Tea Leaks by Talkers

Some want to buy airports

A Vietnamese private investment group has told the Ministry of Transport it wants to buy Phu Quoc International Airport in the southern province of Kien Giang, an investment in the vicinity of 142 million dollars. T&T Group has proposed to “either buy the airport outright,” with a guarantee not to sell it for five years, or acquire the operating rights to it. Phu Quoc Island is seen as a big eco-tourism center in the Southeast Asian region. And Talkers overheard some guys with patacas are looking at it seriously. They want to build a hotel and casino resort on the ’Nam island. That’s diversification! (Their way…)

 Others buy islands

Chinese bidders bought three of four islands that were up for sale recently in an auction on Taobao – in Greece, Canada and Fiji. The “items” were sold within 12 hours of being put up for sale on the popular site. At least 48 bidders took part in the auction. The Greek island was bought for 4.8 million yuan by a construction magnate from Yunnan, who also bought the Canadian island for 1.7 million. The island in Fiji was sold (in the form of a 99-year lease) for 5 million yuan to a businessman in Zhejiang province. Why are we talking about this now? Well, it may offer an idea for that Macau Land For Macau Residents policy, dah. And look at the price, man! The Canadian island is less than the price tag of a 6m2 parking lot in Toi San!

In the vicinity of the Top 20th city

Escape Australia voted Hong Kong the 20th in its 2015 Top 20 world cities. Why? “Hong Kong is a playground for business and leisure travellers offering trendy dining spots and big-name chefs, high-street and high-end fashion, creative corners packed with galleries and artist workshops, and boutique to big hotels catering for all needs.” Besides that, “a new hotel seems to open each week on Macau.”

Round zero

Manny Pacquiao started round “zero” against Mayweather with some witty blows: “We all know how [Floyd] fights. In fact, his previous fights lulled me to sleep.” Famous for his punching-speed, the Filipino hero continued fast-fisting, aiming for the stomach and the face: “I hope this time he would be man enough to take some risks.” Or, “He should prove to the world that he’s a fearless fighter, not a runner.” Punchy, ah?!

Round zero II

The USD300 million fight scheduled for May 2 in Vegas may not be the last one for the Pacman. Why? He’s too young to run for… President! According to Coconuts Manila, coach Roach believes congressman Manny Pacquiao, 36, might keep on boxing until he becomes eligible to run for president. “I think he wants to (eventually) become the president of his country, and I think he’ll be old enough in a couple of years.” The Philippine Constitution mandates that presidential candidates should be at least 40 years old. Way to go, Manny!

in others’ words

When you have taken a significant step forward it is difficult to go back.

Sr. Juliana Devoy, Good Shepherd Centre

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