
Miss Universe Philippines 2025: Why did Blackpink's Lisa turn down the offer to perform at pageant?
K-pop sensation Lisa, a member of Blackpink and 'The White Lotus' actress, has officially declined an invitation to perform at the grand finale of Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand, according to a report by Pinkvilla.
The highly anticipated event, set for November 21 at Bangkok's IMPACT Arena, was aiming to spotlight the Thai-born global superstar as its show-stopping act. Nawat Itsaragrisil, the newly appointed CEO of the Miss Universe Organisation, confirmed the news during a TikTok livestream, revealing that Lisa was personally invited to headline the finale.
However, several reports suggest that scheduling conflicts stood in the way. While the organisers were eager to secure Lisa's performance, discussions with her international management team proved difficult. After several attempts to coordinate, her team officially declined, citing prior commitments.
Lisa's packed schedule for 2025 made it impossible for her to accommodate the pageant appearance, despite interest from both sides. Her decision, while disappointing for fans, reflects her busy global commitments and ongoing projects.
Miss Universe 2025, however, continues full steam ahead. Ticket sales are already live. This year's edition also marks a new chapter under Nawat's leadership, following his official appointment on April 23.
While Lisa won't grace the Miss Universe stage this time, excitement still runs high for what promises to be a glamorous evening celebrating international beauty, culture, and talent.
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Arabian Post
a day ago
- Arabian Post
K!DZ POP CON ASIA: Exhibitor Highlights at K!DZ POP CON 2025
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Plus, splash into the Game Zone, packed with exciting games the whole family will enjoy! Also, don't miss the exclusive Baby Shark merchandise at K!DZ POP CON! DISNEY AND PIXAR'S ELIO Get ready, Earthlings! Disney and Pixar's Elio is landing at K!DZ POP CON! Embark on an out-of-this-world adventure through a three-zone cosmic journey inspired by the all-new Elio movie! Create your very own cape and gear up for interstellar travel,dive into some colouring fun with the Elio-themed activity kit, and snap a mind-bending Trick Eye photo as you're 'beamed up' to the Communiverse. Don't forget to get hands-on with Galaxy Slime Making – a cosmic keepsake to bring home as proof of your stellar journey! Disney and Pixar's #ElioSG in cinemas 19 June 2025. MY LITTLE PONY & PEPPA PIG Get ready for a whole lot of fun and magical moments at K!DZ POP CON – with beloved Hasbro favourites PEPPA PIG and MY LITTLE PONY bringing extra joy to the event! It's a party like no other as we celebrate the most adorable news of the year – Mummy Pig's heartwarming pregnancy announcement has taken the world by storm! Now it's time to welcome the newest member of Peppa Pig's family – Evie – in a joy-filled celebration you simply can't miss! Expect laughter, games, photo-ops, and plenty of surprises as we toast to this new chapter for Peppa and her family. But that's just the beginning… MY LITTLE PONY is galloping in with a magical merch drop that will have everypony buzzing! From adorable plushies to must-have blind boxes and dazzling toys, the sparkle is REAL. Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering magic for the first time, there's something for every dreamer! It's a weekend of wonder, surprises, and unforgettable moments – only at K!DZ POP CON. Don't just hear about it… BE THERE! JUMPTOPIA LITE Get ready for a bouncin' good time with Kiztopia Friends, popping up at K!DZ POP CON with two exciting inflatables, Honey's Meadow Farm and Tiger's Sports Meet, perfect for little adventurers! Watch your little ones zoom down the barnyard slide at Honey's Meadow Farm and jump into action at Tiger's Sports Meet, all while snapping their cutest photos along the way! Whether your kids are mini athletes or farmyard fans, there's non-stop fun waiting for them. Don't miss out on this family-friendly fun adventure! NTUC FIRST CAMPUS: IGNITING YOUNG MINDS THROUGH PLAY & DISCOVERY As the strategic and only preschool partner of K!DZ POP CON 2025, NTUC First Campus reinforces its position as a trusted leader in early childhood education with an inspiring, activity-packed booth for little learners and their families. Step into a vibrant showcase of their well-loved brands – My First Skool, Little Skool-House, and Changemakers! Embark on a hands-on learning journey filled with creativity, exploration, and fun! Highlights include: * Solve a case of the missing character through fun puzzles as a team * Learn about wildlife conservation through interactive displays & craft activities * Hands-on play & open-ended exploration through our Maker's Playground, where children can bring creations to life * Write your own stories & create your very own story puppets * Photobooth! Complete an adventure journey with NTUC First Campus and walk away with a complimentary gift. NTUC First Campus invites you to learn, play, and grow together at K!DZ POP CON 2025. POPULAR Join POPULAR at K!DZ POP CON for a world of fun, learning, and