Nestled at the heart of the colorful Binondo, the 93-room Hotel Lucky Chinatown is an inviting escape from the bustling metro where culture blendswith modernity and luxury meets comfort. Standing tall along the streets of Reina Regente Street in a vicinity popularly known as the world's oldest Chinatown, Hotel Lucky Chinatown is real estate giant Megaworld Corporation's eighth hotel in the country. The property's well thought out architectural design complements well with old Manila's rustic aesthetics while the interiors manage to transport guests to opulent comforts through its state-of-the-art hotel amenities. Tailored to cater to every traveler's needs, this hub offers a...Keep on reading: Hotel Lucky Chinatown open wonders to Binondo’s rich culture

MANILA, Philippines---Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo doesn't think heightened police visibility in schools and universities can deter the alleged recruitment efforts of leftist groups.   In a Palace briefing Tuesday, Panelo said police presence in campuses can help prevent crimes but not the recruitment by communist rebels, which he said, was usually done in secrecy.   He also argued that the recruitment bythe Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA)of potential members does not necessarily have to be done within school premises.   "Ang presence ng police can prevent any crime being committed inside the campus. Pero recrui...Keep on reading: Panelo doubts tight police presence in schools can stop alleged leftist recruitment

  MANILA, Philippines --- Malacaang ha supported the move of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to include Chinain the list of countries whose survey vessels are prohibited in Philippine waters.   DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. issued the ban afterrecurrent sightings of Chinese survey vessels in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) without the government's permission.   READ:Locsin 'will universalize ban' on survey ships 'by adding China'   Two Chinese survey ships have been recently spotted operating within the Philippines' EEZ.   Presidential spokesperson Panelo said it would not oppose DFA's move.   "No, b...Keep on reading: Palace backs DFA move to ban surveys ships in Philippine waters

MANILA, Philippines -- Malacaang urged Filipinos to postpone their planned travel to Hong Kong due to ongoing unrest and massive demonstrations there. Hong Kong has been gripped by raging protests for weeks now against an extradition bill that will allow the extradition of suspects to China. While the Philippine government has not issued a travel ban, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Filipinos should reconsider going there for now. «Kung gusto mong pumunta ngayon sa Hong Kong, this is not the right time to go there kasi 'yong flight mo biglang naka-cancel,» Panelo said in a Palace briefing. "Eh 'di avoid muna going there. That's the advice. Kasi you're not s...Keep on reading: Palace to Filipinos amid Hong Kong protests: It’s not the right time to go there

  MANILA, Philippines --- About 20,000 households in three barangays in Quezon City will experience low pressure to no water service for three days starting Tuesday night, the Manila Water said.   This is due to the power supply transfer activities that the east zone concessionaire will conduct on its Luzon water treatment plant in Quezon City, Manila Water said Tuesday.   «Manila Water will undertake power supply transfer activities at its Luzon Water Treatment Plant which will result in low pressure to no water service affecting over 20,000 households, commercial and business establishments in three barangays in Quezon City for three consecutive nights,» t...Keep on reading: 3 QC barangays to experience 3-day water supply interruption — Manila Water

TV host Gretchen Ho took some time off to explore Northern Ireland, after participating in a biking event in London last week. Ho did not miss the opportunity to show off her stylish outfits while traveling there, as seen in her Instagram post yesterday, Aug. 12. «When the wait is inevitable,make it worth your while. In short, mag#OOTD ka na (do an OOTD),» she quipped. She posed in front of her first destination in Northern Ireland, the Lisburn train station. Ho sported a white turtleneck under a black jacket, paired with a maroon pleated skirt cut just below her knees. She completed the ensemble with a pair of white sneakers which went well with her white luggage. https://www.ins...Keep on reading: LOOK: Gretchen Ho travels to Northern Ireland, visits Titanic museum

            MANILA, Philippines --- Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Tuesday rejected the suggestion to restore the law criminalizing subversion.   Drilon said that the anti-subversion law, which he described as «a tool to harass,» is «prone to abuse» and «undermined» some basic constitutional rights, such as the right to freedom of assembly and association.   «The anti-subversion law was 'buried' a long time ago for it was proven that such a policy, aside from being prone to abuse and a tool to harass, undermined some of our basic constitutional rights,» Drilon said in a statement.   Drilon's s...Keep on reading: Drilon rejects ‘resurrection’ of anti-subversion law

