Wonder Women Of Hip-Hop To Take Over Ecoba

What? Women can’t do hip-hop? Say who? This Sunday, all of your preconceptions are about to change.

Known to be Kuala Lumpur’s main source of and people behind live hip-hop, an interesting twist will be throwing in the of mix of the next installment of Raising The Bar’s events.

Featuring an all-girl lineup, the event poster strictly says that it’ll be no “sausage fest”. Well, we’ll see. With the amount of acts, it’s hard to believe that Malaysian hip-hop fans and men alike won’t swarm the place:

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Cleverly named, “Raising The Bra“, it’ll feature live performances by Kirstie & Cass3y Maximus, Kayda, Kim Sng, Nadhira, Al Caponey CSBTEA, Mira Tilu, Hunny Madu, Songstress, Shikara, Ain Zulkifly, plus one legendary act!

Who is it? You’ll have to drop all your weekend plans (we don’t get no sleep) and head on over to find out.

The Sunday will also see DJ sets by Arabyrd, Ms. Behave, and Naj Frusciante, alongside the music video premiere of Lynnzay A’s “Jejaka Idaman” ft Juzzthin. And oh, because it’s a “girl’s thang”, you can also expect to be shopping at the Swagger Salon, Baked Cookies, and Butter Joints’ pop-up booths!

Word of advice: Just don’t leave all your dough at home, numsayin’? Now, who said that hip-hop was only all about “gangstas” and “blings” alone? Deets are as follows:

Venue: Ecoba Restaurant & Bar B-G-02, Level 1, Menara Bata (Tower B) PJ Trade Centre, Bandar Damansara Perdana

Hit up Raising The Bra’s Facebook page for more information and don’t forget to join in the Twitter conversation with @jiniusatwork by using the #raisingthebra hashtag!

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#KidCudi: Rapper Checks Into Rehab Due To Depression & Suicidal Urges

American rapper and actor Kid Cudi (real name Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi) has checked himself into rehab for depression after suffering for years from anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

The 32-year-old recording artiste made the difficult decision to post up an official statement on his Facebook page earlier this week.

In his post, he said that he felt ashamed and that he has been having suicidal urges because he’s not at peace. Kid Cudi also called himself a damaged human swimming in a pool of emotions every day of his life, adding that there’s a raging violent storm inside of his heart at all times.

“I don’t know what peace feels like. I don’t know how to relax. My anxiety and depression have ruled my life for as long as I can remember and I never leave the house because of it,” he wrote.

“I deserve to have peace. I deserve to be happy and smiling. Why not me? I guess I give so much of myself to others I forgot that I need to show myself some love too. I think I never really knew how. I’m scared, I’m sad, I feel like I let a lot of people down and again, Im sorry. It’s time I fix me,” he explained.

Read his Facebook statement in full below:

This is not the first time that Kid Cudi has openly spoken about his struggles with depression as well as alcohol and drug addiction. He previously discussed his addictions with the fix and admitted that he was an alcoholic. And in 2010, he told MTV about his substance abuse, particularly cocaine and marijuana. It was a problem that he said was triggered by having to deal with fame.

“I couldn’t deal with fame, short and simple. For me, I could not wrap my head around the fact that a week before I blew up, I was just a regular dude, and a week after, it was just on, it was a whole other thing. When I first started getting recognized in the street it was cool, ’cause it wasn’t extreme, it was just like, ‘Oh man I like your music. Could I take a picture?’ It was chill. But then, when it started to be everywhere I went, it was hard for me because I never wanted to make that adjustment,” he revealed.

He also claimed to have been able to quit his addictions without clinical help (read: rehab) because he didn’t “believe in these things”.

As an actor, Kid Cudi has appeared on both the big as well as small screen and his filmography includes “Need for Speed” (2014), “Entourage” (2015), as well as an episode of “One Tree Hill” (2010). An an artiste, he has released a total of 5 solo albums to date, the latest being “Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven” in 2015. His 6th album, “Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin'” was initially scheduled for release in September.

Kid Cudi also has quite an impressive list of awards and nominations for his work.


Asteroid Will Narrowly Miss Earth – Again

According to NASA, an asteroid some 150-feet wide identified as “2012 DA14” will intersect Earth’s orbit on Friday afternoon (2:24pm EST). This is the closest documented encounter of an asteroid this large (excluding ones which actually smashed into the Earth).

How close? Only about 17,500 miles above our heads. How large? Let’s just say that an asteroid the size of this is capable of blasting a crater (like the one-mile wide hole known as “Meteor Crater” in Arizona) with the equivalent of hundreds of Hiroshima atomic bombs.

Yeah. Take a deep breath, why don’t you?

Several recent asteroids have come closer than DA14 but were much smaller (tens of feet in size). And, when it comes to the consequences of an Earth-asteroid collision, size really matters. Only last December a somewhat smaller asteroid, XE54, passed within about 140,000 miles of Earth, and was about as close to crashing into Earth as an asteroid can without actually doing so.

Phew. Close call! It’s alright peeps. We’re safe.

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Our Fave DJs/Producers Take On The #ALSIceBucketChallenge

So, by now you’ve seen a series of celebrity videos for the #ALSIceBucketChallenge. It definitely has come a long way since Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg took on the challenge before passing the baton on to Microsoft’s Bill Gates.

Heck, it went so far out that it even managed to reach the gasp of some of our favourite people in Asia such as Super Junior’s Siwon Choi (who later challenged fellow Super Junior members Donghae and Eunhyuk) and “Heavenly King” Andy Lau (who cleverly passed the challenge on to a “King” of another territory, Jay Zhou).

Can you believe that all of the above happen only in the span of a few days? Exactly!

And now, it seems that some of our favourite chart-topping DJs/producers have caught the bug too. But before we get into that, here’s what you need to know about the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

The “Ice Bucket Challenge” was started in July by Pete Frates, 29, a former Boston College baseball player who has been battling ALS since 2011 and it has now become a worldwide craze. It’s actually part of a campaign to raise money in fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurodegenerative disease that attacks the brain and the spinal cord.

One such person who has suffered from the disease for many years now is none other than the world’s most celebrated brilliant physicist, Stephen Hawking.

The campaign requires an individual to dump a bucket of ice water on their head. After which, they’re allowed to challenge 3 more people to do the same within 24 hours. If someone refuses, the penalty is donating USD100 to the ALS Association. The stunt has raised millions for ALS so far!

Here are some of our (and your) favourite DJs/producers getting chilled right down to the bone for a good cause:

Not only did Armin van Buuren take on the challenge, he also pledged to donate €5000 to the cause.

Which one did you like the best? Perhaps it’s still too early to judge as we’re still waiting on the other DJs/producers that were nominated in the videos above. Who’d you like to see take on the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge next?

We’ll add more videos to the list as and when they surface!


Alexandros (ALXD) Announces Concert Venue & Ticketing Details

Rejoice J-rock fans! [Alexandros], also known as ALXD (アレキサンドロス) is returning to Kuala Lumpur soon.

In case you don’t remember, the Japanese quartet was in Malaysia last September where they performed at KL Live. Malaysian fans must have left a good impression since they are coming back for more performances.

As seen in the poster above, Alexandros’ “Sleepless” Asia tour also includes Shanghai, Taipei (Taiwan), Beijing (China), Hong Kong, and Seoul (South Korea). They’ll kick off their tour in mid June before arriving in Malaysia the following month.

Formed in 2007, Alexandros (previously known as Champagne) is made up of lead vocalist Yoohei Kawakami (川上 洋平), guitarists Hiroyuki Isobe (磯部 寛之) and Masaki Shirai (白井 眞輝), together with drummer Satoyasu Shomura (庄村 聡泰).

Organised by ToyBox, the details to Alexandros’ “Sleepless” in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:

The concert will be an all-standing event. Concert tickets will on sale at TicketCharge on 19th April from 10am onwards.

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#Toll: 3 Highway Concessionaires Offer Toll Rebates On Christmas Day

Following Litrak Group’s announcement of a toll discount for LDP and SPRINT highway users on Christmas Day, several other highway concessionaires will be offering motorists a seasonal “treat” too.

In conjunction with the Christmas season, a total of 3 highway concessionaires are offering toll rebates on selected roads. The 3 highway concessionaires are PLUS Malaysia Berhad, Syarikat Mengurus Air Banjir and Terowong Sdn Bhd (SMART), and Maju Expressway Sdn Bhd (MEX).

According to The Star Online, citing PLUS Malaysia Berhad chief operating officer Mohammad Fuad Khusairi, users of Class 1 vehicles would benefit from a 20% rebate when they utilise the electronic toll payment system on 25th December.

The rebate will be inserted in their Touch ‘n Go or PLUSMiles cards by way of a top-up between 15th January and 14th April 2016.

The rebate is for toll on the PLUS network of highways, which include:

Unforrtunately, motorists would no benefit from the rebate at the Tanjung Kupang, Bukit Kayu Hitam, Sultan Iskandar Building, and Penang Bridge toll plazas.

On a separate note, SMART announced that all motorists using the SMART tunnel between 6am on 25th December and 6am on 26th December will enjoy a 20% discount. According to SMART Highway chief operating officer Mohd Fuad Kamal Ariffin, the discount serves as a token of appreciation for users of the SMART tunnel on Christmas Day.

As for Maju Expressway, a 10% discount would be given to motorists from 12am 25th December to 11:59pm on 26th December. “Users of the Seri Kembangan toll plaza can continue to enjoy the toll-free ride until further notice,” MEX corporate senior executive officer Saiful Bakhri Mohd Annuar added.


Amazed By “Imports”

Walk in without any expectations. That’s the best advice we can give you if you plan to (and you must) catch the original double bill play, “Imports”. We spoke briefly about the play a week ago before it opened at Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre on the 21st June 2012. So it was only fair to attend it, watch it in full gear, see it with our own eyes, you know the drill.

“Method“, directed by writer-at-heart Jude James is a love story that is a normal as they day is long. “I love you”, “I’ll do this and that for you because you like it”, “You are amazing”, “I love you, I love you, I love you” – all too sweet. As part of the audience, you would think you know better until it starts getting “over the top” and it introduces a strange character. Suddenly, love seemed murderous.

When asked about their theory behind “Method”, Marvin Wong said, “For us, the beauty of the story comes from the fact that it’s a very simple love story made complicated by the fact that they have very perverse tastes. To them, of course, it’s not that perverse.”

