Hours of waiting for flight ticket discount hopefuls
Hong Kong Airlines will distribute free tickets at Fashion Walk next week. Previous NextMany people eager to grab a share of the 100,000 discounted Cathay Pacific flight tickets had to wait for hours to access the airline's campaign website and choose a flight after the promotion began at 2pm yesterday. A round-trip to Taipei costs as low as HK$1,220 while round-trip tickets to Bangkok start at around HK$2,000. Travelers planning to visit Japan can spend HK$2,980 to get to Tokyo and HK$2,750 to Nagoya, while round-trip tickets to London start at HK$5,500. However, many people complained that they could not enter Cathay's campaign website after waiting for two to three hours.
Source:The Standard
August 18, 2023 15:14 UTC
Celebrating the diverse tastes of the Philippine archipelago
Drawing inspiration from the culinary palette of the Philippine archipelago, "Flavors from the Shores" celebrates the diverse aquatic delicacies from the pristine waters of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. ‘Flavors from the Shores’ celebrates the diverse aquatic delicacies from the pristine waters of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. 'Flavors from the Shores' celebrates the diverse aquatic delicacies from the pristine waters of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Each course narrates a tale of the Philippines' cultural tapestry, illuminating the unique flavors of three pivotal islands: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Infused with indigenous ingredients and regional inspiration, these cocktails—thoughtfully curated to elevate the dining journey—have been meticulously fashioned in partnership with Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc., the Philippines' oldest distillery, adding an extra layer of heritage to the experienceEmbark on epicurean voyage with the enchanting "Salungo," a symphony of sea urchin and shrimp ravioli, king oyster mushroom sea urchin sauce, sea urchin custard, calamansi hollandaise sauce, salmon roe, and lime tuile.
Source:Manila Times
August 18, 2023 14:48 UTC
WATCH: Japanese Stationery − Sparking Joy
Japanese stationery has gained fans all over the world thanks to its constant inventiveness, aimed at making life more enjoyable at home and more effective at work. It's so popular in Japan, there's even an annual show in Tokyo devoted just for fun and new designs. Although we live in a digital age, many people still love to write and make things by hand, and stationery provides the tools to express ourselves creatively. One recent hit item is nib pens individually hand-crafted entirely from glass. Users also love the way they can mix their own inks for these pens to make their writing look even more unique.
Source:Manila Times
August 18, 2023 14:18 UTC
Swifties for a day
Swifties for a dayIt was not our usual curator-led museum tour. Taylor Swift was not around but the well-curated exhibition of delightful costumes, props, jewelry and iconic outfits from her very first concert to the collection of her re-recorded songs, concert footages and music videos transformed us into Swifties (as fans identify themselves) for a day. Andie, the curator, entertained us with a fascinating lecture on how the gifted artist uses her “imaginative storytelling” to convey the wide-ranging characters she portrays through her concerts and music videos. Listening to her music or watching her music videos is like penetrating deeply into the soul of a reachable star and sharing the same advocacies with her. Perhaps the strategy was done swiftly to efficiently meet the demands of Asia’s Swifties.
Source:Philippine Star
August 17, 2023 20:29 UTC
Marcos calls for deeper partnership on defense, security with Japan
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said the Philippines’ relations with Japan should be strengthened, focusing not only on trade and investment, but also on matters of security and defense. Marcos made the remarks during the courtesy call of Komeito Party chief representative Yamaguchi Natsuo in Malacañang on Wednesday, the Presidential Communications Office said. “I suppose that now times have changed and those agreements have gone beyond just trade, just business, just investment. And we now have to concern ourselves with issues of security and defense in our region,” Marcos was quoted as saying. The Philippines has acquired defense assets from Japan under an agreement signed in 2016.
Source:Philippine Star
August 17, 2023 20:13 UTC
Pinoys see China as 'biggest threat'
Publicus attributed the 79 percent mistrust toward China to the widespread belief that China poses the most significant threat to the Philippines. In terms of foreign policy, the survey showed that 6 in 10 Filipinos support the President's stance and strategies regarding the West Philippine Sea dispute. Publicus said this support "encompasses not yielding to China, seeking diplomatic resolution to territorial disagreements, and fortifying bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and China." The Philippines and China are locked in a dispute over the South China Sea. Despite this diplomatic gesture, Chinese vessels continued to claim parts of Philippine waters and have recently taken aggressive actions against Philippine vessels.
Source:Manila Times
August 17, 2023 19:54 UTC
Marcos seeks deeper trade, security ties with Japan
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pushed for deeper relations with Japan in trade and investment and security and defense during a recent meeting with Komeito Party Chief Representative Yamaguchi Natsuo. "But I suppose that times have changed, and those agreements have gone beyond just trade, just business, just investment. And we now have to concern ourselves with issues of security and defense in our region," Marcos added. PPA PHOTONatsuo said the Komeito Party is open to more cooperation with the Philippines, not only in its traditional partnerships but also in defense and maritime security corporations. Some of the transfers made include UH-1H helicopter spare parts and maintenance equipment (2019); HADR equipment (2021); the Air Surveillance Radar System; continued TC-90 maintenance support and sustainment program; and the sale of TC-90 ground support, spare parts, and maintenance equipment.
