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Japan policy paper to focus on US, Philippines to counter China
Tokyo [Japan], March 23 (ANI): Japan released a draft of its annual foreign policy report stating that it will pay attention to the importance of boosting collaboration with the United States and the Philippines to counter China's assertive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region, Kyodo news reported on Thursday. The Diplomatic Bluebook for 2024 will also underscore that Tokyo "cannot afford to waste even a moment" to solve.....»»
Consider alliances with Netherlands, Norway, DFA urged
The Department of Foreign Affairs should consider alliances with non-defense allies like Norway, the Netherlands and other countries for maritime exploration, research and development amid conflict with China over the West Philippines Sea (WPS), Sen. Francis Tolentino said yesterday......»»
Japan policy paper to focus on US, Philippines to counter China
Tokyo [Japan], March 23 (ANI): Japan released a draft of its annual foreign policy report stating that it will pay attention to the importance of boosting collaboration with the United States and the Philippines to counter China's assertive behaviour in the Indo-Pacific region, Kyodo news reported on Thursday. The Diplomatic Bluebook for 2024 will also underscore that Tokyo "cannot afford to waste even a moment" to solve.....»»
ADB approves USD 100 mln loan to support small and medium-sized enterprises in Sri Lanka
Manila [Philippines], March 19 (ANI): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 100 million loan to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka more access to finance and build their resilience to external shocks, such as the economic crisis and climate change. SMEs play a critical role in Sri Lanka's economy, contributing 52 per cent to the country's gross domestic product and employ 45 per c.....»»
Shanghai’s five-star The Middle House
The location The Middle House is a five-star hotel in the heart of China’s bustling metropolis of Shanghai. It is the epicenter of the lively Jing’an District, yet it manages to strike the ideal balance between the contemporary and the traditional. The hotel is situated in a convenient location close to Nanjing Road, which is considered to be one of the best shopping avenues in Shanghai, as well as Jing’an Temple, which is a historical and cultural landmark. The aesthetic The Middle House, created by renowned Italian architect Piero Lissoni, exhibits a distinctive architectural style that effortlessly combines elegance and modern aesthetics. Lissoni incorporated various materials, such as bamboo, porcelain, ceramic and lacquered textures. The refined interiors skillfully blend Chinese history and craftsmanship with Italian ingenuity, resulting in a beautiful tribute to modern-day Shanghai. The hotel’s public spaces are filled with an abundance of natural light, which creates a warm and peaceful atmosphere that is welcoming to guests. The design of the hotel showcases a dedication to crafting a balanced atmosphere that incorporates the vibrant urban spirit of Shanghai and the peacefulness of a high-end getaway. [gallery size="full" columns="2" ids="190882,190878,190880,190881"] The room We stayed in a Studio 60 with floor-to-ceiling windows facing a bustling street. During the course of our stay, I would sit on the couch and watch people cross the street. I would sit outside the Starbucks Roastery at different times of the day. The view was exhilarating and relaxing at the same time. A similar design philosophy carries through to their luxurious dwellings and presents an amazing showcase of contemporary design and modern renditions of traditional Chinese elements. Guests staying in any room can enjoy features like a rain shower and free-standing bathtub, exclusive artisanal bath and body products, premium bathroom accessories, luxury down bedding, high-speed Wi-Fi, a state-of-the-art Bluetooth speaker and the use of Mr. Goodnight, the hotel’s signature blue tassel master light switch. A complimentary maxi bar and an espresso machine with a selection of beverages are also present for use. The breakfast As you step into Cafe Gray, you’ll be greeted by an elegant and modern interior, adorned with sleek furnishings and large windows that flood the space with natural light. The inviting atmosphere creates a sense of tranquility, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a leisurely morning meal. The breakfast menu at Cafe Gray is a culinary delight, boasting a wide array of options to suit both my palate and my husband’s. I went from Asian one day (Shanghai specialty xiao long bao and shen jian bao) to Western the next day (honey-glazed ham with hashbrown is a winner!), then back to Asian (the laksa is fantastic!). My husband Berg, on the other hand, indulged in fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup one day and waffles the next day. [caption id="attachment_190883" align="aligncenter" width="525"] View from Studio 60. The Middle House is located in the lively Jing’an District and is connected to the Taikoo Hui mall.