Kenneth del Rosario

A free Filipino-made mobile app that tracks grocery spending without spreadsheets or paper notes is finding its way into budget-conscious households with rising living costs. Developed by Yancie Troy Saludo, GroceryBudget helps users track expenses as they shop, allowing them to stick to a budget, add items in real time, and monitor remaining funds on the go without relying on mental math in crowded store environments. The app lists price comparisons for similar items across different stores and notes how much a user paid for a product while also offering weekly or monthly spending reviews through built-in charts. It also works offline, an ideal feature for users in supermarkets with weak signals. GroceryBudget features a camera and voice input tool that allows users to make an entry without manually typing. GroceryBudget is currently only available on iOS, but an Android version is already in development. As fuel prices rise, logistics and transport costs have pushed grocery prices higher, making budgeting tools more relevant for everyday consumers. Report by John Lloyd Aleta #radarPHBusiness #radarPH

Upon entering the summer season, the heat gets more intense—we sweat for more, then click the fan's number 3 and open the aircon to get more air. While doing these things can lessen the heat, people long for the coldness and crave for cold sweet treats.  Ice candy is one of the best desserts that one can remember, which they can either buy it from an ice candy vendor or from their neighbor who wants to earn for a living. Every noon time or afternoon of the day—when the sun peeks itself more along with its radiant rays, kids can get their ice candies and pay a few peso coins, within a range from ₱5 to ₱10. They also invite their parents and grandparents to buy, which becomes a shared bonding for the family. Ice candy is not only a dessert for kids, but all ages can enjoy it.  Ice candies are sold in a variety of flavors. One of the ice candy's best-selling flavor is a fruit salad, filled with additional bits of fruits that taste like the iconic fruity salad that is served every Christmas, New Year, and other special occasions. Other vendors make fruit flavors like mango, strawberry, orange, melon, buko, avocado, and buko pandan, which they add milk to serve a mix of milky and fruity flavor to their buyers and suki (or loyal customers). Others prefer milk, chocolate, cookies and cream, and cheese to make them remember of the usual ice cream flavors.  In a post from a Reddit, u/lunefaeryy asks commenters on their favorite flavor and allows them to choose between ice candy and ice pops as best desserts for summer. Most commenters choose ice candy as they taste not only the sweetness, but also the presence of organic fruit or ice cream flavors. Others said that it is more flavorful and easier to open than ice pops. While others buy from vendors or their neighbors, ice candy can be simply made at home by preparing ice and a fruit or ice cream flavor of their choice. After blending these ingredients, they can pour them into the ice candy wrappers and freeze them afterwards. The next day, families can get them from the freezer after eating their meals. The summer season is the best instance that you can try this dessert to beat the heat and recall this memory from childhood. Not only that, these colorful cold pieces can be consumed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Report by Gwyneth Nolasco #radarPH

When Paul McCarney reminded Mariah that she had to sing on stage (because she was the only one who could)

ICE CREAM IS NO LONGER JUST DESSERT At THAIFEX – HOREC Asia 2026, the SCOOP 500 showcase featured over 500 flavors, from local Thai fruits to experimental savory profiles like curry and squid ink. See how hospitality brands are using frozen treats to differentiate themselves and drive revenue in a competitive market. #radarPH #THAIFEX f.mtr.cool/phgdwsnvcp

