#BattlestarGalactica: Universal Confirms That A Movie Is In The Works

Here’s one more reason to geek out. 2 words: Battlestar Galactica.

According to THR, Universal, the studio behind the highly successful “Jurassic World” and the “Fast & Furious” film franchise is planning to revive “Battlestar Galactica”. Not only are they bringing the sci-fi saga back to the silver screen, they also have plans to launch a massive, multiple-film franchise.

“Battlestar Galactica” was a TV series created by Glen A. Larson that aired on ABC from 1978 to 1979. In 2004, it was rebooted as a thought-provoking, politically-charged series that ran to great acclaim on Syfy from 2004 to 2009.

Backstory: “Battlestar Galactica” follows a group of humans under attack by the robotic Cylons, who had nearly wiped out all of humanity on their planet. The survivors are in search of a mythical planet Earth which is rumoured to be colonised by humans like them.

In 2009, a film based on the series was reportedly in development and “X-Men” director Bryan Singer was at one stage on board to direct it. Unfortunately, the project never took off. And Bryan Singer has since moved on.

That having said, Universal seems confident in competing against both Disney (Star Wars) and Paramount (Star Trek) with a “Battlestar Galactica” movie franchise. As we all know, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” was the biggest box-office hit of 2015 and it has a few more sequels as well as spin-offs slated for release through 2020. Paramount, on the other hand, will be bringing its 3rd “Star Trek” film, “Star Trek: Beyond” to the silver screens worldwide come 22nd July 2016. Needless to say, these releases will pave the way for more geekery.

The new version is still in the early stages of development so no writers are on board for the project yet. What we do know is that powerhouse producer Michael De Luca (of “Dracula Untold” fame) is teaming up with Scott Stuber and Dylan Clark of Bluegrass Films to produce the movie for Universal.

Hang tight while we wait for more details from Universal!

Sources: The Guardian, engadget, Maxim, THR.

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Former PM Najib Razak Switches To Telegram After Being Blocked On FB

Social media matters a lot in today’s world as it gives us a platform to publicly announce our thoughts. For the masses, we use it to reach out to one another. For public figures, it’s a way of keeping their reputation up.

Former Prime Minister Datuk Sri Najib Razak discovered his Facebook posts were not being seen by his followers. His solution was to switch platforms to Telegram.

Najib realised his Facebook page might had been blocked since Thursday morning (8th April). His followers left comments that his posts were not being displayed on their interface and were concerned. Many, including the former PM himself, suspected someone had tampered with his page. “Is someone creating trouble?” he wondered. “Are they scared because I ‘play’ on Facebook?”

Last night (8th April), Najib announced he would continue to post on Telegram instead. “Many friends are now unable to see my posts. Ok, it’s fine. I will open a new Telegram account and use it to message my followers,” he wrote. “If you’re interested, come join!”

The self-dubbed “King of Trolls” only had about 5,000 followers on Telegram last night. Since 9:30am this morning, that number has increased to over 12,000. If you’re interested in knowing what he has to say, it may be time to make the switch to Telegram.

Sources: China Press, Free Malaysia Today, Facebook, Telegram


The Lion King: 5 Things We Like About Disney’s Live-Action Movie Trailer

Can you feel the love tonight? Everyone is proclaiming “long live the king” in celebration of “The Lion King”.

Walt Disney Studios has just released some new material from their upcoming live-action movie and it’s glorious. Most fans are excited to get the first look at the highly-anticipated adaptation of the beloved 1994 animated film. Here are 5 things we’re stoked about “The Lion King”:

“The Lion King” is directed by Jon Favreau, the person responsible for bringing 2016’s “The Jungle Book” in the same manner.

We literally got goosebumps seeing our childhood comes to life in the most magnificent way. One of the highlights includes a recreation of the iconic Pride Rock scene. “One day, the sun will set on my time here. And will rise with you as the new king,” Mufasa tells his young son Simba.

A post shared by Jon Favreau (@jonfavreau)

Title cards of the all-star cast include Eric Andre as Azizi, Beyoncé as Nala, Billy Eichner as Timon, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Donald Glover as Simba, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, John Kani as Rafiki, Florence Kasumba as Shenzi, Keegan-Michael Key as Kamari, John Oliver as Zazu, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, JD McCrary as young Simba, Shahadi Wright Joseph as young Nala and Alfre Woodard as Sarabi.

A post shared by Hype Malaysia (@hypemy)

The adorable poster shows little Simba placing his left paw on his father’s pawprint.

The nostalgic “Circle of Life” can be heard as every animal arrive to welcome the little lion. Hans Zimmer has been tapped to score the film.

Disney’s “The Lion King” will debut on 19th July 2019.

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12 Creative Christmas Mall Decorations In Malaysia This 2017

Sing joyful, joyful, for Christmas is almost upon us!

It’s now become an annual tradition for shopping malls everywhere to compete for the best decorated Christmas themed mall of the year. 2017 is no different and we have compiled a list malls in Malaysia that have been doing a splendid job in spreading the Christmas cheer with their own unique decorations.

If you haven’t already done so, do take a stroll at these shopping centres and let us know which is your favourite:

1. Mid Valley Megamall – “Home for Christmas”

What we like: Instead of travelling to England, Mid Valley brought the English charm to the centre court at ground floor. Not only does the area have iconic red phone booths and a countryside train station, there are also various giants furry bears to hug and pose a picture with.

2. 1 Utama Shopping Centre – “A Joyous Christmas”

What we like: Wanna experience a White Christmas? 1 Utama is the place to find shimmering snowy clouds with lil snowmen. In addition to the whimsical winterland, there’s also a 6ft tall snow slide complete with a snowball pool for little ones to play and slide down the slope!

3. Sunway Putra Mall – “The Gift of Christmas”

What we like: Santa Claus is coming to town and he’s bringing lot of presents from his Toy Factory. Walk into Santa’s workshop and snap a selfie with him!

4. Paradigm Mall – “Train Ride to Christmasville”

What we like: Decorated into a children-friendly Christmasville, everyone is invited to attend this little village that promises performances and fun activities for families.

What we like: In conjunction with Hugh Jackman’s upcoming musical “The Greatest Showman”, eCurve is entertaining guests with a circus-themed display and performances this month.

6. Quill City Mall – “unBULLievable Christmas”

What we like: Similar to eCurve, Quill City Mall also has a “Ferdinand” movie tie-in with their Christmas deco. Here, you’ll get a taste of the Andalusia Spanish Village and their culture. There is also an impressive art exhibition featuring the beloved bull and other supporting characters.

7. Avenue K – “The Glittering Christmas Escapade”

What we like: The recreation of the Big Ben and London Bridge are the 2 main highlights at Avenue K’s atrium. There’s even a white musical Christmas tree decorated with illuminated LED lights and glittering snowflakes.

8. Suria KLCC – “Santa’s Enchanted Forest”

What we like: Yes, we see the giant 100 feet Christmas tree at the KLCC Esplanade every year, but the mall never fails to spin a new twist every time we see it. What impress us is the Christmas enchanted forest. A majestic cottage is connected to a tree house by a woven bridge. It’s truly a sight to behold.

What we like: In the true spirit of the yuletide season, Lot 10 is collaborating with Honestbee to make this year’s Christmas a little bit more special for the underprivileged children and adults at Kirtarsh Home. Free gift-wrapping and delivery services are also provided.

10. Berjaya Times Square – “Enthralling Christmas”

What we like: If you’ve always wanted to experience hopping on Santa’s sleigh, this is your chance! The mascots trio, Professor Cosmo, Oorts, and Ooops, are also on site to greet visitors.

11. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur – “Christmas is in the Air”

What we like: Trust Pavilion to always bring their A-game during festive seasons. With “Christmas is in the Air”, the mall has been transformed into a golden kingdom with magical hot air balloons hanging from the ceiling. You can also find a Line Christmas Carnival happening outside of Tokyo Street. Go win yourselves some exclusive Line merchandise while you’re there ;)

12. SkyAvenue, Resorts World Genting – “SkySymphony Christmas” + Snoopy Exhibition

What we like: If the various Snoopy exhibition and giant inflatable Snoopy santa isn’t enough to excite you, wait till you witness the 1001 light bulbs come to live in spectacular technical brilliance!

Other honorary mentions: Sunway Pyramid, IMAGO KK Mall, The Gardens Mall, Bangsar Shopping Centre, Penang’s Queensbay Mall, and Gurney Plaza.

There’s no doubt the competition has been fierce this year. For us, it’s a tie between KLCC, Pavilion, and SkyAvenue. Each of these malls gave us something we’ve never seen before in Malaysia. What about you? Do you have a favourite Christmas mall decoration?

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#Grab: GrabCar Services Now Available In Ipoh, Kuantan, Seremban, & Kuching

Rejoice Malaysians! Grab has now expanded its services to 4 other major hotspots.

GrabCar is now in available in Ipoh, Kuantan, Seremban, and Kuching. The new GrabCar launch will no doubt be a likeable transport option for both tourist and cost conscious passengers.

For those traveling within the region with no transportation to get around, you can now opt for a GrabCar ride instead. In addition to this, other distinct features significant to GrabCar are that it operates based on a fixed-fare and passengers can choose to pay either via cash or credit/debit card.

“So whether it is to get your dose of local delicacies like Keropok Lekor at Pak Soh Corner, or the famous Funny Mountain Tau Foo Far in Ipoh, or indulge in your adventurous side and visit Gunung Angsi or enjoy a relaxing holiday by the beach in Port Dickson, or visiting the Cat Museum in Kuching, Grab has got you covered,” reads the statement from the ride-hailing app.

To celebrate GrabCar’s launch, passengers in Ipoh, Kuantan, Seremban, and Kuching will be able to enjoy RM5 off for 10 GrabCar rides when they pay via credit/debit card* for their ride. The promotion is valid starting today (Wednesday, 15th March) till 31st March. Remember to key in the promo code HIGRAB5.

* If you are using a debit card, please do not forget to call your bank to authorise your transaction!


The D&E: Super Junior D&E To Bring Their Twin Power To Kuala Lumpur

Any SUJU (슈퍼주니어) in the house? We’ve just got word that Super Junior-D&E (슈퍼주니어-동해&은혁) is coming to Kuala Lumpur.

The announcement come courtesy of MIC Entertainment Group. No other information has been disclosed as of time of writing.

For those that don’t know, Super Junior-D&E is the 5th official sub-unit of Super Junior. The group is only made up of 2 members – duo Donghae and Eunhyuk, who made their debut on December 2011.

