Interview: David Leitch On His Favourite “Bullet Train” Scenes To Shoot

After the success of his previously-directed movies such as “Atomic Blonde” and “Deadpool 2”, David Leitch is making a comeback with his latest film, “Bullet Train”. We recently met up with the filmmaker where he talked about how his latest work came to be and which scene stood out to him.

Based on Kōtarō Isaka’s thriller comedy novel “Maria Beetle,” it sees Ladybug (Brad Pitt) as one of the seven assassins boarding the bullet train in Tokyo heading to Kyoto. The assassins are linked to each other by their missions, which fate has something to do with the mysterious circumstances and Ladybug’s unusual luck on board the train.

A post shared by Bullet Train (@bullettrainmovie)

1. What influenced you to work on “Bullet Train”?

Wow, um, my producing partner, Kelly McCormick, who is my wife, she got the material from Sony. They had adapted a book from Japan called Maria Beetle. And Zak Olkewicz , which was the writer , created this great script. And Kelly brought it to me, she read it, she’s like, you need to – you need to make this movie. And I was like, I love it.

But this is hard, like these crazy assassins on a train, like how are we going to do it? And so we talked about it and we really loved the bold choices in the material, and we decided to dive in and from there. It was like, train speeding down the track. Brad jumped on board and uh, and then it was undeniable that we’re making this movie.

2. What was the most challenging part to shoot? And how did you overcome it?

Look, shooting action scenes inside a train is a challenge. And it’s not only the logistics of being inside a tube, but it’s also like, how do you make them different? So we worked with the stunt team, and we worked with the art department to create sets that were different in train cars, like the dining car, or the quiet car, or the Momomon car, the mascot car. And so you really felt like you were playing in different environments. And then you could use the props in those environments to have fun and be irreverent.

3. What were some of your favourite scenes to shoot? Or do you have any favourite scenes from the final cut of the movie?

I have a lot of favourite scenes, but one that comes to mind is the Bad Bunny’s character, Benito, the wolf scene, seeing the story of this child who becomes a cartel assassin, who ends up getting married and then runs into Brad Pitt. That’s sort of microcosm of that, little movie inside the movie, is so on theme for the idea of fate, which is the movie’s about and like how all – this guy’s whole journey led him to that moment in time with Ladybug. So much so I wish I could have done it for every character, it would have been really cool to just see where their life took them and how they all ended up at this moment in time. So, I think the ‘wolf’ scene is one of my favourites.

4. “Bullet Train” is an action comedy, so but was it difficult to set or find the right tone for the movie?

It’s a really good question. It is, it’s hard to find the right tone. And I think when you have a movie as bold as “Bullet Train”, where the comedy is so big, you sometimes have to ground it with some real emotion. And you have to find a way to care about these characters. So, it doesn’t just become a joke. And that was our biggest challenge and I think we did it, we see the relationship between Lemon and Tangerine and their brotherhood.

You see the relationship from Hiroyuki Sanada, The Elder and Andrew Koji’s character, Father, Son. And you see Joey King, even though she’s a sociopath, as The Prince, and Michael Shannon is like the villain, they still have a dynamic that is father, daughter relatable. And I think you need those sort of things in a movie as broad as “Bullet Train” to anchor it. And that actually allows you to go on a crazy ride. And that’s what “Bullet Train” is. Of comedy and drama and thrills and action.

Anis Sharina contributed to this article.


#ThorRagnarok: Thor & Loki’s Visit To A Brisbane Children’s Hospital

If you had any doubts that Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston were real life heroes, the duo just about erased all uncertainty.

Though the 2 Hollywood actors play on-screen brothers who are on opposing sides, they teamed up together to bring smiles to the excited children at Australia’s Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital on Tuesday (23rd August) after taking a break from shooting “Thor: Ragnarok”.

Hiddleston, who plays the trickster Loki, was fully dressed in his character’s all black wardrobe ensemble. He was seen smiling as he shook hands with some 80 youngsters and their families alongside Hemsworth, who chose to keep it casual sans his Asgardian armour but still had his classic long blonde locks on.

Plus, Aussie hunk even brought along a special prop – Thor’s mighty battle hammer, Mjolnir!

The stars of “Thor: Ragnarok” even brought along other props and toys from the movie while interacting and happily posed for pictures with the people there. The duo also took part in the hospital’s own TV show titled “Juiced TV”, which is a series created by the children for the children in the hospital.

11-year-old patient Koen Weir got to interview the superheores with the question, “What is it like getting to be a superhero or supervillain?” to which Hemsworth replied, “Well it’s very cool, especially when I face with this supervillain. He’s very mischevious and he’s got lots of tricks up his sleeve so you’ve got to watch him. He’s a bit shifty.”

The cast and crew of “Thor: Ragnarok” and the hospital’s TV network “Juiced TV” have been sharing plenty of pictures of their visit on their social media with Hemsworth tweeting, “Met the real superheroes of the world at Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital. A huge shout out to these brave kids!”

Check out the heartwarming pictures below:

Unforgettable meeting all the children at Lady Cilento Children's Hospital. They're the real heroes. 📸 @twhiddleston pic.twitter.com/KANhgb5yb1

— Marvel Studios (@MarvelStudios) August 24, 2016

@laurajanee look who just met our @ChildSuperHero Thankyou @chrishemsworth for making our superhero smile💙 pic.twitter.com/oYeXfY6HHL

— Bringing Calyn Home (@ChildSuperHero) August 23, 2016

Notice how Mjolnir becomes vulnerable to the power of these youngsters? Lol ;)

“Thor: Ragnarok” will smash its way into theatres on 3rd November 2017.

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(UPDATE) #2PM: Idol Group To Comeback In September With New Concept

Hottests (as 2PM fans are known as), you’ll be able to meet your favourite boys very, very soon!

JYP Entertainment has revealed that 2PM will be making their comeback in mid-September, which is only 2 weeks away! However, they did not specify a date, so it is possible for the idol group to release their album a little sooner than that.

“2PM has set a goal to make a comeback by the middle of September and is currently preparing for the new album.”

They also revealed a little about 2PM’s upcoming concept, stating that “the album will show a different masculine image than their previous ‘beast-idol’ concept”.

Several insiders have also disclosed that the group will be presenting a more “friendly and mellow” song this time around, in contrast to their previous upbeat numbers. They have also filmed the music video for their upcoming title track in a location “near Seoul” recently.

It has been more than a year since the release of 2PM’s 5th studio album, “No. 5“. The members of the group showed their talents at producing tracks, as 11 out of the 12 song from the album were written and composed by members Jun.K, Junho, Taecyeon and Chansung.

JYP Entertainment has released a few new individual teaser images of Junho, Wooyoung, Nickhun, and Chansung in anticipation of 2PM’s upcoming comeback.

In the series of promo shots, the boys can be seen posing handsomely in chic, sophisticated clothing. The words “Promise” and “Gentlemen’s Game” are written on the bottom right of the image. Their latest album will be released at midnight on 13th September 2016.

Stay tuned as we get more updates regarding 2PM’s comeback!

For more information, visit 2PM’s official Facebook page.


#MAGGI: Are The Instant Noodles Safe To Consume Following Ban In India?

On 3rd June, it was reported that Nestlé India’s Maggi instant noodles underwent tests nationwide after high lead levels were found in batches sold in the country’s north.

After which, the government in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh asked Nestle India to recall a batch of Maggi noodles after it found large amounts the harmful ingredients – lead content of 17.2 parts per million (ppm), 7 times the legal limit – in packets manufactured in February 2014.

As such, the authorities in India have banned the sale of Maggie noodles, a staple food not only in India but also in several places around Southeast Asia such Singapore as well as Malaysia. The state’s food inspectors even went as far as to file a criminal complaint against Nestle India, a subsidiary of Swiss-based giant Nestle, while a separate petition was filed against Bollywood stars who have advertised the noodles.

Following news of the ban, CNA wrote that Singapore, too, will be halting sales of the noodles. The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) said on Thursday (4th June) that it has told importers to temporarily withhold sales of Maggi brand instant noodles produced in India.

AVA explained Singapore has imported a small amount of Maggi brand instant noodles from India, but has not brought in Maggi brand oat products produced there. It is testing samples of Maggi brand instant noodles manufactured in India and it has advised affected importers to stop selling them until tests are complete.

How does lead get into food, you ask? According to WSJ:

Industrial emissions, car exhaust and even activities like shooting lead bullets at firing ranges can all put particles of the heavily-toxic metal in the air. For years, lead was added to gasoline until the US . banned it as an additive in 1986. By 2011 almost all countries, including India, had phased out leaded gasoline, according to the United Nations Environment Program.

It also gets into the soil and water through lead pipes and lead-based paints. The metal is a stubborn contaminant: it can travel far and it clings to soil and remains in the upper layers of dirt.

The United States’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also wrote that once it’s on food it “cannot always be completely removed by washing or other steps”.

Lead can even find its way into everything from fruit juices and baby food to chili powder.

The next question is, is our beloved “mamak” staple/supper/nothing-else-to-eat-at-home favourite safe to eat in Malaysia?

Editor: My personal favourite is Maggi Asam Laksa, by the way. I’d be so heartbroken if I’m not allowed to eat it anymore!

According to The Star Online, Nestlé Malaysia has released a statement to reassure consumers locally that its products are safe for consumption. They clarified that its products, including the Maggi noodles, are manufactured under “stringent manufacturing conditions” that meet both local and international standards and are safe for consumption.

All Nestlé products are manufactured under stringent manufacturing conditions that meet both local and international standards and are safe for consumption. MAGGI products sold and marketed by Nestlé Malaysia are produced locally.

Nestlé has in place strict food safety and quality controls at all our manufacturing facilities, including thorough quality checks at each stage of our raw material sourcing and manufacturing process. This includes comprehensive testing to ensure that Nestlé Malaysia products fully comply with all applicable food safety laws and regulations, as well as our own high standards of quality and safety before they reach our consumers. All Nestlé Malaysia’s product ingredients used comply with local food laws and regulations.

Further to this, Nestlé Malaysia regularly monitors the level of lead as part of our stringent quality control processes, including testing by accredited laboratories. These tests have consistently confirmed that all products are in compliance with local food laws and regulations.

Nestlé Malaysia also claimed that it regularly monitors for lead as part of its strict quality control processes.

As at time of writing, there are no plans for the company to recall their Maggi instant noodles products. So go ahead and have that nice plate of Maggi goreng!

For more information, consumers can call the Nestlé consumer services hotline at 1-800-88-3433.

Sources: Nestlé Malaysia, CNA, FDA, Washington Post, ABC News Australia, The Star Online, A+M Malaysia / Featured image from timescity.

