SB19 performs ASEAN 2026's official song 'Together in Motion'

According to independent box office monitoring firm Box Office Vietnam, the film Trại Buôn Người (The Journey of Heroes) has grossed more than VNĐ230 billion in total revenue as of October 3, making it one of only four Vietnamese films to reach this milestone this year.

The People’s Committee of Đà Nẵng City and DatViet VAC Group Holdings JSC have signed a memorandum of understanding to promote the development of the city’s cultural industries, with DatVietVAC serving as a strategic partner in the sector.

Did you know that ADHD and bipolar disorder can look similar and therefore can be tricky to diagnose?

Resolution 26-NQ/TW targets a direct GDP contribution of 10–12 per cent by 2030, 45–50 million foreign arrivals, 160 million domestic visitors, and total revenue of US$80–90 billion.

Burger lovers can look forward to the return of an award-winning creation as Manila Marriott Hotel brings back its gold-winning Multigrain Kaiser Burger for one day only.

GENEVA, Switzerland - Global life expectancy is close to the levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic, but the outlook for years lived in good health is recovering more slowly, the WHO said Friday.

Group fashion shows in the past often came across like an unspoken competition among the participating designers. The more flamboyant and outré the outfits, the better. Long-time fashion watchers might recall how veteran designer Frederick Peralta once presented an all-giraffe print collection punctuated with heavy, organic-looking jewelry. Although there were others who presented pocket collections before and after him that evening, all anyone remembers was his safari-inspired set. In group shows now, designers have become more introspective, more deliberate. They are grateful for the chance to come up with collections that distill their aesthetic and show where they’re headed. Designers who are invited by Bench to present at the biannual Bench Fashion Week (BFW) see it as an opportunity that is not to be taken lightly. For the holiday edition of BFW 2026 held Sept. 26 and 27, Cebu-based designer Edwin Ao turned street photos he had taken with his phone into a series of deconstructed looks that still managed to highlight expert tailoring. Ao is credited for being one of the designers who updated the look of the barong Tagalog by embroidering playful graffiti on it instead of resorting to the traditional designs. The long-time designer used to work with Arcy Gayatin, another Cebu designer, on clubwear looks popular during the early 2000s. He then worked with academe for close to two decades before becoming a faculty member under the product design program at the University of the Philippines Cebu. In an interview with The Manila Times prior to the show, he said he experimented with solar dyeing and rust techniques for his collection. Dubbed “Chlorophyll Hexagons: The Body in Impermanence,” it features separates with exposed stitching and unfinished hems. He embellished a vest and asymmetrically cut skirt with a mix of matte and shiny buttons that looked like paillettes from a distance. “[But] central to the collection is solar printing, where sunlight and chlorophyll become agents of imprint and change,” Ao wrote in his show notes. TernoCon 2025 Gawad Pura Escurdia award winner Bryan Peralta veered away from the structure required of the terno and came up with billowing, color-drenched pieces. There were unlined trenches and blousy pants made with parachute-like taffeta. He also played around with proportion — short, kicky outfits under those large, jewel-toned jackets. His collection, “The Golden Record,” was inspired by the 1977 NASA Voyager space probes that housed golden discs. Each disc contained recorded sounds and images of Earth that the space agency hoped would connect with extraterrestrial life. Peralta said his “boldly optimistic color palette... is a celebration of dressing up and proudly wearing your curiosities on your sleeve.” Reese de Guzman of R. Studios was inspired by Picasso’s 1957 Pigeon series and came up with a collection that ranged from oversized blazers and jackets to feathered tops and draped skirts. In her show notes, she described her “Paloma” collection as “a playful mix of colors, draped silhouettes, and unconventional textiles.” There were a few tweeds and tops with feathered fringe with many of the pieces sharing a boxy look. Even a vest that is usually worn snug was manipulated to hover just over the shoulders. “[It’s] a breath of fresh air and the idea of fleeting times,” de Guzman said in her show notes.

French fashion house Longchamp has named South Korean actress Jung So-min its new local ambassador, citing her independent spirit, personal style and positive energy as qualities that reflect the brand’s values. Jung has appeared in Korean dramas across several genres, including the fantasy and historical series “Alchemy of Souls,” the romantic comedy “Love Next Door” and, more recently, “Would You Marry Me?” She also has two dramas lined up for 2027, including “The Dealer.” Beyond her acting projects, Jung regularly shares glimpses of her life and work on Instagram through @somin_jj. Longchamp noted that her personality and distinctive style have helped her connect with audiences and build a following beyond South Korea. The family-owned fashion house said Jung reflects the modernity and creativity it seeks to express through its collections. As an ambassador, she will bring her perspective to the brand and interpret its optimistic spirit in her own way. “We are thrilled to welcome Jung So-min to the Longchamp family,” said Sophie Delafontaine, Longchamp artistic director. “Longchamp is a Maison (fashion house) always on the move, looking out into the world and embracing whatever unfolds along the way. Jung So-min embodies that same spirit. She follows her instincts wherever they may lead, with elegance, curiosity and a sense of freshness.” The appointment brings Jung into Longchamp’s family of ambassadors, with the brand drawing a connection between her approach to her career and its openness to new experiences. Delafontaine pointed to the actress’s instinctive choices and curiosity as qualities shared by the fashion house. Jung, for her part, welcomed the opportunity to work with the French brand. “I am delighted and honored to join French fashion house Longchamp as its ambassador. I look forward to embarking on an exciting journey with Longchamp, a Maison that embodies authenticity, energy and the spirit of Paris,” she said.

