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(PNA file photo) MANILA – The number of young Filipinos appears to be significantly lower in recent years, while that of the elderly has been expanding, the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) has noted. The agency said the Philippine “population pyramid” is currently constricting at the bottom, which consists of Filipino children ages zero to 4; while it is increasing at the top, reflecting the part of the senior citizens as they continue to register growth and doubling in numbers in the last 20 years. Citing a recent Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) report, POPCOM derived that the percentage share of Filipino children under 5 is now down to 10.2 percent in 2020 from 10.8 percent in 2015, and 12.6 percent in 2000. In the last two decades, the percentage in the population of Filipinos under 15 has dropped from a 37-percent share in 2000 to 30.7 percent in 2020. Meanwhile, the median age of Filipinos also went up to 25.3 years old, from 23.3 years old in 2010, continuing a 30-year trend of increasing median age of Filipinos, according to PSA. In 2020, Filipinos 60 years of age and older comprised 8.5 percent of the population, or 9.2 million. That year saw the doubling of the country’s aging citizens’ numbers from 2000, when they represented just 5.9 percent of the national population at 4.5 million. In 2015, 24.4 percent or 5,606,500 of the 22,975,630 households nationwide had at least one member who was a senior citizen. “The dynamics of the Philippine population continue to see lower levels of fertility, as evidenced by the decline in numbers of children under 5 years old,” POPCOM Executive Director Juan A. Perez III said in a statement on Sunday. “The high fertility levels of the last two decades were projected to create a bulge of young people entering the workforce up to 2035. This could prove to be a boon for the country if they become effective workers, or a lost generation if they are not employed or are underemployed, which will create a socioeconomic burden for a smaller, employed population,” he added. The POPCOM chief said the most current statistics point at the effectiveness of the Philippines’ family planning program, as evidenced by the lower number of children born since 2015. As it was derived in the first year of the pandemic, that figure, he believes, may be further down in 2021. The latest PSA data also showed a steady growth in the Philippines’ working-age population, as the 15 to 64 age group now makes up 63.9 percent of Filipinos -- slightly higher from 63.3 percent in 2015, and 59.1 percent in 2000. Women of reproductive age, or those 15 to 49 years old, are also at a record high in 2020 figures, which stood at 27.8 million -- a jump from 26 million in 2015. Perez, as the undersecretary of population and development or POPDEV, welcomed this as an opportunity for more Filipino women to further augment the country’s potential number of working citizens. (PR)

According to Numbeo the cost-of-living website, you would need around only about Baht87,588.50 (137,995.51₱) in Manila to maintain the same standard of life that you can have Baht110,000.00 in Bangkok (assuming you rent in both cities). Numbeo was launched in 2009 and is the world's largest cost of living database. This calculation uses the Numbeo cost of Living Plus Rent Index to compare cost of living. This assumes net earnings (after income tax). How much does it cost to live in Manila per month? File photo of Manila Summary about cost of living in Manila, Philippines: Family of four estimated monthly costs are Baht64,581 (101,521₱) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are Baht18,501 (29,084₱) without rent. How much does it cost to live in Bangkok per month? File photo of Bangkok Summary about cost of living in Bangkok, Thailand: Family of four estimated monthly costs are Baht 75,970.66 without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 21,099.82฿ without rent. Of course, these figures are average figures supplied by Numbeo and could differ depending on your lifestyle. Bangkok is 26.95% more expensive than Pattaya (without rent). Rent in Bangkok is, on average, 90.58% higher than in Pattaya. How much does renting cost in Manila Philippines? Monthly rents of units in row houses can range from PHP 15,000 to PHP 30,000 per month depending on the square footage. Spacious units in mid- and high-rises, on the other hand, have monthly rental rates of PHP 30,000 to PHP 40,000 per month. Average Rent Per Month in Bangkok. Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre Baht19,209.21 Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre Baht9,729.73 Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre Baht73,014.67 Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre Baht32,344.83 How far does $100 go in the Philippines? In the Philippines, USD $100 Can Get You: 2-3 nights' stay in a three-star Cebu or Manila hotel. 1-3 one-way trips on a Philippines budget air carrier. 100-150 Filipino beers. In Thailand, USD $100 Can Get You: 10-15 meals from any number of Bangkok Street food stalls 300 Thai beers 2-5 nights in a three-star Phuket beach resort 60-140 one-way trips on the Bangkok rail system (BTS/MRT). 2-3 one-way flights between Bangkok and Phuket. In summary consumer prices in Manila are 23.94% lower than in Bangkok (without rent). Consumer Prices Including Rent in Manila are still 20.37% lower than in Bangkok. However, restaurant prices in Manila are 3.86% higher than in Bangkok. So overall although it costs more to live in Bangkok, at least you get a lot more beers.

This week we reported that civil servants were leaving their jobs in droves, unable to make ends meet on their meager salaries, knowing their abilities can guarantee jobs with higher incomes elsewhere. Handling anything from legislation to road transportation or inland revenue to childcare, all these vital services could be at risk and the Government should be realistic when creating a wage structure for their workers. State workers at the People's Committee office of Thu Duc in Ho Chi Minh City, August 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran The report quoted how Tran Cong Hoang, 32, despite his relatively senior position as a manager, had quit his job at a state agency in Ho Chi Minh City last year after six years. After finishing college in 2012, Hoang was sent to Australia for a postgraduate course on a government scholarship with the condition that he must return to Vietnam and work for state agencies for at least five years after finishing it. Hoang returned to Vietnam in 2016 and began working for a state department in the city for a salary of VND3 million ($130) per month. Five years later his salary was increased to around VND5.5 million per month plus an allowance for managers. The salary could not even cover the monthly expenses incurred for his newborn, Hoang said. Hoang is among 2,188 employees who quit working at state agencies in HCMC last year, according to the municipal Home Affairs Department. The figure was even higher in 2020 at 2,400. From 2017 until last year, the city had lost more than 2,000 state employees a year on average. In most cases, they cited low income, an unattractive working environment, and the lack of opportunity for career development as the main reasons for quitting. Despite their low salaries, state workers in HCMC wards and communes are given a lot of work, given the city’s high population. On average, a civil servant in the city serves 346 residents compared to the national figure of 152. The average population of a district in HCMC is 239,000 higher than the national average. Though the city has tried diverse ways to raise incomes for this group, their salaries have stayed around VND5-6 million per month, which makes it extremely hard to ask them to stay on and keep working, she said. Huynh Thanh Nhan, director of HCMC’s Home Affairs, said state agencies have been facing "huge" challenges in attracting and retaining experienced and high-quality staff due to competition from the private sector. Besides, working in state agencies requires employees to follow different rules and they have the pressure of being disciplined and warned, he added. Hoang, who'd completed his master’s degree in Australia, found a job with a private corporation after quitting his city government job. His basic salary is three times higher and there are months his income rises to more than VND30 million based on his performance. "Leaving (a government job) was such a sound decision," he said. These examples show that the government must act quickly otherwise Vietnam’s civil service will not be able to retain its staff. The problems with nurses are similar. Get a job in the private sector and double or even triple your monthly income. So, what incentive will the government offer and how quickly???