“Street Lamp Named Desire“, written by Thomas Pang (who also acted in it) and directed by Marvin Wong is a love story of another kind, maybe driven to slight insanity by loneliness. Depending on how you choose to interpret it, the two lead “not very human” characters seem to bounce off each other like the “right shoulder, left shoulder” – if you know what we mean. In entirety, humour and comic relief moments aside, the play talks about courage and timing.

“When you’re with someone that you love, really, nothing else in the world matters. All sense of responsibility, all sense of logical reasoning, is out the window”, said Jude James of the concept behind the play.

We could go on and on but we might spoil it for you.

There was also some point between the two half-hour plays that it dawned upon us that the cast was as talented as they were good looking! You now what that means – we had to pry. And we did.

When asked about the pick of people chosen to take on the roles of the characters, Marvin said, “For me, personally, I started this project because I really wanted to work with Thomas and Jude. I’ve heard of Jude’s work and I worked with Thomas in a production just before this one and I just met them and..I was just really excited to work with them. Medina was an obvious choice because she was already on hand and she was available and she was ready.”

“And she’s new! It was important from us from day one. There’s not point in doing shows if we’re always using the same people because one, you guys will eventually get sick of seeing the same names and the same faces, and two, there are only so many ways that you can mold an actor“, added Jude.

Our take? Honestly? Two half hours worth sitting through and contemplating about after. We know we sat for a long time trying to dissect “Method” – only because it was that good.

And we think you should go catch it before its final curtain call on the 1st July 2012 (Sunday). Deets are as follows:

Dates & Times: 21st to 23rd June (8.30pm), 23rd to 24th June (3pm), 26th to 30th June (8.30pm), 30th June to 1st July (3pm)

Venue: Indicine, The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC) Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan 51100 Kuala Lumpur

Ticketing: RM 28 (Adults), RM 18 (Students, Disabled, TAS cardholders, Thirstea™ Membership card holders)

To purchase tickers, call +603-4097 9000 or walk-in to KLPAC or The Actors Studio at Lot 10. Alternatively, you could also purchase your tickets online via iLASSO Tickets.

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(UPDATE) #RockawayReturns: Get Ready To Rock Out At 2 Rockaway Festivals This Year

The Livescape Group today announced that its highly anticipated rock platform, Rockaway, will be making a return this year.

The festival which took a break for the last 3 years, is dubbed as Malaysia’s premier rock festival and has in the past featured the likes of Bring Me The Horizon, Dashboard Confessional, You Me At Six, Sum 41, and Paramore among many others.

Rockaway’s return in 2016 however, will be marked by not one but 2 major festivals. The first, a 2-day event to be held at Sepang International Circuit on 29th and 30th October. The event which will be branded as the “Rockaway Weekender” will feature legendary rockers Scorpions, local legends Wings, and Muzza’s Mayhem on Day 1 (29th October).

Day 2 (30th October) will see the likes of Wolfmother, and regional acts such as WTNSS, Daarchlea, and Artefacts. According to organisers, they will be looking to add “one or two more international headliners” for this day.

With over 10,000 fans expected on each day, the Rockaway Weekender will be held at the B Hillstand at Sepang International Circuit that overlooks turns 13 to 14 of the track. This allows concert-goers to also watch the MotoGP race from the Rockaway Arena.

Following on from the Rockaway Weekender, the 2nd Rockaway festival, dubbed as Rockaway The Saga Continues, takes place on 19th November at Extreme Park, Bukit Jalil. Rockaway The Saga Continues will see the likes of Third Eye Blind, Taking Back Sunday, and The Get Up Kids performing live in Malaysia.

The 2nd Rockaway festival will also feature a nostalgic return for local heroes Butterfingers, who will be putting on their first full performance in close to 7 years which also marks their 20th anniversary show at Rockaway The Saga Continues. Other nostalgic performances include Zainal Abidin (30th anniversary show), One Buck Short (13th anniversary show), and the return of Alleycats.

The festival will also feature a one-of-a-kind collaboration between the founding members of OAG and Hujan where they will be sharing a stage in a live “band battle”. Reunions are also in place for iconic rockers LyMe who will be returning for a one-off performance at Rockaway.

The Livescape Group today announced the addition of The Darkness, Oh Chentaku, and Deja Voodoo Spells feat. Bumblefoot and the 11 Piece Book of Spells Orchestra to the Rockaway Malaysia MotoGP Weekend; a 2-day event held at Sepang International Circuit on 29th and 30th October. The Rockaway Malaysia MotoGP Weekend is the first of 2 Rockaway festivals set to take place this year.

Oh Chentaku, a Malaysian band formed in 2007 gained mainstream recognition and won the hearts of many as the “indie darlings” after joining the hit reality TV program “Versus” in 2013. Oh Chentaku will be sharing the stage with legendary rockers Scorpions, local legends Wings and Muzza’s Mayhem on Day 1 of the Rockaway Malaysia MotoGP Weekend on 29th October.

Day 2 of the Rockaway Malaysia MotoGP Weekend on 30th October will see the addition of British hard rock, glam metal band, The Darkness, bringing a quirky vibe and a different sound to the lineup. Malaysian 3-piece band, Deja Voodoo Spells, will be making an appearance on the Rockaway stage again since 2011 this time featuring guitar virtuoso, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal and the 11 Piece Book of Spells Orchestra. Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal was one of the 2 lead guitarist for Guns N’ Roses and is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer. These talented musicians will share the stage with the likes of Wolfmother, and regional acts such as WTNSS, Daarchlea, and Artefacts.

Tickets to both festivals are available for sale now via www.galactix.asia.

Alternatively, fans can head down to A Sunday Rockaway Affair at TREC Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, 28th August, to purchase tickets at a 15% discount. The promo is valid for one-day only. Tickets are available from RM98 in the categories of single day passes, two-day weekend passes for the Rockaway Weekend or a Rock Passport for all 3 shows.

Both the Rockaway Malaysia MotoGP Weekend shows will be merged into a 1-day explosive rock festival on 29th October at B Hillstand, Sepang International Circuit. The festival, which was originally meant to be a 2-day affair, will now see Scorpions, Wolfmother, The Darkness, Wings, and Muzza’s Mayhem share the stage. The venue remains unchanged.

Organisers said the decision to merge both show was due to scheduling conflicts.

“We have decided to merge the 2-day festival to just a 1-day event due to a scheduling and production conflict with one of the headlining acts. However, this may well be a blessing in disguise as our fans ultimately benefit from this. With the merger of both shows, single-day ticket holders will now also be able to catch more international acts on a single billing,” Rahul Kukreja, Director of Live Events of The Livescape Group said.

Tickets purchased for both single-day passes either for Day 1 (29th October) or Day 2 (30th October) are still valid and will be granted entry into the merged show. Refunds however will be provided to those who purchased single-day Day 2 passes (30th October) and cannot make it to the festival on 29th October. For more information, fans are encouraged to contact Livescape at ask@livescape.asia.

For more information, visit Rockaway Festival’s Facebook page.

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(UPDATE) #ForeverSummer: Sunway Lagoon Event Featuring Emma Hewitt Cancelled

We hate to be the bearer of bad news but apparently, the “Forever Summer Beach Festival 2016” party featuring Emma Hewitt at Sunway Lagoon has been cancelled.

Emma Hewitt is a Australian-born vocalist who’s known for her haunting voice and distinctive singing style. To date, she has been featured in numerous tracks from of the world’s most respected names in electronic dance music such as Cosmic Gate, Dash Berlin, Armin van Buuren, and more. Emma was supposed to headline the event alongside a host of other local artistes.

The issue with the event’s permit first came to light when political activist Eddy Casmady, who single-handedly caused the cancellation of a local music festival earlier this month, raised his “concerns” about “Forever Summer Beach Festival 2016”. He called out the event to be “immoral” and branded it an “Alcohol Festival in Selangor” because it’s sponsored by Asahi and Somersby Cider.

In his Facebook post dated 21st April, he stated, “It seems that in Selangor, alcohol festivals like these are so revered, respected, and given permits so easily despite going against the moral values of a country that reinforces the backdrop of Islamic rule.”

On 25th April, in responding to Eddy Casmady, the Arts, Live Festival and Events Association (ALIFE) said, “The organiser of an upcoming event in Sunway Lagoon, a current target of political victimisation, has followed all requirements and have received support and approvals from all relevant authorities. Entry to the event is permitted only to patrons aged 18 years and above with restricted alcohol zones for non-muslims’ access only. Malaysia is a country that is made up of different races and religion, and ALIFE firmly believes that it should be up to the individual to decide the type of entertainment they want to consume, as long as it is not against the federal laws of the country.”

But it wasn’t enough to stop anyone in their tracks, it seems, because yesterday (Thursday, 28th April), Eddy posted up a picture of an entire entourage filing a police report against “Forever Summer Beach Festival 2016” at the Sunway/Subang Jaya police station.

This was followed by the Harakahdaily article, which confirmed that the event will not be allowed due to protests from various parties including the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) and Geng Ustaz. PAS Selangor’s Council Secretary Ustaz Muhammad Najhan Halim, who wrote the piece, said, “We welcome the cancellation of the event with gratitude as preventing wrongdoing is our responsibility.”

Eddy himself uploaded what appears to be an official letter from the Subang Jaya district police chief:

The event, organised by KC&Friends & Electronic Qash, was scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday, 30th April) at Surf Beach @ Sunway Lagoon. As at time of writing, the organisers have yet to comment on the cancellation.

The organisers have posted up an official statement regarding the above news, confirming that the event has been cancelled despite obtaining prior approvals from the authorities. “We are extremely upset at this outcome as we have worked tirelessly for months to prepare a full fledged festival experience for all music lovers.
While we are disappointed with this unexpected turn of events, relevant parties have advised us to still host Emma Hewitt who is already on her way to Malaysia at an indoor venue which is deemed more suitable by authorities. We hope this gives both Emma Hewitt a chance to still perform for her Malaysian fans and a chance for the ticket holders to still witness her performance,” the statement said.

“Details of this possibility will be announced within the next 24 hours. Please be patient with us as we try to secure an alternative to all our ticket holders,” it added.


First Listen: Yuna’s New Single, “I Wanna Go”

Earlier this year, it was revealed that Malaysian darling Yuna has officially signed on to Verve Music Group. Upon the announcement, her adoring fans waited with bated breath to hear from her.

