Food of the Philippines: The Bicol Express controversy
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 …
Duterte should be investigated over murder confession, says UN
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 …
Bramovich: Excuse me, Teddyboy? What did you just say?
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” …
This pig won’t fly: Airport security team tackle rampaging wild boar – VIDEO
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 …
Bramovich: What is Duterte’s problem with the USA? Or is he just high?
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 …
Lamma Island, Hong Kong: A haven of tranquility with great party scene
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 …
Three of the best: Stunning golf courses in Manila region
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 …
Pride of a nation: 13 facts about Manila’s Rizal Monument
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 …
China seizes US Navy underwater testing vessel off Subic Bay
China has seized an unmanned US Navy underwater testing vessel off the coast of the Philippines, a Pentagon official has revealed today (Friday, December 16). Navy Captain Jeff Davis said …
The Friday Briefing: Duterte, doppelgängers and new days off
More than ever before, President Duterte has dominated the news cycle this week. Whether it’s his apparent confession of gunning down criminal suspects, his admission of age-related frailty (and opiate …
Festivals of the Philippines: The Ati-atihan, pride of Kalibo
In these politically correct times, it’s generally agreed that “blacking up” to imitate a darker-skinned race is, quite literally, beyond the pale. However, in at least one Filipino city, it’s …
Foreign aid: Be careful what you wish for
The Millennium Challenge Corp, a US-led agency that has previously awarded substantial grants for infrastructure projects to the Philippines has deferred a vote on giving more money to the country, …
The Punisher: Duterte says he personally killed suspected criminals
President Duterte has claimed that he personally killed suspected criminals when he was mayor of Davao. Duterte made the comments as he discussed his campaign to stamp out drug use, which …
Boom! Fireworks or firearms? Why I’m staying indoors this New Year’s Eve
Traditionally, officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have had the muzzles on their guns taped over for New Year’s Eve to discourage the indiscriminate discharge of their firearms. This year, …
The Mindoro Mojito: A delicious cocktail with sari-sari store ingredients
“Mojitos,” said the great Ernest Hemingway, “are like women’s breasts. One Mojito just can’t be enough, and three is positively ridiculous”. At least, I think it was Hemingway who said it. …
The food of the Philippines: Pinakbet
Although most visitors to South East Asia love the food, there’s one gripe I often hear — where are the vegetables? Of course, we all know they’re here, a visit …
Free eBook: Corner Store Cocktails
We’ve all been there. Sitting at home somewhere in the middle of the province, getting a thirst on and having access to nothing but the local Gin, Brandy and Rum …
Roads less travelled: Five little-known beaches in the Philippines
It used to be bad enough when it was only Lonely Planet spilling the beans on all the world’s “secret” places (and thus dooming them to be overrun within weeks) but these …
News in brief: Bibles, beauty queens and battleships
It’s been a busy week in the newsrooms of the Philippines, with breaking stories coming thick and fast. As the nation’s reporters prepare for a well-earned weekend break, we present …
Duterte and Trump: The beginning of a beautiful friendship?
THE prevailing view among many political commentators is that Trump’s foreign policy is a disaster waiting to happen. They like to portray him as a rampaging orange toddler throwing some …
The food of the Philippines: Beautiful Bistek Tagalog
Bistek Tagalog: Wherever the Spanish have planted their flag, from Mexico to Manila, they’ve left behind some version of this dish – a marinaded beefsteak cooked with onions and spices. There’s …
“How cheating wife plotted with lover to get me thrown into jail”
A MAN who claims he was set up by his cheating wife has finally walked free from detention after 18 months of “pure hell”. Speaking exclusively to PLN, airline captain …
Ex-cop hired “hit men” to rape wife and kill her best friend
A FORMER Houston police officer has been charged with attempting to organise a rape and murder-for-hire plot targeting his estranged Filipina wife and her female friend. Clarence Michael McNatt, aged 63, was …
Making way for Marcos? Vice president Robredo quits cabinet role
VICE president Leni Robredo has quit her post as housing chief after president Duterte ordered her “to desist from attending all cabinet meetings” from today (Monday, December 5). Although she …
A meeting of minds? Trump invites Duterte to the White House
PRESIDENT elect Donald Trump has invited president Duterte to the White House next year during a “very engaging, animated” phone conversation, a Duterte aide has said. A statement issued by Trump’s …
Free thinking: Nine low-cost ways to boost the Philippines
A recent article by Dave Bramovich (here) suggested some infrastructure investments that could vastly improve life in the Philippines. Among the generally costly proposals, was one suggestion that wouldn’t cost a penny. Discussing …