High in the mountains of southwest China, a quiet transformation is taking root. Yunnan, a land once synonymous with tea, is now cultivating a coffee legacy of its own — one shaped by altitude, climate, and an unhurried dedication to craft. Each harvest carries the taste of its terrain, offering the world a distinctly Chinese […]

What began as a cherished keepsake in a family’s possession is now a revived cultural gem, brought back to the spotlight by two remarkable women. Former tourism secretary Gemma Cruz-Araneta and her grandniece, Hannah Maxine Cruz—direct descendants of Dr. Jose Rizal’s sister Maria Mercado—have taken to social media to reintroduce Sibylla Cumana, a fortune-telling parlor […]

If war breaks out in the Taiwan Strait, who stands with whom? Long debated in policy circles and military simulations, this question is no longer theoretical. With tensions escalating across the Indo-Pacific, the prospect of conflict between the United States and China over Taiwan has become an urgent test for regional alliances. Australia is often […]

Former president Rodrigo Duterte may soon be released and allowed to return to the Philippines, his lawyer said, raising the prospect of a temporary homecoming amid ongoing legal proceedings overseas. The possibility hinges on a petition for interim release currently under consideration by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is investigating Duterte over alleged crimes […]

By combining a public shaming with a sweeping promise of prosecution, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered one of the most scathing moments of his presidency during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), warning that corrupt officials and their private sector collaborators behind failed or fake flood control projects will be criminally charged. “Makakasuhan […]

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stood before Congress for his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) with a clear and urgent message to the world: “The Philippines is ready. Invest in the Filipino.” The line, delivered in English and emphasized in both tone and timing, was more than a slogan. It served as the thematic […]

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will deliver his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) this Monday, marking the midpoint of his six-year term. As the administration moves into its latter half, expectations remain high—but so do the questions surrounding transparency, political cohesion, and whether his leadership is delivering progress or entrenching power. Elected on a […]

Despite being the top recipient of China’s aid commitments in Southeast Asia, the Philippines saw only a fraction of the $30.5 billion Beijing pledged between 2015 and 2023, as political rifts, derailed projects, and maritime tensions gutted one of the region’s most hyped development partnerships. A new report by the Sydney-based Lowy Institute reveals Beijing […]

When news broke that Philippine exports would face a 19% tariff entering the United States—while American goods would enter the Philippines tariff-free—it was met with understandable frustration. Social media buzzed with disbelief: “Bakit ganun? Lugi tayo ah.” For many Filipinos, the optics were clear—unequal and unfair. From business groups to small exporters and everyday workers, […]

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) on Tuesday urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize 20 key legislative measures in his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA), highlighting reforms aimed at digital transformation, infrastructure planning, and regulatory modernization to boost the country’s global competitiveness. In a formal communication sent to Malacañang ahead […]