ANN Life — Your Look into What Has Asia Buzzing this Week

🎯 Interview: South Korean superstar Lee Min-ho’s curious antihero turn
 By: Moon Ki-hoon, The Korea Herald

For a star who has built his career on main character energy—think Gu Jun Pyo in “Boys Over Flowers” and Koh Hansu in “Pachinko”—Lee Min Ho’s latest role marks a sharp left turn. The Hallyu star returns to the big screen after a decade in “Omniscient Reader: The Prophet” to play a central figure who barely shows up, but whose presence, nonetheless, permeates the film even when off screen.

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⛹️ This week in Sports & Games

🔹Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao back in boxing, says ‘forget about politics’
By: Mark Giongco, Philippine Daily Inquirer

Politics hasn’t been kind to the boxing legend the last couple of times he threw his hat in the election ring. His boxing career, however, is back on track. Coming fresh off an electrifying draw against American Mario Barrios at MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas over the weekend, Pac-man is saying his political career is over—at least for now.

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🧘 This week in Work & Life

🔹Passion keeps Malaysian veteran stitching star shining at 88
By: Sin Chew Daily

For Yap Fong Mei, crafting is the best therapy for both body and soul. “Sewing and crafting engage both my hands and mind—it’s my way of staying healthy,” she says. More than improved health, choosing handmade over store-bought items enabled her to channel her creativity into crafting thousands of beautiful sewn and crafted works through the years.

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🤳 This week on Social Media

🔹Love in the Time of Monsoon: A flooded Philippine church wedding
 By: Philippine Daily Inquirer

Barefoot bridesmaids, an unfazed priest, and loved ones beaming from ear-to-ear, turning what could have been a disaster into a striking display of love, faith, and resilience. Nope, it’s not a film, but a real-life exchange of I do’s in Bulacan, Philippines. Move over, wedding from “Crazy Rich Asians.” We’ve got a new Most Romantic Nuptials winner. 

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👺 This week in Culture

🔹Artisans in Japan’s Saitama pass on traditions with Chichibu Meisen silks
 By: The Japan News

These ornate fabrics are made using an early Meiji era 1868-1912 technique called hogushi nassen, in which warp threads are temporarily woven together and dyed using stencils. The finished fabrics have a vibrant and iridescent look that make them wearable pieces of art. The number of artisans engaged in this craft, sadly, has been dwindling. Enter a third-generation owner of a textile studio, who has devoted his life to keeping the ancient skill alive.

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 👠 This week in Entertainment and Arts

🔹Fan pilgrimages to see stars live supercharging economy of China’s cities
 By: Li Yingxue and Liu Kun, China Daily

Pilgrimages have transcended the religious and have seeped into the entertainment sphere. No, we’re not just talking about K-pop. In China, the same phenomenon is transforming cities into “concert destinations.” A single night of music has become an extended experience in these tourism ecosystems — and a new engine for city branding.

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🍜 This week in Asia Flavours

🔹The origin of Sriracha sauce: From Thailand to the world
 By: The Nation 

From its humble beginnings in 1930s Thailand, Sriracha’s influence has extended far beyond the borders of its home country. It’s no longer just a condiment used in Thai cuisine—it’s a beloved hot sauce that has made its way into various culinary traditions and has become a symbol of spice and flavour across the globe.

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📚 This week in Books

🔹Vietnam’s culinary culture showcased at 35th Hong Kong book fair
By: Viet Nam News

Visitors to Vietnam's booth discover more than just travel destinations, but also stories behind Vietnamese dishes, showcased through thoughtfully curated books. The titles aren’t simply compilations of recipes, they offer cultural insights and narratives that spark curiosity and inspire visitors to explore the Southeast Asian country—and taste the delightful cuisine themselves.

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✈️ This week in Travel and Tourism

🔹Paying for future vacations: Indulgence or investment?
By: Michelle Anindya, The Jakarta Post

Shared vacation ownership, also known as time-share ownership, is making a comeback with points, perks and long-term payoffs. The offers are tempting, especially for frequent travelers. So, what’s the catch?

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🍃 This week in Nature

🔹Why it’s vital to save Malaysia’s diverse flora
 By: Stephanie Lee, The Star

Malaysia’s plant kingdom isn’t doing so well. At least 600 species are facing extinction—and this is in Sabah alone. Poaching and human activities are to blame. If these  continue, many of these flora may cease to exist, impacting already fragile ecosystems. 

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