Pi Jiapeng and Siriwipa Pansuk after their arrest and handover to police in Singapore on Aug 11, 2022. (Photos: CNA/ Calvin Oh) SINGAPORE: A fugitive couple allegedly involved in a luxury goods scam in which dozens of people lost millions of dollars have been arrested in Malaysia and handed over to the Singapore Police Force (SPF) after more than five weeks on the run reports CNA. SPF said on Thursday (Aug 11) that it has been working closely with various foreign law enforcement agencies to secure the couple’s return to Singapore. A warrant of arrest was issued on Jul 16 against Singaporean Pi Jiapeng and his wife, Thai national Siriwipa Pansuk, who were associated with two companies Tradenation and Tradeluxury. SPF said it received information from the Royal Thai Police on Wednesday that the pair may be staying in a hotel in Johor Bahru. "The SPF immediately sought the assistance of the Royal Malaysia Police to locate the couple. The warrant of arrest was executed by the Royal Malaysia Police in Johor Bahru on (Thursday)," it added. When CNA arrived at the Woodlands Checkpoint just before 6pm on Thursday, two police cars were seen at the arrival bus concourse. The Royal Malaysia Police handed the couple over to SPF at about 6pm. Pi, 26, and 27-year-old Pansuk were escorted to police cars at about 6.20pm. Both did not speak to the media as they walked past reporters. Pi Jiapeng after his arrest and handover to police in Singapore on Aug 11, 2022. (Photo: CNA/ Calvin Oh) Investigations are ongoing, said the police. The couple faces charges of criminal conspiracy to commit cheating and illegal departure from Singapore. They will be charged in court on Friday. "The Singapore authorities will do whatever is necessary and permissible under Singapore law to pursue and bring to justice those who commit crimes in Singapore, regardless of where they might have fled to," said the police. "We will also not hesitate to take firm action against fraudsters." Originally arrested in June Pi was first arrested in June for his suspected involvement in cheating offences. His Singapore passport was impounded, and he was then released on bail. Pansuk also surrendered her passport to police officers and was assisting with investigations. The couple subsequently became uncontactable and fled Singapore via Tuas Checkpoint on Jul 4. They hid in the container compartment of a Malaysia-registered lorry. Both of them were listed on Interpol’s red notice website on Jul 21. At least 180 reports have been made to the police about the scam involving two companies – Tradenation and Tradeluxury. While some media reports said the total value of the undelivered luxury watches and bags was S$32 million, CNA understands that victims who made police reports have not received goods worth at least S$20 million as of Jul 17. Two men who are accused of helping the couple flee Singapore have said that they intend to plead guilty. Malaysians Mohamad Fazli Abdul Rahman, 38, and Mohamed Alias, 40, appeared before a district court earlier this month. Mohamad Fazli has been charged with conspiring with Mohamed Alias to arrange for Pansuk and Pi to hide in the container compartment of a Malaysia-registered lorry. Mohamed Alias also faces two charges of helping the couple flee Singapore by driving the lorry through Tuas Checkpoint on Jul 4. They will return to court later this month.

An employee operates a gas pump at a station in Ho Chi Minh City, February 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran Vietnam gasoline prices on Thursday dropped 3.6-3.8% to the lowest since Feb. 11 as global rates kept falling. According to VN Express a liter of popular RON 95 gasoline now costs VND24,660 ($1.05), down VND940, while that of biofuel E5 RON 95 costs VND23,720, down VND900. Thursday’s was the fifth consecutive downward adjustment made to gasoline prices. Compared to this year’s peak on June 21, prices have fallen by 24.22-24.98%. Prices of diesel and kerosine also dropped 4.4-5.2%. On the global market, gasoline prices have decreased marginally in the last 10 days, according to data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Finance. On the global market WTI crude futures slipped toward $91 per barrel Thursday as concerns over supply disruptions eased and markets looked for evidence of improving fuel demand, Reuters reported.

A family spends the Reunification holiday at the Saigon Zoo, April 30, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Nhat Thuc For the first time in months, Vietnam is among the top four countries with the highest number of recorded Covid-19 cases in a week, the WHO said Wednesday. VN Express reported that Vietnam has been recording over 571,000 new Covid-19 cases a week on average, which is only behind South Korea (713,000 cases), the U.S. (760,000 cases) and Japan (1.4 million cases), according to a World Health Organization report. But the report did not mention Vietnam among countries with top Covid deaths. The WHO said the high numbers of recorded cases in Vietnam were partly because of extra data provided by certain localities, which were recorded since February. Over the past week, the northern port city of Hai Phong added another 402,830 cases to its tally and the northern province of Thai Nguyen added another 152,485 cases, the Ministry of Health said. Vietnam records around 2,000 new Covid-19 cases a day on average over the past week, the ministry added. There has been a spike in the number of new Covid-19 cases as reported on Thursday, with 6,775 new cases, which is three times that of the average number of new cases recorded in the previous week, the ministry said. However, a data revealed that the spike was the result of Nghe An Province adding another 4,408 new cases to the national database. Vietnam has recorded over 11.3 million Covid-19 cases so far, with over 43,000 deaths. The country has lifted all Covid restrictions and life has resumed almost to pre-pandemic normal.

