DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Why Southeast Asia Is Crying Over This Movie
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-23 | by ( Sui-Lee Wee | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Daniel Nico Laudit says he does not cry easily. He decided to test his mettle this month in a movie theater in Manila, and documented the experience for his 4.5 million followers on TikTok. “I went straight to the restroom after the movie because I wanted to cry out loud,” Mr. Laudit, 24, a content creator, said in a telephone interview. Reactions like Mr. Laudit’s have made the movie, which was filmed in Bangkok mostly in the Thai language, a runaway hit across Southeast Asia. In Indonesia, it has drawn millions of viewers.

Persons: Daniel Nico Laudit, Grandma, “, Mr, Laudit, Laudit’s Locations: Manila, TikTok, Bangkok, Thai, Southeast Asia, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand

☆ 'Only pirates do this,' a general said after China's Coast Guard, armed with bladed weapons, clashed with Philippine boats in the South China Sea
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-21 | by ( Ella Sherman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

"Only pirates do this," General Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a social media post regarding the recent actions of the Chinese coast guard. This is how barbaric the Chinese Coast Guard is in the recent RoRe mission of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Chinese coast guard might have used pirate-like tactics, but it's not legally piracy. This photo taken on February 15, 2024, shows an aerial view of Scarborough Shoal in the disputed South China Sea. The nine-dash line is a map marking designating China's sweeping and controversial claims to the South China Sea.

Persons: —, Romeo Brawner Jr, …, 7vzFDem1DE — Jay Tarriela, it's, Harrison Prétat, Thomas Shoal, Prétat, Thomas, Brawner, Philippines MaryKay Carlson Organizations: Service, Staff, Armed Forces, Business, China, China's Coast Guard, South China, Coast Guard, Center for Strategic, Studies, Maritime Transparency Initiative, BRP, BRP Sierra Madre, UN, ROSA, Philippine Navy, Mutual Defense, People's Locations: Philippines, China, Philippine, Beijing, South, BRP Sierra, Scarborough Shoal, AFP, South China, Manila, It's, People's Republic of China

☆ How China could take Taiwan without even needing to invade
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-21 | by ( Brad Lendon | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

“China has significantly increased pressure on Taiwan in recent years, stoking fears that tensions could erupt into outright conflict. China’s escalating gray zone tactics were on stark display this week as China Coast Guard vessels clashed with Philippine Navy boats in the South China Sea. In the 24 hours ending at 6 a.m. Friday, 36 Chinese military aircraft crossed into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry says. Meanwhile, a quarantine, rather than a blockade, would not require China to close or restrict access to the Taiwan Strait, the CSIS report notes. Under its claims that Taiwan is Chinese territory, Beijing could require customs declarations to be filed before vessels can call in Taiwan.

Persons: CNN —, Beijing’s, Xi Jinping’s, Bonny Lin, Brian Hart, Matthew Funaiole, Samantha Lu, Tinsley, stoking, Adm, Dong Jun, ”, Dong, China’s, “, Joe Biden, Rong Xu, Carl Schuster, ” Schuster, Alessio Patalano, Sidharth Kaushal, Patalano Organizations: CNN, Communist Party, Center for Strategic, International Studies, China Coast Guard, CSIS, TAIWAN, GUARD, People’s Liberation Army, PLA, Chinese Defense, Philippine Navy, Taiwan Relations, White, PLA Navy, Maritime Safety Agency, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry, Bloomberg, Getty, “, Pacific Command’s Joint Intelligence Center, Taipei, King’s College, Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, Imports, Royal United Services Institute Locations: Taiwan, Ukraine, China, Washington, United States, Pengjia, Beijing, Singapore, South China, Manila, Second, Philippines, Taiwan’s, Taiwan Strait, Port, Taichung, Kaohsiung, London, Covid

☆ ‘Only pirates do this’: Philippines accuses China of using bladed weapons in major South China Sea escalation
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( Nectar Gan | Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Hong Kong CNN —The Philippines has accused China’s Coast Guard of launching a “brutal assault” with bladed weapons during a South China Sea clash earlier this week, a major escalation in a festering dispute that threatens to drag the United States into another global conflict. A Philippine Navy serviceman on the rubber boat lost his right thumb when the Chinese Coast Guard rammed it, Torres said. China’s Coast Guard also deployed tear gas, “blinding” strobe lights and continuously blared sirens, the AFP said. “The Chinese Coast Guard personnel had bladed weapons and our personnel fought with bare hands. This is the closest China’s Coast Guard has come to the BRP Sierra Madre, Koh noted.

