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Duff McKagan, Axl Rose and Slash of Guns N' Roses are coming to Singapore for a concert on Nov 12, 2022. (Photo: GHY Culture & Media) The stage is set for a November reign by American rock legends Guns N' Roses in Singapore. The band – with icons Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan – returns to Singapore for a one night only concert on Nov 12, at the National Stadium. According to CNA they will then tour Australia and New Zealand, said a joint release from live entertainment company TEG Dainty and G.H.Y Culture & Media. Tickets go on sale at 10am on Jul 28 on the Ticketek website. More information can be found on the Sports Hub website as well. "Announcing an international tour of this magnitude as we come out of the most challenging period in the history of live entertainment is truly gratifying," said Paul Dainty, president & CEO of TEG Dainty. "We're all eager to return to business as usual and who better to charge into international stadium touring than the mighty Guns N' Roses! Witnessing the classic line-up of Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan, reunited, on the Singapore stage during this historic band's previous Not In This Lifetime tour was an unforgettable experience for fans." “This energetic night is definitely not to missed for the fans here and the region," said Adeline Low, regional senior group director for G.H.Y Culture & Media. The last time Guns N' Roses rocked out in Singapore was in 2017 for the Not In This Lifetime tour. It was billed as one of Singapore's largest rock shows, with 50,000 tickets sold, although concert organiser LAMC Productions was beset by logistics issues and problems with RFID wrist tags meant for cashless purchases at the Changi Exhibition Centre. Guns N' Roses recently had to postpone their Glasgow show due to "illness and medical advice". They will also head to Japan for shows in November ahead of their Singapore concert. Will they turn the Singapore Sports Hub into a Paradise City? A little Patience to get all aboard the Nightrain and you'll find out.

MANILA – Palawan's heavily forested setting has blessed Puerto Princesa, an attraction you can also find in most pristine places in the Philippines, an unmatched view of constellations in the sky and a night with fireflies enchantingly fluttering in the trees. The unique experience is offered at Kitu-Kito D’Makarios, a firefly-watching place in Sitio Tag-bato, about an hour away from the city proper. Upon arriving, you'll be welcomed by a floating restaurant that serves buffet-style dinner before you ride an outrigger boat that will take you inside the Honda Bay-connected mangrove forest. For first-timers, the ride could be scary at the start because the boat will steer you into a completely dark river. Kitu-Kito's floating restaurant Flashlights won't be lit since you're trying to spot the light-emitting insects. But when you do, you’ll be spellbound. The fireflies only flock to certain mangroves that look like Christmas lights decking a sea-soaked tree when you see them. If you get lucky they'll even flutter above your head as they fly from one tree to another. The tour takes about 45 minutes. Overall, from the steady sound of the boat's paddle to the clearest view of the sky and stars as a bonus backdrop, the calming experience the tour offers is in itself worthy of a repeat should you visit Puerto Princesa again. Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

File photo MANILA – Demand for commercial space is supporting the growth of the country’s property market with the easing of travel restrictions and recovery from the pandemic. Real estate services company Santos Knight Frank reported Tuesday that the vacancy rate in the commercial sector for the second quarter of 2022 was at 4.6 percent, which was close to the pre-pandemic level. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the vacancy rate for commercial space was at 3.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019. “The easing of travel restrictions, pent-up demand for consumption, high vaccination rates, and the return to office (RTO) are all being cited for the recovery in brick-and-mortar retail, a sector that saw many businesses closing shop during the height of pandemic lockdowns,” Santos Knight Frank said in a statement. For the upcoming stores in Metro Manila alone, 32.7 percent of commercial space takers are for the food and beverage sector and 32.1 percent are for clothing apparel stores. “The Philippines’ property sector is likely to see significant recovery in the next two to three years into the administration of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr., as demand returns on both commercial and residential property,” it added. With the government’s directive to register business process outsourcing (BPO) firms to the RTO last April, Santos Knight Frank has also seen an increase in activity in the office market. “Second quarter was the first quarter for many employees to return to the office. With that, we also saw an increase in leasing activity for the first time in a while,” Santos Knight Frank senior director for occupier strategy and solutions Morgan McGilvray said in a press conference. However, the vacancy rate from April to June 2022 period has remained high at 23 percent as 228,500 square meters of office spaces were added in Metro Manila in the second quarter of the year. “Lastly, the Philippines, as with India, South Korea, Singapore, and most of Asia, is likely to see a greater rate of RTO for employees than the rate in developed Western economies. RTO in the Philippines is a result of both the office culture and the needs of its BPO occupiers,” the consultancy firm said. (PNA) Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY. Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna (center) observes the production of soil conditioners at the city's material recovery facility inside the Manila Zoo on Monday (July 18, 2022). Manila is promoting the recycling of biodegradable wastes and other kinds of trash. (Photo courtesy of Manila-PIO) MANILA – The country’s capital city has partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau - National Capital Region (DENR-EMB-NCR) to promote recycling and reduce environmental waste. Kayle Nicole Amurao, Manila Department of Public Services (DPS) officer in charge, said Tuesday that among Manila’s programs for plastic recycling and management are "Kolek Kilo Kita Para sa Walastik na Maynila", "Alaskalikasan Wrapper Redemption Project", "Aling Tindera: A Waste to Cash Program", and "Tapon to Ipon". The programs involve exchanging recyclable waste materials, such as single-use plastics and product wrappers for cash, to be turned over to the material recovery facility (MRF) at the Manila Zoo. They also improve plastic waste management, increase awareness on proper and responsible disposal, gives incentives to female-owned sari-sari (retail) stores, and recycles PET (polyethylene terephthalate or a form of polyester) bottles. The MRF was launched on Monday. "This material recovery facility was opened for the city’s continuous recycling projects so we could recycle wastes into something useful," Mayor Honey Lacuna said during the launch. The MRF has a bioreactor developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) - Industrial Technology Development Institute, a biocomposter, and two units of biodegradable waste shredder donated by the DENR-EMB-NCR and DOST-NCR. Amurao said 29,806 kilograms (kg) of biodegradable wastes have been processed by the bioreactor since January 24 and 15,384 kg. in total for the biocomposter since April 11. After the May 9 elections, 26 trucks collected 52.6 tons of tarpaulins through the “Oplan Baklas (Dismantle)” and the "Tarpaulin mo, Ireresiklo ko (Tarpaulins for Recycling)" projects initiated by former mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso. The tarpaulins were brought to the MRF for sorting; wooden or bamboo frames were processed at the bioreactor/biocomposter and turned into soil conditioner or fertilizer; and the tarpaulins recycled into bags, wallets, and tissue holders, among others, Amurao said. The MRF is capable of processing biodegradable, recyclable, and residual wastes that could be upcycled into items for livelihood or reuse. The soil conditioner or fertilizer produced by the MRF is a byproduct of a combination of animal manure from the Manila Zoo, dried leaves collected on the streets, and leftover vegetables from the Divisoria commercial area. The soil conditioners are used for the city’s greening programs while some are distributed to organizations. They may also be bought for PHP10 per kg. or by bulk through the DPS Operations Division. (PNA) Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