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Tiffany Young Picks 3 Female Idols For Her Ideal Super Girl Group

Tiffany Young (황미영) recently made an appearance as a guest for an interview with music and entertainment portal Pop Crush.

During the session, she was asked to choose a few girl group members she would love to create a super group with. In this case, the results didn’t turn out very surprising to us at all!

We believe not only SONEs (SNSD fans), but almost every K-fans worldwide have been dearly missing her stint as a member of a girl group. For those who are curious, these are the top 3 K-pop artistes that were hand-picked by the Girls’ Generation star herself:

According to the 30-year-old, she got the honour of watching Seulgi blossomed to become one of the top entertainers in the K-pop scene. For the uninitiated, Seulgi became a trainee for SM Entertainment back in 2007. In the same year, Tiffany has just debuted with multi-platinum band Girls’ Generation.

“Her performance is just impeccable. I’ve watched her grow up before she got on stage and now that she’s on stage, and how much she’s grown, she’s definitely somebody to watch,” said Tiffany.

Tiffany knew who exactly came to mind for her next choice – the lucky girl would be Mamamoo’s vocalist Hwasa! “I think Mamamoo’s Hwasa is charismatic AF. We’ll need more of her,” the “I Just Wanna Dance Singer” shared during the chat.

If you don’t believe us, check out our favourite performance of the 24-year-old’s debut stage below:

BLINKs rejoice! During the session, Tiffany further mentioned fan favourite BLACKPINK member Lisa (full name Lalisa Manoban) as one of her favourite to join in the line-up. According to Tiffany, the Thai bombshell’s spectacular stage charisma managed to capture her heart. “I love Lisa from BLACKPINK, like her performance,” said Tiffany.

SNSD x BLACKPINK collab? Any die-hard K-pop fan would kill for that!

Fingers crossed that the mega project plan will come to life someday. In the mean time, we came up with a list of singers that could become members of the female version of SuperM. Feel free to check them out here.


WINNERS: The Expendables 2 Movie Screening

Finally we’ve sorted out the winners list for our “The Expendables 2” movie screening contest! Thank you all for your submissions – we wish we had more tickets to give out. Boo.

Find out if you’re going to be one of our lucky readers who will be catching the movie with us on Wednesday, thanks to our friends from NEF. You best be ready for war:

Yay! Congratulations all you action flick fans. We can’t wait to catch “The Expendables 2” with all y’all!

Kindly collect your tickets from our counter at GSC Tropicana City Mall from 8pm onwards. Remember, tickets are non-transferable.

For more information, visit the movie’s official website.


Krazy Krispy Kreme 77 Sen Promo

Today, donut franchise Krispy Kreme is celebrating their 77th anniversary with this one-time-only deal. Which means, super cheap donuts! 77 sen you can purchase a dozen of Original Glazed donuts when you buy a dozen of any flavour. We know, right? Oh my gosh?

Also, as an added bonus, when you buy a dozen donuts at full price to get a dozen of Original Glazed donuts for 77 sen, you’ll receive a voucher allowing you to get another dozen of Original Glazed for RM7.70 with your next purchase of a dozen donuts. Wow, that’s a mouthful for a donut frenzy! The voucher is valid from 12th – 31st July so you can pop by anytime between those dates again to get your yummylicious donuts.

This offer is available at any Krispy Kreme outlet nationwide. Each customer is limited to three dozens Krispy Kreme doughnuts per transaction.

Also, while you’re at it, tell Krispy Kreme about the first time you discovered the joy of Krispy Kreme by sharing your story with the hashtag #KKOriginalMoment or show them (with a picture) how you’re a true #KKOriginal every day. Go on and show ’em what a big Krispy Kreme fan you are!

For more information, visit their Facebook page.

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Teachers In KL School Put Up Banner To Oust “Mentally-Retarded” Headmaster

A career as a teacher requires one to have a high value of patience due to work stress that can be emotionally debilitating. However, a depressing work environment may lead a person to act outrageously.

This week, a Twitter post went viral, showing a banner, apparently put up by the teachers who are on a strike against the school’s “mentally-illled” headmaster. “It’s not only y’all who are stressed out. Teachers are also the same. They even made a banner out of it,” wrote Twitter user Mxstaqim (@Mxtaqim1).

“We, the teachers at SMK Bandar Baru Seri Petaling, are calling for the KEM / JPWPKL / PPD to immediately transfer Mrs. Norwaja Binti Nordin (the mentally-retarded principal) from this school in order to re-establish success and excellence of the school.”

Mxtaqim’s post has gained over 14k retweets at the time of writing (Friday, 15th January). Although the truth behind the incident is still unknown, many netizens have been speculating about this. In this case, there are those who voiced out their support towards the teachers. Others, on the contrary, slammed the educators’ attitude.

Here are some thoughts shared by fellow members of Twitterverse:

Here are some comments about the situation:

Pengetua mesra murid tapi tak mesra guru tu wujud.. mak aku ckp pengetua nak kejar ranking sekolah terbaik/cluster tapi mental health cikgu tak jaga. Recently time pkp pun still push cikgu hantar kertas exam ke sekolah padahal boleh je buat online. Kesian mak sis https://t.co/RprRuOVFhs

Replies from people in the school itself suggest the teachers the one who made the banner. Pergi lah baca replies yg cakap diorang stressed from the so called “Pengetua Mental”. Thats the prove. Kau chill lah asal nak mampus2. Haa malas layan jangan reply lagi ok budak bijak

— Nik. (@NikFikriZharif) January 15, 2021

set of skills that weren’t thought in textbooks and daily classes. I am not siding anyone but this is a fact. This is common among government agencies. Why? Because you get promoted based on the length of time of your service. The more senior you are, you’ll get promoted first.

— Hazirah Ghazali (@zierali) January 13, 2021

Nampak macam cikgu-cikgu yang mental bukan pengetua. Maybe dah sedap bontot tetiba kena buat kerja lebih tu yang meroyan sampai buat banner? May be may be

We sincerely hope that this matter can be resolved by both parties. As the saying goes, “Patience has its limits”. But for this matter, it’s safe to assume that the teachers have lost their patience with the attitude of the principal who has been putting extreme work pressure on them.


Super Junior To Perform Until Last Member Enlists

SM Entertainment’s super K-Pop idol boy group Super Junior recently performed in front of 8,000 Brazilian fans at the “Super Show 5” aka SS5 in Sao Paulo. The show was extremely well received, judging from the overwhelming response from fans despite the changes in the numbers of members. You may remember us announcing that it was around the same time Yesung confirmed his military enlistment.

Although that came as a shock to many of their fans, Super Junior insisted that they’re going to keep performing regardless of the mandatory army commitment, until the last member enlists:

“It was crazy. They danced along and followed the choreography to each song. That is why we adjust our pace in the beginning, and we end up using up all of our strength. The fans don’t get tired, but we get tired instead so it’s frustrating.”

Why do you think the South American fans have a stronger response?

“In the countries that we visit often, we expect to see more individual fans. But because South America is a place we don’t come too often and they like Super Junior as a group and like our songs, so the response is stronger.”

How does it feel to be the first idol group to hold a solo concert in Brazil?

“When we first made our debut, we dreamed of becoming #1 in Asia, but as the scale grew bigger, we were amazed to see requests for us to perform coming in from half-way across the world. We are amazed that the name Super Junior can be listed in the pages of history and record books.”

It took 25 hours for you to travel to Brazil. How was the ride?

“We previously traveled for thirty hours to arrive in Chile. To be honest, because of our experience going to Chile, we had fears about going to Brazil, but we formed our own know-how on how to get through it. We rode the plane comfortably this time.”

Do you have any concerns about the decrease in the number of members with some enlisting in the military?

“It is true that we had a lot of concerns about the number of members. But while touring for ‘Super Show’, we formed our own individual know-how and our faith in our members grew. Now we think that there is no need to worry about the changing number of members. More than anything else, if one member enlists, we know another will come back. Until the last member enlists, we want to protect the brand of ‘Super Show’.”

Hear that? Super Junior is here to stay! Now will they hurry on up and come to Malaysia already?

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You Ready For Joris Voorn Live in KL?

Falling into the category of “musicians who had a strong affiliation with music since young”, this Dutch DJ first started out on his journey when he learned how to play the guitar and the violin. He later pick up other influences through his exposure to the media and became hooked on techno. When he won a DJ competition in Enschede, it sealed the deal for him.

It is easy to recognize Joris Voorn as one of the worlds best DJ’s by looking at the accolades he has accumulated over the last few years.

Since then, he has been regularly booked for gigs and in 2002, he released his  “Muted Trax” EP. It was the very thing that made made him decide to temporarily leave the architecture to pursue his career in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene. He was also crowned “Talent of the Year” at the 2003 Dutch DJ Awards and the talented Dutchman is also now a resident at the world renowned Space Ibiza.

Joris Voorn really exploded into the scene in 2009 when he released his “Balance014″ compilation, where he successfully mixed approximately 100 songs into a double CD:

[youtube id=”85Ll-actMy8″ width=”600″ height=”350”]

Pretty impressive video, if we do say so ourselves. The good news is, he’ll be heading our way to show us what he’s got! Livescape Asia and OMP presents an NSFW Special featuring the Dutchman himself.


#Brimstone: Robert Pattinson Drops Out; Kit Harington To Replace

If you’ve been waiting to see Robert Pattinson on screen in the upcoming thriller “Brimstone” which was announced back in February, I’m sorry to inform you that he will no longer be a part of it. However, we do have good news. It’s been reported that “Game of Thrones” star Kit Harington will be replacing Pattinson in the film.

“Brimstone” has just started its principle photography, which will encompass shooting on locations in Romania, Spain and Germany. Martin Koolhaven, of 2008’s “Winter In Wartime” fame will be directing and writing the script while Harington joins the rest of the casts including Carice van Houten, Dakota Fanning and Guy Pearce.

The mystery thriller focuses on a young 19th Century woman named Liz (played by Fanning) who’s on the run from a devilish and satanic preacher, played by Pearce while Harington will take on the role of a fugitive. Also, fans should know that Fanning replaced Mia Wasikwoska, who was originally signed on for the role.

Els Vandevorst of N279 Entertainment will produce alongside Uwe Schott of X-Filme while Antonio Lombardo of Belgium’s Prime Time, Peter Hiltunen of Dragon Films in Sweden and The Jokers’ Manuel Chiche and Violaine Barbaroux from France will serve as co-producer.

The film also stars Paul Anderson from “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows”, Jack Roth “The Great Train Robbery” and Carla Juri from “Wetlands”.