Persons: Thomas Shoal, –, ” Collin Koh, ” Koh, “, ”, Alfonso Torres Jr, Torres, Romeo Brawner Jr, ” Brawner, Ferdinand “ Bongbong ” Marcos Jr, Marcos, Matthew Miller, Enrique A, Antony Blinken, ” Derek Grossman, Koh, they’re, Thomas, Washington “, ” “ Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Coast Guard, Chinese Foreign Ministry, Philippine, Rajaratnam, of International Studies, Philippine Navy, Armed Forces, Getty, Western Command, Chinese Coast Guard, China’s Coast Guard, Staff, Getty Images Mutual, South China, US State Department, Mutual Defense, RAND Corporation, China Coast Guard, Philippine personnel, Navy Special Operations Group, BRP, BRP Sierra Madre Locations: Hong Kong, Philippines, China, United States, Manila, Spratly, Philippine, Singapore, AFP, ’, China’s, South, States, US, Washington, South China, The Hague, Beijing, India, BRP Sierra, BRP Sierra Madre

☆ Houthi attacks in the Red Sea: Ship attacked by Iran-backed rebels believed to have sunk
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-19 | by ( Niamh Kennedy | Michael Rios | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —A Greek-owned coal carrier appears to have capsized in the Red Sea days after it was struck by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, according to a report published by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The MV Tutor is thought to be the second ship sunk by Houthis since March, when the British-registered vessel Rubymar was downed after being struck by ballistic missiles fired from Houthi territory in Yemen. The rebels have launched dozens of missile and drone attacks directed at ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since Israel launched its invasion of Gaza following the Hamas-led October 7 attacks. Israeli attacks in Gaza have since killed at least 37,396 Palestinians and injured another 85,523 people, according to the Ministry of Health there. Dozens of ships have been attacked in the Red Sea, as regional tensions flare over Israel's war in Gaza.

Persons: Christian Domarique, Sta Rosa, “, Al Masirah, CENTCOM Organizations: CNN, UK Maritime Trade Operations, Hamas, Ministry of Health, Getty, US Central Command Locations: Red, Iranian, British, Yemen, Gulf of Aden, Israel, Gaza, Metro Manila, AFP

☆ Philippines blames China for ‘personnel injury and vessel damage’ in South China Sea collision
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-19 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | Nectar Gan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Hong Kong CNN —Manila has accused China of injuring Filipino personnel and damaging Philippine vessels during a South China Sea collision earlier this week, as tensions simmer over territorial disputes in the resource-rich and strategically important waterway. CNN has reached out to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard for comment. China claims “indisputable sovereignty” over almost all of the South China Sea, and most of the islands and sandbars within it, including many features that are hundreds of miles from mainland China. A supply ship and two rubber boats from the Philippines had attempted to “illegally” deliver supplies to the stranded warship, China Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu said. China’s Coast Guard also said it took measures including “warnings and interceptions, boarding inspections and forced evictions” against the Philippine vessels.