Since then, the pair has released 3 EPs – “Present”, “The Beat Goes On”, “Bout You” – and 2 studio albums – “Ride Me” and “Style”. Their first Seoul concert for “The D&E” will take place at the Olympic Hall in Olympic Park on 13th and 14th April. As of now, we don’t know which other parts of Asia they’ll be touring besides South Korea and Malaysia.

Stay tuned to this space for further updates.


Park Bom Confirms That She’ll Be Releasing New Music Soon

Will we finally see the return of Park Bom?

The former 2NE1 member took to Instagram and Twitter to update fans about her situation, and confirmed that she’s indeed preparing to release new music.

Her update reads, “Everyone~~~hello? I wanna sing~❤.❤i’ll soon give you good music?? I’ll get ready from now~You waited a lot right? I miss you guys so muchㅠㅠ All around the world. You guys get ready too~ I’ll do everything happily(((o(ﾟ▽ﾟ)o)))♡#박봄#bompark #parkbom #2ne1 #朴春#ぼム”

Park Bom has been inactive since her drug scandal in 2014. Her last official activity was in early 2017, when she joined fellow 2NE1 members CL and Sandara Park in releasing the group’s final song “Goodbye”.

Although she confirmed that she signed a contract with YG Entertainment’s subsidiary Black Label in 2017, the powerhouse denied the news.

여러분~~~안녕하시죠??저 노래할래요~❤.❤곧 좋은음악 들려드릴게요??
저 이제부터 get ready 해요~마니 기다리셨죠???I miss you guys so muchㅠㅠAll around the world? 여러분도 get ready 해주세요~제가 행복하게 해드릴께요(((o(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)o)))♡#박봄#bompark #parkbom #2ne1 #朴春#ぼム pic.twitter.com/gGYA1lorig

The 34-year-old sparked controversy again in April when her drug controversy resurfaced. However, she stood her ground this time round and opened up in an interview. She explained that the “drugs” were in fact medication for her Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and talked about the impact the scandal had on her.

Park Bom made her debut in 2009 with 2NE1 and has had a successful solo career as well.

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“Andor” Review: Hope Awakens With A Solid “Rogue One” Spin-Off

“Rogue One” was definitely one of the best things to happen to the galaxy far far away. It is easy to place the film into a compartmentalized space and say, “Hey, it’s nothing but a story set before the Original Trilogy envisioned by George Lucas”. But the truth is, it is more than just a glorified prequel.

Indeed, the team of Gareth Edwards, Tony Gilroy, Chris Weitz, and the rest of the talented crew brought their A-game as they crafted a franchise favourite. We still find ourselves marvelling at the holy intricacies of Jedha City and the lagoon-like beaches of Scarif, which make for an interesting setting amidst the fierce battles that ravaged the sand during its climax.

Of course, who could let the ultimate scene slip from memory? Oh, that one beautiful sequence where a red flash of light emanates through a hallway as the terrified Rebel forces look at one another in terror. The Sith Lord, Darth Vader, towering over every man in the room, as he saws away at their forces, hoping to destroy their last hope.

A story like this could have very well been a cookie-cutter, cut-and-dry experience that no one would remember in a heartbeat. After all, these characters perish by the end of said feature. This is a singular point for them as they went as quick as they came. There is no turning back. Furthermore, the only way forward has already been explored.

Nevertheless, it is firm writing that establishes a ground for these characters to dance accordingly without toppling over. Jyn Erso, combined with the devastating nature of her father’s journey was turned into a warrior because there was something compelling to fight for. A character like Chirrut Imwe could have easily become a throwaway martial artist but was heightened due to deeper dialogue and backstories as a Guardian of the Whills.

Truly, “Rogue One’s” strengths lie in its heart, world, and lore, making for a compelling watch each and every time. Hence, the idea of telling more stories from this, dare we say, sub-universe, is pretty darn exciting.

For this occasion, Diego Luna’s spy-warrior, Cassian Andor was chosen to headline such a project. Truth be told, we did frown when news broke back in 2018 that a series was going to be centred around Andor. Nevertheless, we can’t blame ourselves as the state of “Star Wars” television was next to none save for the animated projects like “Clone Wars” and “Rebels”. Only after “The Mandalorian” was released we were a tad more confident, but still had our reservations.

Cassian’s story began as questions that writer and later showrunner, Tony Gilroy slept on. ‘How did Andor end up with an important role within the Rebellion?’ ‘How has he become the battle-hardened warrior-spy in “Rogue One”?’ Taking place five years before the fateful events of “Rogue One” and ”A New Hope”, Andor” sets its course onto the scrap world of Ferrix.

We’re dumped into a rain-laden landscape as Cassian struts his way through damp and dim plunging alleys. As he steadily nears the end of that path, he’s presented with a choice…

For Andor, he rashly makes his decision and with that comes a price. Now, Cassian is left to run from the law, as he tries to maintain a low profile from the enforcers. Bix (Adria Arjona) and his adoptive mother, Maarva (Fiona Shaw) are the only people he can turn to as he writhes in the muck he has gotten himself into.

Yes, it is great that Andor isn’t just alone as his character starts off on a dark path. He evokes the cries of the solitary wolf, having learnt to trust less and be as wary as can be. Without a doubt, the loyalty showcased by his closest allies is what provides inner conflict for his character. These people have served him well, and yet, he doesn’t reciprocate the favours as well as he can.

As the story progresses, we get glimpses into our hero’s past as a child. Born into a tribe none the wiser of the Empire’s control over the galaxy, there is much awe and surprise when an Imperial cruiser crash lands on their planet. It’s a stark contrast with what the Empire has, as sticks and blowpipes can only do so much against firepower. As all these are being shown, it interpolates with an adult Cassian. The mirrors of the past catch up to this version of Andor.

As the show progresses, more elements, either grey or antagonistic, come into play. As previously mentioned, Andor’s refugee status is declared by the corporate authorities. One particular Inspector, Syril Karn (Kyle Soller) is so bent on finding the ‘murderer’, that he vows to pursue Cassian, no matter the cost. At one point, he commands an entire unit but loses almost everyone in a battle, which then brings about a turning point in his morality.

Having different shades of authority in play makes for an interesting watch although we do have to say some of it does not flow entirely well (yet). The Imperial Forces also make their mark, with ambition and relentless tactics being employed on the field. One particular standout is Denise Gough’s Dedra Meero, who aspires to gain favour with the Empire and employs incredible insight into the psyche of the Rebel alliance.

We mentioned grey, and grey it is when it comes to Stellan Skarsgard’s character calculating Luthen Rael. He’s the grandmaster behind the operation. He’s the man who has the information, yet maintains an influential hold so as to not divulge much of it. He has something of a double life, delegating with politicians, yet having that battle-worn scruff to him when it comes to fighting a regime.

Andor’s initial meeting with him is not merely what it seems to be. With Rael’s enigma, there is no telling what might happen next. What are his best interests? What is his actual deal in taking Andor under his wing? If there is one standout performance from this show, it definitely has to be Stellan’s, as his chameleon-like portrayal aims to provide calculated chaos to this Rebellion.

On the other end of the spectrum is Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly), the legacy hero who got an updated appearance in “Rogue One”. For the actor and for that character, “Andor” is now a gold mine to explore what makes the Senator tick. We’ve only particularly seen glimpses of her leading the Rebels alongside Bail Organa.  Hell, her first appearance was in a deleted scene in “Revenge of the Sith”.

So, what is the deal with Mon Mothma? We look at this Senator having to talk about the idea of political warfare. It is reflective of how, we as people have to put on various masks to provide certain impressions, to give the best outlook upon delegates and peers. It’s all an intricate political game that she has to play, and she moves those chess pieces accordingly.

It is interesting to see this corner of the “Star Wars” universe brought back in live-action – we don’t just mean Coruscant (hurrah!). It’s not just about Jedi and their religions or just revolving around the Skywalker family. There are civilizations involved, people that have to climb a societal ladder, and dirty tactics at play. It’s all grounded and reminiscent of what life on Earth can be at times.

“Andor’s” structure harkens back to what “The Mandalorian” does. Unlike “The Book of Boba Fett” and “Obi-Wan Kenobi”, “Andor” opts for a 12-episode order and this particularly changes the narrative pace altogether. Its slow burn immerses the audience in the world that it is trying to build. That might work for some but could be a bane for others.

It’s worth noting that not everything goes about as smoothly as one would want. As mentioned earlier, some of the characters with antagonistic personalities might seem a little one-dimensional. Then again, it’s still very early on in the series. What sort of great villains would they be if their arc was merely concentrated in the first third of the project?

Indeed, “Andor’s” strength lies in it taking its time in telling the story it wants to tell and not necessarily what the audience might want. It’s not going to be another thrill-of-the-week type of narrative. We don’t expect the characters to fly to the Outer Rim to look for Master Yoda in a bog, or find Bo Katan slinging her way into their path. Rather, it’s a slow churn of the mixing wheel, with boiling conflicts, ideologies, and political games all attempting to make their mark in this series.

Another aspect of note – which will probably go over many heads – is the production design, which is in fact, exemplary. Hearing stories of how they built a full town for the Ferrix set, along with ditching the screen volume popularised by “The Mandalorian” to shoot on location is a testament to what the crew envisioned in terms of realism. Yea, the scenes where they pan the wide shots are just beautiful and immersive.

All in all, the first four episodes of “Andor” provide an immersive new experience into the sub-world of “Rogue One”. It’s a little flawed with its pacing and characters for now, but we’re sure the narrative tension will keep rising. The pieces should fall into place as we go along.

This season, in particular, will only span one year of the Rebellion. Based on the explosive nature of the promotional footage, we can only assume that tensions will continue to rise throughout this year. There are still space dogfights to look forward to. We’ve still not caught up with a young and healthier Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker), whose guerrilla forces might clash with the larger Rebellion. The premise itself holds such promise.

With Season 2 already on the way – which will span four years and lead directly to the events of “Rogue One”, we’re excited to see what comes next. We already know how this story ends… yet, there is still a Kyber mine to explore by going back to where it all began…

Be sure to catch the first three episodes of “Andor”, available to stream on Disney+ today. Subsequent episodes drop every Wednesday.

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Bar a few narrative bumps, "Andor" is a solid spinoff off of its predecessor, allowing for discussions about ideologies, societal disparities, and political games all while playing in this tried and tested fantastical setting.


