We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
Substantiate your opinion : Students join NCCA workshop on film reading
Students in Zamboanga, however, learned a few tips on how to appreciate or read a film better in a workshop facilitated by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts when the national agency visited the southern city last March 8 in celebration of the National Arts Month every February......»»
Amigas group celebrate March Birthdays
The Amigas group had a small get-together at Blackbird at the Nielson Tower this month for their March birthday celebrants. Among them was the author, Lanie Fung......»»
Malixi all geared up for Augusta Amateur debut
Rianne Malixi is channeling her excitement into thorough preparation ahead of her highly anticipated debut in the prestigious Augusta National Women’s Amateur unfolding April 3 in Augusta, Georgia......»»
Thousands celebrate Women s Month in Talisay
Thousands celebrate Women s Month in Talisay.....»»
CAB: Expect no changes in airfares next month
Travelers planning to book a summer trip can expect airfares to remain the same in April, as the government made no changes in the fuel surcharge that airlines can pass on......»»
San Carlos City caps off 2024 National Women s Month
San Carlos City caps off 2024 National Women s Month.....»»
LIST: Concerts, events this April 2024
April brings on the summer heat and excitement, with no shortage of enjoyable shows and concerts to attend throughout the country......»»
March inflation may pick up amid high food prices
Inflation likely accelerated for the second straight month in March, mainly driven by high rice prices, prompting the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to keep borrowing costs unchanged at its next policy review in April, analysts said......»»
Global Dominion spreads love, appreciation to its partner car dealers
To celebrate the occasion of Valentine's Day last month, the division organized a memorable celebration to express their gratitude towards their partner dealers......»»
Piolo Pascual headlines solo concert tonight at Newport
‘An Ultimate Night with Piolo’ celebrates the actor-singer’s more than 25 years in show business Today, 20 October, Piolo Pascual headlines his third solo concert in his more than 25 years in the entertainment industry as an actor who also sings, hosts, and endorsers a myriad of products. "An Ultimate Night with Piolo" comes after "My Gift: Piolo Pascual First Time in Concert!" (April 2008, Araneta Coliseum) and "Ten: Piolo Pascual" (November 2007, Araneta Coliseum). It is produced by Cornerstone Entertainment and directed by Johnny Manahan, and takes place at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Newport World Resorts in Pasay City. “The goal is to not make it look like a variety show,” Piolo said yesterday in a media conference held at the KAO Manila restaurant in Newport Mall. He then broke into a smile. “Feeling ko lang naman legit singer ako. Pagbigyan n’yo na ’ko!” He went on to share more details about his concert: “I have a nine-piece band. I have a horn section. I have a full band and a backup. I was in the studio, iniikot ko ’yung rehearsal area, tuwang-tuwa ako. Naririnig mo ’yung sax, naririnig mo ’yung violin." “Kinikilig ako to be able to perform, to be able to sing with these talents na talaga namang, wow! Sabi ko nga, ang sarap pakinggan,” he added. Those talents who will perform with Piolo as guest artists are Erik Santos, who he described as one of his closest friends in show business; Jericho Rosales, his fellow hunky actor; and Arnel Pineda, his kumpare. Then there’s his son Inigo Pascual, who’s now making a name for himself both as an actor and a singer in the United States. The proud dad shared a bit of his conversation with his son: “Sabi n’ya, ‘I really just came home for your concert.’ ‘Oh?’ Sabi ko, ‘Akala ko may work.’ Sabi n’ya, ‘No, because you asked me to come. I’m here for your concert.’” Piolo couldn’t help expressing his joy in sharing the stage with Inigo. “Good thing he’s coming home. He’s singing with me.” Wait, there’s more to his guest list of performers: a female artist who has made him exclaim, “Okay, nakakatuwa.” Piolo then pointed out, “We have a really solid lineup, not just the guests. But all through my 25 years in this industry, all the songs I’ve recorded for the shows, movies, albums. It’s definitely a trip down memory lane. And some songs I grew up singing. And probably some grooving here and there. A fun night to celebrate life.” The post Piolo Pascual headlines solo concert tonight at Newport appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
On right track
