Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – Page 2

Ambitious Offshore Airport Planned By Vietnam

May 1, 2026April 27, 2026carlocarrasco

Regardless of external developments, it is clear that tourism in Vietnam is booming (for reference click here and here) and that makes travel an essential part of the nation’s economy and society. With the future of greater travel and accessibility in mind, Vietnam is aiming even higher as their government announced the plan of creating an offshore airport, according to a news report by VnExpress.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

Vietnam is considering an unprecedented aviation project that would see an airport built on an artificial island off Nha Trang, a major tourism destination.

The Ministry of Construction has submitted amendments to the national airport master plan for 2021-2030 to the government for approval.

It includes a new 497-hectare airport at Van Phong, around 65 kilometers from Nha Trang, on land reclaimed from the sea, according to the government’s portal.

To be situated in Van Thang Commune, it is estimated to cost VND9.2 trillion (US$360 million) and handle around 1.5 million passengers annually by 2030, increasing to 2.5 million by 2050.

Authorities expect the airport to support regional economic growth, positioning Van Phong as a marine logistics and economic hub and enhancing connectivity and boosting tourism.

Offshore airports have been built in several Asian geographies. Japan’s Kansai International Airport, built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay at a cost of some $20 billion, is among the most well-known examples.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Vietnam’s ambitious plan to build and operate an offshore airport will come true? Have you ever spent time in an offshore airport before?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Japanese Triathletes Defend SuBIT Crowns

April 30, 2026May 2, 2026carlocarrasco

Takuto Oshima and Manami Hayashi, both from Japan, take a crack at extending their hold on their respective titles in the NTT Asia Triathlon Cup Subic Bay, more commonly known as the Subic International Triathlon (SuBIT), at Subic Bay Freeport Zone on May 2 (Saturday).

SuBIT’s 33^rd staging carries with it the NTT Asia Triathlon Junior Cup for first time and henceforth the official Philippine National Triathlon Championships and qualifier for National Training Pool.

While Oshima (ranked #88 male in the world) and Hayashi (#36 female) will enjoy strong support from their compatriots, Oshima will face the strongest challenge from Canadian Liam Donnelly who is ranked higher by 15 notches.

Hayashi on the other hand is top-ranked among the female entries and the closest to her who are non-Japanese are Turkey’s Sinem Servera (#87) and USA’s Michelle Magnani (#91).

Organized Triathlon Philippines in cooperation with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, the oldest and longest running triathlon event in Southeast Asia is sponsored by Philippine Sports Commission, NTT, Gatorade (official hydration partner), Western Guaranty Corporation, C-Vitt and Subic Bay Travelers Hotel (official race hotel).

One of the more popular triathlons in Asia, this year’s SuBIT drew 92 elite triathletes and 31 elite juniors from 24 countries including Australia, Brazil, Bahrain, Canada, Cambodia, Guam, Hongkong, Indonesia, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Qatar, Thailand, Taipei, Turkey, Ukraine, USA, Singapore, UAE, Bangladesh, Samoa and Philippines.

Looming as top bets from Southeast Asia include 2025 Southeast Asian Games champion Indonesian Rashif Amila Yaqin, also 2023 SEAG silver medalist, in the male division.

French Cambodian Margot Garabedian, 2023 SEAG gold medalist and runner-up in the 2026 Asian Beach Games aquathlon last April 24, lead the ASEAN campaign in the distaff side.

The non-elite athletes in the field of nearly 500 will display their wares in the second day of action.

+++++

Note: This post was sourced from the official press release of the event from Triathlon Philippines.

Huge Shipment Of Diesel Arrives At Subic Bay Port

April 29, 2026April 26, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, a huge shipment of diesel of more than forty-four thousand metric tons arrived at the port which has been described as a crucial step in strengthening the energy security of the nation, according to an official announcement by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from official announcement by the SBMA. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), a government-owned and – controlled corporation (GOCC), has recently received a major diesel fuel shipment at the Port of Subic Bay, signaling a crucial step in bolstering the country’s energy reliability. The shipment consists of 44,119 metric tons—or 329,505 barrels of diesel fuel.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Senior Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Ronnie Yambao said that the shipment of PNOC’s 329,505 barrels or 44,119 metric tons of diesel arrived in Subic Freeport on April 10 through the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation (PCSPC) storage facility.

He added that as of March 30, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) had already issued a special permit to the PNOC Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC) to fast-track the emergency importation of petroleum products, especially diesel, to stabilize the nation’s energy supply.

“The special permit is designed to bypass standard bureaucratic processes and customs procedures that could delay immediate importation of fuel”; he said.

The PNOC-EC is set to procure a total of two million barrels of oil and 22,000 metric tons of LPG to build a national buffer stock, aiming to mitigate price volatility and secure supply.