Vietnamese officials report ongoing elevated dengue fever activity during 2022, with 77,000 cases identified Jan. 1-June 24. file photo This case count is significantly higher than the activity reported during the same period of 2021, when roughly 35,000 cases were reported. Most cases were reported in central and southern provinces, with Ho Chi Minh City most affected (16,057 cases). This report represents the most complete information available as of June 29. Dengue fever is a nationwide and year-round threat in Vietnam, but the threat of infection is typically highest during and immediately following the rainy season, which occurs May-October in the north, June-November in the south, and September-December in central coastal areas. It is believed that climate is a crucial factor for the dengue transmission method. A mathematical model for vector–host infectious disease was used to calculate the impacts of climate to the transmission of dengue virus. Dengue infection in Vietnam is unstable but peaks from June to October annually. Dengue morbidity per 100 000 population increased from 120 in 2009 (105 370 cases) to 194 in 2017(184 000 cases). 144% Jump in Dengue Fever cases in Philippine province The province of Negros Oriental in the Philippines logged one new death due to dengue as cases continue to soar with the trend now being seen as "alarming", a key official of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) said on Monday. Records at the PHO showed that from January 1 to July 16, the province tallied 910 dengue cases, which is 144 percent higher compared to the 373 infections with zero deaths during the same period last year, she added. “If this trend will continue, we will be seeing a potential outbreak and right now, this is already alarming,” Estacion said. Health authorities here say 2022 is what they call an “epidemic year” given the three-year cycle in which dengue cases in the province spike based on previous trends and with the anopheles mosquito, the dengue virus carrier, being endemic to Negros Oriental. According to https://crisis24.garda.com/alerts/2022/06/vietnam-elevated-dengue-fever-activity-reported-nationwide-during-2022 A dengue fever vaccine is available in some countries. It is only recommended for individuals with a history of dengue infection and in a country with high dengue fever burden. Symptoms of dengue fever include a sudden onset of fever and at least one of the following: a severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, muscle and/or joint pain, rash, easy bruising, and/or nose or gum bleeding. Symptoms typically appear 5-7 days after being bitten but can develop up to 10 days after exposure. Dengue fever can progress to a more severe form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). DHF can be fatal if it is not recognized and treated promptly. Advice If you have previously been infected with dengue fever, consult with your physician regarding vaccination. Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas. Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen products if dengue fever is suspected, as these could exacerbate bleeding tendencies associated with the disease. Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

U.S. Dollar and Euro banknotes are seen in this illustration taken July 17, 2022. Photo by Reuters/Dado Ruvic Vietnamese are buying more Euros as the currency plunges to its lowest value in two decades, either for cheap travel to Europe or as an investment for the future, reports VN Express. "I wanted to buy more but the exchange asked me to come back in the afternoon as they have run out of EUR banknotes," said Tuyet in Hanoi’s Thanh Xuan District after buying EUR3,500 (USD3,572) Sunday. The currency has dropped by 10.8 percent in value since the beginning of the year. The owner of an exchange in the same district, who asked not be identified, said that he has seen a rise in the number of EUR buyers as travel demand to the region increases and its value has fallen to roughly the same as the U.S. dollar. The EUR dropped to the lowest in 20 years last week at roughly the same as USD, with the greenback surging this year amid global economic uncertainties. Concerns over the supply of energy from Russia to Europe have raised fears that the 19-nation eurozone could face a recession amid declining manufacturing. Some analysts have forecast that the EUR could continue to decline to USD0.95 if the European energy crisis worsens. A weakened EUR won’t have a major impact on Vietnam’s international trade as over 90 percent of deals are paid in USD, said economist Can Van Luc. However, USD gaining would increase pressure on Vietnamese businesses that have taken greenback loans, he added. Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

