Customs arrested a man in Causeway Bay Thursday after he was found trafficking cocaine. Yesterday, the police officers were conducting anti-drug operations in Causeway Bay and intercepted a 41-year-old man near a hotel within the district. The man with a foreign passport who claimed to be a repair worker had accepted a cash reward to help an organization in drug trafficking. Officers believe criminals use hotel units as drug storage and distribution centers and use elaborate packaging to hide drugs in food packages. Although the packages were near-perfect and sealed well, customs officers who carefully inspected them found differences from the original packaging and discovered that they might contain cocaine.

Germany wants to achieve reciprocal market access for financial institutions in the third financial dialogue between Berlin and Beijing taking place this weekend, government sources said on Friday. "The Chinese still have some work to do to ensure that there is actually appropriate market access for German financial institutions in China," a finance ministry source said, adding that the focus was on banks and insurance companies. Another objective for the third financial dialogue is to further strengthen Frankfurt "as an EU hub for Chinese banks," the sources said. In the last round of talks in January 2019, China and Germany signed agreements to strengthen coordination in banking, finance and capital markets, and pledged to further open market access and deepen cooperation in a bid to broaden economic ties. Licences to operate in China were granted to Deutsche Bank and Allianz.

The Philippine women's softball team blanked South Korea, 5-0, to advance in the Super Round at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. It was a huge bounce back win for the Blu Girls who bowed to powerhouse China, 0-7, in their previous Group B match. The Philippine women's softball team CONTRIBUTED PHOTORoyevel Palma pitched a perfect game for the Blu Girls until the sixth inning when the Koreans fielded the ball. Cristy Joy Roa, meanwhile, hit a home run in the fourth inning to set the offensive tone for the Philippine. The Philippines and China will join Group A top seed Japan and Chinese-Taipei in the Super Round.

When it takes effect on April 1, fast food workers in California will have the highest guaranteed base salary in the industry. The state's minimum wage for all other workers — $15.50 per hour — is already among the highest in the United States. Gavin Newsom signs the fast food bill surrounded by fast food workers at the SEIU Local 721 in Los Angeles, on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. Gavin Newsom signs the fast food bill surrounded by fast food workers at the SEIU Local 721 in Los Angeles, on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. Now, the focus will shift to another group of low-wage California workers waiting for their own minimum wage increase.

An older woman was hospitalized after being struck by a van in Tsuen Wan on Friday morning. Shortly before 10 a.m. today, a seven-seater driving along Ho Pui Street into Chuen Lung Street accidentally struck the older woman. The 76-year-old woman, surnamed Chow, suffered injuries on her right leg and had it bandaged on site before being taken to Yan Chai Hospital for medical attention. The 36-year-old driver, surnamed Hung, was given an alcohol breath test, which he passed. The police are investigating the cause of the accident.

Yokohama became a great port city as Japan's gateway to the world. It's a fine place to visit, with attractions ranging from lovely parks overlooking the bay and streets of old 19th century western style mansions to one of Asia's largest Chinatowns. The city still plays a major role on the international stage, as host to conventions from around the globe. Recently, Yokohama has become an environmental leader too. A waterfront aquarium holds programs to teach city children about marine environmental issues, and, enjoying water activities, residents started movements to clean up the port's main river.

The Malaysian brand of healthcarePhilstar.com/Jap Tobias Malaysia Healthcare Lounge at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 1Travelers from abroad come to Malaysia for medical treatments for good reason. Its globally recognized medical tourism industry is renowned for its world-class facilities, internationally trained health professionals and cost-effective healthcare services. A prime destination for educationBesides healthcare, Malaysia is emerging as a preferred destination for international students, including Filipinos, seeking quality education. Malaysia: Wellness, wisdom and wondersJust last Sept.16 to 17, Tourism Malaysia in the Philippines hosted Malaysia Week in Makati City, providing Filipinos with a captivating glimpse of the diverse Malaysian experiences. Editor's Note: This story was produced from a trip to Malaysia hosted by Tourism Malaysia.

(UPDATE) ARNEL Mandal gave the Philippines its first silver medal in the 19th Asian Games at the Xiaoshan Guali Sports Center in Hangzhou, China on Thursday, September 28. Mandal bowed to Jiang Haidong of China in the two-round wushu men's sanda 56-kilogram (kg) final as the Chinese was hailed winner by point difference (WPD). The 27-year-old Mandal started his medal bid with a WPD win over Sunil Singh Mayanglamban in the round of 16 last Sunday. Mandal's silver is the fourth medal of the Philippine wushu team and fifth overall by the country in the ongoing games. James Inso picked up a bronze medal in the men's taijiquan-taijijian all-around event last Monday.

