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Manila Water advances to 384th spot in 2025 Fortune Southeast Asia 500

MANILA, Philippines — For the second consecutive year, East Zone water concessionaire Manila Water has earned a spot on the prestigious Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list—this time with an even stronger standing. In the 2025 edition, Manila Water climbed to 384th place, a notable improvement from its 435th rank in 2024, reflecting the Company’s continued

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‘Low pressure in Atlantic will dominate’ – Met Eireann warn of ‘cooler’ temps and ‘unsettled’ conditions in major switch

MET Eireann chiefs have warned low pressure in the Atlantic will begin to dominate Ireland’s weather – as “unsettled” conditions develop this week. 

There is a chance of “heavy or thundery downpours” as temperatures plummet.

Ireland temperature map forecast.
More unsettled conditions are on the cards this week
meteologix.com
Man with umbrella walking in the rain.
Low pressure will dominate
Getty Images - Getty

Met Eireann’s Matthew Martin said: “The weather is going to turn cooler and more unsettled in the coming days as low pressure systems in the Atlantic begin to dominate Ireland’s weather.”

Today will bring a mix of sun and showers with some “heavy or thundery downpours”.

He said: “It’s going to be a generally cloudy start today with showery rain pushing south eastwards over the country. 

“A mix of sunny spells and scattered showers will follow for many during the afternoon as the rain clears. 

“But the cloud and rain will be slow to clear from the south east today. 

“There is a chance of a few heavier thundery downpours in Ulster towards evening time.

“It will be less warm today with highest temperatures of 15C to 19C in moderate to fresh southwest winds.”

Tonight will see “clearer spells and scattered showers”.

Mathew said: “The showers will become largely confined to Atlantic coastal counties overnight though.

“Lowest temperatures tonight of 9C to 12C.”

Tomorrow will bring a mix of “cloudy periods and sunny spells” to start with just a few showers.

The meteorologist said: “Cloud is going to thicken from the southwest during the afternoon tomorrow with rain developing in Munster by evening time. 

“Highest temperatures tomorrow of 16 to 21 degrees. Coolest in the north and warmest in the south.”

Tuesday will be a cloudy day but it will be drier.

Matthew said: “Then looking further into next week, it will be rather cloudy on Tuesday with a little patchy rain and drizzle about. But rainfall totals are going to be small. 

“A few sunny spells will develop from time to time. 

“Highest temperatures will range from 15C in the north on Tuesday to 22C in the south in moderate westerly winds.”

Wednesday will be warm but there will be showers across the country. 

He said: “Then Wednesday looks set to be a warm and humid day with bright spells but there will be widespread showers.

“And then a spell of heavier and more persistent rain will spread from the west during the evening on Wednesday.

“Highest temperatures on Wednesday of 17C to 22C.”

Thursday will be a “fresh day” with sunny spells and scattered showers.

Temperatures will vary between 14C and 17C.

Map of accumulated total precipitation (mm) in Ireland and the UK.
There’s a chance of thundery downpours mid week
meteologix.com

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The sex position & tips that will keep you cool whilst you’re getting heated

WITH the temperatures climbing this week, it’s no surprise if you’re feeling a bit hot and bothered at home. 

Sure, cracking open the windows and cranking up the fans can help, but let’s be honest – it might also have you scooting as far away from your partner as humanly possible. 

Portrait of a blonde woman in a peach dress.
Annabelle Knight
Annabelle Knight has revealed her top sex positions to help you keep cool[/caption]
A man kissing a woman's neck in bed.
She believes that you don’t have to sacrifice your sex life because it’s hot
Getty - Contributor

And the last thing on your mind is getting heated in the sheets. 

But sexpert Annabelle Knight believes the hot weather shouldn’t be affecting your sex life. 

She says: “With another sizzling spell of sunshine heading our way, it’s not just our factor fifty that’ll be working overtime. 

“When temperatures rise, so can passion, but getting steamy when there’s soaring temperatures can be more sticky than sexy. 

“But, you don’t need to sacrifice pleasure just because the sun’s out. 

“With the right positions, props, and a bit of creativity, you can stay cool while still getting hot and heavy…” 

Here, she tells YASMIN HARISHA her top eight sex positions that’ll save you from being a sweltering mess at home.

The Lazy Spoon

This is a super sensual low-effort, side-by-side position.

