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Pop Star Rina Sawayama 'Not British Enough' for UK Awards

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Emerging Asian American Streetwear Brands to Watch

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Will Marine Collagen be the Next Skincare Holy Grail?

Will Marine Collagen be the Next Skincare Holy Grail?Aug 2, 2020 | BEAUTY, BIZ by MJ Toledo Collagen has been trending in the skincare industry for years now, more than thousands of beauty drinks and products claim that it contains collagen that will do wonders for your skin. If you are looking for the best kind of collagen to take, take a look at marine collagen. Anyone interested in beauty and wellness surely has a collagen product in their arsenal. With a global market that has reached a staggering $894.5 million, this ingredient has become a household name. However, there’s a collagen newcomer that’s about to take the skincare industry by storm – marine collagen. But before you know more about it, you first have to understand where common collagen is from.  All collagen supplements and those in skincare products are derived from four major sources – porcine or pigs, bovine or cows, chicken, and fish or marine collagen. The collagen from the first three kinds is extracted from cartilage, tendons, and skins. Most of this collagen is Type II. Type I collagen is quite rare since chicken, porcine, and bovine-derived collagen are more common and cheaper compared to fish.  View this post on Instagram Introducing Shizuku’s newly launched product - Pomegranate Jelly Collagen Peptide 3000mg. Using the latest Nano-TRI Collagen Peptide technology, it allows 100% absorption into bloodstream, making it readily absorbed upon digestion. Read the full article

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The Philippines’ Long and Arduous Plight for Divorce

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First Asian Sailor to Participate Vendée Globe: Shiraishi Eyes for 2020 Victory

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BIGBANG, Rich Brian, Peggy Gou, Among Asian Artists Performing in Coachella

by MJ Toledo Coachella ©Thomas Hawk

Legendary music festival Coachella recently released its 2020 lineup - its most diverse ever. Take a look at all Asian artists that will take the Coachella stage by storm.