Coca-Cola products on display at a store. Photo by Reuters/Mike Blake Hong Kong-based conglomerate Swire Pacific is offering $1 billion for Coca-Cola’s bottling operations in Vietnam and Cambodia, a move to expand its presence in the Southeast Asian market. VN Express reports that Swire Pacific will pay Coca-Cola Indochina, which produces and sells Coca-Cola products in both countries, $1.015 billion in cash, South China Morning Post cited its filing to the Hong Kong stock exchange Monday. The transactions "will expand the group’s beverages business into one of the most rapidly growing beverages markets," the company said. It is expected to be completed within the next six months, subject to antitrust approval, Bloomberg cited the filing. Swire, a Hong Kong- and London-based British conglomerate, was founded over 200 years ago in 1816. It has been redirecting investment into key operations of beverages and property, as well as emerging sectors like healthcare. It is also the principal shareholder at Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways, one of Asia’s best-known airlines. Back in 2016, the group bought a Coca-Cola’s bottling facility in southern China. Its beverage arm operates one of the largest Coca-Cola plants in the world. In Vietnam, Coca-Cola has three factories, currently under the control of Coke’s Bottling Investment Group. Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

This week we reported that Vietnamese airfares were soaring due to the summertime travel demand and of course fuel price hikes. A round trip between Hanoi and HCMC costs VND3.4-6.2 million for economy class, with the lowest price range offered by budget airlines like Vietjet. The low prices are usually for flights that leave or arrive incredibly early in the morning or late at night. The base fares for Vietjet and Vietravel do not include check-in baggage. The higher fares on the route are charged by Vietnam Airlines. Current ticket prices are already higher than the VND2.5-4 million range during the Lunar New Year holiday earlier this year. Tickets for international trips have also become expensive this summer. For the latter half of this month, a Hanoi-Bangkok round trip starts at VND5.5 million, and a Hanoi-Singapore round trip at VND5.3 million. Before the pandemic, passengers could easily purchase tickets for similar flights starting at VND3 million. Direct flights from Vietnam to Europe in September and October are also expensive, with a HCMC-Frankfurt trip starting at VND24 million, and a Hanoi-Paris trip starting at VND40 million. Ticket prices will tend to drop in August, industry insiders said. But will they? The problems are similar around thew World with airlines cancelling hundreds of flights due to lack of qualified staff especially pilots and in some cases low passenger bookings. Airports are also struggling to cope with again a lack of staff to take care of check in and baggage handling. Tempers are being tested and the Vietnam Civil Aviation is now thinking of considering banning unruly passengers. I suppose this predicament was to be expected as many airlines during the pandemic were forced to lay off staff just to stay afloat. Now the industry just cannot cope as we the traveling public can’t wait to start taking holidays again. Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

Screenshot of a phishing email from Netflix with “@xtra.co.nz” as the domain. (Image: Singapore Police Force) SINGAPORE: The police on Monday (Jul 18) warned of the re-emergence of phishing scams involving spoof emails from streaming company Netflix. CNA reported that at least five victims fell for the scams this month, with losses amounting to at least S$12,500, said the police in a news release. In these cases, victims received emails allegedly from “trusted sources such as Netflix", said the police. “The scammers would trick recipients into clicking on a URL link to renew their subscriptions,” said the police. Victims who clicked on the links were redirected to phishing websites and asked to provide their credit or debit card details and one-time passwords (OTPs). They realised they had been scammed after discovering unauthorised transactions on their cards. Screenshot of a phishing email from Netflix with “@xtra.co.nz” as the domain. (Image: Singapore Police Force) The police advised members of the public who receive emails claiming to be from trusted sources such as Netflix to take precautions such as checking if the email domain matches the merchant requesting for payment and whether the website URL looks dubious. They also encouraged the public to follow these crime prevention measures: · Do not click on URL links provided in unsolicited emails and text messages; · Always verify the authenticity of the information with the official website or sources; · Never disclose your personal or Internet banking details and OTP to anyone; and · Report any fraudulent credit/debit card charges to your bank and cancel your card immediately. Those with any information relating to such crimes can call the police hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit it online at www.police.gov.sg/iwitness.

(PNA file photo) DUMAGUETE CITY – The province of Negros Oriental logged one new death due to dengue as cases continue to soar with the trend now being seen as "alarming", a key official of the Provincial Health Office (PHO) said on Monday. Assistant Provincial Health Officer Dr. Liland Estacion told the Philippine News Agency the latest death due to dengue is a 16-year-old male from Barangay Maninihon, Bayawan City. He expired at a private hospital in this capital last July 14, which brought to five the number of dengue deaths in Negros Oriental this year. Records at the PHO showed that from January 1 to July 16, the province tallied 910 dengue cases, which is 144 percent higher compared to the 373 infections with zero deaths during the same period last year, she added. “If this trend will continue, we will be seeing a potential outbreak and right now, this is already alarming,” Estacion said. Health authorities here say 2022 is what they call an “epidemic year” given the three-year cycle in which dengue cases in the province spike based on previous trends and with the anopheles mosquito, the dengue virus carrier, being endemic to Negros Oriental. Estacion called on the local government units (LGUs) to strengthen their measures against dengue to prevent an outbreak. LGUs are now coming up with a uniform ordinance that will ensure public safety against dengue, such as the strict implementation of the 4S Strategy, including search-and-destroy of mosquito breeding places, Estacion said. (PNA) Join our 3 x a week Philippines

