MANILA, Philippines - The First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC), the investment arm of the Metrobank Group, has been chosen as the Best Equity House in the Philippines by FinanceAsia magazine in its 2012 Country Awards for Achievement. FMIC was cited for its sizeable role in the equities market during the screening period, which covered two of the most significant and successful initial public offerings (IPOs) in the local equities market, including the listing Puregold Price Club Inc. (Puregold) and GT Capital Holdings Inc. (GT Capital). FMIC president Roberto Juanchito Dispo said, “It is the first time for First Metro to be cited as best equity house not only by the Hong Kong-based publication. We are happy that our contribution in the Philippine equities market has now been recognized.”