Appointment of new apostolic nuncio ‘good news’ for Filipino faithful amid COVID-19 crisis — CBCP
MANILA, Sept 30 (Mabuhay) — The appointment of Archbishop Charles John Brown as the new apostolic nuncio to the Philippines is “very good news” to the faithful amid the crisis brought by the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said on Tuesday. “It is a very good news […]
PH raises alert level in Mali due to political unrest
MANILA, Sept 22 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has raised alert level 2 in Mali due to the current political and security situation in the West African country. Under alert level 2, Filipinos are instructed to restrict non-essential movements, avoid public places, and prepare for evacuation. Alert level 2 is issued when […]
Duterte to address UN for the first time since taking office
MANILA, Sept 21 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte will address the United Nations (UN) for the first time since he took office in 2016. Chief of Presidential Protocol Robert Borje said on Monday the President will deliver this week the Philippines’ statement for the General Debate of the UN General Assembly, which kicked off its […]
VP Robredo: 200,000 jobs at stake if EU pushes trade sanctions vs PH over human rights issues
MANILA, Sept 21 (Mabuhay)– Over 200,000 Filipinos could lose their jobs if the government fails to meet the standards set by the European Union amid its calls to step up efforts in tackling human rights abuses in the country, Vice President Leni Robredo said Sunday. Citing data from the European Chamber of Commerce in the […]
BI deports 129 foreigners to decongest detention facility
MANILA, Sept 18 (Mabuhay) — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday said it has deported 129 foreigners to decongest its detention center in Bicutan, Taguig City, and reduce the risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak. “Total (foreigners): 315. Total deported as of Sept. 15: 129 from BI Warden Facility for Persons Deprived of […]
EU Parliament wants to strike down Philippines’ zero-tariff export status
MANILA, Sept 18 (Mabuhay) — Dute to “deteriorating” human rights situation in the Philippines, the European Parliament is pushing for the revocation of the country’s exports tariff exemption. Under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) – a mechanism that gives developing countries the privilege of exporting zero-duty merchandise to EU-member states – some of […]
No new, more dangerous SARS-CoV-2 strain in PH — DOH
MANILA, Sept 5 (Mabuhay) — Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Friday belied reports that a new and more fatal SARS-CoV-2 strain, the virus causing coronavirus disease (Covid-19), has been spreading in the country. “There is no new strain of the virus here in the Philippines. It is very dangerous and irresponsible to say that […]
Russia says Philippines may manufacture anti-COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V
MANILA, Sept 4 (Mabuhay) –Russia is open to the Philippines producing locally the anti-COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V, an official of its embassy in Manila said on Thursday. Tatiana Shlychkova, Minister-Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Russian Embassy in the Philippines, said Russia proposed three options for the Philippines to acquire the vaccine. One […]
Lagundi clinical trials get FDA nod — DOST chief
MANILA, Aug 29 (Mabuhay) — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the clinical trials for the local herb lagundi as a mode of adjuvant therapy, the chief of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said on Friday. “It was earlier approved by the DOST, and now the FDA also approved the conduct […]
Cheaper saliva test for COVID-19 a ‘game changer,’ says Project ARK leader
MANILA, Aug 27 (Mabuhay) — Project Antibody Rapid Test Kit (ARK), the private-sector-led initiative that aims to boost the country’s capacity to identify and contain COVID-19, on Thursday said it working to bring to the Philippines the “antigen saliva test” for faster and cheaper detection of the coronavirus. “Ginagawa ito sa Israel at sa San […]
DOH still studying if G strain of virus caused spike in COVID-19 cases
MANILA, Aug 19 (Mabuhay) — The increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the country cannot be traced yet to the presence of the G variant of SARS-CoV-2—the virus that causes COVID-19—even if such variant has already been spotted in June, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said. The Department of Health (DOH) official made the clarification […]
Duterte in ‘perpetual isolation’ as precaution vs. COVID-19 — Palace
MANILA, Aug 17 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte has been in “perpetual isolation” to keep him safe from COVID-19, Malacañang said Monday. In a televised briefing, Duterte’s spokesperson Harry Roque praised the Presidential Security Group (PSG) for ensuring that the 75-year-old Duterte is protected against COVID-19. “He is in perpetual isolation in the sense that […]
PH imposes temporary ban on chicken imports from Brazil
MANILA, Aug 15 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has imposed a temporary ban on the import of poultry meat from Brazil as a precautionary measure after the detection of SARS-COV-2, the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), in chicken wings imported from the country. The ban was contained in a memorandum […]
BI: Visa-holding foreign spouses of Filipinos can still enter Philippines
MANILA, Aug 15 (Mabuhay) — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday clarified that foreign spouses of Filipinos can enter the Philippines if they have existing valid visas. “If you are married to a Philippine citizen and a holder of a valid visa that you obtained from the Bureau, you may enter the country without […]
PH in talks with at least 16 COVID-19 vaccine developers – DOH
MANILA, Aug 14 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health on Friday said the government is in talks with more than a dozen COVID-19 vaccine developers as the country continues to grapple with the fast-spreading disease. “We have about 16 vaccine manufacturers na may different stages ng pag-uusap (that are in different stages of talks),” Health […]
Beijing welcomes FDA approval of Chinese traditional medicine
MANILA, Aug 13 (Mabuhay) — The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Wednesday welcomed the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of Lian Hua Qing Wen, a China-manufactured herbal medicine. In a statement, the Embassy said this marks an “important progress” in the entry of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) products into the Philippine market. The Embassy […]
PRRD accepts Russia’s CoVid-19 vaccine offer
MANILA, Aug 11 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday accepted the offer of Russia to supply the Philippines with its coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines once mass production starts. In a public address in Davao City, Duterte said he is “very happy” by the news that Russia would provide vaccines free of charge. “Maligayang-maligaya […]
PH still asserting sovereign rights vs China — Panelo
MANILA, Aug 11 (Mabuhay) — The Philippines continues to assert its sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea against China amid the prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said on Monday. In his commentary show “Counterpoint” aired on state-run PTV-4, Panelo hit critics anew for saying that the Duterte […]
Duterte’s dilemma: After Russian vaccine, can I get COVID-19 shots from other countries?
MANILA, Aug 11 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte is facing a “dilemma” on coronavirus vaccine clinical trials, Malacañang said Tuesday after the chief executive volunteered to be immunized with Russia’s newly developed drug. Duterte on Monday night welcomed Moscow’s offer to supply Manila with COVID-19 vaccines, saying he would volunteer to be inoculated in public […]
DFA: Number of injured Filipinos in Beirut blasts now at 47
MANILA, Aug 10 (Mabuhay) — The number of Filipinos injured in last week’s deadly blasts in Beirut, Lebanon has increased to 47, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday. An embassy report said there were five more Filipino casualties in the explosion that killed at least 154 people, including 4 Filipinos, and injured 5,000. The […]
400 Pinoys from Lebanon returning to PH — envoy
MANILA, Aug 8 (Mabuhay) — About 400 Filipinos are expected to return home in the coming weeks following the catastrophic twin explosions in the Lebanese capital of Beirut on August 4. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said a flight scheduled on August 16 also seeks to bring home the mortal remains of Filipinos killed […]
DFA spending P15M for repatriation efforts after Beirut blast —Locsin
MANILA, Aug 8 (Mabuhay) — Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. said Saturday that the DFA is paying P15 million from the agency’s funds for chartered flights to repatriate Filipinos affected by deadly and devastating blast in Beirut, Lebanon. In his tweet, Secretary Locsin also said the expected arrival of the chartered Qatar […]
Poe wants greater protection, benefits for OFWs
MANILA, Aug 7 (Mabuhay) — Sen. Grace Poe pressed for the immediate passage of a bill that would provide greater protection to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have unjustly or prematurely lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 crisis. Senate Bill No. 1476 or the proposed Act to Further Assist Filipino Migrant Workers will entitle […]
DFA to intensify efforts to repatriate Pinoys in Beirut — Palace
MANILA, Aug 5 (Mabuhay)– The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will intensify its efforts to repatriate Filipinos in Beirut, Lebanon, Malacañang said Wednesday. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the assurance after the DFA confirmed that two Filipinos were killed, eight were injured, and 11 went missing in the massive explosion that ripped through Lebanon’s capital. […]
2 Filipinos among dead in Beirut blast — DFA
MANILA, Aug 5 (Mabuhay) — Two Filipinos were killed in the massive explosion that ripped through Lebanon’s capital Beirut, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed Wednesday. In a text message, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez said eight Filipinos were also injured during the blast and 11 are missing. “Per latest reports from the […]
New Clark Airport terminal building to open before end-2020 — BCDA
MANILA, Aug 3 (Mabuhay) — The new passenger terminal building (PTB) at the Clark International Airport is on track to open by the end of the year and will be fully operational by January next year, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) announced Sunday. In an emailed statement, the BCDA said the building shell […]
Gov’t debt balloons to record P9.05T as of end-June as borrowing increased due to COVID-19
MANILA, July 29 (Mabuhay) — The national government’s outstanding debt swelled to a record P9.054 trillion, breaching P9-trillion mark, as of end-June as the state ramped up borrowing to support COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, data released by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed Wednesday. The end-June outstanding government debt is 1.8% higher than […]
BIR maintains POGOs should pay 5% franchise tax
MANILA, July 28 (Mabuhay) — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has maintained that foreign-based Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) should pay the 5% franchise tax before they can resume their operations. In a statement, the taxman said the payment of 5% franchise tax on POGOs is clearly stated in a memorandum circular issued by […]