Mambajao, Camiguin—Gas stations in Camiguin held prices steady today, bucking the usual pattern of frequent fuel hikes seen in many parts of the country.  Based on field checks across three of the 18 local stations on the island province, prices remained unchanged from the previous day, with attendants noting that adjustments are typically made only when new fuel stock arrives at updated wholesale costs rather than on fixed schedules. Among the stations monitored, diesel was priced as high as ₱115.70 per liter in some outlets, while regular gasoline ranged from about ₱93.50 to ₱95.50. Premium variants were observed between ₱94.00 and ₱99.80. One station had already run out of diesel, underscoring uneven supply conditions across the island. Camiguin’s 18 gas stations are a mix of franchised brands and local independent operators. Pump personnel said pricing tends to follow inventory cycles, not the typical Tuesday adjustments practiced elsewhere, with strict local monitoring contributing to slower, more controlled movements. This comes amid broader energy concerns raised by Governor Xavier Jesus Romualdo, who told radar Business in an interview that Camiguin’s long-standing exposure to high energy costs is closely tied to fuel-based systems. He pointed to past reliance on diesel generation, which once played a key role in electricity supply but also drove up costs due to costly contract structures. Romualdo said the province is now pushing for wider solar energy adoption, a direction also being advocated by the group Mindanao Goes Solar across Camiguin and other parts of Mindanao, as part of efforts to reduce dependence on fuel-driven power systems and stabilize long-term energy costs for public facilities and households. Report by Kenneth M. del Rosario #radarPHBusiness #radarPH

MARCH MARKET RECAP The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) closed March 31 at 5,948.94, down from 6,426.83 at the start of the month on March 2, marking a net decline of 477.89 points over the period. March was defined by sharp swings, with the index briefly recovering above the 6,000 level mid-month before slipping back into deeper losses. The month also saw repeated tests of the year-low range, with sentiment heavily influenced by global tensions, particularly in the Middle East, and pressure from a weakening Philippine peso that breached the ₱60 per US dollar level. Despite several rebound attempts, gains were short-lived as volatility dominated trading sessions. The index ended the month struggling to sustain momentum, reflecting cautious investor positioning amid external risks and uncertain macroeconomic signals. For investors, March underscored a market still searching for direction, where brief recoveries were quickly met with renewed selling pressure. Report by Kenneth M. del Rosario #radarPHBusiness #radarPH

MARCH PESO RECAP The Philippine peso started March at ₱58.20 against the US dollar on March 2 and ended the month at ₱60.748 on March 31, marking a sharp depreciation of about 2.55 pesos over the period. The month was defined by sustained downward pressure and repeated record lows. After hovering within the ₱58–₱59 range in the first week, the peso steadily weakened, breaching the ₱60 level for the first time on March 19. From that point, the currency remained in the ₱60 territory, setting new historic lows multiple times in the succeeding trading sessions. In total, the peso hit a record low nine times in March, highlighting the intensity of the selloff and the volatility in the foreign exchange market. Brief rebounds were seen mid-month, but these proved short-lived as external pressures and market sentiment continued to weigh on the currency. A weaker peso typically raises the cost of imports, including fuel and food, which can add to inflationary pressures. At the same time, it can make Philippine exports more competitive abroad. The movements seen this month reflect a mix of global economic uncertainty, a stronger US dollar, and heightened geopolitical tensions, all of which influenced trading behavior. March ultimately closed with the peso at its weakest level on record, capping a month marked by volatility, rapid declines, and repeated breaks of historic thresholds. Report by Kenneth M. del Rosario #radarPHBusiness #radarPH

A long-standing Mercury Drug branch along Buendia in Makati has officially closed, marking the end of a familiar stop for generations of workers, commuters, and residents in the city’s central business district. Signage at the site confirms the branch permanently shut down on April 1. Located near the former Crispa site and beside Tropical Hut, the store had been a constant presence for decades, serving office crowds from nearby buildings and BPO hubs. For many, the branch felt like a time capsule to the 90s, with only minimal improvements over the years. Its layout, fixtures, and overall feel remained largely unchanged, adding to its familiarity but also hinting at its age. Online, former patrons shared how the branch was part of their daily routines. Some recalled buying quick snacks before shifts or while waiting for buses bound for Cavite and Quezon City. Others remembered stopping by during review classes, hospital visits at Makati Medical Center, or early days in their careers. While no official reason for the closure was disclosed, it is unlikely tied to weak business. The area remains busy, and the branch itself served a steady stream of customers.  More likely, its closure reflects the condition of the building, which had seen little to no major upgrades. The company has directed patrons to nearby locations, with several other branches operating within roughly a one-kilometer radius. It was the kind of place people didn’t think twice about until it was suddenly gone. A quick stop before work, a reliable fallback after a long shift, a small but steady part of daily life in the district. Now, it takes a piece of old Makati with it. Report by Kenneth M. del Rosario #radarPHBusiness #radarph