Coachella is the festival of festivals – no doubt about that. The two-week event based in Indio, California gathers thousands of fans all over the world (thankfully with no more flower crows!) each year to celebrate music and global talent. The headliners this year are Travis Scott, Frank Ocean, and Rage Against the Machine. Since K-pop royalties BLACKPINK made their Coachella debut last year, Asian music fans have been looking out for the 2020 lineup. Although Jisoo, Lisa, Rosé, and Jennie won’t be returning this year, Asian music fans still has a reason to get passes for the two-weekend event. Mark your calendars and take note of these Asian performers in this year’s Coachella happening on April 10 to 12, and April 17 to 19 BIGBANG After taking some time off for their mandatory military service, the Kings are finally making their long-awaited comeback! In Coachella 2020, no less. The group which includes T.O.P, G-Dragon, Daesung, and Taeyang will be performing without retired group member Seungri. This will be the group’s first performance since December 2017.  BIGBANG is one of the most successful K-pop groups since they debuted in 2006. The members’ rebellious and bold personal caught the attention of the global markets. Hatsune Miku Just in time for the new decade, the first-ever Vocaloid Pop Star is set to conquer Coachella this year. The performer may not be the first holographic performer on the festival stage, as the honor already belonged to Tupac in 2012. However, this set by the Japanese performer is iconic in its own right.  First released in 2007, Hatsune Miku’s name translates to “first sound of the future.” Her voice was modeled after Saki Fujita, and she sings through text commands. Over 100,000 songs have been created for the turquoise-haired star, with 4,000 sold through Karent. Peggy Gou Not the first for the global trotting DJ, with Peggy Gou’s fail-proof combination of charm and talent, fans have predicted that it would only be a matter of time before she would be invited again to Coachella. The South Korean DJ and fashion designer is delighted to bring her set to festival-goers with her hits such as Starry Night, It Makes You Forget, and Han Pan.  The artist, who recently became viral after picking up trash in Bali in between playing for the biggest bars during her Bali vacation initially planned to reduce her gigs this year. Thank heavens she did not let this pass or her fans would definitely be bawling. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Peggy Gou 페기 구 (@peggygou_) on Jan 19, 2020 at 7:43am PST Tokimonsta Another DJ who will be bringing life to Coachella’s is Tokimonsta. The LA-based Korean-American artist has worked with the biggest names in the industry such as Duran Duran, Beck, and Anderson Paak. Just last year, her album Lune Rouge was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic album, making her the first Asian-American producer to do so. It’s tempting to think Tokimonsta has had it easy. However, the musician recently went through a heavy hurdle after she was diagnosed with Moyamoya disease that sends blood to the brain in 2015. After two brain surgeries, she has bounced back and has regained the ability to create music again. Rich Brian First time in Coachella history, two Indonesians will be playing in the festival, and one of them is Rich Brian. The nasi-goreng loving rapper who has collaborated with Migos and Skrillex became viral after he adapted his alter-ego Rich Chigga. Represent by 88Rising,  the 20-year-old artist is one of the most influential Asians shifting pop culture’s landscape. With this unmistakable flair and confidence, it’s hard not to miss his lovable personality and musical prowess. As he takes on topics like his Indonesian heritage, there is no stopping him on his rise to stardom.  Rich Brian @88Rising ©TheComeUp Show  NIKI A pleasant surprise in this year’s lineup, rising Indonesian singer Nicole Zefanya, known by her stage name NIKI, is about to take her old soul into center stage. The singer is famous for her alluring beats and soulful lyrics that will make you think she was a poet trapped in a young girl’s body. Having worked with Taylor Swift and Halsey, the vintage soul is about to make her name for herself starting with her Coachella gig. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu Known as the Princess of J-pop, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is probably this year’s most kawaii Coachella performer. The global icon is one of the most celebrated Asian artists and cultural advocates. She is even one of Warner Music Group’s top sellers, alongside Ed Sheeran and Coldplay. The 25-year-old musician has popularized hits such as Ponponpon, Kira Kira Killer, and Crazy Party Night. Raveena If you’re going to Coachella, make sure to get ready for a soulful experience during Raveena’s set. The singer was raised in Queens, NY with Indian roots, which shines through her music. Her angelic voice is hard to miss in her hits such as Sweet Time, I Won’t Mind, and Honey. Spectators are expected to hear her new release, Headaches, which aims to remind people of the dizzying feeling that comes with being crazy in love with someone. Epik High South Korean alternative hip hop group Epik High is one of the continent’s most revolutionary force in the genre. Its members Mithra Jin, Tablo, and DJ Tukutz have released 11 successful studio albums since 2003. Since the start of their career in the early 2000s, the hip hop crew has been constantly releasing songs with diverse and relevant themes. The independent group is making a name for themselves both in the South Korean mainstream music business, while still garnering respect from the underground scene. Joji Fans of Japanese singer and songwriter Joji will be looking forward to his Coachella gig. The musician whose first claim to fame was on YouTube broke into the music scene with Ballads 1, his first studio album. He is known for his eclectic music which is a fusion between trap and R&B. Beabadoobee Filipino-British singer Beabadoobee has been on the sights of music fans since her debut thanks to her nostalgic tracks that seem to revive old indie-pop with a hint of bubblegum pop and grunge. Just three years after she wrote her first song in her bedroom entitled Coffee, she has been widely featured in the music industry. Aside from her Coachella performance, fans can also catch the freckled-face artist on The 1975 Music for Cars Tour (UK leg) and Notes on a Conditional Form North American tour. View this post on Instagram A post shared by beabadoobee (@radvxz) on Jan 23, 2020 at 1:25pm PST Conan Gray Coachella is known for having a keen eye on underrated artists, and they hit the jackpot with Japanese-American singer and YouTuber Conan Gray. The 20-year-old artist has been making headlines after he released his song “Idle Town,” an an ode to Georgetown, Texas, his hometown. With millions of views on YouTube, he’ll surely be one of this year’s most anticipated performances in Coachella. Jai Wolf Bangladesh-born electronic music producer Sajeeb Saha or Jai Wolf has been dedicated to making music since 2011. However, it wasn’t until 2014 until he was known as Jai Wolf. With remix projects for Alesso, Melanie Martinez, and Odesza, the DJ has consistently landed on top of the Hype Machine’s list. His talent was event noticed by Skrillex and turned his bootleg “Ease My Mind” remix into an official one. This is his 2nd performance in Coachella. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sajeeb (@jaiwolfx) on Nov 14, 2019 at 7:46pm PST Yaeji Korean-American producer, singer, and rapper Yaeji has been turning heads in Brooklyn for years thanks to the loud bass that she makes wherever dance club she chooses to play for the night. Her tracks such as Raingurl clearly shows her distinct, angular, and somewhat melodic voice quality.  Don’t mistake her for just another house singer though, her lyrics are not only catchy, but also relevant as she discusses topics like anxiety, therapy, and her Korean identity. Read the full article

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Japan Star Hanyu Sets World Record at Four Continents

by AFP Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan smashed 111.82 points with no others reaching the 100-point mark at the Four Continents figure skating competition in Seoul

The Japanese figure skating star, who won the Skate Canada crown in late October, smashed 111.82 points with no others reaching the 100-point mark in Seoul, where the free program will be held on Sunday.