Yuna says that “Sixth Street”, her upcoming EP, is like a new chapter in her illustrious music career, and that all the songs were written in her apartment where she’s most comfortable. The project also went to her at a point in her life where she understood who she was and knew what she was feeling about life. Deep!

And now, you can check out Yuna’s first single, “I Wanna Go” off her new EP, “Sixth Street” right here!

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The EP will be released on 7th May 2013.

The release of her EP will be accompanied by an exclusive performance on virtual venue platform Stageit On 7th May at 6pm PST (10am on 8th May in Malaysia), fans get to access a live feed where Yuna will perform songs from the EP as well as other favourites. Tickets to the live feed is priced at US$10 (RM30) each.

For more information, hit up Yuna’s Facebook page.

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#WhatsApp: Users Can Now Text From WhatsApp’s Desktop Apps For Windows & Mac

Slightly more than a year ago, popular cross-messaging platform WhatsApp Messenger rolled out WhatsApp Web, making it possible for us to reply our messages via desktop. Today, the app is taking it to the next level by introducing an actual desktop app!

Like WhatsApp Web, the new desktop app is an extension of your phone because it sync conversations and messages from your mobile device.

This means that you have a new way to stay in touch anytime and anywhere, whether on your phone or computer at home or work. And because the app runs natively on your desktop, you’ll have support for native desktop notifications, better keyboard shortcuts, and more.

Like WhatsApp Web, the desktop app offers the same function as WhatsApp for mobile, except voice calling. You can’t voice-call your contacts but you can record and send soundbites, as well as files from your computer.

The WhatsApp desktop app will definitely help WhatsApp compete against other similar messaging services such as iMessenger, WeChat, LINE, and Skype. For users, this also means that you no longer have to have an extra tab open on your browser to run your WhatsApp conversations.

The new desktop app is available for Windows 8+ and Mac OS 10.9+ and is synced with WhatsApp on your mobile device.

To download the app, go here from your desktop browser. Then, open the app and scan the QR code using the WhatsApp app on your phone (look for WhatsApp Web menu under Settings). And you’re good to go :)


50 Shades Of Nothing For Emma Watson

In a strange twist of events, online hacker collective Anonymous claimed that they successfully hacked into the internal server of German studio Constantin Film, stealing international documents and e-mail addresses.

Together with a hacker team called, “M3du5a”, they published online what were said to be international documents with information on films in development that Constantin is considering for acquisition. One apparently has Emma Watson attached to star in Focus Features’ upcoming “Fifty Shades of Grey” adaptation, confirming a widely reported rumour.

Wait, what? So the rumours about her possibly taking on the role of Anatasia Steele were true all along?

Almost immediately, Emma Watson herself took it to her Twitter account to deny (future) starring in the film adaption of the first book of E.L. James’ erotic trilogy’s rumours. She tweeted:

Tough luck, peeps. Looks like Emma won’t be biting her lip for fifty shades of anything anytime soon.


Giuliana & Bill = Mommy & Daddy!

It has been a hard year of darkness for TV host Giuliana Rancic, having had long struggles with pregnancy mishaps (multiple failed rounds of IVF treatments and a miscarriage) on top of the diagnosis of breast cancer and undergoing a double mastectomy in 2011.

So it’s about time her life took a happy turn.

Just today, Giuliana and Bill Rancic confirmed that they are expecting a baby sometime this year, in the summer. The couple was set up with a surrogate through their doctor in Colorado after the last IVF. The surrogate mother lives out of state, but they plan to be there for all her doctor visits.

Both Giuliana and Bill appeared on The View to talk about what it was like to finally hear the good news:

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“Oh my god, it’s just shocking. It was very emotional. Had I not gone through IVF, had I not had this struggle, I never would have discovered I had reast cancer. Had I gotten pregnant naturally and easily, it would have actually accelerated the cancer”, 36-year-old Giuliana said.

She went on to add, “Especially with the news today, now more than ever I’m happy I went public because it shows there is a light at the end of the tunnel. If you hang in there and stay positive, God will give you good things.”

Hang in there, Giuliana and Bill. We know you’re both going to become great parents.

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Yuna’s Personal Backstory Revealed In Pantene’s New Short Film, “#WanitaBesi”.

Malaysian songstress Yuna has recently became the first hijab-wearing ambassador for global shampoo brand Pantene.

To commemorate the collaboration, a special short film was made which tells the inspiring journey behind Yuna’s successful story.

The film shows Yuna during her school days before she started covering herself. In the 2-minute video, Yuna was a young girl who likes to spend her time writing lyrics and daydream.

Her hobby was condemned by her teacher who sees it as a waste of time and told her that she will not have a future if she continued to do so.

Even after becoming a singer, some people even asked Yuna to take off her hijab if she wishes to be successful and go international.

“I am honoured to become Pantene’s first hijabi ambassador. I think it’s important to be inclusive because as a hijab-wearing woman, there are a lot of hair issues that we go through since we keep our hair covered the whole time,” Yuna said during the special screening of “#WanitaBesi” at GSC, Mid Valley last week.

“So it’s amazing that Pantene realised the importance of that and decided to include the hijab-wearing women and to talk about empowering other women as well.”

The video also features fitness icon Linora Low and former national diver Adeline Chin Wei Ling.


Prometheus: Kids, Don’t Play In Uncharted Territories

In the distant past, a spacecraft arrives on Earth. And by distant, we mean a long, long time ago. A humanoid is seen drinking a gross-looking wriggling dark liquid. Its body then suffers disintegration and dramatically falls into a waterfall, seeding Earth with its DNA.

It would seem a bit confusing at this point but it’s in fact an act of “directed panspermia”. We know, we know, we had a hard time understanding that act too. Apparently, directed panspermia is the deliberate transport of microorganisms in space. Believed to seed or start new lives.

And so begins the story of “Prometheus”.

Set in the late 21st century, the story centers on a team of explorers that discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth. The discovery fuels their curiousity and soon they are hired as crew of the spaceship Prometheus. The ship follows a star map they discovered among the remnants of several ancient Earth civilizations, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe.

You know what they say about exploration in uncharted territories?:

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The plan was to seek the origins of humanity but instead, the Prometheus crew discovers a threat that could cause the extinction of the human race. But, surprise! They find themselves having to fight a terrifying battle to save the future of their kind. Do they succeed? Do they not? Does anyone survive?

If not because you’re a big sci-fi fan, or not because you previously followed the “Alien” film franchise closely, then at least watch this Ridley Scott (Alien, Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, Hannibal) film for the amazing CGI and visuals. It’s mind blowing, to say the least. Better yet if you plan to catch it in IMAX 3D or 3D.

And as with all sci-fi films, walk in without expectations. You’d come out of it pleasantly surprised!

Prometheus is now screening at a cinema near you so hit up GSC’s website or TGV’s website for showtimes and ticketing details!

For more information, visit Prometheus’ official website.

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Taylor Swift Returns To Singapore With The 1989 World Tour

Tay Tay shakes her way back to Singapore.

From assembling a team of superheroes to changing the game for musicians, Taylor Swift is also currently busy with her 1989 World Tour. Now, in support of her historic fifth studio album 1989, the “Bad Blood” singer announced that she will be making her way back to Singapore with The 1989 World Tour on November 7th and 8th, that’s right two shows, you guys!

Taylor will be performing at the Singapore Indoor Stadium and tickets for the show are priced at S$328, $288, $248, $188 and $128; and will go on sale from 10am on 30th June through Sports Hub Tix ticketing hotline at +65 3158 7888, online at Sports Hub, Sports Hub Tix Box Office and Singapore Post outlets. VIP packages are also available.

American Express Invites® is giving all American Express Card Members* exclusive priority booking for tickets, before ticket sales start for the general public. The priority booking starts on 26th June 2015 and ends on 29th June 2015. These tickets are available online at Sports Hub, through the ticketing hotline +65 3158 7888 and at all Sports Hub Ticketing counters.

Taylor’s Singapore concert is sponsored by Cornetto and Keds and promoted by AEG LIVE. She will also be bringing The 1989 World Tour to Shanghai on 10 and 11 November.

Be sure to grab your tickets asap because we’re sure they’re going to sell like hot cakes! ;)


296 Individuals Compounded RM1K After Entertainment Centre In Bukit Jalil Raided

296 people at an entertainment centre has been compounded RM1,000 each after failure to comply with the RMCO (Recovery Movement Control Order) SOPs.

The night club in Bukit Jalil, which has been operating illegally, was raided by the authorities around 12:30am on Sunday (27th September).

A Twitter user took to his profile, @redzuanNewsMPB, to condemn the action of these party-goers. He also reminded in his tweet that entertainment centres are still not allowed to operate following RMCO.

“It has become a weekly routine. Do they not care or what? There’re still many stubborn people violating the RMCO SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) by showing up at  entertainment centres (Not allowed to operate as of now),” he wrote.

According to Harian Metro, out of the 296 people, 195 of them were male and the rest were female. During the raid, the 27-year-old manager of the premise, 2 Chinese women and 1 Korean man, were arrested.

The effort of staying at home for months can all be ruined in one night. Do your part, avoid large gatherings, and practice social distancing.


#Wonderfruit2015: Escape To Pattaya & Get Lost In Asia’s New Boutique Lifestyle Festival

Don’t you just love the vibes that you get whenever you’re at an outdoor art and music festival? To be at a festival surrounded by lovely people, creative art and good music is something we wish we could do all the time.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to experience much of that this year, especially since Urbanscapes or Good Vibes Festival didn’t roll back to town. To end the year with a blast, why don’t you escape to Pattaya, Thailand for Wonderfruit Festival next month?

Wonderfruit is a 4-day cross-cultural art and music festival that exists to unite mindful living with unique experiences. The eco-friendly festival is produced by Scratch First, a Thai-based social enterprise that aims to use arts as a means to engage and create communities of sustainable and socially responsible growth.

With the stunning natural beauty of Thailand as its backdrop, the festival brings together people from all across the globe with its 4 stages of world-class international and local music, visionary arts, culinary farm to feasts, health and wellness experiences, engaging talks and workshops, natural adventures, and more.

Last year, the boutique lifestyle festival is a collaboration between Scratch First and Secret Productions, which is well known for leading the UK’s lifestyle festival industry with various festivals such as Secret Garden Party and Wilderness Festival.

With a focus on eco issues and sustainability, the inaugural event was heralded by Pulse Radio as “Asia’s best new festival”.