PRICE ROLLBACK. Oil firms will cut for the third week in a row the prices of their products given the movement in the international market. Gasoline prices will be reduced by PHP5 per liter; diesel, PHP2 per liter; and kerosene, PHP0.70 per liter effective Tuesday (July 19, 2022). (PNA file photo) MANILA – Oil firms will implement another price rollback effective Tuesday. In separate advisories, Seaoil, Petro Gazz, PTT Philippines, and Petron said price of their gasoline products will be slashed off PHP5 per liter while price of diesel will be reduced by PHP2 per liter. The same amount will be reduced of Caltex’s gasoline and diesel products effective 12:01 a.m. and Cleanfuel’s products by 8:01 a.m. Seaoil and Petron will also roll back the price of its kerosene products by PHP0.70 per liter effective 6 a.m. "These reflect movements in the international oil market," Petron said. This is the third consecutive week that oil companies cut prices of their products given the same development in the international market. After rising to over USD100 per barrel in recent months, oil prices in the international market have gone down to below this level partly on account of expected slower demand in major economies due to concerns on economic slowdown and the impact of lockdowns following latest surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections. (PNA) Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Photo by Joyce Ann L. Rocamora) MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) has lauded the naming of the country's three island destinations among "The 25 Best Islands in the World" by the New York-based travel magazine Travel + Leisure (T+L). Boracay Island featuring its postcard-perfect sunset ranked 9th in the T+L World's Best Island list. Followed by Palawan at 11th with a photo of an idyllic lagoon in El Nido. And Cebu at 16th with Taoist Temple, in Cebu City. According to T+L, readers were asked to “weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.” “The Philippines is truly blessed with the unrivaled beauty of our natural resources coupled by the warmth and endless talent of the Filipinos manifested in this citation of Travel + Leisure that included our Cebu, Palawan, and Boracay in their prestigious list,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said. Boracay and Palawan also topped T+L's 5 Best Islands in Asia alongside Phuket, Thailand, Bali, Indonesia, and The Maldives. "Travel + Leisure readers fondly recalled pre-COVID-era visits to the best islands in Asia. Now that the region is reopening, they're surely eager to return to these five ports of call, including the islands of the Maldives, as well as those found in Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines,” stated T+L. “We express our heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to all tourism stakeholders from the public and private sector, the national and local government units, the efforts of the previous administration included, and all the hardworking employees and officials of the Department across the country for forging forward amidst the challenges of the pandemic and contributing in their own ways so our country may earn the title as one of the most beautiful in the world.” “The natural beauty of a country can truly shine through when we are united in heralding our best qualities,” Frasco added. The Philippines concurrently was named among “The 40 Most Beautiful Countries in the World” by lifestyle travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler (CNT). The country is accompanied in the list by other countries such as Brazil, France, Italy, Japan, and the United States of America, among others. Manila Meanwhile, TimeOut.com also ranked Manila among the top cities in the world. The ranking comes as a result of a survey among city-dwellers worldwide. The choice is a result of several criteria that include aspects like walkability, good public transport, safety, and sustainability other than a thriving nightlife, amazing food and drink, and art and culture. It should be noted, nonetheless, that Manila is usually in reference to Metro Manila or the Philippines’ National Capital Region. “May this global recognition of the beauty of our natural resources inspire our efforts to raise the Philippines’ standing in the tourism industry by introducing tourism infrastructure development and improvements that would enhance connectivity and convenience in reaching our destinations," enthused Secretary Frasco. (PR) Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

Gold bars are seen at a jewelry shop in Ho Chi Minh City on February 10, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Dinh Van Vietnam’s gold prices saw one of the deepest daily plunges in their history, going down by VND4 million ($170) a tael Monday. According to VN Express, the Saigon Jewelry Company (SJC) sold its gold at VND64 million Monday afternoon, down almost 6 percent from the weekend. A tael equals 37.5 grams or 1.2 ounces. The gold prices were down on dollar appreciation, with investors selling assets, including gold, to buy the greenback, said chairman Tran Thanh Hai of SJC Phu Tho. Strong selling pressure following the central bank's announcement on the possibility of reducing SJC’s monopoly on gold saw people sell gold bullion and stockpile on gold jewelry. Currently, a tael of gold bullion and jewelry in Vietnam costs VND17.5 and VND5 million more than global prices. Hai expected prices to fall further the next few days, tracking drops in the London and Chicago exchanges. "Prices may fall below the $1,700 threshold [per ounce]," he added. Spot gold rose 0.9 percent to $1,722.88 an ounce by 10:34 a.m. Monday in London, according to Bloomberg. Prices dipped below $1,700 last week for the first time since August. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index slipped 0.5 percent after hitting a record last week. Silver, platinum and palladium all advanced. Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

