BIZ BUZZ: Surprise guest at Marketplace

After some time away from the harsh public spotlight, self-made real estate magnate and former Sen. Manny Villar made a rare public appearance last July 7 when he made it to the opening of The Marketplace Vista Mall Antipolo—a move that did not go unnoticed among guests and shoppers.

The return of the Gokongwei-led premium supermarket chain to Antipolo City marks what executives described as a “homecoming” for the brand, bringing back its mix of imported goods, gourmet offerings and everyday essentials to consumers in the fast-growing Rizal capital.

Located at Vista Mall in Antipolo, it sits at the heart of Mille Luce, a premier residential community developed by Vista Land & Lifescapes. The store carries international brands such as Waitrose of the United Kingdom, Casino of France and Woolworths of Australia, alongside premium meat selections that include Wagyu, Australian beef, organic beef and lamb.

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The reopening also reflects growing confidence in Antipolo’s purchasing power, with retailers increasingly expanding beyond Metro Manila’s traditional commercial districts.

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The Marketplace under Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. is likewise banking on rising demand for premium and specialty products, from wines and charcuterie to wellness and sustainable home-care items.

But the bigger buzz may have been Villar himself.

The Vista Group founder’s appearance at the opening sparked interest among attendees, given his relatively low public profile in recent months, underscoring the significance the Villar group places on the Antipolo expansion.

This may also not be the last time that Villar will be seen at events like this as the Gokongwei group has also taken over the former Villar group spot near Eastwood City where a Shopwise branch will soon rise. — Tina Arceo-Dumlao

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RRHI rally gets an after-hours twist

Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI) says it had no knowledge of any undisclosed material information that could have triggered the unusual surge in its share price last Wednesday.

But there was one development that came immediately after the closing bell.

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In a disclosure responding to a query from the Capital Markets Integrity Corp. (CMIC), the Gokongwei-led retailer said it was unaware of any event that would have reasonably caused or contributed to the sharp movement in its stock price during the trading session.

Then came the after-hours twist.

RRHI said it was informed by its shareholder, JE Holdings Inc., after the market had closed on July 8 that the company had purchased RRHI shares in the market at prices not exceeding the tender offer price of P48.30 per share.

The purchases, it said, were consistent with JE Holdings’ previously disclosed objective of taking the retailer private. RRHI added that it would make the required disclosures on the transaction within the period prescribed under the PSE Disclosure Rules.

The timing is notable.

Earlier in the day, RRHI emerged as the Philippine Stock Exchange’s top gainer after its shares soared 50 percent to P66.75—well above the P48.30 tender offer price—prompting the market operator to seek an explanation for the unusual price movement.

Whether the disclosure fully answers the market’s questions is another matter.

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While RRHI insists there was no undisclosed price-sensitive information behind the rally, investors will likely keep a close watch on succeeding disclosures as JE Holdings moves forward with its plan to delist the retailer from the local bourse. — Emmanuel John B. Abris