"Culture and the arts reflect our identity as Filipinos, as people. We must have a strong patriotism to embrace our culture and identity fully.” It may be a long and arduous road toward a free and genuine Filipino culture, National Commission for Culture and the Arts Executive Director Oscar G. Casaysay says, “In taking a whole of government approach, we are on the right track in attaining Philippine Development Goals.” Casaysay, who managed the community relations and major festivals and celebrations of the country’s largest city for nine years (from 2004 to 2013), now leads NCCA in preserving, developing, and promoting the Philippine arts and culture. Founded in 1987, NCCA “promotes unity among individuals involved in the conservation of cultural properties, such as artworks, ethnographic collections, archaeological artifacts, and other materials of historical significance.” He admitted that before joining the agency, he only read the works of national artists like Bienvenido Lumbera, Nick Joaquin, and Ricky Lee. He watched the films of esteemed Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal and Marilou Abaya. “I only heard and read about the productions of the Cultural Center of the Philippines featuring the Ballet Philippines and the Philippine Harmonic Orchestra,” he said. “It was only when I became the executive director that I was able to watch those productions inside the CCP in the front row and even stand on stage giving out messages.” “I now meet our national artists up close and personal. I have the luxury of being introduced to many theater greats in the Philippine Education Theater Association and other theater productions,” he added. He went on to say that he also had the pleasure of meeting Alice Reyes (whom he described as “graceful and very down to earth”), Ryan Cayabyab (“cool and very accommodating”), Virgilio Almario (“so dignified”), Ramon Santos (“unassuming”), Ricky Lee (“down to earth and very accommodating”), Nora Aunor (“warm and humble”) and Agnes Locsin (“friendly and very warm”). In the absence of regional offices to connect with local artists and cultural workers, he said NCCA works with sub-commissions whose members are elected from among the private sector members from different communities. “Ours is a complex network that we have to deal with,” Casaysay said. “A lot of challenges each day. The most difficult part is we don’t have a huge budget, although the grants we give out come from the National Endowment Fund for Culture and the Arts.” These grants, he said, are derived from the proposals coming from civil society organizations, individual artists and cultural workers, other national government agencies, schools, colleges, universities, and local government units for their culture and arts programs and projects. Through the Sentro Rizal Office, the NCCA also engages in international initiatives. Every day has a lot of challenges and struggles to confront and hurdle, but still, with the most gracious style, he jested. The NCCA oversees the entire recognition process, from the call for submissions and selection to the presentation of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, the Order of National Artists and the National Heritage Awards. Culture is a nation’s soul “Culture is the soul of the nation. Without culture, a nation doesn’t have an identity. Culture refers to the way of life of a nation. Thus, everything that we do as a people becomes our culture,” he said. “Culture is best manifested through the arts that are said to be the best expressions of culture.” “All seven types of arts contribute to the overall growth and advancement not just of a person but of the community and the nation as well,” he said, referring to architecture and allied arts, cinema or film, dance, drama or theater, literary arts, music and visual arts. Throughout the pandemic, he felt disheartened by the perception of the arts sector as being “non-essential.” “We cannot imagine the online platform without some of the best online programs communicated through the arts — films, dances, poetry, music, or even Netflix,” he said. Citing the NCCA’s role in supporting and promoting the interests of indigenous people groups, Casaysay said valuing and preserving the cultural heritage of IPs contributes to the diversity and richness of Philippine culture. Through its programs, projects, and collaborations, the NCCA empowers IPs to protect, revitalize, and celebrate their unique cultural traditions, languages, and arts, ensuring their continued existence and appreciation for future generations. “Other aspects, such as indigenous cultures and cultural heritage, also contribute to a nation’s progress and development,” he said. Indigenous cultures, he said, refer to the knowledge, skills, and practices of our culture bearers that are preserved and handed down from one generation to another. “Cultural heritage may be tangible or intangible and is considered the wealth of a nation in terms of its glorious past. All these facets of culture are important in the life of a nation and are essential towards the holistic advancement of a country,” he said. Opportunities The lack of widespread discussion and engagement among Filipinos regarding culture is a primary concern Casaysay and many others share. “There are many challenges faced by the NCCA in this aspect. To enumerate a few — due to the lack of interest generally by Filipinos in arts and culture. For many, culture and the arts are seen as not essential; for many, it is only for the elite,” he said. He lamented the current trend wherein the younger generation shows greater appreciation for foreign cultures, such as those from Korea or the United States, rather than their own. Instead of viewing these as obstacles, he said the NCCA sees them