For her Bamboo collection released in February 2026, Hong Kong fashion designer Leah Shiu dived into the symbolism of Chinese knots such as pankou, or frog knots. “There are, like, 100 different kinds of knots, and each has its own significance,” says the 28-year-old. “I try and make sure that my customers understand the meaning of a Chinese knot – the fact that it’s like an infinity sign and represents longevity. “I want to educate the consumer on Chinese aesthetics, philosophies and...

Starbucks Philippines has unveiled its 2027 collectibles!

Klea Pineda and Janella Salvador dressed up as Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander from "Heated Rivalry" for Halloween!

Louis Paul Heussaff, the father of celebrity siblings Solenn and Erwan, has passed away.

When her left shoulder began to ache shortly before she turned 50, my sister Carol Wilson ignored the pain and put it down to a poor-quality mattress. She hoped the situation would resolve when she moved house in the UK – and got a new bed. The pain continued. “I kept hoping it would get better,” she says. “But it didn’t.” Her doctor diagnosed a frozen shoulder and alluded to it being something that occurred in “women of a certain age”. He prescribed physiotherapy, which didn’t help her much,...

When the travel agency China Highlights organises bus trips for foreign tourists to iconic sights across China, the company says one last-minute request keeps cropping up again and again. “Can we visit a farm?” The question has become so common that guides now organise farm tours lasting a day or two for groups as they drive back from scenic spots such as Huangshan and Zhangjiajie, according to company CEO Steven Zhao. The tourists often wanted to meet the farmers, have lunch in their...

Vietnamese Ambassador Phạm Quang Hiếu said cinema can add cultural and human depth to the Việt Nam-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He pushed three tracks: workforce and creativity through exchanges, mentorship and practical training, audience access via festivals, archives, cultural venues and curated screenings; and filmmaker-business-Government links to support production, skills, intellectual property (IP) protection and co-production.

Sometimes, through no fault of their own, good films slip through the cracks. They fall out of fashion, are misunderstood by critics or are poorly distributed, and it can take the passage of time – or a miracle – to bring them back into the light. So it is with Nancy Kelly’s 1991 period piece Thousand Pieces of Gold, adapted from Ruthanne Lum McCunn’s 1981 novel and starring Rosalind Chao from The Joy Luck Club. The film is a sincere, authentic-feeling drama based on the incredible true story of...

Joyce Ching is now a mom of two!

The marketing of classical music concerts has increasingly focused on the musician rather than the music, with the often ephemeral cult of personality perceived as more valuable than what is played, at least in drawing an audience. So, it was refreshing to hear the fine young musician John Lee perform. After studying at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, where he is now a member of the faculty, Lee earned a master’s degree from the Royal College of Music in London with distinction. For...

Themed Thái Nguyên – The Finest Tea, the festival kicked off with a spectacular music and art performance and a dazzling fireworks display. The opening ceremony also celebrated the 195th anniversary of the province's establishment (November 4, 1831-2026) and the inclusion of the Knowledge of Cultivating and Processing Thái Nguyên Tea on the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Bea Millan-Windorski is among the early top picks of Missosology for Miss Universe 2026!

From cherry and banoffee pie to Tabasco and sesame, the list of food aromas popping up in luxury fragrances keeps growing. Now some perfume makers are starting to ask if weight-loss drugs might be reshaping what consumers want in a scent. So-called gourmand fragrances like Thierry Mugler’s pioneering candyfloss-inspired Angel and Nina Ricci’s toffee apple scent Nina have been around for decades. More recent growth in the segment has been attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic-era boom in online...

The Philippines" Sasha Lacuna has secured a spot in the Top 12 of the Head-to-Head Challenge at The Miss Globe 2026.

Bea Ocampo finished as second runner-up at the Face of the Beauty International 2026 pageant held in Taiwan.

Tam Hưng Commune's challenges in developing its tourism sector were partly addressed after experts from Hà Nội’s Department of Tourism and representatives of travel enterprises conducted a FAM trip and consultation conference in the locality on October 30.

Hyrox athlete Joanna Wietrzyk is set to return to competition in Hamburg, Germany, marking her first race since the controversial incident in Beijing.