creativity! Discover the bestselling English children's book series—ranging from timeless classics to today's must-reads that kids adore. Don't miss the exciting selection of stationery and Bluey toys—perfect for playtime, school, or thoughtful gifting! Plus, celebrate culture with our unique selection of Wen Chuang (文创) items, suitable for all ages to discover our local heritage. VIPER KIDS Viper Kids is making its Singapore debut at K!DZ POP CON! Get your little adventurers to take on the thrilling Viper Challenge – packed with kids friendly obstacles and loads of fun! It's time to run, jump, climb, and most importantly…have a blast! See also Largest China-Russia Land Port Reinvents Itself as Industrial Hub Origame Together with Mr Kiasu, Origame will run a Shop Until You Drop Kompetition throughout the event. Mr Kiasu books and Origame games will be given away to EVERY SINGLE WINNER who plays and wins a game of Shop Until You Drop at our tables! Meet & Greet Mr Kiasu There will be special appearances by Mr Kiasu himself from 10-11am every morning! Don't miss the opportunity to come take photos with the legendary Mr Kiasu with your family and friends. Family Game Bundles Origame will also have special prices and bundles for kids and family games at K!DZ Pop Con, so look out for the cheapest prices on your favourite Origame family games! Be Part of the Fun! K!DZ Pop Con Asia is more than just an event – it's a celebration of childhood, imagination, and family bonding. Event Details – Date: 21 – 22 June 2025 Venue: Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Level 1, Halls A,B,C (135,000 sqft!) Tickets for K!DZ POP CON 2025 are now on sale. Get tickets: Follow us on social media for the latest news: Facebook | Instagram | Website Hashtag: #K!DZ The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About the event organiser, Generation Experience Generation Experience is the driving force behind some of Southeast Asia's most exciting pop culture events, including Singapore Comic Con, Creators Con, and K!DZ Pop Con Asia. We bring together fans, creators, and entertainment pioneers to craft unforgettable experiences. Specializing in conceptualizing, curating, and organizing immersive events, our passionate team is led by a veteran with over 30 years of expertise in the MICE industry. With a deep understanding of fandoms and entertainment culture, Generation Experience transforms ideas into dynamic, community-driven events that captivate audiences. About NTUC First Campus NTUC First Campus (NFC) is committed to enabling bright futures for every child and their family by providing quality, inclusive educational and developmental services from infancy to the primary school years. NFC's two preschool brands, My First Skool and Little Skool-House, operate over 180 centres and serve 29,000 children, making it one of Singapore's largest early childhood care and education providers. About Mediacorp Mediacorp is Singapore's national media network and largest content creator. Its purpose is to create engaging and trusted content, as well as to connect communities and inspire people. 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Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Khaleej Times
British singer Jessie J diagnosed with early stage breast cancer
British pop singer Jessie J, known for her hits Flashlight, Pricetag and Bang Bang, has been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, the star revealed in a video on Instagram on Wednesday. "Before No Secrets came out, I was diagnosed with early breast cancer. Cancer sucks in any form, but I'm holding onto the word 'early'," said the singer, as she opened up about her new diagnosis and her fears while sharing this with the media. Jessie said she would be having a surgery after the Summertime Ball, which will be held on June 15 and would "disappear for a bit". The singer expressed how she wanted to share the news with her fans and has "always been a sharer". "I want to share with my fans and people who care about me. I've always shared everything that I go through in my life. I have been in and out of tests throughout this whole period. I just wanted to be open and share it." She continued, 'One, because, selfishly, I do not talk about it enough. I'm not processing it because I'm working so hard. I also know how much sharing in the past has helped me with other people giving me their love and support and also their own stories. I'm an open book." The singer also showed solidarity with all those dealing with cancer. 'It breaks my heart that so many people are going through so much similar and worse — that's the bit that kills me.' 'The timing of it has been mad but also beautiful and given me this incredible perspective in this time. But honestly I need to process it and talk about it and, I need a hug. You have loved me through all my good and hard times. And I don't want this to be any different," she added. Jessie J currently has a son named Sky, who she welcomed in 2023 with her partner Chanan Safir Colman. The singer has opened up about a miscarriage in 2021 and also shared in the past about being diagnosed with a heart condition at eight, having a minor stroke at 18 and going temporarily deaf in 2020.


