by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | diplomacy and diplomats, news, politics, public policy, Travel
This warning follows instances of harassment against Chinese nationals along with a number of espionage activities and online gaming clampdowns initiated by Manila.
The Philippines
has assured China that its citizens are not facing harassment following the Chinese embassy’s statement
travel advisory
However, experts caution that local authorities might be leveraging Manila’s recent anti-espionage and online gaming initiatives as a smokescreen for their growing anti-Chinese sentiment.
The embassy released an advisory on Tuesday highlighting various challenges encountered by Chinese individuals and enterprises, including instances of harassment and scrutiny. Additionally, it pointed out the rise in political events and demonstrations in the Philippines as potential concerns for Chinese expatriates.
“Public security in the Philippines has been unstable, with frequent incidents of law enforcement authorities harassing and inspecting Chinese citizens and enterprises,” the embassy said in a statement translated to English.
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The embassy did not provide any specific instances; however, this warning was issued after the detention of several Chinese citizens for espionage in the Philippines. This followed intensified actions by local law enforcement agencies as well as stricter controls imposed on the recently outlawed offshore gambling centers known as POGOs, which were frequented primarily by Chinese tourists.
In January, officials arrested five individuals from China on suspicion of pretending to be visitors from Taiwan with the aim of spying on the Philippines Coast Guard and Navy in Palawan — an island located across the South China Sea.
In the same period, law enforcement apprehended a Chinese citizen named Deng Yuanqing along with two Filipinos for reportedly surveying more than 120 crucial locations across Luzon, which encompassed harbors and facilities accessible to U.S. armed forces.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Undersecretary Claire Castro of the Presidential Communications Office refuted the allegations of harassment, asserting that the Philippines accepts everyone except those who break the law.
“The travel advisory they mentioned is simply a routine consular service provided by China. We can guarantee that our actions do not target individuals from any specific country or nationality with harassment,” Castro stated.
According to Castro, the situations involving Chinese nationals employed in Pogos constituted a distinct matter due to their involvement in illegal activities.
Pogos primarily served clients from China, where gambling is prohibited. Last July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced an instant prohibition on the industry due to multiple allegations of criminal actions associated with their operations.
Beijing has kept its distance from Pogos, endorsing Marcos Jr’s ban.
‘People who are Chinese-looking’
When commenting on the issue, Filipino-Chinese leader and social activist Teresita Ang See informed This Week in Asia about several reports of harassment targeting Chinese citizens within the nation.
She mentioned an occurrence where authorities went to condominiums in Manila, questioning security personnel and parking staff about the apartments occupied by numerous Chinese residents.
“The head of security alerted the building manager, who then notified the residents of the condo. As a result, all the residents—many having lived there for over three decades—are now frightened,” stated See, referring to a residential high-rise in Manila but not specifying which one.
The building manager told her directly about what happened.
She stated that discussions on the Chinese app WeChat indicated that certain enforcement officers might have reportedly been halting Chinese citizens to inquire if they worked as Pogo employees.
Refer to the reported incidents shared on WeChat where visiting Chinese professors were playfully questioned by students about being spies. She mentioned, “Although intended as a joke, this was still offensive to the professors.”
The Filipino-Chinese hikers trekking along the Pinatubo trail, located north of Manila, were likewise halted and requested to present their birth certificates even though they spoke the local dialect, as mentioned in the additional information provided.
“China-Philippines ties have been negatively impacted. During the recent Lunar New Year, the Bahay Tsinoy witnessed an unusually low number of Chinese visitors for the first time,” See stated, mentioning a museum that highlights the role of Chinese people in the country’s history.
Castro stated that the government is not focusing on any locals. Following this, she ought to request law enforcement officers to fulfill their duties. She should inquire as to why they stop individuals merely because they appear to be of Chinese descent.
‘Tougher even than securing a US visa’
A different figure within the Filipino-Chinese community, Wilson Lee Flores—a political-economist and honorary chairperson at the Anvil Business Club in Manila—spoke with This Week in Asia about the challenges faced. He mentioned that individuals such as traders, collaborators, technical consultants, and providers of machinery from China struggled to obtain visas through both the Philippine embassy and consulates.
“A Chinese businessperson I encountered in Thailand mentioned that obtaining a Filipino visa is even harder compared to getting one for the United States. This is why genuine travelers and tourists have become less inclined to visit the Philippines. Instead, they favor destinations like Europe, Singapore, Japan, and Thailand,” Flores stated.