Persons: Shoal, “, Lin Jian, Ferdinand “ Bongbong ” Marcos Jr, Marcos, Ren’ai Jiao, Thomas, China’s, ”, Gan Yu, Matthew Miller Organizations: Hong Kong CNN —, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Associated Press, Philippine Department of Foreign, CNN, Department of Foreign Affairs, Armed Forces, Philippine Coast Guard, Times, China Coast Guard, Foreign Ministry, Chinese Coast Guard, Philippine, South China, BRP, BRP Sierra Madre, Philippine Navy, China’s Coast Guard, US State Department Locations: Hong Kong, Hong Kong CNN — Manila, China, Philippines, Spratly, Philippine, South, South China, Manila, The Hague, Beijing, Palawan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan, BRP Sierra, China’s, States

☆ South China Sea: US blasts ‘aggressive’ China over collision with Philippine ship
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-18 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | Nectar Gan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

China claims “indisputable sovereignty” over almost all of the South China Sea, and most of the islands and sandbars within it, including many features that are hundreds of miles from mainland China. China had “obstructed the Philippines from executing a lawful maritime operation in the South China Sea, interfering with the Philippines’ freedom of navigation,” Campbell said, according to a State Department readout. The Chinese coast guard on Monday said a Philippine supply ship “ignored China’s repeated solemn warnings” and “deliberately and dangerously” approached a Chinese vessel in “an unprofessional manner,” resulting in a collision. China Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu on Monday accused the Philippines of “illegally” delivering supplies to the stranded warship. It should now be clear to the international community that China’s actions are the true obstacles to peace and stability in the South China Sea.”

Persons: Shoal, Manila MaryKay Carlson, China’s, Ferdinand “ Bongbong ” Marcos Jr, Marcos, Matthew Miller, Kurt Campbell, Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro, ” Campbell, “, ”, Francel Margareth Padilla, Adrian Portugal, Ren’ai Jiao, Thomas, Gan Yu, Gan, ” Gan, Jay Tarriela, Gilberto C, Teodoro , Jr Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Philippine, US State Department, Foreign Affairs, Department, Guard, Philippine Coast Guard, Reuters, China Coast Guard, BRP, BRP Sierra Madre, Philippine Navy, Chinese Coast Guard, CNN, Armed Forces, ( Armed Forces, Philippine Defense Locations: Hong Kong, United States, China, Philippines, Philippine, Second, Spratly, South China, Manila, South, Beijing, The Hague, Palawan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan, BRP Sierra, Thomas Shoal, “, West Philippine

☆ ‘Inside! Inside!’: Sailors Recount Houthi Attack and U.S. Navy Rescue
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-17 | by ( Camille Elemia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The crew members thought it was nothing unusual, but moments later, the ship captain said, they noticed a vessel rushing toward their ship. The boat appeared to be remote-controlled — the fishermen they thought they had glimpsed were dummies — and crew members shouted, “Inside! Inside!” as they raced for cover, according to a video one of them posted on Facebook. The boat collided with their ship and exploded, shattering glass windows on the bridge of their vessel and submerging the engine room in seawater and oil, the captain said. “We were all scared,” the captain, Christian Domrique, said on Monday in Manila, where he and the crew members, all of whom are from the Philippines, were brought after the U.S. Navy airlifted them from the stricken vessel.

Persons: —, “, Christian Domrique Organizations: Facebook, U.S . Navy Locations: Sea, India, Manila, Philippines, Red, Yemen, Israel, Gaza

☆ Tim Cook explains why Steve Jobs pulling the first MacBook Air out of an envelope was 'a huge moment' for Apple
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-13 | by ( Sarah Jackson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Steve Jobs famously debuted the MacBook Air in 2008 by pulling it out of a manila envelope. The 13-inch MacBook Air is the best-selling laptop in the world today, according to Apple. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Steve Jobs famously introduced the world to the MacBook Air in 2008 with a flourish, when he pulled the laptop out of a manila envelope to demonstrate how thin and portable it was. Apple CEO Cook talked about the moment's significance in an interview with tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee, also known as MKBHD.

