Whether you refer to it as a “pivot” or a “rebalance,” strengthened United States engagement in Asia is good news for the Philippines. That was clearly evident in the meeting last June in Washington...But lost in the talk of ongoing diplomatic and defense cooperation between the US and the Philippines is the need for further discussion of how to increase critical business-to-business and people-to-people contacts between the two nations.

While the relations between the Philippines and Oman are very strong, Joselito A. Jimeno, the Philippines Ambassador to the Sultanate, wants to take the ties to a higher pedestal during his term. "It's time for Oman to look into the investment opportunities in the Philippines and joint ventures with Filipino companies. Among the Asian countries, Manila is the best bet investment-wise," said the ambassador, while pointing towards the strong growth cited in 'The Wealth Report 2012' (Knight Frank and Citi Private Bank).

Act of Congress (AOC), an American acoustic band, wowed Manila’s band enthusiasts when it recently performed in Metro Manila and Bulacan. The band hails from Birmingham, Alabama, and is recognized for its invaluable experience in music education. Voted one of the must-see acts of Alabama, it was featured in the prestigious 2011 Year of Alabama Music.

Without a doubt, the Philippines is finally on the move -- and well on its way to regain its long-sought place of pride among Asian nations. After decades of stagnation, political uncertainties, and anemic economic performance, the country has emerged from the ashes of despair, confidently riding on a wave of cautious optimism.

Helweena Sadorra is a self-acknowledged fanatic of "Hallyu," or the Korean Wave. So when she landed a job at the Korean Cultural Center in Manila, she had high hopes of promoting active exchanges between South Korea and her home country... She laments that culture has become business with big revenues, and that fresh ideas, including her own, will not see the light unless they add to the money flow.

Philippine dance and music made its way to Russia’s rich cultural environment as the country held, for the first time ever, “Days of Philippine Culture” in the Russian Federation. Through the talents of the Liceo Folkloric Dance Troupe, pianist Rudolf Golez and baritone John Pamintuan, Russians in Moscow and St. Petersburg were treated to three nights of Philippine dance and music and a slice of local color on October 8 to 10, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault will make his first historic three-day visit to the Philippines to meet with President Benigno Aquino III and discuss ways to enhance the two countries' political, economic and cultural relations...He will be accompanied by a 130-member delegation composed of ministers, parliamentarians and businessmen...

Their consensus is simply, we need to get to know China more. China is a complicated country, burdened by its past and not quite that comfortable in its new role as a world super power. Unless our leadership understands the nuances of our China relations a little more deeply, mixed signals between us will likely keep the relationship tense, and that cannot be good for both countries.