Kylie Padilla stunned in a photoshoot where she showed off her baby bump and was joined by husband Aljur Abrenica and their first child Alas. Padilla was styled in monochrome outfits for the studio shoot and looked radiant as she posed in them. In one picture she shared on Instagram on Monday, Aug. 12, she wore a white robe as Alas, 2, kissed her stomach and Abrenica held him. https://www.instagram.com/p/B1ELgaNhJgs/ In another family picture, Padilla wore a figure-hugging black dress, with her husband and son in matching black outfits too. https://www.instagram.com/p/B1EMI3VFq31/ Padilla also posed solo in her black dress, looking glamorous with her hair up in a messy bun...Keep on reading: LOOK: Kylie Padilla glows in maternity shoot with Aljur Abrenica, Alas

MANILA, Philippines -- The Commission on Audit has flagged 299 irrigation contracts worth P20.70 billion that have been delayed for up to 2,287 calendar days due to poor performance of contractors and other factors.   COA's audit report of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for 2018 released this August 9 also revealed that liquidation damages were not imposed against contractors who defaulted in 44 contracts amounting to P12.24 billion.   This is aside from NIA's decision not to terminate or rescind 20 additional contracts which have incurred negative slippages. These were worth P9.039 billion.   One reason, according to COA, why the projects i...Keep on reading: 299 irrigation projects worth over P20B delayed — COA

            MANILA, Philippines -- Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea filed his third libel complaint on Tuesday against Special Envoy for Public Diplomacy to China and journalist Ramon Tulfo over a column published in The Manila Times.   Medialdea's lawyer Elvis Balayan confirmed this in a text message, saying the libel was related to Tulfo's July 25 and August 1 columns. /jpv   RELATED STORY: Medialdea files libel complaint vs Ramon Tulfo, vows 'more will be coming'  ...Keep on reading: Medialdea files 3rd libel complaint vs Ramon Tulfo

JERUSALEM --- The deportation of a female Filipino migrant worker and her Israeli-born teenage son was delayed at the 11th hour to await a final decision on their fate, a children's advocate group said on Monday. Rosemarie Perez was arrested by immigration officials along with her 13-year-old son Rohan on Tuesday for remaining in the country illegally. They were taken to Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv on Sunday night but later taken off the plane, said Beth Franco of the United Children of Israel (UCI) association. Urgent hearing The lawyer for the family, Carmel Bensur, has requested an urgent hearing on their status in a bid to have them remain in Israel, she told Age...Keep on reading: Deportation of Filipino mom, son from Israel stopped at 11th hour

COTABATO CITY, Maguindanao, Philippines --- Just as the Prophet Ibrahim was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail to prove his loyalty to God, leaders of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) must also be ready to sacrifice themselves for the sake of their people, Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim said during Eid al-Adha celebration on Sunday. Murad called on Bangsamoro leaders to strive for moral governance to fight corruption in the regional government and to stand fast for peace. Desire for peace «We have moved up to another level,» Murad said, referring to the signing of a peace agreement between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the government ...Keep on reading: Murad asks fellow BARMM execs: Like Ibrahim, make sacrifices

MANILA, Philippines --- Unpaid obligations of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) have financially weakened many private hospitals in the country, including Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC), according to Dr. James Dy, president of the private hospital. In a letter to PhilHealth branch manager Henry Almanon on July 17, Dy said the state insurance firm owed CGHMC P204.6 million for the medical services it provided to PhilHealth members from April to June. Dy blamed the delay in the payment collection on the adoption of new PhilHealth forms, which was implemented only in March. In a text message to the Inquirer on Monday, PhilHealth acting president an...Keep on reading: Mounting PhilHealth dues hurting hospitals, says exec demanding P204M

MANILA, Philippines --- The House of Representatives is poised to look into the looming increase in the fee for withdrawing cash from automated teller machines (ATM) as a result of the lifting of the six-year moratorium on ATM fee increases. The lifting of the freeze stoked concerns among lawmakers that banks would impose as much as a 50-percent hike on ATM fees, based on the rates they had charged or proposed to charge before the moratorium took effect in 2013. «We are worried that the forthcoming increases in ATM charges might harm consumers --- the nation's more than 58 million ATM cardholders,» Makati Rep. Luis Campos Jr. said in a statement on Monday. "Even more vulnera...Keep on reading: ATM fee hike looms; House inquiry sought