It’s ideal for conserving energy…as the receiving partner lies on their side the other partner can simply slip in from behind. 

It’s gentle, intimate, and requires little movement – perfect for when temperatures soar.

Edge of Glory

Illustration of a sexual position.
supplied
Sometimes the no contact sex positions are the best in the heat[/caption]

One partner lies flat on the edge of the bed while the other person stands or kneels on the floor. 

Because only one person is on the mattress, there’s less trapped body heat, meaning you’ll stay cooler. 

Plus, this particular position allows for deep penetration without full-body contact.

Shower Power

Skip the bedroom entirely and take the fun to the bathroom

Water helps regulate body temperature and keeps things slippery in all the right ways.

In my opinion it’s best for standing positions like facing each other or from behind. 

Just be careful with your footing… non slip mats or suction cup shower handles are your friend here.

Ice, Ice, Maybe

Temperature play isn’t just kinky… it’s cooling, too. 

Gently run an ice cube along your partner’s neck, inner thighs or lower back. 

This adds a shock of sensation and cools the skin at the same time. 

You can even incorporate chilled massage oils or edible lubes by keeping them in the fridge for a refreshing twist.

Fan Club

If you don’t have air con, position a fan near the bed and experiment with airflow. 

Try angling it so it hits your bodies directly, or place a damp towel in front for a DIY cooling effect. 

Sensation-wise, the breeze heightens touch and makes everything feel just a little more sensitive as it encourages more awareness of your body as the breeze hits you.

Flat Out

Illustration of a couple in a sexual position.
supplied
Get creative with the different types of positions[/caption]

Lying flat on your backs side-by-side allows for mutual masturbation without touching. 

This helps to keep the intimacy high and is also a great way to explore fantasies, talk dirty or try toys together without the full body contact making you too hot. 

If you’re stuck for ideas, try a little erotic fiction as inspiration, such as Fifty Shades of Grey, Tell Me To Stop, or my novel, The Endless Autumn, would all be great picks.

Cool Down Quickies

When it’s hot, long sessions can feel more like a workout than a romp. 

Annabelle Knight holding a riding crop at a Fifty Shades of Grey event.
Olivia West
Annabelle Knight holding a riding crop at a Fifty Shades of Grey event[/caption]

Instead, enjoy shorter, more intense encounters rather than marathon sex sessions. 

A study by The Conversation reported an average median time of 5.4 minutes for couples, so don’t be afraid to embrace the quickie.

Chill Out Aftercare

The post-sex glow can easily become a post-sex sweat in summer.

Keep a cold flannel, cooling body mist and a glass of ice water by the bed to freshen up afterwards. 

It’ll help you feel refreshed, reconnected and ready to go again… once you’ve cooled off of course.

What your sexual fantasies say about you

By Emma Kenny, a TV presenter and psychologist

Raucous Role Play: If your partner enjoys dressing up for fun, it shows creativity and a desire to keep things exciting. However, it might signal that he struggles with responsibility.

Multi-Partner Fantasies: Craving variety doesn’t always mean he wants to cheat. However, it could indicate deeper feelings of unfulfillment.

Power & Control: A little dominance is normal, but if it’s always about control, it may hide insecurities.

Adventure: Men seeking thrills may push boundaries, so be sure your comfort zone is respected.

Passion: If he’s romantic, he’s emotionally tuned in—though occasionally avoiding tough conversations.

Flexibility: Openness to new experiences is great, but constant novelty-seeking could mean avoiding emotional connection.

Red Flag: If control is his ultimate fantasy, it may signal a deeper struggle with power dynamics.

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The beach mistake that could be damaging your hair this weekend – it could even lead to you losing your locks

IF YOU are lucky enough to be enjoying the hot weather from the beach this weekend you probably haven’t factored in what  a refreshing dip in the sea might be doing to your hair.

While a swim in the ocean may feel rejuvenating, it could be causing all sorts of problems to your locks including hair loss.

A young woman laughs while holding hands with a man in the ocean.
Getty
Experts have warned the damage that sea swimming can do to your hair[/caption]

Dr Abdulaziz Balwi, leading hair doctor at Elithair Clinic, is shedding light on the effects of seawater on hair health. 

Hair loss

Seawater contains a high concentration of salt, which can negatively impact hair health in several ways. 