as opportunities for growth and enhancement. Expressing confidence in the significant achievements of the NCCA in fostering greater appreciation, understanding, respect, and love for arts and culture among Filipinos, he said these encompass various aspects, including policy formulation, programming and promotions. Several laws have been enacted to safeguard the country’s cultural heritage, such as the Republic Act 10066 of 2009, commonly known as the National Heritage Law. Moreover, the NCCA organizes institutional programs throughout the year to celebrate and promote different facets of Filipino culture. Notable examples include National Arts Month held every February, Food Month and Literature Month in April; Heritage Month in May, Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (OPM Week) in the last week of July, and IP Month in October, among others. “The NCCA is also in charge of the cultural mapping and monitoring of the local culture and arts councils in the local government units,” he said, adding that it needs to intensify its efforts to be able to reach the grassroots levels. Since dreams don’t become reality through magic but by sweat, determination, and hard work, Casaysay said the NCCA will harness and maximize more platforms to reach a larger market, especially the younger generation. The dream of having a Department of Culture is neither a mountain high enough. The post On right track appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bob Barker, 99
Bob Barker, longtime host of The Price Is Right, has passed away according to his publicist. He was 99. “It is with profound sadness that we announce that the World’s Greatest MC who ever lived, Bob Barker, has left us,” publicist Roger Neal said in a statement on Saturday. USA TODAY reports that the game show emcee died of natural causes at his longtime Hollywood Hills home. No specific cause of death was given. Barker, whose real name is Robert William Barker, was born in South Dakota on 12 December 1923. He attended Drury College in Springfield, Missouri, on a basketball scholarship. He dropped out two years later to join the US Navy during World War II. He went back shortly to Drury as war ended long before he even made it to the field. He worked his first media job at KTTS-FM Radio in Springfield. In 1950, Barker was given his own program, The Bob Barker Show. Game show producer Ralph Edwards was looking for a new host to replace Jack Bailey in Truth or Consequences as Barker was hosting the audience-participation radio show KNX (AM). Barker started headlining the program on 31 December 1956 until 1975. In 1972, CBS expressed interest in modernizing the revival of The Price Is Right with Barker as host. However, Barker offered to present another game show on the network, The Joker’s Wild. CBS did not accept the proposal. He began hosting The Price Is Right on 4 September 1972. He announced his retirement on 31 October 2006 saying that he would retire from The Price Is Right by June 2007. He taped his final episode on 6 June 2007. The show aired twice on 15 June. After his retirement, Barker made three return appearances to the program: On 16 April 2009 to promote his autobiography, Priceless Memories; on 12 December 2013 to celebrate his 90th birthday; and on 1 April 2015 for an April Fools’ Day special. The post Bob Barker, 99 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Egypt activist Ahmed Douma freed after presidential pardon
Egyptian activist Ahmed Douma, a leading figure in the country's 2011 uprising who has spent the past decade behind bars, walked free from prison Saturday following a presidential pardon. Douma, now 37, was a leading activist in the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime president Hosni Mubarak. He was arrested in the sweeping crackdown that followed the army's 2013 ouster of Mohamed Morsi, the Islamist president elected after the uprising. "After 10 years in prison, I wish I could say that I am happy after being released, but I postpone any celebrations till all get freedom," Douma said after leaving Badr prison on Cairo's outskirts -- a facility that has been repeatedly criticized for its poor conditions. "I wish we can celebrate soon." Douma was originally sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2015 for clashing with security forces, but this was cut to 15 years in 2019. Later that year, Egypt's top appeals court upheld the reduced sentence, as well as a fine of six million Egyptian pounds ($372,000 at the time). In 2021, Douma published a collection of poems entitled "Curly", written while he was held in solitary confinement. The collection was displayed at that year's Cairo International Book Fair before being quickly pulled for "security reasons". In one of his poems from prison, Douma writes: "There's no time for depression, no opportunity for sadness, the flood is raging." Rising frustration Key activists from the revolution remain behind bars, including British-Egyptian pro-democracy blogger Alaa Abdel Fattah, who has spent the better part of the past decade in jail. After Morsi's overthrow, the authorities rounded up thousands of pro-democracy campaigners as well as Islamists in mass arrests that drew