NEW YORK --- Lil Nas X is galloping his way to two new records on the Billboard charts thanks to the massive success of «Old Town Road.» The song that beat out Mariah Carey and «Despacito» to become the longest-running No. 1 hit in the history of the Hot 100 chart has now set records on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs and Hot rap songs charts, respectively. «Old Town Road,» which features Billy Ray Cyrus and is spending its 19th week at No. 1, surpasses the record set by Drake's «One Dance» on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart. Drake's track spent 18 weeks at No.1. On the Hot rap songs chart, where Lil Nas X's county-rap tune is also spending its 19th week on top, th...Keep on reading: Lil Nas X’s viral song sets more records on Billboard charts

MANILA, Philippines --- Applying for business and work permits at Paraaque City Hall has become easier and much faster with last week's launching of the second phase of Project Express Lane Operation (ELO). Project ELO 2.0 also makes the city government the first locally to fully comply with the President's directive to simplify and expedite the processing of permits and licenses. The city's business permits and licensing office chief, Melanie Soriano-Malaya, said that from 19 steps, the procedure for transactions has been reduced to just three. Also, a tracking system helps clients see the progress of their applications in real time. Those applying for the renewal of their busi...Keep on reading: Transactions made easier, faster at Parañaque City Hall

During the open forum that followed my short talk at the recent Readers and Writers Festival, held Aug. 2-4 at the Raffles Hotel in Makati, I was bombarded with questions by the large audience that came to listen. I had difficulty answering one question immediately. «After investigating and researching on so many psychic and paranormal topics all these years, is there any topic you have not yet investigated?» one woman asked. That made me think very hard. Because I have written on so many paranormal and psychic topics, I have a hard time finding a topic I have not yet looked into. I replied, «Yes, there is one topic I really want to explore. What really happens after death?» ...Keep on reading: What really happens in the afterlife?

MANILA, Philippines --- The House transportation panel will craft a one-year road map to help authorities solve the perennial traffic problem on Edsa, the committee chair said on Monday. Samar Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento said his panel was conducting a series of consultations with stakeholders to be able to draw up a «solid and viable» plan to reduce congestion on Edsa, one of the most important road arteries in Metro Manila. Upon the instructions of Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, the lawmaker has started informal discussions with government officials and private sector leaders to set the stage for congressional hearings that will focus on how to solve the Edsa problem. "Speaker Ca...Keep on reading: Lawmakers eye road map to fix Edsa traffic mess

National team striker Javier Patio fired a spectacular goal for Ratchaburi Mitr Pohl, while Michael Falkesgaard produced sensational saves for Bangkok United as Filipino players once again sparkled for their respective clubs in the Thai Premier League over the weekend. Hardly making his presence felt for reigning champion Buriram in the early part of the season, Patio has now found the back of the net three times since moving on loan to Ratchaburi, which settled for a 1-1 draw with PTT Rayong, to stay at eighth spot on the table with 29 points. More than showing their worth for their clubs, the Azkals are looking to impress coach Scott Cooper, who will be checking out the players' ...Keep on reading: Filipino booters Vying for Azkals inclusion making their case in Thailand

Ready to have «mochi skin»? Japanese cult beauty brand Hada Labo is now in the country to help Filipinos have mochi or rice-cake skin that is smooth and supple. Hada Labo, a drugstore brand, has been credited for giving Japanese women mochi skin that is hydrated and «bouncy.» Gukujyun lotion is the star product, with a bottle sold every four seconds in Japan. Filipinos who used to source it from trips abroad or online sellers can now buy it at Watsons. Make sure to prep skin with a facial wash. Hada Labo Hydrating Face Wash is for sensitive skin, while the Hydra and Whitening variant have brown algae, grape extract and antioxidants. For oily skin, try the Deep Clean &...Keep on reading: ‘Mochi skin’ can now be had: Japan’s Hada Labo arrives in PH

There are highly charged dramatic moments in Bart Freundlich's «After the Wedding,» many of them showcasing Julianne Moore and Michelle Williams' soul-baring ability to dig under the skin of the characters they portray. In the film, which begins its theatrical run in the Philippines tomorrow, Michelle is cast as Isabel Andersen, a woman who runs a cash-strapped orphanage in the slums of Calcutta. With funds for the hospice running dry, she's forced to acquiesce to the seemingly unreasonable whims of New York-based philanthropist Theresa Young (Julianne), a multimillionaire media mogul who's on the verge of early retirement. It doesn't take long before Isabel realizes she...Keep on reading: Julianne Moore, Michelle Williams face off in ‘After the Wedding’