As holiday parties and reunions approach, nail art offers another way to complete a festive look. Gel polish, dip powder, acrylic extensions, magnetic designs and embellishments have expanded the options beyond French tips and glossy colors. But beneath the colors, chrome accents and gemstone flowers, natural nails still need care, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) reminds beauty enthusiasts. “What may look pretty on the surface may be covering an entirely different story underneath. Our nails can provide us with clues and hints about our health as a whole,” said dermatologist Sharon Osmena Lim. Changes in nail color, texture, shape and strength can point to nutritional deficiencies, infections and possibly cancer, she explained, and may require further attention. Healthy nails feel smooth and strong and appear uniformly pink with white tips. Unusual changes should not be overlooked. Brittleness or easy breakage may have several causes, including poor nutrition, fad diets, decreased circulation or trauma from excessive manipulation during manicures and pedicures. Exposure to harmful chemicals, including those in nail polish and cuticle removers, can also contribute to brittle, discolored nails. Lim also cautioned against excessive removal of the nail, traumatic removal of ingrown nails and excessive trimming of the cuticle, which protects the nails. Yellowish or discolored nails may result from polish stains but can also signal a fungal infection. Horizontal ridges, known as Beau’s lines, may follow illness or injury, while dents or pits may be linked to skin conditions such as psoriasis. Changes in color or thickness, swelling of a finger or toe, separation of the nail from its bed and pain require medical evaluation, particularly when symptoms worsen or persist, Lim said. This is especially important for people with diabetes, kidney disease and other conditions affecting wound healing. Nail changes may also be related to anemia, thyroid problems and circulation issues. “While we cannot diagnose a health issue just by basing it on the changes in one’s nail appearance, it can serve as a starting point for further assessment by a medical professional,” she said. Regular gel manicures and nail art can also affect nail health. Lim cited chemicals in nail products, exposure to UV curing lamps and the application and removal of extensions and gems as factors that can weaken the natural nail plate over time. Care should extend beyond salon appointments. She advised keeping nails clean and dry because bacteria and fungi thrive in moist environments. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and dry hands after exposure to water or chemicals. Lim also advised avoiding frequent hand-washing, nail-biting and picking, and using nails to open hard containers. Wear gloves when handling chemicals. Finally, she recommended giving nails time without polish and treatments. “Give your nails a break from all the buffing and chemical and UV exposure. Allotting recovery time after treatments can reduce risks of long-term damage that may be harder to reverse – or worse, cause permanent damage.” For those who enjoy designs, that recovery time is part of caring for the natural nails beneath the artwork.

Cebu-based society lady Jennifer Sarmiento of Luisa Estate Park in Banilad, Cebu, celebrated her birthday with prominent members of society and close friends at Chef Jessie Rockwell in Makati. The ele­gant gathe­ring was hosted by society ladies Ofelia Wadle and Dr. Elsie Pascua, who welcomed guests to an evening of friendship, food, music and celebration. Adding a festive touch to the occasion, the hosts and guests came together in striking red dresses, creating a vibrant atmosphere for the birthday celebration. Guests enjoyed an array of dishes, including fresh salads, beef and fish, as they gathered for an evening of good food and conversation. Music added to the festivities, with Sir Rex providing entertainment that had guests singing and dancing throughout the evening. Joining the musical celebration were society ladies Joy Rustia, Linda Rustia, Maru Go, Ofelia Wadle, Dr. Elsie Pascua, Fortune Ledesma and Duday Tuazon, who sang for the guests. The celebration brought together friends over music, food and laughter, marking Sarmiento’s birthday with an evening of fellowship and camaraderie.

Artists Nguyễn Hồng Hưng, Mai Trang and Vân Thuyết bring distinct perspectives and styles to their interpretations of the world, showcased in an exhibition Following Father’s Footsteps exhibition opened on October 2 in Hà Nội.

GMA Kapuso Foundation brought free healthcare services to quake- and flood-hit residents in Glan, Sarangani.