No money, no honey? No worry dollar is up

“The lack of money is the root of all evil.”

—Mark Twain

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

AT the remittance center inside a Filipino grocery store in Queens Boulevard, New York City December 9 afternoon, I noticed the Philippine peso was once again “below the gutter” vis-à-vis the US dollar: One US dollar was equivalent to 59.23 in Philippine peso via Ria money transfer.

This meant our peso sank once more to a new all-time low on December 9 to join most regional currencies’ decline against the US dollar on cautiousness before the US Federal Reserve’s policy meeting, reportedly with bets on a rate cut by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) also affecting sentiment.

If peso is down going to the Yuletide season, it’s the right time to remit cash to the Philippines for dollar income earners in the United States.

The local unit slid by 28.5 centavos to close at P59.22 versus the greenback from its P58.935 finish on December 5, Bankers Association of the Philippines data showed.

This was reportedly a fresh low for the peso, beating the previous record of P59.17 logged on Nov. 12.

 

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The local currency has reportedly depreciated by P1.375 or 2.32 percent from its P57.845 finish on Dec. 27, 2024 year to date.

Wealth Insights reported that the peso opened Tuesday’s session weaker at P59.08 versus the dollar. Its intraday best was at P59.07, while its worst showing was its closing level of PHP 59.22 against the greenback.

Dollars traded went down to USD 1.097 billion on December 9 from US$1.423 billion on December 5.

The peso dropped along with its regional peers as the dollar was stronger overnight on higher US Treasury yields as markets await the Fed’s policy decision, the first trader said in a Viber message.

 

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Also, the US central bank was set to begin its two-day policy meeting overnight, where it is widely expected to lower borrowing costs by 25 basis points (bps) for a second straight time.

While a cut this week is already priced in, Wealth Insights added that markets are unsure about the Fed’s future policy moves, especially with Chair Jerome H. Powell set to end his term by May next year and with the latest data showing a mixed picture of the state of the US economy.

The dollar was stronger against most Asian currencies amid escalating tensions between China and Japan, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort added in a Viber message.

“The peso weakened anew past the P59 level as market expectations firmed over a potential BSP rate cut this week,” the second trader said in an e-mail.

 

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Alice Guo, Casandra Ong, Zaldy Co, James Ang, Eric Yap, Bong Go, Michael Yang, Peter Lim, Atong Ang.  

Except for Roque and Bato, Chinese-sounding family names have been dominating the news in the Philippines these past weeks.

They hogged headlines because of their alleged involvement in several criminal activities, not because they are role models for our youth to emulate.

Only Filipino-sounding family names Guanzon (Wengweng because of her infamous Gucci and Rolex-highlighted mall performance), Discaya (Sarah because of malversation case for a “ghost” project in Oriental Mindoro), Duterte (Polong because of his plan to visit 17 countries starting December 15 until February 2026) were able to break the ice.

 

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Cold sore treatment: what works for fast relief and healing. That annoying tingling on our lip, followed by a painful bump. Cold sores always seem to pop up at the worst times. 

Maybe we’ve got a big presentation at work or a family photo coming up. Whatever the timing, we want that cold sore gone fast.

More than 3.7 billion people under the age of 50 (or 67 percent of the population) are infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), according to the World Health Organization, so most of us know exactly how frustrating cold sores can be.

But the right cold sore treatment can cut our healing time in half and make the pain much more manageable.

Let's break down what actually works and what doesn't, so we can get back to feeling confident about your smile.

Best cold sore treatment options: prescription vs. over-the-counter: The cold sore treatment that works best for us depends on how quickly we catch the cold sore and how bad your symptoms get.

Prescription cold sore treatments that work.

Antiviral pills are our best bet for stopping cold sores fast.

The most common ones are valacyclovir (Valtrex), acyclovir (Zovirax) and famciclovir (Famvir).

These antivirals stop the virus from spreading. When we start taking them within the first day or two of feeling that tingle, they can:

-Cut healing time by 1-2 days

-Make the pain much less severe

-Help prevent the cold sore from getting as big

Prescription creams like acyclovir cream can also help when we put them right on the cold sore. They're not as powerful as the pills, but they still speed up healing.

 

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Daily prevention medicine might make sense if we get cold sores more than 6 times a year. Taking antiviral medicine every day can stop most outbreaks before they start.

