Panama’s comptroller general said on Friday that his office would send prosecutors more audit material on former executives of CK Hutchison’s local subsidiary next week, as part of a criminal investigation into the Hong Kong conglomerate’s annulled Panama Canal ports concession. Speaking at the Atlantic Council in Washington, Anel Flores said prosecutors had requested documents concerning Panama Ports Company (PPC), the operator of the Balboa and Cristobal terminals at either end of the canal...

Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration (CGA) used water cannons to expel a mainland Chinese fishing vessel near Dongsha Island, authorities said on Friday. The incident occurred on October 1, 27 nautical miles east of the Taiwanese-controlled Dongsha Island, also called Pratas Island, in the South China Sea, the agency revealed. The CGA’s patrol vessel Yunlin directed its water cannon towards the fishing boat Jin Sha’s wheelhouse for about 90 seconds after initially spraying water into the air for...

China has started limiting exports of refined products again as its own inventories of crude oil and refined products have dwindled.

An off-duty senior ambulanceman has died after falling from a cliff while abseiling in Hong Kong. The Fire Services Department said on Friday that it had received a report at 2.33pm that a man had fallen from Kowloon Peak in Wong Tai Sin while abseiling. Rescuers and a government helicopter searched the area and found an unconscious man at a nearby cliff. Another man with minor injuries was found on a nearby trail. The department mobilised its mountain and high-angle rescue teams during the...

The chairperson of the House committee on appropriations assured that the House of Representatives will approve an “El Niño-ready” budget for 2027, amid forecasts of worsening dry conditions.

Group fashion shows in the past often came across like an unspoken competition among the participating designers. The more flamboyant and outré the outfits, the better. Long-time fashion watchers might recall how veteran designer Frederick Peralta once presented an all-giraffe print collection punctuated with heavy, organic-looking jewelry. Although there were others who presented pocket collections before and after him that evening, all anyone remembers was his safari-inspired set. In group shows now, designers have become more introspective, more deliberate. They are grateful for the chance to come up with collections that distill their aesthetic and show where they’re headed. Designers who are invited by Bench to present at the biannual Bench Fashion Week (BFW) see it as an opportunity that is not to be taken lightly. For the holiday edition of BFW 2026 held Sept. 26 and 27, Cebu-based designer Edwin Ao turned street photos he had taken with his phone into a series of deconstructed looks that still managed to highlight expert tailoring. Ao is credited for being one of the designers who updated the look of the barong Tagalog by embroidering playful graffiti on it instead of resorting to the traditional designs. The long-time designer used to work with Arcy Gayatin, another Cebu designer, on clubwear looks popular during the early 2000s. He then worked with academe for close to two decades before becoming a faculty member under the product design program at the University of the Philippines Cebu. In an interview with The Manila Times prior to the show, he said he experimented with solar dyeing and rust techniques for his collection. Dubbed “Chlorophyll Hexagons: The Body in Impermanence,” it features separates with exposed stitching and unfinished hems. He embellished a vest and asymmetrically cut skirt with a mix of matte and shiny buttons that looked like paillettes from a distance. “[But] central to the collection is solar printing, where sunlight and chlorophyll become agents of imprint and change,” Ao wrote in his show notes. TernoCon 2025 Gawad Pura Escurdia award winner Bryan Peralta veered away from the structure required of the terno and came up with billowing, color-drenched pieces. There were unlined trenches and blousy pants made with parachute-like taffeta. He also played around with proportion — short, kicky outfits under those large, jewel-toned jackets. His collection, “The Golden Record,” was inspired by the 1977 NASA Voyager space probes that housed golden discs. Each disc contained recorded sounds and images of Earth that the space agency hoped would connect with extraterrestrial life. Peralta said his “boldly optimistic color palette... is a celebration of dressing up and proudly wearing your curiosities on your sleeve.” Reese de Guzman of R. Studios was inspired by Picasso’s 1957 Pigeon series and came up with a collection that ranged from oversized blazers and jackets to feathered tops and draped skirts. In her show notes, she described her “Paloma” collection as “a playful mix of colors, draped silhouettes, and unconventional textiles.” There were a few tweeds and tops with feathered fringe with many of the pieces sharing a boxy look. Even a vest that is usually worn snug was manipulated to hover just over the shoulders. “[It’s] a breath of fresh air and the idea of fleeting times,” de Guzman said in her show notes.

