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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
With zero enforcement powers, monitors risk being used to simply validate rival propaganda campaigns, analysts say.
There are signs that the 764 network is targeting vulnerable Filipino children online, Senator Risa Hontiveros says at a hearing.
While the Philippines and Canada are US allies, both are looking to expand partnerships with other middle-power countries, analysts say.
Filipinos wanting to end unwanted pregnancies have resorted to black-market alternatives that can result in life-threatening consequences.
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Philippine ube exports reached over US$3 million in 2025, more than double the US$1.4 million figure recorded in 2024.
Manila wants Filipinos to explore their own backyard. But when Batanes costs twice as much as Taipei, it’s a tough sell.
The Tacloban attack has reignited a debate over youth radicalisation online, but experts warn blanket bans ignore the real issue.
The Philippines, however, attracted just 2.1 million of Southeast Asia’s 48.5 million tourist arrivals in the first four months of this year.
The tragedy has sparked concern among educators amid the rise of bullying in public schools and the lack of safety mechanisms on campus.
Critics say the bill does not address political power concentration in government or the conditions that allow dynasties to flourish.
While energy may be ‘a good opening’ for Russia to boost Asean ties, analysts say its relevance in the region is unlikely to grow.
A multimillion-dollar aviation deal at Clark highlights European economic investment as a tool of strategic power.
Only 28 per cent of Filipinos said they trusted news most of the time, according to a global survey.
Pacific Partnership 2026 aims to counter China’s rising influence in the region, amid growing doubts about US leadership, analysts say.
While the deal may ease some economic pressure on Asian governments, the ‘real test’ is whether it will hold, analysts say.
The tragedy shows how young players could be pushed into risky training situations as universities compete for prestige, sports experts say.
The expansion of the West Cebu Industrial Park aims to strengthen the Philippines’ defence and economy, and cement dominance in shipbuilding.
Counsellors say the profiles of gambling addicts range from housewives to young Filipinos and urge Manila to tighten related rules.
Washington’s proposed tariffs of 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent could push regional countries to accelerate economic integration.
Schools and buildings collapsed as residents fled, with rescue teams continuing to search for missing students.
Kyrgyzstan won a seat on the UN Security Council due to perceptions of its neutrality and Central Asia’s under-representation, analysts say.
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.
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.