TOUR GUIDES TRAINING. The Department of Tourism-Central Luzon (DOT-3) trains tour guides for the World War II tour in this undated photo. The DOT-3 will soon launch a World War II historical tour project to boost tourism in Central Luzon. (Photo courtesy of DOT Region 3) CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Department of Tourism-Central Luzon (DOT-3) will soon launch a new tourism circuit to boost the tourism industry in the region. DOT-3 Regional Director Carolina Uy said on Thursday they are developing a World War II historical tour that will cover the significant sites in the region. The historical sites, Uy said, include Mt. Samat, Corregidor Island, Capas National Shrine, and other landmarks in Clark, Pampanga, and Nueva Ecija. She said the DOT-3 has trained guides for the World War II tour that will be instrumental in reliving history for tourists. “They will serve as storytellers that will bring us back to the World War II era. This is one of the projects that we are excited to launch, hopefully, late this year,” she said in a radio interview. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, Uy said the DOT-3 is continuously developing programs that will help revive the tourism industry in Central Luzon. She said the DOT-3 had validated some new and emerging tourist destinations in the region. The DOT official said one of the trends that emerged during the pandemic is the patronage of tourists for wide and open spaces like farms, eco-tourism sites, and glamping sites, which Central Luzon now offers in support of moves toward economic recovery. “We are on the road toward recovery, and we have figures to show that,” she said. She said there is a 64 percent increase in tourist arrivals or 1,261,030 in the region during the third semester of this year as against the same period last year. (PNA)

MANILA – The ten close contacts of the first monkeypox case in the country are still undergoing the required quarantine period. “And [they] have remained asymptomatic,” the Department of Health told reporters on Thursday in a Viber message. On July 29, the DOH reported the first monkeypox case – a 31-year-old Filipino who arrived from overseas on July 19. “To date, there has been no new case of monkeypox in the country,” the DOH said. The World Health Organization has declared monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared public health emergency over America because it is one of the countries with the greatest number of monkeypox cases. Unlike coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), monkeypox is spread through close or intimate contact with someone infected. In a televised public briefing Thursday, former National Task Force Against Covid-19 adviser, Dr. Ted Herbosa, said the government had asked the American government if it can supply the country vaccines against monkeypox. “There are two brands, smallpox vaccine. This is not specific to monkeypox, but it is seen effective when you’re exposed, to prevent developing monkeypox,” he said. Herbosa said the jabs are not given to everyone as these are administered post-exposure to monkeypox cases. Post-exposure vaccine or post-exposure vaccination protects uninfected individuals from having the infection they have been exposed to. “So, I hope our Department of Health will try to acquire some of these. We have not acquired them; they are not yet registered with the FDA [Food and Drug Administration]. So, I hope our Department of Health will try to acquire some of these in case we need them here in the Philippines,” he said. He added that at present, there is no community transmission of monkeypox in the country. On Wednesday night, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. presided over a meeting with DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire and Director for Epidemiology Bureau Alethea De Guzman to discuss updates on the country’s Covid-19 situation and the preparations for preventing the spread of monkeypox and dengue. Marcos earlier allayed fears on the monkeypox virus, saying it is "not as scary as Covid." (With reports from Azer Parrocha/PNA)

GROWTH FORECAST REVISION. Fitch Solutions revises upwards its 2022 growth forecast for the Philippines from 6.1 percent to 6.6 percent due to higher-than-expected economic growth in the first half of the year. Risks to growth are seen on the downside due to possible impact of the rising Covid-19 cases and any escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. (PNA file photo) MANILA – Fitch Solutions Country Risk and Industry Research hiked its 2022 economic growth forecast for the Philippines following the better-than-expected output in the first half despite challenges, such as elevated inflation rate. In a report released on Thursday, Fitch Solutions now sees a 6.6-percent growth for the domestic economy this year, within the government’s 6.5 to 7.5 percent target band. Its previous forecast was 6.1 percent. However, it projects slower growth in the second half of the year given the expected slowdown of the global economy, tightening global monetary conditions, and high energy prices. The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) slowed to 7.4 percent in the second quarter from the previous three months’ 8.2 percent, bringing the first half average to 7.8 percent. On a quarter-on-quarter seasonally adjusted basis, domestic output in the second quarter stood at -0.1 percent compared to the 1.9 percent from January to March this year. The report said the growth deceleration is in line with Fitch Solutions’ projection “but the magnitude was lesser than we expected.” “Our forecast reflects our expectations that H222 (second half 2022) growth will moderate relative to the 7.8 percent y-o-y (year-on-year) growth print in H122,” it said. The report said growth in the first half of the year benefited from the continued reopening of the economy, spending related to the May national polls, as well as the accommodative monetary policy, which buoyed consumption and investment. “These tailwinds helped offset external headwinds stemming from elevated energy prices, a slowdown in the world economy, and tightening global monetary conditions. However, we believe that these tailwinds will continue to fade over the coming months, while growth headwinds intensify, leading to slower growth in H222,” it added. Fitch Solutions expects the country’s exports to post slower expansion this year at about 6 percent compared to the 7.8 percent last year, and the 7.4 percent in the first half of the year on expectations for a global growth slowdown. The report said exports grew by 1 percent last July from 6.4 percent in the previous month, which was attributed to drop in sales for electrical. It said electronic equipment historically accounts for around 51 percent of the country’s total exports. The report said elevated energy prices will continue to weigh on domestic savings and on investment given that the country is a net importer of energy. “Elevated energy prices have led to (a) drastic increase in the Philippines’ import bill, and, in turn, widening the trade deficit,” it said. Also, households’ purchasing power is seen to be eroded by the accelerating inflation rate, which posted a further uptick last July to 6.4 percent from the previous month’s 6.1 percent. The average inflation to date stood at 4.7 percent, higher than the government’s 2-4 percent target range. Monthly rate of price increases surpassed the government’s target band since last April when it rose to 4.9 percent. “Against the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and adverse weather conditions in a number of food-producing countries in the region, energy and food prices will continue to be a significant source of upward pressure in the Philippines,” it said. With inflation expected to remain elevated, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and other central banks are seen to further tighten key rates, which would impact on investment and private consumption. BSP’s policy-making Monetary Board (MB) has increased the central bank’s key policy rates by 125 basis points so far this year. Fitch Solutions forecasts additional 100 basis points to bring the overnight reverse repurchase (RRP) facility rate to 4.25 percent by end-2022. Amid these challenges, Fitch Solutions said risks to the economy’s expansion this year are on the downside due in part to rising cases of coronavirus disease 2019, which may prompt the government to implement movement restrictions, which then will likely impact on domestic growth. It said any escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict “may cause further upside volatility to energy prices, further weighing on investment appetite and the Philippines’ trade position.” (PNA)