Source:Manila Times
August 17, 2023 18:11 UTC
WATCH: Bringing color to life − Kyoto Arts and Crafts
Kyoto attracts tourists from all over the world, especially in fall, with its historic shrines and temples. Tourists have also begun noticing its arts and crafts stores, many centuries old but now adapting their traditional techniques to modern times. We see a maker of 'wagasa,' Japanese style umbrellas crafted from 'washi' paper, create lampshades that utilize the uniquely gentle colors produced by light shining through paper. A centuries-old store making pigments for 'Nihonga' watercolorists diversified into nail varnishes, and is using 'gofun,' the chalky white powder made from crushed scallop shells, that's the base of 'Nihonga' paints, to transform the world of manicure. VIDEO BY MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF JAPAN
Source:Manila Times
August 17, 2023 14:22 UTC
Two arrested as customs bust 23 consolidated shipping drug trafficking cases
Two people, including a 17-year-old, were arrested by customs as officers raided a number of consolidated shipping companies throughout the city and busted 23 drug trafficking cases. A total of 68 kg of drug was seized, including marijuana, ketamine and “ice” drug, worth about HK$24 million. The teenager and a 64-year-old were arrested as they were caught picking up the packages at the collection points in Ho Man Tin and Tai Po respectively. Both were released on bail. Customs said there was a rising trend in these kinds of cases in the first half of this year as criminals mixed the drugs into daily goods, such as air fresheners and shampoo bottles, in order to cover up their tracks.
Source:The Standard
August 17, 2023 13:13 UTC
Inspiring Hong Kong youth to embark on an exploration of ASEAN culture
With the goal of deepening Hong Kong youths’ understanding and appreciation of different cultures of Southeast Asian countries through the art of storytelling in films, The Hong Kong - ASEAN Foundation (HKAF), a non-profit organisation, launched the ASEAN FILM FESTIVAL. The event was attended by over 40 youngsters and distinguished guests, including Mrs Phoeung Chanthida, Vice Consul of Cambodia in Hong Kong; Mr Daryl Ng, Chairman of HK-ASEAN Foundation; Mr Kavich Neang, the film director; and Ms Melanie Kwok, Assistant General Manager (Sustainability) of Hong Kong Heritage Conservation Foundation (HKHCF). Mrs PECH Puthisathbopeaneaky, Consul General of Cambodia in Hong Kong. “China and ASEAN countries have been each other’s largest trading partners for many years. By fostering strong trade and cultural exchange, we can further deepen China-ASEAN solidarity and friendship.”The two-week festival will end on 19 August, over 600 Hong Kong local students and ASEAN students residing in Hong Kong have been invited to the 21 film screenings across the city.
Source:The Standard
August 17, 2023 13:03 UTC
Two more special bus routes to ease way for cruise passengers
SING TAO Previous NextTwo more special bus routes will open on Saturday to take more than 3,000 visitors on the Spectrum of the Seas cruise ship to Kwun Tong and Tsim Sha Tsui. Taxi drivers will continue to be given HK$50 petrol coupons by taking passengers at the cruise terminal. "The government had always valued cruise passengers' experience in Hong Kong. Cruise terminal operators should communicate with cruise companies and travel agents to make proper plans and arrangements for each docking cruise." Cruise passengers have complained of long waits at the terminal for a taxi because of a road closure.
Source:The Standard
August 17, 2023 01:14 UTC
Eight mainland scholars won the Future Science Prize this year
The 2023 Future Science Prize laureates were announced today, with eight mainland scholars rewarded for their outstanding scientific achievements with a monetary award of up to $500,000 US Dollars each. The Future Science Prize consists of three categories: Life Science, Physical Science and Mathematics and Computer Science. Four scientists won the Mathematics and Computer Science Prize, which included scholars He Kaiming, Ren Shaoqing, Zhang Xiangyu and the late chief scientist of Megvii Sun Jian. The Future Science Prize is a privately funded science prize initiated in 2016 by a group of scientists and entrepreneurs. A "Future Science Prize Week" will also be launched to further enhance the science knowledge and interests of the younger generation in Hong Kong.
Source:The Standard
August 17, 2023 00:43 UTC
Trusting the bible
Trusting the bibleWhen your words came, I ate them. — JEREMIAH 15:16Billy Graham, the renowned American evangelist, once described his struggle to accept the Bible as completely true. One night as he walked alone in the moonlight at a retreat center in the San Bernardino Mountains, he dropped to his knees and placed his Bible on a tree stump, able only to “stutter” a prayer: “Oh, God! “When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight” (Jeremiah 15:16). Heavenly Father, show me new things about You as I read the Bible.
Source:Philippine Star
August 16, 2023 21:59 UTC
Frenemies
For years, the two main tollways giants – Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) and San Miguel Infrastructure (SMI) – were rivals and competitors. MPTC holds the concessions for the NLEX, the CALAX, the C5 Link Segment, the SCTEX and the Cebu-Cordoba Link Expressway. SMI, for its part, holds the concessions for the SLEX, Skyway, NAIA Expressway, STAR Tollway, the TPLEX and the MCX. Higher revenue growth means the telcos could invest more in upgrading their technologies. By comparison, PLDT posted service revenue growth of 3 percent to P99.3 billion while Globe posted 2 percent growth to P80.4 billion.
Source:Philippine Star
August 16, 2023 21:57 UTC
DSWD to senior citizens: Register in nationwide database
THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) urges its clients and beneficiaries to register any member of their families who are 60 years of age or older using the National Commission on Senior Citizens (NCSC) online registration system in support of the agency's ongoing effort to create a senior citizen information system. "The national database of senior citizens, which records the information of every older person in the country, will serve as a game changer in the formulation and development of programs, interventions, and services for the sector," DSWD Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez said. Older individuals with internet access can fill out online applications and register for free at the official NCSC website, ncsc.gov.ph. Others may choose to register manually through the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) in their respective local government unit (LGU). According to the NCSC website, there are already over 2.6 million senior citizens registered as of posting time.
Source:Manila Times
August 16, 2023 17:21 UTC