Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 160 i ASIAN Geographic

If you had to choose a single word to describe Asia, what would it be? For me, it would be “colourful”. Based in Singapore for over 20 years, I was always struck by how grey everything seemed when I visited Europe, where I grew up. I love travel, of course, but coming home to the Little Red Dot – with its intoxicating blend of cultures and colours – is the best feeling. ASIAN Geographic’s celebration of this vibrancy begins with The Pink Edition that you hold in your hands. Think pink and what comes to mind? Japan’s famous cherry blossoms? Lose yourself in rose-coloured hues in our Picturesque column, “Surprising Sakura”, on page 4, and discover where else you can find these pretty blooms. Or were you thinking about all…

When it comes to the colourful politics of the Philippines, there’s never a dull moment. Crowded with powerful dynasties, passionate activists, and vocal voters, the political landscape is complex, messy, and vibrant. It’s been over 35 years since a yellow tsunami swept the Philippine capital Manila as People Power finally dethroned Ferdinand Marcos and his controversial wife Imelda. Marcos’ two-decade rule as the 10th president of the Philippines was marked by rampant corruption, brutal treatment of political opponents, and human rights abuses. But it was the assassination of longtime political opponent Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. in 1983 – widely believed to have been ordered by Marcos, though never proven – which would provide the spark for the Yellow Revolution that would remove the dictator and sweep Aquino’s widow Corazon…

According to local legend, it was none other than the exalted historical figure Alexander the Great (356–323 BCE) who discovered pink salt, otherwise known as Himalayan salt, when he noticed his horses licking the salt on the ground. However, the first records of mining are actually from the 13th century, and Himalayan salt is, in fact, mined from the Punjab region of Pakistan – more than 300 kilometres from the closest point in the Himalayan mountain range. Formed around 550 million years ago, these lucrative salt deposits are much like any other salt in terms of basic composition. But why exactly is this salt pink? The answer lies mainly in its high iron oxide content, which results in a distinctive rose-coloured hue. Analysis of samples of Himalayan salt has also…

Fair one, you did on me bestow Comparisons too sweet to ow; And but I found them sent from you I durst not think they could be true. But ’tis your uncontrolled power Goddess-like to produce a flower, And by your breath, without more seed, Make that a Pink which was a Weed. Because I would be loth to miss So sweet a Metamorphosis, Upon what stalk soere I grow Disdain not you sometimes to blow And cherish by your Virgin eye What in your frown would droop and die: So shall my thankful leaf repay Perfumed wishes every day: And o’re your fortune breathe a spell Which may his obligation tell, Who though he nought but air can give Must ever your (Sweet) creature live. HENRY KING (1592–1669) was…

If you’re a male mantis, you’d better watch out! Your girl may be pretty, but she could be twice your size. Plus, she’s hungry, all the time. And there’s a good chance you are on the menu. To avoid being eaten whilst trying to woo her affections, do your little courtship dance, so she forgets how tasty you look. But if it does all go wrong, don’t hold it against her. Even after you’ve started mating, she may still bite off your head… Of all the 2,400-plus species of mantises, one is surely among the prettiest – the orchid mantis. As the name suggests, this species of mantis mimics orchid flowers, and while they don’t mimic a specific orchid, their bodies are often white with pink markings, earning it the…

Nestled in the heart of the Indian state of Rajasthan lies a city that exudes an ethereal charm, captivating visitors from around the world. With its warm hospitality, bustling bazaars, and resplendent palaces, Jaipur is a treasure trove of history, culture, and architectural splendour. This beguiling city invites you on an unforgettable journey into the realm of the Maharajas. The Aravalli Range, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, adds an enchanting backdrop to Jaipur’s landscape. The city’s strategic location within the range provides it with a natural shield, enhancing its historical and cultural significance. These rugged hills not only contribute to the city’s picturesque charm but also offer opportunities for adventure and exploration. Above all, it is the special hue pervading so many aspects of this city…

MICHELLE YEOH Malaysia (1962–) First Asian to Win an Academy Award for Best Actress While it’s still challenging to find an Asian face in the US film business who isn’t either a baddie or a boy, Asian representation in Hollywood has seen a gradual uptick in the last couple of decades. From Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon in 2000 to Crazy Rich Asians in 2018 to Everything Everywhere All at Once in 2022, Asians – and Asian women especially – are finally, deservedly, enjoying the limelight. One woman who has been at the centre of it all – and who also happens to have starred in all of the above movies, among many others – is veteran actress Michelle Yeoh. Not only did she become the first Asian to win the…

PAINT THE TOWN PINK AT OKADA MANILA Among the grandest and most impressive hotels in Manila’s Entertainment City, Okada Manila is a stone’s throw from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, and the sprawling SM Mall of Asia. As a Forbes five-start integrated resort, it’s the perfect place to splurge on a weekend staycation to kick back and relax, enjoy some top-class restaurants, and dabble at the tables. The expansive, light-filled main lobby, a flamboyant, ornately decorated space awash with pink, sets the tone for your stay, where warm, inviting hues pervade every corner of the hotel. Take your pick from nearly 1,000 beautifully appointed rooms, suites and villas, and expect a luxurious king-size bed, bathtub equipped with rain shower, and designer amenities. You’ll be…

Name: Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin Alternative Name: Chinese White Dolphin Species: Sousa chinensis Subspecies: S. c. chinensis (Chinese Humpback Dolphin) and S. c. taiwanensis (Taiwanese Humpback Dolphin) SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Artiodactyla Infraorder: Cetacea Family: Delphinidae Genus: Sousa Species: S. chinensis CONSERVATION STATUS Extinct Threatened Least Concern Vulnerable (IUCN, 2015) Appendix I (CITES) Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins are found in coastal waters across Asia Calves are born with dark grey or black skin, which fades to white or pink as they age The Chinese humpback dolphin, which is often a pastel pink colour, has been nicknamed hoi tuen in Cantonese, meaning “sea pig” Adults have a body length of between 2 and 3.5 metres and weigh from 150 to 230 kg Populations along the coasts of China…

Women are more likely to be unemployed Women spend more time per day than men on unpaid care and domestic work Women are more likely to be victims of human trafficking for sexual exploitation than men In some regions, as many as 3 out of 10 women experienced intimate partner violence in the last 12 months A high proportion of births are attended by skilled personnel Maternal mortality is dropping Child marriage is still widespread, especially in Southern Asia No country has achieved parity in government The Gender Inequality Index (GII) provides insights into gender disparities in health, empowerment and the labour market. The GII is a composite measure, reflecting inequality in achievements between women and men in three dimensions: reproductive health, empowerment and the labour market: • The health…

CELEBRATING A HISTORIC CLIMB On May 29, 2023, the families of Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary gathered once again near the foot of Everest to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the two men’s momentous achievement. To commemorate the event, both family foundations, with support from the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative, have refurbished two cultural centres in the Everest region. These centres celebrate the history, traditions, culture, and accomplishments of the local communities. The centres are dedicated to the history and identity of the Sherpa people, and will act as a platform to raise awareness of environmental issues in the area and celebrate the valuable contribution of the Sherpa community to mountaineering, just as the two legendary mountaineers did throughout their lives. AN EXPLORATION OF LIMITS Mount Everest, also known…