Over 170 teams and 4,000 competitors from 12 countries and regions are expected to participate in the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, which will take place from June 15 to 16 along Victoria Harbour. The annual event is co-organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association (HKCDBA). Additionally, the HKTB will stage spectacular drone and pyrotechnic displays over the harbor on June 10 and 15, incorporating elements of the Dragon Boat Festival. In addition to exploring Hong Kong, international tourists can take a short ferry ride to the vibrant city of Macao. Not to mention a seamless and complimentary journey from Hong Kong International Airport to the Macao Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

Legoland Malaysia unveils 2024 events, attractionsMANILA, Philippines — A study from the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) revealed that Malaysia is one of Filipinos' top five travel destinations, alongside Japan, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand. Recently, Legoland Malaysia unveiled their events this year, making the resort a perfect travel destinations for Filipinos. “2023 was a fantastic year for Legoland Malaysia,” said CS Lim, the resort’s Divisional Director. “Families rediscovered the joy of our attractions, the shaded Miniland Amazing Malaysia, captivating Lego 4D movies, and our new Lego Friends Rooms at the Legoland Hotel. The adventures continue with a brand-new 4D movie experience, where guests can join the LEGO Friends on a whirlwind journey full of excitement and friendship.

WATCH: Miss Universe Philippines 2024 finals LIVEMANILA, Philippines — After months of preparations and challenges, 53 contestants from all over the achipelago are set to battle it out to become the next Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) at the coronation night to be held in SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City tonight. Miss Universe Philippines 2023 and Miss Universe 2023 Top 10 finalist Michelle Dee is set to pass her crown to the country's representative to the 2024 Miss Universe in Mexico. — Video by Empire Philippines via YouTubeRELATED: LIVE updates: Miss Universe Philippines 2024 finals

At least 11 students from New Asia Middle School in To Kwan Wan were sent to hospital following a gas leak at the laboratory during a class on Wednesday afternoon. Police received a report around 3.42 pm by a school staffer, who said some students fell sick during a chemistry class and developed symptoms like headache, dizziness, and stomachache over a suspected gas leak. A number of ambulances were soon dispatched and two male and nine female students were sent to Kwong Wah Hospital. According to a student surnamed Chan, the teacher immediately switched off the gas valve of the tube and one student even threw up. Another student said the school announced the incident via broadcast and said firefighters and police are coming to investigate and treat the affected students.

BOP deficit widens to $639 million in AprilData released by the central bank showed the BOP shortfall last month was four times wider than the $148 million deficit recorded in April last year. It was also a reversal of the $1.17 billion surplus recorded in March. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines registered a balance of payments (BOP) deficit of $639 million in April as the government settled more foreign obligations, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said. Data released by the central bank showed the BOP shortfall last month was four times wider than the $148 million deficit recorded in April last year. It was also a reversal of the $1.17 billion surplus recorded in March.

MANILA, Philippines — A Cessna 172 aircraft crashed into the waters near San Fernando town in La Union province on Tuesday, injuring two of its passengers. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap), the aircraft immediately called San Fernando Tower in San Fernando Airport and declared an emergency shortly after taking off at 8:23 a.m.ADVERTISEMENTA few moments later, the plane crashed into the water. READ: Caap: Cessna aircraft crash landed in Bulacan; 2 onboard safe“Two passengers on board were rescued with reported minor injuries and were rushed to the hospital,” Caap said in an advisory. Cssp said aircraft accident investigators are still determining the cause of the Cessna 172’s crash.

Markets retreat as traders take profits, eye commodities' spikePeople stand in front of an electronic display showing the Hang Seng Index in the Central district of Hong Kong on July 26, 2021, after stocks plunged as tuition firms were hammered by China's decision to reform the private education sector by preventing them from making profits. HONGKONG , China — Markets in Asia and Europe suffered a downturn Tuesday after racking up a series of gains as profit-takers stepped in, while traders were also spooked by a surge in commodity prices. Chinese property firms, which soared Friday on the support news, sank in Hong Kong. "For the market to keep momentum this week, it may come down to just one stock -- Nvidia," Freedom Capital Markets' Jay Woods said. "It sure feels like the hype for this earnings event will be the talk of trading desks and financial media all week."