Over-the-counter options.

-Abreva (docosanol) is the only cold sore medicine we can buy without a prescription that's proven to work. It can shorten healing time by about a day if we start using it right when we feel the first tingle.

-Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen help with the aching and swelling. We can also try numbing gels with benzocaine for quick relief.

-Ice packs work great during the first day or two. Put ice on the cold sore for 10-15 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling and numb the pain.

-Lip balm with sunscreen protects our healing skin. The sun can make cold sores worse and take longer to heal.

(The author, who is now based New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)

 

Peso dives anew vs dollar; good or bad?

“A weak currency is the sign of a weak economy, and a weak economy leads to a weak nation.”

— Ross Perot

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

ONE Philippine peso is now equals to 0.017 United States dollar.

Economists have predicted that Philippine peso is expected to rise by 6.05 percent against the US Dollar by the end of 2024, as the USD/PHP rate is expected to reach P61.09.

The Philippine Peso to US Dollar forecast for 2025 is also currently P61.84. This would represent a 7.34 percent rise from the current rate.

Forex traders reportedly use a variety of tools to make predictions on which way the market is likely to head next. The two main tools that forex traders use are technical analysis and fundamental analysis.

Experts say technical analysis involves analyzing indicators, chart patterns, and support and resistance levels.

Meanwhile, fundamental analysis, according to experts, involves analyzing macroeconomic and political events that have an influence on forex markets.

According to Manuel Sanchez of Aramco Trading, ultimately, the weakening of the peso presents both opportunities and challenges for the Philippines.

While it offers a boon for OFWs by increasing their remittances, it also poses significant risks in terms of inflation and economic instability.

 

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People all over the Philippines are melting like ice cubes owing to the abnormal summer heat wave. Even animals are being crucified in hell by nature’s savagery.

The last thing the country’s authorities in power industry can do is to make unannounced—and sometimes unjustified—power interruptions and let the monster heat fry the people in the summer cauldron and destroy the local economy.   

Unannounced power interruptions are considered a mortal sin in today’s age where communication and technology are at dizzying pace; and especially that the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has been tasked to ensure that the country's transmission assets are “in optimal condition to convey safe, quality, and reliable electricity.”

 

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CHRONIC DISEASES. Research reveals that people who sit for long stretches may be twice as likely to develop chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer--even if they exercise. "Standing not only burns more calories, it also stimulates the circulation of a dietary fat-absorbing enzyme called lipoprotein lipase," says Barbara Ainsworth, Ph.D., a professor of exercise and wellness at Arizona State University.

DANGER OF HOT WATER. When we are in a rush, it's tempting to use hot water from the faucet to brew our Earl Grey. But this shortcut can expose us to contaminants like lead, copper, and rust. "Hot tap water is more likely to leach these compounds from your pipes," warns James M. Symons, the author of Plain Talk About Drinking Water. That may put us at risk to potential problems, such as lead poisoning.

WRONG CHOICE OF WORDS. Let us not call the self-proclaimed spiritual messiahs who promise to bring us to paradise as neurotics: they merely need "professional advice." Let us not call politicians who promise to liberate us from poverty as public servants. They are "comedians."

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FOOLS KNOW NOTHING. The fool who thinks he knows everything will soon come to a realization that he actually knows little or nothing at all. The wise doesn't need to brag about what he knows. He feigns ignorance in order to broaden his perspectives and erudition.

ALL IN THE NAME OF RELIGION. During the 20th Century 110 million people were killed by their own kind in 250 wars--mostly religious wars in the name of sectarian "gods." Casualties of religious battles had been dumped in the biggest killing fields in the world.

PERFECT VIEW. A man burdened with life's trials and hardships asked God, "Why so many hills and mountains to climb in life?" God answered him, "For you to have a better view."

PATH OF NATURE. To be of few words and to be of many actions is to follow the path of nature.

LET US ALL STAND. Research reveals that people who sit for long stretches may be twice as likely to develop chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer--even if they exercise. "Standing not only burns more calories, it also stimulates the circulation of a dietary fat-absorbing enzyme called lipoprotein lipase," says Barbara Ainsworth, Ph.D., a professor of exercise and wellness at Arizona State University.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)