Two people ride a motorbike under the searing sun in Hanoi, July 18, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Gia Chinh Hanoi and 14 provinces in northern and central Vietnam continued to record temperatures of 36-38 degrees Celsius Monday, and the searing heat is expected to last another 1-2 days reports VN Express. At 1 p.m., weather stations of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting recorded temperatures of at least 36 degrees in 10 northern localities and five central localities, despite it not being the hottest period of the day. Son La’s Phu Yen District recorded the highest temperature at over 38 degrees Celsius, while it was over 37 degrees at two stations in Hanoi’s Ha Dong and Dong Da Districts. The northern province of Hoa Binh suffered temperatures of around 38 degrees, while it was around 37 degrees in other provinces like Hung Yen, Nam Dinh, Ha Nam and Ninh Binh. In central Vietnam, Nghe An’s capital Vinh was the hottest location at over 38 degrees. Thanh Hoa’s Hoi Xuan and Tinh Gia districts saw temperatures of around 38 degrees, while Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh and Thua Thien-Hue provinces saw temperatures of around 37 degrees. Compared to heatwaves in June, actual temperatures at the moment aren’t that high, but the feel factor is just as bad. According to the weather experts, low levels of moisture (45-65 percent) with long periods of temperatures over 35 degrees (11-17 hours) have contributed to the unpleasant sensation. Cloudy night skies also trap the heat longer near the ground, they say. The ongoing heat wave in northern Vietnam should run its course until Wednesday and central Vietnam is only likely to have high heat in certain locations by then. Authorities have issued warnings of fire hazards in residential areas due to higher electricity usage, and of forest fires in central Vietnam. Heat waves in northern Vietnam typically begin towards the end of April and linger in May, June and July. Due to La Nina this year, the region enjoyed cool days in May, delaying the onset of heat until June. Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

ReutersA file photo of Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa taken in 2019. SINGAPORE — Sri Lanka's former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled his crisis-hit country to Maldives on Wednesday, had arrived in Singapore on Thursday (July 14) evening on a social visit pass reported Today. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) had made it clear that Mr Rajapaksa has not been granted asylum here, and that Singapore generally does not grant requests for asylum. Mr Rajapaksa had fled from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, to the Maldives on Wednesday, hours before he was due to resign following protests over the economic crisis that had afflicted the South Asian island state. He then travelled to Singapore on Thursday. Mr Rajapaksa's entry into Singapore has resurfaced questions about the nation's stance on asylum-seekers. TODAY spoke to several experts to find out more about how visits by beleaguered politicians are handled, and why Mr Rajapaksa was allowed to enter Singapore even though he had not sought asylum. IS MR RAJAPAKSA SEEKING ASYLUM HERE? MFA said in a statement on Thursday: "Mr Rajapaksa has been allowed entry into Singapore on a private visit. He has not asked for asylum and neither has he been granted asylum." Amnesty International states that an asylum-seeker is "a person who has left their country and is seeking protection from persecution and serious human rights violations in another country, but who hasn’t yet been legally recognised as a refugee and is waiting to receive a decision on their asylum claim". Former diplomats and academics approached by TODAY said that although Mr Rajapaksa has not requested asylum, it is within his rights as a passport holder to visit Singapore. Mr Bilahari Kausikan, a former permanent secretary at MFA, said that many nationalities can enter Singapore for various periods of time, depending on the conditions of their visa. "Any Sri Lankan citizen holding a valid passport can come to Singapore for a certain period of time without having to seek any particular permission... he's a normal person, a president is a citizen of his country," he said. He added that exceptions do apply, such as if the person is a wanted criminal. "He's not wanted for any crime, no Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization) red notice put up for him, so why should we not let him in?" Agreeing, Associate Professor Chong Ja Ian, who lectures on political science at the National University of Singapore, said that Singapore is also viewed as a popular transit location, which generally does not turn visitors away. "We are a major transit (and) transportation hub anyway, where people come in and go out," he said. "Unless there’s an overriding political reason or some other consideration, there is no reason to block an entry." HOW IS A SOCIAL VISIT DIFFERENT FROM SEEKING ASYLUM? A social visit is different from seeking asylum. A social visit is bound by the restrictions stipulated in the visa conditions of each traveller, whereas generally, those who seek asylum can stay in the host country for a longer period. The Singapore Visa website shows that Sri Lankan citizens such as Mr Rajapaksa are permitted to travel to Singapore visa-free for trips shorter than 30 days — for purposes such as tourism and leisure, to visit family and friends, and to seek medical treatments. People who are granted asylum will generally not have limits on how long they can stay in the country, as well as other "protections", Assoc Prof Chong said. The country will offer certain kinds of legal protections, such as not extraditing the person (making the person return for trial in the country where they have been accused of doing something illegal) or allowing the person some ability to settle or stay for an extended period, he added. Agreeing, Mr Kausikan said that the length of stay for asylum cases is “at the discretion of the country granting asylum.” However, he also said that a person can have his time in the country cut short should he commit any crime there. WHAT IS SINGAPORE'S STANCE ON ASYLUM-SEEKERS? Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam said in a written parliamentary reply in September last year: “As a small, densely populated country with limited land, Singapore is not in a position to accept any persons seeking political asylum or refugee status.” Assistant Professor Dylan Loh from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) said that Singapore’s current position on refugees and asylum seekers "is consistent with its belief of space limitations and also how a sudden influx of persons may upset the social and security balance of society". Asst Prof Loh, who is from NTU’s public policy and global affairs division, added that no exceptions can be made, because it would set a precedent for future cases. "There is no room for flexibility, even if it is for one person, because this can lead to further calls to open up or re-examine its stance." Mr Kausikan said that there is also no incentive for a country to accept people requesting asylum. Speaking about political asylum in general, he said: "Political asylum is a very subjective thing. It's extremely hard to determine what are the facts of (each) case... why get embroiled in a very messy situation (where) you don't know all the facts?" "There is nothing in it for us. What is the advantage for Singapore, a small, crowded country, and what is the interest we have (in accepting political asylum-seekers)?" HAVE THERE BEEN SIMILAR CASES IN THE PAST? There have been several cases in the past of political leaders who came to Singapore either as exiles or for medical treatments. None of these stays have been labelled as attempts to seek asylum. For instance, former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra, a fugitive living in self-imposed exile and convicted of various crimes in his home country, have been spotted in Singapore on several occasions, up to as late as March this year when he was here for a regular medical check-up, Bangkok Post reported. Thaksin was prime minister from 2001 to 2006, when he was overthrown in a military coup. Robert Mugabe, who was Zimbabwe’s first post-independence president and had ruled for nearly four decades until he was ousted in 2017, came to Singapore to seek medical treatment in 2019 and eventually died at Gleneagles Hospital here. There is also the case of Ibrahim Nasir, former president of the Maldives, who had gone into self-exile in Singapore in 1978, and reportedly stayed here until his death at the age of 82 in 2008 at Mount Elizabeth Hospital.

