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."

Six Philippine universities were included in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2027

Ateneo leads 6 Philippine universities in Times Higher Education 2027 global rankings

Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz
Manila Bulletin
Sep 30, 2026

Six Philippine universities were included in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2027, led by the Ateneo de Manila University, which retained the country’s top spot for the fifth consecutive year.

The London-based THE released the 2027 rankings on Wednesday, Sept. 30, placing Ateneo in the 1,001-1,200 band globally, followed by the University of the Philippines in the 1,201-1,400 band and the University of Santo Tomas in the 1,601-1,800 band.

De La Salle University and Mapua University were both placed in the 1,801-2,000 band, while Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology landed in the 2,001+ category.

The six Philippine institutions were among 2,297 universities from 118 countries and territories included in this year’s rankings.

“The THE World University Rankings measure what matters most to sector leaders, strategists and policymakers: research excellence and impact; the teaching environment; global academic standing; links with industry beyond the ivory towers; and international talent attraction, reach and influence,” THE Chief Global Affairs Officer Phil Baty said.

The five criteria used by THE are Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality, International Outlook, and Industry, which are further divided into 18 performance indicators.

Globally, the University of Oxford retained the top position in the 2027 rankings.

The THE World University Rankings have been published since 2004 and assess research-intensive universities using institutional data, research publications and academic reputation survey responses.

Philippines among top performers in APAC AI governance report

Philippines among top performers in APAC AI governance report

Business World 
September 29, 2026

The Philippines scored 69.6 out of 100 in the APAC State of Digital Trust: AI Governance Benchmark Report by verification service company Sumsub. The report measures how well organizations in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) are managing and overseeing their use of artificial intelligence (AI) based on three pillars: autonomy, responsibility, and traceability. The country was second among Asia-Pacific markets in AI governance and above the regional score of 67.1, trailing only Thailand. It also tied Thailand for the region’s highest responsibility score at 74.8.

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."

Jollibee named 'best fast food fried chicken' in the US for third straight year

Jollibee named 'best fast food fried chicken' in the US for third straight year

Brooke Villanueva
Philstar Life
20 July 2026

Here's some news that could trigger your next Chickenjoy craving...

Jollibee has again claimed the top spot on USA TODAY's list of "Best Fast Food Fried Chicken" in America for the third consecutive year. The annual rankings were determined through public voting among its readers for the publication's 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. 

"With around 100 stores in North America and more than 1,700 stores internationally, Jollibee is the largest and fastest-growing Asian restaurant company in the world. They're best known for Chickenjoy, the signature juicy, flavorful fried chicken. Order it in buckets or accompanied by sides—and don't forget to dip it in their silky gravy," its description read.

In a statement sent to PhilSTAR L!fe, Ernesto Tanmantiong, Global President and CEO of the Jollibee Group, described the recognition as "meaningful."

"It reflects the consistency of the quality, taste, and customer experience that we work hard to deliver with every serving in Chickenjoy,” he said. "It gives us even greater confidence in Jollibee’s ability to deepen customer trust and brand love in more markets, as we continue bringing the products and experiences that have made our brand a source of joy for many families."

For her part, Maribeth dela Cruz, President of Jollibee Philippine Brands North America, expressed her gratitude to the USA TODAY readers for the recognition, saying it "reflects the dedication of our teams who prepare and serve Chickenjoy every day, helping ensure a joyful and satisfying experience with every visit."

Dela Cruz added that the feat inspired them "to keep delivering the Jollibee experience people love, while introducing it to even more customers across North America and beyond."

Jollibee now has around a hundred stores in North America and over 1,800 branches globally.

The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards puts the spotlight on standout destinations, restaurants, attractions, and travel experiences in different parts of the US. 

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.

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

Jollibee is America's best fried chicken year 2

America’s Best Fried Chicken Is Filipino—Again

Metro.Style Team
July 22, 2025 

At this point, Chickenjoy doesn’t need an introduction.

The crispy, golden fried chicken from Jollibee—known for its sweet, savory flavor and cult following—has once again beaten out America’s biggest fried chicken brands to claim the top spot in USA Today's 10 Best Fast Food Fried Chicken list. For the second year in a row, Jollibee outranked fan-favorites like Popeyes, Chick-fil-A, and KFC.

