Hong Kong to Dazzle with Record-Breaking Drone Display for National Day
The skies over Hong Kong's West Kowloon Cultural District will come alive on Monday evening with a spectacular display of light and technology as the city celebrates the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. More than 2,000 drones will take to the air in a choreographed performance dubbed "The Next Generation Chorus," easily surpassing the...
Devastating Floods and Landslides Claim 66 Lives in Nepal
KATHMANDU, Nepal — Heavy monsoon rains have unleashed catastrophic flooding and landslides across Nepal, resulting in at least 66 confirmed deaths and leaving 69 individuals missing, according to police reports on Saturday. Since Friday, extensive areas of the Himalayan nation have experienced severe inundation, prompting disaster authorities to issue urgent warnings about potential flash floods in multiple rivers. Nepal police...
Rare Waterspout Spotted in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour
In a rare weather event, a waterspout was spotted in Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong on Saturday, the first such sighting since the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) began keeping records in 1959. Videos circulating online showed a swirling column of water, seemingly connecting the sky with the harbor. The weather phenomenon appeared around noon local time. "At the time that the...
Manila Braces For Potential Mass Evacuation Of Filipinos From Lebanon
MANILA, Philippines – As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies in Lebanon, the Philippine government is seriously considering raising the alert level and implementing a mandatory evacuation of its citizens, officials said Friday. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) warned that while there are currently no plans for a large-scale repatriation, the situation remains fluid, and the government is...
Panda-monium Hits Hong Kong!
HONG KONG - Hong Kong is aiming to ride the recent surge in panda popularity to promote a "panda economy" in the city, according to the chairman of the organizing committee for a series of panda-themed events. Simon Yim Siu-wing, who also serves as the executive president of the Federation of Hong Kong Sichuan Community Organizations, told a local radio...
Minimum Wage for Foreign Domestic Helpers Raised to HK$4,990 , Food Allowance Unchanged
The Hong Kong government announced Friday a 2.5% increase in the minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers, raising their monthly pay to HK$4,990 (US$637) from the current HK$4,870. However, the food allowance for these workers will remain unchanged at HK$1,236 per month. The wage hike, set to take effect Saturday, will impact approximately 350,000 foreign domestic workers in the city....
Filipino Caregivers in South Korea Warned to Follow Immigration Laws After Two Go Missing
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine government on Friday urged Filipino caregivers working in South Korea to strictly follow that country's immigration laws, after two women failed to return to their jobs following a holiday break. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac expressed concern over the incident, which he said could result in the women being classified as illegal immigrants and...
Filipino Seafarers Honored as Philippines Celebrates World Maritime Week
MANILA – The Philippine government celebrated the vital contributions of Filipino seafarers as the country marked World Maritime Week on Friday. At a special event called "Alay sa Marinong Pilipino" held at the Philippine International Convention Center, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac highlighted the unparalleled skills, dedication, and resilience of Filipino maritime workers. "Your hard work powers the...
Hong Kong Urged to Enhance Muslim-Friendly Tourism
To bolster its appeal as a Muslim-friendly destination, Hong Kong should increase halal dining options and develop Islamic-focused travel itineraries, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) recommended. DAB lawmaker Vincent Cheng Wing-shun highlighted the burgeoning Muslim travel market, projecting their spending to hit US$300 billion by 2026. "This is a significant opportunity for Hong...
Philippines Renews Call for Release of Seafarers Held Captive by Houthi Militia
MANILA — The Philippine government has renewed its appeal for the immediate release of the crew of MV Galaxy Leader, held captive by Yemen's Houthi rebels since November 2023, as the world marks Maritime Day 2024. In a statement Thursday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) highlighted the plight of the 25 crew members, including 17 Filipinos. The cargo vessel...