[/caption] The art collection Entering the hotel takes you to a place with a flair for the dramatic. The space was designed by Lissoni with a deliberate emphasis on contrast. This was achieved by employing dark colors and striking jewel tones for the walls and furnishings, which served to accentuate the carefully selected art works from the hotel’s art collection titled I Dream of China, by both local Chinese and international artists, serving as a representation of the artistic intersection that characterizes the city of Shanghai. The installation Vases in a Steel Cage by Shanghai artist Liu Dao of the neighborhood art group Island6 creates a thought-provoking contrast between delicate porcelain vases and a rigid metal enclosure in one area of the property. The service When it comes to service at the Middle House, one word immediately comes to mind: dedicated. From the moment we arrived and stepped onto the property to our experiences at the various outlets, even while waiting outside for our ride back to the hotel, and throughout our check-out process, the service we received at every step of the way was truly dedicated. It is a testament to the art of hospitality at the Middle House. The commitment of the Middle House team to ensuring a memorable and seamless experience for each guest is remarkable. Shanghai, although both familiar and unfamiliar to us, has undergone significant changes in the past three years since the pandemic began. It has become a new place for us. Are the places we used to frequent still there? Most of our friends in Shanghai have left, but staying at the Middle House and engaging in conversations with the team provided us with answers, insights and new recommendations. This helped us appreciate the city even more. The post Shanghai’s five-star The Middle House appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Celebrity chef Jereme Leung returns for‘Flavors of the Orient’
Over the years, the inventiveness of celebrity master chef Jereme Leung has garnered a loyal following. Modern Chinese food inspired by Chinese culinary traditions defines his cuisine and creativity is his game. [caption id="attachment_159822" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Steamed Sea Garoupa withsun-dried ginger, red chili, black bean paste and superb chicken stock.[/caption] When you see him in his restaurants going around and speaking to the guests, take the opportunity to ask for his recommendations. With his innovative cooking, it would be a mistake not to try it. That’s why, it’s best to visit Conrad Manila for its Legendary Chef Series and experience a rare chance to meet the world-renowned chef and savor his exceptional culinary creations that will leave epicurean enthusiasts in awe and craving for more. The exclusive engagement, dubbed “Flavors of the Orient” and ongoing until 23 July at China Blue, presents a delicious set menu meticulously curated by Leung and his team led by chef Eng Yew Khor. The limited-time offering showcases a symphony of flavors, combining Cantonese culinary traditions and gastronomic innovation — a feat Leung has mastered from age 13 when he began his culinary career in Hong Kong. Leung is a culinary visionary who is known for conceptualizing Conrad Manila’s China Blue, that’s why it was named after him — China Blue by Jereme Leung. “Master chef Jereme Leung’s limited engagement at Conrad Manila brings a lot of excitement as he once again delights guests with his magical culinary touch on extraordinary dishes most fitting during this period of our Legendary Chefs Series,” says Conrad Manila general manager Fabio Berto. “We are certain that his exclusive new gastronomic repertoire will further heighten the culinary reputation of the already well-loved China Blue.” Oriental choices The culinary spectacle begins with an enticing appetizer featuring marinated lobster enriched with coriander lime jelly dressing and crispy bean curd sheet, accompanied by deep-fried kataifi seafood and otak otak with lemongrass. “The lobster roll’s dressing is very Southeast Asian,” says 52-year-old Leung, who arrived in Manila a few days ago to personally prepare the dishes for the limited lunch and dinner treat. “It’s not spicy but refreshing. The crispy sheet is bean curd, steamed and deep fried. When it’s hot and fresh, it’s super crispy and melts in your mouth.” The otak-otak, Leung explains, is a Malaysian fish cake wrapped in banana leaf. But, instead of fish, he substitutes it with cuttlefish and shrimp. The kataifi, on the other hand, is a pastry deep-fried on lemongrass skewer. The journey continues with a flavorful double-boiled merry fruit peach gum with sea cucumber, black chicken dumpling, dry moon clam Matsutake mushroom soup. “The soup is a special one,” says Leung. “The base is made of chicken and matsutake mushroom which is very intense in taste. I personally hand-carried the dried mushroom from Hunan.” Another special ingredient is the merry fruit from Guangdong Province. It is a medicinal fruit that has a nutty flavor that offers a strong, potent taste. Leung’s repertoire continues to impress with his main courses — the steamed sea garoupa garnished with sun-dried ginger, red chili, black bean paste and superior chicken stock; and the slow-cooked beef short