What are your thoughts about Kit Harrington replacing Robert Pattinson? Don’t hesitate to share with us in the comments section below. :)


Brothers Arrested For Allegedly Raping Younger Sister

Seriously, what is wrong with the world these days?

Just 2 days ago on Wednesday (16th August), a 16-year-old teenager in Sungai Petani, Kedah lodged a police report against her brothers, aged 18 and 20. The school girl accused them of raping and physically abusing her.

According to reports, she was only 12 when one of her brothers would forced her to break into houses to steal for them. Things took a turn for the worst when their father passed away in July 2015. Shortly after his death, her 18-year-old brother began sexually assaulting her whenever no one was at home.

“Worried about her mother’s safety, she let her brother use her as a sex slave. She could not stand the ordeal anymore, after she was raped on 30th July, she lodged a police report. In her report, the girl stated that she had told her mother about the rapes but nothing was done,” Kuala Muda deputy police chief Supt Saifi Abdul Hamid told reporters.

The victim, who is the 6th of 9 siblings, shared that her older brother had previously beaten and dragged her on the road, leaving deep scars on her body.

Following the report, both brothers have been arrested and will be investigated under Section 376B of Penal Code for incest and Section 323 for voluntarily causing hurt.

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Hyuna Confirms Triple H Comeback On Instagram Live

When the idea of Hyuna, PENTAGON’s Hui and E-Dawn coming together as a trio was announced, it received massive backlash. Fans were mad at Cube Entertainment for trying to recreate a “second Troublemaker”. Some Hyuna fans were also angry at the company for allegedly using Hyuna’s fame to promote PENTAGON.

Fast forward one year later, Triple H is loved by most of the K-pop crowd and has been lauded for their unique approach to their music and concepts. Their music video for “365 Fresh” was testament to it.

In a recent Instagram live, Hyuna confirmed that the group will be dropping a new album soon. The live broadcast yesterday (13th June) was carried out by Hyuna was doing a photo shoot with Hui and E-Dawn.

While interacting with fans, she suddenly surprised fans, saying, “Let’s give a spoiler. Why do you think Triple H is shooting a pictorial? (…) We’re preparing for an album that will be released soon. Our preparations are in the final stages.”

180613 || Triple H on Hyuna’s Instagram Live

They’re doing a photoshoot for CECI Magazine July issue! They also said they’ll be releasing something very soon!!???#이던 #EDAWN #TRIPLE_H pic.twitter.com/3QRzGJukp4

That’s not all. Last month, she shared an audio snippet on Instagram and added the hashtag #TripleH. The audio snippet only contained E-Dawn’s voice.

The former 4Minute member also told fans that Triple H will be performing together at the upcoming Cube Family concert.

In previous interviews, Hyuna has explained that she loved performing with her 2 juniors. “I recently celebrated my 10th debut anniversary and my company suggested that I try something new. I liked the idea and that’s why I chose to make a comeback through Triple H,” she said.

What kind of concept do you think Triple H will go for this time?


10 Reasons Why You’ll Love Lankayan Island Dive Resort, Sandakan

Beautiful sandy beaches, water sports, and a date with sea creatures – how does that sound for an adventurous yet relaxing holiday? We recently had the chance to explore Lankayan Island Dive Resort with its natural beauty, and this hidden getaway ticks all the boxes.

Located in the Sulu Sea within the Sugud Islands Marine Conservative Area (SIMCA), this tiny jewel is a 1.5 hours boat ride from Sandakan. What’s unique about this luxury resort is that SIMCA not only became the first Green List Site in Borneo, Malaysia, but also the first Green List marine protected area in the East Asian region.

Having the recognition and certified by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) is a huge deal as SIMCA (the first privately managed marine protected area in the country) is home to over 500 species of fishes, 300 species of corals, 2 species of sea turtles, 6 species of giant clams as well as 26 species of seagrass and algae.

That being said, Lankayan Island Dive Resort has more than just fascinating sea creatures in the vicinity. It’s also the prefect beach holiday for couples longing for a romantic getaway or travellers wanting to disconnect from fast paced world and slow down time by reconnecting with what Mother Nature has to offer. And boy, does she has plenty to offer here.

It’s no wonder why BALL Watch Malaysia wanted to get involved by launching the Adopt-A-Reef campaign in partnership with Reef Guardian Malaysia. By pledging their support to Reef Guardian’s coral reef research, marine conservation training and outreach programs, BALL Watch adopted one of the best reef side in Lankayan named Ball Reef (Reef 38). This also marks the first business/ private funding initiative for SIMCA.

“BALL Watch has always valued the sanctity of life and bold human endeavour. Through its efforts in documenting the positive outcomes of biodiversity protection and a well-managed and well-governed protected marine area, Reef Guardian proves that ocean conservation is a necessary investment of resources. Together with the commitment of local governments and organisations, we are proud to play our part in ensuring the reefs within SIMCA are well protected,” said Evelyn Wang, General Manager of BALL Watch Malaysia.

This partnership has also inspired BALL Watch Malaysia to launch the next generation dive watch named Engineer Master II Diver Chronometer Reefs. Unlike other timepieces, the new Engineer Master II Diver Chronometer Reefs (set to launch in January 2023) features two significant marine symbols: the Shark and the Reef.

While coral reefs are integral to the marine ecosystem (by providing habitats and supporting larger fishes), sharks have been facing extinction threats throughout the world. In lieu of the 143 species of sharks listed under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, BALL Watch Malaysia is only producing 143 units of the Engineer Master II Diver Chronometer Reefs.

In addition to exploring the stunning coral reefs in the ocean, here are other things visitors can look forward at Lankayan Island Dive Resort:

If you’re a morning person, do set your alarm for 5:30am-6am to watch the sunrise. It’s an amazing experience to watch as the sunlight brings your surrounding to life. But fret not if you prefer sleeping in, cause the sunset is equally mesmerising.

Accommodations at Lankayan Island Dive Resort is divided into beach chalet and the slightly pricier water chalet. Each wooden chalet here has an attached private balcony to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery.  Sabah Booking currently has a holiday promo going on where a 3D2N vacation package starts from RM1979 onwards (as at time of writing).

Facilities include hot bath, coffee and tea making facilities, mini refrigerator and fresh water.

Here’s where the restaurant and lounge area is located. It’s also the only place where you can have limited access to internet. The best part about walking there is spotting fishes and turtles along the way. Breakfast, lunch and dinner start from 7am, 12:30pm and 7pm respectively.

C’mon, who doesn’t enjoy a romantic walk by the beach with your partner?

A post shared by Lankayan Island Dive Resort (@lankayanislanddiveresort)

A post shared by Reef Guardian Malaysia (@reefguardianmalaysia)

As aforementioned, there are 2 species of sea turtles in Lankayan Island – Green turtles and Hawksbill turtles. It’s not always a guarantee to catch a mother turtle laying eggs, but such instances often occur at night. Customers who sign up with a small contributing fee can witness the egg-laying process (typically 10 minutes) and follow the mother turtle as she returns to the sea.

Newborn turtles usually emerge from their nest around evening or night time. The baby turtle release will usually be conducted around 5:30pm – 6:30pm where the Reef Guardian rangers will guide registered guests to release baby turtles at the beach to the sea.

10. Take part in their conservative efforts

While Reef Guardian only collects a conservation fee of RM25 per visitor per night, it’s not enough to fund their conservation efforts. Those who wish to do more can take part in their Adopt-a-Nest programme. For RM100-RM200, visitors can adopt a turtle nest and get updates when the turtles hatch and are released into the ocean.

For more information on Lankayan Island Dive Resort, visit the official website here.

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Jack the Giant Slayer: A Gigantic Fairytale

Directed by Bryan Singer, “Jack the Giant Slayer” is an upcoming fantasy/adventure film based on the “Jack the Giant Killer” and “Jack the Beanstalk” fairy tales. The film, starring Nicholas Hoult, Eleanor Tomlinson, Stanley Tucci, Ian McShane, Bill Nighy, and Ewan McGregor tells the story of Jack, a young farmhand who accidentally unlocks a gateway to the world of some fearsome Giants.

When an ancient war between humans and a race of giants (thought only of as legend) restarts and the giants attempt to reclaim the world they lost centuries ago, Jack is forced into a fight with the unstoppable warriors. But his fight is not only to save his own life – it is also that of those in the kingdom, and for the love of a brave princess:

[youtube id=”YZ6aeaGQKUE” width=”600″ height=”350″]

“Jack the Giant Slayer” will be released in our cinemas in 2D and 3D on 28th February 2013 (Thursday).

For more information, visit the movie’s official website.


12 Movie Pick-Up Lines That Could Actually Work In Real Life

“Roses are red, violets are blue, if I’m a six, would you be my nine?”

Ever had someone pull that line or worse on you? Come on now, there’s no denying it. We’ve all been subjected to them: cheesy pick-up lines from guys or girls who have had one drink too many (when you’ve had 3 drinks too few). We also can’t deny that more often than not, these pick-up lines have actually worked and we’ve used them on others too.

(Featured image via everything is blooming)

Bad pick-up lines are a hazard for dating, or − in the case of women − existing, but somewhere in between all the horrible attempts by would-be suitors to get your attention, there are a hand few of good pick-up lines. Unfortunately, it’s almost most definitely certain that the best pick-up lines you will ever hear are not created by the person saying them, but by the hands of a movie writer who may or may not be suave enough to deliver his or her own line in real life.

Some of the best pick-up lines came to us from the early beginnings of cinema all the way to the present day. From Harry finally courting Sally to the sounds of war as an aphrodisiac in Casablanca, there are countless of brilliant pick-up lines in the history of movies and we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourites.

Some are funny and some are plain cheesy. Go through the list below and decide for yourself which movie pick-up lines are best.

The pick-up line: “I appreciate this whole seduction thing you’ve got going on here, but let me give you a tip: I’m a sure thing.”

Why it works: Julia Roberts said this to Richard Gere in the 1990 romantic comedy Pretty Woman and it works because it’s straight forward, right on point, and it shows that women too can take charge. Yes, it may come off as arrogance but a woman can always argue and say it’s confidence. Ahem ;)

The pick-up line: “No, I don’t think I will kiss you, although you need kissing, badly. That’s what’s wrong with you. You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how.”

Why it works: It shows that the man is playing the game. He’s confident, he’s smart and he’s indirectly letting the woman he’s courting know that he’s a good kisser. If said in the right tone of voice and used in the right situation, he just might get the woman’s attention.

