Okada Manila is thrilled to announce an exceptional event celebrating the 65th Anniversary of Barbie, the quintessential icon of inspiration and empowerment across generations. Dubbed “Barbie 65th Anniversary – Inspiring Stories, Shaping the Future,” this grand celebration will unfold at Cove Manila from April 27 to June 2, 2024, commemorating Barbie’s profound influence on encouraging dreams and aspirations since her inception in 1959. This celebration is designed to bring together Barbie fans of all ages, highlighting her significant impact on culture and society. Event Highlights The Barbie ..read more

Prepare to be swept away on a global journey of unparalleled pyrotechnic brilliance and musical harmony as the night sky ignites with the dazzling displays of nine powerhouse nations in the 11th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition (PIPC). This eagerly awaited event returns after four years, reclaiming its throne as the grandest spectacle of its kind in the Philippines and beyond. Against the breathtaking backdrop of SM Mall of Asia, this year’s PIPC promises an extravaganza like no other, reaffirming its status as the longest-running pyromusical competition in the Philippines an ..read more

Innovation in the automotive industry is driving the limits of performance, safety, and sustainability to new heights. The reopening of the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the gradual increase in mobility were significant factors in the industry’s recovery. In particular, the first quarter of 2024 has brought positive developments in sales, production, and technological adoption. According to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturer Association (TMA), the local vehicle sales from January to March 2024 increased by 12.7%. Th ..read more

The digital economy’s annual contribution to the country’s economic output decreased as its growth slowed down in 2023, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Thursday. Preliminary data from the statistics agency showed the digital economy’s share to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) went down to 8.4% last year from 8.6% in 2022, making it the lowest share to GDP since 2018. In terms of gross value added, the digital sector grew by 7.7% to P2.05 trillion last year from the P1.90 trillion recorded in 2022. However, this was slower than the 9.4% annual increase in 2022 ..read more

As more vehicles are crossing our roads, air quality is deteriorating and greenhouse gas emissions are going up. In response, the automotive industry is pushing forward to decarbonize through electric vehicles (EVs). According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, road transportation alone is responsible for 80% of the sector’s emissions. In the Philippines, EV adoption is picking up to speed, with more models, sustainable initiatives, and investments, from both public and private sectors are being made. According to a 2023 ..read more

Much like a reliable SUV trekking through a bog, the Philippine automotive industry has recently been trudging along the twists and turns of the global economy, facing challenges head-on while maintaining a steady pace. While the Philippine economy’s resilience keeps it pushing along, the obstacles are taking their toll at least on the short term. As the latest figures from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) reveal, the sector’s performance in March saw only a modest 1.6% increase year-on-year, clocking in at 3 ..read more

As we continue on the highway of 2024, the automotive industry stands at the crossroads of innovations and shortages, with new challenges and opportunities that it may face in the coming months. This year promises to be filled with exciting developments, more sustainability options, and solutions that will revolutionize how automobiles are perceived. Local car sales are expected to continue to carry the momentum of 2023 in the next eight months as the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) forecast another record-breaking year and a 9% increase from last year’s sa ..read more

In a country with strong digital presence, many Filipinos has adopted digitalization into their lifestyles. An apparent evidence of this is the growing adoption of digital payments among individuals and businesses, which is paving the way towards a cashless society. Aiming for the country’s transition towards a “cash-lite” society, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has effectively been shifting retail payments to digital channels, paving the way for more businesses to join the new revolution of digital payment and banking. Cashless payments, which include cards, mobile wallets, and QR code ..read more

Wines celebrate much more than their culture and history; they also allow people to connect and bond with each other. With what wine can do for people, the recent Tastin’ France Manila takes that to new heights by inviting wine & spirits producers and local importers, retailers, and distributors to participate in a business trade event last April 8, with relevant activities related to learning more about the wine and spirit industry. The event’s success is thanks to Team France Export through a collaboration between the French Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and Business France. Fro ..read more

By Ashley Erika O. Jose, Reporter The Department of Energy (DoE) is maintaining a moratorium on the development of greenfield coal-fired power plants even as most hydropower plants are currently running on derated capacities, resulting in insufficient power supply affecting the main grids. “The moratorium (stands, if the LNG or liquefied natural gas) power plants would have a higher degree of reliability, then the private sector may opt for that rather than put up coal plants,” Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said in a virtual press briefing on Thursday. In 2020, the Energy department is ..read more