Contest: Win Passes To The First Ever Dragon Run In Genting Highlands

Did you hear? The first ever Dragon Run, the world’s first martial arts inflatable obstacle fun run, is happening in Genting Highlands this weekend.

Designed for those with the love of martial arts and the thrill of a run, the 6km adrenaline-pumping fun run is an all-ages event that incorporates eye-catching, often towering and certainly challenging martial arts-inspired obstacles.

Thanks to our friends from Dragon Run, we’ve got 20 pairs of tickets to give away to some of our lucky readers ;)

How to win ’em? Simply fill up the form below:

Note: Winners will be required to collect their race pack at the venue on the day of the event. The Dragon Run race pack will include Dragon Run sports T-Shirt, towel, small rattle drum, tattoo stickers, and additional goodies!

Upon completion of the run, participants can enjoy the rest of the day with your fellow Dragon warriors at the Dragon Village, where food and beverage offerings, carnival games, live feed of the run and combat demonstrations await.

Check out more Dragon Run images in the gallery below:

For more information, visit Dragon Run’s Facebook page, Instagram, or Twitter.


Nike We Run KL 21K 2015, It’s Happening!

To challenge Malaysians to run faster and further, Nike has returned with Nike We Run KL 21K which will be held on 1st February 2015. It is part of Nike’s global We Run series inspiring athletes to achieve their personal best, which began in Prague. Kuala Lumpur is one of 14 cities!

We Run KL 21K and will also mark the first 21K race for Nike Malaysia.

In the months leading up to race day, Nike will organise a series of training events beginning in November. Each session will feature runs, Nike Training Club (NTC) and expert advice.

Registered runners will be invited to the race’s pre-expo, where scientific expertise and tools will be on hand to assist runners in developing a training program. Selected runners will be able to participate in scientific tests that help measure and analyse a person’s running technique, recovery rate, and VO2 max. Runners will also be able to find footwear appropriate to their running style, and apparel that will enable them to train and race.

In addition to footwear and apparel, Nike helps runners prepare for race day through the more than 30 million strong Nike+ community who have together logged over 1.7 billion kilometres. The Nike+ ecosystem elevates training as an integral part of your race day preparation. Elite runners know that pushing yourself in training is what drives success in actual races.

The new Nike+ running app for iPhone and Android acts as a personal best trainer, with features includes Nike+ Coach, which enables runners to run further, faster and smarter with customised training plans and distance goals.

Registration for Nike We Run KL 21K 2015 begins on October 12, 2014 (10am) here!

Registration has closed and the race route for the upcoming Nike #WeRunKL has been revealed. Are you guys ready for this? Because it just got real, you guys:

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Mulan: 7 Differences Between The Animation & Live-Action

Out of all the Disney live-action remakes in recent years, “Mulan” is arguably one of the most controversial prior to the movie’s debut.

Not only has “Mulan” been threatened by boycotts (in relation to the Hong Kong protests), but many fans have been unhappy with the many changes made by director Niki Caro (particularly to some key characters).

Mushu was a fan favourite character in the original animation thanks to his comic relief and iconic lines. In order to be more in line with traditional Chinese myths, the phoenix will serve as an important role (albeit more as a symbolic companion).

In Chinese mythology, the phoenix contains elements of gender fluidity. Fenghuang (鳳凰) – in Chinese – represents blurred gender distinction. Since Mulan disguises herself as a man to serve her country and the people, the phoenix’s inclusion makes sense here.

“Mulan” is actually based on a Chinese folk song titled “The Ballad Of Mulan”. In case you didn’t know, the animated version flopped in China because the characters had been Americanised. The 2020 version seeks to right that wrong by sticking close to the source material.

While Mulan was an only child in the 1998 Disney film, the latest version gives her a younger sister played by Chinese-Vietnamese actress Xana Tang. It is still unclear how this new sibling addition will affect the narrative now that Mulan is no longer the family’s sole hope.

Mulan’s main love interest will be replaced by Chen Honghui (played by Yoson An). Instead of being a high ranking solider, Chen Honghui is just another recruit. Rumour has it that, he develops feelings for Mulan before realising that she’s a woman. Does this mean he’s a bisexual?

Since Li Shang isn’t in this film, the Chinese army is being led by Commander Tung, played by Donnie Yen (甄子丹). According to reports, Commander Tung will take Mulan under his wing.

Instead of going with leader of the Hun army, Shan Yu, the remake has chosen to go with Xian Lang – a powerful witch (portrayed by Gong Li) who can shape-shift into a bird of prey. She joins forces with Bori Khan (played by Jason Scott Lee), a Hun warrior from the north seeking to invade the southern lands.

While the emperor in the animation was kind, nurturing, and calm, the Jet Li version is said to be much more aggressive and commanding.

To get you hyped up for the movie, here are Christina Aguilera’s updated takes on “Reflection” and original track “Loyal Brave True”:


Jackie Chan Leaves His Prints At Hollywood’s Chinese Theatre

Hong Kong film star Jackie Chan became the first Chinese actor on Thursday to have his hands and feet cast in wet cement at Hollywood’s famed Chinese Theatre, alongside generations of Tinseltown icons.

The 59-year-old actor was joined by American actor Chris Tucker, his co-star from the “Rush Hour” movies, in the ceremony in the courtyard of the TCL Chinese Theatre, as hundreds of fans screamed from across Hollywood Boulevard.

Jackie Chan was born in Hong Kong and began his international movie career in the early 1970s, going on to fame with hits including the “Rush Hour” series and “Little Big Soldier”. Chan, who has starred in over 100 films and directed 20, recalled first coming to the then Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (it changed name this year for sponsor Chinese company TCL) two decades ago, invited by Sylvester Stallone:

Twenty years, ago, 1993 … I was not on the red carpet, (I was) on the side, and I saw there are so many stars doing interviews. I had nothing to do. I was standing there looking around to see the handprints. I thought to myself, when will I have my own things? During all those years my dream grew. To the fans around the world, you make my dream come true.

The honor is considered more exclusive than that of being given a star on the “Hollywood Walk of Fame”. The courtyard of the TCL Chinese Theatre is paved with the hand- and foot prints of decades of Hollywood greats, from Humphrey Bogart and Bette Davis to Jane Fonda and Brad Pitt.

Chan said that, as well as being the first Chinese actor honored, he was actually the first to have his handprints done twice. “Twelve years ago I did the handprint, but somebody stole it. Then that’s the second time. I really want to thank you”, he said.

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#PUMA: Back To The 90s With The Artistic Revolution Of PUMA Disc

Sneaker heads, rejoice! The PUMA Disc is back with another solid collection of shoes for Spring/Summer 2015.

PUMA gave a fresh breath of life to the sneaker scene as the major German multinational company showcased its iconic PUMA Disc Collection at the “Turn It On!” DISC Launch. The collection varies from the old to the new and from the usual to the distinctive ones, complementing an impressive display detailing the history of the footwear.

The collection is an artistic revolution of the PUMA Disc collection, which is contributed by various local designers including Sea & Saw, Bev C, Untitled Lifestyle, and CROSSOVER.

The evening saw a cool mix of attendees including PUMA Friends such as Malaysian B-Boy Khenobu, well-known local actress and model Siti Saleha, bubbly radio personalities Jason Phang and Hafiz Hatim, well-known local actor and singer Aric Ho, and DJ Bunga of Twilight Actiongirl. They were transported to the 90s as PUMA unlocked this history vault with the display of the PUMA Disc archive.

Among the SS15 featured collections include the Disc Blaze OG 1993 theLIST, Disc Blaze Basic Sport series, Disc Blaze Coastal Series and PUMA’s Disc Blaze Camo series, a twist on the most popular PUMA Disc collection. The “Camo Upper” Disc showcases a seamless blend between a white midsole and a camouflage Forest Green or White upper sitting while the Disc Blaze Camo Midsole sees a Grey and Black upper sitting atop a “Urban Camo” camouflage print midsole.

Gabriel Yap, Head of Marketing for PUMA South East Asia said:

The PUMA Disc, which was initially marketed as a performance sneaker and sportswear has now transformed into a street culture icon worldwide today. We are also excited on the collaborative work that the Malaysian designers have put together to create an entirely different look and feel of the footwear.

Attendees were treated to performances by guest performers of the night including Giller Battle Crew, a group of talented breakdancers; and DJ Bunga of Twilight Actiongirl, who burned up the dance floor with his slick dance remixes. By using the #TaggedItOn hashtag, the attendee with the highest likes on his or her Instagram photo took home a pair of PUMA Disc footwear during the event.

A post shared by Hype Malaysia (@hypemy)

The PUMA Disc first revolutionised the running scene when it was first launched in 1991, as the world’s first laceless running shoe, which built a cult-like fan base among sneaker heads and athletes for its control and functionality.

It combines the comfort of the famous Trinomic cushioning with lightweight molded plastic shell, hitting all the right points for the aesthetics and practicality of the design. The groundbreaking plastic discs rotate to pull internal wires tighter and creates a custom fit that promises the best of both style and comfort.

The PUMA Disc collection is available through premium global retailers, including all official PUMA stores and selected authorised retailers in Malaysia at a starting price of RM420.

For more information, visit PUMA’s official website and Facebook page.


Ms Pui Yi Is Holding Her First Ever Meet & Greet In Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

Siew Pui Yi or Ms Pui Yi will be holding her first ever meet and greet at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur mall this weekend. Mark your calendars peeps, the date is 26th February (on Saturday).

This event is in collaboration with Streetwear fashion brand Nerdunit. The 23-year-old Penthouse model is launching her merch collection that includes t-shirts, hoodie, and a Hug Me pillow.

In case you didn’t notice, the “Men-Mory” singer was already seen donning her new clothing when she shot the raunchy music video for her debut single. From the Nerdunit collection, Pui Yi is seen wearing her bikini or completely nude – which is pretty on brand for her.

Fans can already start pre-ordering her fashion merch online. Those who have already made their orders will receive an exclusive signed poster by Ms Pui Yi herself. Of course, nothing beats meeting the sensational beauty in person.

The details to the meet and greet are as follows:

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Ravi, The Godfather Of World Music, Dies

His passion for music began when he first heard Vedic chants as a child in Benares. But it wasn’t his first commitment for his first commitment has always been dance. After he moved to Paris in 1930, he heard western classical music for the first time. Particularly, the work and guitar artistry of Andrés Segovia and the singing of Feodor Chaliapin.