The pick-up line: “You’re good looking, you got a beautiful body, beautiful legs, beautiful face, all these guys are in love with you. Only you’ve got a look in your eye like you haven’t been f*cked in a year.”

Why it works: Okay this only works if you have a bad boy persona like Al Pacino did in Scarface. Say it right to the right person and you just might get lucky. Say it wrong and a slap in the face is what you’ll get. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

The pick-up line: “You make me want to be a better man.”

Why it works: It’s honest, it’s simple, and it’s straightforward.

The pick-up line: “I know what I want, because I have it in my hands right now. You.”

Why it works: This is definitely one of the cheesiest lines one could use but hey, it’s sweet and rather cute.

The pick-up line: “I couldn’t help but notice that you look a lot like my next girlfriend.”

Why it works: It’s a conversation starter. It’s an opening line that’s not only brilliant but funny at the same time. Definitely a smart way to get a girl’s attention.

The pick-up line: “I want all of you. Forever. Every day.”

Why it works: We are pretty sure almost, if not every girl, is a fan of The Notebook. Apart from being cheesy, this pick-up line is totally romantic and sweet. It’s a classic.

The pick-up line: “I came here tonight because when you realise you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”

Why it works: Like awwwwww *melts*! If this doesn’t work, then we don’t know what will.

The pick-up line: “I may be the outlaw darlin’, but you’re the one stealing my heart.”

Why it works: So cheesy but so totally workable! Especially if a bad boy says it. Don’t even pretend that it didn’t make you blush.

The pick-up line: “I don’t bite, you know… unless it’s called for.”

Why it works: This is such a cheeky pick-up line! Best thing is, it can be used by both men and women.

The pick-up line: “How would you like to have a sexual encounter so intense, it could conceivably change your political views?”

Why it works: This pick-up line is so dirty and so cocky yet so good at the same time! Usable by both men and women, it indirectly challenges the person you’re wooing and hey, who doesn’t like a challenge, right?

The pick-up line: “The thing is, um, what I’m trying to say, very inarticulately, is that, um, in fact, perhaps despite appearances, I like you, very much. Just as you are.”

Why it works: If said sincerely, this is probably one of the best pick-up lines there is. So sweet, so real – it’s bound to make anyone go “awww”.

So there you have it. Our list of movie pick-up lines that we think could work in real life. Let us know if you decide to give any of them a try and do share your favourite pick-up lines with us. Good luck!

*Disclaimer: These pick-up lines are not guaranteed to work. Use at own risk.

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#STARWARSxRoyalSelangor: Royal Selangor Strikes Back With #RogueOne Collection

Heroic rebels and the Empire’s mighty warriors are about to make the leap from silver screen to Lucasfilm approved collectibles in Royal Selangor’s Star Wars collection.

An on-going collaboration with The Walt Disney Southeast Asia, the focus this time around, falls on the iconic characters from “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’”, the first Star Wars standalone film.

The Limited Edition figurines of Chirrut Îmwe, the blind warrior monk and Baze Malbus, his hard-bitten soldier friend headline the additional collectibles. Portrayed in a fighting stance, Chirrut’s tense expression and true-to-movie costume details is perfectly captured.

Baze’s gung-ho approach to combat is freeze-framed in a meticulously sculpted figurine in mid-run, ready to fire at a moment’s notice.

Complementing the Limited Edition figurines is the Death Trooper figurine. From the gadget laden armour to the precise geometry of the helmet, the fine detailing brings the battle ready elite Imperial soldier to life.

Other collectibles include BB-8 figurine cum canister, mugs featuring Kylo Ren and Captain Phasma and an X-wing keepsake token.

View the latest Star Wars collectibles at any Royal Selangor retail store, authorised dealers and online.

For more information, visit Royal Selangor’s website or Facebook page.


The Full List Of Stores In Mid Valley Southkey The Mall, Johor Bahru

Mid Valley Southkey The Mall officially open its doors in Johor Bahru yesterday (Tuesday, 23rd April).

According to its website, “Mid Valley SouthKey The Mall, which takes after the Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur, will be the biggest commercial property in the Southern region. Its retail and leisure units possess a net lettable area (NLA) of 2.5 million square feet.”

While Mid Valley JB is the first phase of the project, “other phases will encompass three hotels, four offices and a service apartment”. The estimate development for the whole project will take an approximate period of more than 10 years.

SouthKey seeks to “re-emerge with a transformative shopping district of vibrant lifestyle, amenity-rich community that represents the best in mixed-use urban revitalisation in the heart of Johor“.

While many of the outlets have yet to officially open, check out the full list of brands that is attached to Mid Valley Southkey The Mall:


Australians Call Out AirAsia For Its “Get Off In Thailand” Ad

Low budget airline AirAsia has been widely condemned for its ad campaign which is said to be promoting sex tourism in Thailand.

The ad which contains the phrase, “Get Off in Thailand” was meant to promote the airline’s direct route to Bangkok.

Why ‘get off’ at home when you can ‘get off’ in Thailand – buying women there is so much cheaper! @AirAsia #sextourism #sextrade pic.twitter.com/wdmWod8TeF

— Melinda TankardReist (@MelTankardReist) March 22, 2019

However, since “get off” is also a slang term for “orgasm” or “masturbation”, and not to mention that Thailand is quite known for its sex industry, Australians have blasted the airline on social media for its insensitive ads.

The ad which has since been removed, was posted around the city of Brisbane, across buses, airport and other parts of the city, and it drew widespread criticism on social media, where it was branded “sexist” and accused of promoting sex tourism.

“Get off in Thailand” a dog whistle promoting #sextourism brought to you by low budget low ethics airline @AirAsia

Bangkok is a hub of sexual exploitation of women & children & 250,000 western male sex tourists visit Thailand every year. Now its just so convenient! #Shame pic.twitter.com/gykb9a2oPI

— Melinda (@MelLiszewski) March 22, 2019

Melinda Liszewski, a campaigner at Collective Shout – a grassroots campaign movement against the objectification of women, called the ads a “dog whistle to sex tourists” on Twitter.

Brisbane City councilor Kara Cook expressed on Twitter, saying that “this shouldn’t have happened.”

Council should be responsible & accountable for the ads on their buses.

The LNP simply fobbed off residents concerns to an external agency.

I wrote to the LNP this morning demanding these buses be taken out of circulation.

This shouldn’t have happened https://t.co/eZDNXVtGO4

— Kara Cook (@Kara__Cook) March 25, 2019

A spokesperson from AirAsia has confirmed that the company has officially ended the campaign and all ads have been removed.

“AirAsia takes community feedback extremely seriously and the airline sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused from recent concerns raised,” BBCthe rep told .

“AirAsia can confirm the advertising campaign has ended and we instructed our media partners to have the advertising removed as soon as possible today from all locations.”

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The 2nd Malaysia Coffee Fest To Launch In 1 Utama Next Week

Calling all coffee addicts! Malaysia Coffee Fest is back for its second edition, so come and be a part of the festivities on all things coffee.

After receiving an overwhelming response at last year’s event, the coffee festival gears up for a bigger and better second coffee festival which is set to take place at Klang Valley’s most popular lifestyle destination in 1 Utama Shopping Centre.

A post shared by Malaysia Coffee Fest (@malaysiacoffeefest)

Dubbed as the largest coffee fiesta in Malaysia, the  4-day caffeine-fueled festivities will see the convergence of top-class baristas, local artisan coffee bean roasters, independent specialty coffee houses, coffee bean purveyors and suppliers, and coffee equipment distributors and manufacturers – to celebrate Malaysia’s vibrant coffee culture and scene.

Visitors will be spoilt for choice at the array of coffee machines and accessories, coffee beans and tea leaves, and the wide selection of heady brews and concoctions.

Furthermore, visitors will get to participate in various fun activities including Sure Win Dip, Lucky Draw Contest, and also invaluable sharing moments on everything that you need to know about the dark beverage at the Coffee Clinic sessions.

Make sure that you don’t miss the exciting battles between contestants vying for top spots in three national coffee championships, live on stage!

For more information on Malaysia Coffee Fest, visit mycoffeefest.com.my


10K Guests Attended Putrajaya MP Tengku Adnan’s Son’s Drive-Thru Wedding

The wedding ceremony of Putrajaya’s Member of Parliament (MP), Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor’s son, Tengku Muhammed Hafiz, was held at Dataran Putrajaya yesterday (Sunday, 20th December), with about 10,000 guests in attendance.

The Javanese theme ceremony started from 11am until 2pm, reported BERNAMA. There was also a special stage set up in front of the Palace of Justice.

Interestingly, the event was also held under the new normal atmosphere! The groom and also his bride, Oceane Cyril Alagia, were seen waving to the passing guests on their vehicles. During the event, the passing guests also received food packs with rice, face masks and biscuits in a special tent.

Despite it being carried out under the aforesaid situation, Tengku Muhammed Hafiz remarked that he and his family are still thankful to those who came to his wedding reception. According to the 24-year-old, the drive-thru concept was his dad’s idea. He told BERNAMA, “He wanted my wedding to be celebrated by all the people in Putrajaya, as they are also my family, having grown up there.”

He also added that the ceremony was held in accordance to the prescribed SOPs to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The guests were also entertained with Javanese cultural performance and also from local singers. The performances were screened live from a giant monitor situated next to the stage.


Genting’s Indoor Theme Park, Skytropolis Funland Is Having A Preview This Weekend!

Genting Highland’s highly anticipated outdoor theme park Fox World may not happen after all, but at least its indoor theme park Skytropolis Funland is ready to go!

Resorts World Genting has announced that the new theme park will be having a preview on Saturday, 8th December 2018.

The newly refurbished Skytropolis Funland is conveniently located in First World Plaza and adjacent to SkyAvenue, the latest lifestyle mall at Resorts World Genting.

The theme park features plenty of rides including merry go round, ferris wheel, carousel, bumper cars, roller coasters and also the new virtual reality experience, The Void.

The official opening date for Skytropolis Funland has yet to be announced. Stay tuned to this space for more updates.

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#IMSAsiaPacific: Feeling Like Home With NERVO

7 years since its debut, IMS continues to pave the way in the electronic dance music industry. Described as “the TED of music conferences”, 2014 marks the first year for the world’s most influential electronic music summit to make its way to Asia. IMS Asia-Pacific, which was held in W Singapore – Sentosa Cove on 11th Dec (Thursday), featured 35 speakers from around the world.

2 out of the 35 speakers are none other than Australian musicians Miriam Nervo (Mim) and Olivia Nervo (Liv), otherwise more well-known by their stage name, NERVO. No strangers to the Asian region, NERVO has played in various Asian countries including Malaysia and Singapore.

