South East Asia (SEA)

President Ferdinand Marcos delivered a robust statement in Hawaii, addressing escalating tensions in the South China Sea and reaffirming the Philippines' commitment to territorial integrity. This came in the wake of a recent encounter with Chinese President Xi Jinping during an Asia-Pacific summit in San Francisco, where maritime disputes were at the forefront. Expressing concern over China's increased military presence near the Philippine coastline, President Marcos emphasized, "The Philippines won't cede an inch of our territory," underscoring the importance of safeguarding national sovereignty. Recent incidents, including collisions between Philippine and Chinese vessels , have exacerbated longstanding tensions. China's military activities on artificial islands and disregard for international tribunal rulings have further fueled disputes. In his meeting with President Xi, Marcos sought a broader perspective for their relationship beyond the South China Se...

In a recent geopolitical development, Japan strongly condemned the hijacking of the cargo ship Galaxy Leader, owned by Nippon Yusen, in the Red Sea by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The incident added a new layer of complexity to the intricate geopolitics of the strategically crucial region, raising concerns over regional stability. The Galaxy Leader, en route to India, faced an unlawful boarding near Hodeida, Yemen, with military personnel descending from a helicopter, according to reports from Galaxy Maritime Ltd, the ship’s owner. This incident has garnered international attention, shedding light on the geopolitical dynamics in the Red Sea, a vital maritime passage. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promptly attributed the hijacking to Iran, characterizing it as an "Iranian attack on an international ship." However, Japan and Israel clarified that the vessel was not Israeli. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, Hirokazu Matsuno, expressed a commitment to the ship's...

Planning a trip to Singapore? Look no further! After exploring over 100 spots, this guide unveils the crème de la crème—each recommendation comes with our discerning seal of approval. In the '90s, Singapore demanded the five C's for survival. Now, in the Crazy Rich Asians era, the city-state exudes opulence, with the sixth C taking center stage: confidence. Singaporeans proudly embrace their identity as a disciplined society, turning their home into a haven of stability. Investors, tech startups, and the wealthy flock to this city-state, contributing to a rich local culture. Explore hawker stalls crafting traditional cuisine with a fine-dining touch. Public housing projects, architectural marvels, dot the landscape, and green spaces combat the city’s heat and address climate change. Whether you have two nights or a fortnight, here’s your cheat sheet for an unforgettable visit: Long Bar vs. Tiffin Room: Tourists flock to the Long Bar for the iconic Singapore Sling, but locals i...

In a recent interview with pageant content creator Luis Portelles, Miss Thailand Anntonia Porsild peeled back the glamorous facade of beauty pageants to reveal a side of herself rarely seen on stage. Despite achieving the prestigious first runner-up position at the Miss Universe 2023 pageant in El Salvador, Porsild candidly shared a perspective on beauty and happiness that defies conventional norms. The 27-year-old beauty queen challenged societal expectations by expressing her genuine contentment when she can shed the trappings of a beauty queen. In a relaxed and candid manner, Porsild shared, “When everything comes off, I am much more happy,” highlighting her indifference to external opinions and societal pressures. Her revelation carries a profound authenticity, asserting her comfort in her own skin and the liberation she feels when not conforming to traditional standards. Porsild acknowledged the confidence boost provided by makeup and glamorous attire but expressed her desire to d...

In a pivotal move reflecting a cultural shift and growing awareness of animal rights, South Korea's ruling People Power Party is poised to introduce legislation aimed at outlawing dog meat consumption. This landmark decision, driven by global criticism and changing perspectives within the nation, particularly among the younger generation, signifies a significant departure from historical practices. Yu Eui-dong, the policy chief, emphasized the necessity of addressing social conflicts surrounding dog meat consumption, announcing plans to present a bill this year. He expressed confidence in swift parliamentary approval with bipartisan support, showcasing a collective commitment to ushering in change. Agriculture Minister Chung Hwang-keun affirmed the government's dedication to promptly implementing the ban and supporting affected businesses. First lady Kim Keon Hee, a vocal critic of dog meat consumption, and President Yoon Suk Yeol have taken a stand against the practice by welc...

In a harrowing incident that unfolded on Friday, the southern Philippines was thrust into chaos as a powerful undersea earthquake, registering 6.8 magnitude, struck. Originating 69 kilometers southeast of Sarangani in Davao Occidental province, the seismic event sent shockwaves across Mindanao, leaving residents and shoppers facing a surreal and fearful reality. Eyewitness accounts vividly depicted the quake's impact, with shopping mall ceilings crashing down, glass windows splintering, and panic gripping the community. Gregorio Narajos, 34, shared his unsettling experience at SM City General Santos mall, describing scenes of pandemonium. "I felt dizzy, and then I saw people running out of the mall. Some were crying, some were shouting 'earthquake! earthquake!'" he recounted to CNN Philippines. "I saw the ceiling tiles falling down and the glass windows breaking. It was very scary." While Narajos managed to escape unscathed, others weren't as fortuna...

In a groundbreaking move, the 72nd Miss Universe pageant is revolutionizing beauty standards by embracing a diverse lineup that includes transwomen, mothers, and a plus-size model. This historic shift challenges traditional norms and marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the prestigious pageant. The journey towards inclusivity began in 2018 with the introduction of the first transgender candidate. However, the 72nd Miss Universe pageant takes this commitment to diversity to a new level, featuring multiple transwomen, mothers, and a plus-size model. One standout contestant is Nepal’s Jane Dipika Garrett, aged 22, who boldly flaunted her plus-size curves, advocating for body positivity, mental health, and hormonal issues. Her presence on the stage sends a powerful message of self-acceptance and empowerment. Guatemala’s Michelle Cohn, the first married woman to win Miss Universe Guatemala, adds another layer of diversity as the first mother to qualify. A proud mother of two, Cohn em...