The Philippines seems to be heading in the right direction with recent GDP figures showing the country second overall in the region with only Vietnam posting better increases. The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 7.4 percent in the second quarter of 2022, as the economy recovered strongly with loosened pandemic restrictions boosting economic activities. In a press briefing this week, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said while the second-quarter economic growth was slightly lower than the median forecast of 7.5 percent for this year, the Philippines was the second-best performing nation among the region's major emerging economies that have released their reports in 2022. Balisacan said the country was next to Vietnam’s 7.7 percent, but faster than Indonesia’s 5.4 percent and China’s 0.4 percent. The GDP growth rate for the January to March period has been revised to 8.2 percent. It averaged 7.8 percent in the first half of the year. The economy posted a 5.9-percent pre-pandemic growth in 2019. 5th in 2020 These were the 2020 figures according to data supplied by Southeast Asia (SEA) Rank Country 2020 GDP (PPP) billions of USD 1 Indonesia $3,328 2 Thailand $1,261 3 Vietnam $1,047 4 Malaysia $988 5 Philippines $933 6 Singapore $578 7 Myanmar $275 8 Cambodia $74 9 Laos $59 10 Brunei $28 11 Timor-Leste $5 Total $8,493 The economy of the Philippines is the world's 32nd largest economy by nominal GDP according to the International Monetary Fund 2021 and the 12th largest economy in Asia, and the 3rd largest economy in the ASEAN after Indonesia and Thailand. The Philippines is ranked 84th in the world according to the Legatum Prosperity Index 2021. Worldwide gross domestic product in 2021 was at about 12.259 US Dollar per capita. In contrast, the GDP in the Philippines reached 3.549 US dollars per inhabitant, or 394.09 bn US Dollar in the whole country. The Philippines is therefore currently ranked 36 of the major economies. The top country is surprisingly Guyana. And with the war in Ukraine and oil prices at a 10-year high, this year Guyana is still set to maintain its status as the world's fastest-growing economy for the third year in a row, with a GDP growth rate of over 47%.

MANILA – The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 7.4 percent in the second quarter of 2022, as the economy recovered strongly with loosened pandemic restrictions boosting economic activities. In a press briefing Tuesday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said while the second-quarter economic growth was slightly lower than the median forecast of 7.5 percent for this year, the Philippines was the second-best performing nation among the region's major emerging economies that have released their reports. Balisacan said the country was next to Vietnam’s 7.7 percent, but faster than Indonesia’s 5.4 percent and China’s 0.4 percent. The GDP growth rate for the January to March period has been revised to 8.2 percent. It averaged 7.8 percent in the first half of the year. The economy posted a 5.9-percent pre-pandemic growth in 2019. “Timely changes in Covid-related policies, such as easing alert levels, removing tourism restrictions, and accelerated vaccine rollout, helped increase economic activities. As of June 2022, around 85 percent of the economy is already under Alert Level 1. That these changes were implemented during the recently held national and local elections demonstrate that, indeed, ‘living with the virus’ is possible,” Balisacan said. He said the full reopening of the economy will generate more income-earning opportunities. “But the purchasing power of that income may be eroded by the high inflation, primarily resulting from increased fuel and food costs. Consequently, the government is focused on ensuring food security and reducing transport, planning, and energy costs,” he said. Balisacan, chief of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), remained optimistic that the economy can grow within revised expected 6.5 to 7.5 percent this year despite headwinds, particularly inflation, citing some positive developments like the decline in energy prices in the world market. “Nearly 70 percent of our economy is really consumption, and services account for 60 percent of the economy so you are likely to have growth and the rest of the economy for the remainder of the year largely coming from the domestic front,” he added. Balisacan said the economy needs to expand 5.3 percent in the second semester to achieve the 6.5-percent growth, which is “very highly achievable.” The GDP, on the other hand, needs to accelerate 7.2 percent in July to December to hit the upper end of this year’s growth target, he said. National Statistician Dennis Mapa said the country’s GDP stood at PHP9.6 trillion at constant prices in the first semester of 2022, higher compared to the 2019 first semester of PHP9.49 trillion. At current prices, GDP current value reached PHP10.32 trillion in the first semester this year from PHP9.29 trillion during the same period in 2019, he said. “So, the first semester of 2022 both in the current prices and constant prices are already higher compared to the pre-pandemic level,” he added. Meanwhile, Balisacan said all sectors on the production side expanded in the second quarter, driven by the services and industry sectors at 9.1 percent and 6.3 percent, respectively. He cited the recovery of the services sectors that have been hit hard by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19)-induced restrictions. “Transport, accommodation, food service, and other services have shown continued yet slow signs of recovery to their pre-pandemic levels,” Balisacan said. He said the increase in foot traffic in retail and recreation centers, given improvements in mobility and easing of border restrictions, supported the faster growth in wholesale and retail trade. Balisacan said the agriculture sector was still weak at 0.2 percent growth as the sector remains vulnerable to natural calamities and rising input costs. “Given the agriculture sector's weak performance, the government will provide support through lower input costs, access to new farming technologies, financial assistance to farmers, and strengthening the agricultural value chain,” he added. (With a report from Wilnard Bacelonia/PNA)

(File photo) MANILA – The Philippine Travel Mart (PTM), one of the country's longest-running travel exhibitions, will hold its 2022 edition starting Sept. 30. The expo, which will run until Oct. 2 at SMX Convention Center, will feature more than 200 exhibitors and promises accommodation, flights, as well as, domestic and international travel packages at discounted prices. "We've been waiting for a long time and now is the perfect time to travel again, support local businesses, and explore the Philippines and beyond," Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) president Fe Abling-Yu said. Abling-Yu said the expo this year is targeted to match the PTM held prior to the pandemic. The expo had been staged for the last two years but exhibitors only reached over 50 both in 2020 and 2021. "Pre-pandemic we had over 200 exhibitors then. So, we are a bit close to the pre-pandemic level now," Abling-Yu said. The expo's layout features designated zones for various tourism products such as sun and beach, marine sports, cruise; health, wellness, culinary; cultural, farm tourism; entertainment and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). Overseas Exhibitors Also included in this year's PTM offers are tour packages in Bali, Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh as well as Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, on the sidelines of the PTM launch, said the Philippines could compete with Southeast Asian neighbors and leading tourist destinations in the region. "If you put our country side by side with our main competitors in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region, our offerings are almost the same if not better. In that, we have beaches, natural resources, beautiful people, beautiful products, various destinations," she said. To further position the country as a top tourist destination, she told stakeholders that the DOT would introduce programs to improve the overall tourist experience in the country. Aligned with the PTM's 2022 theme "Safe Travels," Frasco also assured travelers that she personally instructed concerned offices to ensure that tourist sites in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are "safe and well-equipped to receive guests". "We will also provide a convenient and better tourism experience for both foreign and domestic travelers through standardized travel protocols," she said. "We have reached out to the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government), the Bureau of Immigration, and the Bureau of Quarantine to ensure that our entry protocols are reasonable, are consistent throughout the country, and will encourage, not dissuade, tourists from coming to the Philippines and going from place to place across our country," she added. (PNA)

