Livestream selling has rapidly grown in the Philippines and other South-east Asian countries, particularly since COVID-19 lockdowns. Sellers like Kenneth Gongon Watanabe in Japan and Vee Javier in the Philippines use platforms like Facebook and TikTok to sell products ranging from Japanese sweets to perfumes directly to customers. The trend, which started in China, benefits from the agility of small merchants and the convenience of reaching a wide audience without a physical store. Challenges include dealing with scammers and payment issues. Regulatory uncertainties also loom, as seen with Indonesia's temporary ban on social media selling. Despite this, proponents like Watanabe see livestream selling as the future of shopping.

Live selling has rapidly grown in the Philippines and other South-east Asian countries, driven by the need for new business models during Covid-19 lockdowns. Sellers like Kenneth Gongon Watanabe and Vee Javier have found success by engaging audiences with energetic and informative broadcasts on platforms like Facebook and TikTok. Despite challenges such as scammers and regulatory uncertainties, live selling offers convenience and lower costs, making it an attractive option for small businesses and home-based entrepreneurs. The sector faces scrutiny and regulatory actions, particularly in Indonesia and the Philippines, but continues to thrive with innovative approaches and investments.

A three-day strike by jeepney drivers in the Philippines has begun in response to government modernisation plans that could push thousands off the roads. The government aims to replace old jeepneys with environmentally friendly vehicles, but operators argue the new vehicles are unaffordable, potentially leading to significant debt and loss of livelihoods. The iconic jeepneys, a staple of Philippine transport, face an uncertain future as the government pushes for modernisation to improve environmental standards and safety. Critics argue the plan disproportionately affects the poorest, with concerns about the feasibility and impact of the reforms.

Anna, a young Filipina, died after taking abortion pills bought via social media, highlighting the dangers of illegal abortions in the Philippines, where strict anti-abortion laws force women to seek unsafe methods. The article discusses the increasing trend of online abortion pill sales, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the lack of accountability and safety in these transactions. It also touches on the broader issue of women's reproductive rights, the role of the Catholic Church in opposing abortion, and the potential impact of the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v Wade on global abortion rights. Activists and healthcare providers emphasize the need for safer, legal abortion options to prevent unnecessary deaths and suffering among women.

In Metro Manila, families of drug war victims are struggling to afford funeral expenses, leading to the risk of their loved ones being buried in unmarked mass graves. Vicente Batiancila's family, unable to pay the fees demanded by Eusebio Funeral Services, feared he would be buried without identity. The article details the plight of impoverished families during President Duterte's war on drugs, where funeral parlors like Eusebio and Henry's Memorial Services play a role in handling the bodies. Due to lack of funds, Batiancila's family had to borrow money from a loan shark to avoid a mass burial. The article also touches on the illegal practice of funeral parlors storing bodies without proper licenses and the historical pattern of violence leading to unclaimed bodies in Manila.