Persons: Steve Jobs, Tim Cook, —, Cook, Marques Brownlee Organizations: Air, Apple, Service, MacBook Air, Business Locations: manila

☆ Sotheby’s, Fanatics team up to offer rare sports trading card auctions
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-11 | by ( Ian Thomas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Fanatics wants to expand the sports trading card industry. Now it's aiming to meet high-end collectors through a new partnership with Sotheby's that will create a collection of auctions for trading cards valued at more than $100,000. Fanatics has quickly moved into the trading card space, acquiring Topps in 2022 and signing several exclusive card licensing deals across professional leagues, including the NBA, NFL and MLB. "It's also an opportunity to really elevate sports trading cards, and create these moments with some of the most important and prestigious cards." Sotheby's has increasingly leaned into sports, something that Brahm Wachter, Sotheby's head of Modern Collectables, said is one of the auction house's fastest-growing categories.

Persons: Sotheby's, Jackie Robinson, Nick Bell, Collect, It's, Muhammad Ali's Organizations: Topps, NBA, NFL, MLB, Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers Locations: New York, Manila

☆ Opinion: Apple can still get back to its golden age
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-07 | by ( Opinion Jeff Yang | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Jeff Yang CNNNaturally, Apple has locked down the details of the revelations it plans on releasing on Monday tighter than Fort Knox. Apple CEO Tim Cook introduces Apple Vision Pro, a mixed reality headset, at Apple Park in Cupertino, CA, on June 5, 2023. What’s the songs-in-your-pocket equivalent for Vision Pro? But so far, if Apple is looking to reclaim its real-world relevance, Vision Pro isn’t it — yet. Let’s hope that at this WWDC, the company defiantly ignores last year’s laughter and continues to look, and think, different.

Persons: Jeff Yang, Bruce ”, “, CNN —, Jeff Yang CNN, OpenAI, Tim Cook, Steve Jobs, Brooks Kraft, Jobs, Cook, Ive Organizations: CNN, Conference, Apple, Huawei, International Trade Commission, Justice Department, Vision, Apple Vision, Apple Inc, Apple Watch, MacBook Air, Twitter, Facebook, mojo Locations: Asian America, America, Knox, China, Cupertino , CA, manila, WWDC

☆ China's defense chief warns those seeking to separate Taiwan from China face 'self-destruction'
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-02 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

China's Defense Minister Dong Jun speaks during the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore on June 2, 2024. Nhac Nguyen | AFP | Getty ImagesSINGAPORE — China's defense minister, Adm. Dong Jun, vowed that anyone who aims to separate Taiwan from China will face "self-destruction." "Anyone who dares to separate Taiwan from China will only end up in self-destruction," he said. In response to questions, Dong reiterated China's position that Taiwan is part of China and said Beijing is committed to peaceful reunification. "These kinds of behavior sends very wrong signals to the Taiwan independence forces and make them become very aggressive.

Persons: Dong Jun, Nhac Nguyen, Dong, Lai Ching, —, Bastian Giegerich, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Thomas Shoal Organizations: China's, AFP, Getty, SINGAPORE, Democratic Progressive Party, Abrams, U.S, International Institute for Strategic Studies, Liberation Army Locations: Singapore, Taiwan, China, Beijing, U.S, Philippine, South, Philippines, Manila

☆ Shangri-la Dialogue: Death of a Filipino in South China Sea clashes would be ‘very close’ to act of war, Marcos Jr warns
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-31 | by ( Brad Lendon | Jerome Taylor | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Singapore CNN —The death of any Filipino citizen at the hands of another country in the South China Sea would be “very close” to an act of war, Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. warned Friday as his nation faces increasingly fraught clashes with Chinese vessels in the South China Sea. China has increasingly pushed its territorial claims in the South China Sea, and China Coast Guard ships, reinforced by maritime militia boats, have been involved in a series of fraught clashes over the last year that has seen Philippine ships damaged and Filipino sailors injured by water cannon. A China Coast Guard vessel sails close to a Philippines ship during a day of clashes in the South China Sea, March 5, 2024 Rebecca Wright/CNNKey global waterwayChina claims “indisputable sovereignty” over almost all of the 1.3 million-square-mile South China Sea – one of the world’s busiest waterways. Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy said it is prepared to protect the rights of Filipinos and would be increasing patrols in the South China Sea, including the areas of contested sovereignty, according to the PNA. “What I want to emphasize is that it is not China but the Philippines that has frequently escalated the situation in the South China Sea,” Ning added.