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RCEP was ratified by the Senate in February despite objections from the agricultural sector, and took effect in the country in June. ADVERTISEMENTThe league appealed to government enforcers to allow only the entry of processed imported vegetables. Historically, high vegetable prices allowed traders and suppliers to negotiate for much lower wholesale buying prices for locally grown crops that cut farmers’ revenues, the league said. It said the free trade deal should have policies that “empower” local farmers to be competitive. Benguet transported potatoes categorized as “marble,” “extra large” and “triple large.” Extra large potatoes sell for P130 a kilo.

That five years since climbing from the depths of hopelessness and despair, Bong Revilla Jr. is living his best life yet. The man is undoubtedly at the peak of both his careers and is even considered an idol by peers on either side and the public majority. It makes perfect sense indeed why Sen. Bong — who still gets emotional whenever he recalls his "politically motivated" years of incarceration and eventual acquittal — always says, "What more can I ask for?" Diamond Star Maricel Soriano and top TV executive Malou Choa Fagar The ‘Kamao,’ ‘Bato’ and the ‘Idol’ — with boxing legend and former senator Manny Pacquiao and Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa. Action men and best of friends: Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, the man of the moment and Philip Salvador and Sen. Robin Padilla.

‘Budget bill certification ensures timely passage’MANILA, Philippines — The certification by President Marcos of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) of 2024 (House Bill 8980) as “urgent” will ensure its passage on time as the House of Representatives conducts plenary deliberations on government agencies’ proposed allocations, lawmakers said. The “urgent” certification means the lower legislative chamber can pass the proposed P5.67-trillion national budget for 2024 on third and final reading next week, or until Sept. 30, before Congress – the Senate included – goes on a recess until Nov. 5. “The House stands united in its commitment to pass the 2024 national budget and support the government’s initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth, social development and the well-being of every Filipino,” Speaker Martin Romualdez said. Meanwhile, Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman said he has secured a commitment from the Development and Budget Coordination Committee for the funding of the decommissioning of the remaining 14,000 combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the 2024 national budget. Meanwhile, National Irrigation Administration (NIA) acting administrator Eduardo Guillen requested the House to restore the P91-billion budget the Department of Budget and Management removed from their original P132.4-billion allocation for 2024.

The cryptocurrency scandal now involved a financial toll of almost HK$1.3 billion with over 2,000 alleged victims. The SFC said it had made enquiries about what it called JPEX's misrepresentations and unlicensed activities, but the platform had been uncooperative. It said there hadn't been any communication between the SFC and JPEX on licensing-related matters. As such, there has been no communication between the SFC and JPEX on licensing-related matters," the statement says. Read more: Registered company of JPEX seeks deregistration in Australia, claiming assets do not exceed AUD$1,000

SUZUKI Philippines, the country's pioneer compact car distributor, will bring its fun-filled and much anticipated Suzuki Auto Festival to the Main Atrium of SM City Bacolod on Sept. 23 and 24, 2023. Coming from the heels of a successful two-day extravaganza last month at SM City Bacoor, the Suzuki Auto Festival at SM City Bacolod promises to be an even bigger event for car enthusiasts but for their families as well with several activities and shows spread out over two days. Exciting Suzuki merchandise and other surprise prizes will be given to lucky visitors and participants throughout the two-day event. Equally sharing the spotlight during the Suzuki Auto Festival are the activities set to be hosted by Suzuki Philippines. For daily updates on Suzuki, follow Suzuki Auto PH's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SuzukiAutoPH, X (formerly Twitter) at https://twitter.com/SuzukiAutoPH, and Instagram at @suzukiautoph.

THIS year sees Emirates, the world's largest international airline, celebrating 15 years of operating the Airbus A380. Operating to 50 destinations worldwide, Emirates is the largest carrier of this iconic aircraft, with a total of 116 of the aircraft in its fleet. With space for as many as 615 passengers in a two-class configuration, the A380 is the largest passenger aircraft ever made. The A380's wingspan is a whopping 79.8 meters — which is as wide as 32 double-decker buses or an Olympic size swimming pool. Filipino customers flying through Emirates' global hub in Dubai and beyond can experience all that the iconic Emirates A380 has to offer, from world-class customer service to in-flight features that continue to redefine luxury air travel as we know it.