international condemnation. Rights activist Hossam Bahgat welcomed the pardon for Douma, but said the decision was made "without any transparency or understanding of why some people were selected and others ignored". Fellow activist Ziad el-Elaimi, who was released ahead of Egypt's hosting of the COP-27 climate summit last year, welcomed the news that Douma was finally free after having "nine and a half years of his life stolen". "The problem remains, however. Someone is using free men as hostages... People are frightened of expressing their opinions freely," he said. The president has pardoned numerous prominent figures over the past year, but critics have noted that more people have been arrested in the meantime. "President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi... has used his constitutional powers" to pardon several prisoners including Douma, said lawyer Tarek Elawady, a member of the presidential pardons committee. Since April last year, authorities have released 1,000 political prisoners, but detained almost 3,000 more, according to Egyptian rights monitors. In July, Sisi pardoned researcher Patrick Zaki a day after he received a three-year sentence, as well as rights lawyer Mohamed al-Baqer, who was arrested in 2019 while attending an interrogation of Abdel Fattah, his client at the time. According to Bahgat, founder of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, the authorities have "become well aware of rising frustration both domestically and internationally". But "the regime is showing no indication of moving towards ending the crisis of political prisoners in Egypt", Bahgat told AFP. The pardons come as Egypt conducts a so-called "national dialogue" meant to bring in an opposition that has been decimated during the decade of repression since Sisi came to power. The president announced on Wednesday he had received the first recommendations of this "dialogue", saying he had "passed them on to the competent authorities so that they can be applied within the framework granted by the legal and constitutional provisions". Next year, Egypt goes to the polls for a presidential election in which Sisi is widely expected to seek a new term. The post Egypt activist Ahmed Douma freed after presidential pardon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rosé Curse?: BLACKPINK’s Rosé reacts to Andrea Brillantes- Ricci Rivero split
Andrea Brillantes remains a lucky fan girl when it comes to the South Korean girl group BLACKPINK. On 8 August, coinciding with the mega group’s seventh anniversary, BLACKPINK member Rosé went on Instagram live to talk and celebrate with her fans (commonly known as BLINKs). Among the many BLINKs who tuned in to watch Rosé’s Instagram live was Andrea Brillantes, who also went to the girl group’s sold-out concert at the Philippine Arena last March 2023 with her then-boyfriend Ricci Rivero and was singled out by BLACKPINK from among the crowd. The Kadenang Ginto actress had held up a “promposal” sign,” which Rosé and Lisa noticed in the middle of the show. During the livestream, the singer asked BLINKs their most memorable moments as fans of the group. Brillantes immediately whipped up an answer: “My fave memory was when you noticed me for my promposal.” Rosé caught Brillantes’ comment and reacted to it: “When I noticed you for your proposal. Oh, was that you? I think it was somewhere in Southeast Asia, where was it? I don’t know (where it was), but I do remember (the proposal). I do. We have never done that before,” Rosé said. Brillantes responded by updating the K-pop star on her relationship status: “We broke up now.” Rosé looked shocked upon reading the reply. She covered her mouth and said, “Oh no, I’ll pretend I didn’t see that.” Brillantes quickly assured the BLACKPINK star that she was happy and doing well now, to which Rosé replied: “I’m happy that you’re happy.” In April last year, Brillantes and Rivero officially became a couple. However, the relationship was short-lived following cheating allegations against the basketball player. This is not the first time Brillantes has proven her “lucky girl syndrome” when it comes to interacting with foreign artists. Last July, she got to talk to Sabrina Carpenter during the latter’s Manila concert. There is also a running joke on social media about the “Rosé Curse” — that celebrities who take a photo with Rosé allegedly invariably end up splitting with their respective partners. The “Rosé Curse” began in September 2021 when model Gigi Hadid had a photo with Rosé — only to announce her break-up with singer Zayn Malik a few weeks later. Since then, other celebrity couples have supposedly also fallen victim to the curse, such as Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn, Florence Pugh and Zach Braff, Bella Poarch and her non-showbiz husband, and Kendall Jenner and basketball player Devin Booker. The post Rosé Curse?: BLACKPINK’s Rosé reacts to Andrea Brillantes- Ricci Rivero split appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rosé Curse?: BLACKPINK’s Rosé reacts to Andrea Brillantes-Ricci Rivero split
