Japan-Philippines defence pact in focus .. Ishiba visits Marcos

Never mind. I'll see myself out. - @Aidan in HCMC

Only if you are 22, good looking, and maybe a woman.

`

Of interest for the Philippines ..

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3308612/japan-seeks-regional-sway-pm-ishiba-courts-vietnam-philippines-trade-and-security

"Japan seeks regional sway as PM Ishiba courts Vietnam, Philippines on trade and security"

Ishiba’s visits follow Chinese President Xi Jinping’s own tour of the region, reflecting a broader competition for influence

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s visit to two Southeast Asian countries this week signals Tokyo’s desire to “strongly anchor” itself in the region and “reassure” Vietnam and the Philippines of its support amid growing Chinese maritime assertiveness, analysts have said.

“The world economy is becoming more uncertain, and the impact on the Southeast Asian region is also becoming apparent,” Ishiba told reporters on Monday..

The leaders of Japan and the Philippines agreed on Tuesday at the start of discussions to pave the way for major security pacts, aiming to further strengthen their defence ties with China in mind.

“We will cooperate to maintain a free and open international order based on the rule of law,” Ishiba added.

After Ishiba’s meeting with Vietnamese leaders in Hanoi this week, both sides agreed to boost bilateral trade, deepen political and security ties, and uphold global rules on the free flow of goods..

By Maria Siow (snipped)  Published: 11:00am, 1 May 2025

https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics … d-security

--

@Fred

The new ones are also M&S, so I expect long service from them as well.

For our American friends M&S (Marks & Spencer) is a British institution. There are stores throughout Asia. The joke is that 90% of British men get their underwear from M&S. Well made and value for money. I mean why pay a fortune on Calvin Klein when its hidden? If you're looking to impress a potential female partner by the time she has seen them presumably (to use the Latin) its 'dimittenda conclusio'

and uphold global rules on the free flow of goods..

- @PalawOne

What, no tariffs?

`

My wife and I have the first initials S and M

We often sign things S&M 😲 .. thanks Aidan?

Happy trails all

and uphold global rules on the free flow of goods..
- @PalawOne
What, no tariffs?
- @Fred

Probably to be seen .. hope so

`Btw .. just so we know Fred .. who paid the January salary? 😉

``

PalawOne said to Fredie . . . .
`Btw .. just so we know Fred .. who paid the January salary? 😉

*******************************

Are you say he is  paid influencer ?  Xi Jinping better ask for a refund.

Im still laughing about 20 year old undies bragged about some years ago,,,,, how to win friends and influence us apparent fools that know nothing.

Cheers, Steve.

and uphold global rules on the free flow of goods..
- @PalawOne
What, no tariffs?
- @Fred
Probably to be seen .. hope so
`Btw .. just so we know Fred .. who paid the January salary? 😉
- @PalawOne

My office. I actually work for a living.

I haven't applied for a job since 2008. People just call me and offer jobs.

That's one advantage in having a unique skill set. I no longer have a CV - I don't need it.

Im still laughing about 20 year old undies bragged about some years ago,,,,, how to win friends and influence us apparent fools that know nothing.
Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

I buy quality and look after things. Still 2 pairs left.

and uphold global rules on the free flow of goods..
- @PalawOne
What, no tariffs?
- @Fred
Probably to be seen .. hope so
`Btw .. just so we know Fred .. who paid the January salary? 😉

`` - @PalawOne

Trump. I'm CIA.

Don't tell anyone. It's a secret.

For our American friends M&S (Marks & Spencer) is a British institution. There are stores throughout Asia. The joke is that 90% of British men get their underwear from M&S. Well made and value for money. I mean why pay a fortune on Calvin Klein when its hidden? If you're looking to impress a potential female partner by the time she has seen them presumably (to use the Latin) its 'dimittenda conclusio' - @Lotus Eater

They're in Canada too, but we just refer to them as Marks & Spencer. Never heard them called M&S.

Good cookies, fig newtons, mince meat pudding with rum sauce...

I'm packing on the lbs just thinking about it

No need Fred as you blurt out your thoughts even down to underwear recklessly, the English sit com "some mothers do have 'Ave 'Em".