843K local workers, OFWs get cash aid — PRRD
MANILA, July 28 (Mabuhay) — More than 800,000 local and overseas workers affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic have benefited from the cash assistance provided by the government, President Rodrigo R. Duterte said on Monday. In his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa, Duterte reported that some 843,000 […]
Philippines reimposes non-essential foreign travel restriction for citizens
MANILA, July 23 (Mabuhay)– The Philippines reimposed the restriction on non-essential outbound travel for Filipinos, Malacañang announced Thursday. In a televised briefing, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the government’s COVID-19 task force made the decision since only one health and travel insurance company agreed to provide such service. However, those with confirmed bookings as of […]
Ex-DOH chief says gov’t should be open to criticism over pandemic
MANILA, July 22 (Mabuhay) — A former Philippine health secretary on Tuesday urged the government to take criticisms “constructively” as officials come under increasing pressure to arrest the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country, despite imposing one of the world’s longest lockdowns. A number of individuals have come under fire from authorities for […]
50k more OFWs expected to be repatriated by end-July — DFA
MANILA, July 18 (Mabuhay) — At least 50,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are expected to be repatriated by the end of July due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy, a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official said Friday. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Sarah Arriola made the announcement before the House Committee […]
BI ready to impose IATF rule on entry of foreigners
MANILA, July 17 (Mabuhay) — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday said it is ready to implement the new resolution of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) allowing the entry of foreigners with existing visas into the country. “We have yet to see the new IATF resolution but […]
Contact tracers must have ‘investigative mindset,’ Magalong says
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — Tracing czar and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Monday said contact tracers needed at this time of COVID-19 pandemic should have an “investigative mindset.” At a press briefing, Magalong said contact tracers, especially those conducting interviews among patients, are composed of medical personnel and police investigators. “Ang isa sa mga qualifications […]
Nothing to worry about, Palace says following bubonic plague case in China
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — Malacañang assured the public on Thursday that the country’s borders remain closed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic after a case of bubonic plague was recorded in China this week. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the Philippines is taking the matter seriously. “Sineseryoso po natin ‘yan. Pero huwag po kayong mabahala kasi […]
DFA: Philippines begins coordination with international partners for COVID-19 vaccine availability
MANILA, July 10 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Foreign Affairs on Friday said the Philippine government has started coordinating with various international partners to ensure availability of potential vaccine against the deadly coronavirus for Filipinos. “Based on the gathered information by the department, collaboration with Philippine subsidiaries of vaccine developers, engagement with those overseas for […]
Pneumonia vaccine indirectly strengthens body vs COVID-19, says expert
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — Vaccination against pneumonia helps the body indirectly strengthen itself against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to a pediatric specialist. Dr. John Ong urged the Philippines to continue using the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) 13 as the country grapples with the coronavirus menace. “If you are inoculated for pneumonia, you are indirectly […]
Pope Francis appoints 3 Pinoy priests as ‘missionaries of mercy’
MANILA, July 8 (Mabuhay) — Pope Francis has appointed three Filipino priests as “missionaries of mercy,” according to a report posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) website. The new appointees are all from the Diocese of Balanga in Bataan, namely: Fr. Jhoen Buenaventura, Fr. Joseph Quicho and Fr. Jesus Navoa. They […]
Almost 600 patients in PH participate in clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment
MANILA, July 6 (Mabuhay) — There are now almost 600 patients in the Philippines enrolled in tho World Health Organization’s clinical trials for possible COVID-19 treatments, according to the Department of Health. The DOH released the information as two of the Solidarity Trial tracks were discontinued because the drugs were deemed ineffective. Based on DOH […]
DOH halts use of HIV drug combination for hospitalized COVID-19 patients
MANILA, July 6 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health said Sunday it would stop the use of combination HIV drug lopinavir and ritonavir in its treatment of hospitalized COVID-19 patients following the World Health Organization’s move. The agency had also previously discontinued using anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, according to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire. “Based on […]
31 countries open borders to Filipinos — DFA
MANILA, July 6 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Foreign Affairs reported Sunday that of the 177 countries/territories across the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and Middle East/Africa included in the updated infographics on travel restrictions, 31 have already lifted the inbound border restrictions on Filipino travelers, subject to medical protocols on arriving passengers. In […]
Wirecard scandal used names of PH banks to ‘cover perpetrators tracks’ — BSP Diokno
MANILA, July 6 (Mabuhay) — The Wirecard scandal used the names of the country’s top lenders to cover fraudsters tracks, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno said Monday. During a Malacanang video conference, Diokno reiterated that the missing $2.1 billion of the German payment provider did not enter the country’s financial system. “The international […]
66,000 stranded OFWs sent back to home provinces since May 15 — OWWA
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — Around 66,000 repatriated Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were stranded in Metro Manila due to restrictions implemented amid the COVID-19 pandemic are already in their home provinces. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said in a forum on Monday that 34,000 of them were seafarers, while 32,000 were land-based […]
Foreign business travelers may be allowed entry to Philippines under MGCQ– DOT exec
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — Business travelers from other countries may be allowed to enter the Philippines once quarantine restrictions have been eased to modified general community quarantine (GCQ), an official of the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Sunday. Tourism Undersecretary Bong Bengzon said that it is the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious […]
Steam inhalation may trigger COVID-19 spread – DOH exec
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health (DOH) warned Friday that a home remedy being pushed by the Cebu provincial government against COVID-19 might end up spreading the new coronavirus. “Tuob,” a type of steam inhalation using hot water infused with herbal properties, can “aerosolize” the virus and “may lead to further transmission of the […]
DOT eyes allowing entry of tourists from countries with low to zero COVID-19 cases
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Friday bared plans to allow foreign tourists from countries with relatively low cases of COVID-19 to visit certain tourist destinations in the country, in a bid to revive the hard-hit tourism sector. “We are looking at in the near future, what we call travel bubbles or […]
$3.1B of ‘hot money’ exited PHL in January-May — BSP
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — Foreign portfolio investments (FPI) or “hot money” yielded a net outflow of $3.1 billion million in the first five months of 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and other external pressures, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Thursday. FPI is also called hot money because of the ease by […]
Drilon to OWWA: Facilitate speedy repatriation of 150K OFWs
MANILA, June 25 (Mabuhay) — Repatriate all 150,000 overseas Filipinos affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic first and let’s talk about funding later. Thus said Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) after OWWA Administrator Hans Cacdac admitted that the ongoing repatriation of OFWs, if it continues next […]
Drilon to OWWA: Facilitate speedy repatriation of 150K OFWs
MANILA, June 25 (Mabuhay) — Repatriate all 150,000 overseas Filipinos affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic first and let’s talk about funding later. Thus said Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) after OWWA Administrator Hans Cacdac admitted that the ongoing repatriation of OFWs, if it continues next […]
DOH: Don’t buy dexamethasone for the purpose of preventing COVID-19
MANILA, (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health on Saturday advised the public not to flock to drugstores to buy dexamethasone for use in preventing COVID-19. “Dapat ‘yung mga kababayan natin, ‘wag bumili kasi ‘di naman siya magagamit to prevent, hindi naman siya magagamit para gamutin ang COVID-19,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said. Malacañang on […]
PRRD renews ties with 4 countries, state of Palestine
MANILA, June 20 (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte has ensured that the Philippines will continue to have “friendly and cooperative” relations with Canada, Iran, Vietnam, New Zealand, and Palestine, Malacañang said on Friday. Duterte gave the guarantee during the presentation of credentials of the five countries’ ambassadors held at Malacañan Palace on Friday afternoon, the […]
US official thanks DND for supporting Philippine gov’t’s decision to suspend VFA
MANILA, June 15 (Mabuhay) — US Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Friday expressed appreciation for the support the Department of National Defense (DND) gave the Philippine government in its decision to suspend the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement. Esper and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had a conference call on Friday to discuss US-Philippines relations, […]
Gov’t should intensify reintegration programs for OFWs – Villanueva
MANILA, June 15 (Mabuhay) — The government must “further intensify” and expand the implementation of reintegration programs for overseas Filipino workers who find themselves back in the country due to COVID-19, Senator Joel Villanueva said Sunday. In a statement, Villanueva said skills training provided by TESDA and other interventions must be given to OFWs to […]
DTI supports legislation to boost e-commerce law in PH
MANILA, June 15 (Mabuhay) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in commemoration of the 20th year of Republic Act 8792 or the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000, has committed to implement policies to strengthen and grow e-commerce in the country while supporting current legislative measures by Congress. “Twenty years after this pioneering legislation […]
‘Filipinos will not cower to China,’ Hontiveros says on Independence Day
