Category: Asia

Politics

Singapore Blocks ‘Global Asia’ Website After False Claims of MFA, NUS and NTU Links

Singapore authorities have blocked access to a website that allegedly misrepresented its connections to Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and major universities, raising fresh concerns about AI-generated identities, fabricated institutional links and the growing sophistication of online influence operations. Singapore police have ordered internet service providers to block access to the website of Global Asia Think Tank after authorities assessed information obtained following a police re

August 22, 2026

Entertainment

Bela Padilla Finally Speaks on ‘Blood vs. Duty’ Rumors: “It Was Very Confusing for Me” — But What Really Happened Behind the Scenes?

Bela Padilla has finally addressed the rumors surrounding her stint in the ABS-CBN action-drama series “Blood vs. Duty,” saying the reports left her confused as speculation continued to circulate about what allegedly happened behind the scenes. The actress found herself at the center of controversy earlier this year after showbiz personality Ogie Diaz discussed claims that she had allegedly become difficult to work with during the production of “Blood vs. Duty.” The allegations included claims

August 22, 2026

Asia

Hong Kong Just Convicted Two Tiananmen Vigil Organizers—But the Words That Put Them at Risk of 10 Years in Prison Are the Bigger Story

HONG KONG — Two prominent pro-democracy activists who helped organize Hong Kong’s once-massive annual Tiananmen Square candlelight vigils have been convicted of inciting subversion, in a landmark national security case that could send them to prison for as long as 10 years. Hong Kong’s High Court on August 21, 2026 found former lawmaker and labor activist Lee Cheuk-yan, 69, and barrister Chow Hang-tung, 41, guilty under the National Security Law imposed by Beijing in 2020. Both had pleaded not

August 22, 2026

Asia

Japan Hangs Man Over Deadly Osaka Fire That Killed 5—But the Execution Has Sparked a Bigger Debate

Japan has carried out the execution of Sunao Takami, 58, the man convicted of setting fire to a crowded pachinko parlor in Osaka in 2009, a deadly attack that killed five people and injured 10 others. Takami was hanged on Friday, August 21, 2026, marking Japan’s first execution since June 2025 and the first carried out under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration. The execution was confirmed by Japan’s Justice Ministry. Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi said he ordered the execution o

August 22, 2026

Singapore

His Great-Grandfather Left China at Just 11 and Never Returned—What His Singapore Family Found 100 Years Later Was Still Waiting for Them

SINGAPORE / CHAO’AN, China — More than a century ago, an 11-year-old Teochew boy walked away from his village in southern China and began a journey that would eventually reshape the lives of generations he would never meet. He never came home. But in 2026, one of his descendants did. Singaporean creative practitioner and educator Jariel Ann Tan travelled with her parents to Sha Long village in Chao’an, Guangdong, searching for the birthplace of her great-grandfather, Tan Siak Kiang (陈锡乾). Wh

August 22, 2026

Philippines

Korina Sanchez Says People Want Her to Run in 2028—But One Thing Is Still Stopping Her From Entering Politics

MANILA, Philippines — Veteran broadcaster Korina Sanchez-Roxas has revealed that calls for her to enter politics have been coming for years, and this time, she is not completely shutting the door on the possibility. But despite renewed speculation over a possible Senate run in the 2028 Philippine elections, Sanchez has stopped well short of declaring herself a candidate. Speaking to reporters during TV5's Tara, Kapatid! 2026 Midyear Media and Trade Celebration, Sanchez acknowledged that enteri

August 22, 2026

Entertainment

Dina Bonnevie Walked Away From Vic Sotto With Two Young Children—But What Happened After the Marriage Ended Changed Her Life

Veteran actress Dina Bonnevie has revisited one of the most painful chapters of her life, revealing how rejection, single motherhood, faith, and sheer determination pushed her to rebuild herself after the collapse of her marriage to Vic Sotto. Speaking in the August 21, 2026 episode of her YouTube program House of D, Bonnevie reflected on heartbreak and the difficult process of knowing when to finally walk away from a relationship. Although she did not repeatedly name the former husband she wa

August 22, 2026

Entertainment

Jaycee Parker and Andrea del Rosario Reveal Why They Once Tried to Escape the Viva Hot Babes Image—What Changed?

For years, the names Jaycee Parker and Andrea del Rosario were closely associated with the Viva Hot Babes, one of the most recognizable all-female entertainment groups of the early 2000s. But when both women ventured into public service, they found themselves facing a difficult question: Could they move beyond the "sexy star" image that helped define their showbiz careers? Their answer, years later, appears to be clear. They no longer want to run from it. During a media conference for the up

August 22, 2026

Business

South Korea Just Sent Its First Container Ship Through the Arctic—But the Shortcut to Europe Comes With a Russia Problem

BUSAN, South Korea — South Korea has launched one of its most ambitious maritime experiments yet, sending a commercial container ship toward Europe through the Arctic in a voyage that could dramatically shorten one of the world's busiest trade corridors. But the ice may not be the biggest obstacle. The PanStar Acro, operated by Busan-based PanStar, was scheduled to leave Busan New Port on Saturday, August 22, for South Korea's first commercial container voyage using Russia's Northern Sea Route

August 22, 2026

Entertainment

Marco Gumabao Crushes His HYROX Personal Record in Bangkok—But His Next Goal Is Even More Ambitious

Marco Gumabao gave himself quite a birthday present. The actor and fitness enthusiast has achieved a major milestone at HYROX Bangkok 2026, clocking a new personal best of 1 hour and 13 minutes—seven minutes faster than his previous 1:20 mark. And despite the breakthrough performance, Gumabao says he still has unfinished business. His next target? Breaking the 70-minute barrier. According to PEP.ph, Gumabao competed at HYROX Bangkok at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok,

August 22, 2026