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (File photo) MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has rejected the proposal of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to import 300,000 metric tons (MT) of sugar despite the current local supply deficit, Malacañang said Wednesday. “The President rejected the proposal to import an additional 300,000 MT of sugar,” Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said in a press statement. Philippine sugar plantation Marcos, concurrent Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, is also the chairperson of the Sugar Regulatory Board. Cruz-Angeles issued the statement following reports that Marcos supposedly approved the proposal. “He (Marcos) is the chairman of the Sugar Regulatory Board and denied this in no uncertain terms,” she added. Retail prices of sugar are currently beyond PHP100 per kilogram in wet markets and grocery stores. Traditionally, the retail prices of sugar are only PHP50 per kilo. Last month, Marcos acknowledged that the Philippines has not been producing sufficient palay (rice), corn, livestock, and fish. He, however, said he wants the government to cut down food imports to the barest minimum. He said importation will be done not as a price stabilization measure, but “a strategic food supply measure.” (PNA)

Tourist boats dock at Tuan Chau Wharf in Ha Long Bay, August 10, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Phuong Thao Quang Ninh Province closed public beaches while tourism activities at tourist hotspots Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Island were halted from Wednesday afternoon due to the impacts of Storm Mulan reported VN Express. Mulan, the second storm to enter Vietnamese waters this year, is forecast to enter the Gulf of Tonkin at 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, bringing heavy rains to the northern region over the next three days. Quang Ninh, home to Ha Long Bay, and the port city of Hai Phong will be the first localities to be hit by the storm. Authorities in Ha Long Town ordered all tourist cruise ships on the bay to suspend operation from Wednesday afternoon. Around 20,000 tourists are now in Ha Long. In Co To Island, around 80 kilometers from the mainland, Do Huy Thong, vice chairperson of the island district said that many tourists had left the island, but there are still more than 260 domestic tourists left. "District authorities have informed tourists about the storm and boat schedules so they can decide to return to the mainland or stay on the island," Thong said. Hoang Trung Cuong, vice chairperson of Cat Hai District in Hai Phong, said all tourism activities on Cat Ba Island have been suspended. Around 1,000 tourists, including 81 foreigners, are on the island. Local authorities advised tourists to leave the island by 4 p.m. Wednesday to avoid being stranded due to the impacts of the storm. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Mulan will move between Leizhou Peninsula and Hainan Island at a speed of 65 kph before entering Quang Ninh Province. The Hong Kong Observatory concurred but expected winds of 85 kph. Vietnam's national forecasting center said the coast between Quang Ninh and Hai Phong will see winds of 40-60 kph from Wednesday night and through Thursday. The entire northern region and two north-central provinces of Thanh Hoa and Nghe An will receive rainfall of 100-200 millimeters, and 250 millimeters in some places during the period.

A satellite image of storm Mulan in Vietnam's waters, 5.30 p.m. August 10, 2022. Photo courtesy of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting Localities from the northern to the northern central regions have been requested to gear up personnel and equipment for Storm Mulan, which is predicted to enter the Gulf of Tonkin. Storm Mulan is set to hit Vietnam’s northern coast, from Quang Ninh to Nam Dinh, at around 4 a.m. Thursday with wind speeds of up to 74 kilometers per hour. It was centered around 200 kilometers from Bach Long Vi Island in northern Hai Phong City as of 5 p.m. Wednesday, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting. In the next 12 hours, it would move west-northwest at 15-20 kph and will hit the seas of Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Thai Binh and Nam Dinh Thursday morning before weakening into a tropical depression. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Mulan will move between China’s Leizhou Peninsula and Hainan Island at a speed of 65 kph before entering Quang Ninh and Hai Phong. The Hong Kong Observatory has traced the same path but estimated wind speed at 55 kph. In the next 24 hours, the above-mentioned localities are set to experience strong winds and waves. A cadre from the steering board for natural disaster prevention and control, search and rescue of Co To district, Quang Ninh province, calls on fishermen to seek shelter on August 10. (Photo: VNA) From Wednesday morning until Friday, the entire northern region and the two north-central provinces of Thanh Hoa and Nghe An will receive rainfall of 100-200 mm, and 250 mm in some places during the period, the meteorologists estimate. Quang Ninh, Hai Phong and Thai Binh have shut down their beaches starting Wednesday noon and called for ships to return to land. Tourists on islands have been evacuated to mainland areas and those who remain will be placed in safe locations, authorities have said. Vietnam should expect 10-12 storms and low-pressure areas in the East Sea this year, with around half making landfall, the weather experts say.

NDPeeps/YouTube and Ng Eng Hen/Facebook Third Warrant Officer Jeffrey Heng (pictured right) is recovering in hospital after a bad landing (left) during the National Day Parade on Aug 9, 2022. SINGAPORE — The member of the Red Lions parachute team who made a hard landing at the National Day Parade on Tuesday (Aug 9) is in stable condition, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said on Wednesday. And despite his injuries, no surgery is required, Dr Ng added. According to Today, Third Warrant Officer (3WO) Jeffrey Heng, who was the last of 10 parachutists to land during the National Day Parade, skidded on the pavement and fell to the ground entangled in his parachute. The incident happened at about 6.10pm on The Float@Marina Bay. “Chief of Defence Force and Chief of Army visited him. We are glad to report that he is stable. Suffered some injuries due to hard landing, but no surgery required. He will need time and some rehab, but full recovery is expected,” Dr Ng wrote in a Facebook post on Wednesday evening. Earlier on Wednesday, Member of Parliament Cheng Li Hui from Tampines Group Representation Constituency posted on her Facebook page that 3WO Heng was “stable and can be discharged in a few days”. In response to queries from TODAY, she said that he would be discharged in three days. In its Facebook post on Wednesday evening, the Singapore Army said that 3WO Heng is recovering well. "Parachuting at The Float can be tricky, with strong crosswinds, gusty currents and disruptive airflow." "Thankfully, 3WO Jeffrey applied his training and adopted the Parachute Landing Fall upon the hard landing, and thus avoided major injuries." "Thanks to our fellow Singaporeans for all their well wishes and support. We wish 3WO Jeffrey a speedy recovery!"