Andrea Brillantes remains a lucky fan girl when it comes to the South Korean girl group BLACKPINK. On 8 August, coinciding with the mega group's seventh anniversary, BLACKPINK member Rosé went on Instagram live to talk and celebrate with her fans (commonly known as BLINKs). Among the many BLINKs who tuned in to watch Rosé's Instagram live was Andrea Brillantes, who also went to the girl group's sold-out concert at the Philippine Arena last March 2023 with her then-boyfriend Ricci Rivero and was singled out by BLACKPINK from among the crowd. The Kadenang Ginto actress had held up a "promposal" sign", which Rosé and Lisa noticed in the middle of the show. During the livestream, the singer asked BLINKs their most memorable moments as fans of the group. Brillantes immediately whipped up an answer: "My fave memory was when you noticed me for my promposal." Rosé caught Brillantes' comment and reacted to it: "When I noticed you for your proposal. Oh, was that you? I think it was somewhere in Southeast Asia, where was it? I don't know [where it was], but I do remember [the proposal]. I do. We have never done that before," Rosé said. Brillantes responded quickly to the K-pop star, updating her on her relationship status: "We broke up now." Rosé looked shocked upon reading the reply. She covered her mouth and said, "Oh no, I'll pretend I didn't see that." Brillantes quickly assured the BLACKPINK star that she was doing well now and happy, to which Rosé replied: "I'm happy that you're happy." In April last year, Brillantes and Rivero officially became a couple. However, the relationship was short-lived following cheating allegations about the basketball player. This is not the first time Brillantes has proven her "lucky girl syndrome" when it comes to interacting with foreign artists. Last July, Sabrina Carpenter talked to Brillantes mid-stage during her Manila concert. But there is also a running joke on social media about the "Rosé curse" — that celebrities who take a photo with Rosé allegedly invariably end up splitting with their respective partners. The "Rosé curse" began in September 2021 when model Gigi Hadid had a photo with Rosé – only to announce her break-up with singer Zayn Malik a few weeks later. Since then, other celebrity couples have supposedly also fallen victim to the "Rosé curse," such as Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn, Florence Pugh and Zach Braff, Bella Poarch and her non-showbiz husband, and Kendall Jenner and basketball player Devin Booker. The post Rosé Curse?: BLACKPINK’s Rosé reacts to Andrea Brillantes-Ricci Rivero split appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden to host Japan, South Korea leaders 18 Aug — White House
US President Joe Biden will host Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol for a summit at his retreat outside Washington on 18 August, the White House said Friday. "The leaders will celebrate a new chapter in their trilateral relationship as they reaffirm their strong bonds of friendship and the ironclad alliances between the United States and Japan, and the United States and the Republic of Korea," an official statement said. The summit, held at the Camp David presidential retreat in rural Maryland near Washington, DC, will be a chance to "discuss expanding trilateral cooperation across the Indo-Pacific and beyond," the White House said. They will address the "continued threat" from North Korea and "advance a shared trilateral vision for addressing global and regional security challenges, promoting a rules-based international order, and bolstering economic prosperity." Biden has made a priority of getting close US allies Japan and South Korea to overcome years of tension and work together in the face of nuclear-armed North Korea's ongoing saber rattling and fear of confrontation with superpower China. Relations between Pyongyang and Seoul are at one of their lowest points, with diplomacy stalled and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un calling for increased weapons development, including tactical nukes. In response, Yoon has pulled South Korea closer to long-standing ally Washington and sought to bury the hatchet with former colonial power Japan. In April, Seoul and Washington said that if Pyongyang ever used its nuclear weapons against the allies, it would face a nuclear reaction and the "end" of its regime. The post Biden to host Japan, South Korea leaders 18 Aug — White House appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
First EXO-themed café opens in QC
You don’t have to travel all the way to South Korea to experience a taste of Korean culture. A lot of Korean-inspired cafes are already popping up in Metro Manila, providing a familiar and comfortable ambiance especially for coffee enthusiasts and K-pop fans. One trendy, Korean-inspired café that’s making a buzz these days is Café-408, the first EXO-themed café located on the second floor of The Rock Lifestyle Hub in Quezon City. Opened last 8 April, same day as K-pop group EXO’s 11th anniversary, Café-408 serves comfort food and a wide variety of quality coffee and non-coffee beverages. The cafe also incorporates EXO’s aesthetics and concepts. Among its menu are Truffle Fries, pasta, Birthday Cake Cookie, American Breakfast, croissant, muffins, s’mores and Chanyeol’s tteokbokki. Drinks include cold brew, Spanish Latte, Strawberry Mocha Latte, Blue Lemon Fizz and Mango Strawberry Fizz. [caption id="attachment_153711" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Mocha Latte.