Because for many, Chickenjoy has always been more than just fried chicken.

It’s Filipino flavor wrapped in crispy skin, deep-fried with nostalgia, and often served with rice and gravy. For millions of Filipinos around the world, it's a taste that carries memory, comfort, and home.

A bee outflies the birds

This year’s USA Today Readers’ Choice poll, voted on by thousands of Americans, confirms just how far Jollibee has come. Since opening its first U.S. store in Daly City, California in 1998, the Filipino fast food chain has expanded to over 90 locations across North America, drawing long lines and loyal fans wherever it lands.

The top 5 winners in the 2024 list were:

1. Jollibee
2. Pollo Campero
3. Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken
4. Church’s Texas Chicken
5. Guthrie’s Chicken

Meanwhile, major U.S. brands KFC (#8), Chick-fil-A (#9), and Popeyes (#10) found themselves edged out by regional favorites and, at the very top, a Filipino juggernaut.

Jollibee’s staying power lies in its flavor profile: unapologetically Filipino. Where most American fast food chicken leans heavily into salt and spice, Chickenjoy balances crisp texture with a subtle sweetness and umami depth that speaks to Filipino culinary tradition.

The joy that travels

For Filipinos abroad, Jollibee often carries deep emotional resonance. It's not uncommon to see long lines at openings across the U.S., Canada, or even the U.K.—many waiting not just for a meal, but for a connection to home.

The brand’s growing international presence has helped introduce Filipino cuisine to wider audiences, often starting with Chickenjoy as a gateway.

Makati bar earned its 10th awards in Asia's Best Bars 2025

Makati's The Curator included in Asia's Best Bars 2025 list

Camille Santiago
Philstar.com
05 July 2025

Makati's very own The Curator Coffee and Cocktails is once again making waves after securing a spot on Asia's Best Bars 2025 list.

For the tenth consecutive year, The Curator has earned its spot among Asia's elite bars, securing the 78th position on this year's prestigious list.

The Curator was hailed as a "stalwart" in Asia's 50 Best Bars rankings, particularly noted for its "specialty in all things caffeinated."

While its ranking fell from last year's 33rd spot, the third-wave coffee shop proudly remains the only Philippine bar featured on the extended 51-100 list.

The Curator, founded by David Ong and Bernice Tiu, is a cafe by day and a bar at night. Make your way to the back of the store and enter the hidden door that leads you into a cozy lounge.

Their unique menu is a storytelling experience in itself, with each notable story and name thoughtfully paired with a distinct cocktail and flavor profile, inviting patrons to explore.

The complete list has yet to be revealed.

According to its website, the Asia's 50 Best Bars list is compiled from the votes of its Academy, which comprises 265 "most knowledgeable and travelled members of the bar industry, drinks media, and mixology experts from across Asia."

Pinoys are Asia's most sustainability-conscious travelers

Pinoy travelers most sustainability-minded

Aric John Sy Cua
Manila Times
20 March 2025

FILIPINO travelers believe that sustainability is important in their travel choices this year, according to a survey by the digital travel platform Agoda.

The country's travelers topped the list of Asia's most sustainability-conscious travelers, with 86 percent responding favorably to having sustainability in travel for 2025, higher than the average for all Asian travelers combined at 68 percent.

Agoda also revealed that Filipinos are also motivated by the opportunity to have a positive contribution to local communities (25 percent) and authentic experiences (22 percent) being their primary motivation for sustainable travel.

"This trend underscores a broader movement towards travel that is not only enjoyable but also meaningful and impactful," it said.

In addition, 18 percent of the country's travelers prefer to "mitigate their impact on the environment by traveling during off-peak seasons to alleviate overcrowding," 17 percent prefer accommodations with sustainability certifications, while 19 percent pack reusable items such as shopping bags to reduce waste.

"It's inspiring to see Filipino travelers actively making choices that leave a positive impact on the destinations they visit," Agoda Philippines Country Director Michael Hwang said.

Apart from the Philippines, Agoda's top 5 list also includes travelers from India (82 percent), Taiwan (80 percent), Malaysia (80 percent), and Vietnam (77 percent).