Whether you are visiting HCMC or Hanoi here are two excursions you should add to your bucket list. Cu Chi Tunnels Cu Chi Tunnel - the extensive labyrinth of underground tunnels made during the Vietnam war. The tunnels of Củ Chi are an immense network of connecting tunnels located in the Củ Chi District of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam. This incredible labyrinth of tunnels really stands out among all locations that appear to represent a tenacious Vietnamese spirit. A ride to underground tunnels would open a window into the rich past of this land, evoking scenes from the Vietnam War. After war ravages, Cu Chi is undeniably distinguished by its perseverance and resolve to restore itself. This region played a crucial role in US troops' wartime defeat and is known for its underground tunnel network. To camouflage Viet Cong forces, a labyrinthian network of tunnels was used to pass secret messages and stage clandestine attacks. They have become an enduring reminder of the Vietnam war and are a popular tourist attraction for those interested in exploring extraordinary steps taken by Viet Cong soldiers to escape and eventually kill their enemies. While Cu Chi tunnels have become world-famous, the entire scheme extends through Vietnam, unraveling under the cities and towns, in some areas extending as far as Cambodia. Cruising in style If you are planning to visit Northern Vietnam and are staying in Hanoi then you must include a side trip to one of the wonders of the world Halong Bay. Take an overnight Cruise in Halong Bay Halong Bay is a remarkable geographical formation with 1,900 islets with sandy beaches, freshwater lakes, granite caves, and floating villages. The best way to explore this landscape is by joining an overnight Halong cruise. For first timers, a two-day one-night cruise is the best choice to explore numerous islands, villages, and caves and enjoy exciting activities like swimming, kayaking, rowing boat. Cruise sundeck always is the first choice to enjoy the breathtaking scenery with panoramic sea view, taste a cocktail, or immerse yourself in the melodious music. Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

Fong Soong Hert, also known as Alan Fong, pleaded guilty to killing his wife in the UK in 2021. NEWCASTLE, UK: A Singaporean man on Tuesday (Aug 9) admitted to murdering his wife while they were on holiday in the United Kingdom in 2021 according to a CNA report. The defence for Fong Soong Hert, who is also known as Alan Fong, told the Newcastle Crown Court in the northeast of England that he now accepts “proper criminal liability” for his actions on the night his wife died. When the trial began last Monday, Mr Fong’s team had argued that he should be found guilty of the manslaughter of Pek Ying Ling, known as Evelyn Pek, on the grounds of diminished responsibility. Ms Pek was found dead at the County Aparthotel on Dec 6, 2021. On Tuesday, after a delay to the start of proceedings, Judge Paul Sloan QC asked the 51-year-old defendant to stand, and the clerk read out the charges, to which Mr Fong responded: “Guilty.” He is due to be sentenced on Friday - the minimum sentence for murder is life imprisonment. The couple’s three sons sat at the back of the public gallery as their father admitted to the charges. In a joint statement, they said: “We are heartbroken after losing our Mum, but now we just want to provide our Dad with the support he needs.” Detective Chief Inspector Matt Steel, the senior investigating officer, called the case “incredibly tragic.” He commended the couple’s sons’ “composure and their engagement with the police throughout this extremely difficult period in their lives.” He added: “We will support them in any way we can as they continue to navigate their grief and process what has happened. “We would ask that everyone respects their privacy at this extremely challenging time. We want to be clear that we will absolutely not tolerate domestic abuse or violence in any form. “When incidents of this nature do occur, we are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.” Mr Fong’s guilty plea comes five days into the trial. Court proceedings were postponed last Thursday and Friday due to a lawyer's illness. Acting on behalf of the prosecution, Peter Makepeace QC told the court last week that Mr Fong and Ms Pek were in the UK following a trip to Dubai and Europe. They had planned to tour Scotland, but while on the Isle of Skye, a small island off the Scottish coast, Mr Fong experienced a bad fall. On a walk one evening, he tripped, lost his step in the dark and fell down a steep embankment. The court heard that an ambulance was called, and Mr Fong was given a mix of painkillers by paramedics before being taken to hospital to be examined. Days later, the couple travelled down to Newcastle with their son Alonzo Fong and checked into the Country Aparthotel on Westgate Road. The court played a recording of the call Alonzo made to the emergency services soon after 7am on Dec 6. He is heard saying: “Okay, he told me, I think they had some argument of some sort and then I think he lost it. " The court also heard from Dr Jennifer Bolton who conducted the post-mortem of Ms Pek’s body. The mother-of-three had been wearing black leggings, a black top and black underwear, stained with urine, when she was found. The forensic pathologist said 11 bruises and haemorrhages were visible on Ms Pek’s chin, shoulders, arms and legs. Two large, symmetrical bruises were identified on each shoulder, which Dr Bolton said she believed were likely to have been caused at the same time. She added: “That then raises the possibility of her being knelt on while the pillow was then held over her face.” Mr Fong took the stand himself on Monday, describing his marriage as “wonderful”, “peaceful” and “very happy”. When questioned by the prosecution, the defendant claimed he could not remember any details of killing his wife. He replied “I don’t know” or “I cannot remember” to most questions put to him.

