Category: Asia

Philippines

Walang Pasok? Palace Orders Alternative Classes, Work in NCR, 17 Provinces on Aug. 20 — But Neneng Isn’t the Biggest Threat

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has ordered government offices and schools in Metro Manila and 17 provinces to shift to alternative work and learning arrangements on Thursday, August 20, as the southwest monsoon or habagat continues to bring potentially dangerous rainfall across Luzon. The Palace directive comes even as Tropical Depression Neneng slightly weakened on Wednesday afternoon. PAGASA said the weather system is moving west-northwestward toward Taiwan, but warned that its circulation

August 19, 2026

Singapore

Singapore Is Training Students for Self-Driving Vehicles — And the Jobs of Tomorrow May Look Very Different

SINGAPORE — Singapore’s push toward autonomous vehicles is no longer just about testing driverless shuttles on the road. The country’s polytechnics are now preparing students for a transport industry where artificial intelligence, sensors, robotics and software could become as important as traditional mechanical engineering. Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) and Republic Polytechnic (RP) are expanding hands-on training in autonomous mobility as Singapore accelerates efforts to introduce autonomous vehi

August 19, 2026

Entertainment

Edward Barber Is Engaged—But His Surprise Love Story Has Fans Asking One Big Question

Former Pinoy Big Brother housemate and actor-host Edward Barber has taken a major step in his personal life, revealing that he is officially engaged to his non-showbiz partner, Rikki. Barber made the surprise announcement during a church gathering, where he shared an emotional update about how his life had changed since his previous visit. According to videos circulating online, Barber told the audience that he was now in an “awesome relationship” before introducing Rikki as his fiancée. The

August 19, 2026

Business

Former Meta Engineer Takes the Stand Again — And What He Says About Instagram’s Impact on Teens Could Change Everything

OAKLAND, California — A former Meta engineering director who has repeatedly warned that the company knew about serious problems affecting young users returned to the witness stand Wednesday, becoming a pivotal figure in a landmark federal trial that could reshape how Instagram and Facebook operate. Arturo Bejar, who worked at Meta from 2009 to 2015 and later returned as an independent contractor from 2019 to 2021, is the first witness in the high-stakes Oakland trial. He previously worked on re

August 19, 2026

Sport

Paul Pogba’s Monaco Comeback Is Over — But What Happens to the 2018 World Cup Winner Now?

MONACO — Paul Pogba’s attempt to revive his career at AS Monaco has come to an early end. The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner and Monaco have mutually agreed to part ways after just one season, bringing an injury-disrupted chapter of the French midfielder’s career to a close. Monaco confirmed the decision on Wednesday, August 19, saying the objectives set when Pogba joined the club had not been fully achieved. Pogba, 33, originally signed a two-year contract through June 2027 after arriving at Mona

August 19, 2026

Asia

Thailand’s Schools Go Into “Run, Hide, Fight” Mode After Deadly Shooting — What Students Are Now Being Taught Could Save Lives

BANGKOK — Thailand is putting school communities on high alert after a deadly shooting near Bangkok triggered a nationwide push for stronger campus security and emergency preparedness. On Wednesday, Aug. 19, schools conducted active-shooter response drills designed to teach students and staff what to do if an armed attacker enters a campus — just days after a 14-year-old student opened fire at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Nonthaburi province. At Surasamontree School in Bangkok, students parti

August 19, 2026

Entertainment

RED BULL HIT BY LAST-MINUTE F1 SHOCK: Isack Hadjar Set to Miss Dutch GP—And Guess Who Could Replace Him?

ZANDVOORT, Netherlands — Red Bull Racing is facing a dramatic driver shake-up ahead of the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, with Isack Hadjar reportedly set to miss the Formula 1 race after suffering a wrist injury during training. Multiple reports, including Reuters, Sky Sports and The Race, say the 21-year-old Frenchman is unlikely to be fit enough to compete at Zandvoort this weekend. Reports from Dutch media indicate the injury happened during a gym session over Formula 1's summer break. Red Bull, h

August 19, 2026

Asia

South Korea Sends 400 MT of Rice to Habagat-Hit Philippines—Here’s Where the Aid Is Going

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay — South Korea has delivered 400 metric tons of rice to the Philippines as the country continues to deal with the impact of the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, which has disrupted livelihoods and placed additional pressure on families in affected communities. The assistance was formally received during a ceremony hosted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Legazpi City, Albay, on August 14, 2026, according to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). T

August 19, 2026

Business

Alphabet’s $3.9 Billion Australian Bond Deal Signals the Next Phase of the AI Spending Race

Alphabet has tapped Australia’s bond market for the first time, raising A$5.5 billion (about US$3.9 billion) as the Google parent accelerates funding for its massive artificial intelligence build-out. Alphabet has raised A$5.5 billion, equivalent to roughly US$3.89 billion, through its inaugural Australian-dollar bond sale, according to a term sheet reviewed by Reuters and reported by Channel NewsAsia. The landmark transaction comes as Alphabet and other technology giants ramp up borrowing to

August 19, 2026

Asia

9 Dead, 6 Injured in Kolkata Hotel Fire — Then Rescuers Discovered What Was Trapping Guests Inside

KOLKATA, INDIA — A pre-dawn fire tore through a cramped five-story building housing several hotels in central Kolkata on Wednesday, killing at least nine people, including a four-year-old child, and injuring six others, authorities said. The blaze erupted at around 1:45 a.m. on Aug. 19 along Mirza Ghalib Street, an area known for budget hotels and accommodation frequented by visitors to the city. The building was reportedly close to the West Bengal Fire Department headquarters. The fire proved

August 19, 2026