These emergency stocks that are expected to augment around 10 days of the country’s additional fuel supply and strengthen LPG reserves, are being secured in response to Middle East market disruptions.

Subic Bay Freeport is home to the PCSPC, the largest petroleum product import storage facility in the Philippines, which stores a significant portion of the national buffer stock. The facility currently has a storage capacity of approximately 6.3 million barrels (roughly one billion liters) of fuel.

It occupies about 160 hectares and accounts for 20% of the total fuel storage capacity in the Philippines. The depot is spread across the Boton and Maritan Hill areas within the Freeport.

The facility uses the infrastructure of the former U.S. Naval Base in Subic Bay. At its peak during the Vietnam War, the site handled the largest volume of fuel oil compared to any U.S. naval facility worldwide.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the port of Subic Bay will become even more important to the nation’s energy security as more shipments of oil come in?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Non-Resident/Pass Thru Car Stickers Of Alabang Hills Village For 2026-2027 Now Available

April 28, 2026April 28, 2026carlocarrasco

The Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) announced that the 2026-2027 edition of its car stickers for non-residents motorists are now available and already applications are being accepted.

For accuracy, posted below is the excerpt about the2026-2027 non-resident/pass thru car stickers of Alabang Hills. Take note that the AHVA has a separate arrangement with the federation of BF Homes.

2. NON-RESIDENT

A. Private Cars (all vehicles with 3 or more wheels, including vans, pick-ups, & SUVs)

One-year sticker: P2,500 per car**

B. AHV-BF Residents (Discounted Fee-Reciprocity Arrangement)

-P2,000 per car for 5 cars / household

– personal use only ( business or commercial vehicles are not entitled to discount)

-no discount for applications beyond the deadline

How to apply – click https://alabanghillsvillage.com/non-resident-sticker/

Download the official application form, print it, fill all the details and sign it. Also, get the endorsement of your homeowners’ association (HOA) or federation.

VSAF-Revised-2026 Download

Book your appointment online selecting the available dates and time slots. Make sure you bring the vehicle’s official receipt (OR) and certificate of registration (CR). Also prepare the amount of money needed to pay for the new non-resident car sticker.

To find the location of the office of the AHVA, click https://maps.app.goo.gl/fdph3KyT634KZuBg7

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Pecson Leads 1-2-3 PHI Duathlon Finish In Singapore

April 27, 2026April 26, 2026carlocarrasco

Maynard Pecson bounced back remarkably from a dismal showing in the national age group duathlon championships two weeks back by landing on top of the heap in the duathlon event of Singapore T100 Triathlon.

Franklin Yee, Pecson’s erstwhile tormentor, trailed in 2nd overall with Robin Banados of Go For Gold completing the podium finish.

Top Filipina duathlete Merry Joy Trupa was dominant from start to finish among the females as she claimed 1st place overall and the gold medal in the female 20-24 age category.

Pia in Action (PIA) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) sponsored the Team Philippines.

Pecson stowed the gold in the 25-29 bracket with Yee adding another gold in 20-24 category.

Pecson covered the 6K run/32k bike/3K grind in 1 hour 26 minutes and 28 seconds (splits: 21:26/ 51:45/11:53).

Yee checked in at 1:29:09 and Cebuano Banados (, also backed by Go-for-Gold program of Jeremy Go, 1:34:53).

Trupa clocked one hour 35 minutes and 56 seconds in outstripping all but 10 of the close to 600 hopefuls.

For more triathlon and multisport updates, visit https://www.facebook.com/TriPhil.

+++++

Note: This post was sourced from the official press release of the event from Triathlon Philippines.

New Clark City To Host AI Hub Under Pax Silica

April 25, 2026April 21, 2026carlocarrasco

Following the major announcement of the United States and the Philippines plan of launching a historic economic security zone of four thousand acres, it was revealed recently that New Clark City (NCC) in the Philippine province of Tarlac has been chosen as the site for an industrial hub focused on artificial intelligence (AI), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…

The New Clark City in Tarlac will host an industrial hub centered on artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and investments on a 1,618-hectare property.

This development comes as the Philippines formally joins the Pax Silica Declaration, a United States-led initiative that seeks to build a secure, resilient, and innovation-driven silicon supply chain covering critical minerals, semiconductors, AI, and advanced manufacturing.

“By joining Pax Silica, the Philippines is ensuring that our mineral resources and strategic location are not simply supporting global industries from the margins, but are actively harnessed to build the industries of the future,” Finance Secretary Frederick Go said in a statement on Monday.

The country’s participation in this initiative signals its intent to play a more active role in the rapidly evolving AI and semiconductor landscape.

This is in sync with the Marcos administration’s target of establishing the Philippines as a regional AI powerhouse under the National AI Strategy Roadmap.