It strips moisture from both the hair shaft and scalp, leading to dryness, brittleness, and irritation. 

While seawater doesn’t directly cause hair loss, frequent exposure can disrupt the scalp’s natural balance and lead to dryness and brittleness of the hair shaft. 

This can result in increased hair breakage and, if scalp irritation is significant, may contribute to temporary shedding (telogen efflivium).

These effects are more pronounced if consistent hair and scalp care is not maintained.

Dry hair

Sea water’s high salt content doesn’t just affect the hair’s texture, it can also interfere with the conditions necessary for healthy hair growth. 

When the salt draws moisture from the hair shafts, it weakens the hair’s structural integrity, making strands more fragile and susceptible to breakage. 

Over time, this breakage can thin out the appearance of the hair, giving the illusion of hair loss even if the follicles are still active. 

For individuals already experiencing hair shedding or thinning, frequent exposure to saltwater can exacerbate these issues by increasing hair shaft fragility and potentially compounding existing scalp sensitivities, making it harder for hair to maintain optimal health and appearance. 

Scalp irritation 

Not only does the salt in seawater dehydrate the hair strands, leaving them feeling brittle and dry, but it can also impact scalp health, which plays a crucial role in supporting healthy hair growth. 

When seawater dries on the scalp, the high salt content pulls moisture from the skin, leading to dryness, tightness, and irritation. 

This moisture loss can compromise the scalp’s protective barrier, making it more vulnerable to inflammation and imbalances in its natural oil production. As a result, scalp conditions such as dandruff, flakiness, itching can worsen. 

Excess salt and dryness can also aggravate conditions like folliculitis, a mild inflammation of the hair follicles. An unhealthy scalp environment can hinder the function of hair follicles and potentially slow or disrupt normal hair growth over time.

How to protect your scalp in the sea

Going into the sea shouldn’t cause hair loss or extensive damage, so long as the hair and scalp are cared for properly.

Rinse the scalp: As soon as possible after coming out of the sea, rinse the scalp with fresh water to remove residual salt. This helps to prevent the salt from continuing to irritate and dry out the scalp. 

Rehydrate the hair and scalp: It’s important to restore hydration of the hair and scalp. This can be done using soothing, scalp-friendly products that contain ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or argan oil. 

If you are prone to dry hair, you can wet your hair and apply a hydrating mask or conditioner before going into the sea to help retain moisture. It should be noted that this will not protect the scalp from becoming irritated. 

Anyone with a sensitive scalp can try rinsing their scalp with fresh water before getting in the sea to minimize the absorption of saltwater and help reduce its drying effect. Alternatively, wearing a swimming cap offers a more direct protective barrier, significantly reducing the scalp’s exposure to sea water. 

Cleanse the scalp: For those who swim in the sea regularly, incorporating a gentle, sulfate-free clarifying shampoo once or twice a week can help remove salt and product residue that may contribute to scalp buildup, therefore keeping the environment healthy for hair growth. 

Maintaining a clean, well-hydrated, and balanced scalp post-sea exposure is key to supporting long-term hair health and minimising any disruption to hair growth.

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‘It’s my new favourite Spanish destination’ – The pretty city with €2.50 wine and Europe’s biggest flea market

OUR new column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in your favourite holiday hotspots.

This week we turn the spotlight on Spanish capital Madrid, with the help of a true expert.

Aerial view of Puerta del Sol in Madrid, Spain.
Alamy
Madrid is the perfect Spanish city break[/caption]
Woman holding a glass of white wine.
The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited the city

The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited the city.

She said: “I’ve been lucky enough to visit a number of Spanish cities, and Madrid has become my favourite.

“It feels more livable than other more tourist destinations, with an amazing food and drink scene.

“I mingled with the locals at Pez, where the only thing on the menu is huge sloppy pieces of tortilla chased with a cana (small beer) or tinto de verano for €2.50.

“Otherwise my favourite rooftop bar is El Cielo de Montera, which felt more like a swanky rooftop members club.

“The pool is reserved for hotel guests, but its the best place for an Aperol Spritz and views of the city (costs €10 but it gets taken off her bill). 

“Otherwise catch some live music at Sala Equi, a former adult-movie theatre turned bar/live music venue.

D”on’t forget to visit the famous Prado Museum after 6pm for free tickets.