[/caption] On 30 June, when EXO’s “Hear Me Out” came out, fans gathered at the café for a free viewing of the pre-release track’s much-awaited music video. Similarly, a cupsleeve event was held by PHIXOs (Filipino EXO fans) as a way to celebrate the track’s release. Cupsleeve events are celebrations done by coffee shops or organized by fandoms to celebrate a K-pop artist’s birthday or comeback. Café-408 also unveiled its list of events for July on their social media accounts, including a whole-day open event dedicated to EXO’s comeback on 10 July and a celebration of its subunit EXO-SC’s debut anniversary on 21 July. The post First EXO-themed café opens in QC appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Winning Huawei shot
Huawei Philippines launches XMAGE Awards 2023 Philippines. The contest, which runs until 15 August, offers participants the opportunity to showcase their talents in both photography and videography in capturing the country’s natural beauty, diverse culture and vibrant scenes using their Huawei smartphones. Echoing the aspiration of the Global Huawei XMAGE Awards 2023 last 7 April to celebrate inspiration and creativity, the XMAGE Awards 2023 Philippines encourages professional photographers, smartphone-photography enthusiasts, and dedicated video content creators alike to share their masterpieces and win amazing prizes. Up for grabs are a Huawei P60 Pro, a Huawei Watch GT Runner, a Huawei Sound Joy and a Huawei FreeBuds Pro 2. Huawei’s recently launched XMAGE brand from 2022 has primarily focused on the optical system, mechanical structure, imaging technology and image processing in photography. All four pillars of XMAGE now form the tenets of HUAWEI’s new smartphone camera technologies available in the latest HUAWEI Mate 50 Pro’s Ultra Aperture Camera and HUAWEI P60 Pro’s Ultra Lighting Telephoto Camera to produce stunning images day and night with its unprecedented full-path light capturing capabilities. Aligned with the global HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2023, the contest has the following categories: Night Walk, Outdoor, Portrait, Art and Fashion, Hello Life, Storyboard, Action and Storytelling. Participants are encouraged to capture the lively and animated nightlife in the Philippines according to these categories by using Huawei’s unique night-photo settings. With HUAWEI P60 Pro’s Ultra Lighting Telephoto Camera and Ultra Lighting Main Camera that boasts an F1.4–F4.0 auto-adjustable physical aperture, pristine photos can be captured from any distance, day and night, thanks to its unprecedented full-path light capturing capabilities. Revel in unique XMAGE styles to produce vivid photography in low-light settings, fully displaying details in the dark, or immersive photography with enriching details in bright setting, well-defined light and shade. Capture breathtaking photos of the moon and even nocturnal animals or take portraits at the local night market. You will surely end up with dynamic shots that perfectly embodies the essence of your subjects. The winners of the XMAGE Awards 2023 Philippines photography contest will be selected by a panel of esteemed judges, including industry experts Kublai Millan (artist and sculptor), Jelito de Leon (lifestyle photographer and visual storyteller) and Li Changzhu (VP of Consumer Strategy). The post Winning Huawei shot appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
South Korea celebrates 10 years of K-pop megastars BTS
Fans of K-pop megastars BTS flocked to hotspots around Seoul on Monday to mark the supergroup's 10-year anniversary, with South Korea unveiling a special commemorative stamp series to celebrate. The group's fans -- known collectively as ARMY -- gathered outside the offices of its agency HYBE to take selfies and record TikTok videos in front of a huge mural of the stars being painted on a wall. Korea Post unveiled a special edition series of stamps in BTS's honor set to go on sale at post offices Tuesday -- the official anniversary of the septet's debut -- having already sold out almost instantly online. "Obviously BTS are global superstars, but we didn't expect the stamps to be sold out on the day of the online release," a Korea Post official told AFP. After debuting on June 13, 2013, the group went on to become the first all-South Korean act to dominate the US and UK charts, raking in billions of dollars and building a global fandom in the process. "Many ARMY BTS fans have asked for the release of BTS stamps, and we also wanted to issue stamps for these global artists for their 10th anniversary," Kim Mi-hwa, Korea Post stamp designer, told AFP. The band -- currently on a hiatus, with two members performing their mandatory South Korean military service -- released a new digital single last week to celebrate the anniversary. The single, "Take Two", is purportedly a nod to the band's second chapter after a decade as musicians. Fans from around the world traveled to South Korea to celebrate the anniversary, with the Seoul city government running a special program for the visitors. "It's thrilling to be here. It's thrilling to be surrounded by other ARMY," scientist Anne Micic, 55, a BTS fan from Australia, told AFP. "I think that's the other thing, that as an ARMY when you meet other ARMY it's almost like you have another family, which is really awesome." A handwritten letter by J-Hope, who began his military duty in April, was uploaded Monday on Weverse, the worldwide fandom network. The letter appeared to have been prepared in advance for the anniversary before he joined the military. "I assume I'd be very military-disciplined" by the time the letter is revealed, he wrote. "No matter what day it is, I sincerely thank you and love you," he told fans. 