From hip-hop and electronic to alt-R&B, Thai folk, techno and circus arts, as well as a variety of regional Asian acts, Wonderfruit is set to spellbind audiences with the best music and performances from around the globe.

Initial lineup announcement includes The Faint, The Submotion Orchestra, Jon Hopkins x Chris Levine, Howie B, Dapayk Solo, Desktop Error, Mahajamreon and Polycat. It was later announced that legendary hip hop artiste Yasiin Bey, R&B duo Rhye and the breathtaking, twirling, fire-breathing cirque performers of Lucent Dossier Experience will be joining the event as well.

The international line up also includes Heartthrob, Elektro Guzzi, Daedelus, Goldroom, Viceroy, Catching Flies, Com Truise, Papercutz, Anchorsong, Arjun Vagale, Ocean Lam and Gaby Endo. Not to be outdone by the international line up, Thai artistes on the bill include Pongsit Kampee, Greasy Cafe, Boy Thai, Kidnappers and Dan Buri.

Mesmerising Art Installations & Architectures

Artists from all across the globe including Wild Moment, Sabek, Zieght, Witaya Junma, and the Paron School of Art will be displaying breathtaking art installations for the festival.

Providing homes to this diverse spectrum of artistes are the highly conceptualised Wonderfruit stages. The Living Stage will be transformed by artist Joel Dean Stockdill into a sculptural paradise using locally sourced materials, while the Solar Stage will be designed by Los Angeles-based Vita Motus,renowned for their innovative stage designs for Coachella’s Do LaB stage and Boom Festival.

Leading Thai contemporary fashion house, Issue will team up with architecture collective, Bang Bang to embellish the Soi Stage by layering specially designed printed fabrics with alluring chinoise architectural elements. The festival grounds will be further brought to life with incredible art installations that interact with the local ecology as well as Wonderfruit guests.

A Unique Communal Dining Experience At the Theatre of Feasts

The Theater of Feasts at Wonderfruit will create a communal dining experience by serving up fare made from crops grown on the spot and harvested together by farmers and chefs.

Award-winning Chef Gaggan will serve up a sumptuous banquet while renowned mixologist Shingo Gokan, who is also the owner of Speak Low in Shanghai, will design a signature cocktail to be served to feasters.

Foodie favourites Hong Bao, Bad Motel, Fillets, Broccoli Revolution, Maison Jean Philippe, Moo Ping Hea Owen, Knock, Rocket, and more than 20 traditional Thai street food outlets will be serving up quick bites for festival goers as well.

At Wonderfruit Festival, you don’t have to sacrifice modern comforts or sanitary while trying to adjust to the great outdoors.

The festival offers people a chance to experience “glamorous camping” aka glamping through variety of posh accommodations. Attendees can also choose to book a room at the festival’s partner hotels.

The festival also has a general camping area that comes with basic hygiene facilities – showers and toilets – and charging points for your gadgets.

The festival will be situated at Pattaya, home to world-renowned beaches, fresh seafood, local traditions, and abundant natural resources. It will take place during the holiday season, making it the ultimate travel destination for a utopian vacation of “barefoot luxury”.

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

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Rumour: Rachel McAdams Is In Early Talks To Star In Marvel’s #DoctorStrange

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) just got more awesome.

Rumours cannot be trusted all the time, however, they are surefire ways to heighten the level of anticipation, be it for a movie or a song. Following the report that Tilda Swinton will join Marvel‘s “Doctor Strange” as The Ancient One, sources told Heroic Hollywood’s El Mayimbe that Rachel McAdams has been offered a deal to play the female lead of the said superhero movie.

The actress herself confirmed in an interview with the L.A. Times that talks have started with Marvel regarding the role.

According to the Amy Kaufar of the L.A. Times, McAdams, who currently stars in “True Detective” Season 2, is “considering playing the female lead” in the Marvel movie alongside Benedict Cumberbatch. However, the actress is “careful to note” that “she’s not a comic book snob”, adding:

It’s still super-early days, and I don’t know where that’s gonna go, if it’s gonna go anywhere at all.

As the talks are still at the very early stages, it is unclear which role she will be taking. Back then, before Marvel’s “Iron Man” was released, she emerged as director Jon Favreau’s top choice to play Pepper Potts. However, she turned down the role and it was never explained why. She did, however, reveal that she turned down a role “often out of her own security”.

If I’m picky, it’s for that reason. I want to be able to bring my best to the table. So if I’m not connecting to something, then I’m not gonna hold up my end of the bargain, and that’s really embarrassing.

Regarding the rumour, Marvel did not confirm nor deny it.

Meanwhile, Marvel already confirmed in December 2014 that Cumberbatch will headline Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” as the Sorcerer Supreme. The movie, which will be helmed by director Scott Derrickson (of “Sinister” and “Deliver Us From Evil” fame) , is based on the screenplay written by Jon Sphaits. It is expected to begin filming this November in the UK and may feature Chiwetel Ejiofor as the villain and Swinton as the Ancient One.

Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” is currently slated for release on 4th November 2016.


Win Passes To The 2013 MBC Korean Music Wave

Thirteen of K-Pop’s major headliners will be heading to Singapore this November for the 2013 MBC Korean Music Wave concert.

Happening at the Gardens by the Bay, the MBC Korean Music Wave is the biggest multi-band K-Poop concert to ever happen in Singapore and is organised by South Korea’s Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation together with Singapore’s Fatfish Entertaiment. You may purchase your tickets at SingTic now!

Featuring more than thirteen bands, the lineup includes Shinee, Teentop, B1A4, B.A.P., 2pm, 2am, FT Islang, EXO, IU, Sistar, Kara, Miss A and 4Minute.

Now to add on to your excitement, Hype Malaysia is giving away 2 pairs of tickets worth  SGD$168.00 each!

Here’s how you can get your hands on them:

1. Snap an image of yourself and hashtag #HypeMY #MBCKoreanMusicWave and submit your entries via Instagram and Twitter by tagging us at @HypeMy. Each photo entry will require a description on how much you want to go for the concert in no more than 150 characters.

2. Name three (3) of bands that will be performing at the 2013 MBC Korean Music Wave.

Send in the answers together with your full Name, NRIC Number, full address and contact Number to bryna@hype.my latest by NOVEMBER 8th, 2013 at 3.00pm!

Remember! Judges decision is final and don’t forget to provide your full details! All Winners will be notified via email and all social media platforms.

A super special shoutout to our friends at FAT FISH GROUP for the tickets!

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Foodpanda Rider’s Motorcycle Stolen When Picking Up Delivery Order In Gombak

During these hard times, we rely heavily on food delivery riders in order to practice social distancing, while they rely on their mode of transport to make a living.

One Foodpanda rider couldn’t hold back her tears after her motorcycle was stolen while she was on the job at a supermarket in Gombak.

It was reported that the rider lost her Yamaha 135LC around 2pm when she was on her way to pick-up delivery orders at Batu Caves. The victim was shocked to find that her motorbike was missing after she returned to the parking area, where she had parked her vehicle.

The heartbreaking story came to light after a member of the “Kelab Yamaha LC135” Facebook group reported the incident through an FB post. According to the post, the auto-theft was believed to be carried out by 2 Malay males.

Based on a Harian Metro report Gombak District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Arifai Tarawe, said that his department received a report regarding the stolen bike at 3pm. He added, “The police are currently tracking down witnesses and looking into closed circuit television (CCTV) at the crime scene (in order) to identify the suspects.”

The stolen motorcycle was reported to be a blue Yamaha 135LC V6 with the number plate, “BQF 2182”. In an effort to find the motorcycle, netizens have lent a helping hand by circulating photos of the stolen Yamaha around social media.

Statistics by the Vehicle Theft Reduction Council of Malaysia Bhd (VTREC) have recorded that the Yamaha LC135 is the most stolen motorcycle (695 units) in the first half of 2020.


#ZooNegara: National Naming Contest For Baby Panda To Kick Off

Get your thinking cap on because Malaysians will soon be invited to name Zoo Negara’s baby panda!

The panda cub was born to Xing Xing (father) and Liang Liang (mother) in August this year and has since become quite the talk of the town. Although it hasn’t made its public debut, Malaysians can still be a big part of its growing up by pitching ideas for its name via a national naming contest.

The Star Online quoted Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar as saying that the name must take into consideration any China sensitives because the ministry and Zoo Negara will have to obtain consent from China before approving a name.

“Of course, we do not want to name it Ahmad, Ah Beng or Phua Chu Kang,” he quipped.

Details of the contest, which would last 2 months, would be announced via the ministry’s website. Wan Junaidi added that they had yet to decide on the prize but announcement of the contest would be made soon.

As for when the public will be allowed to see the panda, Wan Junaidi revealed that he has not even seen it himself. He also said that public viewing would not be so soon as the ministry did not want to affect the cub’s growth. The ministry and Zoo Negara also has to take into consideration Liang Liang’s condition, as she has to be willing to let go of the baby for it to be allowed public viewing.

In 2012, Malaysia and China signed an agreement for 2 giant pandas to be loaned to Kuala Lumpur for 10 years. The pandas from Chengdu, China, would not only give Malaysia an opportunity to conduct panda-related conversation research but also mark Malaysia and China’s 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Both pandas (one male and one female), which were later named Xing Xing and Liang Liang, arrived on 21st May 2014.

Liang Liang gave birth to the panda cub on 18th August, which weighed 175gm. Recent press reports said the cub now weighed 5kg. It will be returned to China after its 2nd birthday.

For more information, visit Zoo Negara’s website or Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s website.

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#NaughtyNurisKL: Gettin’ Our “Naughty” On With Founder Ibu Nuri

About 2 months ago, we spotted news of a popular Bali haunt opening up an outlet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Naughty Nuri’s in Ubud may appear humble and small, but the warung’s (street side food stall) repertoire is huge – mostly because of its signature finger licking good ribs and killer martinis. One would never imagine stumbling upon such a find on the Ubud outskirts!

This month, Naughty Nuri’s KL has officially opened for business and we hear that the owners have been quick on their feet too because another outlet will also open its doors very soon in Penang. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let us introduce you to the founder behind the first Naughty Nuri’s, Ibu Nuri herself. She was in town for a private preview party of Naughty Nuri’s KL last Friday (5th Dec) and we were lucky enough to gave been given the opportunity to speak to her. Needless to say, we were very much in awe.

Hi Ibu Nuri, so good to finally meet you! Why don’t you take us down memory lane and let us in on the history of Naughty Nuri’s?