In 2024, the tourism authority stated that the number of Chinese visitors arriving in the Philippines reached 313,856 in the previous year, marking an uptick from 264,922 in 2023.
Nevertheless, the most recent figure represents a significant drop compared to earlier years when China ranked as one of the top sources for international travelers visiting the Philippines. Data from the tourism department shows that in 2019, approximately 1.7 million tourists arrived from China.
Regarding the possibility of increased Sinophobia influencing official actions, Flores commented: “This is what worries us… The Pogo problem seems to have become a pretext… However, genuine entrepreneurs and travelers do not wish to pay bribes merely to secure a visa appointment.”
Missed opportunities in investment and tourism abound.
The Pogos sector was connected to a series of criminal activities such as human trafficking, abductions, and prostitution.
During the peak of the Pogos boom, over 300,000 Chinese workers found employment in this industry.
However, Castro mentioned that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) was prepared to engage with the Chinese government regarding the matters involving the Chinese nationals who were detained and expelled due to connections with unlawful Pogos.
“Many of the people involved are Chinese citizens. Therefore, this is likely part of the issue,” Castro stated.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is open to discussions about this matter, and we will reassure China that our actions are not aimed at any specific national group.
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The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which serves as the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
Copyright © 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | business, commerce, community, lifestyle, local news
Approximately 3,000 residents of the Kitenden community in Amboseli are set to benefit from their investment in a WorldLife conservation camp.
On Thursday, April 3, Tourism Cabinet Secretary (CS) Rebecca Miano presided over the ground-breaking ceremony for a highly luxurious and select upscale tourism complex in the region.
“Today, we welcome a pace-setting development as we witness the groundbreaking of the construction of an ultra-luxurious and exclusive high-end tourist facility in the Kitenden area of Amboseli,” said Miano in a press statement seen by
SANGGRALOKA.co.ke
.
In what manner did the local community consent to construct the lodge?
The CS mentioned that the Amboseli Kitenden Lodge stands out as a pioneer in its category and distinguishes itself with numerous unique aspects.
The upscale 9-bedroom lodge financed by Conservation Equity Ltd is scheduled to be located within the 50,000-acre Kitenden conservancy, which is jointly owned by around 3,000 local residents.
The local residents have had their property titles completely documented thanks to the developer, who incurred a expense of KSh 90 million for this process. The CS highlighted that it is especially satisfying that the collaboration between the Kitenden community and the lodge developers of Amboseli Kitenden began with mutual agreement from the very start.
Miano disclosed that the agreement between the Kitenden Conservancy and the developers of the Amboseli Kitenden Lodge includes specific terms of engagement designed to nurture a positive relationship throughout the 25-year duration of the contract.
What advantages do local people gain from staying at Kitenden Lodge?
Initially, the lodge management committed to payinglocals an annual dividend of $400,000 (more than KSh 50 million). They also planned to increase this sum by 5 percent each following year throughout the duration of thecontract.
The funds will be distributed directly to each of the 3,000 people within the Kitenden Conservancy community.
As she mentioned, the compensation provided by the Amboseli Kitenden Lodge exceeds threefold compared to typical standards.
The construction of the lodge will begin with 100 local unskilled men and women working on-site.
The creators of the Amboseli Kitenden Lodge pledged to hire 200 local residents as staff members during the initial five-year period of their operations.
It is anticipated that the lodge will draw wealthy tourists looking for exclusivity, sustainability, and genuine cultural experiences. Conservation Equity Ltd. thinks this approach could establish a new standard for upcoming projects within Kenya’s travel sector.
“This pact goes beyond being merely a contract; it’s a pledge to guarantee that local communities reap the rewards of their rich natural legacy,” stated a spokesperson for the firm.
by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | General
-
Portable mentioned that proficiency in English is not mandatory for obtaining a visa, sharing insights from his travels to the UK and Canada.
-
He explained his journey through navigating visa procedures despite lacking strong English skills, highlighting that determination holds greater importance than linguistic ability.
-
The singer’s comments ignited discussions on social media platforms as supporters pondered over the genuine difficulties faced by Nigerians when trying to acquire international visas.