The survey engaged 6,000 travelers in 11 Asian markets, and highlighted the "evolving landscape of sustainable travel" in the continent.

PH pancit canton brand one of NY Times top ramen list

Local pancit canton brand makes it to New York Times' Top 16 ramen list

Camille Santiago
Philstar Life
06 February 2025

Pancit canton is one of the ultimate Filipino comfort foods—perfect for those 3 a.m. cravings, school baon, or just a quick and tasty merienda. We love it in all its forms, from the tangy calamansi flavor to the chilimansi version. And guess what? The New York Times recognized its deliciousness, too!

In an article published under its Wirecutter section in January, Lucky Me! Pancit Canton Kalamansi flavor is one of the 16 best instant noodles, alongside Indomie's Mie Goreng and Nongshim's Neoguri Spicy Seafood.

"Of all the noodles we’ve tested, the Pancit Canton Kalamansi disappeared from the bowl the fastest," wrote New York Times supervising editor Marilyn Ong.

While noting that the serving is "small," the writer praised the noodle variant for its "dry seasoning, soy sauce, and oil packets" that "combine to produce a nuanced blend of light soy and fresh, aromatic citrus."

She described the noodles as skinny and "extra-curly," which gave it almost a "fluffy feel."

"I definitely called them 'cute' while eating them," the description read.

Ong "warned" that a serving is enough as it comes in smaller packs. "Be warned it may take more than a pack to satisfy," she said.

She said the list was completed by a rotating panel of taste-testers on Wirecutter’s kitchen team, who tried over 45 ramen varieties since 2020. Ong said that the items that they tried were recommended by cookbook authors, ramen reviewers, ramen-shop owners, and the president of Sun Noodle.

"Ultimately, we picked the highest-quality or most-compelling ones—noodles with the chewy or silky textures they promise, and broths or sauces with a good balance of flavors and that taste surprisingly similar to freshly made versions of the dishes they invoke," the writer said.

Lucky Me! Pancit Canton comes in five flavors: Original, Kalamansi, Chilimansi, Sweet and Spicy, and Extra Hot Chili.

Office space occupancy in PH ranked 3rd globally

PH office space occupancy 3rd highest globally in H1 - consultancy firm

Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas
GMA Integrated News
30 August 2024

Philippine office space occupancy averaged 80% in the first half of the year, the third highest in the globe mainly due to the growth of the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry, real estate consultancy firm PRIME Philippines said Thursday.

According to PRIME Philippines executive vice president Cholo Florencio, the country’s office rate was only behind Singapore’s 88% and India’s 85%. It is also higher than the global average of 70%, the United States’ 62% and Europe’s 60%.

Florencio attributed the occupancy rate to the BPO sector, which reported an annual growth rate of 7% to 8%, the increasing demand from the government, and the high adoption of flexible working arrangements.

For Metro Manila alone, the occupancy rate was recorded at 85%, slightly higher than the previous year’s 84%.

“I think we will be able to sustain our momentum in terms of adding a bit of occupancy levels. The challenge really is when more buildings will be left by the online gaming companies,” Florencio said on the sidelines of a briefing in Makati City.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., in his third state of the nation address (SONA) in July, announced the ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), and ordered the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. to wind down and stop all operations by the end of the year.

A cost-benefit analysis by the Department of Finance (DOF) showed that the POGO industry had a net cost of P99.52 billion to the Philippines, equivalent to 0.41% of the country’s economy as of 2021.

According to Florencio, there has been a decline in office space takeup, especially from POGOs since the COVID-19 pandemic, and vacancies are expected moving forward following the ban ordered by Marcos.

“There has been a very sharp decline ever since the pandemic. As you all know, the pandemic really triggered everything. It’s unfortunate lang, of course, we’ve heard a lot of negative stories about criminality, about scams that have really affected the POGOs here,” he said.

“The President has announced of course a total ban so once it is fully implemented, it will be more challenging for developers to attract more (locators) to come in,” he added.

To address the decline of takeups expected from the exit of POGOs, Florencio said developers should offer more to prospective locators such as including more benefits for them to take up space, like building more amenities.

Florencio noted, however, that he believes the country will be able to sustain the office occupancy rate as demand is still picking up from occupiers.