Ravi Shankar (often called by his title, “Pandit“) immediately had his heart set on becoming a sitarist. He studied from the famous sitar teacher and performer, Ustad Inayat Khan. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Ravi’s history included his vision of bringing the sounds of the raga into western consciousness, thus merging eastern and western music for the first time. The Indian maestro seamlessly bridged the gap between the two so well that even George Harrison (lead guitarist of the Beatles) called him “the godfather of world music”.

As a sitarist, Ravi Shankar even achieved three Grammy awards for his work. How about that?

As a symbol of the music of India, as the man who gave George Harrison his first sitar lesson:

[youtube id=”t79aI-I6ucA” width=”600″ height=”350″]

As a person who transcended culture and race and geography, Ravi was a longstanding definition of a true musician.

On 6th December 2012 (Thursday), Ravi Shankar was admitted to Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, San Diego after complaining of breathing difficulties. He died at age 92 on 11th December 2012 (Tuesday) at around 4:30 pm Pacific Time. His spiritual music will live on and he will never be forgotten.


Byron Bay Bluesfest — Third Lineup Announcement

Blues enthusiasts are in for a treat this year — with names like John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, Erykah Badu, Jimmy Vaughn and many more already set to be performing at the Bluesfest, Byron Bay Bluesfest released the third official lineup today. Adding even more names to the festival, this year’s Bluesfest is bound to be a spectacular event that no blues enthusiasts would want to miss out on.

Headlining the third lineup is BluesFest’s icon Jack Johnson. The Banana Pancakes singer who makes the Top 3 List of Most sought-after Bluesfest artist each year, will be performing at the main stage of the event. Apart from Jack Johnson, Byron Bay BluesFest is celebrating its 25th anniversary in style by adding big names to the festival with its third lineup.

Byron Bay BluesFest will be taking place from April 17th, 2014 (Thursday) to April 21, 2014 (Monday). For more information visit, visit Byron Bay Bluesfest and its Facebook page.

Ain’t Nothing Like The Blues At The Byron Bay BluesFest 2014

Byron Bay Bluesfest Fourth Lineup Revealed


Plan A Safe & Affordable Trip Home With Traveloka’s “Raya Sana-Sini”

With Raya coming up and more SOPs relaxing, there’s no denying the itch to travel. Regardless of whether you want to go abroad or stay in Malaysia, there’s just this urge to go. However, it may have been a year or two, but planning for a trip is still a hassle!

Well, never fear, the travel superapp, Traveloka is here to ease that burden. Traveloka recently launched “Raya Sana-Sini” to help Malaysians plan their best Aidilfitri while maintaining a safe and affordable trip.

A quick glance at the app proves they have their bases covered. You can handle various bookings, such as bookings for flights (both to-and-fro) and hotels all from a single app. Additionally, they have an extra perk which allows you to check out nearby attractions in the area. From places to play at and explore, to touring nearby eateries, Traveloka has you covered.

“Innovation is part of our DNA. Our superapp allows flight bookings on different airlines on a round-trip, a feature unique to Traveloka,” Angelica Chan, Traveloka Malaysia, Country Manager said. “This is aimed at empowering travellers to enjoy both flexibility and value from their preferred air travel routes, according to their personal needs instead of being restricted to fly with a single airline for a round trip.”

Aside from making planning easy, Traveloka is also offering plenty of coupons and deals to make your trips affordable. The best part? You can actually stack your coupons to make prices more manageable. With Traveloka’s “Raya Sana Sini”, you can now get plenty of deals on flights, bookings, attractions and Ramadan buffets, all in the spirit of Raya! Furthermore, bookings made through the app will qualify for tax exemptions as Traveloka is registered with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).

Traveloka also hosted a meet-and-greet with their ambassador, Diana Danielle last Friday (22nd April) at the InterContinental Kuala Lumpur. During the meet and greet, Diana took the chance to highlight Traveloka’s advantages. She especially stressed on how perfect Traveloka was for families travelling with young kids and elderly folks.

“The flexibility in schedule, facilities and price will truly make a memorable trip,” she stated. Diana in particular is looking forward to spending Raya with friends and family. “This is the first Raya since the pandemic where all Malaysians will be able to gather without restrictions. This year is about reconnecting with family and loved ones,” Diana said.

Well, there’s no time like the present to start planning a trip! And this time, you’ll be able to enjoy it without the usual stresses. So, what are you waiting for? Simply download the app and get busy.

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#PetalingJaya: Man Tracks Down Snatch Thief Who Grabbed Girlfriend’s Bag

What do you do when a snatch thief grabs your bag? Most of us would just wallow in sadness for a period of time and move on.

An unnamed man in Petaling Jaya spent 4 days tracking a snatch thief who snatched his girlfriend’s handbag. He finally pounced on the suspect near a hotel in Section 16 at 10:50am on Saturday (21st May), making a citizen’s arrest.

The man then handed the 38-year-old suspect over to the police.

On 17th May, the suspect allegedly snatched the girl’s bag at about 5pm on Jalan 17/2. The girl had just gotten down from a bus.

She told her boyfriend about the incident, who then decided to take matters into his own hands. He scouted areas in the vicinity for days, hoping to recognise someone based on his girlfriend’s description.

Petaling Jaya OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Zani Che Din said police picked up 2 suspected accomplices after questioning the suspect.

One of them was a 19-year-old broker and the other, 28, was a buyer of stolen items.

The main suspect who was handed in has a criminal record and is believed to be responsible for at least 20 other snatch theft cases, added Mohd Zani.

All 3 suspects will be detained by police.

It seems like the boyfriend had done society a huge favour by nabbing the snatch thief! Would you have taken matters into your own hand?


WINNERS: Bourne Legacy Movie Screening

With only 60 PAIRS of tickets to give away to a stampede of submissions, we only hope we had more to give out. But thank you all for the “Bourne Legacy” entries! As always, our readers are such troopers.

And without further ado, here’s the complete list of winners for our exclusive premiere movie screening:

Congratulations, peeps! You’ll be catching Jeremy Renner in action with us! Thanks to the awesome people from United International Pictures.

Kindly collect your tickets from our counter at GSC Mid Valley from 8pm onwards. Remember, tickets are non-transferable.


#MissionImpossible6: Next “Mission: Impossible” Film To Start Shooting In 2016

Tom Cruise is ready for his next mission!

The actor has revealed plans to return as Ethan Hunt for a sixth “Mission: Impossible,” asserting that shooting may start as early as a year from now. Cruise made the announcement on Tuesday night’s “The Daily Show,” where he was promoting “Mission: Impossible − Rogue Nation” which was just released.

“We’re starting to work on it now. We’ll probably start shooting it next summer,” he told host Jon Stewart.

The previous films in the franchise have all been separated by at least four years. Reps for Paramount, which has released all five films in the franchise dating back to 1996, have yet to comment on this news. The other “Mission: Impossible” films were released in 2000, 2006 and 2011 respectively.

The “Mission: Impossible”  franchise has grossed a combined total of $2 billion at the worldwide box office. “Rogue Nation”, which carries a $150 million price tag, recently opened in cinemas in Malaysia and will open in 40 international markets this weekend.

Cruise also served as producer on “Rogue Nation” along with J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk and David Ellison. Chistopher McQuarrie directed the film from a screenplay he wrote with Drew Pearce.  Apart from planning the next “Mission: Impossible” movie, Cruise, is currently shooting drug thriller “Mena” with Doug Liman directing.

Till then, for those who’ve not watch “Mission: Impossible − Rogue Nation”, be sure to watch the trailer before.

Also, don’t forget to these #MI5 fun facts before you make your way to the cinema. ;)

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Netflix’s “Carter” Review: Korean Action Cinema At Its Finest

In 2017, director Jung Byung-gil gave us “The Villainess”, a sleak, hyper-violent action film that matched the grit and dazzlingly brutal fight chereography of “Atomic Blonde”. Byung-gil had proven that amidst the rising chorus of gritty, stylised Korean action cinema, his voice is one to be recognised. His pension for shaky-cam, one-shot POVs truly gave viewers a unique and immersive experience. There was perspective and clarity in spite of the chaos of rapid gunfire and blades, all filtered through a spirited performance by actress Kim Ok-vin.

After 5 long years, Byung-gil is back with yet another action thriller set. This time, set within a more ambitious premise with a much bigger budget to play with, “Carter” (카터). Similar to “The Villainess”, it involves espionage, rival intelligence agencies and of course, a kidnapped-child plot device to endear the lead. What makes “Carter” different this time? Zombies, that’s what!

Right, with a more complex plot accompanied by a larger scale, will “Carter” be Byung-gil’s triumphant next step forward? Or will this be another classic case of too much money clouding creative vision? Let’s find out!

The plot of “Carter” is an unfolding mystery of the titular hero’s identity. The film begins with him waking up in a strange place before being hunted down by multiple factions, including the North and South Korean government along with the CIA. He soon finds himself being tasked with escorting a young Korean girl named, Ha-na who may hold the cure to saving the world from a deadly zombie-like infection known as the DMZ Virus.

Needless to say, there’s a lot going on in “Carter” and at times, it’s easy for viewers to get lost in the mix. Honestly, the plot in the film feels like it’s just there as a formality. What manages to pull this film back from brink of being just a sheer convulted mess are the action set-pieces.

As we begin to piece together Carter’s past, more characters, both allies and foes, join in the fray as he battles his way to find answers. So every time a new element of the plot is revealed, we’re primed to expect another insane balls-to-the-walls action sequence. On the surface, it seems that Byung-gil was trying to say something about the state of Korea’s foreign policy and the Covid-19 pandemic but the message may feel a little to conspiratorial and incongruous to be relevant. Also with the film being so action heavy, there’s rarely enough time for other characters in the film to be developed in any meaningful capacity.

We’re not saying that action-films with fast pacing can’t have well-developed characters. Look at Keanu Reeves’ John Wick, we know so much about his personality and beliefs which are communicated through his fighting style and physical mannerisms. The difference between Wick and Carter though is that Reeves’ films are squarely focused on him with a fairly linear story. Carter has everything from amnesia to double lives to conflicted allegiances to new relationships within his character arc. The film has to fit all that in while attempting to juggle its many intersecting sub-plots of multiple factions. One of those sub-plots are bound to fall on the wayside, which they do.

So, yes the plot of the film does buckle under its weight but the moment the bullets start flying, all is forgiven. My God, what a spectacle to behold. Right from the get go, the film establishes its tone with a bloody single man brawl in a bath house against a legion of Japanese gangsters wielding blades. All made to look like it was captured in a single continuous shot. We say made to look because there are moments that could have been possible transitions, as seen in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s “The Revenant”. The camera knows exactly when to linger on one terrible impact before quickly cutting over to another assailant meeting their end at Carter’s hand.

