That is where Pacquiao transformed from a Filipino boxing sensation into the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter.

By Lance Pugmire – Driving north on Vine Street in Hollywood, just above Santa Monica Boulevard, it’d be easy to miss the home gym of the world’s best boxer, Manny Pacquiao, and his equally respected trainer, Freddie Roach. (more…)

Seventy-two years ago, on April 30, 1937, women of the Philippines were granted the right to vote and to be voted on. Since that day, women of the Philippines have blazed many trails and have become a true force in politics, business, and other sectors of Philippine society. It is this right to suffrage which has made it possible for the country to have had two women presidents, and the involvement of Filipino women as decision makers in all facets of national life. (more…)

By Heda Bayron – At least 80 Filipino seafarers are being held hostage by Somali pirates – the highest number from any nation. The Philippine government has banned ships carrying Filipino crew members from sailing near Somalia. But as Heda Bayron reports from Manila, piracy is unlikely to stop Filipino sailors from plying the treacherous route. (more…)

By KEITH BRADSHER
HONG KONG — What to call the new strain of flu raising alarms around the world has taken on political, economic and diplomatic overtones. (more…)

By Cai U. Ordinario – The effects of climate change will significantly impact Southeast Asia, particularly hurting two countries, the Philippines and Indonesia. It could cut the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) by around 6 percent, according to the latest report recently released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). (more…)

It seems not even a possible outbreak of swine flu could stop TIME Magazine from declaring “lechon”, a Philippine pork delicacy, as the “Best Pig” on its Best of Asia 2009 list. (more…)

Arum says southpaw will go down as one of the best in boxing history

STEVE MARCUS – Manny Pacquiao is shown before a workout at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California March 31, 2009. Pacquiao of Philippines will take on Ricky Hatton of England in a 12-round fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 2. (more…)