Habeeb Okikiola, widely recognized as Portable, the Nigerian street-pop artist, caused quite a stir when he made surprising revelations during an interview with Quincy Jonze on “Echo Room,” which was broadcasted on April 1, 2025.
In a widely shared video, the singer behind Zazu proclaimed, “You don’t need English to obtain a visa,” a sentiment that struck a chord with numerous Nigerians who have experienced the challenges of getting visas.
Portatile, known for his characteristic style, recounted his adventures traveling to the UK and Canada even though he wasn’t proficient in English. His stories generated laughs as well as meaningful discussions among his audience online.
During the Echo Room interview, Portable appeared wearing a patterned shirt and gesticulated enthusiastically while talking.
The video snippet featuring the Echo Room branding shows him stating, “Tell me something different; you ought to talk Yoruba just as I am doing,” humorously addressing the notion that flawless English is essential for global trips. In explaining his visa acquisitions for various performances, such as an earlier tour of Canada and a recent collaboration with British artist Skepta during his stay in the United Kingdom, he shed light on these experiences.
His message was straightforward: determination and strategy surpass language abilities when it comes to maneuvering through visa procedures.
Audiences on X responded with a blend of entertainment and approval, with several noting his candor as a wake-up call for individuals pursuing prospects overseas.
The discussion about Portable’s visa was not the sole standout moment from the interview. Another segment revealed his dissatisfaction with YBNL head honcho Olamide, acknowledging that although Olamide helped launch Zazu Zeh, he felt neglected as Olamide did not provide sufficient support, stating, “He didn’t take me under his wing.”
He similarly commended Skepta for turning his life around. During a more relaxed interlude, Portable subtly criticized Asake by pointing out that the artist from YBNL had imitated his dance steps and opted for bulkier costumes, all while insisting on headlining an event at the O2 Arena. Delivered with his characteristic wit, these remarks amused spectators, who affectionately labeled him as “baba werey” due to his playful behavior.
See the post here:
Reactions from fans regarding Portable’s assertions about his command of the English language
SANGGRALOKA.ng
collected some feedback from online users.
@supercarsofnigeria said:
Set aside your preconceptions about portability; this interview lasts for 1 hour and 44 minutes, yet I managed to watch it entirely. It turns out that Portable is remarkably clever.
@king_fraga said:
I simply enjoy how he boasts about his wealth. Lol you might think he and Dangote belong in the same category. 😂😂😂
@ezeqwesiri replied
He is correct about this… You wouldn’t require or expect English proficiency from someone from China, Russia, or France as part of their visa criteria. Simply focus on being intelligent and trustworthy; most crucially, ensure you have substantial funds 💰.
@bie.ola said:
It was Portablebaby who interviewed the host! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@ajokealadire_abela.2 commented:
This host really likes to provoke people into talking more 😂😂😂 KUDUSS to the host; he will likely continue pulling your leg soon.
He gives his father a car as a gift.
Previously, SANGGRALOKA.ng reported about Portable gifting his father a car and capturing the touching moment in a widely shared video.
Audiences commended his dedication to family, deeming it a touching highlight of his success story.
The action demonstrated Portable’s strong connection to reality even with his widespread recognition.
by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | culture, government, heritage, politics, politics and government
ABUJA
– The federal government plans to initiate the “Renewed Hope Cultural Project,” a countrywide program aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural legacy, boosting tourism, and driving economic development.
This initiative supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and seeks to protect Nigeria’s extensive cultural heritage while fostering economic growth by developing Renewed Hope Cultural Villages throughout the country.
Recently, speaking with reporters in Ilorin via telephone, Barr. Abiola Abdulkareem Jagunlabi, who serves as the Special Assistant to the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, and is also the project coordinator, detailed the goals of this new initiative.
He emphasized strategies for rehabilitating and protecting historical locations, landmarks, royal residences, and treasures, along with boosting cultural instruction and strengthening skills within nearby artisan communities.
Jagunlabi highlighted that this program aims to bolster rural areas by delivering vocational education, furnishing local craftsmen with business acumen, and presenting alternate professional routes for young Nigerians.
“The plan involves investing in historic sites, landmarks, and natural attractions, providing vocational skill development for women and young people in rural regions, and hosting lively cultural festivals and tourism events to showcase Nigeria’s rich diversity,” he said.
He additionally emphasized that the project’s success hinges on working together with state governments, local communities, and various stakeholders.