Hi Dubai
4 days ago
- Hi Dubai
How Dubai Turns the Most Unlikely Ideas Into Powerful Trends
Have you ever wondered how something completely random suddenly becomes the next big thing in Dubai? One day it's a quirky toy no one's heard of, and the next it's sold out everywhere. A dessert that sounds unusual at first? Give it a week, and you'll find it all over social media. So, how does this happen? Dubai has a way of picking up the most unexpected ideas and turning them into full-blown trends. It's not luck. It's a mix of the right people, the right platforms, and the right timing. With everyone so connected here, it only takes one post, one video, or one shoutout from the right influencer to make something blow up. Did you know social media usage in the UAE is actually higher than the population itself? And what about the support behind the scenes? The city's leadership is constantly investing in innovation, encouraging new ideas, and making it easier for small businesses to take off. Add to that the fact that people here come from all over the world, and you get a place that's always curious, always open to trying something new. So what does that mean for someone starting out? Could your small idea be the next thing everyone's talking about? In this article, we'll take a closer look at how Dubai turns the most unlikely ideas into powerful trends and why this city might just be the best place for something unexpected to succeed. The Labubu Craze: A Toy That Became a Cultural Icon Labubu, the wide-eyed, mischievous toy figure with spiky ears and a toothy grin, was originally created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in 2015. Inspired by Nordic folklore, Labubu became part of 'The Monsters' series. Its real breakout moment came in 2019 when Lung partnered with Chinese toy company Pop Mart. The toys were sold in blind boxes, where buyers never knew which version they were getting, which added to the excitement. The craze grew quickly, especially after BLACKPINK's Lisa shared a photo holding a Labubu doll on her Instagram. That one post created a ripple effect across Asia, and soon Pop Mart was reporting a sharp rise in sales. It did not take long for the trend to reach Dubai. In the UAE, Labubu found a new fan base among collectors and influencers. Prices in Dubai range from AED 130 to AED 350, depending on the rarity. You can find them being sold and traded through platforms like Dubizzle, and some editions are even resold at premium prices. What makes Dubai different is how quickly local businesses respond to a trend like this. created a giant Labubu sculpture made entirely of 1,600 pink roses. Standing at 1.3 meters tall and priced at AED 29,995, the floral Labubu became a luxury gift option for superfans. Another company, Bouquet & Co, launched themed flower arrangements based on the character and opened pre-orders to keep up with demand. It shows how Dubai is always ready to turn a small cultural moment into something much bigger. People here don't just follow trends. They build on them, shape them, and give them new meaning. In a city that celebrates creativity and bold ideas, even a playful toy can spark a wave of business opportunities. Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate: A Dessert That Went Global The viral success of Fix Dessert Chocolatier's Pistachio Kunafa Chocolate in Dubai sparked a global trend, inspiring numerous businesses to create their own versions and flavors. After TikTok influencer Maria Vehera's video amassed over 120 million views, the dessert's popularity soared, leading to widespread adaptations. In the United States, Trader Joe's introduced a Dubai-style chocolate bar featuring pistachio cream and kataifi, which quickly sold out nationwide. Similarly, OREO Arabia launched a Pistachio Kunafa Cookie Sandwich, blending their classic cookies with pistachio cream and crisped kunafa dough. European retailers like Lidl and Mercadona also joined the trend, offering their own pistachio-filled chocolate bars that sold out rapidly. In San Antonio, Texas, Délice Chocolatier & Patisserie created Dubai chocolate tacos, incorporating pistachio cream and kadayif into a chocolate shell. These adaptations highlight how a single viral dessert from Dubai influenced global culinary creations, leading to a surge in pistachio demand and innovative flavor combinations worldwide. Why Dubai Is the Perfect Breeding Ground for Trends Dubai has become a global hub for emerging trends, thanks to its unique blend of digital connectivity, cultural diversity, consumer behavior, and forward-thinking government initiatives. Here's an in-depth look at the factors that make Dubai the perfect breeding ground for trends: 1. High Influencer Density and a Social Media-First Culture The United Arab Emirates (UAE) boasts a remarkable digital presence, with 11.3 million active social media user identities, equating to 100% of its total population. This widespread adoption underscores the significant role social media plays in daily life. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are particularly influential. For instance, TikTok's ad reach in the UAE was equivalent to 87.7% of the local internet user base at the beginning of the year. Recognizing the power of social media, Dubai has launched initiatives like the "Influencer Academy" to train individuals in effective digital storytelling, aligning with the city's economic agenda to double its economy by 2033. 2. Access to Diverse Ingredients, Materials, and Global Talent Dubai's strategic location and multicultural population provide unparalleled access to a wide array of ingredients and materials from around the world. This diversity fuels innovation, allowing for unique product offerings that blend various cultural elements. The city's labor market is characterized by its diversity, with professionals from over 200 nationalities contributing to various sectors, including finance, technology, and hospitality. This global talent pool brings together a multitude of perspectives and skills, fostering an environment ripe for creative and innovative endeavors. 3. Consumer Appetite for Novelty and Exclusivity Dubai's consumers are known for their enthusiasm for new and exclusive products. The city's thriving tourism sector and diverse expatriate population contribute to a dynamic market where novelty is highly valued. The recent craze for "Dubai chocolate," a confectionery creation featuring pistachio cream, tahini, and knafeh, exemplifies this trend. Its unique flavor profile and limited availability have driven consumer demand, leading to rapid sell-outs in various markets. Such consumer behavior underscores the importance of innovation and exclusivity in capturing the attention of Dubai's market. 4. Government Openness to Innovation Across Sectors Dubai's government actively fosters innovation through strategic initiatives aimed at economic diversification and technological advancement. The Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) aims to double the size of Dubai's economy over the next decade and consolidate its position among the top three global cities. Complementing this, Digital Dubai has launched measures to implement a strategic vision for an AI-powered data center economy, enhancing the city's readiness for future technological developments. These initiatives demonstrate Dubai's commitment to creating an environment conducive to innovation and trend-setting across various sectors. Dubai's unique combination of digital engagement, cultural diversity, consumer behavior, and supportive government policies creates an ecosystem where trends can rapidly emerge and flourish. This environment not only attracts global attention but also positions Dubai as a leading incubator for innovation and cultural phenomena. Businesses in Dubai: Your Idea Could Be the Next Big Thing Starting small in Dubai doesn't mean staying small. In fact, some of the city's most talked-about ideas have come from local entrepreneurs who tapped into a moment, used the tools around them, and found themselves riding a trend they didn't see coming. Dubai creates that kind of space, where ambition is matched by support, and good ideas, no matter how unexpected, have the chance to take off. Several government-backed platforms make this possible. Dubai SME provides training, funding access, and business development support specifically tailored to help small and medium-sized businesses grow. For those in the early stages, Dubai Next offers a digital crowdfunding platform where individuals can raise funds for their projects with the support of the local community. This kind of visibility and backing gives ideas room to breathe and scale. For startups working in tech, design, media, or science, innovation hubs like In5 offer more than just office space. They provide mentorship, industry access, and subsidized licenses to help young brands build something sustainable. Meanwhile, Area 