Style

Everything We Know About the 2024 Met Gala’s Theme, Dress Code, and Guests

The dress code is “The Garden of Time.”

DENR bans use of piped water for golf courses

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has prohibited golf courses in Metro Manila and nearby areas from using piped water from Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water amid the continued drop in the water level of Angat Dam. In an interview with select reporters including The STAR, Environment Undersecretary Carlos David said that the latest DENR bulletin, which was released last Friday, directed...

Europe’s best beach holidays: Arcachon, France

The Bay of Arcachon, on the south-west coast of France, is a happy place. It must be, because I’ve been visiting it with my family nearly every year for the past 15 years. We usually rent a small apartment in Arcachon town for four or five days, but such is the draw that we have been known to make a two-hour drive just to spend the day there when we’ve been in that part of the world. Everything about it speaks of summer joy: the promenade...

Qantas passengers to receive up to $450 after major blunder

Qantas will pay millions of dollars in compensation to passengers after reaching an agreement with the ACCC to settle a lawsuit against the airline for selling seats on flights that had already been cancelled.

Weekly round-up: Five stories you may have missed

A story about an annual swimming race being cancelled was among our most read in Berkshire.

Mexican authorities confirm missing U.S., Australian tourists have died

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Family members of three tourists who went missing in northern Mexico last month have identified their bodies, the state prosecutor's office in Baja California said in a statement on Sunday. The remains of Australian brothers Callum, 33, and Jake Robinson, 30, and American Carter Rhoad, 30, were found in a well earlier this week in what authorities are treating as a murder

Qantas to pay $120m for allegedly selling tickets to flights that had already been cancelled

Qantas will fork out $100m as a civil penalty and pay $20m to customers in compensation, after striking a deal with the consumer watchdog over landmark legal action for allegedly selling tens of thousands of tickets to flights that had already been cancelled in its system. On Monday, Qantas announced it had come to an agreement with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to resolve the court proceedings lodged in August last...

This will be the largest city in the world with 500 million inhabitants

Council to 'eliminate' punctuation mark on signs

A North Yorkshire resident says the punctuation changes risk "everything going downhill".

SNP holiday lets chaos is scaring off tourists, says Airbnb

The $100billion global accommodation firm says tourists are shunning Scotland because of the Scottish Government's holiday rental red tape shambles.

Adventurer clears Ben Nevis' 'disgusting rubbish'

Paul Arnott fills more than 10 bags with rubbish, rotten food, saturated clothes and bodily waste.

Qantas Settles ‘Ghost Flight’ Lawsuit as Cleanup Costs Mount

Qantas Airways Ltd. will pay a A$100 million ($66 million) penalty and compensate passengers for selling tickets on thousands of flights it had already decided to cancel, as Chief Executive Officer Vanessa Hudson continues costly repairs to the airline’s battered reputation.

The Beatle who never was

LIVERPOOL — It was supposed to be the usual one and a half-hour, hop-on, hop-off ride on a double-deck bus taking tourists around this English port city. The itinerary included stops at Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields, two subjects of Beatles songs with pass-throughs of the homes where John Lennon and Paul McCartney grew up. What made the trip interesting was guide Chris Hough’s historical anecdotes not just on the Beatles but also on the city....

Manx Wildlife Trust seeks for new woodland rangers

The posts will be key in developing and looking after new Manx woodlands, conservationists say.

‘Mama’ comes to Baguio

Nowie and Odette Potenciano of the much-loved Sunny Side Cafe in Boracay—along with their shibas Mari and Luna—have opened a new cafe in the summer city of Baguio! It is the latest addition to the iconic Camp John Hay but it is not inside the Manor; they have opened a standalone cafe! It is called Berry Mama Baguio, an offshoot of the Boracay and La Union favorites of Coco Mama, Ube Mama and Mango Mama. Berry Mama continues the thrust of the...

'My children cling to me as dogs raid graves near our shelter'

In a tent yards from a cemetery, Rehab Abu Daqqa tries to shield her seven children from Rafah's horrors.

Sunlight Air Slashes Prices for Flights to All Destinations

Check out these super low fares from Sunlight Air this May.

I took a 20-minute ferry ride from Europe to Asia for $1. I was shocked I didn't see more tourists on board.

I wanted to visit Europe and Asia during a trip to Istanbul with my kids. The best way to do it was a $1 commuter ferry with great views of the city.

Boracay favorite Nonie's unveils first branch in Metro Manila

Nonie's — a beloved culinary destination in Boracay Island known for its commitment to locally sourced, sustainably produced Filipino-inspired cuisine — has opened its newest location at Molito Lifestyle Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. 7 Tuna Tataki Grain Bowl 8 Sparkling Blue Ternate Lemonade Chicken Pork Adobo Nonie’s moves forward from the laidback island life of Boracay to the hustle of Metro Manila. This expansion marks a significant...

