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Stocks

Stocks: The Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) surged on Tuesday, driven by positive investor sentiment and strong corporate earnings reports. The index benefited from the ongoing rally in technology and financial stocks, alongside the government's announcement of new infrastructure projects aimed at stimulating economic growth. Today's release of key economic indicators, including the latest unemployment rate, will provide further insight into the health of the economy and could influence future monetary policy decisions. Meanwhile, Ayala Land saw significant gains after securing a major deal to develop a new commercial district, underscoring investor confidence in the real estate sector.

Local News

Business

😓 The Philippines: A Tough Place to Start a Startup in 2024

By Tobias Bautista

Trust us, we know. According to a study by Business Name Generator (BNG), the Philippines is the toughest country for startups in 2024. It's part of a trio with Italy and Brazil as the "least favorable" startup spots.

BNG's research highlights the hurdles in the Philippines: it takes a whopping 33 days to register a business, the business tax rate is a hefty 25%, and the quality of life score is a low 85.72. Despite these challenges, there’s a silver lining: the country boasts the second-highest projected economic growth rate of 5.9% for 2024, which could spell future opportunities for startups.

On the flip side, Hungary shines as the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its rock-bottom corporate tax rate of 9% and a low cost of living. The Netherlands and UAE also make the top ranks, offering favorable economic conditions and low taxes. The Netherlands, in particular, boasts a stable economy with the highest economic output per capita among the top 10 and a high happiness score.

BNG’s study considered various metrics like business tax rates, time to set up a business, economic growth predictions, living costs, WiFi speeds, and quality of life. Sadly, great beaches didn't make the cut. 🏖

In other news, the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) might soon get its first renewable energy facility. A Singaporean firm is eyeing a 20 to 25-megawatt solar or wind farm inside the 13,000-hectare development up north. Estimated at $20 million, this project could be a significant step forward for APECO under the leadership of Gil G. Taway IV.

So, whether you’re navigating the startup scene or tracking renewable energy projects, the landscape in the Philippines is set for some interesting developments in 2024!

Highlights

💇‍♀️ Beauty and Brains: Cebu Queen Aces Nursing Boards

by Tobias Bautista

"What would you rather be: beautiful or smart?"

While some might choose one, Cebuana beauty queen Laica Pauline Uy just proved you can have both. After competing in Miss Cebu 2023, she placed 9th in the May 2024 Philippines Nurses Licensure Examination.

From Pageants to Patient Care

Laica has been dedicated to her studies since kindergarten. Her passion for patient care led her to a nursing program at Velez College. Alongside her studies, she joined student organizations, danced, volunteered, and competed in pageants, winning the “Most Confident” award in Miss Cebu 2023.

Laica believes in balancing academics with life experiences. Her extracurricular activities taught her invaluable life lessons and boosted her confidence.

Determined to ace the boards, Laica planned her studies meticulously, including review classes and maintaining a healthy routine. Despite facing anxiety, she sought help from a therapist and openly shared her struggles to inspire others.

Laica's hard work paid off when she placed 9th out of 11,000 takers, becoming the lone topnotcher from a Cebu university. She celebrated with her family and dedicated her success to God and her supporters.

Laica advises future board takers to draft a personal plan and listen to their voice of faith. As she considers further education or training opportunities, she’s also taking a moment to enjoy her well-deserved success.

So what? Whether it’s beauty and brains or launching a new venture, anything is possible with a bit of planning and a lot of passion.

Sports

🏀 Knicks, Nuggets on the brink of reaching respective Conference Finals with Game 5 wins

by Koby del Rosario

With both second round series tied up, May 15th Philippine time of the 2024 NBA Playoffs had two teams move to one win away from a Conference Finals berth.

In the iconic Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks slaughtered the Indiana Pacers, 121-91, to take a 3-2 series lead. This was Jalen Brunson’s comeback game, as he had an incredible 44 points (with only 6 FT’s) and seven assists as glue guy Josh Hart provided much needed support once again with an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double.