Every Holy Week, the Walkway to the Old Volcano and Stations of the Cross in Camiguin draws pilgrims and visitors who come for reflection as much as the climb itself. The uphill trail to the Stations of the Cross is marked by 14 life-sized stops, ending in a Resurrection marker at the summit. The path is demanding. It begins with concrete steps before gradually shifting into uneven ground. From there, it becomes rocky, sandy, and steep in places, with loose soil that can easily give way. The heat can be unforgiving, and shade is intermittent, leaving long stretches exposed. The journey asks for patience and effort from start to finish, especially during Holy Week when the trail grows more crowded. At the top, the view opens to the island below, including the Sunken Cemetery in the distance. During Panaad, the walk takes on a shared quiet rhythm, with people moving slowly from one station to the next Report by Kenneth M. del Rosario #radarPHBusiness #radarPH

Across the Philippines, Holy Week is marked by traditions that bring faith out of churches and into the streets. One of the most enduring of these is the Senakulo, a dramatization of the Passion of Christ often paired with Stations of the Cross processions in many communities. In Barangay 2-Poblacion in Alaminos, Laguna, the tradition takes shape as a procession from the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Church moves through designated stops around town. At each station set in front of select homes, scenes from the Passion are reenacted, turning familiar streets into spaces of prayer and reflection. It is a familiar rhythm in many Catholic communities, where devotion is lived not only inside sacred spaces, but in the shared act of walking together through Holy Week. Report and video by Kenneth M. del Rosario #radarPH

We've hit 400M organic views. Honestly, that’s just wild. 🤯 Huge thank you to everyone for tuning in, sharing, and just being part of the community! Next stop, maybe 500M? 🤔 #radarPH

Gold is drawing renewed attention as a financial strategy for investors seeking tangible assets. As global markets remain volatile, physical gold continues to attract buyers looking for stability. In the Philippines, 24-karat gold prices are currently hovering around the ₱9,000–₱10,000 per gram range, based on global spot market benchmarks, reinforcing interest in the metal as a hedge against inflation, currency fluctuations, and geopolitical uncertainty. This move toward asset-backed purchases is something Mayet De La Rosa Fine Jewelry is leaning into as it marks 20 years in business. Among its offerings are Legacy Gold Bars, positioned as investment-grade assets that retain full market value and remain universally tradable. Unlike jewelry pieces that may carry design and craftsmanship premiums, gold bars track closer to the metal’s intrinsic price. The company notes that many buyers increasingly see them not only as luxury items but also as a form of financial security and long-term wealth preservation. Alongside the gold bar offerings, the brand also unveiled a new line of jewelry pieces for 2026, including the Original Monaco Collection, a line of lightweight yet durable gold chains, and a natural diamond engagement ring concept built around a full-circle design. Report by Kenneth M. del Rosario #radarPHBusiness #radarPH

Robinsons Magnolia appears to be shutting down almost half its cinemas, and netizens are sounding the alarm over declining movie theater viewership.  Four of nine cinemas in the Quezon City mall were recently boarded up, though it remains unconfirmed if the closures are due to renovation or permanent replacement. Cinemas 5-8 and the VIP Cinema remain open, while Robinsons Malls has not released any teaser or statement on the matter. The closures reveal a harsh truth about movie theaters today. Fewer people are flocking to cinemas for new releases. Ticket prices are now up to four times what they were before the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting many to wait for streaming releases.  Practicality is winning over experience, but at what cost? When was the last time you watched a movie in the cinemas? Report by Kiara Gorrospe #radarPHBusiness #radarPH

