In this episode of the Project 7 to 1 Podcast, Carlo Ople sits down with Ateneo de Manila University economics professor and Senior Research Fellow Dr. Ser Percival Peña-Reyes. Widely recognized for making complex economic issues easy to understand, Ser Percival has recently gained attention on social media for breaking down topics such as the Philippines’ upper middle-income classification, the true state of the middle class, healthcare costs, inflation, and the realities behind everyday economic headlines. 

The conversation explores the gap between economic data and the lived experiences of ordinary Filipinos. From wages, inflation, and purchasing power to the rising cost of healthcare and why many families still feel financially vulnerable despite positive macroeconomic indicators, Ser Percival explains the numbers in a way that’s practical, relatable, and grounded in everyday life.

Expect an insightful and engaging discussion that cuts through the jargon, challenges common misconceptions, and helps make sense of the economic issues shaping the lives of Filipinos today.