Persons: Ferdinand “ Bongbong ” Marcos Jr, Marcos, Lloyd Austin, Dong Jun, ”, –, ” Marcos, Rebecca Wright, Mao Ning, ” Ning, “ Organizations: Singapore CNN, US, Coast Guard, China Coast Guard, CNN, West, Philippine Navy, Foreign Ministry Locations: Singapore, South, Philippines, South China, Philippine, Filipino, China, Beijing, Manila, United States, Washington, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan, Hague, China’s, West Philippine, Asia, Pacific

☆ Philippine president says killing of a Filipino in South China Sea clash would be ‘very close’ to act of war
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-31 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers a speech during the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore on May 31, 2024. The president said should such an incident happen by willful action, it would "increase the level of response [by the Philippines]," and come "very, very close to what we define as an act of war." In late March, the Philippines accused a China Coast Guard vessel of utilizing its water cannon on a Filipino ship travelling to the Second Thomas Shoal, injuring three Filipino sailors. Earlier that month, the China Coast Guard was accused of a water cannon attack that left four Filipino crew members injured by broken glass. Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea as its waters, despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that said that China's claims has no basis under international law.

Persons: Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Marcos, Thomas Shoal Organizations: Chinese Coast Guard, Guard, U.S ., Philippines Mutual Defense, China Coast Guard, China's coastguard Locations: Philippines, Singapore, South, U.S, Manila, South China, China

☆ A Match Made in Church Sparks a Journey of Self-Discovery
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-31 | by ( Valeriya Safronova | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

At that time, almost no one knew that Mr. Stewart was romantically interested in men. Mr. Stewart knew Mr. Lagasca from Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Manhattan, where Mr. Lagasca, a classical singer, performed periodically, and where Mr. Stewart headed the board that oversaw the church’s Bach Vespers series. He and Mr. Lagasca saw each other around and were Facebook friends, but had never spent time alone — until that day. “It was like, I have to impress him,” Mr. Lagasca said. Mr. Lagasca, 38, grew up in Manila and moved to Orlando, Fla., in 2006.

Persons: Jonathan Runge Stewart, Enrico Lagasca, Stewart, Lagasca, “, ” Mr Organizations: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Facebook, Mannes School of Music, New School, Carnegie Hall, Portland Baroque Orchestra Locations: Manhattan’s West, Manhattan, Manila, Orlando, Fla, United States, Canada, Germany

☆ Asia's top 4 up-and-coming rental markets that may be challenging traditional property hubs
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-31 | by ( Ernestine Siu | In Ernestinesiu | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Bangkok, Thailand has seen an 18.1% growth in residential rental prices on a year-on-year basis, according to JLL. Alexander Spatari | Moment | Getty ImagesSingapore and Hong Kong are generally considered Asia's more vibrant real estate markets. But some up-and-coming cities are giving these traditional hubs a run for their money, with some even beating them on rental yields. The following four cities have led the recovery in rental growth in Asia so far this year:Bangkok, ThailandResidential rental growth in Q1 2024 (y/y): +18.1% Average price to rent: THB 8,292 (about $226) per square meter annually "Rental demand has been surging in Bangkok," Allan said. This rental growth has been influenced by the stronger rent prices recorded in new high-quality offerings in the city, according to the report.

Persons: JLL, Alexander Spatari, Hong Kong, Roddy Allan, Allan, Ho Organizations: Getty Images, realty, Pacific Chief, CNBC Locations: Bangkok, Thailand, Getty Images Singapore, Hong Kong, Hong, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Manila, Asia, Pacific, expats, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines

☆ Chelsea Manalo: First Black Filipina crowned as Miss Universe Philippines
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-24 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Filipino American Chelsea Manalo became the first Black woman to be crowned Miss Universe Philippines on Wednesday. Chelsea Manalo will be representing the Philippines at the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico in September. Over 100 countries will be represented at Miss Universe 2024. The Miss Universe organization has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, as the parent company of the Miss USA organization. Both Miss USA and Miss Teen USA resigned from their roles earlier this May, amid allegations of mismanagement, a toxic work environment, and conditions that impacted their mental health.