With the new world record score Hanyu also beat his personal best of 110.53 set at the 2018 Rostelecom Cup. Boyang Jin of China came second with 95.83 points and the United States' Jason Brown was in third with 94.71. Hanyu opened his performance to Chopin's Ballade No.1 with a flawless quadruple salchow. He then nailed a stunning quad toe-loop triple toe-loop combination and a clean triple axel, prompting frenzied fans to shower him with Winnie the Pooh bears -- Hanyu is apparently a fan of the A. A. Milne character -- at the end of the performance.  The Japanese star is bidding to become the first male skater to complete the Super Slam of the junior world title, world title, Olympic gold, Grand Prix Final and continental championship. Hanyu is to skate to Japanese composer Shigeru Umebayashi's "Seimei" for his free skate on Sunday - the same music that served him so successfully at the Pyeongchang Olympics in South Korea in 2018. Earlier Friday US champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates won the gold medal in ice dancing. Canada's Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier won the silver while overnight leaders Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue of the US settled for the bronze. Four Continents features top skaters from Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. Read the full article

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Pangolin Identified As Potential Host for Coronavirus

by AFP

The endangered pangolin may be the link that facilitated the spread of the novel coronavirus across China, Chinese scientists said Friday. 

Researchers have long suspected that the virus, which has now killed more than 630 people and infected some 31,000, was passed from an animal to a human at a market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year. Researchers at the South China Agricultural University have identified the scaly mammal as a "potential intermediate host," the university said in a statement, without providing further details. The new virus is believed to have originated in bats, but researchers have suggested there could have been an "intermediate host" in the transmission to humans. 

After testing more than 1,000 samples from wild animals, scientists from the university found the genome sequences of viruses found on pangolins to be 99 percent identical to those on coronavirus patients, the official Xinhua news agency reported. The pangolin is considered the most trafficked animal on the planet and more than one million have been snatched from Asian and African forests in the past decade, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They are destined for markets in China and Vietnam, where their scales are used in traditional medicine -- despite having no medical benefits -- and their meat is bought on the black market. Shadowy Wildlife Trade  Experts on Friday called for the Chinese scientists to release more data from their research. Simply reporting the similarity between the genome sequences of viruses is "not sufficient," said James Wood, a veterinary medicine professor at the University of Cambridge. Wood said the results could have been caused by "contamination from a highly infected environment." "We would need to see all of the genetic data to get a feel for how related the human and pangolin viruses are," Jonathan Bell, a professor of molecular virology at the University of Nottingham, said. China in January ordered a temporary ban on the trade in wild animals until the epidemic is under control. The country has long been accused by conservationists of tolerating a shadowy trade in endangered animals for food or as ingredients in traditional medicines. "If we want to do everything in our power to prevent deadly disease outbreaks such as coronavirus, then a permanent ban on wildlife trade, in China, and around the world, is the only solution," said Neil D'Cruze, global head of wildlife research at World Animal Protection. A price list that circulated on China's internet for a business at the Wuhan market showed a menagerie of animals or animal-based products including live foxes, crocodiles, wolf puppies, giant salamanders, snakes, rats, peacocks, porcupines, camel meat and other game -- 112 items in all. The SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) virus that killed hundreds of people in China and Hong Kong in 2002-03 also has been traced to wild animals, with scientists saying it likely originated in bats, later reaching humans via civets. "Working to end the trade in wildlife can help to resolve some of the longer-term risks associated with animal reservoirs of zoonoses," Wood said, referring to infectious diseases that can be passed between animals and humans. Read the full article

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30,000 Turnout for South Korea Mass Wedding Despite Coronavirus

Thousands of couples -- some in facemasks -- tied the knot in a mass Unification Church wedding Friday, despite concerns in South Korea over the spread of the coronavirus outbreak.

The church founded by Sun Myung Moon -- revered as a messiah by his followers -- distributed face coverings to the 30,000 crowd, but only some donned them. "I am overwhelmed that I am getting married today," said Choi Ji-young, who met her husband -- matched by the church -- only two months ago. "It would be a lie if I said I was not concerned at all about the infection," said the 21-year-old university student. "But I feel like I will be protected from the virus today." 

South Korea has recorded 24 cases of the novel coronavirus outbreak that emerged in neighboring China, where more than 30,000 cases have been confirmed, and Seoul has barred entry to foreigners who have recently been in Wuhan, the epidemic's center. Festivals, graduation ceremonies, and K-pop concerts have been canceled over fears large events could facilitate virus transmission, and authorities have asked religious groups to co-operate in preventing it spreading.

The church went ahead with the event because it had been "four years in the making" as part of the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of Moon's birth, said official Jang Young-chul. But followers from China were asked not to come, he added. Nearly 6,000 identical-dressed couples from 64 countries -- many of whom met for the first time in recent weeks -- married in Gapyeong, a festive mood filling the venue as newlyweds took group photos and were congratulated by friends and relatives.

God's Control Mass weddings, often held in giant sports stadiums with tens of thousands of couples, have long been a signature feature of the church, whose followers have been dubbed "Moonies" after its founder, who died in 2012. They began in the early 1960s, involving just a few dozen couples at first but with numbers mushrooming over the years. In 1997, 30,000 couples took part in a joint wedding in Washington, and two years later around 21,000 filled the Olympic Stadium in Seoul.