Strategically located within the Luzon Economic Corridor, the Coordination Office is the first of its kind to be established under Pax Silica. It is being designated as a “Golden Node,” a new model for AI-native investment acceleration hubs.

“The Golden Node is not about recreating the factories of the last century. It is about building the manufacturing ecosystems of the next century – AI-native from day one, anchored in the rule of law, and integrated into a network of trusted nations that will define global supply chain resilience for decades to come,” US Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg said in a separate statement.

New Clark City as next AI hub – Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua Bingcang said this development places New Clark City at the center of a pivotal transformation, one that will shape a more innovative, inclusive, and future-ready Philippines.

“By establishing this Golden Node, we stand to position New Clark City as a vital link in the global supply chain for advanced technologies and next-generation manufacturing. On the ground, this will translate into more quality job opportunities for Filipinos and greater participation of local enterprises in the growing innovation-driven economy across the globe,” he said.

The BCDA will extend a two-year grace period on lease payments, which will be treated as an unconditional in-kind contribution to support the development of economic cooperation initiatives between the two countries.

Initially referred to as Clark Green City, New Clark City was planned, designed and founded by the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA). It has an area of more than 23,000 acres and is designed to accommodate over a million people. The NCC’s formal groundbreaking happened on April 11, 2016. For further information about New Clark City, click here.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Were you surprised to learn that New Clark City has been chosen as the AI-focused site of the 4,000 acre economic security zone of the United States and the Philippines with the Pax Silica initiative? If you have visited New Clark City lately, what can you describe about the place?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Vietnam’s New International Airport To Handle Most International Flights By 2027

April 24, 2026April 21, 2026carlocarrasco

In Vietnam, it is anticipated that most international flights currently handled by the old Tan Son Nhat International Airport (serving Ho Chi Minh City) will be moved to the new Long Thanh International Airport by next year, according to a news report by VnExpress. The said move will be gradual and it will start this year.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

The Airports Corporation of Vietnam has proposed that international flights should move gradually from Ho Chi Minh City to Long Thanh International Airport in neighboring Dong Nai Province starting this year.

According to the state-owned joint-stock company that manages 22 airports across Vietnam, including 10 international, the transition will make the under-construction Long Thanh a global aviation hub.

In the initial phase — from the start of Long Thanh’s commercial operations later this year to around March 2027 — all long-haul international flights will be moved from Tan Son Nhat airport in HCMC.

During this period Long Thanh will handle 19% of all international passengers in the Ho Chi Minh City market while Tan Son Nhat will continue to handle the rest.

In the next phase, from March 2027 through 2030, all international flights will steadily be shifted to Long Thanh, except for short-haul routes under 1,000 km operated by Vietnamese airlines.

By 2027 Long Thanh is expected to handle more than 90% of international passenger traffic.

After 2030 all international flights will operate from Long Thanh, laying the foundation for a major international transit hub.

Tan Son Nhat will then focus on domestic routes and non-scheduled international services, including charter flights.

Tan Son Nhat, until now the largest airport in Vietnam, handled 109,652 international flights last year, or 43% of the country’s total number.

The ACV has established Long Thanh International Airport as a first-tier subsidiary along with other units for cargo and fuel services.

It is also implementing workforce training programs, including on-site experience at Tan Son Nhat, to develop operational expertise ahead of the new airport’s launch.

It has signed a consultancy agreement with South Korea’s Incheon Airport Consortium, to support trial operations, the transition and traffic forecasting.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the move of international flights from the old international airport to the new one will proceed as scheduled? If you have been to Vietnam lately, how would you describe the quality of Tan Son Nhat International Airport?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Woman Arrested In Parañaque City For Abusing Child

April 22, 2026April 16, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Parañaque, local police officers armed with a warrant arrested a 42-year-old woman over child abuse charges, according to a news report by The Daily Tribune.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of The Daily Tribune. Some parts in boldface…

A female suspect facing child abuse charges was arrested by police authorities during a warrant operation in Barangay San Isidro in Parañaque City on Wednesday evening.

The accused, identified as alias Ferdilyn, 42, was apprehended at around 8:30 p.m. at her residence in Manggahan II, Lower Matatdo.

The arrest was the result of an intensified effort to track down individuals with outstanding warrants for crimes against children.

The accused was taken into custody by virtue of a warrant of arrest for violation of Section 10(A) of Republic Act 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

The warrant, docketed under Criminal Case No. 2026-0071, carried a recommended bail of P80,000 and was issued on 15 April 2026 by Judge Ma. Christina De Pio Lim of the Parañaque City Regional Trial Court Branch 260.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, are you concerned that there could be more child abusers who have yet to be apprehended? Is child abuse a serious problem in your local community?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Japan Revises Arms Export Limits To Enable Weapons Sales

April 22, 2026April 21, 2026carlocarrasco

In a serious bid to strengthen its defense industry and boost security cooperation with partner nations, the government of Japan officially revised the limits on defense equipment exports, according to a news report by Kyodo News. This means enabling the sales of weapons overseas.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News Some parts in boldface…

The Japanese government revised limits on defense equipment exports Tuesday to enable the sale of weapons overseas, as it seeks to boost security cooperation with partner countries.