Hello! Sure, of course. We started in November 1996 and the “warung” came about because I love to cook. It’s a family business so it really essentially started from home cooking. In the beginning, it wasn’t easy. It took us 2 years to gain traction in the F&B industry. Also, in the beginning, I was cooking everything myself but now, we have help. The good thing is that because it’s a family business, we don’t have to train outsiders.

What made you decide on opening a Naughty Nuri’s outlet in Kuala Lumpur?

One of the reasons is because we do get a lot of Malaysian patrons at our restaurant in Ubud, Bali. We also previously had a Malaysian TV crew come over to interview us for a program. After that, Naughty Nuri’s Ubud saw an influx of people who came and said, “I saw you on Malaysian TV!” Also, Malaysia..especially Kuala Lumpur, is very cosmopolitan and yet it’s populated with various ethnics. The Malaysian culture of loving to eat, too, played a big part in encouraging us to open an outlet here. To us, the style of Naughty Nuri’s Ubud fits in very well in Kuala Lumpur. So, let’s make Kuala Lumpur naughty! :)

I’m guessing that because the original family members will not be at Naughty Nuri’s KL, you had to train some staff for this outlet?

Yes, we did. The training went on for about 2 weeks. Usually, the duration of the training really depends on the staff that are sent over. If they’re smart and quick, the training process is short but if not, it could go on for months! But for Naughty Nuri’s KL, the chef that was sent over to undergo training with us was fortunately a good cook as well. He learnt very quick and we tested his work every day, from 8 till 10. On top of that, he had to cook and eat his own creations for the entire duration, and we also put him through examinations. For 2 weeks he was doing that!

Very, very close to what you might get in Naughty Nuri’s Ubud. We’ve met him, we like him, and we trust him 99.9%!

Will the menu be exactly the same as Naughty Nuri’s in Ubud or will there be any dishes especially made for Malaysians?

Hmm, the signature food (ribs) has to be the same as Naughty Nuri’s in Ubud. This is because Naughty Nuri’s is not a franchise, it’s a licensed outlet. Oh, they also have to be just as naughty as the one in Ubud. That’s a very important requirement!

Will you come back often to check on Naughty Nuri’s KL, and if so, how often?

Ah, yes of course. We’re aiming to come back a couple of times a year to check on the business as well as quality control of Naughty Nuri’s signature food. We want to make sure that the Naughty Nuri’s KL is as close as possible to what you will find in Ubud. Like we’re bringing Naughty Nuri’s Ubud to KL, something like that ;)

Alright, thank you Ibu for the quick chat!

Naughty Nuri’s KL is now open for business and the outlet is located at Jalan 24/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur. Let’s not forget that a Naughty Nuri’s in Penang will also be opening its doors soon too so Penangites, take heed!

For more information, visit Naughty Nuri’s KL’s Facebook page.

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#StarWars: First “The Force Awakens” TV Spot Debuts With New Footage

After releasing a new international trailer of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” over the weekend, Walt Disney Pictures and Lucasfilms have released the first-ever commercial for the highly anticipated movie.

Directed by J.J. Abrams, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is written by Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan. The previous film in what was a 6-movie series, “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith”, was released in 2005.

The story is set around 30 years after the events of 1983’s “Return of the Jedi”. Newcomer Daisy Ridley is starring in it as a character named Rey while John Boyega will play Finn. Adam Driver is portraying Kylo Ren, a new villain who wields the much-discussed “tri-saber”. However, no details regarding his role were revealed.

The 30-second commercial, which was published on Twitter, features new footage from the upcoming movie. It begins with a mysterious voice, which we can assume to be Lupita Nyong’o’s Maz Kanata voice, saying:

I have lived long enough to see the same eyes in different people.

Seconds later, over a closeup footage of Rey, the voice utters: “I know your eyes”. This may indicate that Rey is the daughter of Han Solo and Princess Leia.

“Game of Thrones“ star Gwendoline Christie will portray Captain Phasma aka the chrome Stormtrooper while Oscar Isaac, who will be seen next as Apoalypse in “X-Men: Apocalypse“, is portraying Poe Dameron, an elite pilot who has been sent on a mission.

Harrison Ford and Peter Mayhew are returning to reprise their respective roles as Han Solo and his old friend Chewbacca. Despite his absence in the offical theatrical poster, Mark Hamill‘s Luke Skywalker is set to appear in the film.

Executive producers Tommy Harper and Jason Mcgatlin are producing this movie alongside Kathleen Kennedy, Bryan Burk and J.J. Abrams.

The American epic space opera will be premiering on 18th December 2015.

Sources: Coming Soon, Cleveland, Gamespot.


#FantasticBeasts: Alison Sudol Joins Cast As Tina’s Sister, Queenie

Alison Sudol, who is perhaps best known for her musical moniker “The Fine Frenzy”, is making the leap from singing to acting as she has reportedly joined the cast of Warner Bros‘ “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them“.

She was amongst the early names being discussed for the role of Queenie. Other shortlisted actresses include Saoirse Ronan (“Hanna”), Dakota Fanning (“The Twilight Saga“), and Lili Simmons (“Hawaii Five-O”). However, it is now confirmed that Sudol will star opposite Eddie Redmayne and Katherine Waterson in the “Harry Potter” spin-off film.

Born in 1984, Sudol first gained international fame through her singing career. In 2007, she debuted her first album, “One Cell in the Sea”, and appeared in an episode of “CSI:NY” as a musician targeted for death. She released her 2nd and 3rd albums, “Bomb in a Birdcage” and “Pines”, in 2009 and 2012 respectively. “Pines” received global critical acclaim and her songs have charted in the United States, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and France, among other countries. As of October 2012, she has sold more than 650,000 albums. Her music has also been featured on numerous television shows as well as several major motion pictures

Prior to her singing career, she played minor roles under the name “Alison Monro”. In 2014, she starred in the pilot episode and another 2 episodes of the award-winning Amazon Studios series “Transparent” as Kaya, a singer and love interest of Jay Duplass’ character Josh. She also played an archeologist named Emma Wilson in “Dig”. Elle magazine named her one of “The 7 Most Exciting Newcomers on TV this Season” in January 2015.

Sudol will now make her big screen debut through “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” as Queenie, the younger sister of Waterson’s Tina, “a witch who operates in the U.S”. The sisters will meet Redmayne’s Newt Scamander when the magizoologist makes a stop in New York on his travels to find and document fantastic beasts. Majority of the movie will take place in the U.S., as opposed to the original “Harry Potter” series, which took place in United Kingdom for all books and movies.

Warner Bros. has yet to find a suitable candidate for Jacob, Scamander’s rival as Variety reported that the studio is “looking for more established faces” for the upcoming spin-off movie. The studio did, however, cast Ezra Miller for the role of Kredan, “a person with magical powers” who encounters Scamander “when he stops in New York City on his travels to find and document magical creatures”.

Set in New York City during the 1920s, the trilogy series is based on the Hogwarts textbook of the same name and it centres on its author and “magiczoologist”, Newt Scamander. The story follows the adventures of Scamander and the magical community in the Big Apple. “Although it will be set in the worldwide community of witches and wizards where I was so happy for 17 years, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is neither a prequel nor a sequel to the “Harry Potter” series but an extension of the wizarding world,” said J.K. Rowling , who completed the script for the film adaptation last November.

David Heyman, who produced all 8 of the blockbuster “Harry Potter” features, will serve as the producer of the spin-off movie alongside Rowling, Steve Kloves, and Lionel Wigram, who served as an executive producer on the last 4 installments of the franchise.

The film, which is intended to be the first of a trilogy, will see its release in cinemas on 18th November 2016.

Source: Variety / Image source: Ace Showbiz

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Hype’s Now Playing: Meghan Trainor & James Corden – All About That Change

11 days into 2016 – are people still keeping up with their New Year’s resolutions? Meghan Trainor and James Corden both know that the struggle is real y’all. The pair even joined forces to sing a parody of Meghan’s “All About That Bass” hit, retitled, “All About That Change”.

Dressed in matching outfits (light blue tops with pink bows), Meghan and James sang about some of the most popular resolutions people try to reach: to lose weight, live healthier, and party less.

The 2 start off upbeat and optimistic but soon realise they weren’t serious about their goals after all. Here’s a sample of the lyrics:

Resolutions are worthless–we all know that’s why we’re here. I’ll be the same disappointment I’ve been for the past three years. Because you know we’re not about to change, ’bout to change, we’re quitting.

Humorous and brutally honest, Meghan and James hit the nail on the head on many of our shortcomings. Thanks guys, for making us feel better about quitting.


#Johor: Government Plans To Ban The Use Of Polystyrene & Plastic

The use of polystyrene and plastic will be banned in Johor to protect the environment and for health, the state assembly was told today (Monday, 18th April).

In case you didn’t know, polystyrene is one of the most widely used plastics, the scale of its production being several billion kilograms per year. It is often used for producing disposable plastic cutlery and dinnerware, CD “jewel” cases, smoke detector housings, license plate frames, plastic model assembly kits, and many other objects where a rigid, economical plastic is desired.

It is increasingly abundant as a form of litter in the outdoor environment, particularly along shores and waterways. Unfortunately, polystyrene is also very slow to biodegrade, thus becoming a focus of controversy among environmentalists.

State Health and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat said the matter would be announced by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin at the end of the year at the tabling of the 2017 state budget.

Towards this end, he said a working paper on the use of biodegradable and biocompostable containers to replace polystyrene and plastic was being prepared by the Johor Biotechnology and Biodiversity Corporation (J-Biotech).

Datuk Ayub Rahmat was replying to a question from Chua Wee Beng (DAP-Bentayan) who wanted to know if the state government had plans to ban the use of polystyrene and plastic.

Source: Bernama / Featured image from domusweb.it.


“Ant-Man And The Wasp” Begins Production; Teaser Video Revealed

Marvel’s “Ant-Man And The Wasp” has begun production. This comes after the studio announced that Michelle Pfeiffer (of “Batman Returns” fame) joined the cast at the  San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC).

The highly-anticipated film is the follow-up to “Ant-Man”(2015) and it sees the return of Paul Rudd as Scott Lang aka Ant-Man and Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne aka The Wasp. Meanwhile, the brief teaser video features 2 tiny chairs, with the names Ant-Man and The Wasp written on it.