People are packed inside a domestic terminal of Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport in late June 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh Flight tickets to domestic destinations have become pricier than holiday fares, with rising global fuel prices adding fuel to high summer travel demand reports VN Express. For the past two weeks, Hoang Viet, who lives in Hanoi's Ha Dong District, has been checking flight ticket prices constantly so he could fly to Ho Chi Minh City and visit his relatives. However, he hasn't been able to find fares that he can afford. "If my family flies this month, it will take at least VND10 million ($426.35) for three people," he said. A round trip between Hanoi and HCMC costs VND3.4-6.2 million for economy class, with the lowest price range offered by budget airlines like Vietjet. The low prices are usually for flights that leave or arrive incredibly early in the morning or late at night. The base fares for Vietjet and Vietravel do not include check-in baggage. The higher fares on the route are charged by Vietnam Airlines. Current ticket prices are already higher than the VND2.5-4 million range during the Lunar New Year holiday earlier this year. Summertime travel demand has hiked fares to popular travel destinations including coastal towns. For example, a round trip between Hanoi and Nha Trang in the central coast costs VND3-6.7 million for the latter half of July. A round trip between Hanoi and Quy Nhon costs around VND2.7-5 million, while one between the capital city and Con Dao Island off the southern coast in the last week of July can cost as high as VND10 million. Ticket prices will tend to drop in August, industry insiders said. Tickets for international trips have also become expensive this summer. For the latter half of this month, a Hanoi-Bangkok round trip starts at VND5.5 million, and a Hanoi-Singapore round trip at VND5.3 million. Before the pandemic, passengers could easily purchase tickets for similar flights starting at VND3 million. Direct flights from Vietnam to Europe in September and October are also expensive, with a HCMC-Frankfurt trip starting at VND24 million, and a Hanoi-Paris trip starting at VND40 million. A representative for Vietravel Airlines said the soaring prices were necessary to cover costs. "Summertime is considered a time to make up for periods of low travel demand from August to November. It is simply a matter of revenue management and making sure our operations are stable," the rep said. Despite a quick recovery by domestic aviation and ongoing unreasonable prices, some carriers still want price ceilings expanded, saying the current ones are no longer appropriate. This is needed also because of rising world fuel prices, they argue. A Vietnam Airlines representative said current price ceilings were based on fuel costing around $80 a barrel, but actual prices are at around $140 a barrel. A Bamboo Airways rep said the aviation industry should not be held back by price ceilings and it was better to allow the market to decide prices. Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

Stills of a video footage showing a woman dancing at Phu Quoc Airport near a running airplane. The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has requested the compilation of a list of troublemakers who violate regulations so they can be banned from flying reported VN Express. In a recently issued directive on aviation safety and security, CAAV head Dinh Viet Thang said airport managements should look out for passengers who intentionally violate aviation regulations and deal with such cases strictly. Airports should step up monitoring of areas with high airplane activity as well as restricted areas, to prevent passengers from engaging in behaviors that undermine security and safety. "The crew needs to actively detect passengers that don't abide by the rules and report them to aviation authorities so that they can be dealt with as needed," the directive says. The directive comes after several incidents of passengers causing havoc at airports becoming known recently. Recent cases include a passenger putting a mobile phone against a plane window to capture pictures of clouds, and a woman dancing for a TikTok video at the Phu Quoc Airport tarmac, near a running airplane. When a phone is put against a plane window, sunlight may heat it up and cause it to explode, especially for a phone constantly recording things, while a person standing near a running airplane might get sucked into engines. People who violate aviation regulations are usually fined first, and if they refuse to pay the fine, banned from flying for certain periods of time. Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

MANILA -- Low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines on Friday announced the resumption of its services between Manila and Bali, Indonesia, and Bangkok, Thailand, beginning July 17. The carrier had planned to relaunch these routes last April. The resumption, however, got delayed as it depended on the easing of travel protocols, according to spokesperson Steve Dailisan. Twice weekly flights (Wednesday and Sunday) between the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) will be offered. AirAsia PH only flies via DMK in Bangkok. The flight from NAIA to DMK is scheduled at 5:35 p.m., while the return flight at 8:35 p.m. Flights to the Denpasar International Airport in Bali are also twice weekly every Friday and Sunday. Flight Z2 231 to Bali is scheduled at 9:15 p.m., while the return flight is at 11:40 p.m. Pre-pandemic, the airline flew 139,296 people to Bangkok, with a 92-percent load factor. In 2019, the carrier had a 90-percent load factor or 110,694 passengers to Bali. "Reopening our Bangkok and Bali routes is part of our aggressive route expansion strategy as we sustain the momentum to recovery," said AirAsia Philippines chief executive officer Ricky Isla in a statement. (PNA) Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