ribs, coated in green pepper and barbecue sauce. “It’s a live fish that we clean, cover in salt and air dry in a temperature-controlled room for hours to remove its moisture and to make the flesh firmer,” explains Leung. “The braised beef is slow-cooked for several hours.” To accompany the main course, Leung offers black sesame fried rice with dry scallops, seafood, and spring onion egg white pearl. And, to complete the feast, a refreshing serving of hawthorn ice cream, Chinese sweet vinegar caramel, and the delightful touch of traditional onion pancake leave the palate with a lingering note of sweetness. Yes, each of Leung’s dishes has a unique quality and taste, a special touch to make it stand out. The food presentation does an excellent job of increasing one’s appetite. “The objective of the menu is to introduce some of the less common ingredients here,” shares Leung, who, as of this writing, is simultaneously opening five restaurants in China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Macau. “But while they are less common in this country, they are common ingredients in different regions of China. It’s an interesting exchange of knowledge.” He adds: “My cuisine is about adapting ourselves based on what we see in the local market. While we retain our own recipes, we create dishes depending on the availability of the ingredients in the market. Our creation is not just out of the blue. It’s something that we think, try, and work on over and over again to make sure we please our diners.” For reservation on Conrad Manila’s Legendary Chefs Series, call 8833-9999, 0917-650 3591, or email MNLMB.FB @conradhotels.com. The post Celebrity chef Jereme Leung returns for‘Flavors of the Orient’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dad’s Day treats
Escape at The Pen [caption id="attachment_144658" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph courtesy of the peninsuLa manilaTRIUMPH motorcycle[/caption] The Peninsula Manila offers dads a weekend staycation while indulging in Escolta’s Sunday brunch buffet. Make sure he also gets to experience Salon de Ning’s one-afternoon-only pop-up Pen Ultimate Father’s Day Dream Lounge, where he’ll enjoy complimentary cocktails and pica-pica and snazzy grooming services. The Dream Lounge will offer complimentary male grooming services from Back Alley Barbershop; a display of Triumph motorcycles and automobiles from Rolls-Royce, Lotus and Mini Cooper; For Him skincare by VMV Hypoallergenics whose expert technicians will provide complimentary hand treatments; funky and functional ceramic art from Pottery Sessions, custom-made menswear crafted in Singapore by Common Suits; pens and inks for fountain pen aficionados by Manila Pen; bespoke spectacles by R.E.M. Rapid Eye Movement Manila; rare timepieces from Vintage Grail, collectible vinyls and DJ music; artisanal chocolates from Auro Chocolate; and small bites and innovative cocktails. E-mail ReservationPMN@peninsula.com. Toast to Dad Conrad Manila has an exclusive Father’s Day promo. Brasserie on 3, the hotel’s signature restaurant, presents “Feast to Fatherhood” on 17 to 18 June, with P3,500 nett lunch and dinner buffet. As a special treat, dads dine for free with every four paying adults. China Blue by Jereme Leung has the “Father’s Day Feast Set Menu” from 16 to 18 June, priced at P49,880 nett for 10 persons. At C Lounge, it’s time for “Dad’s Night Out” until 18 June. Starting at 5 p.m., this extraordinary experience is priced at P2,288++ and includes a three-glass whiskey flight, one cigar and five truffle chocolate balls. Bru, Conrad Manila’s beloved café, invites guests to “Treats for Tatay” throughout the month of June. With a minimum purchase of P1,000, dads receive a complimentary Father’s Day mini cake. Conrad Spa offers the ultimate rejuvenation experience for dads with the exclusive “Father’s Day Rejuvenation” package. Visit www.conradmanila.com or call 8833 9999. Day delights [caption id="attachment_144645" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph courtesy of city of dreamsCrystal Dragon’s Chilled Spicy Marinated 25 Heads Chilean Abalone with squids, shrimps, and clams.[/caption] City of Dreams Manila’s Crystal Dragon presents an exclusive Father’s Day menu until 18 June. Choices include Chilled Spicy Marinated 25 Heads Chilean Abalone with squids, shrimps and clams; Double-boiled Sea Treasure Soup with maca, fish maw, conpoy and pork stomach; Roasted Farm Duck with black truffle sauce; Sauteed Australian Asparagus with shrimps and morel mushrooms; and Braised Fujian Fragrant Rice with assorted seafood and eryngii mushroom. Nobu Sunday Brunch features a lavish spread of new-style Japanese cuisine popularized by world renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa at P4,388. Restaurants at The Shops at the Boulevard are not to be missed. Jing Ting, specializing in Northern Chinese cuisine including fresh hand-pulled noodle dishes, and Red Ginger, which offers authentic Southeast Asian dishes, are both offering menu exclusives for the month of June. Rossi Pizza, Hidemasa, TungLok Signatures, Mango Tree, J. Park Garden, Modern Table and the newly opened Wolfgang’s Steakhouse and Grill are equally worth a visit. Call 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreams manila.com. Drink of choice [caption id="attachment_144657" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph courtesyof new world makati‘SHAKEN Not Stirred’ gin.