'BTS saved my life' A special map released by the city government for fans visiting from abroad features 13 locations across the South Korean capital. It includes agency HYBE's office in Yongsan and the historic Gyeongbok Palace, where BTS filmed a special edition of the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Fans said it was worth traveling so far to honor their favorite band. BTS "really saved my life", Claudia Agustin, 23, a fan from Indonesia who works in accounting, told AFP in Seoul, adding that their lyrics had spoken to her during difficult periods of her life. She said she was "really, really proud" of the group's 10-year anniversary. "I know how they've been struggling from back in their debut days and then they really make it big. Now everyone really knows them," she added. Starting Monday, important tourist spots across Seoul, including the Namsan Seoul Tower and Dongdaemun Design Plaza, will be lit up in purple -- ARMY's color -- in celebration of the anniversary. BTS members who are not doing their military service yet have been busy with their solo careers -- with Jimin releasing his six-track solo album "Face" in March. It is likely part of a carefully planned strategy, experts said. "The most significant part of BTS' 10th anniversary is that they're still here and together as BTS," Jeff Benjamin, Billboard's K-pop columnist, told AFP. "Every male K-pop group will need to pause or transition due to South Korea's mandatory military service but not every group is adequately prepared as BTS has with preplanned music and content that holds significant meaning. "Even the new song itself 'Take Two' speaks specifically to this new chapter of BTS with their fans," Benjamin added. The post South Korea celebrates 10 years of K-pop megastars BTS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Jordan crown prince weds Saudi architect in lavish ceremony
Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah married Saudi architect Rajwa Al Seif on Thursday in a ceremony attended by royals from across the globe. The ceremony was held in the mid-century Zahran Palace in the capital Amman -- the site of other key royal weddings including that of King Abdullah II to Queen Rania as well as that of his father, the late King Hussein bin Talal. The king's eldest son and Al Seif, both aged 28, tied the knot at a ceremony attended by their families and 140 guests, including US First Lady Jill Biden and the Prince and Princess of Wales. Other notables included the Netherlands' King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, as well as Belgium's King Philippe and Crown Princess Elisabeth and Danish Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary. The highly anticipated nuptials were met by celebrations across Jordan, with thousands gathering to witness the procession in Amman in streets decorated with pictures of the couple and banners. A royal red motorcade, reserved for special occasions, crossed the capital to celebrate the bride and groom. King Abdullah II, aged 61 and on the throne since 1999, has long groomed his eldest son to succeed him, bringing him along to important visits and meetings, former information minister Samih Maaytah previously told AFP. Prince Hussein became heir to the throne in 2009 after his father removed the title from his half-brother Hamzah in 2004. Hamzah would later be placed under house arrest after being accused of attempting a royal coup in 2021 that sent shockwaves through the royal establishment. In April 2022, Hamzah renounced his royal title, saying his own values no longer aligned with those of "our institutions". Jordan enjoys relative stability compared to its Middle East neighbors but has seen protests in recent years as it struggles with economic woes. The World Bank says Jordan is heavily in debt and faces around 23 percent unemployment. The Hashemite kingdom relies extensively on foreign aid. The Jordanian king has wide-ranging political powers in the country of 11 million people, a parliamentary monarchy, and also acts as the supreme leader of the armed forces. Hussein followed in his father's footsteps by attending Britain's Sandhurst Military College and then studying history at Washington's Georgetown University. His bride was born and raised in conservative Saudi Arabia but is also Western-educated, having studied architecture at Syracuse University in New York. See more photos here: The post Jordan crown prince weds Saudi architect in lavish ceremony appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»