Fortunately for us, we managed to catch up with NERVO at IMS Asia Pacific to find out what they’ve been up to since we last saw them back here in Malaysia in 2013.

Hey girls! You’ve had your fair share of travelling around the world, what is it about Asia that you love most?

Liv: Hey you! Oh, we love Asia. It has so many different cultures that are so close to each other and being Australian, we’re used to the Asian influence. Now that we’re living in the UK, we don’t get as much of it anymore which is why we love coming to Asia.

Mim: Yeah, the Asian cultures are so different from the rest of the world so it’s a real treat to come out here.

You’ve written for various artists, what would you girls say is the most challenging thing about working with or writing for an artiste?

Liv: We really enjoy it. The most difficult thing is not being able to control it because of the other teams around the artist. I mean, it’s not like we can control our own journey because there’s always so many teams, labels and all that. But yeah, if and when an artiste changes their mind on the music that you’ve work on, I guess that’s the hardest thing we have to deal with.

Mim: Yeah. Really, the only annoying thing is that if you spent lots of time on something and they suddenly change the brief for whatever reason, so that happens sometime and that’s yeah, annoying (laughs).

I can imagine. During the talk, you mentioned that you’ve got an album set for release, could you tell us more about it?

Liv: Yeah, it’s coming out through Ultra and Sony all around the world. It’s got a bunch of tracks we’ve already released and you know, the album has records that we can play in our sets and some that didn’t fit in our sets so that’s why we wanted to release an album. The album is to show the different angles about writing and producing.

Besides your album, are you working on any other collaborations?

Mim: Oh yes, we’re always working. Constantly.

Liv: We just wrote one for Nicki Romero, doing loads constantly.

Mim: It’s keeping it fresh. Lots of ideas, we don’t always know where the ideas are going to go, which artist is going to pick it up or if we’re going to release it. We really like to just be in the studio and create.

Speaking of writing, which do you girls honestly prefer – working in the studio or performing live?

Liv: At the moment, because we tour so much, we really love studio. It feels like we’re going back to our roots. You know? That’s what we’re put on this planet to do. But then, the second we get a little bored, well not bored, but when we want to test our records, we’ll want to get out and start playing live. They’re both just as good (laughs).

Mim: They help each other as well because if you’re going to spend 4 days starring at a computer screen for 14 hours a day, you’ll just want to get out and see something other than a computer screen. Same as when we’re touring, when we’re sick of being in airports, that’s when we’d prefer studio time.

And apart from upcoming collaborations and your album slated for release in 2015, what else is in for NERVO next year?

Liv: We’ve got some residencies coming up. We’ve got the new residency in Vegas for Omnia.

Mim: Yeah, we’re also going back to – oh, actually we can’t stay for Ibiza but we’re going to be living in Ibiza again in the summer. We’ve also got a residency at Green Valley in Brazil so we’re really excited for 2015.

Woah! Sound’s like a busy year ahead! Let’s talk a little about your relationship, what is it like working together? Do you think it’s easier working together because you’re sisters?

Mim: We think so. We’ve had a lifetime of learning each others strengths and weaknesses. We work well together and we like bouncing ideas of each other because we’re both actually quite different so we often argue about creative ideas. So when we both like an idea, we both get really excited because we’re both hard to please.

And as sisters, twin sisters, what is the dumbest twin-related questions you’ve ever received?

Liv: No, no, no. We’ve had someone asked us what’s our birthday one after another!

Mim: Oh yeah! Some people get like mixed up, and we’re like “erm, the same day?”

LOL! Last one, if you were playing the lead role in a romantic flick, who would you each pick as your lead actor?

Mim: Oooh! I like this question. I absolutely know this one.

Liv: Don’t say Robert Pattinson, Mim! (laughs)

Mim: Of course! I would want to play “Pretty Woman” and Robert Pattison would be my white horse.

Liv: I want any of the Hemsworth brothers. They’re Australians, they’re hot, just any of them will do!

Mim: Thank you! Those were great questions!

Liv: Yeah, I really loved the last question. Thank you so much!

The NERVO girls were nothing but sweet and charming and it was such an honour to be able to speak to them. For more on NERVO, stalk them via these portals: Website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

We leave you today with “Revolution” by NERVO featuring R3hab and Ummet Ozcan.

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Jay Park Announces Concert Dates For “SEXY 4EVA” Tour; Malaysia Included

Rejoice, K-pop fans, as Daddy’s finally coming home ? Kuala Lumpur just got a lot hotter, and it’s not the weather we’re talking about!

Korean-American soloist and worldwide sensation, Jay Park (박재범) is finally coming to Malaysia for a full concert! The “SEXY 4EVA” Tour 2019 dates have been dropping this month and now finally, the Asian dates are out.

JAY PARK 2019 WORLD TOUR “SEXY 4EVA” IN ASIA

Stay tuned for more information! pic.twitter.com/RbpSvKKuoJ

— Hallyu Pop (@_hallyupop) June 24, 2019

Further details have yet to be announced but fans better get their wallets ready!

This will be Jay Park’s first full concert in Malaysia since his many cancellations in the past (K-Fun stage in 2015 and Above Ordinary in 2018). Fingers crossed that all goes well this time!

After all, who wouldn’t want to see this live?

The details for Jay Park’s “SEXY4EVA” Live in Malaysia are as follows:

Ticketing sales will go live on 2nd August 2019 via Eventix from 12pm onwards.


Meet The 9 Characters In Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Accio magnifying glass. 9 brand new characters posters from “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” has magically appeared online.

These posters offer intriguing insights into who’s who and what is installed for them. For example, each main character has a piece of information on where everyone is going to be during the events of the “Fantastic Beasts” sequel.

Newt Scamander: Wanted for Questioning #FantasticBeasts pic.twitter.com/HAVbxY04y2

— Fantastic Beasts UK (@BeastsMovieUK) September 24, 2018

Our sweet and heroic magizoologist is ominously “wanted for questioning”. Is it because of the creatures in his possession? Or his connection to Dumbledore and Credence? Something tells us that the glint in his eye suggests that he’s not going to cooperate.

Then there’s also his cute little friend peeking out.

Tina Goldstein: On Foreign Assignment #FantasticBeasts pic.twitter.com/360DeZgXKy

The Auror was travelling to Paris “on foreign assignment” but we now know that she’s probably sent there by MACUSA.

Queenie Goldstein: Whereabouts Unknown #FantasticBeasts pic.twitter.com/GKkHsiVPVE

The last time we saw Queenie, she and her newfound love Jacob were in his New York bakery. Where could she run off to? The cast has been pretty tight-lipped about Queenie’s role in the sequel.

Jacob Kowalski: No-Maj of Interest #FantasticBeasts pic.twitter.com/vhUI5rsF98

Everybody’s favourite No-Maj is back at it again. He’s the rare American muggle with full knowledge of the wizarding world. As for the “of interest” part, Jacob is already on the radar of MACUSA after being involved in Newt’s magical business the last time.

Albus Dumbledore: Under Surveillance #FantasticBeasts pic.twitter.com/qLVbZ3UZRl

The trailer reveals that Dumbledore can’t move against Grindelwald. The responsibility has to fall on Newt. Is it because he’s being watched closely?

Credence Barebone: Searching for Identity #FantasticBeasts pic.twitter.com/xErtcGzq0P

Troubled Creedence has escape and joined a circus. Will he find his identity in Claudia Kim’s character, the Maledictus? There’s also a theory that he’s related to the Lestrange family.

Gellert Grindelwald: Dark Wizard at Large #FantasticBeasts pic.twitter.com/aPMPyeL2O1

The movie title is already a give away on what Potterheads can roughly expect. He was captured at the end of the 1st movie, but it’s inevitable that he’ll manage to escape somehow.

“What’s happened is Grindelwald’s belief that purebloods should reign over all non-magical beings is a political thing. He’s rallying more and more people and it causes divisions across families. He’s pretty hypnotic,” Eddie Redmayne previously said.

Leta Lestrange: Implicated by Prophecy #FantasticBeasts pic.twitter.com/M6v4gO3Kcf

“Leta is in some ways burdened by her name,” producer David Heyman recently revealed. Newt’s former schoolboy crush with the notorious surname seems to be connect to a prophecy. The question is, what prophecy exactly?

Theseus Scamander: Under Ministry Orders #FantasticBeasts pic.twitter.com/wdKmd4WOnV

Newt’s brother (and Leta’s fiancé) is an Auror “under Ministry orders”. Is it to take down Grindelwald or to keep an eye on Dumbledore?

“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” will arrive in local theatres 15th November 2018.

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WINNERS: Tix To NSFW ft. Flosstradamus (US) & DJ Doorly (UK)

Time’s up and time to announce the lucky FIVE readers who will be partyin’ it up tonight at NSFW ft. Flosstradamus (US) and DJ Doorly (UK). We sure hope you’ve got the energy to last the entire night at Vertigo Club and your dancing shoes on because it’s gon’ rock hard.

[youtube id=”YYltx6qhzqw width=”600″ height=”350″]

And these are the winners who will be going:

Congratulations, y’all! You’vTo claim your tickets, all you need to do is bring yourself (of course) and your IC to the registration at the venue. Don’t forget to state that you’re a winner from Hype Malaysia.

Venue: Bianco, Vertigo Club, The Gardens Mall, Kuala Lumpur

Special thanks to our friends from Livescape Asia for making this awesomeness happen. For more information, visit their Facebook event page.


Hype’s Now Playing: A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera — Say Something

The video to A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera’s Say Something has arrived! Bringing her star power to the new music video, Christina ditches her racy look for a simple yet demure look in the video. The powerful and emotionally charged ballad is beautiful, raw and simple.

The ballad first soared onto the Hot 100 chart last week after the duo performed with Christina on The Voice earlier this month. That very same week, A Great Big World released a new studio version of the ballad featuring Christina and have just released the visual interpretation of the video that’s simple and yet so deeply meaningful, perfect with the lyrics of the ballad.

Just like their performance on The Voice, Ian Axel of A Great Big World and Christina both look downright depressed as they sang the break-up ballad. The clip sees Ian playing the grand piano and Christina appearing on the verge of tears as the song hits its climax. Various tear-inducing scenes accompanying the track in slow motion is also seen in the video.


#Sunggyu: INFINITE’s Leader To Make A Solo Comeback

Rejoice, Inspirits (as INFINITE fans are lovingly called)! Kim Sunggyu of INFINITE is finally ready to make a solo comeback soon :D

On 27th April, a teaser image for his upcoming solo album was uploaded on the group’s official social media accounts. The caption reads, “INFINITE’s leader Sunggyu’s second solo album title is??”