Those who choose to be matched by the church must confirm under oath that they are virgins, and after their wedding the couple must refrain from sexual relations for a minimum of 40 days. Kim Chang-seong, 27, who was marrying a woman whom he met 20 days ago, said he was not concerned about infection because the mass wedding had "special meaning" for him. "By marrying a fellow church believer, I am taking a path paved by our church leaders." The teachings of the Unification Church are based on the Bible but with new interpretations, and Moon saw his role as completing the unfulfilled mission of Jesus to restore humanity to a state of "sinless" purity. While it claims a worldwide following of three million, experts suggest the core membership is far smaller. Evelyne Chimfwembe, who flew in from Botswana to attend the ceremony with her husband of 28 years, said she was not worried about the virus as she believed the event would be "under God's control". PICTURES BY JUNG YEON-JE.  Read the full article

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Today’s Must-Have: The Tiniest Wearable Air Cleaner in the World

by MJ Toledo

Ible technology has developed a compact air cleaner you can wear to work, school, and public transportation. This helpful device is designed to improve everyone’s living quality and protect them from airborne bacteria, allergens, and viruses.

A look at the news is enough to make anyone panic – pollution at an all-time high, increased levels of illnesses, and new viruses. Thankfully, you and your entire family can finally have something to protect you – the Airvida wearable air purifier. Take a look at any building and you’ll most probably see large air purifiers dotted around. However, what protects you when you’re outdoors? Airvida presents a unique opportunity for everyone who is at risk of airborne diseases and respiratory issues. The device developed by Ible Technology, Inc, a smart wearable startup company, took home the CES 2020 Innovation Award held in Taiwan Tech Arena. The brand which started in 2015 is dedicated to releasing high-standard products that have undergone multiple analysis and tests to give individuals efficient and trustworthy devices they can use in their daily life. What is Airvida? The iconic Airvida is one of the company’s wearable air purifier series. The name itself is already meaningful – a combination of “air,” and “Vida,” which means life in Spanish. The product reflects the culture and craftsmanship of Taiwan and Germany, where it is an in-house design. It is designed to eliminate the hazards caused by volatile gases, pollen, dust, and PM 2.5. This elegantly-designed product is so small you’ll forget you’re wearing it.  Made only with the best material, the Airvida has passed lab test results with flying colors and emits very low radiation of electromagnetic waves. It is also made in accordance with Europe’s highest product quality standard.  The device is currently sold in 10 countries and has also won the favor of Japanese local consumers. Currently, it is recommended by Japan Nail Art Association and the Japan Ringolf Golf Association.  The brand aims to deepen its brand awareness and product lines through partners in local communities. The company reported that pharmacy chains, including more than 600 Watsons stores in Taiwan, are becoming the major channels for healthcare.  By partnering with these brands, market education can be intensified. This can pave the way for increased sales and improved products. Read the full article

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Somber Start to NY Fashion Week for Chinese Labels

New York Fashion Week started on a gloomy note Thursday, with a Chinese designer showcasing its wares to a partially empty room amid fears the coronavirus could force labels from the Asian giant to cancel their catwalks.

"Mukzin might be the only Chinese brand you will see at this New York Fashion Week," said an announcer, before introducing the autumn-winter 2020 collection of designer Kate Han. The compere referred to the deadly virus that has killed more than 560 people and sparked global alarm as it spreads around the world as "a disaster and a sad, sad story." "We're not here only to present the great pieces of the design but also we're showing Chinese people and the people around the world we have strong will and strength and love through all difficulties and hardship," she added. There were rows of empty seats, a rarity for New York Fashion Week, at the beginning of Han's parade of designs which fuse traditional Chinese influences with a modern twist. A cloud is hanging over the involvement of Chinese designers, buyers and journalists this week due to the deadly coronavirus. Chinese label Sheguang has said its New York show will go also ahead and Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), which helps run Fashion Week, says it has no information about possible cancellations.

But Chinese fashion houses Angela Chen, Ricostru and Hui have already canceled runway appearances at Milan Fashion Week later this month because of the virus. Around 1,000 Chinese buyers, journalists, stylists and other industry staff are also going to miss the event, Italian officials have said. "I felt very confident and very safe here to make the show," said Han. Read the full article

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Bring Me Banana and Whisky: Plea From Virus Cruise 'Prisoner'

Bring Me Banana and Whisky: Plea From Virus Cruise ‘Prisoner’

Feb 6, 2020 | AFP, Japan, News, Trending

by Richard Carter

One banana a day, washed down with neat whisky: that's the humble request from a British passenger on the coronavirus-stricken cruise ship off Japan whose Facebook posts have made him an online star.