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

Don't tell anyone. It's a secret. - @Fred

There's a man who leads a life of danger

To everyone he meets he stays a stranger

Secret, Asian man

Secret, Asian man

Don't tell anyone. It's a secret. - @Fred

There's a man who leads a life of danger
To everyone he meets he stays a stranger
Secret, Asian man
Secret, Asian man - @Aidan in HCMC

I told you to keep it a secret.

For our American friends M&S (Marks & Spencer) is a British institution. There are stores throughout Asia. The joke is that 90% of British men get their underwear from M&S. Well made and value for money. I mean why pay a fortune on Calvin Klein when its hidden? If you're looking to impress a potential female partner by the time she has seen them presumably (to use the Latin) its 'dimittenda conclusio' - @Lotus Eater
They're in Canada too, but we just refer to them as Marks & Spencer. Never heard them called M&S.
Good cookies, fig newtons, mince meat pudding with rum sauce...

I'm packing on the lbs just thinking about it - @Aidan in HCMC

Syllables, dear chap.

@Fred

The new ones are also M&S, so I expect long service from them as well.


For our American friends M&S (Marks & Spencer) is a British institution. There are stores throughout Asia. The joke is that 90% of British men get their underwear from M&S. Well made and value for money. I mean why pay a fortune on Calvin Klein when its hidden? If you're looking to impress a potential female partner by the time she has seen them presumably (to use the Latin) its 'dimittenda conclusio' - @Lotus Eater

There not just undies there M&S Undies

LOL Cherry and 20 years old, golly we replace the car every 5/6 years with a new one, my undies every 2 or 3 years but they're not Marks and Spencer, just simply Bench a local brand and yes Fred made in China, probably why they get replaced often but cheap,,,,,,,, saves washing them?

Cheers, Steve.

Syllables, dear chap.
- @Fred

For the sake of 1 ? 😶

LOL Cherry and 20 years old, golly we replace the car every 5/6 years with a new one, my undies every 2 or 3 years but they're not Marks and Spencer, just simply Bench a local brand and yes Fred made in China, probably why they get replaced often but cheap,,,,,,,, saves washing them?
Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

I have loads of boxers and from different retailers and some of them are Bench. Just recently bought boxers, socks and T Shirts since I will be in the Philippines in a couple of weeks. The T Shirts I bought online from Sports Direct. I am planning to take less clothes this time though and just take them to one of the local laundry shops whilst there. I will probably do as usual which is take some old clothes or ones I don't use or really want anymore, wear them once and dispose of them.

For our American friends M&S (Marks & Spencer) is a British institution. There are stores throughout Asia. The joke is that 90% of British men get their underwear from M&S. Well made and value for money. I mean why pay a fortune on Calvin Klein when its hidden? If you're looking to impress a potential female partner by the time she has seen them presumably (to use the Latin) its 'dimittenda conclusio'  - @Lotus Eater
They're in Canada too, but we just refer to them as Marks & Spencer. Never heard them called M&S.
Good cookies, fig newtons, mince meat pudding with rum sauce...

I'm packing on the lbs just thinking about it - @Aidan in HCMC
Syllables, dear chap.
- @Fred

So great that you are an "admin", a leader and an influencer, making sure that the forum participants stay on topic to be sure.  😆

For our American friends M&S (Marks & Spencer) is a British institution. There are stores throughout Asia. The joke is that 90% of British men get their underwear from M&S. Well made and value for money. I mean why pay a fortune on Calvin Klein when its hidden? If you're looking to impress a potential female partner by the time she has seen them presumably (to use the Latin) its 'dimittenda conclusio' - @Lotus Eater
They're in Canada too, but we just refer to them as Marks & Spencer. Never heard them called M&S.
Good cookies, fig newtons, mince meat pudding with rum sauce...

I'm packing on the lbs just thinking about it - @Aidan in HCMC
Syllables, dear chap.
- @Fred
So great that you are an "admin", a leader and an influencer, making sure that the forum participants stay on topic to be sure. 😆
- @danfinn

But, I'm not

@Fred

But, I'm not

Great news

LOL Cherry and 20 years old, golly we replace the car every 5/6 years with a new one, my undies every 2 or 3 years but they're not Marks and Spencer, just simply Bench a local brand and yes Fred made in China, probably why they get replaced often but cheap,,,,,,,, saves washing them?
Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

I have just pulled them down to look at the country of origin

Would you like photographs?