Sunggyu was the 1st INFINITE member to debut as a solo artiste. Titled “Another Me”, his 1st solo album was released on 7th November 2012. Kim Jongwan of modern rock band NELL, who is Sunggyu’s personal idol, composed the single “Shine” and gave it to him as a gift. The song was pre-released on 7th November as well.

A number of artistes were featured in his debut solo album, including Sweetune who created the modern rock lead single “60 Seconds”. INFINITE member L starred in the music video of the song as the main character. Sunggyu himself has also participated in the creative process of the album as he was involved in writing the lyrics for his single “41 Days”.

As for his upcoming solo album, it was reported that Sunggyu has enlisted the help of Jongwan. He has also been working on his group’s upcoming comeback album, which is slated for release in May.

Titled “27”, Woollim Entertainment stated that the album’s name “expresses the ideas and music that Kim Sunggyu has expressed at the age of 27”. They added:

It is a refreshing album that exaggerates and represents youth through his own stories.

No further information regarding his new solo album were released, but it is scheduled for release in early May.

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#ThePurge3: A Sequel Is Rumoured To Be In The Works

Make no mistake, rumour has it that there will be a part 3 for “The Purge”. And according to The Wrap, which cites Deadline, director James DeMonaco and Michael Bay’s Platinum Dunes will be returning for the sequel.

Eager to make another killing at the box office, Universal has ordered up a third “Purge” movie. James DeMonaco will return to write the script with an eye toward directing the sequel while Jason Blum and Sebastian Lemercier will produce the genre film with Michael Bay and his Platinum Dunes partners Brad Fuller and Andrew Form.

Set in the near future, “The Purge” is the name for a 12-hour period when all crime, including murder, is legal due to a US government mandate. One interesting idea for the sequel would be to follow someone who breaks the 2 rules of The Purge and uses unauthorised Class 5 weapons, whatever those may be, to hunt down a government official with a ranking of 10 or higher.

Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey starred in the first “The Purge” instalment, a movie that grossed nearly USD90 million worldwide according to Box Office Mojo. Frank Grillo starred in this summer’s “The Purge: Anarchy” which opened up the world and boasted a global gross of $108 million:

Impressive, since both “The Purge” movies cost less than USD10 million to produce.

Unfortunately, Universal hasn’t announced a release date for “The Purge 3” nor is it confirmed to be DeMonaco’s next film, though the producers would obviously like to keep the momentum of the franchise going.


#SabahQuake: Singapore Declares Today (8th June) A Day Of National Rememberance

Today (Monday, 8th June) has been declared a Day of National Remembrance in Singapore for the victims of the Sabah earthquake.

According to Singaporean news outlet The Straits Times, state flags on all government buildings will be flown at half-mast and a one-minute of silence will be observed at the beginning of the day at all SEA Games venues.

On Sunday (7th June), the Prime Minister’s Office released a statement which read:

The Prime Minister is deeply saddened by the deaths of eight Singaporeans in the earthquake at Mount Kinabalu. They were one teacher and six pupils from Tanjong Katong Primary School on an overseas learning trip, plus one adventure guide. One teacher and one student are still missing.

On behalf of all Singaporeans, the Prime Minister expresses his deepest condolences and sympathies to their families and loved ones. As we grieve over the loss of these young lives, we also take heart that they were striving to stretch their limits and take on new challenges.

The Prime Minister also thanks all those who are working tirelessly in the search, rescue and recovery efforts – the Malaysian authorities, the search and rescue teams, the hospital staff, and all the officers and volunteers who are helping in one way or other in Sabah and Singapore.

Monday, 8 June 2015 will be a Day of National Remembrance. State flags on all Government buildings will be flown at half-mast. One minute of silence will be observed at the beginning of the day at all SEA Games venues.

We hope that this collective expression of sympathy and support from all Singaporeans will give solace and comfort to the families and loved ones of the victims.

On Friday (5th June), an early morning earthquake a magnitude 5.9 earthquake hit near Ranau district, leaving the residents of most places in Sabah, including Ranau, Tambun, Tuaran, Pedalaman, Kota Kinabalu, and Kota Belud shaken.

At that time, immediate damages caused by the earthquake could not be immediately ascertained, but there were climbers at Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s highest peak.

Amongst the hundreds of climbers were some Malaysians, as well as 29 students and 8 teachers from Tanjong Katong Primary School (TKPS) in Singapore. To date, 6 students and 1 teacher are confirmed to have died in the 6.0-magnitude earthquake on Friday. The Singaporean adventure guide who was with them on a field trip to Mount Kinabalu also died. Another pupil and a teacher are still unaccounted for.

The pupils who died are Peony Wee Ying Ping, Ameer Ryyan Mohd Adeed Sanjay, Emilie Giovanna Ramu, Matahom Karyl Mitzi Higuit, Rachel Ho Yann Shiuan, and Sonia Jhala.

Teacher Loo Jian Liang Terrence Sebastian and guide Muhammad Daanish Amran also died. Operations are continuing to locate pupil Navdeep Singh Jaryal s/o Raj Kumar and teacher Mohammad Ghazi Mohamed.

A full list of 18 deceased victims of the Mount Kinabalu earthquake has been posted in the search and rescue operations room.

Malaysia
Lim Choon Seong, 45 (male)
Muhammad Logman Abd Karim, 22 (male)
Valerian Joannes, Mt Torq staff (male)
Ricky Masarin, Mt Torq staff (male)
Joseph Solugin, mountain guide (male)
Robbie Sapinggi, 30, mountain trainer (male, body recovered on Friday)

Singapore
Rachel Ho Yann Shilin, 12, (female)
Sonia Jhala, 12, (female)
Emilie Giovanna Ramu, 12, (female)
Ameer Ryyan bin Mohd Aded, 12, (male)
Navdeep Singh Jayral s/o Raj Kumar, 13 (male)
Mohammad Ghazi b Mohamed, 35, (male)
Loo Jian Liang Terrence, 29 (male)
Muhammad Daanish b Amran, 22 (male)
Wee Ying Ping Peony, 12 (female, body recovered Friday)

Philippines
Karyl Mitzi Higuit Matahom, 12, (female)

Masidi Manjun, who has been frequently updating his Twitter with information from the SAR operations, has also declared today (Monday, 8th June) a day of mourning in Sabah.

Monday has been declared 'day of mourning' in Sabah in memory of those who perished #Kinabalu. State & Federal flag would be flown half mast

The authorities, meanwhile, have decided to shut down Mount Kinabalu to climbers for at least 3 weeks.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were affected by the tragedy.

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Concert Review: Jay Park Dropped The Cha Cha Beat & Displayed His Sexy Abs

Give us a Cha Cha beat, boy! While many KL-ites spent hours stuck in traffic last Friday night, we got to party with some of Asia’s hottest rappers!

Held at KL Live, Jay Park (박재범) returned to our shores for the 4th time with his “SEXY 4EVA” tour. This time, he even brought along label mate Woo and H1GHR Music’s Haon.

Before Jay Park made his grand entrance to the stage, Woo wooed (seriously, no pun intented) the crowd with hits such as “119 Remix” and “Hate You”. The “Show Me The Money” star then ended his set with his debut single “We Are”.

After Woo left the stage, Jay Park stepped in and the crowd went wild. The Korean-American rapper started off with “Forget About Tomorrow”, which is then followed by our personal favourites “Me Like Yuh”, “Iffy” and “All I Wanna Do”. He then took us back to his early days with “Abandoned”, “Know Your Name” and “JOAH”.

When Jay Park left the stage to change his clothes (and probably to catch his breath), 19-year-old rapper Haon immediately took over the stage and continued to heighten the atmosphere with “Barcode” and “Boong Boong”.

As soon as Haon finished his set, Jay Park stepped back in and this time, he was joined by local hip hop artiste, Joe Flizzow. Malaysian fans were in for a treat as the duo performed their track, “Twisted Dreams”, for the first time ever!

Twisted Dream เพลงนี้จากบั้ม the road less traveled คือเดือดมากก ชอบเจย์แร็พหนักๆ แบบนี้นะ 🔥🔥🔥 แล้ว flizzow ก็เท่ห์อะ เป็น legend ของมาเลย์ มันส์สุดดด #JAYPARKINKL #SEXY4EVAINKL #JAYPARK #SEXY4EVAWORLDTOUR pic.twitter.com/vd16jLaaI9

— ᴘᴀɪʀ_ᴘᴇᴀʀ 🍐 พพ (@pair_pear) September 29, 2019

A post shared by shiori🇯🇵 (@shioriitrighthere)

But nothing, and we mean nothing, can beat the moment when Jay Park took his shirt off and perform his sexiest track, “Mommae”. Needless to say, the crowd went berserk. It was so surreal to see his bare, chiseled chest (and abs!) grooving to the beats of the song right in front of us. After performing his last song, “Sexy 4 Eva”, the rapper came back with a short “Nothin’ On You” – which swept all the ladies off their feet.

Thank you Jay Park, for bringing K-town to Kuala Lumpur. We totally enjoyed ourselves – even though there’s much more we need to learn about the Korean hip hop scene.

[#JAYPARKinKL] Ending off the show with them taking pics with the fans! #JAYPARK and #HAON wearing the Malaysian flags! 😍 #SEXY4EVAinKL #JAYPARKWORLDTOUR #JAYPARKinMY pic.twitter.com/nYhqfL58fp

— GOKPOP Asia (@goKPOP_Asia) September 27, 2019


10 Malaysian Childhood Games We Loved & Sometimes Miss

Ah, the good ol’ days. Time and time again, we talk long walks down memory lane to relive our childhood because those were some of the best days of our lives. Well, at least the best days of my life ;)

What do you remember most from your childhood aside from singing “Negaraku” every dreaded Monday morning during “perhimpunan” (assembly time)? Which memory do you often find yourself relating to most – wrapping up school early on Fridays (if you’re from the morning session) or starting school late on Fridays (if you’re from the afternoon session), cheap canteen food, PE/PJK classes because you get to start the next class late, or games? Oh, I remember the games from simpler times, when we had to “make do” with whatever “materials” we had at that time because we weren’t born during a time of luxury e.g. iPads, smartphones, handheld games. And even if we had the luxury of owning those, bringing them to school wouldn’t be the best idea because “spot checks”.