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu urged cabbies with limited legal knowledge not to conduct their own “undercover” operations to bust Uber drivers as they have never received relevant training and may accidentally break the law. His remarks came on Tuesday as a number of videos have been circulating online, showing taxi drivers posing as Uber passengers and calling the police upon arriving at the destination. Lee noted that sting operations involve legal issues and if the law enforcement agencies are to conduct one they have to follow stringent regulations. He continued that anyone who has never been trained and has limited legal knowledge may accidentally break the law during the sting operations. Also read:- Steer clear of undercover Uber ops, union chief tells taxi drivers- Cabbies urged to exercise restraint after going undercover to bust Uber drivers themselves- (Editorial) Taxi drivers fire Uber warning shot

Singapore Airlines said flight SQ321 took off from London's Heathrow airport and "encountered severe turbulence en-route". Another 12 are being treated in hospitals," wrote an update provided by Singapore Airlines. Tracking data captured by FlightRadar24 and analyzed by The Associated Press showed the Singapore Airlines flight cruising at an altitude of 37,000 feet (11,300 meters). "Singapore Airlines offers its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased," the airline said. Singapore Airlines has had seven accidents according to records by the Aviation Safety Network.

Ivana Alawi awarded TikTok Shop Celebrity of the YearMANILA, Philippines — Kapamilya actress Ivana Alawi received the TikTok Shop Celebrity of the Year award recently. "First I'd like to thank TikTok Shop for this special award. The content creator said that the e-commerce site has a special place in her heart. "Actually, TikTok shop has a very special place in my heart kasi ang daming sales because of TikTok Shop and ang daming natutulungan, our affiliates and all," she said. — Video by Anjilica AndayaRELATED: Ivana Alawi denies involvement with Mayor Albee Benitez

Ease of paying value-added tax? As the name of the law suggests, the EOPT Act aims to increase the government’s revenue by improving tax administration. One of these regulations is RR 03-2024 covering value added tax (VAT) and percentage tax. Further changes to tax refund claims introduced by the EOPT Act are also provided in RR 05-2024. The firm has been recognized as a Tier 1 in Transfer Pricing Practice and in General Corporate Tax Practice by the International Tax Review.

PCG sends personnel to ‘critical’ regions to boost sea securityThe Philippine Coast Guard deploys personnel to Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog, Central Visayas, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao and Southwestern Mindanao. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday sent 110 personnel to six “critical” regions to enhance law enforcement at sea. According to the PCG, the deployment of MARSLEGs focuses on regions with heavy maritime traffic and frequent security incidents. “We reaffirm our commitment to working together to uphold the highest standards of maritime security and ensure the territorial integrity of our country," Punzalan said. Each MARSLEG is composed of highly trained PCG personnel from its K9, security and border protection, investigation and detection, surface patrol force and sea marshall forces.

A video showing a mother and daughter from Hong Kong getting struck by a car in Taiwan went viral on Monday with the pair fortunately sustaining only minor injuries. The incident happened last Saturday (May 18) when the mother and daughter were walking along the junction of Fuxing Road and Da'an Road shortly before 8 pm. A sedan hit the pair at the pedestrian crossing, where the 65-year-old mother - surnamed Yeung - and the 24-year-old daughter - surnamed Chiu - were sent flying with their belongings scattered all over the area. A biker rushed forward to check on the duo. Yeung and Chiu were lucky to have only scraped their knees and did not require hospitalization.

WATCH: Century Tuna Superbods 2024 finalists flex muscles, absMANILA, Philippines — Summer just got hotter as food label Century Tuna recently unveiled actress Kathryn Bernardo as its new endorser and 36 hopefuls as the finalists of Century Tuna Superbods 2024 with theme, “Best You Ever.”At a recent runway show in Whitespace events place in Makati, the finalists flexed their muscles and abs in swimwear and in active wear by local fashion brand Bench. Now on its 9th season, Superbods is set to culminate with a Finals Night on July 9. The male and female grand winners will each receive P500,000 tax-free, while the runners-up will receive P200,000 tax-free. — Video by Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo; video editing by Martin Ramos

Land degradation, as defined by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), refers to the deterioration of land quality caused by human activities or natural phenomena. “Investing in large-scale land restoration is a powerful, cost-effective tool to combat desertification, soil erosion, and loss of agricultural production. Alarming PH situationIn the Philippines, the extent of land degradation is alarming. Among the primary drivers of land degradation in the Philippines are illegal logging, unsustainable agricultural practices, and conversion of forests into agricultural land. Desertification and heatA specific type of land degradation, known as desertification, has been impacting various countries globally and is feared to affect the Philippines.