[/caption] New World Makati Hotel’s “A Toast to Dad” room package includes breakfast and dad’s cocktails of choice, a hearty buffet feast at Café 1228, all-you-can-eat dim sum at Jasmine, as well as decadent cakes and sweets at The Shop. Whether dad’s drink of choice is a whisky, gin or rum-based concoction, the “A Toast to Dad” room package starting at P8,500++ comes with two creative cocktails from Bar Rouge as well as a complimentary bowl of chips and dip. Room package also includes an overnight stay in a Deluxe or Residence Club Deluxe room with breakfast for two. Book online via bit.ly/NWMFathers DayStay. Superb treats With three delectable combos to choose from, Pizza Hut has Superb Treat for six to nine persons at a P1,899. For a more intimate Father’s Day celebration, there’s the Superb Treat for four, at P1,199. If your dad is the biggest pizza lover that you know, then you’ll never go wrong with the Superb Triple Pizza Treat at P1,199. If you order Pizza Hut ahead of time for your Father’s Day celebration, you’ll get six pieces of WingStreet Buffalo wings for free. Call 8911-1111 hotline or visit www.pizzahut.com.ph. Happy Papi Gringo’s Chicken and Ribs rolls out its Father’s Day special with Papi’s Paboritos. Papi’s Paboritos has all-time Gringo like the Cuban Beef Lechon. Gringo’s Cerveza Wings even makes a comeback in this one, fried chicken wings fried to crisp perfection and flavored with the malty goodness of beer. Pair it with starters like the Caesar Salad and the meaty Angus Bolognese Linguine. Cap the meal with its new Classic Tres Leches, a light and soft sponge cake soaked with three kinds of milk. This limited offering is only P2,198 and is available in all Gringo branches. Visit gringo.ph. Ebi awesome [caption id="attachment_144660" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Photograph courtesy of tokyo bubble teaBIBIMBAP[/caption] For the entire month of June, Tokyo Bubble Tea offers Ebi Tempura Meal Sets featuring three pieces of Tokyo Bubble Tea’s Ebi Tempura, two Tokyo Big Plates and two large drinks. Specially made set meals for those in Cagayan de Oro are also available. Metro Manila branches are located in Banawe, Greenhills, SM Megamall, and Bonifacio Global City. Each set is P899.Tokyo Bubble Tea branches in Cagayan de Oro are located at Centrio Mall and SM CDO Downtown Premier. Each set is only P650. Visit www.tokyobubbletea.com, Grab Food, and FoodPanda. The post Dad’s Day treats appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
G7 to squeeze Russia, weigh risk of China’s ‘economic coercion’
G7 leaders arrived in Hiroshima, Japan, on Thursday to weigh tighter sanctions on Russia and protections against China's "economic coercion", surrounded by reminders about the harrowing cost of war. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is hosting leaders from six other wealthy democracies in his hometown -- a city synonymous with nuclear destruction and now peppered with peace monuments. Leaders including US President Joe Biden will try over three days to forge a united front on Russia and China, where the allies' interests do not always neatly align. Biden's delicate diplomatic offensive in Asia hit a bump even before Air Force One left US soil: A domestic budget row forced him to cancel stops in Papua New Guinea and Australia. He arrived in Hiroshima Thursday, becoming just the second US president after Barack Obama to visit a city levelled by his country's "Little Boy" atomic bomb. Russia's 15-month-old invasion of Ukraine will top the agenda when the G7 summit gets underway Friday, after a new spate of aerial attacks on Kyiv and a long winter of grinding warfare in Bakhmut and other frontline towns. "We stand up for the shared values including supporting the people of Ukraine as they defend their sovereign territory and holding Russia accountable for its brutal aggression," Biden said as he met Kishida Thursday. The United States and its allies have poured weaponry into Ukraine to stall the Russian advance, but a long-anticipated spring counteroffensive by Kyiv's forces has yet to materialize. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to address the group by video link. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said leaders would discuss battlefield developments and tightening a sanctions regime that, according to official statistics, caused Russia's economy to contract a further 1.9 percent last quarter. G7 nations have already adopted sanctions on Russian banks and military firms, and placed price caps on Russian crude. Discussions are expected on tighter enforcement, and new measures on a range of goods, including Moscow's roughly $5 billion annual trade in diamonds. Nuclear shadow Putin's repeated threats to turn the Ukraine conflict nuclear have been roundly condemned by G7 leaders and dismissed by some commentators as little more than an attempt to shake European and American resolve. But a leaders' visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park on Friday is likely to pull those threats into sharper focus. The bombing on 6 August 1945 obliterated Hiroshima, claimed an estimated 140,000 lives and forever changed the world. Kishida wants to use the summit to press his guests -- nuclear powers Britain, France and the United States -- to commit to transparency on stockpiles and arsenal reductions. But expectations for a breakthrough are low. 