In a terrifying episode that unfolded on Friday, the southern Philippines found itself in the throes of chaos following a powerful undersea earthquake, registering 6.8 magnitude. The seismic upheaval, originating 69 kilometers (43 miles) southeast of Sarangani in Davao Occidental province, sent shockwaves across Mindanao, leaving residents and shoppers grappling with a surreal and fearful reality. Eyewitness accounts painted a …

In a surprising twist, five immigration officers stationed at Ngurah Rai Immigration post in I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali, found themselves in hot water on November 14th. Their alleged involvement in extorting money from tourists to access the fast-track arrivals lane has ignited a firestorm of controversy in Bali.  Officials are now reevaluating the efficacy of the fast-track …

In a significant diplomatic move, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping convened during the APEC Summit in San Francisco, with a focus on de-escalating tensions in the contested South China Sea. The leaders aimed to explore mechanisms to ease tensions, prioritize open sea lanes, and address concerns of Filipino fishermen navigating their exclusive economic zone. Speaking …

Kathryn Bernardo‘s recent action on social media has stirred speculation about the status of her relationship with long-time boyfriend Daniel Padilla. Netizens noticed that Kathryn unfollowed Andrea Brillantes on Instagram, prompting discussions about a potential rift.  The scrutiny intensified when talent manager Ogie Diaz addressed rumors of trouble in KathNiel’s paradise in his vlog. Ogie mentioned an unnamed source and …

In a diplomatic encounter, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met in San Francisco, emphasizing shared economic interests amid historical and recent tensions. The leaders acknowledged challenges such as China’s seafood ban and the arrest of a Japanese businessman. Kishida urged Xi to lift the ban and expedite the executive’s release, impacting trade ties. The talks …

In a distressing development, Kelantan, Malaysia, is witnessing a surge in human-tiger conflicts, attributing the critically endangered big cats to the deaths of four individuals. The recent incidents, linked to mating season and habitat loss from mining and logging, prompt authorities to deploy tiger traps across remote jungles. The discovery of body parts, believed to be from Indonesian worker Lalu …

In a thrilling start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, China’s national football team clinched a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Thailand at Bangkok’s Rajamangala National Stadium. The game, part of the second phase of Asian qualifying, saw Sarach Yooyen’s opening goal for the hosts countered by Wu Lei and a winning header from substitute Wang Shangyuan. Amid the post-match …

In a groundbreaking shift, the 72nd Miss Universe pageant is rewriting beauty standards with a diverse lineup, including transwomen, mothers, and a plus-size model. This move towards inclusivity and representation challenges traditional norms, marking a historic moment in the pageant’s evolution. The journey towards embracing diversity began in 2018 with the first transgender candidate. However, this year is exceptional, featuring …

Last week’s imposition of a sweeping short selling ban by South Korean regulators sparked criticism from international banks, alleging authorities succumbed to local retail investors’ demands ahead of April’s parliamentary elections. Effective until June next year, the ban responded to alleged naked short selling, claimed to distort fair price formation in South Korea’s capital markets. Representatives from two global banks, …

Indonesia’s foreign policy, deeply rooted in the “Politik Bebas dan Aktif” doctrine, is undergoing subtle transformations as the nation prepares for the 2024 elections. Let’s delve into the nuances of international relations through the eyes of the presidential candidates, offering a sneak peek into the potential course of Indonesian diplomacy. Historical Tapestry of “Free and Active” From its inception, Indonesia …