So we (meaning, I) had to make do with the below games. See if you too played any of these:

When I was in primary school, it was the girls who usually played this game better. But, sometimes, the boys surprised us with their hidden talents. Well, not so much “hidden” talents if they just had bigger hands. The idea of is to throw one “stone” up while scooping up as many of the remaining ones before catching the one that was thrown. Most of the time, it’s a quiet game – save for when you’re showing off “patting” tricks and slamming the table while you’re at it. The game requires a lot of speed and agility, and maybe some pretty homemade “stones” too ;)

This is super boy-centric but I played it sometimes! When you see 2 kids huddled around a Mathematics exercise book, trust me when I say that they’re not exactly discussing homework. “Conquer” was, for its time, a modern classroom game. How it works is that 2 players would take turns drawing symbols to “conquer” the other player’s units. Pretty much an early version of a strategy game – one of the world’s simplest, if you asked me. But not always easy to play :)

When all else fails, there are erasers. Or as Malaysians would call them, “rubbers”. This ancient primary school game gained popularity a long time ago and it doesn’t even require much. This was also the reason why kids in school went around collecting erasers. And not just any erasers – the rectangular ones with country flags printed on them. You’re supposed to just flip your erasers with the aim of landing on your opponent’s eraser. Yes, it’s that simple. But it spurred other things such as exchanging erasers and building a (pretty much useless afterwards) collection of erasers. Good times!

Another boy-centric game which requires, well, nothing much. If you ever saw them collecting bottle caps, this was the very sound reason why. Bottle caps is a local multi-player game that required only 5 metal bottle caps but promises hours of fun. It starts off with a “timbang”, a move that will determine which player goes first, before using the said bottle caps to hit one another. The game is determined by a point system, and is basically a test of a person’s dexterity and accuracy.

“Lompat Getah” is usually played outdoors and not so much a classroom game because it requires space. Girls are usually seen playing this on school grounds, jumping and skipping over a “rope” woven by rubber bands. The game challenges one’s ability to jump over it, with the height gradually increased with each successful attempt. The beauty of “Lompat Getah” is making the rope because it’s pretty easy to make and also the art of skipping around/over the rope. Oh, trust me, I’ve seen the somersaults!

There were so many reasons to keep a look out for the neighbourhood ice-cream man (usually on a motorbike with an overload of goodies), one of which was to purchase the “Snap”, “Old Maid”, “Happy Families”, or “Donkey” card games. The card games weren’t Malaysian per se but they were wildly popular among kids back then because they were bucketloads of fun. Each card game has a different set of rules but they were specially made sets of picture cards, featuring illustrations of fictional families or characters and animals. Also another highly confiscate-able item in school. Oops!

Singing, slapping, clapping of palms game complete with a song and a rhyme. No dance though. And I’m not even sure now why it was so much fun at that time to go, “Under the rainbow, under the sea bom bom bom, you are forever, you are for me and when we get married, we’ll have a family. Under the rainbow, under the sea bom bom bom BANG!”. The trick was to see how fast you can go while synchronising your singing, slapping, and clapping – before eventually messing up. Makes no sense, but fun nonetheless, especially during “rehat” (recess) times.

8. “Catching” (Tag or “Police & Thief”, basically)

“Catching” is basically a world-famous childhood game that was adapted locally. Think “Police & Thief” or “tag”. The game, played outdoors, usually started with the deciding rhyme, “Whose shoe is a dirty shoe, please go back and wash your shoe, and come back to school on Monday” to single out the “police”. Then, “catching” would kick off and the player would chase down his/her friends to “tag” or “freeze” them to the spot.

I have no idea where this game originated from but it was highly popular from the late 80s and throughout the entirety of the 90s. I remember it to be quite painful sometimes, even. Players were required to stand in a ring and chant “Pepsi-Cola!” before jumping apart. Then, the said players would kick the foot of another player to try to eliminate each other. A lot of dodging would ensue until one winner remains. Rest assured, most kids have failed to “walk out” of this game with clean Bata shoes. I can’t say that Moms were pleased with end result of “Pepsi-Cola”.

Rock, paper, scissors. It required nothing, except hands and some free time. During my childhood, we called it, “One, two, jus!”. The game was quick, snappy, required maybe some luck and various “personalised” forms of “punishment” for the loser. I quite vividly remember wishing for the power to read minds at some point in my life because of this!

So, which one of the above was your favourite childhood game? I know that some games would’ve either been passed down, evolved, or changed altogether through the times/generations. Got any that you’d like to share with us though? Leave us a comment in the comments box below!

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Love Is In The Air! 3 Reasons Why You Should Go On A Staycation This Valentine’s Day!

The romantic season is coming and we’re all excited for what’s in store. And with the last two years having passed just like that, it’s about time we spend our Valentine’s Day this year with more gusto and flair.

Well, what better way to spend this romantic occasion than with a staycation?

Unfortunately, this year’s Valentine’s day falls on a Monday. So, you won’t be able to spend your whole day cuddling up with your SO. But what’s stopping you from celebrating the special occasion the weekend before?

We all know the past year or so has been stressful even for the best of us, and a weekend getaway is a perfect way to release all that pent up frustration!

Going for a staycation means you get to sit back and relax without the added stress of cleaning up after or travelling too far from home either. All you need is a bag filled with overnight clothes enough for one weekend and, one short drive later, you’re laying in bed doing whatever you want!

Introduce A New Environment Into The Bedroom

Let’s not beat around the bush – Valentine’s day is the perfect time to get hot and bothered with your beloved partner, but always doing it in the same place and same bed can get boring and dull. Technically, you could always start doing it in public, but the likelihood of getting arrested might just be a little too high for your comfort.

Here’s how a staycation can really spice things up! You get to explore a whole new environment and go crazy without having to worry about being too messy! Sprinkle some rose petals on the bed and light up some scented candles, and now you’ve got a frisky evening you won’t forget.

It’ll Be The Perfect Surprise Gift For Your SO

Everybody loves surprises, and even if you don’t, you’ll definitely love a surprise staycation either way! Surprising your partner with an all-expense paid staycation trip after a long week of work is a great way to show your appreciation and love for your favourite person.

Just check in a little earlier before bringing them in and set up some cute surprises, and your SO will definitely fall in love with you all over again. Bring along a bottle of wine, a cheese platter and your favourite movie and you got yourself an amazing getaway trip with the person you love the most!


#MinorityReport: FOX Releases First Trailer For The “Minority Report” TV Series

In case you missed it, Steven Spielberg’s neo-noir science fiction mystery-thriller film “Minority Report” is being turned into a TV series. Said to be one of the highest profile pitches this season, it was officially given a green light by FOX.

“Minority Report” tells the story of the PreCrime police force which uses visions of the future generated by 3 Precogs, mutated humans with precognitive abilities, to stop murders before they happen? Unsurprisingly, the movie went on to receive critical acclaim and earned nominations for many awards.

Check out the pictures of the cast below:

*Pictures from the official “Minority Report” TV series Facebook page.

And now, FOX has released its first trailer!

From what we can see, just like the movie, FOX’s “Minority Report” TV series is also about Precogs to help stop crimes before they’re committed. However, the series is more of a sequel than a new take on the same material: it takes place many years after the film, when the law enforcement unit using Precogs has been dismantled. It focuses on a remaining Precog, still receiving flashes from the future, who pairs up with a detective to secretly prevent the crimes he predicts.

Watch the trailer, that got us clapping with glee:

The setup and look of the show suggests that the series will be a crime-of-the-week show with an overarching narrative, which would make it a more casual viewing experience. Nonetheless, there’s still plenty of sci-fi mixed in, and the series is supposed to blend in some broader mysteries around the old Precrime program.

Can’t wait? The show begins on FOX this fall ;)

For more information, visit Minority Report’s Facebook page.

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#PPAP: Japanese Comedian Pikotaro To Visit Anime Festival Asia In Singapore

You guys, Japanese comedian Pikotaro will be visiting Singapore next week :)

Famed for his viral skit, “PPAP”, Pikotaro (real name Daimaou Kosaka) is going to be a special guest at the Anime Festival Asia (AFA), which will take place at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre from 25th – 27th November.

At press time, Pikotaro’s viral video has gained over 85 million views on YouTube and the super addictive 45-second tune has became the shortest single to enter Billboard Hot 100, a feat that was recognised by the Guinness World Records.

Though “PPAP”, which was written by Pikotaro himself, gained a decent amount of popularity among Japanese students in the first month of its release, it wasn’t until “Love Yourself” singer Justin Bieber shared the video on Twitter that it went viral. Dubbed as the new “Gangnam Style”, the video brought about many parodies and hilarious covers.

Besides Pikotaro, other AFA special guests includes IKETERU HEARTS, PianoMinion, Real Akiba Boyz (RAB), Aki, Daiki Yamashita, and Rika as well as celebrity cosplayers such as Baozi & Hana, Kaname, Enako, and Reika.

Brought to you by WakuWaku Japan, details for Pikotaro’s session are as follows:

Tickets for AFA can be bought via animefestival.asia.

For more information, visit WakuWaku Japan’s Facebook page and AFA’s website.

Sources: Channel News Asia, The Hive / Featured image: Spoon and Tamago.


Video Of Schoolgirl Being Bullied In Sabah Goes Viral

A video of a girl being bullied (read: kicked, dragged, punched) by a group of teens in a school field has gone viral on social media.

The incident reportedly took place at a school field in Kunak, Sabah on Saturday (29th July). According to District police chief Superintendent Mohd Nasarudin M Nasir, the victim’s parents have lodged a police report against the bullies. “The police will call in all the students involved, including their parents, and ask for the school teachers’ cooperation to give their accounts of what transpired”, he said.

At the beginning of the video, the victim (who is dressed in a light blue shirt) is seen talking to one of the bullies. Then, the group of tudung-clading girls start to attack her violently.

We don’t know who was the first to upload the video on social media, but as at time of writing, the video that was posted by Friends of BN – Barisan Nasional’s Facebook page has gained over 69,000 views.

Upon watching the viral video, netizens went into a frenzy. One Facebook user said, “Useless girls from useless parents, it tells a lot about their families. No home training.” Meanwhile, another netizen commented, “Wow, these girls are really violent.”

Watch the whole ordeal in the video below:

Bullying in school is not uncommonly found in recent times. In March 2016, 5 students forced their schoolmate to cut the tip of his tongue while a schoolboy was brutally attacked by his classmate last August.

Sources: NST, Sinchew. Featured image: Friends of BN – Barisan Nasional’s Facebook page.

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Johnnie Walker® Launches New Global Campaign “Make It Black”

Johnnie Walker® awakens the beauty of black with new global campaign “Make It Black.”

Johnnie Walker® Black Label® has revealed its exciting new campaign with international artist, Mattia Biagi, as part of the Johnnie Walker® Character series. This fresh direction champions the individual taste and personality profiles of the different Johnnie Walker® variants. Following in the Keep Walking heritage, the Character series celebrates the progressive spirit of Johnnie Walker® fans and the drink that unites them.