VISIBILITY. Two local police officers conduct foot patrol at the main beach of El Nido in Palawan as local and foreign tourists crowd the area to board their respective motor bancas. El Nido is a world-class tourist destination known for its white sand beaches and unspoiled lagoons. (Contributed photo) MANILA — The leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered all police chiefs and station commanders to increase visibility and crime prevention measures, especially in tourist spots. The order was issued in compliance with the directive of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to increase the deployment of police officers in tourism sites around the country to ensure that both local and foreign visitors are safe from criminal elements. "We understand the logic behind the order of our Commander-In-Chief, President Marcos, to ensure that all areas in the country, especially tourist spots, are safe because tourism plays a big part in the economic recovery plan of the new administration," PNP director for operations Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon said in a statement on Saturday. "Thus, the PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. wants to ensure that all of our police commanders down to the precinct level and municipal police stations comply," he added. De Leon said the security measures in the country's tourist destinations should supplement the prior reminders to all police commanders to regularly update crime mapping in their respective areas of responsibility (AORs). He added that this should be accompanied by increased intelligence gathering efforts to identify criminal elements and threat groups in various regions of the country. "Crime mapping is essential because it gives our commanders an advantage in preparing and implementing measures to prevent crimes at a specific time and location. This should be paired with reliable intelligence data about which groups are operating in particular areas," De Leon said. He also reminded police commanders to comply with the order of Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Benhur Abalos to intensify efforts to account for loose firearms in the country, stating that loose firearms are usually the primary weapon used to commit crimes. "Let's do our part for economic recovery by performing well in terms of peace and order, which will benefit our country," he stressed. (PNA) Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

Metro Rail Transit-3 (PNA file photo) MANILA – China on Sunday said it is “negotiating” with the Philippines over the funding of some infrastructure projects after a Philippine transport official bared that these were deemed “withdrawn” due to Beijing’s inaction on funding requests by the previous administration. The Chinese Embassy issued the clarification after Transport Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez revealed that the Philippines scrapped its loan applications for three big-ticket railways— the Philippine National Railways Bicol project, Subic-Clark Railway Project, and the first phase of the Mindanao Railway Project— due to Beijing’s unresponsiveness to its loan application since 2019. Chavez earlier said President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is looking at renegotiating the loans with Beijing or negotiating with other countries. In a statement, the Chinese Embassy did not explicitly mention the funding withdrawal but vowed to “tap its own advantage and support the Philippines to improve its infrastructure.” “Our two sides have been negotiating technical issues and made positive progress to move the projects forward,” the embassy said. The embassy said, “China is open for technical discussions over our G-to-G [government-to-government] projects, and is ready to carry our cooperation forward, in close communication with the Philippine new administration.” According to the embassy, China has helped the Philippines complete 17 projects while more than 20 projects are under implementation or in progress. “Over the past two years, Covid-19 has impacted implementation of some projects, hindering the site availability, causing delays of procurement, affecting goods mobility, and so on. Despite those difficulties and challenges, our two sides have worked tirelessly to push the projects forward and yielded rich outcomes, spanning from anti-pandemic response, disaster relief to infrastructure, agriculture, and other fields,” the embassy said. New era of friendship The Chinese Embassy described the phone conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Marcos on May 18 and recent high-level visits as having ushered in “a new era of China-Philippine friendship.” “Governments of the two countries are dedicated to further enhancing friendship and mutual trust, adhering to good-neighborliness, and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation. China’s policy towards the Philippines has always been and will continue to be consistent and stable as ever,” the embassy said. The Chinese Embassy expressed confidence that “continuity” would be secured in relations between two countries as well as the bilateral practical cooperation. “Looking forward, China will build on the past fruition and further our cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, energy, people-to-people exchange, and other fields,” it added. Chavez said China's funding commitment for the railway projects was "deemed canceled" as China has been unresponsive to the Philippine government's loan application since 2019. He said the Chinese bank was asking for 3-percent interest on the loans, much higher than the 0.01-percent rate charged by Japan. (PNA) Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

Boracay Island The world-renowned Philippines island with its white sand and blue waters is one of the top wedding and honeymoon destinations in the country. Aside from lounging at the beach with a drink in hand to catch a breathtaking sunset, travellers can enjoy myriad other adventures such as sampling the vibrant nightlife and enjoying the local cuisine from its choices of restaurants. For some quality couple time, travellers can explore quieter beaches such as Diniwid, Puka, Ilig-Iligan or Balinghai, or enjoy activities such as diving, snorkeling, and parasailing. Some resorts can also set up a special seaside dinner for two. Batanes Island Each Batanes attraction is picture-perfect and offers many romantic activities. The wide-open spaces at Rakuh-a-Payahman (also called communal pastureland) and Vayang Rolling Hills give you a clear view of forever under the blue due to its vast landscapes and seascapes. Perhaps, the tallest structures in Batanes are its most romantic ones – its lighthouses, set against a dramatic backdrop of the sky makes for great couple photo opportunities. Couples can bike through the island to explore its breathtaking grandeur or book a boat ride to Sabtang Island to visit vernacular stone houses that were built to withstand any storm and use only local building materials. SABTANG LIGHTHOUSE, BATANES Sicogon Island For a relaxing island experience, take a trip to Iloilo’s tropical gems Sicogon Island and Isla de Gigantes. Be swept off your feet with the gorgeous vistas at Sicogon’s Barangay Buwaya Beach, with powder-fine sand leading to unbelievably clear waters. Fall in love with the rustic life of the fishing community and commune with nature at the rock formations and craggy peak of Mt. Opao. Islas de Gigantes is another destination for nature lovers who will enjoy its offbeat charm and the friendly hospitality of the local communities. Book a boat ride to enjoy the tranquillity of the secluded beaches at Antonia, Cabugaw Gamay Island, and Bantigue or climb the lighthouse found at the island’s Northern part for a clear, calm view of the seas. Intramuros Manila If you prefer a city vacation, then why not promenade along the cobbled streets of Intramuros to get a feel of its old-world charm. You may also imbibe the timeless beauty of this historic city on a bike ride, as it passes through notable landmarks such as the Baluarte de San Diego, Plaza Mexico, and Puerto Real. Visit the centuries-old churches San Agustin and Manila Cathedral that are both popular for weddings and take dramatic dusk photos at the ramparts and garden of Fort Santiago. Book a romantic dinner at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant or at the La Cathedral Café to cap a perfectly romantic day. Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