French fashion house Longchamp has named South Korean actress Jung So-min its new local ambassador, citing her independent spirit, personal style and positive energy as qualities that reflect the brand’s values. Jung has appeared in Korean dramas across several genres, including the fantasy and historical series “Alchemy of Souls,” the romantic comedy “Love Next Door” and, more recently, “Would You Marry Me?” She also has two dramas lined up for 2027, including “The Dealer.” Beyond her acting projects, Jung regularly shares glimpses of her life and work on Instagram through @somin_jj. Longchamp noted that her personality and distinctive style have helped her connect with audiences and build a following beyond South Korea. The family-owned fashion house said Jung reflects the modernity and creativity it seeks to express through its collections. As an ambassador, she will bring her perspective to the brand and interpret its optimistic spirit in her own way. “We are thrilled to welcome Jung So-min to the Longchamp family,” said Sophie Delafontaine, Longchamp artistic director. “Longchamp is a Maison (fashion house) always on the move, looking out into the world and embracing whatever unfolds along the way. Jung So-min embodies that same spirit. She follows her instincts wherever they may lead, with elegance, curiosity and a sense of freshness.” The appointment brings Jung into Longchamp’s family of ambassadors, with the brand drawing a connection between her approach to her career and its openness to new experiences. Delafontaine pointed to the actress’s instinctive choices and curiosity as qualities shared by the fashion house. Jung, for her part, welcomed the opportunity to work with the French brand. “I am delighted and honored to join French fashion house Longchamp as its ambassador. I look forward to embarking on an exciting journey with Longchamp, a Maison that embodies authenticity, energy and the spirit of Paris,” she said.

As holiday parties and reunions approach, nail art offers another way to complete a festive look. Gel polish, dip powder, acrylic extensions, magnetic designs and embellishments have expanded the options beyond French tips and glossy colors. But beneath the colors, chrome accents and gemstone flowers, natural nails still need care, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) reminds beauty enthusiasts. “What may look pretty on the surface may be covering an entirely different story underneath. Our nails can provide us with clues and hints about our health as a whole,” said dermatologist Sharon Osmena Lim. Changes in nail color, texture, shape and strength can point to nutritional deficiencies, infections and possibly cancer, she explained, and may require further attention. Healthy nails feel smooth and strong and appear uniformly pink with white tips. Unusual changes should not be overlooked. Brittleness or easy breakage may have several causes, including poor nutrition, fad diets, decreased circulation or trauma from excessive manipulation during manicures and pedicures. Exposure to harmful chemicals, including those in nail polish and cuticle removers, can also contribute to brittle, discolored nails. Lim also cautioned against excessive removal of the nail, traumatic removal of ingrown nails and excessive trimming of the cuticle, which protects the nails. Yellowish or discolored nails may result from polish stains but can also signal a fungal infection. Horizontal ridges, known as Beau’s lines, may follow illness or injury, while dents or pits may be linked to skin conditions such as psoriasis. Changes in color or thickness, swelling of a finger or toe, separation of the nail from its bed and pain require medical evaluation, particularly when symptoms worsen or persist, Lim said. This is especially important for people with diabetes, kidney disease and other conditions affecting wound healing. Nail changes may also be related to anemia, thyroid problems and circulation issues. “While we cannot diagnose a health issue just by basing it on the changes in one’s nail appearance, it can serve as a starting point for further assessment by a medical professional,” she said. Regular gel manicures and nail art can also affect nail health. Lim cited chemicals in nail products, exposure to UV curing lamps and the application and removal of extensions and gems as factors that can weaken the natural nail plate over time. Care should extend beyond salon appointments. She advised keeping nails clean and dry because bacteria and fungi thrive in moist environments. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and dry hands after exposure to water or chemicals. Lim also advised avoiding frequent hand-washing, nail-biting and picking, and using nails to open hard containers. Wear gloves when handling chemicals. Finally, she recommended giving nails time without polish and treatments. “Give your nails a break from all the buffing and chemical and UV exposure. Allotting recovery time after treatments can reduce risks of long-term damage that may be harder to reverse – or worse, cause permanent damage.” For those who enjoy designs, that recovery time is part of caring for the natural nails beneath the artwork.

Cebu-based society lady Jennifer Sarmiento of Luisa Estate Park in Banilad, Cebu, celebrated her birthday with prominent members of society and close friends at Chef Jessie Rockwell in Makati. The ele­gant gathe­ring was hosted by society ladies Ofelia Wadle and Dr. Elsie Pascua, who welcomed guests to an evening of friendship, food, music and celebration. Adding a festive touch to the occasion, the hosts and guests came together in striking red dresses, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the birthday celebration. Guests enjoyed an array of dishes, including fresh salads, beef and fish, as they gathered for an evening of good food and conversation. Music added to the festivities, with Sir Rex providing entertainment that had guests singing and dancing throughout the evening. Joining the musical celebration were society ladies Joy Rustia, Linda Rustia, Maru Go, Ofelia Wadle, Dr. Elsie Pascua, Fortune Ledesma and Duday Tuazon, who sang for the guests. The celebration brought together friends over music, food and laughter, marking Sarmiento’s birthday with an evening of fellowship and camaraderie.

The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged delays in the Department of Education"s (DepEd) signing of contracts with suppliers of textbooks and other learning materials, which affected their timely distribution to schools.