Resplendent in a magnificent holiday flowery shirt, David Abel has both informed and entertained the world with a unique British humor as he delivers regular updates from the Diamond Princess, where thousands are being held in strict quarantine. "I know that room service are also getting these messages... so can I just give you a message... could someone on room service just bring me a fresh banana, every day? Just one banana, that's all I'm asking," he pleaded in his most recent post. "If the captain is listening to this: you needn't get involved on the banana -- the room service will sort that, I'm sure -- but it would be really good to have a glass of whisky to wash it down. "I take Talisker, 10-year-old single malt, no ice, no water. It would be fantastic if that could be arranged," he laughed. Food issue: Posted by David Abel on Tuesday, February 4, 2020   Abel said he had been inundated with requests from the global media desperate for inside information from the cruise ship -- "I'm not bragging, it's just the way it is." But he himself has proved a valuable source of information on life on board the ship, where passengers are bracing for 14 days of quarantine after 20 cases of coronavirus were discovered. "It's a horrible situation for most passengers onboard, being stuck here, confined to the cabin. We are not allowed outside the room," he said, sympathizing especially with those with inside cabins. "It must be almost unbearable for them." Posted by David Abel on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 Without Water, Neat Abel said there was a dearth of information from the crew and captain -- passengers had not yet been informed about the 10 new cases revealed earlier Thursday -- and he worried that this could extend the quarantine period. "Hopefully, we'll be home before Christmas," he laughed. In an earlier post, Abel said the food had taken a decided turn for the worse since the quarantine measures were imposed -- "we are definitely not on a luxury cruise" -- and said the trip of a lifetime had turned into a "floating prison". But his upbeat demeanor and positive messages won him a torrent of messages on Facebook. "Come on folks, have a wonderful day wherever you are in the world. Keep smiling, make the best of every circumstance. Don't live under the circumstances, live above them. Make the most of whatever life throws at you," he said. However, he could not resist some tongue-in-cheek advice for those trapped in inside cabins. 

Passengers on the Diamond Princess are bracing for 14 days of quarantine after 20 coronavirus cases were detected on the ship "No natural light. No fresh air. Thank goodness we do have a balcony and somebody commented this morning: they've learned a lesson from this, pay a bit extra to have a balcony. Oh wow, it's so worth it." Without fresh air, some people were developing cough from the air conditioning and then being terrified it was an early symptom of the coronavirus, he said. Abel finished his latest message with a plea for information from the captain -- and wedding stories from his latest followers to pass the time. "When we get an announcement from the captain, which we must anytime soon -- I guess it will be when he personally delivers the glass of Talisker, 10-year-old without water, without ice, neat. I guess when he brings that to the cabin, I'll have some really fresh news for you." "Oh my word! Get those wedding stories coming in! Over and out." Read the full article

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Top Red Cross Official Fired for Mishandling of Donated Funds and Goods

A top Red Cross official working at the epicenter of China's coronavirus outbreak was dismissed for dereliction of duty, authorities said Tuesday, following local anger over a lack of access to donated medical equipment. 

Hubei Red Cross Vice President Zhang Qin was fired for "dereliction of duty while receiving and distributing donated funds and goods", according to a statement on the Hubei province party discipline commission's website. Two other officials received disciplinary warnings for the same charge, it added. The local chapter of the charity was the target of online anger last week as social media users and Chinese media asked why frontline doctors in the stricken province were still under-equipped despite donations pouring in. Under local law, Chinese authorities supervize the charity's "performance of its functions and duties... and exercise supervision over its activities". Many on the Twitter-like Weibo platform asked if Wuhan, the province's capital, was a "black hole" with one user commenting that "the whole country and the whole world's supplies and masks aren't enough to supply one city and one province". The novel coronavirus has killed more than 400 people and infected a further 20,000 in China, with most of the deaths and infections reported in Hubei province, where the virus emerged at a Wuhan market in December. The Red Cross Society of China said it had received 849 million yuan ($121 million) in cash donations as well as supplies as of January 31. Chinese news outlet Caixin reported on Saturday that Red Cross warehouses in Wuhan were full of donated supplies, including medical masks, but local hospitals still had to wait for hours to receive small amounts of equipment. Secretary-general Jagan Chapagain told AFP on Monday that he supported the "deliberate" decision by Red Cross officials to withhold a number of the donated masks in Wuhan because they were not safe for use by health professionals working on the frontline. "Clearly the Wuhan Red Cross hasn't dealt with this type of situation recently, (and) they had to massively scale up in a short period of time, so to have some shortcomings is not totally unnatural," he added. The organization said on Sunday it was sending personnel from its headquarters to Wuhan in order to "ensure that the use of donated funds and materials is standardized, efficient, open and transparent". On Tuesday China's National Health Commission admitted it was still facing "supply and demand conflicts" regarding protective gear, namely masks and suits, in Hubei. Read the full article