'Economic coercion' Summit discussions on China are expected to focus on efforts to insulate G7 economies from potential economic blackmail, by diversifying supply chains and markets. In disputes with countries from Australia to Canada, President Xi Jinping's administration has shown a willingness to block, tax or hamper trade with little warning or explanation. White House official Sullivan said leaders were expected to decry this "economic coercion" and work to bridge transatlantic differences about how to engage with China. Washington has taken an aggressive approach, blocking China's access to the most advanced semiconductors and the equipment to make them, and has pressed Japan and the Netherlands to follow suit. But European policymakers -- most notably those in Berlin and Paris -- are keen to make sure that "de-risking" does not mean shattering ties with China, one of the world's largest markets. "This G7 is not an anti-Chinese G7," an adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron told journalists before the summit. "We have a positive message for China, which is that we are ready to cooperate on condition that we negotiate together," the adviser added. Host Japan is also keen to talk to developing nations that have been wooed by Chinese investment, with leaders from India, Brazil and Indonesia among those invited by Kishida to Hiroshima. Evidence of Beijing's growing economic and diplomatic clout was on display Thursday in the former imperial capital Xi'an. There, Xi is hosting the leaders of five Central Asian countries that were once seen as firmly in Moscow's orbit but are increasingly drawn to Beijing. The post G7 to squeeze Russia, weigh risk of China’s ‘economic coercion’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BIMP-EAGA nations’ trade cooperation pressed
In his recent trip to Indonesia for the Asean meeting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged collaboration to foster the progress of the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia -Malaysia-Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area or BIMP-EAGA due to its substantial potential for development. The Chief Executive made the call as he joined the intervention of the 15th BIMP-EAGA Summit on the sidelines of the 42nd ASEAN Summit and Related Summit here. Marcos said the Philippines supports the increased focus of the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025 on broad strategies to align sub-regional pandemic recovery and transformation efforts with the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, particularly in the areas of food security, creative industries and E-commerce, tourism recovery, and green recovery. “So, let us continue this impetus for growth in BIMP-EAGA and thereby position our very own sub-region as a well-connected, economically thriving, multi-country trade, investment and tourism destination. There lies our future,” Marcos said. However, Marcos noted that the pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine demonstrated the need to maintain the physical connectivity that underpins the region’s extensive and comprehensive logistics chain in all its aspects. Hence, the President mentioned that the efforts to revive the tourism industries should be the utmost priority following the pandemic. Linkages must move forward “Our collective effort towards rebuilding the air and sea linkages disrupted by geopolitical challenges and the pandemic still remains the key towards our full economic recovery,” he said. “So, let us work together with our National Tourism Organizations and our private sector counterparts to breathe life into the Joint BIMP-EAGA and IMT-GT Tourism Recovery Communications Plan 2022-2024. Let us spread the tidings that a visit to the BIMP-EAGA sub-region is a safe, stress-free return to nature,” Marcos added. Increased tourism will also reinvigorate the sub-regions micro, small and medium enterprises or MSMEs, the backbone of the economy fundamental to achieving sustainable economic growth and narrowing the development gap, and instrumental in wealth and employment creation, raising standards of living and poverty reduction. The President also rallied anew for support for “nano businesses,” or the kind of self-employed businesses that fall outside of the category of MSMEs, such as dry cleaners, corner shop owners, single retail marketers, repairers and painters, among others. “Though they constitute a large portion of all economies, viable, and play an important role across the country, they remain unrecognized… aiding them will contribute to our overall economic growth and will narrow those development gaps,” Marcos said. The President also emphasized the importance of BIMP-EAGA’s synergies and partnerships with external