According to the official synopsis, the sequel is set after the events of “Captain America: Civil War”. It follows Scott Lang as he struggles to rebalance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man. He’s confronted by Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym (played by Michael Douglas) with an urgent new mission. The hero must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside The Wasp as they try to uncover secrets from their past.

“Ant-Man And The Wasp” also stars Abby Ryder Forston as Scott Lang’s daughter Cassie and Judy Greer as ex-wife Maggie, as well as Michael Peña, Tip “T.I.” Harris, and David Dastmalchian as the hero’s old crime friends.

Besides that, new cast members include Laurence Fishburne as Dr. Bill Forster aka Goliath, “Fresh Off The Boat”star Randall Park as SHIELD agent Jimmy Woo, Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost, and Walton Goggins as Sonny Burch.

Directed by Peyton Reed (of “Yes Man” fame), “Ant-Man And The Wasp” is slated for release on 6th July 2018.

For more info, hit up the film’s Facebook page.

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Girl Saved From Rape By Phonecall

Harian Metro reported that a young girl was saved from being raped by her boyfriend by a phone call.

The boy had forced her to the ground in a secluded area near Batu Arang in Selangor when her handphone rang. The boy immediately let her go and sent her home as the call was from her father. The girl’s father spotted love bites on her neck and questioned the pair. He then lodged a police report against the boy for attempting to rape the 13-year-old girl.

A source told the paper the two teenagers had earlier attended a birthday party of a mutual friend at Bandar Tasik Puteri, near Rawang. The boy then asked the girl to accompany him to a grocery store and she got on his motorcycle. But he took the girl to the secluded area instead.


10 Most Instagrammable Spots In KL. They’re Totally Serving!

Are you looking for the best photo and Instagram locations in Kuala Lumpur? You’re in the right place!

It can be a little boring to be in KL, simply because all you can see is smog, heavy traffic, and huge buildings. But if you explore its intriguing nooks and crannies, the city isn’t all that horrible. We’ve come up with a list of 10 fantastic spots that are not only enjoyable to visit (for a kind of mini-vacation), but also Instagram-worthy!

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The 370-meter-long bridge that connects Lorong Raja Muda Musa 3 and Jalan Saloma bears Salmah Ismail’s name. She was a famed Malaysian-Singaporean singer and actress who also happened to be P Ramlee’s wife. In early February 2020, it finally opened to the public after more than two years of work!

Saloma bridge’s structure and design can be appreciated in the day, but nighttime is unquestionably the ideal time to visit. It’s not surprising that this is the newest tourist destination, with such lovely lights! Both locals and foreign tourists should visit this Instagram-worthy spot. You can observe the different light changes if you stay a little while. Additionally, Suria KLCC is connected to this bridge.

Operating hours: 5am to 1am (Monday to Saturday)

Address: Lorong Raja Muda Musa 3, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur

One of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia is Thean Hou Temple. It is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in the city, situated along Jalan Klang Lama on the southwest side of Kuala Lumpur and only a short drive from Bukit Bintang.

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The temple complex contains a variety of fascinating features. Monks may pour holy water on worshippers as they cross the Fortune Bridge to bring them luck. There is also a Medicinal Herb Garden and a Wishing Well. Visit this stunning temple if you’re searching for spiritual boost and, of course, beautiful locations to take pictures of.

Address: 65, Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa, 50460 Kuala Lumpur

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A post shared by თოლია / Martı (@seagull.geo)

This location, which opened in 2021, is unquestionably a fantastic photography spot. On the second floor of RexKL in Jalan Petaling, you’ll find that BookXcess opened a unique and creatively-designed outlet. Since its launch, thousands of Malaysians have been there to take pictures of this Instagram-worthy setting to share on social media. BookXcess at RexKL is now located on the upper level of the historic Rex Cinema, which previously housed the first-class seats and the projection area. Also, you can buy a large range of books there; it’s not simply a place for picture shoots – wonderful news for bookworms!

Operating hours: 10am to 10pm (daily except on Mondays)

Address: Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur

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Bukit Bintang is the top destination for food, entertainment, shopping, and partying in central KL. The walls lining the back alleys of the district are covered with bright street art that urges you to grab your camera and explore the area on foot. Its popularity has increased and hundreds of places to dine, drink, and unwind have sprung.

Check out the vibrant alleyways that border Jalan Alor. In the late 2010s, Kuala Lumpur City Hall made the decision to transform certain streets into works of art. The murals feature butterflies, flora and animals, women, and eclectic prints, among others. So put your best outfit on and go there for the ideal OOTD photo!

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Want to escape the busy city life? This is the place for you. In essence, the entire city is a forest! The KL Forest Eco Park, one of Malaysia’s oldest permanent forest reserves located near KL Tower, is a natural haven right in the centre of the city.

A post shared by Vietravel – Tour Operator (@vietravelasia)

Walk its 200-meter hiking trail. Don’t forget to explore the timber product gallery, canopy walk, and herb garden as well. Anyone who gets tired of moving about in large crowds should go for a quick stroll through the forest. You’ll be sure to enjoy the grandeur of nature while also exercising your adventurous side.

Address:  Lot 240, Jalan Raja Chulan, Bukit Kewangan, 50250 Kuala Lumpur

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Kwai Chai Hong is made up of 10 renovated shophouses, six of which front Jalan Petaling and four of which front Lorong Panggung (together with a lovely alley that runs between the two roads). It was once abandoned but has now been restored. This alleyway is called Little Demon Alley in Cantonese – however, there aren’t any ghosts to be seen here! The phrase is claimed to have its origins in the Cantonese colloquial expression “kwai chai,” which originally described the rowdy youths that frequented the back alleyways.

Address:  Lorong Panggung, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur

Vibrant and cultural! All the more reason to go there. Welcome to Batu Caves, KL’s most famous temple and tourist destination.

A post shared by Fabiana Cattaneo (@fabiana_93)

Start your ascent of the 272 stairs to the peak, where a stunning limestone temple cave is located. There are several cheeky monkeys in the neighbourhood to welcome you, but watch out for them stealing your belongings! It is advised that you dress appropriately as a demonstration of respect to devotees, because it is both a tourist destination and a site of prayer.

Address: Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor

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The National Mosque, usually referred to as Masjid Negara, is another amazing Instagram location in KL. With a capacity of up to 15,000 worshippers at once, it is one of the biggest and most magnificent mosques in SEA. It was built in 1963. Even if its size is unquestionably outstanding, its distinctive design and elaborate decorations elevate it to a special status.

The mosque sports a magnificent, blue tiled 18-pointed star dome. Each point stands for the five pillars of Islam and the 13 states that make up Malaysia. And within, there are gleaming white pillars and flooring, finely carved-out windows, a sizable prayer hall, and a ceiling decorated with lovely designs. A 13-hectare landscape with tall palm trees and well-kept gardens surrounds the mosque as well.

It’s essential to schedule your visit here because non-worshippers aren’t always allowed inside the mosque. Women must cover their heads, and robes are supplied at the door for free. Shoes are not allowed within the mosque.

Operating hours: 9am to 12pm, 3pm to 4pm, 5:30pm to 6:30pm (Sat – Thurs) | 3pm to 4pm, 5:30pm to 6:30pm (Fri)

Address: Jalan Perdana, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur

Even if you just have 24 hours in Kuala Lumpur, you must visit the Sultan Abdul Samad building, a stunningly important structure built in 1897.

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The oldest public structure in Malaysia, the Sultan Abdul Samad building is a prized piece of KL’s historical legacy. In a reference to Malaysia’s rich past and cultural diversity, it has a distinctive design that combines British and Islamic influences.

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The road in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad building is busy but never overly congested, making it simple to take Instagram-worthy pictures at any time of day. You can take pictures near the magnificent cupolas, colonnades, or the towering, 41-meter clock tower that was modelled after Big Ben in London. Although you cannot enter the structure, you are welcome to visit at any time and take pictures from the outside. It looks fantastic when lit up at night as well!

Address: Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur

Although this location is not as secret as it once was, it is still Instagram-worthy. This magnificent overhead bridge connecting NU Sentral Mall and the monorail station was created by GDP Architects. The overhead bridge’s symmetrical form is really lovely to look at, and it has lots of natural lighting, making it the ideal location for some Instagram shots.

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From Oakley To New Balance: This Week’s Dope New Fashion Drops To Cop!

It’s safe to say that 2023 has so far been a fun year for fashion. With the Spring/Summer fashion season upon us, it’s about time we gave our wardrobe a much-needed update! From Oakley to New Balance, here are some dope new fashion drops this week that you can look forward to:

Football phenomenon Kylian Mbappé has teamed up with Oakley® for a new 2023 Signature Series Collection with the brand. The exclusive collection fuses iconic Oakley silhouettes with Kylian’s personal style, resulting in eyewear blurring the line between fashion and lifestyle-performance.

With a sophisticated colour palette of brown and gold, and a combination of opacities to mimic colour-blocking, Kylian’s Signature Series Collection blends inspirations for a collection as striking as his game. The new collaboration includes four models: HSTN style for adults, in sun and optical, as well as Frogskins styles for kids, also available in booth sun and optical.

As the saying goes, a garden of purple is always in bloom. This Spring/Summer season, bloom into your brightest self with Maje’s Spring-Summer ’23 “Tropical Purple” capsule! Bright swimsuits, scarves and sun hats, pink sandals and crochet dresses transport you to the feeling of warm summer days and breezy long nights. Bandana patterns highlight long shirt and short dress. Freshness to start the summer season!

Swatch has released its fifth capsule collection of the Swatch Art Journey 2023 and it embodies Swatch’s love for trailblazing artists. The Swatch x JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT Collection is a vibrant tribute to the iconic New York artist who dared to break the boundaries of conventional art and help make street art sub-culture a critically embraced art form.

Three watches and a Special Set capture Basquiat’s signature style and are filled with powerful images and codes of all kinds. Each watch is a masterpiece in its own right and showcases Basquiat’s edgy compositions and fearless spirit.

The new Levi’s Eyewear collection is here, and it’s enriched with new, edgy, yet timeless sunglasses and optical frames, featuring a wide range of functional yet stylish models, evoking the effortless appeal of the California lifestyle and drawing inspiration from the shades of Levi’s® denim collection, paired with warm gradients of gold and silver mirror lenses as well as more classic and subtle tones of black, brown or grey.