For the rest of the year, we will be talking about that breath-taking car chase sequence. The carnage and brutality of that scene is only matched by the grace and fluidity of Joo Won and the stunt team’s performance. There’s very little room for error and we applaud the film for its uncompromising vision. That being said, there are times in which the camera buzzes and bobs over fight scenes like a Red-Bull-soaked-fly. Holy crap Byung-gil, slow down! Not everything needs a sweeping wide shot before a hasty zoom-in. For us, it never really breaks the experience because the film quickly glosses over some of its odder creative decisions before launching into something spectacular. For those who suffer from motion sickness though, this film will be an utter nightmare for ya’ll.

None of this would have been made possible without an electrifying performance by Joo Won, best known for his recent role in the series “My Sassy Girl” and “Alice”. The man is an absolute beast when it comes to stunt chereography. There’s an insane precision and deft to the way the actor incorporates his surroundings into fight sequences. He is in every part Keanu Reeves’ equal. Funnily enough, both their emotional range is equally comparable. Whenever Won isn’t giving baddies permenant dirt naps, he rocks the stoic operator persona with effortless swagger. He won’t win any Oscars for sure but he gets the job done.

His character arc is mainly anchored by Kim Bo-min’s Ha-na who plays a surrogate daugter role throughout the film to the amnesiac assassin. We would have like to have seen a few more quieter moments between the two characters, with both of them exploring their lack of autonomy and identity together within the web of conspiracy involving the North and South. Unfortunately, she’s too busy being ferried off to one near-death experience after another at breakneck speeds.

Jung Byung-gil’s “Carter” is a diamond in the rough that reflects well on the action director’s killer instinct for cinematography and large scale polished action set-pieces. While his single-continuous sequences of Joo Won masterfully clearing out foes are stunning, his frequent and jarring shifts in perspective paired with shaky-cam can be distracting in moments. The key word here is: restraint. Which is exactly what the film’s narrative and technical aspects would have benefited from. Still, another strong showing by the Korean action auteur! We look forward to seeing how he’ll grow to refine his craft.

For those looking to catch “Carter”, the film will made available on the 5th of August on Netflix! You can also find out how Joo Won bulk for his intense role here.

Jung Byung-gil's "Carter" is a diamond in the rough that reflects well on the action director's killer instinct for cinematography and large scale polished action set-pieces. While his single-continuous sequences of Joo Won masterfully clearing out foes are stunning, his frequent and jarring shifts in perspective paired with shaky-cam can be distracting in moments. The key word here is: restraint. Which is exactly what the film's narrative and technical aspects would have benefited from.Still, another strong showing by the Korean action auteur!


#RentasAdventure: Jump Off A Cliff With Malaysia’s First Rope Swing Activity

This is not for the faint hearted, but for all you thrill-seekers out there, perhaps you’ll be interested to take on an extreme sports adventure known as rope swing.

The newly introduced outdoor sport is believed to be the first of its kind in Malaysia and it’s slowly but surely making a buzz around social media. If you’re driving up to Fraser Hill, you can now drop by Kuala Kubu Baru Dam in Hulu Selangor to take part in this adrenaline pumping activity.

The rope swing is similar to bungee jumping in the sense that both involve jumping off a high platform or free falling. While bungee jump bounces back, the rope swing just swings you back and forth across the river.

Operated and managed by Rentas Adventure, this team of outdoor specialists also organise various exciting activities that include stargazing, cave exploration, mountain hiking, zip lining, waterfall abseiling, and many more.

So who’s up to experience a new thrill? Perhaps these clips will do the trick ;)

Alhamdulillah. With the hardship and so many obstacles we went thru for the only 1 Ultimate Dream, to make it really happen with a great SUCCESS! . And today, this is the result… >>The 1st EVER Ropeswing in Malaysia ?? ??<< . The most important credit to our TROOPERS for your great teamwork, spent days and nights of such massive and tough times to make sure all went smooth, safe and sound.. . Thanks a lot also for those people who really gave a hand, advices, opportunities, strong motivation & full support thru out the journey. We might not able to mention all names who got involved directly or indirectly, but you know who you are!! . From bottom of our heart, THANK YOU SO MUCH..Keep support us!!! #rentas_adventures #rentasropeswing #malaysiaboleh #tribies #ropeswing #rentas #mdhs #hammockersmalaysia #selangorhammockcamp2016 #hugsproject

A video posted by RENTAS ADVENTURES (@rentas_adventures) on Dec 18, 2016 at 6:09am PST

A video posted by RENTAS ADVENTURES (@rentas_adventures) on Dec 19, 2016 at 1:59am PST

Kecut perut!! Terjunan Rope Swing pertama di Malaysia dengan ketinggian 60 meter dari Jambatan Sg Chilling. #rentas_adventures #rentas #ropeswing #ropeswingmalaysia #visithuluselangor2017

A video posted by Farid Janudin (@faridjanudin) on Dec 17, 2016 at 11:43pm PST

The details for Rentas Adventure are as follows:

For more information on Rentas Adventure’s latest activities, follow them on Instagram here.

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#XMenApocalypse: Bryan Singer Teases Sequel Will Feature Caliban

It seems like Caliban the albino mutant will be appearing in “X-Men: Apocalypse” after all.

Bryan Singer, who is the screenwriter, producer and director of the movie, teased fans with the appearance of the Morlock in his latest Instagram post.

Though Caliban wasn’t seen in the photo, several crew members were shown in the photo alongside Singer, who was presumably directing the scene. The photo came with the caption, “Shooting Caliban’s place of “business”.”

Caliban, who is named after the exiled Shakespeare character of the same name, is the creation of Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum. First appeared in 1981’s “Uncanny X-Men” #148, the albino mutant was created to have very pale complexion as well as huge yellow eyes. He is one of the founding members of Morlocks, which is a group of homeless and abandoned mutants who chose to live underground due to their grotesque appearance.

Already having the power to sense mutants within a 40km radius, Caliban changed his identity to Death after his powers were amplified by Apocalypse. Caliban was given superhuman strength, speed, stamina, durability, reflexes, and agility.

“X-Men: Apocalypse” will see Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence, and Nicholas Hoult reprising their roles as Magneto, Professor X, Mystique, and Beast. Additional cast include Oscar Isaac as Apocalypse, Rose Byrne as Moira MacTaggert, Tye Sheridan as Cyclops, Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, Alexandra Shipp as Storm, Kodi Smit-McPhee as Nightcrawler, Evan Peters as Quicksilver, and Lucas Till as Havok. It is unknown who will be portraying Caliban.

Fans won’t have to wait long to see “X-Men: Apocalypse” in cinemas, as it is slated for release exactly one year from now on 27th May 2016.

Sources: Comingsoon, Bryan Singer’s Instagram, X-Men Wikia


#Christmas: It’s A Winter Wonderland At Penang’s Queensbay Mall

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

If you think that the world’s first Swarovski Crystallised Merry Go Round in Pavilion KL is brilliant, perhaps you’ll be even more amazed by the Christmas decorations set up at Queensbay Mall, Penang.

To usher in the joyous Christmas season, the mall has transformed the central atrium space into a whimsical winter wonderland! Featuring a White Christmas theme this year, the venue is decked out with “snowy” trees along the canopy walk, elaborate chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and a majestic Christmas tree towering over everything else.

At close range, you’ll be able to spot a herd of white reindeer, several Santa Claus figures, and various snowmen. To make things even more interesting, there’s also a moving train around the exhibit that allows families to hop on. Isn’t that fun?

Also, there will be snowfall in the mall at 2pm and 8pm respectively, everyday from 17th – 25th December. Be sure to mark your calendar if you’re in Penang on those dates ;)

For more upcoming events at Queensbay Mall, check out their official website or head on over to their Facebook page.


#KualaLumpur: DBKL To Implement Motorcyle Stop Zones At Traffic Lights

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) is coming up with a new system and hopefully, this will cause less traffic incidents.

The governing body of Kuala Lumpur has decided to come up with special motorcycle stop zones at traffic lights, and will run a 3-month trial for motorists to get used to the arrangement.

Painted in red and white, the designated spot will be able to accommodate more than 20 motorcycles at one time. Motorcyclists will have to stop only at that area while waiting for the light to change. Other vehicles must also stop behind the zone.

The system will only be implemented at 3 locations initially, namely Jalan Raja Laut, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, and Jalan Tun Perak. However, it will be implemented at more roads in the future, and one of the potential locations is Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman.

After the trial period, all motorists who fail to abide by the system will be fined between RM50 to RM100.

Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Mhd Amin Nordin Abd Aziz also explained that the restructuring is “to improve overall traffic safety and provide better facilities for motorcyles to stop in a safe condition”.

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Supermarket Giant Tesco Looking Into Possible Sale Of Tesco Malaysia

The owner of popular British supermarket chain, Tesco, is looking into a possible sale of its operation in Malaysia and Thailand. This came after a statement made on Sunday (8th December 2019), where they revealed that a review was done on its operations in the two markets.

According to Reuters, the trigger for the review was due to a reported “inbound interest” that seems interested in Tesco’s operation in Malaysia and Thailand. However, no information has been given by the company over where the interest is from.

Currently, 30% of the Tesco Malaysia is owned by Sime Darby, which operates the Tesco supermarkets in major cities. However, Sime Darby group is recently looking into trimming its operation on what they considered non-core assets, with the supermarket chain being one of those assets.

Supermarket-goers have nothing to worry about at the moment, as talks of the sale is still in its early stages with no decision being made just yet. Tesco has also ensured customer that an announcement will be made if they decide to move forward with the sale.

“The evaluation of strategic options is at an early stage, no decisions concerning the future of Tesco Thailand or Malaysia have been taken, and there can be no assurance that any transaction will be concluded. A further announcement will be made if and when appropriate,” the company said.

So are you a regular at Tesco? If so, do you have a fond memory you like to share about the supermarket chain? Let us know about it in the comments section below.


Hype Eats: 10 Sweet & Tasty Treats To Try In The Klang Valley This Week (10th – 16th October)

“This is Halloween, this is Halloween, pumpkins scream in the dead of night!” One of our favourite things about October is Halloween and you know what people give out on Halloween? That’s right, tasty treats! Candy, sweets, and autumn-themed delicacies! What better way to enjoy the spooky season than mouth-watering desserts?

