Coming up roses? How Trump planted a new seed for Chinese gift diplomacy

South China Morning Post - Oct 17, 2026

Donald Trump was apparently captivated by the “beautiful” roses in the garden of the Communist Party’s leadership compound when he visited Beijing in May. It was a relaxed moment between the US and Chinese leaders – otherwise locked in disputes ranging from trade to technology and Taiwan – that led to a new opportunity for gift diplomacy between the rival powers. Strolling around the former imperial garden at Zhongnanhai with Xi Jinping, Trump was so taken with a China rose variety in bloom that...

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2 indigenous farmers drown during ritual to settle land feud in Sarangani

Oct 17, 2026

2 indigenous farmers drown during ritual to settle land feud in Sarangani

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — Two farmers drowned while performing a traditional ritual meant to settle a land dispute in Alabel town, Sarangani province on Friday, Oct. 16, police said. The victims were identified as Tonny Bulanon Mansag, 69, of Sitio Ulo Tubay, and Gaspar Tusan Palasanon, 49, of Sitio Katimbol, both in Barangay Datal

IN PHOTOS: Wild encounters in Western Visayas

Oct 17, 2026

IN PHOTOS: Wild encounters in Western Visayas

Western Visayas is home to a rich variety of wildlife, from reptiles concealed among branches to small forest creatures that thrive close to the ground. Photographs shared by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Western Visayas offer a glimpse of this diversity, showing species that inhabit the region’s forests and other natural habitats.

Dengue cases swamp Bacolod City hospital

Oct 17, 2026

Dengue cases swamp Bacolod City hospital

BACOLOD CITY — The Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) here has issued a public health advisory about the rise in dengue cases. This situation is based on the surge in the number of on the patients treated in the facility in the last two weeks, mostly coming from various parts of the city.

Ombudsman, Customs to formalize data-sharing deal in November

Oct 17, 2026

Ombudsman, Customs to formalize data-sharing deal in November

The Office of the Ombudsman will sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in November to facilitate data sharing, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said Saturday.

3 nabbed, P112,000 worth of ‘shabu’ seized in Laoag buy-bust

Oct 17, 2026

3 nabbed, P112,000 worth of ‘shabu’ seized in Laoag buy-bust

SAN ILDEFONSO, Ilocos Sur—Three individuals were arrested after authorities seized more than P112,000 worth of suspected “shabu” (crystal meth) during a buy-bust operation in Barangay 13, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on Friday, Oct. 16. According to police, the operation resulted in the confiscation of 13 heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu weighing approximately 16.49 grams,

BFAR issues red tide alert in Surigao del Norte town

Oct 17, 2026

BFAR issues red tide alert in Surigao del Norte town

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LTO suspends license of Makati driver for blocking a pedestrian lane

Oct 17, 2026

LTO suspends license of Makati driver for blocking a pedestrian lane

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AI used for first time to analyse lawmakers’ 5-year plan, policy address debate

Oct 17, 2026

AI used for first time to analyse lawmakers’ 5-year plan, policy address debate

Hong Kong’s legislature has for the first time used artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse lawmakers’ remarks during a three-day debate on the city’s first five-year plan and the latest annual policy address, with talent and the Northern Metropolis emerging as the most-discussed topics. Legislative Council president Starry Lee Wai-king said on Saturday that an overview of the six-session debate had been produced using AI. The session on improving livelihood protections drew the largest number...

LTFRB summons 5 online shopping firms’ list of delivery service partners

Oct 17, 2026

LTFRB summons 5 online shopping firms’ list of delivery service partners

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Bangladesh tourist resort fire kills 10

Oct 17, 2026

Bangladesh tourist resort fire kills 10

At least 10 tourists have been killed in a fire at a seaside resort in the southeastern Bangladeshi district of Cox’s Bazar, the country’s largest travel destination, officials said on Saturday. Dolon Acharya, an officer at the Fire Service and Civil Defence department, said the fire broke out in the morning at Tuptup Resto and Resort at Patuartek beach. The flames gutted the entire facility. The scene is located more than 320km (199 miles) southeast of the capital Dhaka. Acharya said...

What Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige reveals about his cinematic obsession 20 years on

Oct 17, 2026

What Christopher Nolan’s The Prestige reveals about his cinematic obsession 20 years on

Before The Dark Knight made him a household name in 2008, Christopher Nolan crafted intricate thrillers such as Following (1998), Memento (2000) and Insomnia (2002). But 2006’s The Prestige, which turns 20 this month, is the most labyrinthine by far. Made just after Batman Begins (2005), but a far stranger and more personal proposition, it is set in 1890s London. Here, we are introduced to stage magicians Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale), who risk their lives, and...

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