The Chinese embassy in Manila has expressed concern over the cases of two Hongkongers who have remained in custody in the Philippines for months despite being discharged from prison, according to the Immigration Department. The department confirmed on Friday night that it was handling the two cases following an appeal from a former lawmaker and a Hong Kong man who returned to the city on Tuesday after serving 26 years in a Philippine prison for drug offences. The returned Hongkonger, Tang...

Hong Kong could dethrone London as the top choice for arbitration within the next decade given the Asian city’s status as a global fundraising capital for businesses in mainland China and beyond, the head of the Bar Association has said. Jose-Antonio Maurellet, chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association, told the South China Morning Post on Friday that the city had enjoyed rapid growth in arbitration work, with high-stakes cases attracting elite international legal talent. Hong Kong tied with...

US President Donald Trump is planning to attend the Asean summit next month, the South China Morning Post understands, as Washington vies with Beijing for influence in the region. If the trip happens, Trump’s appearance at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting, expected to run from November 16-18 in Manila, will be his second consecutive appearance at the gathering during this term. Trump was in Kuala Lumpur for Asean last year and in Manila for the meeting in 2017. Sources told the...

GMA Kapuso Foundation brought free healthcare services to quake- and flood-hit residents in Glan, Sarangani.

Amid the looming effects of Super El Niño, some establishments in water-intensive sectors are adapting to the dry conditions of the season, with several switching to crops that require minimal water use.

MANILA, Philippines — “Tatay” Elmer Cordero, who was once arrested for staging a protest with the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) in 2020, was brought to a hospital Tuesday, Sept. 29, the first day of a two-day nationwide transport strike calling out the government over sharp increases in oil prices.

China is ramping up its efforts to bring young Americans to China, and ready to be seen as a country concerned with environmental protection, lifting people out of poverty, protecting minority cultures and building the technology of the future. During his trip to the United States last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping said his country aimed to welcome 100,000 young Americans on exchange or study trips over the next five years. That builds on an earlier target announced in 2023 that set the...

We have selected seven of the most interesting and important news stories covering global relations from the past few weeks. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Trump condemns ‘sick conspiracy’ against AI, says he is only guardrail needed US President Donald Trump downplayed growing concerns about artificial intelligence, claiming America already has guardrails to regulate the industry and warning that casting doubt on development only benefits...

We have selected seven of the most interesting and important news stories covering global relations from the past few weeks. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Trump condemns ‘sick conspiracy’ against AI, says he is only guardrail needed US President Donald Trump downplayed growing concerns about artificial intelligence, claiming America already has guardrails to regulate the industry and warning that casting doubt on development only benefits...

Today’s headlines: Sonny Trillanes, Sara Duterte, Asian Games

SANTIAGO CITY – A total of 4,244 promoted teachers and non-teaching personnel in Cagayan Valley formally took their oaths before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.at the Santiago City Sports Arena in Barangay Baluarte on Friday. “This event marks the implementation of the administration of the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System designed to strengthen the regional workforce

The Palace on Friday lambasted officials who remained silent on territorial issues like the West Philippine Sea, especially those who accepted bribes to do so.

A second attempt to guide a shark stranded in a canal in the South Korean port city of Busan back to the open sea ended without success on Friday, with the animal staying in the waterway into its third week. Rescuers, who had been using a net to try to coax it out, had to end the operation after a two-hour chase due to ‌the risk of their huge net getting caught on rocks. They now hope that the shark will eventually swim out to the open sea on its own, after leaving the net in place to limit how...

As citizens embrace the technology for entertainment, relationships and even farming advice, the government is stepping up efforts to set limits.

Lead cast: Kim Ji-yeon (aka Bona), Park Seo-ham, Jang Se-hyuk Latest Nielsen rating: 0.5 per cent In the new fantasy romance Dive into You, a mysterious camcorder allows a pair of superstar siblings to travel back in time and swap bodies in a desperate bid to save a loved one. Kim Ji-yeon (Twenty-Five Twenty-One) – also known as Bona from the K-pop girl group WJSN – appears as screen siren Yoon Ha-na, who has reached the top of her field but is experiencing an emotional numbness that affects her...

According to the PRC, 6,337 out of 17,062 passed the exam given by the Board of Civil Engineering in 19 testing centers all over the Philippines.

MANILA, Philippines — Majority senators welcomed the Supreme Court’s dismissal of a petition challenging the legality of the Senate session on June 3 that resulted in the ousterof then-Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano. In an en banc resolution dated Aug. 26, the Supreme Court dismissed the petition filed by lawyers Valeriano Loon and Zigfred Diaz,

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday urged parents to watch for behavioral changes among their children as he called for greater vigilance to prevent school violence following a series of incidents involving students. The call came after school shooting incidents in Tacloban City, Zamboanga City, and South Cotabato that resulted in several deaths

The State Department has denied its funding for the next two years, jeopardizing the education of hundreds of female Afghan students.

Bookmark this page for Rappler's comprehensive coverage of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial at the Senate