“Major economic driver pa rin talaga ang BPOs and then government has taken a large share of office space,” noting that government agencies have picked up demand as a lot of them need an interim space given the ongoing rehabilitations of their headquarters.

“Demand can also translate to co-working facilities, so it’s not just the traditional office space you’re seeing right now. There’s consistent demand for co-working spaces, because co-working also technically is part of the office sector,” he added.—RF, GMA Integrated News

Philippines tops global rankings in investor relations, debt transparency

Philippines tops global rankings in investor relations, debt transparency

Ian Laqui 
Philstar.com
July 3, 2024 

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines ranked first in investor relations country scores coming from third place in 2023 based on an assessment from Washington-based think tank Institute of International Finance (IIF).

In the IIF Investor Relations and Debt Transparency Report released July 4, the Philippines garnered a score of 48.8 of 50, an improvement from last year’s score of 47.8 and the highest among the 50 countries sampled.

Following the Philippines, countries receiving the highest scores were Indonesia with 48.7; Türkiye with 48.3; Brazil with 47.5 and Hungary with 47.2.

The Philippines jumped from 12th place in 2022 to 3rd place in 2023 out of 41 emerging markets and developing countries assessed.

The scores were weighted based on 23 criteria that investors value as important, such as practices of regular self-assessment, dissemination of macroeconomic data and policy information, the quality of investor relations website and the availability of feedback and communication channels.

According to the think tank, the countries that achieved the high IR scores showcase "robust practice and effective engagement with international creditors."

Debt transparency score

Subsets of the Investor Relations score are on debt transparency and on environmental, social and governance data and policy dissemination.

The Philippines also achieved the highest score in debt transparency posting a 12.5 score tying with Indonesia. It is followed by Türkiye with 12.3, Uruguay with 12.0 and Brazil with 11.8.

This is based on evaluation of how well a country or organization discloses and manages debt-relation information, with a maximum score of 13.

It also measures countries' adherence to the International Monetary Fund's standards on how data is disclosed and distributed as well as the accessibility of macroeconomic and ESG data.

"Countries with strong investor relations and debt transparency practices are realizing the benefits, seeing higher sovereign credit ratings and improved capital flows," the IIF authors said.

Manila Placed 103rd in QS Best Student Cities 2025 Ranking

Manila Placed 103rd in QS Best Student Cities 2025 Ranking

Story by Hanna Panoringan 
Spot.ph
21 June 2024

(SPOT.ph) Manila remains the only city in the Philippines that secured a spot in the 2025 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Best Student Cities Ranking.

The Philippines' capital city, home to the University Belt or U-belt, placed 103rd in the global rankings. It scored 59.4 overall, a few notches higher than last year's score of 55.7.

Of the ten Southeast Asian cities included in the rankings, Singapore came on top with a global ranking of 15th, followed by Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (23rd), Bangkok, Thailand (59th), and then Manila.

As students from various regions of the Philippines and beyond gather in Manila, the city continues to be an appealing destination for those seeking more than just a degree.

The U-Belt area, in addition to its academic offerings, serves as a vibrant hub of student activity. It features numerous cafes, bookstores, affordable eateries, and recreational spaces to meet the needs and preferences of its youthful population.

2025 Best Student Cities Rankings

QS Top Universities, the platform behind the global ranking, annually researches and compiles the most prime locations in the world for students.

As for the methodology, each city are ranked based on the following six key categories:

University rankings, which evaluate the city's performance in the QS World University Rankings

Student mix, which refers to the proportion of students in the city’s population

Desirability, which covers the city's safety, pollution levels, and number of students who want to study in the city

Employer activity or youth employment in the city

Affordability, which looks into a university’s tuition cost and the city's cost of living

Student view, which is based on a survey of students' experiences while studying in the city

Looking at Manila's stats, it performed best in employer activity (77), followed by affordability (74.6), student view (58.8), student mix (29.1), university rankings (29), and desirability (20.4).

QS covered a total of 150 cities in this year's edition, with London, United Kingdom, as the top city for students for the sixth consecutive year, followed by Tokyo, Japan, and Seoul, South Korea.

