Latest News

Bogotá and Avianca Launch South America’s First Official “Stopover” Program

By Richard Emblin - July 16, 2025

Bogotá and Avianca have launched StopOver Bogotá, South America’s first official stopover program, allowing international transit passengers to explore the city for up to 24 hours. The initiative aims to attract 472,000 additional visitors and boost tourism revenue for key attractions.

Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay Begins Neurorehabilitation After ‘Favorable’ Response

By Richard Emblin - July 14, 2025

Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay has begun neurorehabilitation after showing clinical improvement, over a month after surviving a gun attack in Bogotá. He remains in intensive care with a reserved neurological prognosis. His wife, María Claudia Tarazona, described his recovery as a “chain of miracles” in her first public interview.

Miguel Uribe Leads Colombian Presidential Poll After Assassination Attempt

By Richard Emblin - July 8, 2025

Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay leads early polls for the 2026 presidential race despite recovering from a June 7 assassination attempt. Authorities have arrested alias El Costeño, one of the alleged masterminds behind the attack. Uribe’s surge in support reflects growing public concern over security and political violence ahead of the elections.

Colombia’s Petro tells U.S President Trump: “We Must Rise to the Occasion”

By Richard Emblin - July 7, 2025

On June 23, Colombian President Gustavo Petro sent a conciliatory letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, retracting earlier coup claims and urging renewed dialogue amid a deepening diplomatic rift. Petro acknowledged his remarks may have been misinterpreted and proposed a U.S.–CELAC summit to rebuild trust. The White House has yet to respond.

At the Crossroads of Global Trade, Singapore Redefines the Power of the Port

By Richard Emblin - June 24, 2025

PSA Singapore, the world’s largest container transshipment hub, handled a record 40.9 million TEUs in 2024. From its colonial origins in 1819, Singapore has become a global logistics powerhouse, with Tuas Port leading in automation, sustainability, and connectivity to over 600 ports worldwide.

“Liturgies of the Body: The Collector’s Gaze” at Bogotá’s Casa Republicana

By Richard Emblin - June 19, 2025

The exhibition titled Liturgies of the Body: The Collector’s Gaze opens at Bogotá’s Casa Republicana, showcasing works from the Proyecto Bachué. Spanning 1960–1980, the private collection explores how the human body reflects power, trauma, and identity through experimental visual art.

Singapore's Business District and Parliament building. Photo: Richard EmblinSingapore's Business District and Parliament building. Photo: Richard Emblin

72 Hours in Singapore: Where Colonial Heritage Meets a New Tomorrow

By Richard Emblin - June 18, 2025

Singapore is where futuristic gardens meet colonial grandeur, and Michelin-starred hawker stalls share the stage with bold global cuisine. In 72 hours, explore sacred temples, shop Orchard Road, sip a Singapore Sling at Raffles, and watch sunsets from Marina Barrage—this city-state is a curated rush of heritage, skyline, and flavor.

Colombia on Edge as Miguel Uribe Undergoes Emergency Brain Surgery

By Richard Emblin - June 16, 2025

More than 70,000 Colombians marched in Bogotá on Sunday, June 15, as part of the “March of Silence” – a historic demonstration that also drew major turnouts in Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, and at least 20 other cities. The March was summoned in solidarity with Miguel Uribe Turbay.

Colombia’s March of Silence: Nation walks in solidarity with Miguel Uribe

By Richard Emblin - June 15, 2025

Colombians will march in silence this Sunday, across 20 cities to condemn political violence and support wounded senator Miguel Uribe, shot during a Bogotá rally. The civic demonstration could mark Colombia’s largest mobilization since the 2008 “No Más FARC” protests.

How Singapore Turned Necessity into Sustainability and Global Influence

By Richard Emblin - June 13, 2025

Singapore has engineered a vision for green living. From desalinated water, smart housing, eco transportion, and integrated planning, this island nation blends innovation, multicultural harmony, and climate resilience to shape a future-ready city.

With Miguel Uribe in Critical Condition, FARC Dissidents Attack Southwest Colombia

By Richard Emblin - June 10, 2025

FARC dissidents have launched coordinated attacks across southwest Colombia, killing at least four and injuring dozens in Cauca, Valle del Cauca, and Cali. Explosions targeted police stations and infrastructure, while a sniper killed an officer. The violence follows the attempted assassination of Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay, who remains in critical condition.

“Miguel Uribe was completely alone,” says lawyer Víctor Mosquera, after security omissions

By Richard Emblin - June 9, 2025

Colombian senator and presidential hopeful Miguel Uribe remains in critical condition after being shot in Bogotá. Authorities say a 15-year-old suspect used a U.S.-sourced Glock pistol. The Attorney General’s Office has launched a major investigation amid criticism of government inaction and security failures for opposition leaders ahead of 2026 elections.

Global Condemnation Follows Assassination Attempt on Colombian Presidential Candidate Miguel Uribe

By Richard Emblin - June 8, 2025

World leaders condemned the assassination attempt on Colombian presidential candidate Miguel Uribe, now in “gravely critical” condition. The U.S., Italy, Chile, and others called it an attack on democracy, urging justice and blaming rising political violence in Colombia.

Miguel Uribe Turbay in Critical Condition After Assassination Attempt in Bogotá

By Richard Emblin - June 8, 2025

Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay is in critical condition after being shot in the head during a campaign event in Bogotá. A 15-year-old suspect is in custody. Authorities are investigating the motive as the country reels from the brazen attack on a presidential hopeful.

Avianca Expands Fleet in Strategic Deal with Singapore’s BOC Aviation

By Richard Emblin - June 6, 2025

Colombia’s flagship Avianca airlines has signed a lease agreement with Singapore-based BOC for nine Airbus A320neo aircraft, reinforcing its fleet expansion plans. The deal highlights Singapore’s growing aviation influence and global reference as a logitics hub for emerging markets.

LATIDO: Chef Fernando Arévalo is the Colombian “Heartbeat” of Singapore

By Richard Emblin - June 4, 2025

Latido, a new restaurant in Singapore’s Chinatown by Colombian chef Fernando Arévalo, offers a heartfelt take on Colombian cuisine. Blending memory, identity, and innovation, the menu draws on Arévalo’s roots and culinary journey, from Bogotá to New York to Asia. Each dish tells a personal, evolving story of home.