MANILA, June 12 (Mabuhay) — Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday said Filipinos will not cower to China amid what she said were Beijing’s continued incursions in the West Philippine Sea. In an online rally she led on Independence Day, Hontiveros reiterated her earlier demand for China to pay the Philippines at least P200 billion as […]
Difficult for Philippines to achieve New Zealand’s zero COVID-19 feat — Palace
MANILA, June 11 (Mabuhay) — It will be difficult for the Philippines to achieve New Zealand’s feat of having zero COVID-19 cases, Malacañang said on Wednesday. In an interview with state-run PTV, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said zero cases would be difficult to attain given the Philippines’ population density, especially in urban centers like Metro […]
OFWs need to submit names, destinations before returning to PH
MANILA, June 11 (Mabuhay) — A new protocol will be implemented in the processing of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Wednesday. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said returning OFWs will now be required to submit pertinent information to the agency before they leave their host countries. […]
Obama tells ASEAN S. China Sea ruling eases tension, builds stability
VIENTIANE (PNA/Kyodo) – US President Barack Obama told his Southeast Asian counterparts on Thursday that last July’s arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s claims to most of the South China Sea has “helped ease tension” and “built stability” in the region. Obama spoke of the ruling, according to Thai government spokesman Werachon Sukhondhapatipak, at a summit […]
Arbitration court to rule on South China Sea case on July 12
BRUSSELS (PNA/Kyodo) – The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague said Wednesday it will hand down its ruling on conflicting claims in the South China Sea on July 12. The United Nations-backed tribunal will decide on the case brought in January 2015 by the Philippines, which asserts that China’s claims to most of the […]
UNICEF warns of growing abuse risk for refugee, migrant children arriving in Europe
UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Yoka Brandt and Novak Djokovic, the number one ranked tennis player in the world, hold a signed agreement announcing Novak Djokovic as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador at UNICEF House. On 26 August 2015, UNICEF announced Novak Djokovics appointment as a Goodwill Ambassador. Djokovic, the number one ranked tennis player in the […]
China, US to jointly fight cyber crime
BEIJING (PNA/Xinhua) – China and the United States on Tuesday held a second dialogue on cybercrime. Guo Shengkun, State Councilor and Minister of Public Security, lauded the progress made since the first dialogue in Washington last year. Cybersecurity cooperation is in the interests of China, the United States and other countries, Guo said, advocating the […]
WHO releases new updated guideline on sexual transmission of Zika virus
The World Health Organization has released an interim guidance update underscoring the mounting evidence that sexual transmission of the Zika virus is not only possible, but more common than previously assumed. The WHO notes that, as of May 19, 12 studies or reports have been published on the sexual transmission of the Zika virus. Though […]
Paris tourism hit by attacks, protests
Already suffering from the impact of last year’s jihadist attacks, tourism in Paris faces a fresh challenge from the recent wave of violent strikes and protests, tourism bosses warned on Monday. Hotel bookings by Japanese visitors were down 56 percent in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2015, while […]
WHO: Europe faces low to moderate Zika risk this summer
The Zika virus could spread to Europe during late spring and summer, but the risk level is low to moderate according to a new risk assessment published by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe. The risk varies across the WHO European Region but is higher in countries where Aedes mosquitoes are present. […]
S. Korea, Japan guarded over Trump’s foreign policy plans
Seoul, South Korea | AFP | – South Korea and Japan offered muted reactions Monday to Donald Trump’s suggestion that, as president, he would withdraw troops from both countries and allow them to develop their own nuclear arsenal. There are nearly 30,000 US troops permanently stationed in South Korea and 47,000 in Japan, with little appetite for nuclear weapons […]
S. Korea, Japan guarded over Trump’s foreign policy plans
Seoul, South Korea | AFP | Monday 3/28/2016 – South Korea and Japan offered muted reactions Monday to Donald Trump’s suggestion that, as president, he would withdraw troops from both countries and allow them to develop their own nuclear arsenal. There are nearly 30,000 US troops permanently stationed in South Korea and 47,000 in Japan, with little appetite for nuclear […]
Bangladesh central bank ‘complicit’ in heist: minister
By Sam Jahan Dhaka, Bangladesh | AFP | – The Bangladesh finance minister has accused central bank officials of being complicit in an audacious $81 million theft from an overseas account, in an interview with a leading Bengali newspaper published Friday. Hackers stole the money from the Bangladesh Bank’s account with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on […]
Colombia reports more than 47,700 Zika cases
Colombia has seen more than 47,700 cases of Zika, including thousands of pregnant women infected with the mosquito-borne virus, the country’s National Health Institute reported Saturday. A total of 8,890 pregnant women have come down with the disease, which has been tentatively linked to a serious birth defect known as microcephaly affecting babies born to […]
N. Korea threatens nuclear strikes over South-US military drills
By Hwang Sung-Hee Seoul, South Korea | AFP | Monday 3/7/2016 – North Korea threatened pre-emptive and “indiscriminate” nuclear strikes against South Korea and the United States on Monday, as the two allies kicked off their annual, large-scale military exercises. The drills always raise tensions on the divided Korean peninsula and the situation is particularly volatile this year, given the […]
‘We don’t want your dirty money’, pope tells patrons
Vatican City, Holy See | AFP | – Pope Francis Wednesday issued a stinging rebuke to rich patrons who offer the Church dirty money gained through exploitation, telling them to take back their cheques and burn them. “I think of some benefactors of the Church that say ‘take this offer for the Church’, and it […]
China to secure ‘de facto’ control of S. China Sea: US admiral
By Thomas Watkins Washington, United States | AFP | – China is on its way to securing “de facto” control of the South China Sea, a top US admiral warned Thursday, amid growing unease over Beijing’s continued military build up in the contested waterway. By building air bases and hardened bunkers on tiny islands, some of which are reclaimed […]
John Paul II had ‘intense’ friendship with married woman: BBC
By James Pheby London, United Kingdom | AFP | – Pope John Paul II had a close relationship with a married woman which lasted over 30 years according to letters which feature in a documentary being shown by the BBC on Monday. The documentary does not claim he broke his vow of celibacy with Polish-born philosopher and writer Anna-Teresa […]
Pope unleashes ‘super confessors’ to tackle special sins
By Ella Ide Vatican City, Holy See | AFP | − Dubbed ‘super confessors’, for one year only they can absolve sins usually only pardoned by the pope himself. And on Wednesday over 1,000 of these “missionaries of mercy”, handpicked by Pope Francis, were sent forth to win back the hearts of those who have left the Catholic Church […]
Pope warns gossiping priests, nuns to ‘bite your tongue’
Vatican City, Holy See | AFP – Pope Francis told gossip-loving priests and nuns to bite their tongues on Monday, and warned those breaking their vow of obedience to fall into line sharpish. “If you get an urge to say something against a brother or a sister, to drop a gossip bomb, bite your tongue! Hard!” the pontiff […]
Growing numbers of children in migrant sea crossings: UN
Geneva, Switzerland | AFP | Tuesday 2/2/2016 – Children now make up more than one third of the migrants and refugees making the perilous sea journey from Turkey to Greece, marking a sharp increase in recent months, the UN said Tuesday. “Children currently account for 36 percent of those risking the treacherous sea crossing between Greece and Turkey,” the UN […]
WHO declares global health emergency over Zika situation
(AFP) – The World Health Organization on Monday declared that a surge in serious birth defects in South America was “strongly suspected” of being caused by the Zika virus and constituted an international health emergency. “We need to take action,” WHO chief Margaret Chan told reporters in Geneva. The UN health body said that a […]
£150-ticket street party for Queen Elizabeth’s 90th
(London-AFP) – Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate her 90th birthday with a street party for 10,000 people outside Buckingham Palace, her grandson said Friday — although tickets will not come cheap at £150 ($215, 200 euros). Peter Phillips, the queen’s eldest grandchild and son of Princess Anne, is organising the Patron’s Lunch, which he said […]
Prince William’s wife Kate to guest-edit Huffington Post UK
(London-AFP) – Prince William’s wife Kate is to guest-edit the UK section of The Huffington Post to highlight child mental health issues, Kensington Palace announced Friday. The Duchess of Cambridge will sit in the news website’s hot seat for a day in mid-February, their official residence said. Kate will use the opportunity to highlight the […]
Vietnam issues second warning to China over island flights
Hanoi, Vietnam | AFP | – Vietnam has issued its second rebuke in a week to Beijing, accusing its northern neighbour of “threatening peace” after more Chinese aircraft landed on a contested reef in the South China Sea. Chinese state media on Wednesday said two civilian planes landed on one of the islands in the Fiery Cross reef in […]
‘Our queen still Miss Universe’: Colombian president
Bogota, Colombia | AFP | Monday 12/21/2015 – Colombia’s president said Monday he was shocked when Miss Colombia won and then immediately lost the Miss Universe crown, and said as far as he was concerned she remained the winner. “I was watching Miss Universe with my family. We started a huge celebration when they said Colombia had won the Miss […]
Miss Philippines crowned Miss Universe after live TV mix-up
(Las Vegas-AFP) – Miss Colombia was wrongly named Miss Universe in a dramatic mix-up in front of a global television audience of millions on Sunday, before the rightful winner Miss Philippines was finally handed the glittering crown. The pageant’s host, US comedian Steve Harvey, misread his cue card and initially announced Miss Colombia, Ariadna Gutierrez, […]
Canada’s first transgender judge breaks a ‘glass ceiling’
Ottawa, Canada | AFP | Saturday 12/19/2015 – A transgender magistrate was named this week to the Manitoba provincial court, becoming the first transgender judge in Canada. Kael McKenzie, a lawyer and then a crown prosecutor in Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, was named late in the week by an independent judicial nominating committee. The daily newspaper The Globe and […]
Urgent aid needed to fight ‘super’ El Nino: Oxfam
Sydney, Australia | AFP – Droughts, erratic rains and frosts brought by a super-charged El Nino are severely impacting the Pacific, with Papua New Guinea worst hit, aid group Oxfam said in a report Monday. Calling for an urgent up-scaling in relief to save lives, the charity said 4.7 million people faced hunger, poverty and disease in the […]
Global warming: What if we do nothing?