A Vietnam Airlines aircraft is seen at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, September 9, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh A plane made a U-turn as it was flying from Hanoi to Tokyo on Monday after a Japanese boy suffered a nosebleed. VN Express reported that Flight VN384 operated by Vietnam Airlines, with 145 passengers on board, was already one hour and 45 minutes away from Hanoi when the 10-year-old boy suffered a nosebleed. The boy was accompanied by his mother and sister. The crew provided immediate first aid, and subsequently decided to return to Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport for medical assistance. After landing, the boy was taken to a hospital in Hanoi. His health is now stable. The plane later resumed its trip, which was delayed for four hours. Doan Thi Kim Tho, head flight attendant, said there was no doctor on the plane and still 3.5 hours left for Japan, prompting the decision to return to Hanoi. "We are glad to learn that the boy’s health is now stable," she said. Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

Foreign tourists are seen in Hoi An, central Vietnam, on July 24, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Dac Thanh Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung proposed expanding visa exemption for tourists from the U.S., Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and India to boost sector recovery reported VN Express. He also suggested the government consider simplifying immigration procedures to attract foreign tourists as Vietnam reopened after over two years of border closure, he said in a report submitted to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Tuesday. Tax Cuts too Hung also proposed extending tax cuts to tourism businesses until the end of 2023 to help them recover after the pandemic crisis. Though Vietnam reopened tourism and lifted most Covid restrictions, Hung said travel firms and those working in the tourism industry are grappling with difficulties and have not really benefited directly from current policies. The country welcomed 954,000 foreign arrivals in the first seven months this year, up nine times year-on-year. This year, Vietnam targets five million foreign tourists, around 30 percent of pre-pandemic levels. The government has allowed quarantine-free entry and resumed its pre-pandemic visa exemption policy for 24 tourism markets including Western European countries from mid-March with a maximum stay of 15 days. Join our 3 x a week Vietnam News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

(File photo) MANILA – AirAsia Philippines on Tuesday said it will expand its network, while also seeing the airline's full recovery by 2023. To further widen its domestic reach, AirAsia is looking at Butuan and Tawi-Tawi via Zamboanga in Mindanao; Legazpi, Tuguegarao and Laoag in Luzon. It is also strategically considering Bohol as one of its hubs in the Visayas. "For domestic tourism is on a strong rebound, hence, as we move to the new normal, we hope to decentralize the foot traffic in the usual tourist destinations of our country as we offer other Filipino destinations that are just as exciting," spokesperson Steve Dailisan told the Philippine News Agency. Dailisan said the firm is also in the early planning stages of international expansion, which he said is set to support the demand of not just leisure travelers going abroad, but also the large number of Filipino workers going overseas for employment. "We believe that we can help our kababayans succeed in their endeavors by offering them affordable world-class flights," he said. "Our target is to reach, if not even exceed, pre-coronavirus disease capacity across all routes by the second quarter of 2023," Dailisan said. The firm, he said, is highly optimistic that all international markets, including China, will have opened by then. The International Air Transport Association recently reported that globally, air traffic is now at 70.8 percent pre-crisis levels. (PNA) Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

Vice President Sara Z. Duterte. (PNA file photo) MANILA – Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte slammed former vice-presidential rival Walden Bello on Tuesday for accusing her of having a hand in his arrest over a libel case. In a statement, Duterte said Bello should stop obsessing over her, considering she has long remained silent despite the latter’s offensive attacks during the campaign period. “Mr. Bello should focus on salvaging what remains of his dignity and self-respect, I am asking him to stop obsessing over me — and stop blaming me for his fall from grace,” she said. The vice president also said Bello’s claim that the arrest was a political attack is imaginary. “Instead of deflecting blame, playing the victim of an imaginary case of political persecution, and dragging me into his legal woes, I suggest that Mr. Bello be reminded of the fact that a civilized and democratic society does not respect hubris. The right to freedom of speech and expression does not protect anyone from defiling the name and reputation of others,” she said. In an ambush interview, Bello said he is not guilty of the charges imposed against him. “I say that I am innocent of the charges of libel that have been filed by the camp of Vice President Sara Duterte. It is pure political persecution,” he said. Former presidential candidate, Leody de Guzman, added that the arrest was a form of “political repression.” On Monday, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) arrested Bello for a cyber libel case filed by former Davao City Information Officer Jefry Tupas. The complaint included Bello’s alleged Facebook post where he “claimed” that “Tupas and her friends were snorting PHP1.5-million worth of drugs” last year, as well as VP Sara’s supposed statement that she was unaware of “sheltering a drug dealer.” The Davao City Prosecutor's Office issued the arrest warrant for two counts of violations of Republic Act 10175 or Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. (PNA) Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

GRAVE VISIT. President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. visits the grave of his father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City shortly after attending the state funeral of former president Fidel V. Ramos on Tuesday (Aug. 9, 2022). Marcos Sr. died on Sept. 28, 1989. (Photo by Rey Baniquet/NIB) MANILA – President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Tuesday visited the grave of his father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City shortly after attending the state funeral of former president Fidel V. Ramos. Photos shared by state-run Philippine News Agency showed the President wearing a gray face mask as he visited his father’s tomb. This is the first time Marcos visited his father’s grave after being sworn in as the country’s 17th president on June 30. Marcos last visited his father's tomb on May 11, two days after the May 9 elections. At that time, he was the presidential frontrunner. The remains of Marcos Sr. were buried at the LNMB on November 18, 2016, or 27 years after his death. His remains were transported from the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Batac, his hometown in Ilocos Norte to the LNMB. Established in 1947, the LNMB was first known as the Republic Memorial Cemetery. It was built by the Philippine government to pay tribute to the gallant Filipino men and women who brought honor to the country and fought for the sake of freedom and democracy during World War II. It was renamed LNMB on Oct. 27, 1954, by former president Ramon Magsaysay. Its existence was in accordance with Republic Act 289, which provides for “the construction of a national pantheon for presidents of the Philippines, national heroes, and patriots of the country.” Those who are buried in LNMB include medal of Valor awardees; presidents; secretaries of national defense; chiefs of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); active and retired military personnel of the AFP who died in line of duty; veterans of Philippine Revolution, World War I, World War II, and recognized guerrillas; government dignitaries and statesmen, and national artists and scientists. (PNA) Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