Persons: Chelsea Manalo, “, ”, Manalo, Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran, Pia Wurtzbach, Steve Harvey, Catriona Gray Organizations: CNN, Chelsea, Miss, Philippines, Miss Universe Philippines, SM, Asia Arena, Miss Universe, TV, YouTube, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA Locations: Filipino, African American, Bulacan, Manila, Asia, Pasay, Philippines, Mexico, TV Philippines, Miss USA

☆ Under Armour was a real threat to Nike. Now it’s fighting to stay relevant
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-18 | by ( Parija Bhatnagar | Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

It was the upstart athletic brand that was making real inroads against Nike, the dominant name in the industry. People saw it as a company that actually could break through and take market share from Nike among the hardcore athletes,” Swartz said. String of controversiesThe period from 2016 onward is when “things really started to fall apart” at Under Armour, Swartz said. A bulk of Under Armour products are sold through sporting goods retailers and department stores, including Macy’s and Kohl’s, and online. The basketball superstar Curry, arguably the best shooter in history, famously signed with Under Armour instead of Nike in 2013.

Persons: Armour, Stephen Curry, Jordan Spieth, Kevin Plank, Howard Schultz’s, Bob Iger’s, Plank, ”, David Swartz, Morningstar, ” Swartz, Justin Sullivan, Tommy Gilligan, ” Plank, Swartz, “, —, Stephanie Linnartz, ” Schwartz, Andrew Kelly, Merrell, Zak Stambor, Stambor, Plank’s, Noel Celis, Eric Smallwood, Dwayne Johnson, Johnson, ” Smallwood, Smallwood, Curry, Joel Embiid, Embiid, Skechers, Caitlin Clark Organizations: New, New York CNN, Nike, Starbucks, Disney, CNN, Sports, North, Maryland Terrapins, Southern Methodist Mustangs, Capital, Maryland, Reuters, —, Armour, Sports Authority, Sporting Goods, UCLA, US Securities and Exchange Commission, Footwear News, Adidas, NBA Golden State Warriors, UA Curry II, Getty, Apex Marketing, United Football League, NBA, WNBA Locations: New York, San Rafael , California, North America, College Park , Maryland, Manhattan , New York, Petaluma , California, Manila, AFP

☆ China Deploys Dozens of Ships to Block Philippine Protest Flotilla
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Chris Buckley | Camille Elemia | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

China has sent dozens of coast guard and maritime militia vessels toward a disputed atoll in the South China Sea, a large show of force aimed at blocking a civilian protest flotilla from the Philippines, as tensions between the countries have flared. The Filipino group organizing the flotilla of about 100 small fishing boats, led by five slightly bigger ones, said it wanted to assert the Philippines’ claims to Scarborough Shoal, an atoll controlled by Beijing that is closer to Manila. But even before the motley Philippine fleet set out on Wednesday morning, China deployed a formidable contingent of much bigger government-run ships to the area, an intimidating escalation of its frequent assertions of control over vast expanses of sea far from its mainland. “What we’re seeing this time, I would say, is definitely of another order,” said Ray Powell, the director of SeaLight, a group that monitors the South China Sea. “I think that the China Coast Guard is concerned that they’re going to try to sort of get too close and so they’re sending an overwhelming force.”