Le Bourget, France | AFP | – If mankind fails to curtail global warming, we will have to deal with fallout ranging from massive refugee crises and submerged cities to scorching heatwaves and drought, scientists say. Starting Monday, 195 nations are huddled in Paris to negotiate a climate rescue pact to rein in the […]
Eiffel Tower reopens three days after Paris attacks
(Paris, France-AFP) – The Eiffel Tower reopened on Monday, three days after closing because of the wave of terror attacks on Paris. The iconic tower — like monuments the world over following the deadly jihadist attacks on Paris — will be lit up in the French national colours blue, red and white from sundown, its […]
Hollande vows to destroy IS after Paris attacks
By Eric Randolph and Clare Byrne Paris, France | AFP | – French President Francois Hollande vowed to destroy the Islamic State group on Monday after its atrocities in Paris, promising tough new anti-terror measures at home and intensified bombing of Syria. France and Belgium staged dozens of raids on suspected extremists as the […]
Eiffel Tower closed indefinitely after Paris attacks
(Paris-AFP) – The Eiffel Tower will be closed indefinitely following the wave of deadly attacks in Paris, the iconic landmark’s operator said on Saturday. The company decided to close the monument — normally visited by up to 20,000 people a day — after Friday’s attacks which claimed at least 128 lives, a spokeswoman told AFP. […]
Obama set to challenge China at Asia-Pacific summit
By Karl Malakunas AFP | – US President Barack Obama is set to challenge China when Asia-Pacific leaders gather in the Philippines this week, speaking out on a territorial row and lobbying to set pro-American trade rules. Chinese President Xi Jinping will also be in Manila for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, an […]
Queen Elizabeth II’s reign in figures
(London, Sept 7, 2015 (AFP)-AFP) – Queen Elizabeth II will on Wednesday pass the landmark for longest-reigning monarch set by Queen Victoria. Here are some figures about her reign, which has lasted more than 63 years: – 33,446,430 minutes or 23,226 days, 16 hours and 30 minutes is the amount of time the queen will […]
Djokovic new UNICEF goodwill ambassador
By Mariano Andrade New York, United States | AFP | – Reigning world tennis champion Novak Djokovic became a new goodwill ambassador for the UN Fund for Children on Wednesday, joining a roster of athletes and celebrities to hold the post. The 28-year-old Serbian, who grew up during the Balkans war, has already worked to […]
Australia, N. Zealand firefighters head to US to battle blazes
Sydney, Australia | AFP | –Dozens of firefighters from Australia and New Zealand departed for the United States Sunday to help crews battle deadly blazes that have scorched the country’s drought-ravaged west. Seventy-one firefighters, including 15 from New Zealand, were flying to the worst-hit state of Idaho and are also being deployed to the affected states […]
Pope says never again, recalling ‘horrific’ WWII atomic bombings
Vatican City, Holy See | AFP | – Pope Francis said Sunday that the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings still evoked “horror and revulsion” 70 years on and called for a ban on nuclear arms and weapons of mass destruction. An American plane dropped a bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, in one of […]
Pope signs up for World Youth Day using iPad
Vatican City, Holy See (AFP) – Pope Francis on Sunday became the first person registered for next year’s World Youth Day festivities, using an iPad to sign up while addressing thousands of pilgrims and tourists in Saint Peter’s Square. “Thanks to this electronic device, I signed up as a simple pilgrim,” Francis said, declaring […]
Basra seeking more investments from PHL
Basra – After a Filipino company poured in $130 million to develop Iraq’s largest port, the governor of this oil-rich southern province wants the Philippines to seriously consider sending in more investments. “We want more investments from the Philippines,” Governor Majid Al-Nasrawi said during a recent courtesy call by Chargé d’Affaires Elmer Cato of the Philippine Embassy in […]
Pope laments corruption as ‘gangrene of a people’
By Paula Bustamante / Kelly Velasquez Asuncion, Paraguay (AFP) – Pope Francis decried the scourge of corruption as the “gangrene of a people” on Saturday in Paraguay, one of the poorest countries in South America and where graft is rampant. The 78-year-old pope – in Paraguay on the last stop of a three-nation tour of […]
US-Cuba thaw ends continent’s polarization: Vatican
Vatican City, Holy See (AFP) – The re-establishment of US-Cuban diplomatic ties ends the Cold War on the American continent and lifts an “ideological barrier,” the Vatican’s chief diplomat said Friday. In an interview with the Roman Catholic Italian daily Avvenire, Paul Gallagher, a British archbishop who is the Vatican’s de facto foreign minister, said […]
China needs long-range strategic bomber: state media
Beijing, China (AFP) – China needs to develop a long-range strategic bomber to strike adversaries farther away from its coast in the event of conflict, state media reported Tuesday, quoting defence experts. Beijing has been steadily beefing up its military through years of double-digit increases in defense spending, rapidly expanding its naval power, commissioning […]
WHO needs urgent change to tackle health crises: experts
London, United Kingdom (AFP) – The World Health Organization (WHO) is unprepared to deal with crises like the Ebola outbreak and requires fundamental change, supported by an increase in funding, experts warned Tuesday. More than 11,000 people have died from the highly infectious Ebola virus in the past 18 months, most of them in […]
Japan joins US-Australia war games amid China tensions
by Glenda KWEK Sydney, Australia (AFP) – The United States and Australia kicked off a massive joint biennial military exercise on Sunday, with Japan taking part for the first time as tensions with China over territorial rows loom over the drills. The two-week “Talisman Sabre” exercise in the Northern Territory and Queensland state involves […]
US gay marriage ruling unleashes debate in Russia
By Anna Smolchenko Moscow, Russia – The US Supreme Court’s move to legalize gay marriages triggered heated debate in Russia on Sunday, with one MP saying Facebook should be blocked while a senator urged the adoption of the US army’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. In a show of support for the US Supreme Court’s […]
Canada to fingerprint, photograph more travelers
(Ottawa,CANADA-AFP) –CANADA said Thursday it will try to catch suspected fraudsters, “terrorists” and Canadian jihadists returning from overseas conflicts by photographing and fingerprinting many more travellers arriving at its airports. The border screenings would be expanded to cover flights arriving from 150 countries, up from 29 now. “For a pluralist country like Canada, one of the […]
Xi tells Kerry: Pacific Ocean big enough for China and US
Beijing, China (AFP) Sunday 5/17/2015 – China’s relationship with the US is “stable” despite tensions in the South China Sea, President Xi Jinping told top American diplomat John Kerry Sunday, adding that the Pacific Ocean is “vast enough” for both powers, state media said. Xi met with Kerry in Beijing as tensions between the world’s […]
No trash talk, but PHL, Canada to launch free-trade negotiations
Montreal, Canada (AFP) – Canada and the Philippines announced they will begin discussions over increasing commerce between the two nations by lowering trade barriers, officials from the two governments said Friday in Ottawa. The negotiations are part of a push by Canada to develop bilateral economic agreements in Asia as progress has slowed on […]
Baby first royal affected by new succession laws
(AFP) – The birth of Britain’s royal baby girl is a cause for celebration not just across the Commonwealth realms but also for campaigners as the princess benefits from an historic change in the succession laws. Prince William and his wife Kate’s daughter, who was born on Saturday, is the first major royal who cannot […]
Britain’s baby princess named Charlotte Elizabeth Diana
(London-AFP) – Prince William and his wife Kate have named their two-day-old baby Charlotte Elizabeth Diana and she will be known as Princess Charlotte of Cambridge, their Kensington Palace residence announced Monday. The names will be seen as a triple homage to her grandfather Prince Charles, great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II and William’s late mother Diana, […]
Britain’s baby princess meets the grandparents
(London-AFP) – Prince William and his wife Kate showed off their new baby daughter to their loved ones on Sunday as they thanked people around the world for their messages of congratulations. Among the well-wishers was William’s brother Prince Harry, away serving with the Australian army, who said of the one-day-old princess: “She is absolutely […]
Nepal’s rich cultural heritage devastated by quake
(AFP) – Sujan Shrestha says it breaks his heart to look at the piles of rubble that are all that remain of the ancient Nepalese temples where he has worshipped all his life. The 28-year-old shopkeeper grew up in a house just off Patan Durbar Square, a spectacular World Heritage site in the quake-hit Kathmandu […]
Prince William’s wife Kate in labour
(AFP) – Prince William’s wife Kate was admitted to hospital on Saturday in the early stages of labour with the couple’s eagerly-awaited second child, Kensington Palace said. “The Duchess of Cambridge was admitted at 6.00 hours to St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London and is in the early stages of labour,” the palace press office said […]
Cheers as sleeping princess welcomed into the world
(London-AFP) – Cradled in her mother’s arms, Britain’s new sleeping princess was welcomed into the outside world Saturday with joyous cheers, a forest of camera phones and a sea of flags. It was both a traditional and very 21st-century moment as Prince William and his wife Kate emerged from the Lindo Wing doors at St […]
China free trade zone a bust so far: US business survey
Shanghai, China |AFP | – Nearly three-quarters of American firms in Shanghai say China’s first free trade zone (FTZ) offers them no business benefits almost 18 months after it was established, according to a survey Wednesday. The Chinese commercial hub set up the FTZ in September 2013, promising a range of financial reforms, including […]
China’s wealthiest to take part in key political meetings
Beijing, China | AFP | – Five of the 10 wealthiest people in Communist-ruled China are due to take part in two major political meetings starting this week, government websites show, highlighting the influence of the country’s mega-rich. Super-wealthy delegates to the “two sessions” are often the focus of public attention, with some criticised for […]
UK coins to feature new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II
(London-AFP) – A new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II which will appear on coins in Britain was unveiled Monday — only the fifth one of her 63-year reign. The likeness shows the 88-year-old monarch facing right in profile and wearing a crown and drop earrings. It replaces a previous portrait which dates back to 1998. […]
Pope voices sadness over Libya beheadings of Christians
Vatican City, Holy See | AFP | – Pope Francis on Monday expressed “profound sadness” over the beheading of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians by Islamic militants in Libya, saying they had been killed for their faith. “They were executed for nothing more than the fact that they were Christians,” Francis said in impromptu remarks […]
Big Yang Theory: Chinese year of the sheep or the goat?