The new collection is “RESPONSIBLY-MADE”, in line with the company’s commitment to help in reducing the impact on the planet by using more responsible methods of production. Designed for gen Z consumers, the collection includes sunglasses and optical frames dedicated to style leaders and trendsetters looking for the newest accessories, such as the women’s and men’s sunglasses either in bio-injected resin, a material including bio-based and recycled content or in lightweight stainless steel, as well as new on-trend women’s optical frames in lightweight acetate or metal stainless steel: the perfect complement to a young, effortless look.

Head on to www.levi.com to view the full collection.

Bata, the household name for school and office shoes, has debuted its Surprisingly Bata campaign featuring the brand’s newest ambassadors – Malaysian film stars and style icons, Anna Jobling and Aedy Ashraf. The new campaign heralds a brand-new direction for the brand, representing their changing attitude towards the formality and uniformity of office wear. Instead, you will be surprised to find out how progressive and on-trend Bata is, comfortably fitting into modern, hybrid lifestyles.

The Surprisingly Bata campaign reflects the ethos of Bata Red Label: unexpectedly stylish and startlingly comfortable footwear at approachable price points – the perfect solution for style conscious young professionals. The Bata Red Label range features a variety of styles that cater to modern consumer demands, offering versatile and contemporary designs that transition effortlessly from day to night, work and play, and all else in between.

Explore Bata Red Label at BATA stores nationwide; the Bata website, Shopee (Official Bata Store), Lazada (Bata Flagship Store) and ChatShop. For more information or updates on news and promotions, follow Bata Malaysia on Instagram: @batamalaysia, Facebook: BataHome, TikTok: batamalaysia

In celebration of “Grey Day”, a day that pays homage to the new and classic expressions of the brand’s enduring legacy in the colour gray, New Balance unveils its new “Moon Daze” pack and MADE in USA Grey Day Collection, among other grey product offerings. The exclusive new product includes a bespoke “Moon Daze” collection that will feature versions of three classic New Balance silhouettes: the 550, 580 and 9060, as well as a MADE in USA capsule which outfits the 990v4, 990v6, 996, and 998, in grey hues.

The brand has also launched a curated shop of existing grey footwear and apparel on https://www.newbalance.com.my/the-grey-shop/. The Grey Day “Moon Daze” collection is available at New Balance Pavilion KL and Sunway Pyramid store, and online at  www.newbalance.com.my. For the Made in USA collection, the U990TA4 is now available online and at Pavilion KL store. Other silhouettes from this collection will be released locally on later dates.


AirAsia Awarded “Best” Once Again!

Budget airlines AirAsia bagged the “World’s Best Low-Cost Airline” and “Asia’s Best Low-Cost Airline” titles at the 2013 World Airline Awards here.

AirAsia’s low-cost long haul affiliate carrier AirAsia X also received the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline – Premium Class and World’s Best Low-Cost Airline – Premium Class Seat titles. The titles were awarded at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget near here. This the fifth consecutive year AirAsia has won both the awards – a global benchmark for airline excellence. All four awards are also some of the most prestigious titles in the global airline industry. Two hundred airlines from over 160 countries took part in the ranking quality standards across more than 40 areas of airline front-line products and services to bag the titles.

The awards were received by AirAsia deputy group chief executive officer and AirAsia X co-founder and director Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and AirAsia Berhad chairman Datuk Aziz Bakar. In a statement released at the air show, AirAsia group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said it was a proud moment for both airlines:

It is a testament of our continuous effort to deliver one of the best in-flight comforts. We are consistently seeking ways to improve our service in providing world class flying experience to our guests. We started over 11 years ago with RM40mil in debt and today we are valued at RM9bil in terms of market capital.

We have flown over 190 million guests to date and we look forward to welcome our 200th million guest on board soon.

Woot! This calls for a celebration. Congratulations, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and AirAsia!

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#Apple: Michael Fassbender In Early Talks To Play Steve Jobs

“Dark Knight” star Christian Bale may have scratched himself off the list of actors to play Steve Jobs in Sony’s upcoming biopic but that doesn’t mean the world is ending, especially for those (including ourselves) who really wanted to see Bale as the Apple co-founder.

Following Christian Bale’s departure from the project, Sony is now looking forward to have “Prometheus” star Michael Fassbender to join the Steve Jobs biopic cast, which is based on Walter Isaacson’s biography.

It was reported that the actor is now in early talks to portray Steve Jobs in the biopic that will be directed by Danny Boyle. Screenwriter Aaron Sorkin has previously said that Bale is “the best actor on the board in a certain age range” to play Jobs but unfortunately, Bale decided to bail due to his conflicted feelings.

Michael Fassbender is the third high-profile actor to be considered for playing Steve Jobs as Leonardo DiCaprio earlier received an offer as well. Bale was also considered to play the role when the renowned director David Finch was attached to helm the project. Seth Rogen is still in talks to play Steve Jobs’ colleague, Steve Wozniak, who also co-founded Apple.

As of now, Michael Fassbender is attached to play a titular role in Fox’s upcoming action-adventure film, “Assassin’s Creed” and the film is slated for release on August 7, 2015. Since the release date for the biopic has not been announced yet, the actor should be able to squeeze in some time to play Steve Jobs.

We certainly hope Sony is able to lock him down to play Steve Jobs!


Hype’s Now Playing: Beyoncé – Pretty Hurts

Bey sends a message with her Pretty Hurts video!

Mrs. Carter shows off her trimmed waist as she plays a pill-popping beauty queen in her music video for Pretty Hurts, the first track of her just-released album! The video shows Beyoncé as a beauty queen who’s picked apart by pageant judges and trainers, she’s told she weights too much and she puts on a false smile on stage while she pops pills after-hours and watches her fellow contestants eat cotton balls to maintain a level of skinniness.

Beyoncé sends out a very clear message as the lyrics go:

Mama said, you’re a pretty girl / What’s in your head it doesn’t matter / Brush your hair, fix your teeth / What you wear is all that matters … Pretty hurts / Shine the light on whatever’s worse / Perfection is the disease of a nation / Pretty hurts / Shine the light on whatever’s worse / Try’na fix something / But you can’t fix what you can’t see / It’s the soul that needs the surgery.

Hype.My would like to thank and praise Beyoncé for her efforts to get people to stop determining the valur of female celebrities, and women in general by their body size and typical beauty.

Check out the video for Pretty Hurts here:


#TheHungerGames: J. Law Rocks A Red Suit In New #MockingjayPart2 Trailer

Lionsgate continues to heighten the anticipation for the latest instalment of “The Hunger Games” film series by releasing a bunch of teasers and posters.

Jennifer Lawrence, who is portraying Katniss Everdeen in the movie, attended Lionsgate’s Comic-Con 2015 panel in San Diego alongside her fellow cast members and director Francis Lawrence for a Q&A session. A new footage from the film was unveiled as well, but first, take a look at the new poster that shows Lawrence’s Katniss rocking a red suit while sitting on a white throne.

Imagine Tomorrow. #Unite pic.twitter.com/JxBsrrCHvt

— The Hunger Games 🔥 (@TheHungerGames) July 8, 2015

The poster came after the release of a new movie still that features Lawrence’s Katniss and Elizabeth Banks‘ Effie Trinket.

The movie, which is the 4th and final instalment of the film series, is the film adaptation of the Suzanne Collins’ famed YA fiction trilogy. The first book was adapted into a live-acton movie in 2012 and immediately gained a huge following. The 2nd book “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” was subsequently turned into a film while the 3rd book “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay” has been split into 2 films instead.

The 2nd part of “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay” will pick up where the previous film left off, with Katniss and her fellow Panem rebels confronting President Snow in the final showdown. Katniss will team up with a unit from District 13 and a group of her closest friends including Peeta (played by Josh Hutcherson) to engage in an all-out revolution against the autocratic Capitol.

Watch the new motion poster and teaser trailer below:

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2″ also stars Liam Hemsworth, Natalie Dormer as Cressida, and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee, and it’s slated to hit theatres on 20th November 2015.

For more information, visit the movie’s official website or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

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“Never Bring Your Brain Into The Club”

Prominent Swedish electro pop duo, Olle Corneer and Stefan Engblom, are all set to “Just Do the Dada” and make you do the same all Friday night on the 25th of May 2012.

As silly as “Do the Dada” sounds, Dada Life has always been famous for their infectious music and spreading crazy energy across, over, and under the space that they play at. So when that faithful Friday comes, you’d have no reason to not attend their Malaysian debut.

And don’t even start with fishing out excuses about feeling tired. Not with Dada Life you’re not.

They’ve had their choons played by world-leading DJs and producers (read: Eric Prydz, David Guetta). They’ve even opened for DJ Tiësto during his Kaleidoscope World Tour in 2009.

They’ve done completely mind-blowing things such as tossing inflatable bananas and champagne bottles into the crowd.

And might we add the epic time at Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) 2011 in Las Vegas, when a 25-piece marching band randomly marched on stage to accompany Dada Life’s set:

[youtube id=”1k0t0zSIk40″ width=”600″ height=”350″]

You could say they’re known to create a ruckus wherever they go. People call it rebellion, we call it musical freedom. So long as they leave a lasting impression, right? So come see ’em with your own eyes at none other than Malaysia’s favourite night haunt, Zouk Club Kuala Lumpur.

Reservations? Call 03-2171 2075 (12pm – 6pm) or 0163323191 (after 6pm) or email Zouk Club Kuala Lumpur at rsvn@zoukclub.com.my.

We leave you now with Dada Life’s latest music video, “Rolling Stone T-Shirt“:

[youtube id=”WyE99hBLnvA” width=”600″ height=”350″]

For more information, visit Zouk Club Kuala Lumpur’s website or Facebook page. Or you could, you know, “Dada” your way over to Dada Life’s website.


Blackface Drama “Dayang Senandung” Gets Aired On TV Despite Public Uproar Last Year

Blackface might seem like a harmless act but it is actually steeped in centuries of racism. This portrayal of blackface where people darken their skin with shoe polish, greasepaint or burnt cork and paint on enlarged lips and other exaggerated features, peaked in popularity during an era in the United States where demands for civil rights by recently emancipated slaves triggered racial hostility. The showcase of blackface was prominent in stage shows and the performers played characters that perpetuated a range of negative stereotypes about African Americans including being lazy, ignorant, superstitious, hypersexual, criminal or cowardly.

