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Sam Beltran
SCMP Contributor
Sam Beltran is a journalist based in Manila who has written for publications in the Philippines and around Asia. Her stories explore food, lifestyle scenes, popular trends, and sub-cultures as windows into society and the human condition.
Sam Beltran is a journalist based in Manila who has written for publications in the Philippines and around Asia. Her stories explore food, lifestyle scenes, popular trends, and sub-cultures as windows into society and the human condition.
Languages Spoken:
English
The Bantay Senado network aims to fill gaps in information, accountability and engagement, and ensure senators conduct a fair trial.
Manila and Tokyo forge a comprehensive strategic partnership, boosting defence and economic cooperation, as Indo-Pacific challenges mount.
Disillusioned by US unpredictability, the region is learning to diversify – while Trump treats allies as bargaining chips.
Analysts say To Lam’s first visit to Manila as state leader signals Vietnam’s balanced foreign policy and investment in Asean partnerships.
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While the bloc’s chairmanship is a plus point, Manila needs to overcome accessibility challenges to attract more regional tourists.
Economic necessity has forced Filipino migrants like Jeffrey Ongoco to spend years away from the people they left home to support.
James Bernardo was delivering food in Angeles City when the structure collapsed behind him, with the wreckage also affecting nearby businesses.
Manila pushes back against reports that a US-backed AI industrial hub will come under US laws and diplomatic protections.
Eight more countries will invest in the project as they accelerate regional trade diversification in sectors ranging from AI to energy.
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Ottawa is keen to sign an FTA with Asean this year, as analysts predict two-way growth in sectors ranging from mining to manufacturing.
An investigation by several regional media outlets shows USAID was a target of misinformation after Trump froze aid from the agency.
Dela Rosa evading the ICC arrest and the Senate leadership coup could mark a turning point for a Duterte camp under siege, analysts say.
Some social media users have questioned Bea Millan-Windorski’s win, while others say being Filipino is about ‘culture, history and belonging’.
Southeast Asia is one of the worst affected by the global fuel crisis due to its high imports of oil and gas coming from the Gulf.
Manila faces a rise in youth suicides linked to emotional distress, prompting calls for the nationwide expansion of well-being resources.
Southeast Asian countries outdid larger economies in the 178-nation Hanke’s Annual Misery Index for 2025.
Observers said RJ Perkins’ viral moment shows beauty pageants might be ready to move beyond their traditional ideals.
The new inter-agency rules aim to give investigators a framework tailored to Pogo-linked crime and support a coordinated response.
Southeast Asia’s pivot may be for economic reasons, but some analysts warn Moscow could seek to build lasting influence in the region.
A March survey showed that the popularity gap between Leni Robredo and presidential front runner Sara Duterte-Carpio had narrowed.
Industrial-scale malware is replacing ‘pig-butchering’ as Cambodia’s scam hubs pivot to high-speed digital heists.
SIA, Cathay, Korean Air and Qantas have reported an increase in demand for European routes as travellers avoid Middle Eastern hubs.
The chip-focused ‘economic security zone’ will reportedly operate under US law despite being on Philippine soil.
Women make up 90 per cent of Filipino marriage migrants, moving mainly to the US, Canada, Japan and Australia.
The Filipino girl group’s desert debut proved P-pop’s pedigree. Now Manila needs to find the budget to back the talent already going global.
Observers say Co’s arrest is a ‘notable step towards accountability’ and committee hearings on the flood control scandal could resume.
The Philippines is one of the worst hit by the oil crisis, but its deregulation law prevents the government from capping fuel prices.
Asia is home to 60 per cent of the world’s slum dwellers and some of the planet’s most expensive real estate.