Southwest Airlines Problems Paint Worrying Picture for Other Companies

A ripple effect is taking place in the aviation industry thanks to historic problems at Boeing.

In Zamboanga del Norte, tourism seen thriving in former conflict zone

SERGIO OSMEÑA, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE, Philippines — The Malindang mountain range, which used to be the site of countless battles between government troops and communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, is now being promoted as a tourist destination. After government forces gained the upper hand in the long-drawn war against communist rebels who used to control the area, resort owners formed themselves into a consortium called Mt. Malindang...

Mexico tourist train an environmental ‘nightmare,’ activists say

SOLIDARIDAD, Mexico — In a cave in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, where nature has sculpted a subterranean landscape of stunning beauty, thick steel columns supporting a controversial new tourist railway intrude into a delicate ecosystem. The Yucatan Peninsula boasts an estimated 2,400 of these caverns and sinkholes, which are known as cenotes and are a major attraction for tourists who swim and snorkel in the crystal clear waters that fill some of...

Record field in world dragon boat meet

MANILA, Philippines — With six months left before the event, the International Canoe Federation Dragon Boat World Championships to be hosted by Puerto Princesa City is bound to surpass the previous editions in terms of participation. This was announced by Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation president Leonora Escollante who said at least 20 countries have already confirmed their presence for the world-class meet slated Oct. 28 to Nov. 4. The number...

My 15-year-old son and I live in both France and the US. We're more active In France, but appreciate the slower pace of the South.

My son and I spend half the year in France and the other half in the United States. Here are the parenting similarities and differences.

10 UK stays that take tranquillity to the next level

The Tawny, Staffordshire Bordering the Consall Nature Park, a nature reserve featuring 740 acres of woodland, heath and moor, is The Tawny, a “deconstructed hotel”. This means that instead of a single house with rooms there are a collection of boathouses, huts and treehouses scattered around the woodlands and lakes. At the top of the hill is a modern glass building, the Plumicorn restaurant, and a heated outdoor pool looking out over the...

Qantas agrees payouts over 'ghost flights'

Qantas agrees to pay millions to settle lawsuit accusing it of selling tickets to cancelled flights.

Tiny Texas town roiled by new German beer festival

Tensions among locals in Muenster, a rural community settled by German immigrants, have been brewing over the competing events which happened over three days in April.

NHCP, DLSU-Dasmariñas collaborate for cultural heritage celebration

DASMARIÑAS, Cavite: The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) together with the De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) celebrate "ALAB: Ani ng Lahi at Bayan 2024," DLSU- D's Cultural Heritage Week from May 6 to 10, 2024. The event aims to be a vibrant celebration of the richness of Filipino culture and history that shape the Philippines, illuminating various traditions, customs and stories that contribute to the foundation...

Can cherished former hostel be saved from ruin?

Many people have happy memories of Viewhill House youth hostel which was destroyed by fire in 2007.

President Marcos pushes ‘chibog’ tourism

MANILA, Philippines — Apart from its famous tourist attractions, the Philippines should make the most of its rich and diverse cuisine to attract more foreign visitors to the country, President Marcos said. Marcos talked about gastronomic tourism in his latest vlog titled “Chibog,” posted on his YouTube channel on Sunday. Chibog is Filipino slang for “eat.” The President, who considers himself a “foodie,” noted that many Filipino dishes have...

Europeans have more time, Americans more money. Which is better?

Comparing Europeans and Americans is dangerous terrain, but last week Nicolai Tangen, head of Norway's giant oil fund, went there. He told the Financial Times there was a difference in "the general level of ambition. We [Europeans] are not very ambitious. I should be careful about talking about work-life balance, but the Americans just work harder." This has been said often before. In Franz Kafka's novel Amerika, published posthumously in 1927,...

A Pasig River Esplanade Walking Tour with Paulo Alcazaren

One of the architects behind the popular weekend destination walks with Spot.

Your vacation was ruined, and the company apologized — with a heartfelt note written by ChatGPT

Using generative AI to write apologetic responses is a taboo topic in the travel industry, which prides itself on personal service.