Well, at first glance, this might seem like an issue encountered exclusively by our Western counterparts however, it would be shocking to know that the blackface “trend” has reached our shores too. And this involves a newly aired drama series on Astro, titled “Dayang Senandung”! This show, starring Wani Kayrie among many others, features herself donning a blackface to play the role of Dayang — following the footsteps of popular 1960s actress Sarimah Ahmad.

A post shared by The Loud Asians (@theloudasians)

Here’s some background information about this show.

According to the production house, Zeel Production, “Dayang Senandung” is a remake of a 1965 film of the same name which was directed by Jamil Sulong. The movie tells the story of a Malay princess who is cursed with black skin at birth by a vengeful commoner who was wrongly sentenced to death by the sultan.

Following that, the princess faces abuse and persecution while growing up due to her appearance, particularly by her mother-in-law who devised an unsuccessful plot to kill her. The plot of the movie was derived from popular Malay folklore, called “Dayang Senandung” too.

Last year, the production of this show was criticised by netizens following a Tik Tok video by Wani Kayrie featuring a blackface. Various personnel have voiced out their concern towards the drama as it revives a colourist narrative that associates dark skin with black magic and ugliness hence, perpetuating colourism.

Sadly, Zeel Productions refused to halt the production of the drama. According to Malay Mail, Zeel’s Production Director Fadzil Teh said, the drama would “glorify” those with dark skin.

Adding on he stated, “As producers, we only wanted to make a story based on a mythological tale. Our drama is not insulting towards people with black skin. In fact, we glorify them in our stories. So far (we have no plans to reshoot) because this is the story and character that was greenlit when we pitched the show earlier this year. The character of Dayang will change to become beautiful again at the end of the story.”

Recently, a few snippets of the show which was featured on Fadzil Teh’s Instagram page fuelled the anger of netizens all over again as the production company failed to understand the consequences of airing this. The post indicated that “Dayang Senandung” was aired two days ago, on Okey TV.

A post shared by Fadzil Teh (PJK) (@hj.zil)

It’s definitely frustrating to see this recent development in the Malaysian entertainment scene. Blackface should not be normalised at all costs and the narrative that being dark-skinned is equivalent to being ugly should be removed from society in general. Although impossible due to deeply rooted cultural stigmas, let’s all do our part to end colourism!

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Hype Eats: Savour The Finest Flavours In The Klang Valley This Week (15th August – 21st August)

It’s not always about the taste, but also the experience. There’s a difference between dining at a regular restaurant and dining next to a waterfall, in a cave, or surrounded by butterflies and birds; the latter is more exciting. That’s a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the idea. However, the excitement is what drives us to seek out new restaurants and unique flavours.

This week, we have themed restaurants and one-of-a-kind combinations for your pleasure. Narrowing it down to three options, these picks will surely whet your appetite and satisfy your desire for the experience.

A post shared by Low Key Eating ✨ (@low.key.eating)

Location: 2A, Jalan Hujan Rahmat 3, Overseas Union Garden, Jalan Klang Lama 58200 Kuala Lumpur.

Susanoo is a fantastic izakaya and yakitori restaurant with a Naruto theme! Characters and elements from the popular Japanese anime are referenced in neo-lit photo spots for some Instagram-worthy pics. The glowing eyes of Sasuke Uchiha, the Sharingan symbol and the susanoo-activated avatar in neon purple sign—it’s every Naruto fans dream! To know more, visit their Instagram.

Teaming up with Malaysia’s all-time favourite snack, Super Ring, The Alley Malaysia has created a flavourful cheesy beverage called the The Alley’s Super Cruncheese (芝芝脆奶). It is made from Super Ring snacks, milk, caramel sauce, and cane sugar.

For a limited time only, the beverage will be available for RM18.90 starting from 15th August onwards at all The Alley outlets in Malaysia except the Genting Highlands outlet. For more information, check out its Facebook and Instagram.

A post shared by CU Malaysia (@cu_malaysia)

CU Malaysia, Korea’s number one and largest convenience store, has opened its 100th store and flagship outlet in Mid Valley Megamall. In collaboration with Paik Jong Won, Korea’s most famous food and beverage expert, the outlet is certain to offer you various kinds of Korean food and beverages.

Check out their gimbap line-up and CU’s most popular drinks such as the Jochiwon Peach Tea, Goguma Latte and iced Latte served with Brown Sugar Jelly Ball and White Jelly Balls. Visit their Facebook to find out more.

1. McDonalds Malaysia New Pokémon Happy Meal Toys

McDonald’s is introducing the new Pokémon Happy Meal set which includes the famous Electric mouse type Pokémon, Pikachu. From 11th August to 16th September, everyone will get the opportunity to collect 8 Pokémon-inspired items when you purchase McDonalds Happy Meal. For more updates, head on over to Facebook!

2. Free 10,000 Signature Coffee at Tealive

Tealive is giving away 10,000 cups of its Signature Coffee for free in honour of the Merdeka Month! All you have to do is walk into a Tealive store and shout Kop Merdeka three times at the top of our lungs. Hurry now and get your free cup of coffee from 17th to 18th August or before the 10k cups last. For more info, click here!

Neetashini Kanendran contributed to this article.


#PowerRangers: Reboot Franchise Gets a Release Date

Soon we will get to watch our favourite Power Rangers characters on the big screen as the release date has been announced!

Together with Haim Saban, Lionsgate will reboot the Power Rangers franchise, which is set to be released on 22nd July 2016. X-Men First Class writers Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz have come on board the project and the film will be produced by a stellar team of producers including Brian Casentini (the senior vice president of Saban’s production), Robert Orci (Star Treks & Transformers), and Allison Shearmur (The Hunger Games).

The reboot franchise will be based on the 90s TV series, “The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” that was first aired on Fox Kids. The plot of the film has not been announced yet but it will re-imagine the Power Rangers as a group of high school kids with unusual super powers, who must learn to harness their abilities as a group in order to save the world.

As the film is currently in the pre-production stage, there’s no information regarding the cast of the film just yet. But which actors would you like to see cast in the movie? Let us know in the comment box below!

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#TheHobbit: As Told In LEGO In 72 Seconds

He is best known as the director and producer of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy (2001 – 2003) and “The Hobbit” trilogy (2012 –2014), both of which are adapted from the novels of the same name by J.R.R. Tolkien. Of course, he’s also known for his other works such as “King Kong”, “The Lovely Bones”, “District 9”, and “The Adventures of Tintin”. But he’s most popular for “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit“, despite the trilogies being overly lengthy, especially “The Hobbit“.

If you can’t see yourself sitting through a movie marathon of “The Hobbit” movies, we’ve found a cute alternative.

YouTube stop-motion artists Brotherhood Workshop have condensed the story of “The Hobbit” down into 72 seconds and animated it using LEGO’s Hobbit-themed minifigs and sets. While it’s not as intense as the original trilogy, the results are both hilarious and quite fun for hardcore fans. Fans of “The Hobbit” book, especially, will be able to relate pretty well, considering the fact that the final film of “The Hobbit” trilogy, “The Hobbit: The Battle of The Five Armies“, is yet to be released.

Hence, this might contain spoilers so watch at your own risk:

“The Hobbit: The Battle of The Five Armies” will be released come 17th December.


Will & Kate Arrive In Singapore

For the next two days, the island down South will be rubbing shoulder with royalties. Real royalties.

As part of their Asia Pacific tour to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee this year, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Will and Kate are in Singapore.

The couple, who are representing Queen Elizabeth II, arrived early yesterday. The first thing on their itinerary was to visit the Singapore Botanical Gardens to smell the roses orchids.

His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge were then introduced to an orchid named after them, Vanda William Catherine.

The plant is a beautiful free-flowering orchid hybrid (Vanda First and Last x Vanda Motes Toledo Blue) and each flowering spray can grow to 25 to 35 centimetres in length, bearing up to 10 blooms.

The royal couple also viewed two other orchids, Dendrobium Queen Elizabeth II and Dendrobium Memoria Princess Diana. Dendrobium Queen Elizabeth II was named after Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during her Singapore Botanical Gardens in 1972. Dendrobium Memoria Princess Diana was named in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997.

Will and Kate later attended a reception and state dinner at Singapore’s Istana, where they met the Prime Minister, the President, and other Singaporean and British VIPs. William also made a short speech at dinner on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II.

Tomorrow, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expected to see more of Singapore before their next stop – Malaysia!


#DearLife: Dannic Unveils 3-Part Mini-Documentary; Part 1 Released

For over a year now, Dannic has been offering fans a peek into his day-to-day life as a superstar touring DJ. From in-studio Q&A sessions, to a manic 24-hour-dash across his home region, in wreaking havoc at 6 shows in just a single day, there is rarely a moment left untouched in the life of Dannic with “Front of House TV” (FOH TV).

But what about before he was headlining events the globe over and heading straight for the upper-echelons of the Beatport charts? Where did it all start for Dannic in the beginning?

Making the leap up 34 places to take the #30 position in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJ’s Poll last year, proves that Dannic is no stranger to hard work and dedication to his craft – and behind every great man, there is a great team, with the next series of FOH TV videos set to shine a light on who and what set the foundations in Dannic being the huge international success he is today.

With exclusive interviews from the Romers family, as well as some seminal figures throughout the timeline of his career, make sure you don’t miss this 3-part documentary that peels back the layers of the Dannic persona, both on-stage as well as off, with never-before-seen footage also readied to offer fans a glimpse of the exclusive.

Watch Part 1 of Dannic’s “Dear Life” mini-documentary here:

For more information on Dannic, hit up his website or Facebook page.

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Bookstore In KL Offering Major Discounts On All Books Before Closure

Another day, another local business is forced to shut down as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak in our country.

The latest to join the list would be this little book store called Reader’s Paradise located in Ampang Point Shopping Centre.

Bookshop owner Harjeet Sidhu recently revealed that he’s planning to shut down Reader’s Paradise by the middle of next month. As a goodbye gift for bookworms out there, the outlet will be offering a 50% discount off on all books until the first week of July.

“The shop has been struggling to survive especially since the Covid-19 pandemic kicked in. As a result, the only viable solution is to close down the business and sell the books at a discounted price. The remainder of the books that have not been sold would be donated to charities,” Sidhu was quoted as saying.

The 62-year-old further added that he purchased the store six years ago from the previous bookshop owner. He also revealed in the chat that the business initially started as a rental-based platform where readers were able to rent books monthly with price ranging from RM7 to RM10.

So what are you waiting for? Hurry up and visit Reader’s Paradise now before it’s too late!