By Fran WANG Beijing, China | AFP | – Sheep or goat? China’s coming lunar new year has stirred a debate over which zodiac creature is the correct one – but Chinese folklorists dismiss the fixation on animals as missing the point. Traditional astrology in China attaches different animal signs to each lunar year in […]
Pope tells clergy: ‘Never try to cover up child abuse’
By Angus Mackinnon Vatican City, Holy See | AFP | – Pope Francis on Thursday warned Catholic clergy they must never try to cover up sexual abuse, as a new Church child protection panel prepares to meet for the first time. In a strongly-worded letter to the heads of national bishops’ conferences and religious orders, […]
Globetrotting Pope Francis to travel to Latin America
La Paz, Bolivia | AFP | – Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, will return to the region in July when he visits Bolivia, President Evo Morales said, adding that Paraguay and Ecuador are also on the pope’s itinerary. Morales told the newspaper La Razon that he communicated directly with the pontiff, who […]
Oil plunge a ‘golden opportunity’ for Asia economies
By Martin Abbugao Singapore, Singapore | AFP | – The plunge in crude prices will give a much-needed boost to Asia’s oil-guzzling economies and provides governments a “golden opportunity” to implement crucial structural reforms such as cutting expensive energy subsidies, analysts say. A slowdown in the key export markets of Europe, China and Japan, the […]
Pope begins Asia visit in Sri Lanka; next is PHL
By Claire Cozens Colombo, Sri Lanka | AFP | Monday 1/12/2015 – Pope Francis will arrive in Sri Lanka on Tuesday, days after the surprise election of a president who has pledged a new culture of tolerance in a country still recovering from civil war. The pope’s second visit to Asia will also take in […]
Miss South Africa crowned Miss World
(LONDON-AFP) – Miss South Africa, 22-year-old Rolene Strauss, was crowned Miss World 2014 at the pageant’s final in London on Sunday, with an estimated billion viewers watching on television around the globe. Miss Hungary, Edina Kulcsar, was the runner-up and Miss United States, Elizabeth Safrit, came third in the 64th annual competition, contested by women […]
Miss World set to be crowned in London
(LONDON-AFP) – More than 120 beauty queens from around the world are hoping to be crowned 2014’s Miss World at a glitzy pageant in London on Sunday watched by millions on television worldwide. The event has been overshadowed by the murder of Miss Honduras, 19-year-old Maria Jose Alvarado, shot dead with her sister in their […]
Cyclone, hurricane, typhoon: Different names, same phenomenon
Paris, France | AFP | – They may have different names according to the region they hit, but typhoons, hurricanes and cyclones are all violent tropical storms that can generate 10 times as much energy as the Hiroshima atomic bomb. Typhoon is the Asian term for a low-pressure system that is called a hurricane […]
Pope risks Islamic ire with toughened terrorism appeal
By Angus Mackinnon VATICAN CITY (AFP) – The pope’s suggestion that Muslims are not doing enough to counter terrorism may increase tension between the West and Islam, but it reflects sincere concern in the Church over the issue, Vatican experts said Monday. In what Church watchers described as a significant toughening of his tone, the […]
Pacquiao beats Algieri to retain WBO welterweight title
By Daniel HICKS MACAU (AFP) – Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao comprehensively dismantled American Chris Algieri to retain his World Boxing Organization welterweight title at the Cotai Arena in Macau on Sunday. Pacquiao dropped Algieri to the canvas six times during the 12-round contest in the southern Chinese city to win an overwhelming unanimous decision, […]
Pope says he will visit US in September 2015
VATICAN CITY (AFP) – Pope Francis said on Monday he will visit the United States in September 2015, his first trip to the country since becoming pontiff. The pope said he would travel to Philadelphia for the “World Meeting of Families,” a Church-sponsored gathering that takes place once every three years. Vatican sources said the […]
Get that Obama or Putin look for $44, on Chinese web
(BEIJING-AFP) – Chinese traders are offering the chance to get that “world leader look” by selling copies of the garb worn by Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping at this week’s APEC summit in Beijing. While the silky high-collared tunics were based on the traditional “Mao suits” once beloved by Chinese leaders, social media […]
Saudi capital’s $22.5 bn metro a race against time: official
(RIYADH-AFP) – The sprawling and congested Saudi capital is in a race against time to complete its $22.5 billion metro system within four years, a senior official said on Wednesday. Abdullah Allohaidan told AFP in an interview that the rail and bus development — whose construction is changing the face of Riyadh — is the […]
Unbeaten Walters KOs Donaire for title
LOS ANGELES (AFP) – Undefeated Jamaican Nicholas Walters knocked out Filipino star Nonito Donaire with one second remaining in the sixth round Saturday to win the World Boxing Association featherweight title. Walters landed a powerful overhand right to the left temple that sent the champion crumpling to the canvas and referee Raul Caiz counted out […]
Schwarzenegger goes from Terminator to climate ‘Innovator’ Schwarzenegger goes from Terminator to climate ‘Innovator’
PARIS (AFP) – Hollywood legend Arnold Schwarzenegger has gone from being the “Terminator” to the “Innovator”, France’s Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said Saturday, praising him for his work to prevent climate change. The actor turned politician was presiding over a climate change conference of the world’s regions in Paris on Friday and Saturday in the […]
‘Blood moon’ awes sky watchers in Americas and Asia
By Daniel Woolls WASHINGTON, October 8, 2014 (AFP) – Stargazers in the Americas and Asia were treated to a lunar eclipse Wednesday, a celestial show that bathed the moon in a reddish tint to create a “blood moon.” During the total lunar eclipse, light beams into Earth’s shadow, filling it with a coppery glow that […]
‘World Alliance of Religions: Peace Summit’ marks the beginning of a new era of peace
Int’l political and religious leaders commit to a new systematic approach for peace SEOUL, South Korea – Over 700 religious leaders and 50 heads of states attended the “World Alliance of Religions: Peace Summit” held on Sept. 17-19, 2014, in Seoul, South Korea, with the theme of “The Enactment of an International Law for the […]
PHL, France agree to continue addressing climate change
PARIS, France (Mabuhay) – The Philippines and France have agreed on the need for concrete and effective results for climate talks in order to move forward efforts in dealing with the threats of climate change. During a bilateral meeting between President Benigno Aquino III and French Republic President Francois Hollande here on Wednesday, both leaders […]
PHL, France agree to continue addressing climate change
PARIS, France, Sept 18 (Mabuhay) – The Philippines and France have agreed on the need for concrete and effective results for climate talks in order to move forward efforts in dealing with the threats of climate change. During a bilateral meeting between President Benigno Aquino III and French Republic President Francois Hollande here on Wednesday, […]
UN troops withdraw from Syrian Golan: AFP
GOLAN HEIGHTS (AFP) – Hundreds of UN troops withdrew from the Syrian to the Israeli-occupied sector of the Golan on Monday, an AFP correspondent said, two weeks after Al-Qaeda-linked rebels kidnapped dozens of peacekeepers. They crossed in a UN convoy in the afternoon into the Israeli-occupied sector, the correspondent said. The peacekeepers in the Golan […]
Syria army, rebels clash as UN bids to free Golan peacekeepers
By Menahem KAHANA GOLAN HEIGHTS (AFP) – Syrian troops and Islamist rebels battled close to the armistice line with Israel in the Golan Heights on Monday, as the UN pressed efforts to free 44 peacekeepers held by insurgents. The unrest on Israel’s doorstep followed a spillover of mortar and gunfire into Israeli-controlled territory, putting the […]
Geologists warn of mega quake for north Chile
PARIS (AFP) – North Chile is at risk of a mega earthquake after a tremor in April released only some of the tension building along a high-risk fault zone since 1877, researchers said Wednesday. Two studies published in the journal Nature said the 8.1-8.2 magnitude quake that shook the city of Iquique, killing six people […]
More than 40 feared dead in Taiwan plane crash: officials
By Amber WANG TAIPEI, July 23, 2014 (AFP) – More than 40 people were feared dead in a plane crash in Taiwan on Wednesday, officials said, with witnesses and local media reporting the flight came down in a storm after an aborted landing. Taiwan’s transport minister said 10 bodies had so far been recovered from […]
Queen’s new state coach encapsulates British history
(LONDON-AFP) – Queen Elizabeth II rode to the opening of parliament on Wednesday in a brand new Australian-built state coach that encapsulates nearly a thousand years of British history. Crafted over nearly a decade, the gilded Diamond Jubilee State Coach is only the second new horse-drawn state carriage to be built in more than 100 […]
Vatican bank audit finds 202 suspicious deals in 2013
VATICAN CITY (AFP) – The Vatican bank’s stepped-up internal monitoring has led to a sharp rise in suspicious transaction reports – from just six in 2012 to 202 in 2013 and collaboration with foreign financial authorities has increased sharply. “It means that the reporting system starts working, is working,” Rene Bruelhart, director of the Vatican’s […]
New visa law to make travel to Brazil easier for foreigners
(Relaxnews) – In an attempt to promote foreign tourism to Brazil, the government has approved new measures that will allow visitors to apply for tourist visas online and reduce wait times. For foreigners, that means a simplified application process and eliminating the need to travel to a major urban city in search of a Brazilian […]
Pope says baptism is for everyone, even Martians
VATICAN CITY, May 12, 2014 (AFP) – Pope Francis on Monday declared that everyone has the right to be baptized, even aliens should they come knocking on the church’s door. Christians cannot “close the door” to all those who seek baptism even if they are “green men, with a long nose and big ears, like […]
World’s first simultaneous international race to take place May 4
(Relaxnews) – Registrations for the Wings for Life World Run are now closed, and the countdown has begun. Across the globe, from Denver in the US to Perth in Australia, runners will depart simultaneously on Sunday, May 4 in this atypical race. For runners in the US, the clock will start before sunrise (3:00am in […]
Pope Francis declares John Paul II, John XXIII saints
By Jean-Louis De La Vaissiere, Laure Brumont VATICAN CITY (AFP) − Pope Francis on Sunday proclaimed John Paul II and John XXIII the Catholic Church’s newest saints at a festive ceremony joined by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims for two pontiffs who helped shape 20th-century history. “We declare and define as saints the blessed John […]
Japan, S. Korea to discuss ‘comfort women’ before Obama visit
TOKYO (AFP) –Japan and South Korea will hold talks this week to try to improve frosty relations before President Barack Obama visits both the US allies during an Asian tour, it was announced Sunday. The two governments “have decided to engage in intensive discussions on various subjects at various levels” to improve conditions surrounding relations, […]
Malaysia corrects last words from Flight MH370; PM Razak to head to Perth
KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) – Malaysia’s civil aviation department said late Monday the last words spoken by one of pilots of missing Flight MH370 were “Good night Malaysian three seven zero”, and not the more casual “All right, good night” originally reported. The admission is likely to add to criticism of the Malaysian authorities’ handling of […]
Malaysia says missing jet crashed at sea