A city is eligible for assessment by QS if it meets the following criteria: it has a population of more than 250,000, at least two universities that appeared in the recent QS World University Rankings, and is in a country marked as "insignificant to the medium" by the global medical and security services company International SOS index.

In the Philippines, Manila-based educational institutions, the University of Santo Tomas and De La Salle University, landed a spot in the 2025 QS World University Rankings.

World-class ambitions: How PH can level up its tourism game

World-class ambitions: How PH can level up its tourism game

Story by Ruth Vedan 
Inquirer.net
15 June 2024

The Philippines, a perennial favorite for sun-seekers and adventurers, is not resting on its laurels. While the archipelago nation consistently charms with pristine beaches, a rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, the ambition is clear: to ascend to the ranks of the world’s premier tourism destinations.

The 2024 Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI), a comprehensive assessment by the World Economic Forum, offers a roadmap for this upward trajectory. The Philippines has made notable gains, climbing six spots to 69th place overall, and ranks 6th out of the 8 Southeast Asian countries in the report. Yet, regional rivals like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia still hold a significant lead, ranking at 47th, 35th, and 22nd place, respectively.

Strengths and challenges

Price competitiveness remains a key advantage for the Philippines, scoring 5.57 out of 7 in this critical category. However, the report reveals a pressing need for investment in tourist services and infrastructure, where we received a score of 1.55.

Leechiu Property Consultants recorded approximately 24,267 keys across 87 hotel projects throughout the country until 2028. Despite this substantial number, the anticipated influx of both domestic and international travelers in the coming years may put a strain on the existing supply of accommodations and facilities, presenting a significant opportunity for hotel investments.

Developers have traditionally focused their hotel investments on established locations like Metro Manila, Cebu, and Boracay. However, we’re seeing a noticeable shift toward emerging tourist destinations such as Bohol, Siargao, San Vicente, and Siquijor. These up-and-coming spots, which have been experiencing a steady rise in visitor numbers, present early and promising opportunities for investors.

Areas for growth

To capitalize on its strengths and address its shortcomings, the Philippines must focus on several key areas:

Economic resilience: Navigate inflationary pressures with strategic pricing to maintain the allure of affordability.

Infrastructure investment: Attract significant investment in hotels and tourism-related infrastructure to meet growing demand and avoid capacity constraints.

Key collaborations: Forge stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors to drive innovation and ensure the sustainable growth of the tourism industry.

The path forward

The Philippines’ significant reliance on tourism for economic growth underscores the importance of continued progress in this sector. While the country has made commendable strides, the 2024 TTDI provides a blueprint for strategic action.

By addressing these challenges head-on, the Philippines can confidently position itself as a global tourism powerhouse. It’s not just about catching up, it’s about setting a new standard for a truly exceptional travel experience.

BINI is 1st Pinoy Group on Spotify Global Top Artists Chart

BINI is 1st Pinoy Group on Spotify Global Top Artists Chart

Story by the SPOT.ph team
16 June 2024

(SPOT.ph) The BINI song may go, "buhay ay ‘di karera," but there is no denying the feat the Filipino girl group recently scored, finding itself leading the pop music race and breaking through music streaming platform Spotify’s top global artists chart.

BINI debuted at rank 193 on Spotify’s Top Artists Global on June 9, becoming the first Filipinos to make the list. The ranking rates the 200 top artists from around the world, with global superstars Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Bad Bunny, The Weeknd and Sabrina Carpenter currently in the Top 5.

Making History

The eight-piece Filipino band peaked at No. 191 and was at No. 197 as of this writing, staying in the chart five days later. BINI has over 6.5 million active monthly listeners on Spotify.

It’s most played songs on Spotify include its summer hits "Pantropiko" and "Salamin, Salamin," plus other songs from their first EP "Talaarawan" such as "Karera" and "Na Na Na," and "Lagi" from their 2022 album "Feel Good."

Of the lot, "Pantropiko" is on top, reaching a staggering 79.3 million plays.

Six BINI songs are currently on the Philippines Top 50 most played tracks: "Salamin, Salamin" is ranked No. 2 and "Pantropiko" is at No. 3, both with over 1 million plays. Meanwhile, "Karera" is at No. 5, "Lagi" at No. 11, "Na Na Na" is at No. 19, and another hit, "Huwag Muna Tayong Umuwi" is at No. 23.