Angeles City is perhaps most famous for its raucous nightlife, making it effectively the Sin City of the Philippines. Angeles City is in Pampanga province in the Central Luzon region of the Philippines. The city is rich in history and heritage, with old and historically significant buildings dotting its landscape, but these days it is best known for its high concentration of casinos and the vibrant nightlife for men. Angeles City is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination. Angeles, officially the City of Angeles (Kapampangan: Lakanbalen ning Angeles; Tagalog: Lungsod ng Angeles), is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the province of Pampanga, where it is geographically situated but remains politically independent. It is located in the region of Central Luzon, Philippines. The best time to visit the Philippines and Angeles is during the dry season between November and April, when the country's beautiful islands and remote areas are fully accessible. The shoulder months of May and November are also good, as it is less crowded, but the weather is still lovely. Staying in style Agoda was showing over 250 hotels and apartments in Angeles City and if you wanted a room at a 5-star hotel in November they had rates from only US$43 a night and condo-hotels for only US$16. Angeles City is well known as we have said for its raucous nightlife, however, that’s not the only string to its bow. Particularly in downtown Angeles, away from the entertainment districts, you’ll find a number of extraordinary historical places to visit. Some of the older buildings have been at the crossroads of the country’s history and continue to stand the test of time. The Clark Freeport area of the city, around the international airport, also has its share of interesting attractions. Most notable is the tax-free shopping that gives the area its name. Clark Sunvalley GC If you are into your golf, the area is rich in several first-class golf courses all within a 30 -60 minutes drive. There are also a couple of theme parks for the kids. Where is the red-light district? Fields Avenue also known as Walking Street, is the name of a major street running through Balibago area of Angeles City. It is the center of the red-light district and the bar scene of the biggest entertainment district of the Philippines. The girls love to line dance on masse here and there are a few bars with similar names as found in Pattaya’s Walking Street. Getting There You can of course fly to Manila and then go by bus or taxi to Angeles. The fastest way to get from Manila Airport (MNL) to Angeles City is by taxi which takes 1h 18m and costs around ₱1,500 - ₱1,800. There are also direct buses between Manila Airport (MNL) and Angeles City. Clark International Airport which has recently been upgraded is only 24 minutes to Angeles and there are buses and taxis available. Clark's airport Here is a list of the international flights into Clark at the moment: 1. Cebu Pacific. One of the Philippines’ major airline companies, it flies to almost ten local destinations and five international destinations. If you’re looking to fly cheap but comfortable, this is the perfect airline for you. This airline is also one of the locals’ favorite as it offers popular destinations such as Clark to Singapore direct flights in its international variety. Here’s a full list of its direct flights through Clark Airport: · International Destinations: Narita – Tokyo, Hongkong, Guangzhou, Singapore · Local Destinations: Bacolod, Caticlan, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa 2. Philippine Airlines. The Philippines’ flag carrier airline – this is perfect for travelers who want a premier experience when flying. It is the only airline to offer direct flight to Basco, Batanes from Clark Airport but has a wide variety of flights offered under its operations. Here’s a complete list: · International Destinations: Seoul – Incheon · Local Destinations: Cebu, Bacolod, Basco, Busuanga, Calbayog, Catarman, San Vicente, Siargao, San Jose (Antique) 3. AirAsia. Another emerging airline in the Philippines but already established with Asian routes, this airline has become more active in Clark Airport in recent years. See a full list of its destination offerings: · International Destinations: Cagayan de Oro, Caticlan, Cebu, Davao, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban · Local Destinations: Taipei – Taoyuan, Kaohsiung, Seoul – Incheon 4. South-Korea Bound Airlines. With the increasing number of South Koreans wanting to visit the Philippines to experience the tropical weather and even learning English, these airlines have expanded their operations to Clark Airport. The most common route is from Clark to Incheon. If you’re planning to experience the Korean culture for your vacation, check out these airlines and specific routes via Clark Airport. · Jin Air. Provides direct flights from Clark to Seoul – Incheon, and Clark to Busan, South Korea. · T’Way Airlines. Provides direct flights from Clark to Seoul – Incheon. · Korean Air. It also operates direct flights from Clark to Seoul – Incheon. · Jeju Air. Provides direct flights from Clark to Seoul – Incheon. · Pan-Pacific Airlines. A Philippine-based airline that concentrates on Clark to Seoul-Incheon flights. 5. Chinese Based Airlines. Chinese tourists have enjoyed the stronger relationship between China and the Philippines under the current administration, hence there are more airlines investing on direct flights via Clark Airport. See the list below: · Cathay Pacific. Operates Clark to Hongkong direct flights. · China Eastern Airlines. Provides Clark to Shanghai-Pudong flights. · XiamenAir. Operates Clark to Quanzhou flights. 6. Middle East-Based Airlines. Many Filipinos working as Overseas Filipino Workers in the Middle East are regulars on these airlines as well as tourists who like to enjoy the Arab culture. The airlines who are operating in Clark Airport are some of the world’s premier airlines – offering ultimate comfort and world-class service. Try it now: · Qatar Airways. Operates Clark to Doha, Qatar flights. · Emirates. Operates Clark to Dubai flights. 7. Other Asian-Bound Airlines. There are other two airlines that offer direct Clark to Singapore flights. 1. Scoot. This low-cost Singapore airline is known for its Clark to Singapore flights. 2. JetStar Airlines. Operates from Clark to Osaka – Kansai and Clark to Singapore. 8. Other Philippine Local Airlines. Here are some local airlines that cater to some popular destinations in the Philippines to alleviate the tourists from traveling by land for many hours. Check it out: · Royal Air Philippines. A new airline company in the Philipines, its focus are the local destinations which include flights from Clark to Caticlan and Puerto Princesa. · AirSWIFT. This is the only airline from Clark that flies directly to El Nido. Enjoy your visit. Join our 3 x a week Philippines News, Travel and Expat information newsletter and keep up to date. https://aseannow.com/newsletter.php

Reuters Representations of the Ripple, Bitcoin, Etherum and Litecoin virtual currencies are seen on a PC motherboard in this illustration picture HONG KONG — Hodlnaut, a Singapore-based crypto currency lender and borrower, has suspended withdrawals, swaps and deposits, the company said on Monday (Aug 8), the latest sign of stress in the cryptocurrency industry. Today reported that the crypto lender also said it would withdraw its application for a licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to provide digital token payment services, for which it received in-principle approval in March. Hodlnaut said the move was "due to recent market conditions" and was "to focus on stabilising our liquidity and preserving assets". The company is the latest in a string of crypto players globally to run into difficulties following a sharp selloff in markets that started in May with the collapse of two paired tokens, Luna and TerraUSD. Other high-profile failures include U.S. crypto lender Celsius, and Singapore-based fund Three Arrows Capital, both of which filed for bankruptcy last month. Hodlnaut was named as one of Celsius' institutional clients, according to court filings. Singapore, a major centre for crypto and blockchain in Asia, has seen several crypto companies run into difficulties in recent months. Read full story Vauld, a Singapore-based crypto lending and trading platform, suspended withdrawals in early July, and later that month, Zipmex, a Southeast Asia-focused crypto exchange, suspended withdrawals, though has since resumed them for some products. Hodlnaut and the MAS did not immediately respond to requests for comment sent outside office hours. REUTERS