By M. Jegathesan KUALA LUMPUR, March 24, 2014 (AFP) – Malaysia said Monday the passenger jet which went missing more than two weeks ago crashed in the Indian Ocean, but shed no light on the mystery of why it veered from its intended course. Prime Minister Najib Razak said new satellite analysis of Malaysia Airlines […]
Australia, US launch ‘needle in haystack’ plane search
SYDNEY (AFP) – Australian and American authorities said Tuesday they had begun searching 600,000 square kilometers (230,000 square miles) of the remote Indian Ocean for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, and conceded it was like looking for a needle in a haystack. The Malaysian government has revealed it believes the jet was deliberately diverted and […]
Arab countries ban ‘Noah’ citing Islamic concerns
LOS ANGELES (AFP) – Three Arab countries have banned the biblical epic movie “Noah” because it contradicts Islam, while three more are expected to follow suit, a studio spokesman said Wednesday. Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates told Hollywood giant Paramount last week that the film, starring Russell Crowe, will not be released in their […]
Malaysia launches terror probe over vanished jet
By M JEGATHESAN KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) – Malaysia on Sunday launched a terror probe into the disappearance of a passenger jet carrying 239 people, investigating suspect passengers who boarded with stolen passports, as relatives begged for news of their loved ones. The United States sent the FBI to investigate after Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 vanished […]
Olympics: Putin opens Sochi Games after stunning show
(SOCHI-AFP) – President Vladimir Putin on Friday opened the Winter Olympics Games in Sochi that are inextricably linked with his name, after a stunning ceremony where Russia sought to convince the world it is a worthy host. The high-octane ceremony at the 40,000 capacity Fisht stadium on the Black Sea got off to a rocky […]
SIA, Air New Zealand form alliance
(SINGAPORE-AFP) – Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Air New Zealand on Thursday announced an alliance to expand services to both countries and boost their global reach as they look to capitalise on growing tourism traffic. The alliance will enable SIA to operate its Airbus A380 superjumbos to New Zealand for the first time, progressively replacing daily […]
Brazil airlines want 1,500 more flights for World Cup
(RIO DE JANEIRO-AFP) – Brazilian airlines, including heavyweights TAM and Gol, have asked the country’s aviation authorities to allow some 1,500 additional flights to meet demand during the World Cup, officials said on Wednesday. A statement from the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) said the airlines’ requests were being considered and “will be approved based […]
First road to Canada’s Arctic coast breaks ground
(OTTAWA-AFP) – Prime Minister Stephen Harper officially broke ground Wednesday on the US$185 million first all-season highway to Canada’s Arctic coast, which it is hoped will open up resource development in the far north. The extension of the Dempster Highway is to connect Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk, a hamlet on the Arctic coast currently accessible only […]
Dubai 2014 firework display breaks world record: Guinness
(DUBAI-AFP) – Dubai shattered the world record for the largest ever pyrotechnic display on New Year’s Eve with a show involving more than half a million fireworks, Guinness World Records said Wednesday. “Ten months in planning, over 500,000 fireworks were used during the display which lasted around six minutes, with Guinness World Records adjudicators on […]
Sparkling Sydney kicks off glitzy global 2014 party
(SYDNEY-AFP) – Sydney kicked off a promised unprecedented spectacular to mark New Year celebrations Tuesday, the first in a wave of pyrotechnics to usher in 2014 from Hong Kong to world record-chasing Dubai. Tonnes of explosives were set to light up Australia’s biggest city, with fireworks shooting off the Opera House for the first time […]
Pope urges social ‘fraternity’ after economic crisis
VATICAN CITY (AFP) – Pope Francis on Thursday urged governments around the world to show more solidarity and strive for equality following a period of economic crisis, a day after being declared “Person of the Year” by Time magazine. “The succession of economic crises should lead to a timely rethinking of our models of economic […]
Football: India to host 2017 Under-17 World Cup – FIFA
(COSTA DO SAUIPE-AFP) – FIFA president Sepp Blatter confirmed Thursday that India will host the Under-17 World Cup in 2017. Eight venues have been shortlisted to be pared down to six — Goa, Pune, Mumbai, Bangalore, Cochin, Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati. The news was greeted with elation among Indian officials “This is historic, this is […]
US rejects China air zone
BEIJING (AFP) – US military chiefs insist they will not change their operations despite a move by China to scramble fighter jets to monitor American and Japanese aircraft in Beijing’s newly declared air defence zone. But the State Department said US commercial airlines should observe China’s demand to be given notice of aircraft entering the […]
Health and fitness agenda: World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day December 1 Worldwide World AIDS Day draws together people from around the globe “to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic.” For a calendar of events, to download posters, and to find out how to get involved, visit http://www.worldaidscampaign.org. In the UK, visit http://www.worldaidsday.org. International Day of […]
Cameron pledges further $48 million aid to PHL
COLOMBO (Mabuhay) – Prime Minister David Cameron announced Saturday that Britain was providing a further $48 million to help the relief effort after the devastating typhoon in the Philippines. “Today I can announce that we are providing a further 30 million pounds ($48 million) to support the United Nations and Red Cross emergency appeal” to […]
Expect increasingly violent cyclones, weather experts warn
By Jean-Louis Pany PARIS (AFP) – Meteorologists have yet to formally link global warming to typhoons like the one that devastated the Philippines, but they expect increasingly extreme weather phenomena due to a rise in ocean temperatures. The trail of death and destruction left in the wake of Super Typhoon Haiyan was at the forefront […]
UN climate talks open amid ‘sobering’ typhoon
By Mary Sibierski WARSAW, November 11, 2013 (AFP) – Nations launched a new round of talks Monday for a 2015 deal to cut Earth-warming greenhouse gas emissions, in the aftermath of a devastating Philippines typhoon the UN’s climate chief labelled “sobering”. Christiana Figueres urged progress at the notoriously fractious talks amid a slew of new […]
Health and fitness agenda: International Men’s Day
(Relaxnews) – Coming up, UN-sponsored International Men’s Day highlights men’s health issues around the globe. World Diabetes Day November 14 Worldwide World Diabetes Day, created by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in 1991, takes place annually to bring greater awareness to diabetes and its control. http://www.worlddiabetesday.org International Men’s Day November 19 […]
France okays home tests for HIV
(PARIS-AFP) – Self-testing HIV kits will go on sale in France next year under a strategy aimed at reducing the spread of the virus causing AIDS, Health Minister Marisol Touraine said on Thursday. In-home tests will be available “for people who do not want to go to testing centres or hospitals” to learn about their […]
‘Virtual’ Filipina girl IDs 1,000 pedophiles
THE HAGUE (AFP) – A Dutch rights group said Monday it had identified over 1,000 pedophiles around the world by offering online sex with a computer-generated 10-year-old Filipina girl called Sweetie. Terre des Hommes Netherlands has now handed over to police the identities of over 1,000 adults who were willing to pay children in developing […]
Glitz and politics as Russia hosts Miss Universe for first time
(MOSCOW-AFP) – Russia on Tuesday began hosting Miss Universe for the first time in the pageant’s 61-year history, with contestants from 86 countries shimmying along a catwalk in a concert hall in Moscow. Politics came near to overshadowing the glitz as one US host refused to come in protest at an anti-gay law, while the […]
Solar eclipse to sweep Africa, Europe, US on Sunday
(WASHINGTON-AFP) – A rare solar eclipse will sweep across parts of Africa, Europe and the United States on Sunday as the moon blocks the sun either fully or partially, depending on the location. The round shape of the Earth explains why some viewers in west Africa will see a total eclipse, while others in the […]
Sydney Opera House celebrates 40 years
(SYDNEY-AFP) – The Sydney Opera House, world heritage-listed as “one of the indisputable masterpieces of human creativity”, celebrated its 40th birthday Sunday with a flotilla of lifesavers, Aboriginal dancers and a gigantic cupcake. Huge crowds packed the steps for a distinctively Australian performance on the glittering harbourfront, where three generations of Danish architect Jorn Utzon’s […]
India moves to ease visa restrictions to attract tourists
(NEW DELHI-AFP) – India is looking at issuing visas on arrival for visitors from 40 more countries, a minister has said, raising hopes it will overcome national security fears to boost its tourism industry. A meeting of senior officials from the home, foreign and tourism ministries, as well as intelligence officers, concluded on Monday evening […]
The 2014 most endangered sites and landmarks in the world: report
(Relaxnews) – An international heritage group has placed 67 sites, monuments and landmarks on its 2014 World Monuments Watch list this year — a list that includes the cultural heritage of the entire country of Syria. According to the World Monuments Fund’s latest report released this week, conflict and escalating violence in war-torn Syria are […]
CGames: Hoy launches Commonwealth baton ceremony
(LONDON-AFP) – Scottish cycling star Chris Hoy carried the Commonwealth Games baton to Buckingham Palace on Wednesday for the start of a relay that will culminate with the opening ceremony of next year’s edition in Glasgow. The now-retired rider, who won six Olympic gold medals and a host of world and Commonwealth titles, found himself […]
Canada announces aviation agreements with 7 countries
(MONTREAL-AFP) – Canada announced Tuesday a series of air transport agreements with seven countries that will result in more flight options and routes for its airlines. In addition to more flights to and from the countries, the bilateral agreements will allow flights to accommodate passengers from partner airlines, in a process known as code-sharing, according […]
‘The One: Mayweather Vs. Canelo’ Sept. 14 at MGM in Las Vegas
“Si Si Puede. Yes, we can.” Richard Sheafer introduced Mexican world boxing champion, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez at the Media Final Press Conference held at the KA Theater inside MGM Grand Casino & Hotel with these words. American Floyd ”Money” Mayweather Jr.’s 12-round bout against Mexican Champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez scheduled on September 14, 2013 at […]
Olympics: Tokyo to host 2020 Olympics
(BUENOS AIRES-AFP) – Tokyo won the right to host the Olympic Games for the second time on Saturday, as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) awarded the city the 2020 edition. The Japanese capital, which previously staged the world’s biggest sporting event in 1964, beat Istanbul, who were bidding for the fifth time and Madrid, who […]
Euro zone remains a source of confusion for UK travelers
(Relaxnews) – Not all of the European Union’s 28 member states have adopted the common currency, making things a little more complicated for tourists traveling to the continent. One in ten Britons admits to having exchanged their pounds sterling for the wrong currency before a trip to a European destination, a new study from International […]
Zimbabwe mulls ‘Garden of Eden’ to boost local tourism
(HARARE-AFP) – Zimbabwe is planning a low-budget entertainment park in the resort town of Victoria Falls to boost local tourism, a cabinet minister said Friday. “We want to bring the Garden of Eden to Victoria Falls, where flora and fauna can co-exist,” Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi told AFP at the end of the United Nations […]
Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid turns 100: a guide to festivities
(Relaxnews) – Denmark is getting ready to celebrate the 100th birthday of Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid statue, unveiled on August 23, 1913. The Danish capital is celebrating the anniversary with a host of special cultural events and activities. Just as Paris has the Eiffel Tower, and New York has the Statue of Liberty, the city of […]
Dutch city patently the world’s most inventive
(EINDHOVEN, Netherlands-AFP) – From cancer-busting ultrasound techniques to ways to boost vitamins in tomatoes, Dutch tech-hub Eindhoven’s avalanche of patents has just earned it the crown of “most inventive city in the world.” Despite the Dutch economy hobbling through its third recession since 2009, this southern city of around 750,000 has become a beacon of […]
UN declares World Toilet Day
(UNITED NATIONS-AFP) – The United Nations on Wednesday declared November 19 as World Toilet Day following a proposal by Singapore whose envoy said he did not care if jokes are made. “I am sure there will be laughter among the press and the public when it is reported that the UN is declaring a World […]
Plain packaging reduces allure of cigarettes: study
(PARIS-AFP) – Scientists on Monday said they had evidence that plain packaging for cigarettes diminishes the appeal of smoking, as anti-tobacco campaigners suggest. European countries are considering whether to follow Australia, which last year became the first country in the world to sell cigarettes in plain packets. In Australia’s case, the cigarettes are sold in […]
Crowds besiege palace after British royal baby birth
(LONDON-AFP) – A joyful crowd popped corks, cheered and strained to glimpse the official notice outside Buckingham Palace, after the birth on Monday of a baby boy to Prince William and wife Kate. The centre of attention at the palace was a golden easel upon which royal officials placed the formal birth announcement. “We just […]
Baby boy for Britain’s William and Kate
By Danny KEMP, James PHEBY LONDON, July 22, 2013 (AFP) – Britain’s Prince William and his wife Kate were celebrating on Monday after she gave birth to a baby boy, providing the world’s most famous royal family with a future king. Cheering crowds rushed towards the gates of Buckingham Palace as it was announced that […]
EU bans raft of dangerous chemicals from toys
(BRUSSELS-AFP) – Children’s toys need to comply as of Saturday with a new Europe-wide ban on dozens of chemical substances scientists say could trigger cancer, harm fertility or unleash allergies, the European Commission said. “Substances which are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction as well as 55 allergenic fragrances are now banned from use in […]
New Zealand clamps down on ‘legal’ highs
(WELLINGTON-AFP) – New Zealand introduced a new law on Thursday which bans the use of drugs offering so-called “legal” highs unless manufacturers can provide clinical evidence that they are safe. The law imposes strict controls on products such as synthetic cannabis and legal “party pills”, which mimic the effects of drugs like ecstasy without using […]
Olympics: Buenos Aires to host 2018 Youth Olympics
(LAUSANNE-AFP) – Buenos Aires won the right to host the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games after a vote by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) members in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Thursday. The Argentinian capital – which will also host the prestigious IOC Session in September where a new president and the 2020 Summer Games host will […]
Romantic Venetian reputation tarnished by drunken gondoliers
(Relaxnews) – You could call it a case of drinking and paddling. Venetian gondoliers may have to take breathalyzer tests after the city received a series of complaints about their unruly, drunken behavior, including a booze-fueled incident in which a man stripped naked and jumped into the Grand Canal. The move is being proposed by […]
Treaty to be signed giving blind better access to books
(RABAT-AFP) – A long-awaited international treaty that would give hundreds of millions of blind and visually impaired people better access to books is to be signed Thursday, according to the organisers of a conference in Morocco. Hundreds of delegates from the World Intellectual Property Organization’s 186 member countries gathered in the central city of Marrakesh […]
World cities improving energy efficiency: report
(LONDON-AFP) – Some of the world’s largest cities are improving their energy efficiency, a report said Thursday, while nations struggle to forge a global response to climate change. Cities are taking action to reduce their carbon emissions and better manage their water strategy, said a report by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), which runs a […]
Moscow to transform eyesore into $300 million park
(MOSCOW-AFP) – A vast wasteland close to St Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square that once housed a giant Soviet hotel is set to become a landscaped park, Moscow officials said Tuesday as they revealed details of a 10 billion-ruble ($312 million) regeneration plan. Hidden behind hoardings, the desolate expanse of bushes, tangled metal and concrete […]
World Tourism Day 2013 asks travelers to reduce water footprint
(Relaxnews) – From wearing water-resistant sunblock to taking a shower instead of a bath, travelers will be reminded to be responsible consumers in the wake of a water scarcity crisis that threatens parts of the world for World Tourism Day. For the 2013 edition of the United Nation’s World Tourism Day, both the tourism industry and […]
Miss World axes bikinis for Muslim Indonesia
(JAKARTA-AFP) – Contestants at this year’s Miss World beauty pageant will not wear bikinis in the parade in a bid to avoid causing offence in Muslim-majority Indonesia, organisers confirmed Wednesday. The 137 women taking part in the September contest will swap bikinis for more conservative attire, such as traditional sarongs, for the beach fashion section. […]
‘World’s most expensive champagne’ costs £1.2 million
(Relaxnews) – Here’s a bottle you won’t want to put in the recycling bin. A luxury champagne maker has created what it’s calling the most expensive bottle in the world after encrusting the logo with a 19-carat diamond worth £1.2 million (US$1.8 million). Handcrafted from 18-carat solid gold, Goût de Diamants’ Superman-style signature logo is centered by […]
‘World’s oldest’ Torah scroll found in Italian archive
(ROME-AFP) – The world’s oldest complete Torah scroll has been found in a university archive in Bologna, according to an Italian professor who said the text could be from the 12th century. The precious lambskin scroll had been classified by the university library as being from the 17th century and was named simply “Scroll Number […]
WHO urges global ban on all tobacco marketing
(GENEVA-AFP) – Governments worldwide must ban all forms of tobacco marketing, not just billboards and TV ads, as companies find new ways to tap the market, the World Health Organization said Wednesday. Douglas Bettcher, head of the WHO’s non-communicable disease division, said tougher measures were needed to rein in tobacco use, which claims six million […]
Paris police boost efforts to protect tourists
(PARIS-AFP) – Paris police said Wednesday they would deploy more officers to protect tourists against pickpockets and launch an awareness campaign to fight fake charity organisations targeting visitors. The efforts come in the wake of several incidents that have tarnished the image of Paris — the world’s most visited city — including the brief closing […]
Medieval crown jewels on display at Prague castle
(PRAGUE-AFP) – The Czech crown jewels went on show at Prague castle Friday, in a rare public display for the 700-year-old items that are pulled out only on special occasions. The medieval works of art consist of a gold crown decorated with 96 precious stones including rubies and sapphires, along with a sceptre, royal orb […]
Japan’s Mt Fuji to get World Heritage stamp: officials
(TOKYO-AFP) – Japan’s Mount Fuji will likely be added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites next month after an influential advisory panel to the UN cultural body made a recommendation, officials said Wednesday. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), a consultative body to UNESCO, told the Japanese government that the almost […]
London Marathon to raise $100,000 for Boston victims
(LONDON-AFP) – London Marathon organisers announced on Thursday that they will donate £2 ($3, 2.30 euros) for every finisher in Sunday’s race to a fund for victims of the bomb attacks in Boston. The One Fund Boston was set up to help people affected by the twin bombings that killed three people and injured over […]
N. Korea border crossing shut to tourists: China official
(DANDONG, China-AFP) – The biggest border crossing between North Korea and China has been closed to tourist groups, a Chinese official said Wednesday as nuclear tensions mounted, but business travel was still allowed. “Travel agencies are not allowed to take tourist groups to go there, since the North Korean government is now asking foreign people […]
Swiss Kempinski ditches N.Korea ‘Hotel of Doom’ project
(GENEVA-AFP) – The Swiss luxury hotel chain Kempinski said on Tuesday that it was dropping plans to open a huge pyramid-shaped hotel that has stood half-built for decades in North Korea amid escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula. “Kempinski Hotels confirms that KEY International, its joint venture partner in China with Beijing Tourism Group (BTG), […]
Cruise ship to be christened by Duchess of Cambridge
(Relaxnews) – The Duchess of Cambridge has been tapped to baptize a new cruise ship which will set sail this summer featuring a glass-bottomed walkway that will extend beyond the edge of the ship. Princess Cruises has announced that in the British ship-naming tradition, Kate Middleton, as the ship’s ‘godmother,’ will christen the latest addition to its […]
Thatcher also triggered cultural revolution
(LONDON-AFP) – As well as overhauling Britain’s economy, Margaret Thatcher triggered a cultural revolution here by igniting a creative burst of anger at her policies, including slashing arts funding. The former premier “had a phenomenal impact on the cultural landscape of Britain by creating an ideological backlash,” said David Khabaz of the London School of […]
Twitter index: former UK Prime Minister Thatcher dies
(Relaxnews) – The former Prime Minister of the UK Margaret Thatcher has died, causing discussion on Twitter on Monday, April 8. Baroness Margaret Thatcher was Britain’s first, and to date only, female Prime Minister. A member of the UK’s Conservative Party, Thatcher held the post from 1975-1990. Thatcher’s tenure as Prime Minister was polarizing, marked by her […]
U.S. boosts missile defense in the Pacific
North Korea warns of nuclear strike on U.S. targets By Jung Ha-Won SEOUL, April 4, 2013 (AFP) – The United States has scrambled to reinforce its Pacific missile defenses as North Korea pushed more global alarm buttons Thursday by announcing it had authorized plans for possible nuclear strikes on U.S. targets. U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck […]
N. Korea declares ‘state of war’ with South
By Lim Chang-Won SEOUL, March 30, 2013 (AFP) – North Korea on Saturday declared it was in a “state of war” with South Korea and warned Seoul and Washington that any provocation would swiftly escalate into an all-out nuclear conflict. The United States said it took the announcement “seriously”, but noted it followed a familiar […]
India celebrates the festival of colours
(NEW DELHI-AFP) – From soldiers in the north to teenagers in the south, Indians of all hues threw water-filled balloons and smeared coloured powder on each other to celebrate the festival of Holi on Wednesday. The revelry began in the early hours with children engaging in water fights, using plastic guns and balloons to splash […]
Men in White: Pope meets predecessor
By Dario THUBURN, Vincenzo PINTO CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, March 23, 2013 (AFP) – Pope Francis flew in to a papal residence near Rome on Saturday for a meeting with “pope emeritus” Benedict XVI – an unprecedented encounter in the history of the Catholic Church. Both men were in the white vestments reserved for popes as […]