Persons: ”, Ray Powell Organizations: Philippine, China Coast Guard Locations: China, South China, Philippines, Scarborough, Beijing, Manila

☆ A deadly heat wave worsened Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. It was fueled by climate change, new data shows
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Laura Paddison | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

The WWA report divided the heat waves into three areas: West Asia, the Philippines and a region spanning South and Southeast Asia. However, the impact of climate change there was greater, increasing temperatures by about 1.2 degrees. Climate change also played a pronounced role in this region, according to the analysis, making the heat 45 times more likely and 0.85 degrees Celsius hotter. “Many cities have seen extreme losses of green space,” Pereira said, increasing the impacts of extreme heat on residents. If not, she added, “extreme heat will lead to even greater suffering in Asia.”

Persons: Jehad, ” Friederike Otto, El, Idrees Mohammed, Otto said, ” Otto, Carolina Pereira Marghidan, ” Pereira, ”, Mariam Zachariah Organizations: CNN, WWA, Getty, Grantham Institute, Climate, Environment Locations: Gaza, West Asia, Philippines, South, Southeast Asia, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Rafah, Anadolu, Delhi, Manila, Asia, West, Raipur, India, AFP, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, , Bangladesh, Thailand

☆ Bribing the Navy Is Easier (and More Entertaining) Than You Might Think
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-13 | by ( Nicolas Niarchos | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

FAT LEONARD: How One Man Bribed, Bilked, and Seduced the U.S. Navy, by Craig WhitlockIn ports throughout the Western Pacific, the brave officers of the United States Navy gulped down lobster thermidor, truffle royale, Osetra caviar, white asparagus custard and kombou seaweed jelly; they guzzled gallons of Cristal and Dom Pérignon; they puffed boxes of Cohiba cigars. Near the end of a meal, they sometimes received what Leonard Glenn Francis, the venal military contractor who was picking up the tabs, called “oriental dessert”: an “armada” of sex workers hired to flash their breasts and perform intimate acts. An attendee described one of Francis’ dinners as a “Roman orgy.” At one of Francis’ most sordid parties, in Manila in 2007, a replica of Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s corncob pipe was used as a sex toy. At least one of Francis’ dinners cost more than $3,000 a head. In return, Navy officials looked the other way as his companies charged far above the regional rate to service American vessels.

Persons: LEONARD, Craig Whitlock, Dom Pérignon, Leonard Glenn Francis, Francis ’, Douglas MacArthur’s, Leonard, ”, Francis, Leonard the Organizations: U.S . Navy, United States Navy, Cristal, Washington Post Locations: Pacific, Manila, Gen

☆ Philippines calls for expelling Chinese diplomats as South China Sea row escalates
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-12 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Chinese Coast Guard vessels fire water cannons towards a Philippine resupply vessel Unaizah May 4 on its way to a resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, March 5, 2024. China said the United States must refrain from "stirring up trouble" or taking sides on the South China Sea issue, after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a security deal with the Manila extended to attacks on the Philippine coast guard. The Philippines' national security adviser called on Friday for Chinese diplomats to be expelled over an alleged leak of a phone conversation with a Filipino admiral in a significant escalation of a bitter row over the South China Sea. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian called the comments provocative and said Chinese diplomats in the Philippines had to be allowed to do their job. The report said the conversation had taken place in January and the transcript was provided by a "ranking Chinese official", which it did not name.

Persons: Shoal, Antony Blinken, Eduardo Ano, Lin Jian, Lin, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Thomas Shoal Organizations: Guard, U.S, Philippine, U.S . State Department, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, Manila Times, Beijing, Reuters Locations: Philippine, South China, China, United States, Manila, Philippines, China's, Beijing

☆ How Mother Figures Impact Our Lives
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Catherine Pearson | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +13 min

For Mother’s Day, The Times asked readers to tell us about the mother figures in their lives. KELLY SANDOVAL, 48, SQUAMISH, B.C., CANADAI come from a multicultural background, but the Puerto Rican side of the family lived far away. When I showed up, Linda, my host mother, picked me up from the bus stop and made me tea and crumpets. If I had a nightmare and woke my mother up, she would tell me to climb into bed with Rita. During that year I also moved into my first apartment, away from the guidance of my mother.

