By Ignacio R. Bunye As Tropical Storm “Kristine” pounded the Bicol Region and accelerated westward, the Philippines once again finds itself grappling with the formidable forces of nature. This tropical storm which intensified into a severe tropical storm as it approached Isabela, has left a significant mark on the nation, causing widespread disruptions and forcing communities …
Speaking Out
A new chapter of growth and innovation
By Ignacio R. Bunye In an impressive move that underscores its strategic vision and financial acumen, Ayala Corporation successfully raised P15 billion from the listing of Class B preferred shares in the Philippine Stock Exchange on October 15. This capital raise is more than just a financial maneuver; it’s a testament to Ayala’s commitment to …
There they go: The political derby begins
By Ignacio R. Bunye Watching the candidates file their certificates of candidacy (COCs) last week, I couldn’t help but recall the familiar reportage of a horse race sportscaster from yesteryears, the late Tony Trinidad. As soon as the racehorses sprinted out of the San Lazaro starting gate, Trinidad’s voice would blare across the hippodrome, “There …
‘Better to Best’: A legacy of service to children begins
speaking outBy Ignacio R. Bunye “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” —Psalm 127:3 In line with Kiwanis International’s first object — to give primacy to the spiritual rather than the material values of life — the Kiwanis Club of Muntinlupa Rizal (KCMR)’s “Better to Best” year commenced with a heartfelt …
Alarming rise in cellphone snatching: A global concern
By Ignacio R. Bunye The issue of cellphone snatching has become a pressing global concern. This realization hit home during a recent BPI Direct BanKo board meeting when Director John-C Syquia joined us from London via Zoom. Our pre-board small talk touched on the latest happenings in the British capital, including the alarming surge in …
From Madrid to Manila: Zóbel’s timeless journey
By Ignacio R. Bunye The Ayala Museum in Manila has become the latest stage for the celebrated exhibition, Zóbel: The Future of the Past. Following its successful run at the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid, where it drew an impressive 80,000 visitors in 2022, the exhibition has now made its Asian debut. This event …
Empowering SMEs
By Ignacio R. Bunye In a world where small and medium enterprises (SMEs) often struggle to find their footing, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has once again stepped up to the plate with its Ka-Negosyo Festival. Now in its third year, this initiative is more than just a series of events; it’s a lifeline …
Green revolution in waste management
By Ignacio R. Bunye In a groundbreaking move towards sustainability, SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), the hospitality arm of the SM Group, has unveiled an innovative technology that transforms food waste into filtered wastewater within 24 hours. This cutting-edge solution, known as the Organic Refuse Conversion Alternative (ORCA) biodigester, is currently operational at Taal …
A vision for the future
By Ignacio R. Bunye The future may seem uncertain, especially with the potential risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI). However, this does not mean we cannot harness AI to work for us and reap its potential rewards. Many innovative solutions that can transform our society are within our grasp. Karl Kendrick Chua, managing director for …
Escalating tensions in the South China Sea
By Ignacio Bunye The June 14, 2024 Communiqué from the Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Apulia, Italy, has once again brought attention to the escalating tensions in the South China Sea. As the world’s leading industrialized democracies, the G7 leaders expressed serious concern about China’s behavior in the region, particularly its “dangerous use of coast …