partners, such as the Asian Development Bank, Japan, Republic of Korea, China and the Northern Territory of Australia. Calling for sustained partnerships with those entities, the Philippine leader also welcomed the BIMP-EAGA-Korea Cooperation Fund or BKCF and the increase of the Republic of Korea’s contribution from $1 million in 2021 to $3 million in 2022. He reported that the Philippines, in particular, continue to benefit from the BKCF Fund from projects in the Environment, Tourism, and Connectivity Sectors, with a total support worth an estimated $1.2 million. At the same time, BIMP-EAGA must achieve strategic coherence within the larger ambit of ASEAN initiatives and sustain platforms of dialogue through regional mechanisms, including APT, RCEP, APEC, AANZFTA, and the ASEAN Plus 1 FTAs. Launched in 1994, BIMP-EAGA has delivered impressive results with the current numerous transport networks spanning the sub-region, buttressed by enhanced economic policies facilitating the movement of goods, people, and services. The post BIMP-EAGA nations’ trade cooperation pressed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Making the most of Philippine Summer
Despite perennially reeling from the scorching heat, Filipinos nevertheless look forward to summer to take a break from the rigors of daily life and enjoy the sun, sand and sea. The months of March to May is always a time to enjoy the outdoors, as the Philippines, being a tropical country, is replete with summer destinations that local and foreign tourists go gaga about. Topping these getaway spots, hands down is the beach. With over 7,000 islands, the country boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Among the most popular are Boracay, Palawan and Siargao — all known for their crystal-clear waters, powdery white sands and stunning sunsets. [caption id="attachment_129829" align="aligncenter" width="525"] A boy ignoring warnings not to swim in polluted Manila Bay dives in to beat the summer heat as boats prepare for the fist annual regatta, 26 May 2002, aimed at increasing public awareness on the environment. The Philippine government has been taking steps to clean-up the historic bay, famed for its breath-taking sunsets, which has become a depository for trash and industrial waste in recent years. AFP PHOTO/Joel NITO (Photo by JOEL NITO / AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_129827" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Tourists relax along a beach in Boracay island in Malay town, Aklan province, central Philippines on April 7, 2018. - The Philippine tourism industry scrambled on April 6 to manage the fallout from the temporary shutdown of its world-famous Boracay island, which threw into chaos trips planned by hundreds of thousands of tourists. (Photo by AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_129828" align="aligncenter" width="525"] A surfer takes advantage of the conditions at Big Wave Bay on the southern side of Hong Kong island 05 July 2001 as tyhoon 'Utor' heads nearer to the territory after lashing southern Taiwan and the Philippines. 'Utor' one of the biggest typhoons to hit the South China Sea in thirty years is expected to hit landfall in southern China tommorrow morning coming close to Hong Kong at the same time.AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo by PETER PARKS / AFP)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_129830" align="aligncenter" width="525"] A tourist goes airborne while kite boarding in the waters of Boracay island on November 9, 2008. The white sand beach resort island is in center of controversy as investors and property owners accused the government of land grabbing following the 2006 proclamation by the Philippine government that the entire island belongs to the state. Boracay island located in central Philippines draws half a million tourists each year to its spectacular beaches, more than one sixth of tourist visitors to the country. AFP PHOTO/JAY DIRECTO (Photo by JAY DIRECTO / AFP)[/caption] Aside from the beach, summertime is a chance to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and island hopping. Tourists take advantage of the summer months to explore the natural beauty of the country. [caption id="attachment_129826" align="aligncenter" width="525"] This picture taken on October 12, 2019 shows members of Myanmar's national surfing team resting during a competition on Ngwe Saung beach in Irrawaddy division, ahead of the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in the Philippines. - Competitive surfing was barely known in Myanmar a few years ago but a group of super-stoked dudes and dudettes from a local beach town are riding a wave of enthusiasm to the Southeast Asian Games for the first time ever. (Photo by Ye Aung THU / AFP)[/caption] Among the more popular hiking spots are Mt. Pulag, Mt. Batulao and Mt Pinatubo which all offer breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences. Of course, we should not forget that summer in the Philippines is also a time for festivities. One of the most celebrated festivals during this season is the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban, Quezon. The festival is held every May