BINI’s music label Star Music celebrated the girls’ feat with a post on X.

"Mas sumasaya pa ang araw na ‘to as our Nation’s Girl Group re-enters Spotify’s Global Top Artists Chart with a new peak at #191! Congratulations girls! Keep streaming their songs, our BLOOM besties," Star Magic said in a post on June 14.

BINI continues its campaign to stay on top, calling on their fandom BLOOMS and music fans alike to join the BINI Run on June 23 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

Pia Wurtzbach is top celebrity influencer at Cannes 2024

Pia Wurtzbach is top celebrity influencer at Cannes 2024

Story by Nikko Tuazon 

Pep.ph

13 June 2024

The Cannes Film Festival 2024 in France saw Pia Wurtzbach dominate the red carpet with her stunning looks.

Her appearances not only drew admiration but also crowned her as the top celebrity influencer at the festival, according to the latest data and insights report of Launchmetrics.

For the unfamiliar, Launchmetrics is a company that specializes in influence analytics, offering data and technology solutions for the fashion, lifestyle, and beauty sectors.

Their proprietary algorithm, Media Impact Values (MIV), evaluates both quantitative and qualitative data to assess and calculate the media impact value of influencer marketing efforts on brand image.

PIA WURTZBACH'S MEDIA IMPACT VALUES AT CANNES 2024

In their latest report, Launchmetrics revealed that Pia's red carpet appearances at the Cannes Film Festival 2024 amassed MIV worth USD 8.1 million (approximately PHP 474,595,200), making her the top celebrity influencer at the event.

Close behind her was Indian actress and Miss Universe 2015 batchmate Urvashi Rautela, with an MIV of USD 7.9 million. Indian actresses Preity G Zinta and Avneet Kaur claimed the third and fourth positions, respectively, with MIVs of USD 4.2 million and USD 4.1 million.

Pia is also the leading celebrity voice for L'Oreal, the primary beauty sponsor of the festival. She generated a total MIV of USD 2.1 million (approximately PHP 123,041,100) through 10 Instagram posts for the beauty brand.

Pia's inclusion in the list reaffirms her status as a leading celebrity influencer in the realm of high-profile fashion events.

Notably, this isn't her first time commanding a top position among influencers.

Earlier this year, Pia was ranked second on Launchmetrics' list of celebrities with the highest Media Impact Values (MIV) during Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2024, where she garnered a remarkable MIV of USD 5.4 million (approximately PHP 303.5 million).

Lefty.io, an influencer marketing platform affiliated with The Independents Group, also recognized Pia's influence, ranking her sixth in their "Most Visible Influencer" list during Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2024.

According to their findings, Pia accumulated an impressive Earned Media Value (EMV) of USD 2.95 million (approximately PHP 166.9 million).

Chantal Schmidt is Miss Eco International 2024 first runner-up

Philippines' Chantal Schmidt is Miss Eco International 2024 first runner-up

Story by Yoniel Acebuche 
Philstar Life
29 April 2024

Philippine bet Chantal Elise Schmidt is the first runner-up at the Miss Eco International 2024 on Sunday, April 28.

The Miss Philippines organization shared the news on social media, saying that despite Chantal's health issues, the beauty queen continued to wave the flag of the country on the international stage.

"Despite suffering a health setback in your journey, you decided to push on through sheer will and dedication. We couldn't ask for more," the caption read.

"Congratulations on winning Miss Eco International 2024 1st Runner-up, and thank you for representing the country so well, Chantal. You have made us proud, and you will forever be our #MissEcoInternaChantal," it added.

In addition to being a runner-up, Chantal won the Best in National Costume award for her attire depicting the MassKara Festival, a prominent festival in the country. The costume was designed by Chino Christopherson, based in Bacolod.

Despite being rushed to the hospital on the morning of the preliminary competition, the Cebuana beauty queen also bagged the Best in Evening Gown award during the pageant's preliminary round wearing her fully sequined evening gown with side cut-outs, high slit, and silver embellishments designed by Val Taguba.