LOOK: New Kamuning Footbridge opens to the public   The rebuilt Kamuning Footbridge along EDSA has officially reopened, replacing the structure commuters nicknamed 'Mount Kamuning' for its steep and exhausting climb. The original footbridge, built by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in 2018, rose about nine meters high and drew criticism for being difficult to access, particularly for senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities. In June 2025, the government ordered the removal of "Mount Kamuning" citing accessibility concerns. Construction of the replacement began the following month as part of a broader plan to rehabilitate the EDSA Busway’s Kamuning station and improve pedestrian access to bus stops. The new footbridge is lower and integrates better with the EDSA Carousel station, but some accessibility features are still incomplete. The elevator connecting the bridge to the middle isle for persons with disabilities has yet to be fully installed, forcing commuters to descend 38 steps to reach the bus bays. The project cost about ₱87.3 million, with roughly ₱54 million allocated for the new footbridge and the remainder for upgrades to the busway station and surrounding facilities.  The new upgrades beg the question: Is this the start of more upgrades along the EDSA Busway? The Filipino riding public is certainly hoping so. Report by John Lloyd Aleta Photos by Kenneth M. del Rosario #radarPHBusiness #radarPH

Here’s one cool thing to try this summer. The Weibo is a motorized water board you can ride at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Mactan, Cebu. It’s surprisingly easy to learn, and in minutes you’ll feel like you’re floating across the water! #radarPH

On February 14, Moises Labrador went to a pharmacy in Imus, Cavite to buy medicine for his wife. Since he lacked the funds to pay immediately, he offered to leave his ID as a guarantee that he would settle the payment once his paycheck arrived. Moved by the husband’s sincerity, Jim—the pharmacy owner—posted the CCTV footage of their interaction to his TikTok account (@jimjourneyy). The video gained significant engagement, and generous viewers stepped up to help, providing enough donations to cover the wife’s medical expenses, groceries, and even extra cash. Two days later, Moises returned to pay for the medicine but was surprised to find it had already been taken care of. He and his wife were moved by the unexpected generosity, finding themselves overwhelmed with gratitude. This serves as a beautiful reminder that there are still kind-hearted people willing to help those in need. Report by Janica Shaira Aseo #radarPH

Strong construction outcomes start with workers who are properly trained, protected, and given room to grow. This thinking drives the opening of the EEI Training Academy, a state-of-the-art training facility spanning nearly three hectares in Tanza, Cavite, launched by EEI Corporation. The facility can train up to 500 workers at a time, covering core construction trades alongside safety, supervisory, and management programs. Training quality and job stability often move together, and their uneven presence has long shaped construction work in the Philippines. Workers move between projects with inconsistent standards, limited upskilling, and credentials that rarely carry forward. A centralized training facility helps address this by professionalizing development and setting clearer benchmarks that benefit both workers and employers. As a Technical Education and Skills Development Authority–accredited center, the facility follows TESDA Training Regulations, ensuring competency-based instruction, industry-aligned curricula, uniform assessment methods, and compliance with national occupational standards. TESDA oversight also covers trainer qualifications, standardized equipment and facilities, and continuous improvement of training programs. Better-trained workers help reduce delays, improve site safety, and lower business risk as construction firms face rising costs and tighter timelines. Would a facility like this make you consider enrolling in TESDA-accredited training, and which trade or role would you want to pursue? Report by radar Business #radarPHBusiness #radarPH

