/m³ and Tangerang, Indonesia with 54.1 μg/m³.

PH ranks 79th globally

Meanwhile, of the 134 countries and territories worldwide, the Philippines ranked 79th based on average PM2.5 concentration and 8th out of nine countries in Southeast Asia.

The country’s 13.5 μg/m³ average PM2.5 was 10 percent lower than the recorded 14.9 μg/m³ in 2022.

This, however, is also still almost triple the prescribed annual average PM2.5 concentration.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh led the ranking with the highest average PM2.5 concentration at 79.9 μg/m³, followed by Pakistan with 73.7 μg/m³ and India with 54.4 μg/m³.

Only seven countries, on the other hand, met the prescribed annual average PM2.5 of 5 μg/m³, namely, Australia, Estonia, Finland, Grenada, Iceland, Mauritius and New Zealand.

Three territories also recorded safe levels of PM2.5 concentration, specifically, Puerto Rico, Bermuda and French Polynesia.

French Polynesia had the cleanest air quality with only 3.2 μg/m³, followed by Mauritius at 3.5 μg/m³ and Iceland with 4 μg/m³.

Filipinas in Forbes' Billionaires List

These Filipinas Made It to Forbes' 2024 Billionaires List

Story by Cosmopolitan Philippines
06 April 2024

Women continuously break the glass ceiling—and the 2024 Forbes rich list is clear proof of it.

The Forbes' World Billionaires List stated that 369 out of the 2,781 declared billionaires are women. That's 13.3 percent of the world's wealthiest people. Their net worth? It's greater than ever, amounting to nearly $1.8 trillion (P101,507,400,000,000).

Here, we proudly report that three of those 369 wealthy women are Filipinas. These Pinays have been trailblazers not only in the billionaires scene but most importantly, in their respective industries.

Who are the Filipinas that made it to Forbes' World Billionaires List 2024?

3. Susan Co

Susan Co might be new to Forbes' billionaires list, but her legacy has been going on for decades already in the Philippines. She is the co-founder and co-owner of the famous retail supermarket chain Puregold. The supermarket still stands as one of the most affordable supermarket chains in the country and has become an icon in the retail industry. Forbes noted that the retail store has established 500 stores across the Philippines. She was also included in Forbes's "50 Over 50" in 2023.

Susan, together with her husband Lucio Co and family also heads Cosco Capital which has entered the industry of liquor distribution and real estate. Susan is now 61 years old and has a net worth of $1.1 billion (P62,045,500,000.00).

2. Elizabeth Sy

Elizabeth Sy is the second child of the late business tycoon, Henry Sy, who is known for establishing the biggest mall franchise in the Philippines, SM Supermalls. She has a net worth of $2.1 billion (P118,450,500,000.00).

Now 71 years old, Elizabeth is the president and chairman of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. and has been an advisor for SM Investments since 2012.

1. Teresita Sy-Coson

Joining Elizabeth in the list of Pinay billionaires is her elder sister, Teresita Sy-Coson. Teresita is currently the vice chairperson of SM Investments. Other than that, she is the chairperson of one of the largest banks in the Philippines, BDO Unibank. That makes her expertise range from retail merchandising to mall development, and also banking. Her net worth is $2.3 billion (P129,731,500,000.00).

Filipino tycoons on Forbes' billionaires list

Villar, 15 other PH tycoons land on Forbes’ 2024 billionaires list

Story by Meg J. Adonis 

Inquirer.net

03 April 2024

MANILA, Philippines — Real estate mogul Manuel Villar, who chairs property developer Vista Land & Lifescapes, emerged as the only Filipino in Forbes Magazine’s top 200 billionaires in 2024.

He ranked 190th in this year’s list, up from 232nd in 2023, as his wealth grew 28 percent to $11 billion.

The Sy siblings in the banking, property and retail businesses of conglomerate SM Group have combined wealth of $14 billion but they were ranked individually in the list.

Hans Sy was at 1,286th with net worth of $2.6 billion; Henry Jr. and Herbert at 1,330th with $2.5 billion each; Harley at 1,380th, $2.4 billion; Teresita Sy-Coson, at 1,438th, $2.3 billion, and Elizabeth at 1,545th, $2.1 billion.

Following Villar is ports tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. who ranked 224th, with his net worth rising to $10 billion in 2024 from $7.3 billion.

Ramon Ang of food and beverage conglomerate San Miguel Corp. ranked 920th with $3.5 billion, up from $3.4 billion.

Others on the list are Lucio Tan ($2.5 billion), Andrew Tan ($2 billion), Tony Tan Caktiong ($1.4 billion), Lucio and Susan Co ($2.3 billion combined), Lance Gokongwei ($1.1 billion) and William Belo ($1 billion).

The combined wealth of the country’s richest tycoons totaled $48.2 billion as their businesses benefited from postpandemic recovery.

According to Forbes, there are now 2,781 billionaires across the globe, 141 more than last year as their fortunes swelled despite geopolitical unrest and “lingering inflation.”

Toyo Eatery in Makati among Asia's best Restaurant

Toyo Eatery in Makati among Asia's 50 Best Restaurants for 2024

Story by NICK GARCIA

28 Mar 2024

Filipino restaurant Toyo Eatery in Makati made it to Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants anew, landing 24th on this year's list.

The 50 Best websites noted in the citation that it prioritizes Filipino people and produce, fostering long-term relationships with local farmers and artisans.

It presents local ingredients in modern ways, playing with fermentation and preservation techniques to create a bold palate of flavors, it added.

Toyo Eatery, whose name is based on the Filipino word for soy sauce, placed 42nd in the Asia’s 50 Best List 2023.

It was also named the Philippines’ best restaurant in 2019, 2021, and 2023.

Japan’s Sézanne topped this year’s list.

Toyo opened in 2016 along Chino Roces Avenue. It's being run by Jordy and May Navarra.

The 50 Best website said its menus are scattered with references to popular culture and elevated by clever plays on flavor and texture. 

Its signature dishes include gourmet pork barbecue skewers made with three cuts of meat and finished in bone broth, as well as a salad referencing Bahay Kubo.