Chantal was aiming to become the third Miss Eco International from the Philippines, following in the footsteps of Kathleen Paton in 2022 and Cynthia Thomalla in 2018.

Angelina Usanova from Ukraine was named Miss Eco International 2024, besting over 40 candidates to succeed Vietnam's Nguyen Thanh Ha.

Meanwhile, Nikita Dani from Canada won the second runner-up, Fabiane Alcarde Goia of Brazil was the third Runner-up, and Indonesia's Valerie Avril was hailed as the fourth runner-up.

Most Valuable Brands in the Philippines in 2024

From BDO to Puregold: These Are the Most Valuable Brands in the Philippines in 2024

Story by Currie Cator 
Esquire Philippines
27 April 2024

What exactly is brand value? Essentially, it's the monetary worth of your brand if you were to ever sell it, or allow any other business to use your name, logo, or identity. It defines the extent to which investors would pay you just to earn that right.

Ultimately, brand value starts with consumers, as London-based global brand valuation consultancy firm Brand Finance defines it. You could develop and grow your value, depending on how you address the needs and preferences of your customers with your services, technologies, and innovations, as well as your ability to adapt to fast-changing market trends.

In the Philippines, the brand deemed to be the most valuable is BDO Unibank, according to Brand Finance’s 2024 report. The Sy family-led bank toppled major telecommunications company PLDT, which held the top position for two straight years. According to the study, BDO’s value rose by 14 percent to $2.5 billion, enough to make it the country's most valuable brand.

From Brand Finance

In second place is homegrown fast-food chain Jollibee, whose brand value surged 51-percent over the past year, according to Brand Finance. Rising two spots from the previous year, the home of the beloved Chickenjoy's brand value is now worth $2.3 billion.

Meanwhile, the Ayala-led Globe Telecom kept its spot from last year and is still the third most valuable brand for the second year running, even with its brand value going down by four percent to $1.9 billion.

Rival telco PLDT, which was the previous the topnotcher, as well as the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), completed the top 5 most valuable Philippine brands.

As Brand Finance revealed in its report, PLDT’s value was down by at least one-fourth or 25 percent, which is equivalent to $1.9 billion dollars. The Zobel family’s BPI, on the other hand, saw a 22 percent increase in its brand value to $1.5 billion in 2024.

A mix of banks, power distributor, oil company, and supermarket chain made up the roster of the 10 most valuable brands locally. These are: Metrobank, at sixth place, with a brand value of $1.2 billion; followed by Meralco with $0.9 billion; Petron with $0.8 billion; Puregold with $0.7 billion; and UnionBank with $0.7 billion.

This is the second year in a row that Puregold, the lone retail brand in the top 10, was included in the list of most valuable Philippine brands. In a statement, the company led by Lucio and Susan Co said  it was a "testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the untiring support of our loyal customers."

Strongest Philippine brands

Mang Inasal, which is under the Jollibee Foods Corporation, turned out to be the "strongest" among Philippine brands, based on Brand Finance’s study. It earned 86.3 out of 100 points in brand strength index (BSI). Given its vast store network in the country, it’s not much of a surprise that Mang Inasal garnered a perfect score in terms of brand familiarity. 

Following closely behind Mang Inasal are Bear Brand, Globe, BDO, and Jollibee, which round up the five strongest brands, the report said.

Unlike brand value that is heavily reliant on consumers, brand strength refers to the brand’s performance relative to its competitors. The BSI, which has a corresponding rating of up to AAA+, is used to determine how well the brands are faring in the industry, among other metrics.

GMA Network is Asia's highest-ranking media in SEA (March)

GMA Network is highest ranking media company in Southeast Asia in March 2024

Story by GMA Integrated News
26 April 2024

GMA Network emerged as the highest ranking media company in Southeast Asia for March 2024!

According to “24 Oras” report Friday, this is based on the data gathered by the Tubular Leaderboard Worldwide Rankings.

For the same period, the Kapuso network reached 3,578,640,774 video views on its GMA Integrated News and GMA Entertainment Group Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube accounts.

As of March 2024, its social media accounts had reached more than 395 million subscribers and followers.

Meanwhile, its official website garnered 130 million page views from 25.8 million users, based on Google Analytics.—Carby Basina/LDF, GMA Integrated News