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China's Advice to Citizens: No Drinking and Have a Good Cry

Health experts in China recommend exercise for people stressed by the coronavirus outbreak The advice for people in China struggling mentally to cope with the virus comes as schools and businesses delay reopening this week to help contain the spread of the SARS-like pathogen that has claimed more than 420 lives. With public attractions closed, events canceled and citizens urged to stay home to avoid infections over the extended Spring Festival break, their psychological health is coming under the spotlight. There is also growing concern over the well-being of healthcare workers on the frontline as the number of infections rises above 20,400. Some provinces, such as Anhui in the east, have set up 24-hour hotlines for people mentally affected by the epidemic to talk to psychologists or psychiatrists, said state news agency Xinhua. Health experts have offered suggestions on how to deal with the "extraordinary circumstances". The death toll from coronavirus has topped 420, with more than 20,400 infections Have a Good Cry "If your emotions have been particularly suppressed, you can look for an isolated spot and have a good cry for a few minutes," said Yang Fude of the Beijing Huilongguan Hospital. "After crying, you will feel better (...) An overcast sky will only brighten up after a heavy downpour," he added when asked for advice for frontline workers battling the virus. Otherwise, employees can install a sandbag in their office and spend several minutes doing some punching exercises to relax, he said. His comments were met with some amusement online, with one user on China's Twitter-like platform Weibo saying: "Surely we can't be crying all day." Act Responsibly Chinese citizens are receiving advice on all fronts on how to act responsibly as well. A banner at the Beijing West Railway Station reminds people to "strengthen protection, stay calm, believe in science and avoid spreading rumors". Another outside a Beijing housing estate urges residents to "avoid going out, wear a mask, keep a distance with others and don't shake hands". Jingles on television and radio remind people to wash their hands regularly, on top of round-the-clock updates online from the central city of Wuhan where the virus was detected late last year. China's state broadcaster has been livestreaming the construction of two new hospitals in the virus epicentre, turning viewers into "online supervisors", Xinhua reported on Sunday. Hubei province -- the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak -- has been effectively locked down Don't Drink and Game As people spend more time cooped up at home, hashtags detailing their boredom have made the rounds on Weibo as well, making light of the dire situation. One of them, titled "Dad has finally been driven nuts", was viewed 440 million times, with 120,000 discussion posts. These included video clips of family members playing badminton indoors while wearing surgical masks. Another hashtag -- "how bored can you be when staying at home" -- had more than 80 million views. One user wrote: "This is the 10th day I have stayed home, and I can't tell what day it is or whether it is day or night." Another user posted photographs of a Mickey Mouse sculpture apparently made from the husks of seeds and nuts. In a bid to curb the spread of the virus, China has restricted travel and effectively locked down most of Hubei province -- where the majority of deaths and infections have been reported -- for almost two weeks. But experts were quick to urge citizens not to turn to drinking or gaming to pass the time at home. Chen Xuefeng of the Chinese Academy of Sciences said this week: "When avoiding going outside these days, people can relieve stress by exercising indoors, singing and so on." "Drinking and gaming for long hours is not good for stress and could bring about worse emotional pressure," she said. Read the full article

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HIV Drugs Used As Weapon in War on Coronavirus

Two weeks ago Chinese doctors confirmed they had been giving anti-HIV drugs to coronavirus patients in Beijing

As doctors scramble to contain the fast-spreading coronavirus, a potent brew of anti-retroviral and flu drugs has emerged as a possible defense against the disease that has killed hundreds.

