Phillipines

A modern-day encounter with Jonah’s ‘leviathan’

Every Rosh Hodesh, and every holiday, when we recite the Barchi Nafshi, I have a different kavanah, a different intention, than I once did. I now know what a “leviathan” looks like.

SWIMMING ABOVE the baby whale that came to play with us.
Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte appears before the International Criminal Court, as the court hears arguments regarding Duterte's health and ability to stand trial, while he faces murder charges related to his war on drugs, in The Hague, Netherlands, September 16 2026.

Former Philippines leader Duterte appears in ICC courtroom

A Philippine Airlines plane stands parked on the tarmac at Manila's International airport on November 8, 2013; Illustrative.

'Baby killer': Fight breaks out in Manila airport over antisemitic insults - report

An Indian soldier stands guard next to captured Somali pirates after they were brought in for prosecution by the Indian Navy, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, India, March 23, 2024.

Merchant ship hijacked off Yemen now held by Somali pirates, residents say


Albanese: Bondi Beach massacre driven by Islamic State ideology

Homemade IS flags were found in the suspects' car after Sunday’s attack, and police said on Tuesday the pair had visited the Philippines, where there are IS offshoots present.

 Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia November 29, 2024.

Philippines confirms visit by alleged Bondi gunmen amid terrorism concerns

The attack on Sunday was Australia's worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years, and is being investigated as an act of terrorism targeting the Jewish community.

One of the suspected shooters in the Bondi Beach mass shooting, December 14, 2025.

Super Typhoon Fung-wong slams into Philippines, two dead

In Aurora province on Luzon island, where the storm arrived, lights went out but phone lines remained working, a civil defense official, Cheng Quizon, told DZBB radio.

A woman kisses a child as they line up to register at an evacuation center as they prepare for Super Typhoon Fung-Wong, Manila, Philippines, November 9, 2025.

Kalmaegi death toll climbs to 66 as Philippine survivors confront destruction

'When the waters rose, we went to our second floor. Yet, the waters kept rising so we decided to head up to our roof.'

Damaged cars are toppled in a subdivision after heavy flooding brought by Typhoon Kalmaegi in Bacayan, Cebu City, Philippines, November 4, 2025.

Dozens killed as powerful quake strikes central Philippines

The death toll was 69 as of late Wednesday morning, said Jane Abapo of the regional Civil Defense office, citing data from the provincial disaster agency that was subject to validation.

Rescue personnel stand in front of a damaged structure following a 6.9-magnitude earthquake, in Daanbantayan, Cebu Province, Philippines, October 1, 2025.

Vietnam evacuates thousands, shuts airports as Typhoon Bualoi nears

"This is a rapidly moving storm - nearly twice the average speed - with strong intensity and a broad area of impact," the national weather forecast agency said.

Boats are kept on a road as Typhoon Bualoi nears, in Nghe An province, Vietnam, September 28, 2025.

Filipino ex-hostage Jimmy Pacheco names newborn daughter in honor of Israel

The couple named their daughter as a tribute to the nation that protected them, friends of the couple shared on social media. 

Congratulations to captivity survivor Gelienor “Jimmy” Leano Pacheco and his wife Clarice Joy, on the birth of their daughter - Israela.

The island that beats Thailand in every way – beer for NIS 4 and empty beaches

While Thailand struggles with overtourism, Palawan in the Philippines offers the same tropical beauty with low living costs, empty beaches, and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites without the crowds.

Boat ride in the Blue Lagoon, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

Leah Mosquera, Filipino caregiver, succumbs to wounds after Iranian missile attack in Rehovot

Mosquera was rushed to Shamir Medical Center for immediate medical treatment and spent several weeks in the ICU. She underwent several surgeries while continuing to fight for her life.

Wreckage from an Iranian missile impact in central Israel, June 22, 2025.

Son of Filipino immigrants among 21 fallen IDF soldiers on Monday

Garin supported his family and was recognized by Southern Command for his outstanding abilities when he was in Givati.

Sgt. First Class (res.) Cydrick Garin.