There’re loads of new stuff and returning favourites to try out as restaurants and cafes are getting into the Halloween spirit. Even if it’s not Halloween, why would anyone want to miss out on these special limited-edition edibles? From ice cream to chocolate to pudding to spicy chicken, here’s a list of all you should check out for this week’s Hype Eats:

A post shared by Starbucks Malaysia (@mystarbucks)

Starbucks’ long-awaited Pumpin Spice series is finally back! Whether you like it hot or iced, make this Autumn season better by getting the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Nitro Cold Brew, and the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino at your nearest Starbucks today! Plus, it’ll definitely look nice on your IG feed and we know you’ve been waiting all year for that!

If you’re not so into Pumpkins then we’d recommend their other new drinks: Brown Sugar Cocoa Oatmilk Frappuccino and Chocolate Malt Oatmilk Iced Shaken Espresso.

A post shared by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf MY (@coffeebeanmy)

Can’t get enough of Pumpkin-flavoured drinks? Well, you’re in luck cause Coffee Bean has something new to offer to customers! Head on over to any Coffee Bean outlet and savour the flavours of their new Pumpkin Ice Blended! Pumpkin, spice, and everything nice all in one! Perfect for a sunny day. What more could you ask for?

A post shared by CU Malaysia (@cu_malaysia)

While you’re out shopping for Halloween decorations or costumes, why not also treat yourself to some ice cream? Not just any ice cream though. If you happen to stumble upon a CU convenience store, go right in and try their “spooky” new treat; the Mint Soft Serve! This is definitely for all you Mint lovers out there. How could you say No to those googly eyes on the cones?

Speaking of Spicing up your October, why not head on over to KFC? Set your tongue on fire with their all-new Spicy Smoky Crunch set! What makes them special? The new spicy chicken recipe was inspired by espetadas – a traditional dish in Portuguese cuisine. Combined with KFC’s one-of-a-kind Hot & Spicy flavour, this will definitely get your mouths burning (not literally though don’t worry).

Time: 10am – 4:30pm (Monday – Saturday), 10:30am – 4:30pm (Sunday)

Location: No. 2, Jalan Teknologi 3/5, Taman Sains Selangor 1, Kota Damansara 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Planning on taking someone on a museum date? How about making it even sweeter by taking them to a Chocolate Museum in Damansara? That’s right. Sure, the museum itself isn’t made of chocolate as one would hope but you won’t be disappointed. Not only will you get to learn about the history and process of chocolate making, you’ll get to participate in the workshop and make your chocolate as well! Wouldn’t that be a splendid way to spend your date? Find out more here.

A post shared by 7-Eleven Malaysia (@7elevenmalaysia)

Talk about hot and cold at the same time right? In collaboration with Lingham’s Chilli Sause, try 7Cafe’s hottest and coolest dessert yet; the Flaming Choco Soft Serve! If you’re an adventurous foodie, you wouldn’t want to miss out on this now would you? Plus, it’ll be a fun dare game with your friends. Intrigued? Then better hurry cause it’s limited time only!

Bringing back CU Malaysia on our list. If ice cream or mint aren’t your thing from the previously mentioned dessert then how about pudding? Who doesn’t love good pudding? CU Malaysia got your sweet tooth covered with the new pudding series! So many flavours to choose from that we’re sure you’ll find something to your liking!

While desserts are great and all, they’re not necessarily filling (unless you’re binge eating them). So if you’re saving any of these desserts for later then treat yourself and your friends to a mouth-watering meal at the newly opened ASTONS Specialities in 1 Utama. It’s got all that you want in a western restaurant. Burgers, steaks, pasta, you name it. Just seeing the photos is enough to make anyone hungry.

A post shared by Le Shrimp Malaysia (@leshrimpmy)

Introducing Malaysia’s first shrimp broth ramen; the Umami Bomb Shrimp Broth Ramen! Le Shrimp Noodle Bar recently opened at iOi City Mall and if you like anything shrimp or ramen then this is the place for you. So dine in and be one of the first few hundred people to taste whatever the restaurant has to offer!

A post shared by Jollibee Malaysia (@jollibeemy)

Ending this list with another dessert to satisfy your appetite. Love peach? Love mango? Love pie? Then you’re gonna love Jollibee’s Peach Mango Pie! Ever so crispy, flaky and oozing with fresh peaches and mango. According to the fast food brand, one would definitely not be enough so go get them before they’re sold out folks!

We thought we’d include this as a bonus for all you food and wine lovers out there. Kloe Hotel and Traders Market are collaborating for this special KLove Food & Wine market event. Bring your friends and find wild jungle honey, boutique wines, locally-made cheese, chocolates, nut butters, cakes, artisanal ice creams and more!

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The Making Of The All New Laundry Bar

Yes, the rumours are true. The Curve, Mutiara Damansara’s most popular bar in back with brand new look following its recent major facelift. Major meaning a complete reinvention of what it used to be e.g. concept, entertainment, and music variety.

We were given a first look at the all new Laundry Bar just yesterday ahead of its official reopening, complete with an exclusive media tour by Llew Marsh (Marketing Manager of Laundry Bar). After which, he hung out with us at a cozy corner in the bar and told us everything we needed to know about the refurbishment – including the cost to “refresh” Laundry. You wouldn’t believe how much it cost them!

So, tell us about this decision to refurbish the bar.

“This is the second renovation that Laundry Bar has had. The whole idea is to try to take the market one step higher because the people who used to come here..who were in their 20s or 30s are now slightly older – five years older or six years older. Also, we want to capture the younger crowd so, we’re still targeting the Gen X as well as the Gen Y.”

Yes, and Laundry Bar looks awesome now! More inviting and warm. Can you tell us a little bit more about the concept behind the new design?

“As you can see it’s very vintage chic. Petrina is the designer so when she comes up with something, she’d usually go for an overall look, like an overall theme. But every area, she went all in with the details of every corner to make them slightly different from each other – different colour, different materials, etc. And everything that you see here today is custom made or custom-designed for Laundry Bar. The furniture are upholstered specifically for Laundry Bar. There are also posters from all around the world on our walls. Also, before, we didn’t have a permanent DJ booth back then but now we do! How much did the refurbishment cost? More than half a million in total.”

What kind of nights will you hold now with the refurbishing and the reopening of Laundry Bar?

“So on weekends, we do DJ acts. Fridays, we’re reintroducing retro night with DJ Jason which will play some old stuff but as the night progresses, it goes from 70s to 80s to 90s to the more current stuff. As the night gets later, the music gets younger! On Saturdays, we have DJ Fuzz, who has played here many times. He has got a very R&B hip hop feel to his music but as the night gets later, he drops more ‘Top 40s’ type of stuff.”

What’s the crowd like for Laundry Bar? Do you get a lot of adults or the young working people?

“The crowd we have here at night is of course the drinking crowd. In the daytime between 4 and 7 we get a lot of the happy hour crowd. You know, when people just wanna come here and listen to pop music, sit outside and have their beers or coffee. And because we’re next to Italiannies we also serve food and we serve food all night long. So if the bar opens till 1am, the food will still be available until 1am. You can have your pastas or pizzas here instead of looking for a place to eat at that time of the night.”

Are you guys planning to charge a cover charge now that you’re reopening with a brand new look?

“Only for international acts. Currently, our Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays are still open. Depending on what acts we bring in like..if they’re really, really big acts then we will charge a cover charge. But if you’re looking at a range then I’d say about RM30. It’s just a first drink charge.”

Nice! Thank you for taking time off your busy schedule to speak to us, Llew. So, drinks anyone? Laundry Bar at The Curve, yes?

Lot 72, Ground Floor, Western Courtyard,

For more information, visit their Facebook page.


#WorldStageMY: MTV Asia Announces Next Headliner – Jason Derulo

We already know that K-Pop idol girl group Apink, Japanese creative group SEKAI NO OWARI, and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen will be making their way over to Malaysia for the next edition of MTV World Stage Malaysia.

The burning question is, “Who else is coming?”

Don’t hold your breaths because the next headliner has just been announced by our friends at MTV Asia!

HEY MALAYSIA! You're the one that @jasonderulo wants to want at this year's #worldstagemy! Get ready to wiggle! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/V5O10RgajT

Jason Joel Desrouleaux, better known by his stage name Jason Derulo, is an American singer-songwriter and dancer. Since the start of his career as a solo recording artist in 2009, he has sold over 50 million singles and has achieved ten career platinum singles, including “Wiggle”, “Talk Dirty”, “In My Head”, and “Whatcha Say”.

Malaysia, you ready to wiggle with Jason or what? ;)

Recorded live for global telecast, the one-night only outdoor event is one of the biggest Southeast Asia music nights of the year, which brings multi-genre talents onto a single stage.

The show will premiere on MTV in Asia on Saturday, 26th September at 1.30pm (TH/WIB), 2.30pm (PH/SG) and 3.30pm (MY), Saturday, 10th October at 9pm (JP) and Sunday, 11th October at 12am (KR).

MTV VJs Alan and Hanli will reprise their roles as the event’s hosts.

MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015 is presented by Sunway and supported by Tourism Malaysia. In Malaysia, it is ignited by Xpax, brought to you by Brickfields Asia College, Watsons Malaysia, supported by local broadcast partner, Astro, radio partners hitz fm, ERA fm and MY FM, with media partners Big Tree Outdoor, Cleo, EH!, Hype Malaysia, Selebriti Online, TimeOut KL, and YG magazine.

Passes are not for sale and may be won by fans through game contests. To win passes to MTV World Stage Malaysia 2015, go here.

For more information, hit up MTV Asia’s Facebook page.

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The First Cartoon Network Waterpark In The World Presents The Humungaslide

First in the world, the Cartoon Network Amazone waterpark is set to open its doors in the early half of 2014. Cartoon Network Amazone reached an amazing construction breakthrough today by completing the Humungaslide, a high-speed water coaster designed based on the highly popular Ben 10 alien, Humungousaur.

The Omniverse zone features six high-speed water coasters that towers as high as twenty three meters in the air includes the Humagaslide will be one of the ten thrilling themed zones at Cartoon Network Amazone waterpark in coastal Bang Saray, Thailand.

Based on one of Ben 10’s largest aliens, the Humungaslide features two rafts racing each other in circular slides while speeding through bold turns before falling eight meters into the clutches of the Humungousaur. It is with no doubt that this ride will fulfil the anticipation that is seek by thrill seekers.


