Any journalists hoping for a relaxing Christmas break would have been sorely disappointed this past week. As if typhoon Nina wasn’t enough, there were bombs, shootings, rumours of nefarious American …
With so many truly magical places to visit around South East Asia, it may seem a perverse choice to visit the country widely regarded as the region’s most repressive regime. However, …
PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON Ernesto Abella quoted Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo as saying that 10 people were reported dead and 20 wounded after an IED ripped through a crowd in Hilongos, …
Ten people are reported dead and at least 20 wounded after two bombs exploded during a crowded festival celebration in Hilongos, Leyte, last night. (Wednesday, December 28). A military spokesman has …
Without doubt, adobo is the national dish of the Philippines with hundreds of variants — arguably there are as many types of adobo as there are mamas in the country! …
Former US ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg has been accused of writing a blueprint for a plot to topple President Duterte. The existence of a “Goldberg Plan” has been …
Communist rebel fighters have mustered openly in Davao today (December 26) and expressed their continuing support for President Duterte. About 300 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) massed to celebrate the 48th …
In a very brief Christmas message to his country, “The Punisher” president shared his hopes for peace and progress as the Philippines moves into 2017. The entire “greeting” – delivered in …
President Rodrigo Duterte has paid a Christmas Day visit to survivors of a church grenade attack in Mindanao. Eighteen people were injured when the explosive device was thrown outside a …
China’s newly combat-ready aircraft carrier has set off for the Western Pacific for an undisclosed “training exercise”. “This exercise is being carried out in accordance with annual exercise plans,” the navy …
1. The Filipino Christmas season is the longest in the world (as you may have noticed by now). It isn’t unusual to see decorations already in place by late August. In …
The heartbroken family of a 12-year-old girl gunned down during a church service have delayed her burial to spend one last Christmas with their murdered child. Kristine Joy Sailog has …
The “secret” ingredient behind every Filipino’s favourite Christmas foods, Ube, is taking America by storm. Ube (pronounced oo-beh) is a vivid purple yam that gives the distinctive colour to a …
Critics have reacted with dismay after president Duterte said he wanted the constitution amended to make it easier for a president to declare martial law. Speaking in Angeles City yesterday …
It’s clear from the sheer output of stories this week that the newsrooms of the Philippines haven’t wound down for Christmas yet. As always, the words and actions of President Duterte …
El Nido: If you are reading this on a cold, dark day somewhere far from the tropics, it’s hard to believe that such sunshine and beauty awaits just a flight away. If …
Let’s talk about James Taylor’s recent decision to cancel his Philippine concert (as we recently reported here). The American singer-songwriter said the reason for his decision was the bloody and pointless war on …
The Malacañan Palace (or should that be Malacañang? — find out later) is the most recognisable building in the Philippines. Official residence of the president, and his place of work, …
Politics and religion aside, there are few subjects that can spark controversy like food — particularly when two people, or regions, claim to be the inventor or guardian of a …
The United Nations human rights commission has urged the Philippines to launch a murder investigation after President Duterte claimed he killed suspects while mayor of Davao. Since his presidency began …
In a backflip worthy of the nation’s president, the incoming ambassador to the United Nations has condemned both the death penalty and the war on drugs. Step forward Teddy “Teddyboy” …
Elite security officers were scrambled to deal with a security breach at Hong Kong airport after a wild boar was spotted in a restricted area today. A team of officers used riot …
President Duterte has expressed shock and horror at the USA’s Millennium Challenge Corp’s decision to withhold aid funding, due to concerns over his bloody war on drugs. (See my recent article on …
I first discovered Lamma Island a few years ago when an old shipmate from my cruise liner days invited me to his home there. I had been intrigued by his …
The Philippines is quickly becoming regarded as a top destination for golfers looking to sample a different style of golf course. There are several top-quality golf courses to be found …
The Rizal Monument in Manila’s Rizal Park is almost certainly the most photographed site in the Philippines and the focus of huge national pride. It honours the man who is …