But the science is inconclusive on whether they are actually effective, and experts say a specific treatment could take years to develop. Here is what we know -- and don't know -- about the drugs deployed against the SARS-like virus. Why Anti-Retrovirals? Patients diagnosed with the common flu are often prescribed an antiviral drug widely known as Tamiflu. But seasonal flu is "very different from the Chinese coronavirus", said Sylvie van Der Werf at the Paris-based Pasteur Institute. So far the new coronavirus has infected tens of thousands worldwide and killed more than 420 people, mostly in mainland China. Two weeks ago Chinese doctors confirmed they had been giving anti-HIV drugs to coronavirus patients in Beijing, based on a 2004 study published after the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) that showed "favorable" responses. Used together, lopinavir and ritonavir decrease the amount of HIV cells in a patient's blood, stripping back the virus's ability to reproduce and attack the immune system. Doctors have also combined the treatment with another anti-flu drug called oseltamivir, hoping the creative cocktail can sap the new coronavirus of its strength. In Thailand, where there are now 25 confirmed cases, a 71-year-old Chinese patient returned a negative test within 48 hours of being given the three drugs. But Thai doctors urged caution, saying the medicine needed to be given under supervision due to possible side effects. The best approach for the general public is to try and stay healthy so your immune system can offer a robust response to the threat of the virus, said Singapore's health minister Gan Kim Yong Does it Actually Work? In short, we don't know for sure. The 2004 study showed anti-retrovirals used on patients with SARS had "substantial clinical benefits", experts in China said. But random trials on 41 coronavirus patients had "limitations", according to research published in The Lancet on January 24. Doctors in Singapore -- where there are 24 cases -- have followed suit with the anti-retroviral treatment, said the country's chief health scientist Tan Chorh Chuan, without going into details about the results. Other studies looked "promising" and a clinical trial has started in Wuhan. "These agents appear to be effective but we can't be certain at the moment," he said Tuesday. What's Big Pharma Doing? Biotech firms are working on a suite of treatment options. California-based Gilead Sciences said they are working with Chinese authorities on clinical trials to determine if remdesivir -- a drug used to treat SARS -- is effective. Development of entirely new treatments are also underway. The US Health and Human Services department is partnering with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals to develop monoclonal antibodies to fight the infection, a class of drug the company has successfully used to boost survival rates among Ebola patients. Meanwhile three teams around the world -- in China, Australia and the Pasteur Institute in France -- have now succeeded in cultivating the coronavirus in the laboratory. That could lead to pinpointing its "Achilles' heel" by understanding how it replicates in cells, said Christophe d'Enfert, the institute's scientific director. A passenger checks herself with a digital infrared thermometer at Kuala Lumpur International Airport So What Should You Do? The best approach for the general public is to try and "stay healthy" so your immune system can offer a robust response to the threat of the virus, said Singapore's health minister Gan Kim Yong. But for already infected patients, hospitals must provide support to prevent complications. "Chances are if you already have underlying medical conditions... your defenses are weak and your organs may already be impaired, and therefore the risk of death is higher," he told parliament Monday. Traditional Chinese medicines have been touted as treatment for the coronavirus Home Remedies and Quackery Misinformation has proliferated online about home and traditional remedies. A liquid made with honeysuckle and flowering plants used in traditional medicine was initially claimed to "inhibit" the virus, sparking frenzied buying in China. But Chinese state media later sounded a more cautionary note, as researchers warned of potential side effects. In India, where there are three reported confirmed cases, the government has touted ancient homeopathy and Ayurveda remedies as the answer. The jury is out on the effectiveness, and doctors still recommended that patients be treated in a hospital. Online posts erroneously identified saline as a coronavirus killer in Australia, while in Thailand social media suggested antiseptic should be sprayed in a person's mouth. The antiseptic brand Betadine has refuted the claim. by Dene-Hern CHEN and Catherine LAI Read the full article

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The State of Taiwan: Five Things to Know

The KMT party used to be communist China's arch foe but have since warmed to Beijing Here are some key facts about the self-ruled democratic island, which has its own currency, flag, military and government but is not recognized as an independent state by the UN and most nations. China Split After being defeated by the Communist Party in 1949, China's Kuomintang (KMT) nationalist government fled to the island province of Taiwan 180 kilometres (110 miles) off the mainland. President Chiang Kai-shek, joined by two million supporters, set up his authoritarian Republic of China (ROC) government in Taipei. This remains Taiwan's official name. The Communists established the People's Republic of China in Beijing, and have since insisted the island must be reintegrated, threatening force should it declare independence. In 1991 Taiwan lifted emergency rule, unilaterally ending the state of war with China, and has emerged a vibrant liberal democracy. The first direct talks between Beijing and Taipei were held two years later. Relations plummeted with the 2016 election of President Tsai Ing-wen, whose Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) rejects Beijing's "one China" principle. In a historical irony, the modern-day version of the Kuomintang is the party that now pushes much warmer ties with communist China. Struggle for Recognition Today home to 23 million people, the island has been progressively squeezed off the international stage by the more powerful Beijing. The ROC government held a seat at the United Nations until the world body switched recognition to Beijing in 1971, and other countries and international groups soon followed suit. Washington switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979, agreeing it was the only representative of China. But the United States has remained deliberately ambiguous on Taiwan's future status and is bound by an act of Congress to maintain de facto diplomatic ties, as well as supply the island with weapons to defend itself. Over the years, Beijing has convinced most countries to sever diplomatic ties with Taipei and keep it out of international bodies such as the World Health Organization. Last year the Solomon Islands and Kiribati became the latest to defect, leaving Taiwan recognized by just 15 states -- most of them minnows in Latin America, the Caribbean and the Pacific, as well as the Vatican.  Taiwan is a global tech manufacturing hub Electronics Giant Taiwan's export-based economy is one of the largest in Asia, but is dwarfed by that of China on which it depends for much of its business. Transformed into a major tech manufacturing hub, the island is home to industry giants such as Foxconn, the world's largest electronic devices manufacturer, which assembles gadgets for major brands including Apple and Huawei. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is the world's leading contract microchip maker, also supplying Apple and other tech giants. Despite the global trade war, Taiwan posted third-quarter GDP growth of 2.9 percent last year, far outpacing neighbors such as Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Japan. Taiwan legalized gay marriage last year, a first for Asia Asian Pioneer Last May, Taiwan became the first place in Asia to legalize gay marriage. It held its first same-sex weddings days later. It is also a leader in gender equality, with 38 percent of seats in the 2016-elected parliament held by women, the highest proportion in Asia. Tsai, who is running for re-election, is its first female president. Taipei 101 was the world's tallest building, at more than 500 meters (1,670 feet), until 2010 when it was overtaken by Dubai's Burj Khalifa. Taiwan's indigenous people suffered catastrophe when settlers arrived Indigenous Inhabitants The vast majority of Taiwan's population are Han Chinese, with just two percent from its original indigenous tribes. Most scholars consider Taiwan and parts of Southeast Asia as the original source of the Austronesians, who include people in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, as well as New Zealand's Maoris, and Polynesians in Hawaii. Taiwan's indigenous people suffered cultural and economic catastrophe once settlers landed on the island's shores from the 17th century. Tsai, the first president with partial indigenous ancestry, via her grandmother, made history in 2016 when she formally apologized for the past. But indigenous groups remain marginalized, with wages about 40 percent below the national average and higher unemployment. Read the full article