MINNEAPOLIS -- A 70-year-old man camping in a Walmart parking lot put a hot cook stove in his van, causing it to catch fire and spread to another van, burning two young sisters and killing one of them, authorities in Minneapolis said Wednesday.   Prosecutors charged Roberto Lino Hipolito [a Filipino -- Ed.] of Long Beach, California, with second-degree manslaughter and two counts of negligent fire, all felonies.   According to the complaint, Hipolito and his wife slept overnight in their van outside a Walmart in Fridley, Minnesota, a northern Minneapolis suburb. Surveillance video shows Hipolito cooking something on the stove, then putting it in the van before g...Keep on reading: Flames from Filipino’s burning van kills girl in Minneapolis

The assassination attempt on human rights advocate Brandon Lee underscores how the violence Duterte has inspired is now also aimed at foreigner nationals, including Americans. But it's more than that. Lee, the 37-year-old activist who was shot outside his home in Ifugao, isn't just American. He's Chinese. Not Chinoy or Chinese Filipino, but Chinese American who grew up in San Francisco, had no direct familial roots in the Philippines, but who chose to give up his life in the Bay Area to embrace the cause of poor and oppressed Filipinos in the Cordilleras. His journey of courage and sacrifice is striking in any context. But it is worth highlighting in a time of intensifyin...Keep on reading: He’s Chinese and he’s fighting for Filipinos in the Duterte era

  NEW YORK CITY -- «Good Vibes,» an original comedy pilot that follows four female cannabis aficionados, premiered on July 30 at the 42nd Asian American International Film Festival here.   Queens-based «Good Vibes» creator and executive producer Nicole Maxali uses her hometown of San Francisco as the backdrop to showcase strong, funny Asian American women navigating within the burgeoning green rush of the soon-to-be juggernaut cannabis industry.   «I am thrilled 'Good Vibes' was selected to represent another facet of Asian American life,» Maxali said. "'Crazy Rich Asians' proved to Hollywood executives that Asian American stories are worth telling, but t...Keep on reading: Wokeness, weed and crazy high Asians in Fil-Am’s ‘Good Vibes’

Let's say it all together: The greatest legacy of Christopher Bailey at Burberry is Burberry Acoustic. Ricardo Tisci, listen, if you bring it back, we won't say anything about the clothes. We'll clap in unison for the new monogram. Do we have a deal? The Dan Owen droughtsince stumbling on 'Moonlight' being performed at Maker's House has been rough, but all is well because Owen is back with an amazing new song, 'Running to the Hills.' Owen said that the song «is about discovering I'm not built for the city.» It's the first of «more folk styled acoustic tracks» that we can all look forward to this year. Listen to the song below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FZa1-IqszE ...Keep on reading: #Nowplaying: Dan Owen’s ‘Running to the Hills’

NEW YORK --- Storm guard Alysha Clark makes her biggest assists off the basketball court, at Seattle's Children's Hospital. Through an annual drive, she has donated over 10,000 toys to the hospital, including over 2,000 this year. This year she wanted to do more. Clark remembered a conversation she had with a young boy named Daniel she met there. He wanted to help other kids at the hospital. At his behest, she decided to try and raise $5,000 for the dialysis unit. At first, she was worried that maybe she had set the goal too high. Her worries soon fadedas it took only four days for the goal to be surpassed. "To me, its mind blowing and so amazing. All because of Daniel. He's...Keep on reading: Storm’s Alysha Clark raises money for dialysis unit

    MANILA, Philippines --- Senator Imee Marcos sought for joint-venture agreements (JVA's) in Marawi to be exempted from «tough requirements» of government procurement and investment guidelines to hasten rehabilitation efforts there. Marcos said Senate Bill 410, which she filed, seeks to set up a Bangon Marawi Council which is tasked to design special JVA's and rebuild mosques in consultation with Muslim leaders. Further, the council is also responsible for expediting the issuance of land titles that would also cover reservation areas no longer used by the military. Under the bill, the council is exempted from the National Economic Development Authority (NED...Keep on reading: Marcos wants Marawi contracts exempted from ‘tough requirements’

A boy donated over $11,000 (about P570,000) for cancer research for children after auctioning off a pig he raised. Austin Lettner sold his 230-pound pig Millhouse to the highest bidder during a fair in Ohio, United States last Sunday, Aug. 4. Members of the community were invited to auction off animals they have taken care of, as per Fox 8 on Monday, Aug. 5. «The goal is to get it to proper weight,» said the fair's board president Bob Toth. «They are able to sell at auction and hopefully, the proceeds pay for the cost of that animal and all that feed.» Austin had other plans for the amount of cash Millhouse would sell for. "One day my parents just asked me, well asked me and...Keep on reading: Boy sells pig for over P570,000, donates money to cancer research for kids