2071—part of the Dubai Future Foundation—connects entrepreneurs with government entities, investors, and global accelerators in a collaborative space that focuses on solving real-world challenges. All of this creates a clear message. In Dubai, innovation isn't limited to big names or big budgets. The system is built to allow new voices to rise. It's not rare to see a neighborhood idea go from a home kitchen or a small online shop to becoming a product that ends up in news headlines. With the right timing, community support, and a little creative push, your idea could be the next big thing coming out of Dubai. Key Takeaways from Dubai's Trend Ecosystem If you are running a small business in Dubai or thinking about starting one, you might be wondering how some ideas suddenly catch fire. Is it about having a big team or a lot of money? Not really. In many cases, the businesses that take off are the ones that focus on a few simple things. And it often starts with knowing what makes your idea different. Think about your product. What sets it apart? Is it something people have never seen before, or maybe a creative twist on something familiar? In Dubai, people are always curious to try new things. That love for novelty means even a small idea can stand out if it has something unique about it. Then comes the part about sharing your story. Social media plays a huge role here. People in Dubai are some of the most active social media users in the world. Everyone is scrolling, posting, and sharing all day. So ask yourself, what are you showing them? Are you telling your story in a way that feels honest and relatable? Showing behind-the-scenes moments, the work that goes into what you do, or why you started in the first place, can make a big difference. There are also plenty of places around the city where you can bring your brand to life. Ripe Market is a great example. It is where lots of small businesses start building a following. Then there is Sole DXB, which is more culture-focused and gives brands a chance to connect with a younger, creative crowd. Expo City also hosts pop-ups where you get to meet a wide mix of people, from tourists to residents, all looking to explore something new. Have you thought about taking part in one of these? And the best part is, it is not really about how big you are. It is more about how clearly you tell your story and how well you time it. If people understand your idea and feel connected to it, they will talk about it. They will share it. And that is how trends begin in Dubai. So if you are wondering whether your idea could be next, maybe now is the time to tell your story and see what happens. In most places, strange ideas are met with hesitation. In Dubai, they are met with curiosity. This city has a way of turning the unexpected into the unforgettable. A toy no one paid attention to elsewhere becomes a must-have here. A dessert that mixes old tradition with a new flavor becomes the talk of the world. That is not by chance. It is by design. So if you are someone sitting on an idea that feels too small, too different, or maybe even too odd to work, remember where you are. Dubai thrives on the bold and the unusual. What seems like a tiny thought today might be the thing people cannot stop talking about tomorrow. Sometimes, all it takes is one person to see the potential. One platform. One story. One moment. In Dubai, the right idea never stays small for long. Also read, Bedayat and Dubai SME Announce Selection of 20 Promising Emirati Startups for the 'Emirati Tech Founder' Programme Bedayat, the business incubator based in The Sustainable City – Dubai, in partnership with the Hamdan Innovation Incubator (Hi2), an initiative by the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, has announced the selection of 20 outstanding Identifying Prime Locations to Set Up Your Business in Dubai Explore how Dubai's business zones, licenses, and costs shape success and why choosing the right location can make all the difference. Best Digital Tools for Small Businesses in the UAE Discover essential digital tools every small business in the UAE needs to thrive—plus government support that helps them grow smarter and faster. UAE Launches Startup Global Exchange Program to Boost International Collaboration The UAE has unveiled the Startup Global Exchange Program 2025, a major new initiative aimed at connecting local and international startups with global markets, mentors, investors, and innovation hubs.