[breakingasia-blog]

The Global Spread of the Coronavirus: Where Is It?

As China struggles to contain a rapidly spreading disease, cases have been identified in more than a dozen other countries, including the first confirmed patients in Canada and Sri Lanka Here are the places that have confirmed cases of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus: As China struggles to contain a rapidly spreading disease, cases have been identified in more than a dozen other countries, including the first confirmed patients in Canada and Sri Lanka CHINA As of Tuesday, more than 4,000 people have been infected across China, the bulk of them in and around Wuhan. Most of the 106 who have died were in that region, but officials have confirmed multiple deaths elsewhere, including the first in the capital Beijing. Macau, a gambling hub hugely popular with mainland tourists, has confirmed seven cases as of Tuesday. In Hong Kong, eight people are known to have the disease. Of those, six arrived via a newly built high-speed train terminal that connects the city to the mainland. ASIA-PACIFIC REGION Australia Five cases have been confirmed in Australia -- all of whom arrived in the country from Wuhan. The patients are being treated in hospitals in Sydney and Melbourne. Cambodia Cambodia's health ministry reported the country's first case of the virus on Monday: a 60-year-old man who arrived from Wuhan and is now stable in an isolation room. Japan Japan's health authorities confirmed the country's fourth case on Saturday: a man in his 40s, visiting Japan from Wuhan, who is in hospital in a stable condition. Two other men and a woman have been treated after returning to Japan from the Chinese city. Malaysia Malaysia confirmed its fourth case on Sunday. All are Chinese nationals on holiday from Wuhan who arrived in the country from Singapore. Nepal Nepal said a 32-year-old man arriving from Wuhan had the disease. The patient, who was initially quarantined, recovered and was discharged. Singapore Singapore has so far confirmed five cases of the coronavirus -- all of them arrived in the city-state from Wuhan. South Korea South Korean media reported the country's fourth case on Monday, citing the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The three men and a woman all traveled from Wuhan. Sri Lanka Sri Lanka confirmed its first case of the virus on Monday -- a 43-year-old Chinese woman who entered the country as a tourist last week from Hubei province.   She is being treated in hospital, a spokesman at the Infectious Diseases Hospital near Colombo told AFP. Taiwan Taiwan has uncovered seven cases so far, the latest two female Chinese nationals in their seventies, who arrived in the country as part of a tour group on January 22. Thailand Thailand announced 14 confirmed infections Tuesday -- the highest outside of China. Health officials said that of the six new cases -- all Chinese passengers from Wuhan -- five of them were in the same family, ranging in ages six to 70. Vietnam Vietnam has so far confirmed two cases of the virus. An infected man from Wuhan traveled to Ho Chi Minh City earlier this month and passed the virus on to his son. NORTH AMERICA Canada  Canada confirmed its first case of the virus on Monday, a man who travelled to Wuhan, and has reported a second suspected case -- his wife, who made the trip with him.  United States The US has confirmed five cases of the virus in patients who had recently entered the country from Wuhan -- two in California and one each in Arizona, Chicago and Washington state. There are three known cases of the coronavirus in France, the first European country to be affected by the outbreak EUROPE France There are three known cases of the coronavirus in France, the first European country to be affected by the outbreak. One person is sick in Bordeaux and another is ill in Paris. A third person, a close relative of one of the other two, has also been confirmed to have the virus. All three had recently traveled to China and have been placed in isolation. Germany The country's first case was confirmed on Tuesday in the southern Bavarian region and was being treated in an isolation ward. The patient was said to be in a "medically good state". Read the full article