Persons: Sara Walcott, “, ”, Walcott, Ruth, she’d, JUDITH SHAPIRO, Halbeck, ZEVA OELBAUM, Jacqueline, ” Jacqueline, It’s, JESSICA CHAHINE, Patty, darlin, KELLY SANDOVAL, Alina, “ Fallon, FALLON ALVAREZ, Linda, We’re, BELLA MUNTZ KIRCHNER, AUSTIN , TEXAS Tenzin, CHANTAL TORTOROLI ROBERTS, Mom, idealists, ANNETTE EUFEMIO, Miss Jordan, MARJORIE GEORGE, Yoshibe, I’m, MARY HAYES, Viola, Lois, Aunt Flossy, Frankye, DOUG MOURER, MANSON, Colleen, WENDY, Greenberg, Bach, MANUEL FIGALLO, Rita, HARRIET LISS, MARY EILEEN CONNERY McDONNELL, Wilma, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, MADLYN DICKENS, Dunn, —, Parkinson’s, I’ve, ” GENEVIEVE GEER, ANYA SANCHEZ, mami ”, Kitty ” —, KITTY CHACHRA Organizations: The Times, SOUTH, CANADA, Radio City Music Hall, Miss, Gloucester Cathedral, THE, The Locations: Macon , Ga, McLEAN , VA, Kansas City, Mo, New York, MONTCLAIR, N.J, France, Paris, SQUAMISH, Puerto Rican, PORTLAND, Cambridge, England, AUSTIN , TEXAS, LARCHMONT, MANILA, PHILIPPINES, BROOKLYN, N.Y, Japan, INDIANAPOLIS, Walla Walla, Wash, Northern Idaho, Swedish, Seattle, I’m, BELLINGHAM, ARLINGTON , VA, STAMFORD, CONN, GEORGETOWN, THE BRONX, MARATHON, Cava, Spain, BOULDER, COLO, India, Toronto, longhand, Delhi, WATERLOO , ONTARIO

☆ Asia heatwave: Record temperatures cancel classes, widening learning gaps across Southeast Asia
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Heather Chen | Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

His class of 43 students pass around mini hand-held fans during lessons on most days to keep cool. More than 33 million children were impacted as a result of the heatwave, according to groups like Save the Children and UNICEF. The worst hit were poor children in rural areas whose families couldn’t afford devices like laptops and tablets to facilitate remote learning, UNICEF says. “We don’t allow children outside when temperatures get too hot,” said Bong Samreth, who teaches at a public school in Phnom Penh. Loose, lightweight and light colored clothing was also advised for students to protect them from sunburns and heat exposure.

Persons: Seila, ”, “, —, Sheldon Yett, ” Yett, Bong Samreth, Ezra Acayan, Benjo Basas, Basas, Mirasol, Hang Chuon Naron, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Chaideer Mahyuddin, it’s, Joy Reyes Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, CNN, Children, UNICEF, UN, ”, Volunteers, Getty, Governments Locations: Hong Kong, Cambodia, Phnom Penh, South, Southeast Asia, Bangladesh, Philippines, Tondo, Manila, Pangasinan, Philippine, Banda Aceh, Indonesia, AFP

☆ Planet endures record-hot April, as scientists warn 2024 could beat heat records for second year in a row
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-07 | by ( Laura Paddison | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Extraordinary global heat continues its streak. It marks 11 consecutive months of unprecedented global temperatures. With that new data point, some scientists warn there is a strong chance 2024 could beat 2023 as the warmest year on record. Global ocean heat in April was also record-breaking for the 13th consecutive month. And while heat records are still being set month after month, the margins at which they are being broken are smaller than they were in 2023.

Persons: Copernicus, Adnan Abidi, Lisa Marie David, El Niño, Niño, it’s, Zeke Hausfather, ” Hausfather, Indranil Aditya, ”, Carlo Buontempo Organizations: CNN, Reuters, Getty Locations: Asia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, India, Barmer, Rajasthan, Manila, Philippines, Berkeley, Mumbai

Search resuls for: "Manila"

25 mentions found