POZORRUBIO, Philippines (AFP) ― Filomeno de Guzman does not know Sparta from medieval Scotland, but the Philippine swordsmith is an expert at replicating ancient warriors’ tools for killing each other.A stubby ex-military sergeant who has never set foot abroad, de Guzman and 15 rice farmer-neighbors who moonlight as blacksmiths craft old truck leaf springs into things of terrible beauty.The business feeds an overseas market for replica swords of Roman gladiators, Greek infantry and Japanese samu

Snacking at night can cause reflux esophagitisFancy a snack at night? Many people do. From nibbles such as cookies and candy to heavy foods such as fried chicken, beer or pizza, many indulge in eating long after dinner. Night eating syndrome, or midnight hunger, is a commonly found “disorder” among Koreans. It refers to a lack of appetite in the morning and overeating at night.According to professor Park Gyeong-hee of Hallym University, about 10 percent of adults in Korea eat up to half of their

After more than five decades of enthralling audiences, Korea’s legendary diva Patti Kim said she will retire as a singer and pursue an ordinary live as a mother and grandmother.“I wanted to retire from the stage while I can sing well and look fabulous. I’m still healthy enough to perform on the stage. But I wanted to say farewell to my fans while I can show them my best,” Kim told reporters at a press conference in Seoul. “That’s Patti Kim’s style of saying goodbye.”Kim, who ruled the country’s

Some 300 authors from 114 countries will be visiting Korea in September, including Nobel literary prize winners Orhan Pamuk, Wole Soyinka, and Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clezio, to attend the 78th International PEN Congress in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province.A London-based international association of writers, International PEN has been hosting the congress, which consists of networking and literary events and lectures, in cities around the world. The event has been held in Korea twice before in

For Jennifer Emmert, it’s the best of both worlds. Emmert loves kids and spends tons of time with her six nieces and nephews, from outdoor activities to sleepovers at her place. The 30-year-old is engaged to be married, but she’s perfectly happy living up to the name of one of her favorite books: “Childless and Loving It.”“I’m completely content with adoring and smothering my nieces and nephews and keeping my life the way it is,” said the Minneapolis resident. “I absolutely love and adore them,

Former Seoul Mayor Lee Won-jong, 70, has been appointed chairman of Seoul Development Institute, an urban policy research institute in the capital. The city-funded think tank is expected to undergo major reform of its organizational structure and research programs under the new chairman from next month, according to city officials. Lee, a long-time local government chief, served three terms as governor of North Chung­cheong Province, first in 1992 and then from 1998-2006. He was also Seoul Mayor

NEW YORK (AP) ― It’s a blustery day ― February tends to be that way in New York ― and Marian Kihogo, a fashion stylist and blogger from London, is dashing from one runway show to another, from the tents at Lincoln Center to studios and galleries scattered around Manhattan.As she strides by on her “architectural heels’’ by Nicholas Kirkwood for Peter Pilotto, the heels hollowed out for artistic effect, this reporter dares to suggest she might be more comfortable in running shoes.She laughs. “Runn

This is a series introducing associations and clubs that expats can get involved in. This week, Expat Living spoke to Jody O’Neill/Crash Baby of the Republic of Korea Derby. ― Ed.•Name of Club: Republic of Korea Derby•Location(s): The league practices every weekend in Seoul, at either Seongnam Stadium or a community center in Dongdaemun, or in Daegu at Manchon Inline Skating Rink, or both locations.•Number of members: ROKD currently has around 40 skaters, volunteers, announcers, referees, etc. W