The Dot Property Mega Sale opened on Thursday and runs until July 20th in the Fashion gallery at the Mega Bangna shopping centre outside Bangkok. We caught up with Adam Sutcliffe Dot Property's Director of Events to find out what to expect at the expo. 20220714_133812.mp4

Open until July 20th the 2022 Dot Property Show is promoting property in London, Portugal and in several regions of Thailand including Phuket, Pattaya and Bangkok. Here is a quick tour of the show. 20220714_132343.mp4

Bukidnon Instead of staying in a hotel, why not try a romantic vacation under a canopy of stars and a natural ambiance at the glamping sites that are available in Bukidnon. The cool climes make it perfect for snuggling together in the glamp tents that are set up in the mountains or overlooking the grand Bukidnon landscapes. Taglucop Strawberry Hills lets you wake up to a field of flowers and fruits, serenaded by the relaxing calm that is characteristic of the Bukidnon province. Weekday rates are at P9,800/tent, which can accommodate up to four people. Weekend and holiday rates are at P10,800. Packages include breakfast, welcome drinks or wine with grazing board, and mineral water Dahilayan Forest Park has cabin-like tents that offer a treetop view. Even while you are surrounded by nature, the glamping sites offer top-notch service and delicious dishes made from the fresh produce of the area. Abbey of the Transfiguration While in Bukidnon, take a sight-seeing trip to the other tourist attractions of the Province such as Lake Pinamaloy in Don Carlos, and the solemn beauty of the Abbey of the Transfiguration in Malaybalay City. Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

In this file photo taken on Jan 3, 2020, Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa makes his first policy address at the national parliament after his landslide electoral victory, in Colombo. (Photo: AFP/Ishara S Kodikara) SINGAPORE: Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived in Singapore on Thursday (Jul 14) from the Maldives after fleeing his country the day before reported CNA. Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) confirmed in a media statement shortly after 8pm that Mr Rajapaksa had entered Singapore on a "private visit". "He has not asked for asylum and neither has he been granted any asylum. Singapore generally does not grant requests for asylum," said an MFA spokesperson. In a statement, the Singapore Police Force reiterated that Mr Rajapaksa "is here on a private visit". "He is on a social visit pass," the police said. "Police ask that the public, Singaporeans, residents, work pass holders and social visitors alike, abide by our local laws." "Action will be taken against anyone participating in a public assembly that is illegal." Sri Lankans can travel to Singapore without a visa for trips shorter than 30 days. When CNA arrived at Changi Airport Terminal 3 at 5.45pm, there was a small number of Sri Lankan nationals waiting outside the arrival gates. The crowd, which included naturalised Singapore citizens, grew to about 20 as the arrival time of flight SV788 - the Saudi flight Mr Rajapaksa was reportedly on - drew closer. According to the flight schedule board at the airport, the flight landed at 7.17pm. It had been scheduled to arrive at 6.48pm but was delayed several times. According to passengers from flight SV788 CNA spoke to, they were dropped off at Terminal 2 and then ushered onto a Skytrain towards Terminal 3. Saudi, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, normally operates out of Terminal 3. A Saudi airline Boeing 787 Dreamliner believed to be carrying Sri Lanka's president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, his wife and two bodyguards arrives at Changi International Airport in Singapore on Jul 14, 2022. (Photo: AFP/Roslan Rahman) Sri Lanka nationals CNA spoke to expressed frustration over Mr Rajapaksa’s no-show at the arrival gates. Some had rushed down from work hoping to catch a glimpse of Mr Rajapaksa and waited for nearly two hours for the flight to arrive. One man told CNA that he had gone to the airport at about 6.45am as reports had initially suggested Mr Rajapaksa would arrive in the morning. When reports later in the day said Mr Rajapaksa was not on that flight, the man left the airport and returned at about 6.30pm. “He cannot do anything in Singapore, so I want to see where he can hide," said the 32-year-old, who declined to be named. Despite their frustrations, some said they were not surprised the president did not show up. “He’s deceitful and he has always been deceitful. It’s nothing new for us. And this time, he’s deceived us again by not appearing,” said one 37-year-old engineer, who also declined to be named. His friend, who only wanted to be known as Max, said they had come from work and had been waiting for nearly two hours. “He ran away from the country … ran away from the problems, problems he created,” said Max. Another 35-year-old Sri Lanka national, who did not give his name, said he wanted to show the president that he cannot run away from what he has created in the past two years in the country. Media reports had said earlier he was scheduled to land in Singapore on Thursday morning on a Singapore Airlines flight, but one Sri Lanka media outlet, citing sources from the Maldives, reported later that Mr Rajapaksa and his wife did not get on that flight due to "security concerns".