The history of the betel nut, also known as the areca nut, stretches further back than previously thought. New research suggests that people on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi were enjoying its mind-altering effects as long as 25,000 years ago. The discovery began with two ancient skeletons whose teeth bore curious, deep grooves. Australian archaeologists suspected these were the result of repeatedly sucking on whole betel nuts. Chemical analysis subsequently detected traces of arecoline, the...

As winter draws closer in some places and darker mornings become part of the daily routine, getting out of bed can feel more difficult than ever. Psychotherapist Shazna Khanom, head of clinical mental health at healthcare company Bupa in the UK, explains that the shorter days and reduction of daylight during autumn and winter can have a significant impact on our energy levels. “The darkness doesn’t just impact people’s mood – it can also change their energy levels and make them feel slower,” she...

Flow chefs Gabriel “Gato” Ong and Kevin Jonathan Uy said they were in disbelief after their restaurant received a One Michelin Star.

From garish, grotesque figures to bloodied installations, these Filipino artists find beauty, humor, and uncomfortable truths in the dark

In Cantonese cuisine, the quality of the ingredients matters as much as the skill that goes into preparing them. At Crystal Dragon, the fine-dining Chinese restaurant at City of Dreams Manila, this philosophy takes shape in a refreshed a la carte menu that brings time-honored specialties together with new culinary creations. Known for its refined

Skin recovery took center stage at a gathering of dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons and aesthetic practitioners in Taguig City, where a discussion on barrier care connected skincare science with the experiences and professional interests of the medical community. Held on October 21 at the Intramuros Tent of Manila House Private Club in Bonifacio Global City, the roundtable discussion brought together the Pan Pacific Aesthetic Institute Foundation, Lamelex, Golden Visa Central and Manila House. Their collaboration provided a setting for scientific learning, professional exchange and conversations about opportunities beyond clinical practice. For the beauty discussion, the emphasis was on caring for the skin barrier, particularly after dermatologic and aesthetic procedures. Dr. Finesse Angelica Evangelista addressed this in her presentation, “The Science of Recovery: Optimizing Barrier Repair in Post-Procedure and Compromised Skin.” Her discussion underscored the importance of skin barrier integrity in supporting recovery. It also placed barrier-focused care within a professional conversation about the needs of skin following procedures or when its condition is compromised. That focus is central to Lamelex’s approach. The brand presented its multi-lamellar vesicle technology, a skincare delivery approach designed to support the skin’s natural barrier structure and in­gre­­­­d­ient delivery. Its professional skincare offe­rings combine formulations and protocols intended for barrier-focused care. The technology formed part of the brand’s showcase, which included professional skincare products, testers, merchandising and educational materials. These gave participants opportunities to explore its approach to skin barrier care alongside the scientific discussion. Medical professionals also received product kits for further exploration and evaluation in their respective practices. Catherine Andres-Gamo, chief exe­cutive officer of Pretty Skin Lamelin Philippines, expanded the conversation from products to advocacy. Sha­ring Lamelex’s commitment to scientific education, skincare innovation and collaboration with the medical community, she encouraged participants to become skin barrier advocates. Her message called for greater awareness of barrier-first skincare in clinical practice, linking the brand’s educational efforts with the professionals who assess and care for patients’ skin. The evening brought that advocacy into direct conversation with dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons and other aesthetic practitioners. The foundation, meanwhile, provided a platform for professional exchange within the aesthetic medical community. Manila House hosted the gathering, bringing professionals from different fields into a shared setting for learning and relationship building. Alongside the skincare discussions, Golden Visa Central founder and president Vicky Luis introduced international investment opportunities and wealth diversification. Her presentation offered participants perspectives on long-term financial planning beyond their clinical work, extending the evening’s scope to their broader professional and personal interests. The gathering linked these different areas through partnerships among the foundation’s leadership, Golden Visa Central, Manila House and the Lamelex team. Each contributed expertise to a forum that combined clinical interests with opportunities for professional growth. For Lamelex, the continuing direction is to build its community of skin barrier advocates through scientific education and continued collaboration with medical professionals. The roundtable provided one setting for that exchange, bringing its products, technology and barrier-care message to practitioners who could explore and evaluate them for use in their respective practices.