#Malaysia: The Bizarre Case Of Mass Hysteria At SMK Pengkalan Chepa II Is Back

The mass hysteria at SMK Pengkalan Chepa II in Kelantan has erupted again.

More than 30 female and several male students were stuck by the “body possession” phenomenon yesterday (4th May, Wesneday), causing the school to close early.

According to The Star Online, quoting a Form Two student identified as Mat, the hysteria occurred after the first break in the morning at about 10am when several students including his classmates started screaming and shouting.

“This hysteria is much worse than the last one. I saw my classmate was screaming at the top of her voice and was aggressive..it’s much scarier than the last one I saw. The affected students were immediately brought to the school’s infirmary with the help of civil defence personnel to ensure that our classes were not disrupted,” he said.

The school enlisted the help of 2 Civil Defence ambulances to take the students to the nearest government clinic. After which, about 1,000 students were allowed to leave school early after many were screaming and yelling for no apparent reasons.

Just last month, it was reported that several schools in Kelantan suffered from hysterical attacks, with 50 female students and teachers of SMK Pengkalan Chepa II struck by hysteria. At that time, one teacher told local news channel Astro Awani that she felt a “heavy” presence was hanging on to her, while another claimed that a “black figure” was attempting to enter her body.

This was supported by a photo which depicted a “black figure”, supposedly spotted at the grounds of one of the schools, that went viral on social media:

A figure, supposedly of the apparition, caught on camera by a SMK Pengkalan Chepa 2 student #Hysteria pic.twitter.com/SGUOyR87KC

— Philip Golingai (@PhilipGolingai) April 18, 2016

A senior staff member from the school later told BBC, “Our students were possessed and disturbed (by these spirits). We are not sure why it happened. We don’t know what it is that affected us. But the place is a bit old, and these children can be disobedient and sometimes throw their rubbish around the school grounds. Perhaps they hit some ‘djinns’ and offended the spirits.”

School authorities shut the school down and called in experts i.e. “bomohs” (witch doctors) to do prayer sessions and exorcisms. The news made international headlines, with outlets such as BBC and Vice covering the incident extensively.

Meanwhile, American-born sociologist Dr Robert Bartholomew, who has conducted extensive research on mass hysteria in Malaysia, explained that the incidents were a psychological phenomenon caused by stress and anxiety. He said that the real trigger of the mass hysteria attacks was the photo of the “black figure” as it contributed to people’s anxiety.

Sources: The Star Online, MMO, BBC, Astro Awani (1), Astro Awani (2), Straits Times, Vice / Featured image: MMO.

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#TheLittleMermaid: Director Sofia Coppola Calls It Quits, Cites Creative Differences

Uh-oh, looks like “The Little Mermaid” has lost its honcho, once again.

Sofia Coppola, who was previously set to helm Universal Pictures and Working Title Film’s live-action adaptation of Han Christian Anderson’s fairy tale “The Little Mermaid” has dropped out of director’s chair due to creative differences.

Well, we shouldn’t be surprised that Sofia dropped out as she is known for producing more indie and adult-themed movies which includes “Lost in Translation” and “The Bling Ring”.

Known for her work on “Edward Scissorhands”, Caroline Thompson is on board to re-pen the “The Little Mermaid” script, which was initially drafted by “Fifty Shades of Grey” and “Saving Mr.Banks” screenwriter Kelly Marcel. Even though the script is in place, the project has been facing various setbacks, preventing the production to progress “happily” forward. First, it was Joe Wright, who left the film to direct the upcoming “Pan” movie, and now, Sofia.

“The Little Mermaid” centres on a young mermaid who gives up her life in the sea for a human prince. The Hans Christian Andersen story, first published in 1837, has been adapted countless times for stage and screen (including Disney’s version) since then. This new version was originally said to have been inspired by a children’s puppet theatre production of the classic at London’s Little Angel Theatre Company.

In other news, Sofia has yet to reveal her next project, but she has just wrapped up “A Very Murray Christmas”, a Netflix project she directed and scripted with her “Lost in Translation” leading man Bill Murray. The Christmas project stars George Clooney, Miley Cyrus, and Amy Poehler.

Source: Deadline / Featured image: Thefrisky


#Johor: 6 ICU Patients Confirmed Dead In Sultanah Aminah Hospital Fire

Bomba Malaysia has confirmed that a fire at the Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) in Johor Bahru has left 6 patients, including 4 women and 2 men, dead.

The fire, which broke out at the southern Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on the 2nd floor of the hospital, started at around 8:55am today (Tuesday, 25th October).

The Director of Johor’s Fire and Rescue Department Othman Abdullah said 166 firemen and 10 emergency vehicles were rushed to HSA at 8:56am. According to Bomba Malaysia, a total of 7 patients were trapped in the ICU – 1 survived while 6 others died.

“There were 7 critically ill patients in the ICU who, according to doctors, were dependent on ventilators under normal circumstances and could not be moved without their beds,” Othman said, adding that the fire did not spread to other areas of the hospital.

In a statement, Minister of Health Dr S. Subramaniam said he was “deeply saddened” by the news and that authorities have “taken the necessary actions to control the fire and to rescue the patients/staff affected by the incident”.

“The Ministry of Health has taken all necessary rescue actions and precautions to safeguard the rest of the patients and staff, including evacuating them to ensure their safety. The cause of the fire is still under investigation and all relevant agencies are working together to keep the situation under control,” the statement added.

The Sultanah Aminah Hospital is the biggest hospital in Johor. The patient who survived the fire has been transferred to the Burn Unit at Sultan Ismail Hospital (about 17km away) while 2 of the affected hospital staff have been sent to a nearby hospital for treatment.

As at time of writing, the cause of the fire is still unknown.

Sources: Bomba Malaysia, Bernama via CNA.

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ZoukOut 2013 – First Wave Line Up

EDM revellers your favourite dance festival in Singapore, ZoukOut is back!

Taking you on a journey of transformation, go on this magical two day festival with ZoukOut as they bring you new sounds, new emotions and a whole new world where you are only limited by your mind!

ZoukOut 2013’s lineup includes music from various genres like Electro, Trance, House, Techno, Mambo Jambo, Hip Hop and Pop! Despite only being the first wave of lineup, ZoukOut 2013 are already drawing attention by bringing down some of the major names in the EDM scene.

The Dutch Dj who rose to fame with his hit singles Take Over Control and Can’t Stop Me Now, is currently number nine on DJ Mag’s Top 100 Djs. No newcomers to ZoukOut, Afrojack has collaborated with artistes like Steve Aoki, Diplo and Pitbull and will be back to bring you the best of dance music.

Spanish DJ Danny Avila is one of the hottest acts in the world of EDM. The eighteen year old was sixteen when he won the Best Newcomer DJ at the prestigious 2011Vicious Music Awards. He is also he youngest DJ to have debut sets at Coachella 2013 and play at the main stage of Ultra Music Festival 2013.

Dutch Dj maestro, Dash Berlin is known for his ability to move dance floors! The Dj-producer has released two full length albums, remixed for Justin Timberlake, Röyksopp and Annie Lennox. The man that heads to Singapore this December is no doubt the biggest crossover artist to date.

ZookOut 2013 will be the premier for American DJ, Lee Foss. Known for his dramatic underground House and Techno sounds, the DJ is described as one of the most talented new forces in modern dance today by DJ Mag.

He just came to say Hello! French DJ, Marin Solveig’s single Hello sold over two million copies in 2010 earning him the Parisian global recognition and platinum status in America, Germany, Italy and Australia. Hello also went platinum twice in Canada and Australia. The DJ is back with his fourth album and will have you dancing the away at ZoukOut 2013.

Australian twins Nervo made their name by writing smash singles for Ke$sha and Kylie Minogue. The duo also remixed for Katy Perry, Thirty Seconds to Mars and partnered up with David Guetta to co-write his Grammy winning hit When Love Takes Over. Currently working on their debut album, look out for Nervo’s signature dirty beats this December.

First brought tot the attention of Sebastian Ingrosso after meeting in their native in Stockholm, Otto Knows’ hit single Million Voices was created in the back of room of the studio while Sebastian and Alesso penned festival favourite Calling. A favourite across airwaves and Ibiza throughout 2012, Otto Knows is one to keep your eyes on.

Also a first timer in Singapore, German Dj Solomon has captured A-list status by winning the Best Producer title at the DJ Awards Ibiza and DJ of the year from Mixmag. One of the biggest underground producer of our time, Solomun has played a huge role in redefining European House music.

Named as the artist to watch in 2012 and 2013 by Rolling Stone, Zedd has played at major festivals such as Ultra Music Festival, Electric Daisy Carnival, Coachella, Lollapalooza and Electric Zoo in New York. The German Dj further established his name as a rising crossover star by performing a stripped down version of his hit Clarity on The Late Show with David Letterman. The performance showcased his classical training.

Day 1: December 13th, 2013 (Friday) 8.00pm to 5.00am

Day 2: December 14th, 2013 (Saturday) 8.0pm to 8.00am

Two Day Festival Passes: $168 (Available at ticketing.zoukclub.com)

Tickets are on sale till December 12th, 2013 (Thursday).

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Film Trend: Upcoming Biopics to Watch

While superhero films are making their way to the big screen, some filmmakers have picked up on the biopics trend and have started to make movies based on the life of the legendary global icons. However, biopics can be a great challenge as every little detail of the person’s life must be brought out onto the screen and the storytelling must be accurate. If the biopic is done wrong, it can be downright terrible and offensive.

Here, we’ve gathered the upcoming biopics you should watch out for – from fashion designer to criminal to singer – you will learn about their stories on the big screen soon.

R&B pop singer Aaliyah was one of the most talented singers in the music industry before she died tragically in a 2001 plane crash. At that time, she was only 22 years old and she was at the peak of her music career. It was recently announced that Disney’s star Zendaya will portray her role as Aaliyah in Lifetime’s upcoming movie, “Aaliyah: Princess of R&B”. The biopic is based on her biography “Aaliyah: More Than a Woman” and it will tell the inspirational journey of her life for being one of the most successful singers and 90s R&B icon.

*Update: It was reported that Aaliyah’s biopic will be put on hold as Zendaya will no longer portray Aaliyah due to several production issues including obtaining the right to Aaliyah’s music.

It’d require incredibly good vocals and a whole lot of confidence for someone to portray her role as Whitney Houston in Lifetime’s upcoming biopic. As it turns out, the model-turned-actress Yaya Dacosta fits the requirements as she is set to play the late singer in the biopic. It was reported that the biopic will tell the story of the singer’s early relationship with Bobby Brown and it will be released in 2015.

