Category: Asia

Singapore

He Was Just Singing and Banging Cans?” Elderly Yishun Man Goes on Trial After Protection Order Was Issued

An elderly man in Singapore has gone on trial after allegedly breaching a court protection order obtained by a couple who said they felt unsafe in their own home because of repeated incidents involving their neighbour. Heng Choo Hwi, 69, is contesting a charge of breaching an expedited protection order by allegedly singing and striking metal objects outside his neighbours’ flat for about 11 minutes on Feb. 5, 2026. The case was heard at the State Courts on Wednesday (Aug. 19), with the prosecu

August 19, 2026

Entertainment

Vice Ganda Is Coming Back—But the Bigger Surprise Is Where ‘Gandang Gabi Vice’ Will Air

Two of ABS-CBN’s most recognizable entertainment franchises are set to return before the year ends, with “Gandang Gabi Vice” (GGV) making its television comeback in September and “Pinoy Big Brother” (PBB) opening a new chapter through another ABS-CBN-GMA collaboration. ABS-CBN Chief Operating Officer Cory Vidanes confirmed the developments, giving fans a major reason to watch out for the final months of 2026. ‘Gandang Gabi Vice’ returns—with GMA 7 in the mix The biggest surprise is arguably

August 19, 2026

Singapore

Singapore Construction Waste Found Dumped in Johor: 9 Malaysian Firms Probed — But Who Is Behind the Shipments?

JOHOR — Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) has stepped up action following allegations that construction and demolition waste originating from Singapore was illegally dumped in Pontian, Johor, as Malaysian authorities investigate nine Malaysia-registered companies allegedly linked to the operation. The latest development comes after reports of construction debris being transported across the Singapore-Malaysia border and dumped at several sites near villages in Pontian. NEA said it

August 19, 2026

Entertainment

KATSEYE’s Megan Skiendiel Finally Opens Up About Her Mental Health — But What Happened Behind the Group’s Perfect Image?

KATSEYE’s Megan Skiendiel is opening up about a deeply personal side of her life that fans rarely see — her ongoing mental-health journey, the pressure of growing up in the spotlight and how the people around her helped her feel safe enough to be herself. The 20-year-old singer shared her experience in an interview with PEOPLE tied to KATSEYE’s new documentary, KATSEYE: WILD HEARTS. Megan said she has struggled with mental health for years and credited both therapy and the support of her bandma

August 19, 2026

Entertainment

Jollibee Set for Four More Price Hikes This Year—But the Next Increase May Not Be the Last

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino consumers may have to brace for more expensive Jollibee meals, with Jollibee Foods Corp. reportedly planning four additional price increases during the second half of 2026. The planned adjustments come as the country's largest homegrown restaurant group continues to deal with elevated commodity, logistics and supply-chain costs that have squeezed profitability despite continued growth in sales. The latest report from the Manila Standard says Jollibee intends to i

August 19, 2026

Philippines

Archbishop’s Challenge to Rich Catholics: If God Has Blessed You With More, What Will You Do for the Poor?

MANILA, Philippines — Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown has issued a pointed appeal to wealthy Catholics in the Philippines, urging them to use their resources not simply for personal comfort but to help people living in poverty and on the margins of society. Brown, the Vatican’s representative to the Philippines, emphasized the Christian responsibility to recognize the dignity of the poor and translate faith into concrete acts of service. The appeal comes as the Catholic Church continues

August 19, 2026

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