Category: Asia

Business

Fishermen Become PDEA’s Eyes at Sea—But What They’re Finding in Quezon’s Waters Has Authorities Worried

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Fishermen in Quezon are being encouraged to become the government’s frontline partners in detecting possible illegal drug activity at sea, as authorities warn that drug syndicates may be using coastal waters to move or recover narcotics. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) made the call during an Empathy Dialogue with Fisherfolk of Lucena City held on Aug. 11 at the Lucena Convention Center. PDEA Director General Isagani R. Nerez said fisherfolk need to understa

August 19, 2026

Politics

Trump Pauses 50% Canada Tariffs at the Last Minute—But the Real Trade Test Starts Now

WASHINGTON — A looming U.S.-Canada trade confrontation has been temporarily pushed back after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a three-day pause on new 50% tariffs targeting certain Canadian imports, saying Washington and Ottawa had reached a preliminary agreement. The announcement came just hours before the tariffs were scheduled to take effect on August 19, 2026, giving both countries additional time to finalize the terms of the emerging trade arrangement. Trump said the temporary repri

August 19, 2026

Entertainment

NCCA, UNESCO Challenge Filipino Teachers: Turn Living Heritage Into Classroom Lessons—and 10 Could Get US$1,000

Filipino teachers are being challenged to turn the country’s living traditions into lessons that students can use in science, mathematics, language and other subjects—with selected educators set to receive US$1,000 grants to bring their ideas into actual classrooms. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), has opened the Bringing Living Heritage into the Classroom (BLHC) in the Phi

August 19, 2026

Business

Asian Stocks Plunge as AI and Chip Shares Take Another Hit — But the Bigger Market Threat May Be Just Beginning

Asian stock markets came under renewed pressure Wednesday, Aug. 19, as technology and semiconductor shares led a broad regional selloff, extending Wall Street’s retreat and raising fresh questions about the durability of the AI-driven market rally. The downturn was fueled by a combination of surging government bond yields, higher oil prices, persistent inflation concerns and fading hopes of an agreement that would allow oil tankers to move freely through the Strait of Hormuz. South Korea take

August 19, 2026

Entertainment

BINI’s Mikha Lim Questioned the Philippines’ $70-Billion Pax Silica Vision—But One Detail Changes the AI Hub Debate

MANILA, Philippines — BINI member Mikha Lim has pushed one of the Philippines’ biggest technology projects deeper into the national conversation, questioning whether the promised economic gains from the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative will ultimately be worth the pressure it could place on the country’s natural resources and communities. Lim raised the issue during an August 15 Weverse livestream, where she discussed the proposed massive industrial development in New Clark City, Tarlac. Clips of

August 19, 2026

Asia

Erin Patterson Appeals Triple-Murder Convictions in Deadly Mushroom Case — But Prosecutors Want an Even Harsher Fate

MELBOURNE — Erin Patterson has returned to court to challenge her convictions for murdering three members of her estranged husband’s family in a case that became one of Australia’s most closely followed criminal trials. Patterson, 51, began her appeal before Victoria’s Court of Appeal on Wednesday, August 19, seeking to overturn three murder convictions and one attempted-murder conviction stemming from a fatal July 2023 lunch at her home in Leongatha, Victoria. At the same time, prosecutors ar

August 19, 2026

Business

It Has a Pool, Restaurant and Dementia Garden—Singapore’s New Senior Living Model Could Change How the Wealthy Grow Old

SINGAPORE — A swimming pool, karaoke lounge, mahjong room, restaurant and private apartments may sound more like the features of an upscale condominium than an eldercare facility. But that is exactly the model behind Perennial Living, Singapore’s first private assisted living development, which officially began operations on August 18, 2026, offering seniors a new option between living independently at home and moving into a traditional nursing home. Located at 28 Parry Avenue, the sprawling 1

August 19, 2026

Philippines

Cauliflower Hits ₱350 a Kilo After Storms Batter Philippine Farms—But the Next Price Shock Could Be Bigger

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino consumers may have to brace for more expensive vegetables after weeks of relentless rain, flooding and tropical cyclones damaged farms across some of the country's most important agricultural regions, disrupting supplies just as households are already watching food expenses closely. The Department of Agriculture said agricultural damage from the enhanced southwest monsoon, or Habagat, and Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay had climbed to approximately ₱1.42 billion

August 19, 2026

Philippines

Kai Sotto Is Finally Back With Gilas After 21 Months—But Two Games Could Decide the Philippines’ World Cup Fate

MANILA, Philippines — After nearly two years away from the national team, Kai Sotto is set to wear the Gilas Pilipinas jersey again at a moment when every victory could determine the Philippines' road to the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup. The 7-foot-3 Filipino center has rejoined Gilas Pilipinas training ahead of the fourth window of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers, with the Philippines scheduled to face Jordan on August 28 and Iran on August 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena in

August 19, 2026

Entertainment

Iman Fandi Just Shared a Stage With Snoop Dogg in Los Angeles—But What She Debuted There Could Be the Bigger Story

SINGAPORE — Iman Fandi is taking her music ambitions far beyond Singapore. Just days after performing before a massive National Day Parade audience at home, the 26-year-old Singaporean singer, actress and model found herself on a very different stage in California — at an invitation-only music event headlined by hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg. Iman performed at Superstar Among Friends: Broadus Together on Aug. 15, 2026, at The Compound, Snoop Dogg’s private studio and creative space in Inglewood, L

August 19, 2026