Famed for his powerful black artworks, Mattia Biagi partnered with Johnnie Walker® to find the perfect expression of the Black Label character and showcase the powerful beauty of black. The scene features a dramatic transformation, as items representing classical luxury are turned strikingly black and intense with the use of paint and fire, and consumers are inspired to “Have Bold Taste And Intense Character”.

Johnnie Walker® Black Label® has launched its “Make It Black” campaign featuring a series of events designed to bring to life the boldness and intensity of the new campaign for fans to enjoy. Following two highly successful club level events, Johnnie Walker® is taking Make It Black to a whole new level by hosting the largest and most exciting event the campaign has seen this October 31st (Friday). By invitation only, so as to safeguard it is the biggest fans of the brand who are seeing the beauty of black come to life, this event sets to redefine how whisky is perceived.

The “Make It Black” campaign is yet another milestone the brand has achieved as it moves away from its classic image of Johnnie Walker® Black Label® to an edgier, more vibrant personality. Inspired by Generation Y, the youthful, independent risk-takers, “Make It Black” aims to inspire fans to leave lasting impressions by making bold decisions.

“Make It Black” is a very literal celebration of the incredible drink that has brought us all together today,” said Natalie Harley, Senior Brand Manager of Johnnie Walker® Malaysia. “However, expect the unexpected this Halloween, as we have a lineup that is going to blow everyone away. We have been working with numerous local talents, people who have mastered their craft and share the same passion and creativity that we do, to create a showcase performance. We wanted to bring something new and exciting to fans of Johnnie Walker® Black Label® and hope they join us on the 31st October as we set the night on fire!”

“Fans know the instantly recognisable smoky, complex yet balanced flavours of Johnnie Walker® Black Label® but some have forgotten the progressive and inspirational spirit that John Walker bottled when he created this iconic whisky. We hope to re-ignite their passion and inspire our fans to start thinking differently about Johnnie Walker® Black Label®. We’re taking a huge risk with the elements in this performance but we wanted to honour our core ethos. We hope that guests leaving Make It Black, 31ST October, see that making bold statements and having courage in your convictions leads to amazing results and go on to feel inspired to express their individuality with their own bold statements,” she added.

Watch the new Johnnie Walker® Black Label® advert below:

More information on the “Make It Black” campaign and events are available on the Johnnie Walker® Malaysia Facebook page.


#JiChangWook: South Korean Heartthrob To Attend #FabricatedCity Gala Premiere In KL

Hallyu fans, rejoice! Another South Korean heartthrob is coming to Kuala Lumpur ;)

Thanks to tvN Movies, Ji Chang Wook (of “The K2” fame) will be attending the gala premiere for his film, titled “Fabricated City” (조작된 도시), on 8th April (Saturday) at GSC Pavilion.

Helmed by award-winning director Park Kwang Hyun, “Fabricated City” centres on a hardcore gamer named Kwon Yu (played by Chang Wook), who spends most of his time in an Internet cafe – due to chronic unemployment – after being booted out of the national Taekwondo team for assaulting a teammate.

Kwon’s life takes an unexpected turn following an abrupt arrestment and life imprisonment for sexually assaulting and murdering a minor, which supposedly happened after he returned an abandoned cell phone to a mysterious female caller. With the help of his virtual teammates, they uncover a massive plot to a mysterious underworld organisation and it is up to Kwon and his allies to combine forces to prove his innocence.

As this is Ji’s first lead in a feature film, so it’s safe to say that fans and moviegoers are excited to see his performance on the big screen. In speaking about the actor, director Park said, “He is extremely capable of understanding and pulling off believable acting and action sequences. From portraying a strong male figure to a vulnerable boy, his acting spectrum is very wide. He’s an adaptable actor”.

Deets for “Fabricated City” gala premiere are as follows:

The film also stars Shin Eun Kyung, Oh Jung Se, Ahn Jae Hong, and Kim Sang Do. Brought to you by tvN Movies (World’s First & Only Korean Blockbuster movie channel), “Fabricated City” hits Malaysian cinemas on 20th April 2017.

For more info, hit up Sony Pictures Malaysia’s Facebook page.

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Mother & Child Victims To Taipan Robbery

We spotted something on Facebook that we simply had to share with our readers/followers. This is to gently remind all of you to stay sharp and stay focused at all times whether you’re alone or with somebody – or worse, with a child/with children.

About a week ago, Goh Johwyn’s wife went out to Taipan in USJ, Petaling Jaya with their baby daughter to buy some books. After she was done, she was attacked while she was walking to her car. A guy with a knife stopped her in her tracks (she was carrying her baby daughter at that time) and put a knife to her neck, telling her not to scream. Read Goh Johwyn’s account here:

Yesterday, 23rd of April, around 7:15pm, my wife brought my daughter out to get some books for my daughter in Taipan, after she came out from bigbook shop, as she’s walking towards her car, she was stopped by one guy.

This guy place a knife on her neck, asking her “Jangan jerit”.

This guy then came in front of her and asking her to give him the handphone that my wife is holding.

Because she’s carrying my daughter in her arms, she didn’t fight back nor run, she handed the phone to him immediately. Few seconds later, this guy told my wife to hand over my daughter to him, my wife instantly hold my daughter as close as possible to her chest and bend away from the guy,

With the knife in his hand, he slashed my wife on her arms trying to hurt her and snatch my daughter.

Someone saw the assault and shouted from afar, that’s when the guy fled the scene with only her handphone with him.

My wife suffered a few wounds around her arms and neck, eight stitches in total and thank god she’s fine now and also my baby daughter. My baby is unharmed.

Guys, please be extra careful when you have kids with you, be extra vigilant, this society is getting worse.

Luckily, Goh Johwyn’s wife made out of it alive and their baby daughter unharmed. It was also thanks to the Samaritan who reacted quickly upon seeing a crime unfold right before his/her eyes.

We’d like to please remind our readers/followers to be cautious and to do the same should you chance upon a similar incident. Don’t turn a blind eye on crime. You could save a life.


Giveaway: 5 Coolest Bat-Tech Gadgets That Are Great For WFH

We all have something in common with Batman – apart from not having any superpowers, we do share a love of high-tech gadgets! Sadly, while we can’t place whole-sale orders for military-grade equipment, we can comfort ourselves with the thought that we have some mundane equivalents to help to keep us sane while working from home.

Never thought of it that way before? Well just sit back in your Batcave as we celebrate Batman Month this September and take a look at the similarities between our humble gadgets and Batman’s gear (because none of us have our very own Lucius Fox and all the resources of a fully-equipped R&D lab at our disposal).

Batcomputer aka personal digital devices

Our personal computers, laptops and tablets have more processing power than anybody could have imagined when the Batcomputer made its first appearance in the 1960s. As time – and technology – progresses, we see the Batcomputer reimagined in a host of ways, usually involving huge monitors that display everything from radar to the locations of his various enemies.

To some extent, we have some pretty nifty GPS-linked apps that can reveal locations and track our various online purchases too. Just saying.

Communicator aka smartphone and hands-free accessories

Batman always needs to stay in touch with Alfred, and he keeps inventing new ways to do it! From the watch communicator in “Batman Forever”, which was considerably ahead of its time in 1995, we now have the super-impressive Tech Cowl which, among its many other features, allows constant communication with Alfred (and probably anyone else he wants to talk to).

For us non-billionaires, we have plenty of videoconferencing tools to keep us in touch with our colleagues and family members, plus headsets and earbuds for hands-free convenience. All we lack is the cool factor.

Bat-remote aka voice-activated digital assistant

When you’re in the (work) zone, the last thing we want is an interruption. Sometimes, even taking our eyes off the screen for a moment, or getting up off the chair to switch off the TV or adjust the volume can throw us off our stride.

Naturally, with a Batremote that can operate even his Batmobile and trusty Alfred constantly on hand to do everything else, Batman doesn’t need to worry about petty stuff like that.

For us, a voice-activated digital assistant can be pretty useful when our hands are busy from the constant call of cooking, washing dishes, changing diapers, breaking up sibling tussles, typing emails, drafting proposals, crunching numbers and so much more. A pity we can’t tell those oh-so-polite voices to deal with more troublesome tasks.

Batman’s utility belt is like… magic. No matter what he needs, no matter what the situation or whichever villain he’s up against, he’s likely to have something on that iconic utility belt that will help, be it Batarangs, smoke pellets, Bat-Bombs, Bat Cuffs, or grapple gun.

Working from home, we certainly don’t need to actually strap on a utility belt every morning. However, we definitely have our own, customised collection of tools and gadgets to help us keep things in good working order, topped up with tricks and treats to keep the kids occupied, not to mention all the essentials we need to get work done.

In essence, our version is more like a utility container with its contents scattered around the house because – let’s be honest here – nothing is ever where we expect to find it.

While some of us work best in our PJs or comfy loungewear, some of us need the right attire to trigger the right mindset. Batman is a perfect example – can you imagine him taking out villains in anything else but his tricked out Batsuit?

So, on days when you need a little professional pick-me-up, a power suit or ensemble can work wonders to put you in the right frame of mind to tackle tough business decisions, even when there’s no one to see it.

Remember, sometimes you need to dress to impress just to remind yourself that you’re a working professional with your A-game on!

It’s the perfect time to catch up on all things Batman as we celebrate Batman Day on 18th September with a full library of Batman movies, series and animated specials on HBO GO. With the epic free live-streaming event DC FanDome coming up on Sunday, 17th October, join enthusiasts around the world for the ultimate global fan experience.

The virtual event will once again welcome fans to immerse themselves in the DC Multiverse at DCFanDome.com and celebrate the stars and creators of their favourite feature films, live-action and animated television series, games, comics, home entertainment releases, and more.

In honour of Batman Day, the good people at HBO GO are giving away 3 exclusive Batman swag boxes (worth USD150 each) consisting of Batman branded merchandise. They include:

1. Batman LED Light
2. Batman Wireless Charger
3. Batman Cushion
4. Batman Funko
5. HBO GO Pouch

A post shared by Hype Malaysia (@hypemy)

Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc. (Turner) has agreed to sponsor the prizes in connection with the Contest conducted by Hype Malaysia, the Promoter of this Contest. Turner is not the promoter of this Contest or otherwise associated with Hype Malaysia, the Promoter of this Contest. The use of the HBO GO name, and/or the offer of the HBO GO prize does not imply any connection or endorsement by either Turner, HBO GO of Hype Malaysia as Promoter or its products or services.

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