“And it is often called one of Europe‘s most walkable city but I fell in love with the Metro, making it super easy to get around.

And Hannah Shaw is British Airways Holidays‘ destination executive for the city and here she shares her favourite tips…

Rooftop patio with red couches and parasols overlooking a city.
The city isn’t short of amazing rooftops
Tortilla Española with bread on two plates.
Pez has the best Spanish omelette

MUST SEE / DO

The peaceful Parque del Retiro is often considered as the locals’ equivalent to a beach.

This tranquil park offers rowboat rentals on a picturesque lake, pretty rose gardens and the historic Crystal Palace.

The Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s grand central square, and the Royal Palace are must-sees.

But also take time to visit the Sunday market of El Rastro – it’s the largest open-air market in Europe and the place to pick up a bargain.

HIDDEN GEMS

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the lake of Casa de Campo, Madrid‘s largest public park.

And head to the vibrant neighbourhood of Lavapies – full of energy and history, it is one of the best spots to get an authentic local experience in the city.

Wander around the colourful narrow streets and explore a variety of captivating architecture and quaint little shops.

Aerial view of El Rastro market in Madrid, Spain.
Alamy
El Rastro market is a must[/caption]

BEST VIEW

The Sky Bar terrace on the 27th floor of the Hotel Riu Plaza Espana, in the grand Edificio Espana on Madrid’s Gran Via, offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city.

Sunset is best for admiring the city as it comes alive after dark with live music and classy cocktails.

But the glass-floored bridge that connects two parts of the terrace is not for vertigo sufferers.

RATED RESTAURANTS

Take your pick of gourmet specialities at the Mercado San Miguel – this fabulous food market features Spain’s finest produce and regional specialities.

For the best churros, head to Chocolateria San Gines, and tapas lovers should make a beeline for La Casa del Abuelo or Casa Toni.

For the best paella in Madrid, head to Arroceria.

BEST BAR

The Calle 365 Discoteca is a stylish nightspot with dancing, delicious food trucks, cocktails and beers from just £2.50.

For something a little different, try La Santoria, a speakeasystyle joint in the centre of the city behind an unassuming door where your clue is the bell to ring.

HOTEL PICK

The H10 Puerta de Alcala in the Salamanca neighbourhood is well located for exploring, and just 100 yards from the Parque del Retiro.

Enjoy a dip in its rooftop pool after a busy day, or a drink on the terrace with stunning city views.

Two nights’ room-only at the hotel is from £321 per person including flights from Heathrow on May 15. See britishairways.com.

Aerial view of Madrid cityscape, including Gran Via.
Alamy
Holiday packages are around £321pp[/caption]

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‘Extreme concern’ for missing girl, 13, who vanished in her school uniform two days ago as cops urge ‘dial 999’

An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Photo of Zarah, a missing person

A FRANTIC search is underway for a missing girl, 13, who vanished in her school uniform two days ago.

The police are said to be extremely concerned and have urged the public to assist.

Photo of Zarah, a missing person.
Zarah vanished in her school uniform on June 20
West Yorkshire Police

Zarah Hayat, 13, has been missing from Dewsbury, Yorkshire, since June 20.

She is an asian female, around 5ft, slim with long straight black hair and was wearing a white school shirt, black school trousers and a black Nike jumper.

West Yorkshire Police said in a statement: “Police are extremely concerned for Zarah and are requesting the public’s assistance.

“If anyone knows of her whereabouts, or see’s anyone matching her description, please call 999 and quote log reference 1654.”

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POCO F7 is Coming Soon! POCO’s Largest Battery Ever at 6500mAh — Aiming to Be 2025’s Ultimate Battery Life Flagship!

Ready for a dual upgrade in performance and battery life? POCO has officially announced that its highly anticipated new F-series member — the POCO F7 — is set to launch globally soon! As the next-generation flagship of POCO’s performance-first F series, the F7 not only carries forward the line’s “extreme performance” DNA but also introduces ... Read more

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Romnick Sarmenta Fiery Post, Is This About VP Sara Duterte?

Romnick Sarmenta shared this post, which garnered political comments Award-winning actor Romnick Sarmenta posted a fiery statement on his X, formerly Twitter, account, and this garnered speculations that it was about Vice President Sara Duterte. Romnick is just among the many celebrities who became very vocal about expressing their thoughts on political and social issues. ... Read more

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