in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. During the event, the town is decorated with colorful kiping (rice wafers) and other agricultural products. [caption id="attachment_129831" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Children on a float made of native materials and decorated with vegetables and rice stalks parade on the streets for a contest ahead of the annual "Pahiyas" harvest festival in the town of Lucban, in Quezon province, south of Manila, 14 May 2005. During the festival, residents use native plants, vegetable products and rice paper to decorate their floats, homes and vehicles in imaginative ways. AFP PHOTO/JAY DIRECTO (Photo by JAY DIRECTO / AFP)[/caption] Another popular festival during this time is the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City. The festival is held every August and is a celebration of the city’s bountiful harvest. It is a colorful event that features street dancing, music and a parade of flowers. Whatever one fancies to beat the summer heat, there is always something to look forward to hereabouts. Whether one wants to relax, go on an adventure or celebrate, one can find it here in a paradise even tourists call paradise. The post Making the most of Philippine Summer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China urges ROK to stay prudent on South China Sea issue: Chinese FM
BEIJING, March 28 (Xinhua) -- China urges the Republic of Korea (ROK) to stay prudent when it comes to the South China Sea issue, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday. Lin made the remarks at a regular press briefing when responding to a media query about ROK Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's biased and unfactual comments on the South China Sea issue over the past few days. "China.....»»
Chinese Diplomat Liu Jianchao Meets With Singapore s Leaders
singapore - Liu Jianchao, the senior diplomat widely expected to become China's next foreign minister, said "the world needs connectivity, not decoupling," during a four-day visit to Singapore.Liu, who heads the international department of the Communist Party, was in the city-state to meet with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the country's incoming leader, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.During a s.....»»
Akbayan to Sara: You don’t have to be president to speak vs China
MANILA, Philippines — Party-list group Akbayan said on Thursday that Vice President Sara Duterte does not have to be a president of the country for her to call out China’s intrusive actions over the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Empathy and a moral backbone is just what it takes to stand up with fisherfolk and frontline.....»»
Roque bares Duterte, China agreement to respect status quo in WPS
Roque bares Duterte, China agreement to respect status quo in WPS.....»»
FOCAP condemns Chinese embassy’s claims on ‘manipulated’ West Philippine Sea videos
The Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines strongly rejected and condemned yesterday China’s “false and baseless” claims that journalists manipulate videosthey recorded in the South China Sea to present the Philippines as a victim......»»
Roque: Xi, Duterte agreed to keep West Philippines Sea status quo
The Philippines under former president Rodrigo Duterte had a “gentleman’s agreement” with China to keep the status quo in the West Philippine Sea, a former Cabinet official said yesterday, as fresh tensions surround the WPS due to recent incursions by Beijing that targeted a Filipino resupply mission and a research team......»»
Most Filipinos reject Charter change, lifting foreign ownership restrictions
An overwhelming majority of Filipinos oppose changing the 1987 Constitution at this time, according to a new Pulse Asia Survey, with results showing Filipinos in all regions and all socio-economic classes did not support the lifting of foreign ownership restrictions in key industries......»»
Philippines lodges strong protest with China over water cannon attack in disputed South China Sea
Manila [Philippines], March 25 (ANI): In the wake of accusation by the Philippines that the Chinese Coast Guard wounded three of its soldiers during a water cannon attack in the disputed South China Sea, Manila on Monday summoned Beijing's envoy to lodge its strong protest, Al Jazeera reported. The Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs, in a statement said that Manila conveyed its "strong protest against the aggressiv.....»»
Wegotmail: Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan on the Recent Surgein Tensions in the South China Sea
Wegotmail: Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan on the Recent Surgein Tensions in the South China Sea.....»»
Agdao Public Market vendors want variety and vegetable sections merged
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 24 March) – Vendors of Agdao Public Market here are asking the city government to merge the Variety and Vegetable Sections into one section claiming they have difficulties in getting customers because of their location. In a letter addressed to Mayor Sebastian Duterte, the City Administrator’s Office, the City Economic Enterprise […].....»»