The Philippines: Asia’s New Emerging Tiger
The Philippine Consulate General of Los Angeles and The Philippine Trade and Investment Center of Los Angeles in cooperation with the Council on Trade and Investment for Filipino-Americans (COTIFA) and Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County will be hosting a private-led investment roadshow in the United States on April 23, 2013. The roadshow titled […]
World landmarks go dark for Earth Hour
(LOS ANGELES-AFP) – The Empire State Building, the Eiffel Tower and the Kremlin — along with a slew of other landmarks around the world — went dark Saturday to draw attention to climate change. In a symbolic show of support for the planet, people across the continents switched off their lights for 60 minutes — […]
Dublin a sea of green for St Patrick’s Day
(DUBLIN-AFP) – The luck of the Irish failed to change the miserable weather — but it didn’t dampen the spirits of hundreds of thousands of shamrock-wearing revellers who celebrated St Patrick’s Day on the wet streets of Dublin on Sunday. Dublin was awash with green as locals and tourists turned out to the watch a […]
Health and fitness agenda: IHRSA Convention
(Relaxnews) – Coming up, Las Vegas welcomes thousands of fitness fans to the annual International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association convention, one of the largest of its kind. Also Paris hosts the Body Fitness Form’expo. IHRSA Convention March 19-22 Las Vegas, California, USA A rival to the IDEA World Fitness Convention and FIBO, the International […]
The world celebrates women for International Women’s Day
(Relaxnews) – March 8 marks the 102nd anniversary of International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the economic, political, and social achievements of women past, present, and future. Thousands of events will be held around the world to mark the occasion, including talks, discussions, exhibitions, workshops and a range of local events. To celebrate, CARE […]
Marvel and Cartoon Network theme park to open in Dubai in December
(Relaxnews) – After months of delays, developers for a Marvel Comics theme park in Dubai have announced that the indoor entertainment center that was originally scheduled to open in June will open in December, reports Arabian Business. The 111,485 square meter park will consist of four themed zones, two of which have already been announced: […]
Pope to quit Twitter after stepping down: Vatican Radio
(VATICAN CITY-AFP) – The pope’s official Twitter account, which has more than two million followers in nine languages, will close next week when Benedict XVI leaves office, Vatican Radio said Friday. After a high-profile launch on December 12 under the name @pontifex, the pontiff’s online musings quickly attracted over 1.5 million followers in English. Around […]
Athletics: 101-year-old marathon runner shines at last race
(HONG KONG-AFP) – A 101-year-old Sikh believed to be the world’s oldest distance runner retired Sunday after ending his last race in Hong Kong on a high, describing it as one of the “happiest days” of his long life. Fauja Singh, nicknamed the “Turbaned Tornado”, finished the 10-kilometre (6 mile) run at the Hong Kong […]
What to expect from the Mobile World Congress
(Relaxnews) – Monday marks the start of this year’s Mobile World Congress. Hosted in Barcelona it has quickly established itself as the key event in the smartphone calendar. Over the course of the four-day event, over 1500 exhibitors, from Nokia and Samsung to LG, HTC and Sony will take it in turns to upstage each […]
Builder of London’s Shard to construct world’s tallest tower in Saudi Arabia
(Relaxnews) – Mace, the firm behind London’s now famous Shard, will, in a joint venture with construction company EC Harris, build the world’s tallest skyscraper in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Plans for the tower, known as the Kingdom Tower, were announced 18 months ago, but Mace, the builders of the Shard and construction company EC Harris […]
UN urges deeper probe into hormone-disrupting chemicals
(NAIROBI-AFP) – Scientists suspect chemicals which disrupt the hormone system are linked to early breast development, poor semen quality, low birthweight in babies and other problems, but more research is needed, UN agencies reported on Wednesday. The UN Environmeant Programme (UNEP) and World Health Organisation (WHO) said evidence is mounting that so-called endocrine disrupting chemicals […]
Qatar to open new 30-mln-passenger airport in April
(DOHA-AFP) – Energy-rich Qatar will open on April 1 a new airport with a capacity to handle 30 million passengers, as the Gulf state vies to increase its share of transit air travel, an official said Monday. “The annual capacity of Hamad International Airport will be 30 million passengers when it opens on April 1,” […]
Curling: Sochi hosts wheelchair curling world championships
(MOSCOW-AFP) – Sochi’s credentials as host city of the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games were tested on Saturday with the staging of the wheelchair curling world championships. “This event is the first tournament to be held in the new ‘Ice Cube’ curling center, specially built for the Olympic and Paralympic Games which will be held […]
WHO urges vigilance over SARS-like virus
(GENEVA-AFP) – The World Health Organisation on Saturday urged countries to be vigilant over the spread of a potentially fatal SARS-like virus after a new case in Britain brought the global number to 12. “Based on the current situation and available information, WHO encourages all Member States to continue their surveillance for severe acute respiratory […]
Dubai set to build largest Ferris wheel in the world
(Relaxnews) – In the desert land of superlatives — home to the tallest building, largest shopping mall, and ironically, the largest indoor ski resort — Dubai is once again set to add another record-breaking monument to their landscape with the largest Ferris wheel in the world. Construction of the Dubai Eye is set to begin this spring […]
Ferrari named best coupe and best cabriolet
(Relaxnews) – Two awards from French publication L’Automobile Magazine bring the Italian carmaker Ferrari’s international honors tally up to 25. Italian supercar maker Ferrari continues to rack up awards at the same rate at which one of its customers collects speeding tickets. Its V8-powered 458 Spider was announced best cabriolet and its V12-powered big brother, the F12 Berlinetta, […]
Olympics: IOC trim 2018 Youth Games host candidates to three
(LAUSANNE-AFP) – Buenos Aires, Medellin and Glasgow were announced as the three finalists for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games host city, International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge revealed on Wednesday. Guadalajara and Rotterdam were the two candidates eliminated from contention at Wednesday’s meeting of the IOC executive committee, held at the organisation’s Lausanne headquarters. The […]
World voices respect in pope’s surprise resignation
BERLIN, Feb 11, 2013 (AFP) – World political and religious leaders voiced regret but respect for Pope Benedict XVI’s shock resignation Monday, praising him as one of today’s “most significant religious thinkers”. From Australia, the Philippines, to Israel and Britain, plaudits for the 85-year-old pontiff, as well as messages of surprise and sympathy for his […]
Train services steam things up for Valentine’s Day
(Relaxnews) – Eurostar will morph temporarily into the love train on Valentine’s Day, when couples will be wooed with a host of romance-inspired surprises. On February 14, the high-speed train will treat passengers to exclusive upgrades, chocolates and mini bottles of Cava, while the departure lounges at London St. Pancras, Gare du Nord in Paris […]
Sausages, Sisi, Sorvino — and music — at Vienna ball
(VIENNA, Austria-AFP) – The Austro-Hungarian empire may be long dead but Viennese high society was back with a bang Thursday for the annual waltzing, music and show-off extravaganza that is the Opera Ball. Dressed up to the nines and paying through the nose, the high point of the social calendar sees celebrities, politicians and tycoons […]
Deezer streams into PHL, 21 Asian and Middle Eastern countries
PARIS, Jan 31, 2013 (AFP) – Online music streaming service Deezer expanded on Thursday into 22 countries mostly in Asia and the Middle East as it seeks to tap into fast-growing emerging markets. Deezer said it will replicate the model that led it to success in France: offering limited free access to its library of […]
Parisians invited to experience ‘David Beckham’s Britain’
(Relaxnews) – The British tourism office is hoping to capitalize on David Beckham’s arrival in Paris as the newest – and most glamorous addition – to their home soccer team, pitching the sports and fashion icon as a travel ambassador for the French. Nearly as soon as it was announced that Beckham would join Paris […]
Health and fitness agenda: World Cancer Day
(Relaxnews) – On February 4, the world commemorates World Cancer Day, with the focus this year on dispelling misconceptions about the disease. 73rd ISPO February 3-6 Munich, Germany ISPO is one of the biggest events in the world for sports goods manufacturers and suppliers. Over 2,000 exhibitors are participating in 2013, and the event expects […]
Malacanang expects rule of law to prevail in resolving West Philippine Sea dispute
The Palace expects that the international law will prevail in finally settling the disputed West Philippine Sea issue after the Philippines elevated its cause to the international tribunal. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday that the Palace also expects China and the Philippines, being signatories to United Nations […]
Statement by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario on the UNCLOS Arbitral Proceedings against China to Achieve a Peaceful and Durable Solution to the Dispute in the West Philippine Sea
22 January 2013 Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen of the print and broadcast media.I have the honor to introduce to you the Honorable Solicitor General of the Philippines Francis H. Jardeleza who stands with me here today. This afternoon, the Philippines has taken the step of bringing China before an Arbitral Tribunal under Article 287 […]
Old rites for New Year
One of the world’s oldest shared traditions, New Year’s celebrations take many forms, but most cultures have one thing in common — letting one’s hair down after a long, hard year. For much of the globe this involves sipping bubbly with friends until the sun comes up, seeing out the old year with bonfires and […]
US woman crowned Miss Universe 2012
(LAS VEGAS, Nevada-AFP) – American Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe 2012 late Wednesday, beating out beauties from around the world to claim the coveted title. The title of first runner-up went to the contestant from the Philippines, Janine Tugonon. Last year’s winner Leila Lopes of Angola, crowned jubilant Culpo, 20 years old, to succeed […]
Duchess Kate has hypermesis gravidarum: what is it?
(Relaxnews) – The media is buzzing with the news that Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, are expecting a baby. But with Middleton hospitalized with hypermesis gravidarum, many are wondering, what exactly is it? WebMD reports that hyperemesis gravidarum, or acute morning sickness, requires urgent medical treatment in that it prevents a […]
Britain’s Kate and Prince William expecting a baby
By Danny Kemp LONDON, Dec 04, 2012 (AFP) – Prince William’s wife Catherine on Monday spent the night in hospital where she is being treated for acute morning sickness following the announcement that the couple are expecting their first child. The family revealed the news earlier Monday, ending fevered speculation about a baby destined to […]
ISS crew returns to Earth with Olympic torch
(MOSCOW-AFP) – Three astronauts returned to Earth on Monday after a 166-day mission, bringing the Olympic torch back from the International Space Station after a historic space walk. The trip completed the most ambitious leg of Russia’s unparallelled torch relay in the run-up to the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi in February. The Soyuz capsule […]