Three of the most impactful and important stories from the Philippines: life after vicious armed conflict, a social media furore provoked by a beauty pageant and the ongoing struggle for a free press in one of the most dangerous countries for journalists.

Thai election analysis and the Russian gentrification of Pattaya

Each month a team of reporters and editors select a country or region in Asia and take an in-depth look at the stories making headlines (and those that should be). Joining them, our correspondents provide on-the-ground context to major developments and ongoing issues. Brought to you by the South China Morning Post.