The changes, approved by the Cabinet and the National Security Council, come as the government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a national security hawk, aims to strengthen the country’s defense industry amid what the administration has called Japan’s most severe security environment since the end of World War II.

The revisions to the “three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology” and their implementation guidelines scrap rules that limit exports to five noncombat categories — rescue, transport, warning, surveillance and minesweeping.

While the revisions in principle prohibit the export of arms to countries where conflict is taking place, they do allow for exceptions “in special circumstances” that take into consideration Japan’s security needs and U.S. military operations in the Indo-Pacific region.

Defense equipment would be divided into “weapons” and “non-weapons” categories, based on whether they have lethal capability.

Exports of non-weapons such as warning and control radar systems face no restrictions, while those of weapons including destroyers and missiles are limited to countries that have signed agreements with Japan on protecting classified information related to defense equipment and technology.

The changes, which state that parliament will only be notified of weapon exports after government approval, are likely to draw criticism from opposition parties. They have argued parliament should give prior approval to avoid Japan becoming involved in exacerbating conflicts or fueling arms races.

The National Security Council will examine and decide whether to approve weapon exports. The next-generation fighter jet being developed with Britain and Italy will be an exception requiring Cabinet approval.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the government of Japan made the right move in line with the intention to strengthen its defense industry while boosting security cooperation with its partner nations? Do you think this development will enhance security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region? How do you think Communist China and North Korea will react to Japan’s move? Do you think member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will be among the first to buy weapons from Japan?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Temporary Reduced Fees And Support For Port Clients Confirmed By SBMA

April 21, 2026April 16, 2026carlocarrasco

In response to the spiked fuel prices and other economic uncertainties, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced that it will temporarily offer reduced fees and provide financial support to its port clients.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from official announcement by the SBMA. Some parts in boldface…

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has temporarily taken measures to provide port clients with the much-needed financial support, amid the ongoing rise in fuel costs in the global market.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño explained that this is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order No. 110, which immediately placed the entire country in a state of national energy emergency due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Aliño added that such temporary measures aim to provide aid to industries affected by the Middle East crisis by ensuring that cost-stabilizing strategies for the transport and food sectors are implemented without delay.

“These initiatives, including reduced fees and extended free storage, provide a fiscal cushion to reinforce investor confidence and prevent supply chain bottlenecks,” said Aliño.

He also cited that key industry participants namely, importers, suppliers, consignees, vessel owners, and consumers, will experience the impact of these measures through their respective counterparts – terminal operators, cargo handlers, brokers, consolidators, processors, ship agents, and shipping lines, resulting in a cascading effect throughout the supply chain.

As part of this initiative, the SBMA will implement a five percent tariff reduction on all commercial vessels, including harbor fees, berthing fees/ anchorage fees, and harbor cleaning fees, as well as a five percent tariff reduction on cargo charges including wharfage fees, and storage fees.

“We will also implement a five percent tariff reduction on SBMA shares such as pilotage fee, hauling services, tugboat services, heavy equipment rental, line handling services, chandling services, water tendering, cargo handling for containerized cargo, and bunkering services,” he added.

Additionally, the SBMA is also offering free storage for non-containerized cargo, and free storage period for an additional 2-day extension.

To further aid port clients, the SBMA will temporarily suspend the collection of shares from terminal operators/cargo handlers for liquid bulk cargo handling and related activities; the implementation of the one percent admission fee for liquid bulk; and the implementation of the ten percent increase on cargo handling and miscellaneous charges of non-containerized/ general cargoes.

Chairman Aliño assured port stakeholders that these measures shall take effect immediately upon its approval and ratification by the SBMA Board of Directors, adding that these will remain in force until geopolitical tensions subside, at which point they shall be lifted via a formal issuance following Board approval.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this new move by the SBMA will be sufficient enough for the port clients and keep economic activity in the freeport growing? Do you think the SBMA will have to further intensify its tourism activities to attract more high-spending tourists to bounce back from a potential economic downturn?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

	#blogpost on National Bilibid Prison Develo…
	AI Channel on National Bilibid Prison Develo…
	#tumblr on Ibaraki Prefecture’s Rewards P…
	#tumblr on National Bilibid Prison Develo…
	☆.♪°.ＣＬＡＲＡ♪・°☆.♪ on Philippines Inflation Accelera…

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: