Good morning.

The Philippines is raising fresh money abroad, GCash is inching closer to its long-awaited IPO, and ICTSI just touched a historic ₱2T valuation. Add lower oil prices, a possible market breather, and a few strange world headlines, and today’s issue feels like the economy had extra coffee before sunrise.

Stay Sharp.

Big picture: The Marcos administration raised $2.5B from global bonds, completing its external commercial borrowing program for 2026. The sale covered 5.5-year, 10-year, and 25-year dollar bonds, with demand reaching 4.4 times the initial $2B offer.

Why it happened: The government said proceeds will help finance the ₱6.793T 2026 national budget. Officials also moved while market conditions were more favorable, helped by easing tensions after the US-Iran ceasefire.

By the numbers: The bonds carried investment-grade ratings from Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P. The 10-year tranche raised the biggest amount at $1.65B.

Why it matters: Strong demand shows investor confidence is still there. But borrowing remains a balancing act: fund today’s budget without making tomorrow’s taxpayers sweat harder.

Mynt, the company behind GCash, has secured board approval to pursue a stock market listing in the Philippines. The fintech firm plans to offer shares equivalent to 12% of its outstanding stock, marking a major step toward a long-awaited IPO as it seeks to fuel its next phase of growth.

ICTSI Hits Historic ₱2 Trillion Valuation

Enrique Razon Jr.’s ICTSI briefly reached a record ₱2 trillion market capitalization in early trading, becoming the first Philippine-listed company to hit the milestone. The port operator’s soaring share price has widened its lead as the country’s most valuable listed firm, reflecting strong investor confidence in its global growth prospects.

Lufthansa Expands Clark Aviation Hub

Lufthansa Technik Philippines will invest millions of dollars to build a new aircraft maintenance facility in Clark, capable of servicing nine widebody aircraft. Scheduled to open in 2028, the project will create 1,200 skilled jobs and strengthen the Philippines’ role as a regional aviation, logistics, and aerospace services hub.

PH Set to Benefit From Lower Oil Prices

The Philippines could be among Asia’s biggest beneficiaries if a US-Iran peace deal lowers global oil prices. Analysts say cheaper fuel could ease inflation, strengthen the economy, and reduce import costs. Lower oil and fertilizer prices may also help curb food inflation, although El Niño remains a key risk.

BTS added a third Philippine concert on March 16 in Bulacan after tickets for the first two “Arirang” tour shows sold out, marking the group’s long-awaited full-group return to the country. (Read more)

Grammys Add Asian Pop and Latin Song Categories for 2027

The Grammy Awards introduced five new categories, including Best Asian Pop Performance and Best Latin Song, while updating eligibility rules for Best New Artist and album awards. (Read More)

Kieffer Alas Speaks Out After Ateneo Drowning Tragedy

Kieffer Alas and Sam Reyes shared their grief after losing teammates Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, saying online blame and criticism have deepened the pain of the tragedy. (Read more)

Big picture: AB Capital says the “peace dividend” is starting to reverse the oil shock trade. As oil prices pull back and geopolitical risk eases, some pressure on fuel, freight, packaging, utilities, and other input costs may also cool.

Why it matters: Domestic-facing stocks could get some breathing room. AB Capital said lower oil may help companies like JFC, URC, PGOLD, RRHI, and SM through lower costs and better consumer purchasing power.

Watch this: Property and rate-sensitive names may also benefit if lower oil reduces inflation pressure and improves the outlook for rates. AB Capital flagged SMPH, ALI, BDO, and MBT as possible beneficiaries.

Bottom line: This is a relief trade, not a full reset. The market is feeling better, but geopolitical risk has not disappeared.

In collaboration with AB Capital Securities. This section is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Please conduct your own research or consult a licensed professional before making investment decisions.

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Filipino artists say artificial intelligence cannot replace human connection, emotions, and experience in art, stressing that creativity, process, and interaction give artworks deeper meaning and value to audiences and society. (Read more)

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Chinese Money Plant Reveals Hidden Mathematical Pattern

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Children’s Eye Responses Linked to Depression Risk

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At-Home Brain Implant Decodes Thoughts Into Speech

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🍷 WHO supports Baguio proposal to raise legal drinking age to 23, citing brain development and youth health protection concerns. (Read more)

⚡ A 27-year-old woman in Alcala, Pangasinan died after being struck by lightning during a thunderstorm on Monday afternoon. (Read more)

Japan’s fair trade commission investigates six major ice cream companies over suspected cartel activity involving coordinated price hikes amid rising inflation and record ice cream sales nationwide in recent years.

Pony Lives in Fourth-Floor Apartment in Croatia

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Scientists Map Newly Identified Antarctic Island

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📝 Senate approves bill declaring waling-waling as Philippines’ national orchid on third reading. (Read more)

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