Now facing elimination, the Pacers were spearheaded by Pascal Siakam who had 22 markers and eight boards. 

Out in Mile High city, the Denver Nuggets were in cruise control for the majority of their 112-97 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Nikola Jokic, who was presented with the 2023-2024 league MVP award, was summoned to his full potential as he put up a masterclass of 40 points (15/22 FG shooting), seven caroms, and 13 assists over the newly-minted Defensive Player of the Year in Rudy Gobert.

Hoping to push the series to a Game 7, Karl Anthony-Towns paced the T-Wolves with 23 markers and six rebounds.

Another pair of highly-anticipated Game 5’s highlight today’s NBA Playoffs.

🤼‍♂️ PBA Playoffs: Great Games, Empty Seats

by Tobias Bautista

The PBA Philippine Cup playoffs are thrilling, but the stands are looking sparse. Commissioner Willie Marcial acknowledges the empty seats but notes a silver lining: TV viewership is up, with weekday games drawing about 2 million viewers, compared to the usual 1.2 million.

Marcial attributes the attendance dip to factors like summer heat, economic conditions, and possible audience fatigue. To combat this, the PBA is planning a big buildup for its 50th anniversary, including a summit with stakeholders to brainstorm strategies.

For now, the league hopes the high stakes of the playoffs will draw fans back. Defending champs San Miguel Beermen face a determined Terrafirma squad, while TNT fights to stay alive against Rain or Shine. As San Miguel star June Mar Fajardo said, "They hit pretty much every look they had and we have to address that."

Whether courtside or couch-side, the PBA playoffs promise plenty of excitement.

So what? It’s evident that the PBA is struggling as top local talents venture abroad to countries like Japan, while smaller leagues like MPBL continue to grow. The PBA still has the top hoops talent in the country, so they should do a better job marketing franchise players and the league as a whole.

🐶 NU Lady Bulldogs complete their quest for redemption with Season 86 Championship

by Koby del Rosario

The NU Lady Bulldogs returned the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Championship Trophy back to Sampaloc, Manila after their 3-1 set Game 2 win in the Season 86 Finals against the UST Golden Tigresses, 25-23, 23-25, 27-25, 25-16.

In front of 22,515 fans inside the SM Mall of Asia Arena, which they consider as their home court, the Lady Bulldogs swept the series en route to securing their second crown in three seasons. Michaela Belen, who was given her second season MVP award earlier in the afternoon, pitched in 19 points, 11 digs, and nine receptions but it was Alyssa Solomon who stole the show with a game-high 27 points on 20-of-37 kills, four blocks, and three service aces.

Solomon, ultimately, was named the Finals MVP for her outstanding outings that included 17 markers in their Game 1 triumph.

For NU, this would be the school’s fourth championship in the tournament—adding it to their trophies for Seasons 16, 19, and 84.

It was a great sight to see, however, for the Golden Tigresses to see their Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos in action. But, she would merely score a point on a bad right leg as they were paced by Xyza Gula as their spark off the bench with a team-high 18 points to go with 11 receptions and 10 digs.

UST’s Detdet Pepito and Cassie Carballo were also named as Best Setter and Best Libero, respectively, for the season. Meanwhile, both Poyos and Belen were the top 1 and 2 of the Best Outside Spiker award as Solomon was the recipient of the Best Opposite Spiker award.

In other news, it was also an NU championship win over UST in the Men’s Volleyball side as the Bulldogs bested the Golden Spikers in Game 2 of their Finals, 25-21, 22-25, 25-17, 25-15, to secure their illustrious four-peat.

News Roundup

• Filipino activists and fishermen sail to disputed shoal guarded by China in 100-boat flotilla

• Samsung includes AI features to S22, Flip4, and Fold4 phones

• UN Experts say that North Korea laundered $147.5 Million in stolen crypto in March

Games

🎯 Fun Brain Teasers

• Wordle: guess the random five letter word

• Connections: match four words of the same category

• Strands: word search but it depends on the category

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