Jewelry passed from mother to daughter carries more than gemstones and gold. For designer Kristine Dee, it also holds the stories behind each piece, including her mother’s purchase to celebrate a hard-earned business deal. Those personal connections inspire “Modern Heirloom,” one of three chapters in “The Woman Within,” her collection exploring the different sides of a woman through fine jewelry. Its three chapters, “Modern Heirloom,” “Quiet Strength” and “Playful Femininity,” move from sentiment to assurance to joy. Each reflects a side of a woman that Dee has observed in her clients and herself. “They try out other styles which are not their usual, and the choice follows their emotions, what they felt at that time, how that particular jewelry piece made them feel when worn. Each capsule collection shows the different versions we, as women, find ourselves in.” For “Modern Heirloom,” Dee draws on her mother Elizabeth’s practice of passing jewelry to her daughters, along with the memories behind it. Among them is a piece Elizabeth bought after closing a business deal she had worked hard to secure. “It is not just the piece that she shared, but the story that comes with them,” Dee says. That sense of continuity takes shape in classic gemstones and versatile designs. Multicolored sapphire and diamond necklaces hang from substantial gold-ball chains. A pearl necklace features diamonds and a detachable kunzite centerpiece, allowing the wearer to move between dressier and more casual looks. “Quiet Strength” turns toward architecture, emphasizing line, proportion and structure. Smooth gold surfaces, curves and carefully placed diamonds give rings and cuffs their presence. Dee’s background in industrial design informs this attention to form and how a piece sits on the body. “Each millimeter matters,” she says. A softer mood emerges in “Playful Femininity.” Mint tourmaline, pink spinel and diamonds appear in linked elements that sway with the wearer, while a coordinating ring allows for stacking. Elsewhere, a hand-carved mother-of-pearl ribbon flows into waves of rubies and diamonds. Across the collection, gemstones are set in 14-karat and 18-karat white, yellow and rose gold. Many designs bear the names of loyal clients, relatives and friends, extending the personal connections behind the jewelry. For Dee, their place is in everyday wardrobes. Statement necklaces can accompany a tank top and jeans or a dress, while rings and cuffs can be layered to suit the day. “The best way to style fine jewelry for a woman is based on her lifestyle and personality, so she can reach for them day after day, comfortably and confidently, and wear them in more ways than one.” The collection is available at the Kristine Dee showroom in BGC, Taguig City, with resizing and customization offered. A Power Plant Mall pop-up runs from Nov. 7 to Jan. 28, 2027, bringing the collection’s expressions of memory, strength and joy into women’s daily choices.

In 2010, Jojo Javelosa and Chef Bambi Javelosa exchanged vows in a wedding ceremony at Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati City. Sixteen years later, the couple marked their wedding anniversary with an intimate gathering at the social hall of Garden Towers East in Makati City, surrounded by fami­ly and friends. The celebration was officiated by Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown and Fr. Rito Ybañez.  Guests enjoyed an array of dishes prepared by Chef Bambi’s catering team. The menu featured pasta, callos, lengua, sun-dried tomato pasta, angus salpicao and giant prawns.  Adding a Broadway touch to the celebration, Franco Laurel and his family entertained guests with a musical number. In a delightful surprise, Bambi joined them onstage, sharing the spotlight and adding a personal touch to the performance.  After dinner, guests took to the dance floor to music spun by DJ Chinky Carpio.  The evening brought together food, music and fellowship as Jojo and Bambi celebrated 16 years of marriage and the journey they continue to share with family and friends.

We live in a vastly different world now than we did when “Glee” ended—a reboot would be nearly impossible to pull off

The psychology behind paranormal experiences and what it teaches us about our culture

How bonding over yakiniku and childhood shows made SB19 and Kento Nakajima’s collab more personal

Din Tai Fung debuts new ube XLB, The Matcha Tokyo teams up with Ramen Ron, and 8Cuts rolls out a smashing good cheeseburger

Stem cells, exosomes, and the promise of regenerative medicine: what works, what is still experimental, and what this means for our health and aging