A proposed anti-smuggling bill aims to close one of the biggest loopholes in the illicit cigarette trade by making possession itself a legal risk. Anyone caught holding unstamped or untaxed cigarettes would be required to show proof that excise taxes were paid, a reversal that puts immediate pressure on distributors, sellers, and storage operators who often escape accountability. The push comes as more than ₱259 million worth of smuggled tobacco products were seized in just the first two months of 2026, with operations uncovered across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. That scale signals organized networks operating with confidence. The fallout stretches past missing tax collections. Legitimate retailers lose customers, compliant businesses get undercut, and consumers are exposed to unregulated products. Funds meant for public services leak out of the system while illegal supply stays cheap and widely available. The bill also seeks stiffer penalties for large-scale and organized smuggling, raising the stakes after years of repeat violations. The measure was filed in Congress by 1Tahanan Party-list, calling on the administration to treat tobacco smuggling as a systemic enforcement failure with real economic consequences. Will tougher liability finally disrupt these networks, or will smugglers continue to treat raids as routine business costs? Report by Kenneth M. del Rosario #radarPHBusiness #radarPH

The rapid growth of the Filipino de-influencing community points to changing spending habits, as more consumers push back against trend-driven purchases and question where their money is actually going. De-influencing is an emerging practice where online creators and communities discourage unnecessary purchases, reversing the traditional influencer model built around constant consumption. Instead of promoting products, participants break down why certain items fall short in value, durability, or long-term use. Common targets include clothing, gadgets, food trends, accessories, and cosmetic treatments. Beyond discouraging purchases, users often suggest alternatives that are more affordable, longer-lasting, or better suited to actual needs rather than online popularity. This mindset is increasingly visible across social platforms, where Filipinos are pushing back against product hype, pausing before purchases, and openly weighing whether popular items are worth the price. One clear sign of this momentum is the sudden rise of a Filipino de-influencing group on Reddit, which has drawn tens of thousands of users in just days. The group surpassed 50,000 active users within a week, quickly overtaking international no-buy and de-influencing communities. Its rapid growth mirrors a wider mindset forming among Filipino consumers, rather than creating it on its own. Are you practicing de-influencing, and how do you decide what’s actually worth buying? Report by Kiara Gorrospe #radarPHBusiness #radarPH

OPINION (UPDATED): Food content superstar Abi Marquez is the latest victim of internet outage. But that's not even the worst part. "tumawag ako sa globe para sabihing wala kaming internet," Abi wrote in a Facebook post on February 10. "tapos sabi sakin ivisit ko raw yung website for concerns." Read that again, but slowly. Her photo that went with the post sums it all up: frustration, ridiculousness, stupidity. Having no internet is already bad enough. Having no common sense, too, is just cruel. Meanwhile, countless Filipinos stay “on hold” with customer service every single day. If this can happen to someone like Abi, imagine ordinary Filipinos trying their hardest to get through the day: the commuter booking a ride amid heavy traffic, the family finding respite in K-drama, the content creator uploading on schedule, the small business owner processing online orders, the job applicant logging into a fourth interview, the full scholar submitting a term paper, the journalist chasing a deadline, the patient waiting for telemedicine, the OFW calling home, the grandmother on what could be her last video chat. For what it’s worth, Globe was able to resolve the issue within the same day. Worse, PLDT Cares—the customer service arm of Globe's rival provider—tried selling services in the comments of Abi's post. As if millions of Filipinos haven’t suffered enough from both networks. Try scrolling through their social media pages and see complaints present at every post. Not even its boss Manny V. Pangilinan is immune. On New Year’s Day 2023, NAIA suffered power outages, grounding 361 flights and stranding 56,000 passengers that included MVP. He replied to a PLDT Cares tweet, saying, "6 hours of useless flying but inconvenience to travelers and losses to tourism and business are horrendous. Only in the PH. Sigh." The reply? "Thank you for reaching out to us. To better assist you, please send us a direct message." ¡Dios mío! In 2021, Pulse Asia found that 63% of Filipino adults (three out of five) use the internet. Work or leisure, it's long been a necessity. Yet in June 2025, CloudMosa found that 26% of Filipinos still lack reliable mobile access despite improved networks. We shell out thousands of pesos monthly for sh*tty internet. From the everyday commuter to the big boss, no one is spared. How much longer will we let this happen—and keep paying with our money, time, and sanity? (✍️: Nikko Miguel Garcia) #radarph