“Through collaboration, Nigeria has the potential to utilize the transformative impact of its arts, culture, tourism, and creative sectors for sustainable growth and social unity,” Jagunlabi emphasized.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hajia Hannatu Musa Musawa, is leading initiatives aimed at fostering economic development via cutting-edge programs and policies.
She is proactively building alliances to foster growth within the creative sector, thereby opening up job prospects for young Nigerians.
The art and cultural industry in Nigeria holds substantial promise for enhancing tourism and fostering economic development.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTWC) reports that Nigeria’s tourism industry accounted for around $7.2 billion, which represents roughly 2.8% of the country’s GDP in 2019.
By strategically investing in cultural tourism, this number could rise substantially, leading to increased employment opportunities and higher foreign exchange revenues.
Nations like France and Italy, which boast robust cultural tourism sectors, earn billions each year from their historical sites and events.
Through harnessing its rich tapestry of cultural elements—which includes more than 250 distinct ethnic groups, numerous traditional celebrations, and iconic historic sites—Nigeria has the potential to draw greater numbers of global visitors and boost domestic tourism income.
Statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show that more than 4.2 million Nigerians are now employed in the creative sector, suggesting substantial room for growth should adequate support be provided.
Jagunlabi further disclosed that the National Economic Council (NEC) has provided complete support for the initiative, acknowledging the essential part played by state governments in guaranteeing its successful implementation.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Apr 3, 2025 | cities and towns, italy, local news, tourist attractions, travel in italy
A mere hour away from Venice lies Chioggia, often referred to as “Little Venice.” This charming city boasts picturesque canals, vibrant facades, and a deep-seated nautical history.
One of the most ancient harbors in Italy
Chioggia stands out as one of the most ancient and bustling harbors in Italy. Dating back to Roman era when it went by the name Clodia, this city has thrived alongside the sea. Throughout history, Chioggia’s harbor has held significant importance in Adriatic commerce. It served as a crucial docking point over the years.
Venetian ships
, serves as a hub for trade and commodities, and more importantly, acts as the vibrant core of the local fishing sector.
In reality, Chioggia remains a cornerstone of Italy’s fishing sector. Actually, it ranks among the biggest fishing harbors nationwide. Each daybreak, the fish market known as Mercato Ittico unveils an extensive array of recently harvested sea creatures such as clams, shrimp, flounder, squid, and sardines. This place exudes a genuine, vibrant ambiance that feels both unvarnished and nearly dramatic in nature.
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out
your stay:
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A town rich with historical significance
Chioggia has experienced a tumultuous past. In the 14th century,
th
In the century, it became entangled in a significant confrontation between the republics of Venice and Genoa known as the Chioggia War (1378-1381). This crucial maritime engagement, pivotal for control over the Mediterranean, concluded with a triumph.
for Venice
, which seized this chance to strengthen its naval dominance.
Despite the conflicts, Chioggia has successfully maintained an impressive architectural and religious legacy. Notably standing out are the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Church of San Domenico constructed on a tiny island nestled between two waterways, and particularly the Tower of Sant’Andrea, which houses one of the earliest clocks in Europe.
An authentic atmosphere
In contrast to Venice, frequently inundated by crowds of tourists, Chioggia maintains its own leisurely rhythm. You can catch snippets of conversation in the local Venetian dialect near the marketplace and the gentle sound of water lapping against boats along the canals. Residents cycle around town, kids enjoy playing in the piazzas, and fisherman repair their fishing gear at the docks. Here, you experience an authentic slice of Italy firmly grounded in daily routines.
The principal avenue, Corso del Popolo, stretches across the whole city. This thoroughfare is flanked by churches, unassuming palaces, quaint trattorias, and coffee houses. Each night, it buzzes with activity as people gather at the outdoor terraces and boutique stores, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls or bike rides.
A seaside resort
Chioggia isn’t confined to just its historical center; the city stretches all the way to SOTTOMARINA, a well-loved coastal destination for many Italians. This area features an extensive sandy shoreline along with various amenities catering to tourists. Its welcoming ambiance makes it ideal for families seeking leisurely activities. Visiting this place can serve as a great conclusion to your exploration of Chioggia, particularly during summertime.
An
hour from Venice
, featuring its canals, fishing, churches, and beach, Chioggia offers a charming experience.
