Category: Asia

Business

Robina Gokongwei Bet on an “Underdog” Most People Overlooked—What Happened to Robinsons Retail Next?

MANILA, Philippines — Before Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. became one of the Philippines’ biggest multi-format retailers, it was, in the words of chairman Robina Gokongwei-Pe, an unlikely contender that not everyone believed would succeed. Gokongwei-Pe recently drew a parallel between that early experience and her decision to support the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons when the basketball team was struggling. Her message was simple: sometimes, the biggest opportunities are

September 5, 2026

Philippines

ALEX EALA GETS HER BIGGEST US OPEN TEST YET—AND IT’S AGAINST SOMEONE SHE KNOWS ALL TOO WELL

NEW YORK — Friendship will be put aside when Filipino tennis star Alex Eala steps onto the biggest stage in tennis against one of her closest friends. Eala is set to face American rising star Iva Jovic in a highly anticipated third-round showdown at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday, September 5, with a place in the US Open Round of 16 on the line. The match is scheduled for the night session, with the action listed for no earlier than 7 p.m. New York time, or 7 a.m. Sunday in the Philippines. T

September 5, 2026

Philippines

Philippines Holds Nationwide School Safety Drill After Deadly Shootings—But One Major Change Stands Out

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine schools have carried out a nationwide safety exercise following a string of deadly school shootings, with authorities focusing on preparedness, rapid coordination and protecting students without exposing them to unnecessarily traumatic simulations. The Department of Education (DepEd) conducted the National Simultaneous School Safety Drill on September 3, bringing schools and emergency-response agencies together to rehearse how they would respond to an armed-thre

September 5, 2026

Business

DepEd Is Changing Scouting in Philippine Schools—And the Skills Learners May Gain Go Far Beyond Badges

MANILA, Philippines — Scouting in Philippine schools could be headed for a major upgrade as the Department of Education (DepEd) moves to modernize its policies and place greater emphasis on leadership, resilience, safety, community service and practical skills that learners can use beyond the classroom. Education Secretary Sonny Angara said DepEd is working to make scouting more inclusive and responsive to the challenges young Filipinos may encounter in real life. “We are modernizing these pol

September 5, 2026

Politics

Lutnick Apologizes After Claiming No Americans Died in Iran War—18 U.S. Troops Are Dead

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has apologized after mistakenly claiming that no Americans had died in the ongoing conflict with Iran—an assertion quickly contradicted by the U.S. military's reported casualty figures. Lutnick acknowledged Thursday that 18 U.S. service members have been killed in the conflict and said more than 750 have been wounded. He attributed his earlier statement to confusion with a separate U.S. military operation in Venezuela, where no American service members wer

September 5, 2026

Philippines

‘I DON’T FEEL SAFE’: Sara Duterte Arrives at QC Court After Arrest Warrant—Then Takes the Next Legal Step

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte arrived at the Quezon City Hall of Justice on Saturday, September 5, saying she feared for her life and the safety of her children a day after a court issued an arrest warrant against her over three counts of grave threats. Duterte told reporters that she had documented threats and harassment against her since 2023 and said she did not feel safe even as she appeared before the court to address the warrant. “I fear for my children. I do not feel

September 5, 2026

Asia

Sydney Just Hit a Dangerous Spring Heat Spike—And Authorities Are Bracing for What Comes Next

SYDNEY — Australia’s largest city is facing an unusually dangerous start to spring, with temperatures soaring far above normal and authorities imposing a total fire ban as hot, dry and windy conditions push bushfire danger in Greater Sydney to “extreme.” Sydney was forecast to reach 33°C (91.4°F) on Saturday, September 5, almost 13°C above the September average, according to weather authorities. Temperatures at Sydney Airport had already climbed to 28.6°C by 11:30 a.m., highlighting how quickly

September 5, 2026

Politics

Taiwan Calls Out China’s ‘Wolf Warrior’ Tactics at Pacific Summit—Then Raises a More Serious Concern

TAIPEI — Taiwan has accused China of using increasingly aggressive diplomatic tactics to pressure Pacific nations during this week’s Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, saying Beijing’s approach risks undermining regional unity. Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung made the accusation after China objected to Taiwan’s participation in activities surrounding the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, held in Palau from August 30 to September 4. Lin described Beijing’s approach as “wolf war

September 5, 2026

Malaysia

Anwar Finally Breaks His Silence on Malaysia’s Snap Election Talk — But What Happens Next Could Reshape GE16

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia’s next general election could be held earlier than expected after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim signalled that he is willing to consider calls for a snap vote, even as his government insists that economic recovery and governance remain its immediate priorities. Anwar said Friday that he would consider proposals to bring forward the country’s 16th general election, or GE16, following growing pressure from political leaders inside and outside his unity government. However,

September 5, 2026

Business

Dollar Slides as Yen Surges 2.4% in Best Week Since July — But the Bigger Shock May Still Be Coming

The Japanese yen is staging a powerful comeback against the U.S. dollar, posting its strongest weekly performance since July as traders increasingly bet that the Bank of Japan could accelerate its interest-rate normalization. The yen gained about 2.4% against the dollar for the week, according to The Japan Times, marking a sharp reversal for a currency that had been battered to a four-decade low just weeks ago. The rally intensified after the dollar-yen exchange rate moved sharply lower during

September 5, 2026