The Kray twins, the British gangster twins built up their criminal empire in the East End of England and became one of the most famous criminals of all time. The twins’ personalities are very different from each other but they are both manipulative. All the vicious crimes committed by the Kray twins will be documented into a biopic titled “Legend”. Both twin brothers, Ronnie and Reggie Kray, will be played by Tom Hardy (as seen in the image above) and it was reported that the actor will be playing Elton John in a separate biopic “Rocketman” as well.

With hits like “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”, Hank Williams shot to fame with his melodic country music and became one of the America’s first country musicians. The country musician later died of a heart attack at the age of 29 in 1953. However, his songs are still very much alive until today and his grandsons are also some of the most popular country musicians in America. His musical journey and his personal life will be documented into a biopic titled “I Saw The Light”. The British actor Tom Hiddeston has been cast as the country singer and yes, he will be singing in the film too.

Yves Saint Laurent, the ground-breaking designer has always influenced the fashion industry with his designs in countless ways -even until today. Throughout his entire life and his whole career as a designer, there were a lot of untold stories behind Saint Laurent’s successful life as he sacrificed his energy to create masterpieces for his collection. Thus, this biopic will explore the most interesting parts of his life as well as how fame affected his personal life.

Directed by Tim Burton, “Big Eyes” is an upcoming biopic about the complicated relationship between the painter Margaret Keane and her husband as they rose to fame for their phenomenal works in the 1950s. All their paintings (which featured big-eyed children) became instantly popular in the 1950s to the 1960s. However, both artists got into a legal battle as both trying to prove who’s the actual painter of drawings. The biopic is set to release on Christmas Day 2014 and the couple will be played by Christoph Waltz and Amy Adams.


5 Hiking Trails Around South Korea That Are Worth The Climb

There are countless reasons why so many of us love to travel to South Korea. From taking in the glorious views of the city on top of the Seoul Tower to reliving history at an ancient palace, tourists from all around the world are captivated by this nation’s grand attractions.

And while many adore its bountiful attractions, its popular hiking trails rank high on any travellers itinerary. As South Korea is a lush and green nation covered in mountains, it is the perfect hiking destination surrounded by an abundance of trails. Whether you prefer to enjoy a short and easy hike or take on a more adventurous feat, this vast region has a hiking trail that will suit all of your wanderlust needs.

As a large part of the land in South Korea is mountainous, tourists can explore a long list of different hiking trails. These trails are all noteworthy, but some stand out to tourists for a variety of reasons. With this in mind, we have created a list of 5 unique hiking trails that you must explore when visiting South Korea. And yes, all of them lead to the most stunning views in the country.

Hallasan is the tallest mountain in South Korea located on the volcanic island of Jeju. This popular island is also known as the “Hawaii of Korea” because it’s home to both golden beaches and volcanos. Hallasan is one such shield volcano that towers at 1,950 meters above sea level. This mountain is said to be a sacred place for many Koreans, who believe that the gods and spirits they worship live on it.

Hallasan has five trails that lead to its peak, with each presenting varying degrees of incline and difficulty. Beginners can choose to reach the top and come back down within a few hours, while more expert climbers can opt to hike for even a full day. From these five trails, the Seongpanak trail is favoured by most hikers because of its gradual incline and relatively easier climb.

Jirisan is the tallest mountain in mainland South Korea and the second tallest overall, towering at a majestic height of 1925 meters. It’s located in the Jirisan National Park, which is the largest national park in the country. This popular park spans over three provinces, with the largest proportion being in the province of South Gyeongsang, where the tallest peak of Jirisan is also located.

The mountain is home to a multitude of trails where you can choose either a three-hour return hike or a multi-day hike to watch the sunrise from its highest peak, Cheonwangbong. As Jirisan is also located within a national park itself, travellers can explore more than just hiking at this destination. Travellers can visit seven Buddhist temples, view ancient stone carvings, and learn about the biodiversity conservation programmes at the park as well.

If you’re visiting South Korea for a short trip to the city but also want to enjoy a quick hike, Bukhansan is the ideal hiking destination for you. This mountain sits at the border of the city at the northern periphery of Seoul, making it very convenient to visit for a day trip. The view from its peak allows you to take in the splendour of Seoul and the large granite rocks that surround the area.

Bukhansan has multiple trails for hikers to choose from, with the most popular taking only two hours to reach its highest peak, Baegundae, at 836.5 meters. Hikers who explore this trail will also be able to see a replica of the ancient Bukhansanseong Fortress wall on their hike. There are also two other peaks on the mountain to choose from, Insubong at 810.5 meters and Mangyeongdae at 787 meters.

Seoraksan is the tallest peak on the Taebaek mountain range, gliding along the east coast borders of North and South Korea. Seoraksan’s highest peak is known as Daecheongbong, which rises over the entire region at an astonishing height of 1,708 meters. While the mountain is quite high, the trail takes only 3 hours for hikers to reach its peak. Hikers can start their climb before the break of dawn and reach the peak in time to enjoy the best sunrise view in South Korea.

If you’re not in the mood for a hike but still want to enjoy the picturesque view, you can ride a cable car that will take you up to the mountain. Additionally, as Seoraksan mountain is located inside the Seoraksan National Park, travellers can also experience the beauty of its natural diversity with 1,500 animal species and over 1,000 plants. You can also visit two Buddhist temples located inside the park, with one being known for its ponds that are connected to the streams on the mountain.

Geumjeongsan Mountain is located between Buk-gu and Geumjeong-gu, which is in the Busan area of South Korea. This mountain is not one of the tallest in the country as it is only 801 meters in height. However, it’s not known for its size but for its spectacular forest, rugged cliffs, and cable car rides. This mountain is loved by tourists as its relatively easy to climb while its peak provides a breathtaking view of Busan.

From all the trails on Geumjeongsan we recommend trying out the one which starts at Beomeosa Temple. This trail passes through the famous Geumjeongsanseong Fortress, reaches the Godangbong Peak, and ultimately ends the hike at the picturesque Geumsaem Well. Everyone who visits this destination is guaranteed to have a pleasant adventure that will make their trip to South Korea very rich and exciting.

With a list of amazing hiking destinations such as these, it goes without saying that South Korea is definitely a must-visit destination for when the Covid-19 pandemic is finally over. When we can start travelling again the only thought in our minds will be that these hiking trails are both worth the climb and worth the wait!

So, without further ado, let’s start planning our trip to South Korea with Sedunia Travel and Korea Tourism Organization. Get the latest news and information about South Korea from KTO’s official website. At the meantime, Sedunia Travel has a range of exciting holiday packages that give you the opportunity to visit all of these hiking trails with ease and convenience. Visit their website now to learn more and start planning! It’s time to imagine your Korea.

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#Apple: Christian Bale No Longer In Steve Jobs Biopic

The casting for Aaron Sorkin’s upcoming Steve Jobs biopic is back to square one after the award-winning actor Christian Bale bailed himself out of the biopic.

Best known for his role as Batman in the Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight” trilogy, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Bale won’t play the famed Apple co-founder Steve Jobs in Sorkins’ upcoming biopic. Despite not having to audition for the role, sources told The Hollywood Reporter that Bale felt conflicted and concluded that he was not right for the part.

Previously, screenwriter Aaron Sorkin (of The Social Network fame) enthusiastically confirmed that Bale will play Steve Jobs in Sony’s upcoming biopic about the famed Apple co-founder. “We needed the best actor on the board in a certain age range and that’s Chris Bale,” said Sorkin during an interview with Bloomberg Television on 23rd Oct.

This is the second time a high-profile actor has dropped out of Steve Jobs biopic as Leonardo DiCaprio received an offer from Sony to play the role as well. However, the actor rejected the role and moved on to shoot an upcoming American western thriller film, “The Revenant”. Bale earlier received the offer to play Steve Jobs as well when renowned director David Finch was attached to helm the project.

As of now, it was only reported “Neighbours” actor Seth Rogen is in talks to play Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. He will be one of the most important roles in the biopic as the script is said to be divided 3 acts, detailing Jobs’ life and his journey in co-founding the company.

However, no official offer has been made for Seth Rogen yet and Bale’s departure might affect the casting. Set to be directed by Danny Boyle (of Slumdog Millionaire), the film does not have an official title and release date yet.

Now, don’t blame Bale for quitting the film because he once said “It’s not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me.” Who do you think can play Steve Jobs in the upcoming biopic? Let us know in the comments box below!


#HistoryChannel: Survival Experience Programme #Alone To Air On 22nd June

Remember when HISTORY Channel invited us to try the Oculus Rift 4D Experience?

We don’t know about you, but we sure had a lot of fun as HISTORY Asia allowed us city folks in KL to experience the jungle life at Sunway Pyramid last weekend. We are now proud to call ourselves the survivors of the wild, but if you were also at the event, we know for a fact that you are as brave and awesome as we are ;)

However, no matter how brave we claim ourselves to be, we’re sure that we can’t compare to the 10 contestants that went into the wild “Alone” with nothing else but themselves.

What we had was just a glimpse into what all 10 participants in “Alone” might also have experienced on their own, but without being sheltered and comfortable. Claimed to be the “ultimate test of man’s will to survive”, HISTORY’s new reality TV show “Alone” will leave you shell shocked.

The 10 participants of the show will be entering the wilderness of Vancouver Island only carrying what they can fit in a small backpack. They must hunt, build shelters, fend off predators, and endure extreme isolation and psychological distress as they plunge into the unknown and document the experience themselves. At the end of the programme, $500,000 will be awarded to the participant who lasts the longest.

“We have seen survival shows before but never this extreme,” said Michele Schofield, SVP, Programming & Production, A+E Networks® Asia. “Our series has no gimmicks or camera crews. It’s an enthralling experience to witness the challenges of survival in the wild and see the very real psychological challenges of being truly alone for an extended period.”

“Alone” is the boldest and longest extreme psychological experiment attempted for television. With no camera crew, producers or support teams, 10 hard core survivalists will have to endure the mission to stay alive in the wilderness for as long as possible.

The highly anticipated reality programme will premiere next Monday (22nd June) at 11pm on HISTORY (Astro Ch 555 & 575). “Alone” will also air as a synchronised global TV event, airing in over 200 territories worldwide on HISTORY and other channels from the A+E Networks’ portfolio.

Don’t forget to tune in to watch the 10 survivalist experts face the wilderness! ;)

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