@Fred

I haven't applied for a job since 2008. People just call me and offer jobs.

That's one advantage in having a unique skill set. I no longer have a CV - I don't need it.

You and Coach 53 would get along swell. Stroke each others ego. Funny thing though, like you, Forum members always had their doubts as to whether the guy had ever set foot in the Philippines. 

@Cherryann01

I will be in the Philippines in a couple of weeks

Do keep all the Forum gang updated with your 'escapades' CA. She looks gorgeous

Fredie said . . . . I buy quality and look after things. Still 2 pairs left.

*******************************

Now you have three pairs?

Fredie said . . . .  I buy quality and look after things. Still 2 pairs left.
*******************************
Now you have three pairs?
- @Enzyte Bob

Three pairs. Is that six?😉

Fredie said . . . .  I buy quality and look after things. Still 2 pairs left.
*******************************
Now you have three pairs?
- @Enzyte Bob

I hate clothes shopping so I buy in bulk. That way I don't have to buy often.

Marks and sparks are expensive, but I bought 20 of their Bangladeshi made offerings to replace my older Chinese and Indian manufactured ones.

As a note, I keep a full change of clothes in my car at all times in case of need, and the pair in there are the old ones. That's an old pair I had forgotten about, so add one.

Fredie said . . . . I buy quality and look after things. Still 2 pairs left.
*******************************
Now you have three pairs?
- @Enzyte Bob

Three pairs. Is that six?😉 - @Aidan in HCMC

Pairs, unlike pears, are counted as singular.

If you don't wash them, you remain single.

Fredie said . . . . I buy quality and look after things. Still 2 pairs left.
*******************************
Now you have three pairs?
- @Enzyte Bob
I hate clothes shopping so I buy in bulk. That way I don't have to buy often.
Marks and sparks are expensive, but I bought 20 of their Bangladeshi made offerings to replace my older Chinese and Indian manufactured ones.
As a note, I keep a full change of clothes in my car at all times in case of need, and the pair in there are the old ones. That's an old pair I had forgotten about, so add one. - @Fred

Actually, when you initially revealed that your underwear was 20 yo, the natural assumption in US English would be that the underwear had not been washed in twenty years. Fortunately for you and your neighbors, that was not the case...I think.

LOL Cherry writes:   I will be in the Philippines in a couple of weeks.. I am planning to take less clothes this time though ..  I will probably do as usual which is take some old clothes or ones I don't use or really want anymore, wear them once and dispose of them. - @Cherryann01

Cherry, aren't you meeting gals when in the Philippines this time?

If so your fans want to know, do you think this is the right strategy?

Happy trails :-)

Wow P1, your original post has certainly been booted all over the place, you take it well.

I did have thought though, if we could acquire some of Freds old undies if they would ward off attacks from foreign countries washed of course and hung on flagpoles.

Cheers, Steve.

@Fred

Better half is going next week to purchase a new Chinese BYD Sealion 6 as nothing else compares, well some do but at ridiculous prices for similar appointments.

China has nailed many markets.

Cheers, Steve.

China has nailed many markets.

Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

Everything they touch.

LOL Let's see how they go with the stupid tariffs.

Cheers, Steve.

LOL Let's see how they go with the stupid tariffs.Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

Well, Ryanair is suggesting they will cancel Boeing orders if tariffs rise, but airbus say they have a full order book for 10 years.

However, the cost of US airlines buying Airbus is now very high, so may not 10 years.

Airbus might very well lose the US market, but lots of other people want their machines.

Then we look at China's new, as yet EU/UK uncertified passenger aircraft.

I can see the Chinese exploiting tariffs to enter new markets.

As they do Fred and do it quietly and not with a chainsaw or bulldozer.

As for Boeing I thought they already cancelled the orders held? Some 20 or 30 aircraft.

Cheers, Steve.