Brits, Burberry and the Biennale! What happened inside the British Pavilion opening

Brits, Burberry and the Biennale! What happened inside the British Pavilion opening - As the art world flocks to Venice, Joe Bromley joins the fray for the British Pavilion’s star-studded opening bash and beyond

Win the ultimate golf trip to Las Vegas or choose $40,000 in cash

The Lucky Golfer is giving away the ultimate golf trip to Las Vegas for four people and the prize includes accomodation at the famous MGM Grand and golf games at the best courses in the area

Image of Divino Tesoro returned to Calasiao, Pangasinan

The image of Señor Divino Tesoro has returned to the Senior Divino Tesoro Shrine after being displayed at the Calasiao Public Plaza for nine days. A procession and Mass were held before the image was returned, attended by devoted followers who lined up patiently to touch and hold the image. Some devotees shared stories of miracles they attribute to Señor Divino Tesoro. Flora Dela Fuente, a devotee, believes that she survived breast cancer...

Blinken to travel to Guatemala on Tuesday, US State Dept says

(Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Guatemala on Tuesday to lead a delegation to the a ministerial meeting of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, the State Department said on Sunday. Blinken will meet with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo and other leaders to discuss enforcement, migration management and refugee integration, State Department

Camping warning as numbers increase at beauty spot

The narrow South Gare Road becomes congested with mobile homes and caravans at busy times.

Cebu City planners call for stricter building rules in protected areas

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu City’s top planners want stricter rules for building in protected areas, especially the Cebu City Protected Landscape (CCPL). Architect Joseph Michael “Yumi” Espina, head of the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), said via the Sugboanon Channel that the Protected Areas Management Board (PAMB) needs to review their rules for construction in the protected landscape. “That is what is happening now in our CCPL,...

'Make it a Mother's Day to remember at Seda Manila Bay'

THIS Mother's Day, Seda Manila Bay calls upon families to celebrate the most special women in their lives with exclusive room and dining offerings that promise to make the occasion truly unforgettable. Reward moms with a well-deserved escape from May 11 to 13 with the "Mother Glows Best" room package and enjoy a cozy overnight stay in lavish Deluxe Rooms with a breakfast buffet for two. Moms will also receive a complimentary massage at the hotel...

Before Summer Vacation, Download Offline Maps on Your iPhone

Here's how you can download portions of the Maps app to use offline.

Migrants pitch dozens of tents along the banks of Dublin's Grand Canal

Photos show the blue tents lined up along a stretch of the canal near the International Protection Office (IPO) on Mount Street.

Dubai deluge brings home climate change dangers to a desert nation

Visitors to Dubai's Mall of the Emirates' famous artificial ski slope last month found it dark and deserted. Even though the shopping centre itself was filled with the usual tourists, the silent snow dome suggested all was not well, after a deluge in the metropolis disrupted the power to chill the slope. Several days after the United Arab Emirates was drenched by historically intense rainfall, many streets surrounding the pristine mall were...

Madonna attracts 1.6 million to free concert at Brazil’s Copacabana beach

RIO DE JANEIRO — More than a million people thronged Brazil’s Copacabana beach for a free Madonna concert on Saturday, braving the heat to see the end of her “Celebration” world tour. The sand and oceanfront boulevard around Rio de Janeiro’s famed beach were filled for several blocks by a crowd the city estimated at 1.6 million. Many had been there […]

Disney World theme parks are becoming remote working hotspots

Writers, techies, and social media workers are just some of those heading down to Orlando and sharing their experiences online.

‘Eurail pass’ for Asean air travel

In a bid to shine the spotlight on other tourist destinations in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), the Asean Business Advisory Council (BAC) has teamed up with budget airlines to help travelers explore hidden gems in all corners of the region. The Asean-BAC brings into focus intra-regional tourism as an engine of growth toward a more prosperous bloc. Nazir Rasak, chair of the Asean-BAC of Malaysia, says there’s a collective...

Migrants sneak into US when their boat lands at crowded Florida beach

The group of at least three were filmed disembarking the 30-foot sailboat after hitting the sands of Hollywood Beach Saturday morning, from parts unknown.

After an 'emotional rollercoaster,' NASA astronauts are ready to fly on Boeing Starliner

Two NASA astronauts waited several extra years for their ride aboard Boeing Starliner, but the wait was not fully unexpected, the former test pilots recently shared with reporters.

Commune with nature in Northern Samar

CATARMAN, NORTHERN SAMAR—There is more to see in this province than the rock formation on Biri Island that was used as a backdrop of a 1990s movie. Northern Samar is so rich in natural wonders that it has a wide variety of tourist spots that cater to all kinds of tourists. “Name it and we have it,” said Ma. Josette Doctor, the province’s tourism officer. Northern Samar is bounded by the Pacific Ocean and San Bernardino Strait, which makes the...

While Boeing's passenger planes glitch, NASA is entrusting the company's spaceship with 2 astronauts' lives

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft isn't totally safe from the cost-cutting, KPI-focused company culture that experts blame for the 737 Max incidents.