Morethan80migrantswererescuedin the Mediterraneanon Saturday, Aug. 10, as Hollywood star RichardGerehighlighted theplight of those stranded after boarding a charity ship. Themigrants, mainly Sudanese men and adolescents, were picked up by the Ocean Viking ship from a rubber dinghy off the coast of Libya, according to Doctors without Borders (MSF), which operates the vessel along with the French charity SOS Mediterranee. The rescue operation comes as a dispute escalates over who will take inmigrantsrescuedby another charity ship, with mild Mediterranean weather increasing the number of people trying to make their way to Europe from Africa. Malta said Saturday it would take in...Keep on reading: 80 more migrants rescued as Richard Gere shines light on their plight

MANILA, Philippines --- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said that would remain vigilant during the nationwide celebration of Eid'l Adha what had been a peaceful day so far. «The celebration of Eid'l Adha today has been generally peaceful and orderly with no untoward incident reported,» Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, said in a statement. «The PNP remains alert and vigilant to prevent the occurrence of crimes and ready to respond to any call for assistance during calamity and emergency,» he added. President Rodrigo Duterte declared Aug. 12 a regular holiday in observance of Eid'l Adha. Eid'l Adha --- or Festival of the Sacrifice --- is considered one...Keep on reading: PNP remains alert despite peaceful Eid’l Adha holiday

MANCHESTER, England --- Manchester United beat Chelsea 4-0 to ruin Frank Lampard's debut as a Premier League coach in their season-opening game on Sunday. Marcus Rashford scored twice, Anthony Martial grabbed another and substitute Daniel James completed the rout on his debut, but it was also an impressive defensive performance from United with the world's most expensive defender, Harry Maguire, playing his role in keeping the visitors at bay. Maguire, who completed his 80 million pound ($97 million) transfer from Leicester last Monday, was man-of-the-match after playing from the start on his United debut. «It's a great start for myself and obviously the team,» Maguire told ...Keep on reading: Man United routs Chelsea to ruin Lampard’s EPL coaching debut

LIMA, Peru --- Two Americans used their medal-winning moments at the Pan American Games to draw attention to social issues back home that they feel are spiraling out of control. During their medals ceremonies at the multi-sport event in Lima, fencer Race Imboden took a knee and hammer thrower Gwen Berry raised her fist. Both athletes could represent the U.S. less than a year from now at the Tokyo Olympics, where similar protests would be seen by a much wider audience. «Racism, gun control, mistreatment of immigrants, and a president who spreads hate are at the top of a long list» of America's problems, Imboden said in a tweet sent after his team's foil medals ceremony. "I chose...Keep on reading: Americans protest on medals stand at Pan Am Games

PUNE, India--An unorthodox Indian music star has won hearts online with her big teeth, lustrous white coat, four legs and melodic braying at mealtime. Emily, a donkey living at an animal shelter in the Indian city of Pune, became an internet sensation last year after a clip of her «singing» went viral. Staff at the center -- where cats, dogs, cows and even large buffaloes are cared for -- were playing with Emily when she started crooning. They recorded a video of Emily showing off her vocal range and uploaded it onto their social media page, where it became an instant hit. "Usually our videos have a lot of sick animals and animals being rescued, and it's generally heavy a...Keep on reading: Donkey diva: Singing beast of burden becomes Indian sensation

FRANKFURT, Germany - Like a sleek Mercedes crunched between two freight trucks, Europe's economy is being knocked off course by the conflict between the U.S. and China over trade.   The bill for damages from the U.S-China collision could be painfully high, starting this week if new growth figures on Wednesday show that Europe's economic motor, Germany, is stalled or shrinking. Beyond that, economists say there are signs that years of jobs growth since the depths of the Great Recession and the eurozone debt crisis may be ending.   And if the trade wars escalate to include higher U.S. tariffs on cars made in Europe, the picture could look even worse.   ...Keep on reading: US-China trade war leaves Europe as collateral damage

Majuro, Marshall Islands --- Pacific islands that were key World War II battlegrounds but largely neglected for the past 30 years are now back in the spotlight as China challenges traditional US supremacy in the region. Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands, whose territories stretch thousands of kilometers across the Pacific, have been the recipients of largesse by Washington, Tokyo, and other allied powers, but otherwise mostly ignored in recent decades.   However, increasing competition between China and the US has dramatically altered the landscape, elevating the island nations beyond even their Cold War visibility when they were the site o...Keep on reading: WWII Pacific battlegrounds now site of US-China tug of war