
From Star Wars Collab To New Essentials Line: New Launches From CASETiFY This May
It's a new month and that means new launches from the world's favourite phone and electronics accessories case brand, CASETiFY! This May, the brand's new releases are packed with a cosmic collaboration, some serene essentials, and the perfect way to celebrate the superwoman in your life!
With these launches, you can give your tech a galactic upgrade, or embellish it with a dreamy palette of pastels and earthy tones. If you're still looking for a gift for mummy dearest, we've got you covered too! Keep on reading to check out all the latest CASETiFY drops:
Star Wars x CASETiFY: Power the Force
May the Fourth be with you! CASETiFY's latest Star WarsTM collection is here to give your tech a galactic upgrade, with all-new accessories and collectibles inspired by the droids, ships, and technical details that power the Empire and the Rebellion. Designs in the collection include references to the opening crawl, the Rebel Alliance, the Galactic Empire, C-3PO, R2-D2, and more!
Essentials by CASETiFY: Unveil Your Serenity
CASETiFY brings a fresh product and new colour offerings as part of a Spring refresh to its Essentials by CASETiFYTM collection. Inspired by the rich textures and tranquil beauty of fine art, this collection transforms everyday tech into functional works of art. This collection features minimalist designs in a palette of ethereal pastels and earth tones that evoke a sense of tranquility: crisp White, calming Oat, and a new tranquil Periwinkle.
Mother's Day Gift Guide
This Mother's Day, give Mom a personalised gift she'll cherish! Use CASETiFY's easy-to-use customization tools to design a unique tech case with a custom photo or text. You can match up and flaunt the same look, or pick out complementary cases that match each of your unique styles! A custom case with mum's favourite furbabies is also perfect for her to show off her sweet furkids all the better!
The Star Wars x CASETiFY collaboration, the Essentials by CASETiFY collection and the Mother's Day personalisation tools are now available on the CASETiFY website.
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The Star
19 hours ago
- The Star
‘Andor': A lesson in politics and hope
I AM no die hard Star Wars fan, and it is no secret that the franchise has struggled to find its footing in recent years. The sequel trilogy ended on a whimper (and that is me being generous), while its television offerings on Disney+ have seen more misses than hits. This is why Andor came as such a surprise. While I have always admired 2016's Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the idea of building a series around one of its secondary characters initially seemed like an odd creative choice. What emerged, however, is a gripping and quietly profound piece of television. Framed as a story of rebellion, Andor follows Cassian Andor's reluctant journey into the fight against the evil Galactic Empire. Spanning two seasons, the series begins with a search for his missing sister and gradually reveals how Cassian is pulled into something much larger than himself. This story stands out against the franchise's other projects because it does not follow a story of heroes or chosen ones. Instead, it explores how oppression operates not through spectacle, but through ordinary means such as bureaucracy, fear, and apathy. There are no lightsabers or space wizards here, just people navigating the slow grind of a system built to keep them compliant. As the series unfolds, it begins to feel unexpectedly familiar. The quiet control of the Empire and the divisiveness it sows among people mirrors very real events in the world. Keen-eyed viewers were quick to draw parallels between actions of the Trump administration in the United States and the Empire's obsession with controlling information and attacking established institutions. Andor is also the grittiest Disney offering I have seen in a while, which may not be the source of escapism expected from the brand. Particularly in season two, when an entire arc is dedicated to following how laws are used to silence dissent and punish communities for speaking out. As democratic backsliding is reported to be happening globally, it turns out that this galaxy far, far away isn't that far after all. Malaysia is by no means an authoritarian regime. Yet the emotional and political textures of Andor – the institutional inertia, the disillusionment with leadership, the persistent waiting for change – resonate with many young Malaysians. We have followed elections, hung on to campaigns promising reform, and felt the slow frustration of watching meaningful change falter or fade. What makes Andor so compelling is its honest depiction of how resistance begins. Cassian does not set out to fight for a cause. He is disinterested, even cynical. But over time, through personal losses and difficult encounters, he begins to shift. His transformation is not immediate or clean. It is gradual, shaped by relationships and exposure, and it reminds us that engagement often starts from a place of doubt. For many young Malaysians, this kind of evolution feels familiar. We, too, grew up during moments of political hope amidst calls for reform and promises of a more inclusive future. Some of that belief still lingers. At the same time, we have experienced political instability, unfulfilled promises, and the slow, uneven pace of institutional change. Andor reminds us that idealism needs more than passion. It also requires patience and the willingness to keep showing up even when the outcomes are uncertain. Another standout character in the series is Mon Mothma. In the original films, she appears as a confident leader of the Rebellion. In Andor, we see her as a politician trying to operate within a system that is slowly tightening around her. She cannot act openly, and so she learns to resist in quiet ways through negotiation, policy, and personal sacrifice. Her arc serves as a reminder that political change does not only happen in the streets. Often, it happens in rooms where no one is watching, and where every choice carries real consequence. What the series also captures well is how institutions operate. The Empire is not portrayed as a cartoonish villain but instead as a slow, indifferent machine. It relies on procedure, paperwork, and bureaucracy. This portrayal feels familiar. In our country, many young people are not frustrated by direct oppression, but by processes that feel unresponsive and systems that seem to preserve the status quo rather than challenge it. Andor does not offer a solution, but it does offer a perspective: systems don't shift on their own. People within them must choose to act, and often at great personal cost. Amidst all this, the show also cautions against romanticising resistance. One of the most memorable lines for me comes from Luthen Rael, a rebel strategist who confesses, 'I burn my life to make a sunrise I know I'll never see'. There is no glamour in that line, only realism. It reflects the emotional toll of long-term political work, especially when change feels out of reach. And yet, it is a reminder of leaders and activists who have paved the path for what we enjoy today. It offers clarity about what commitment can look like, even when rewards are not guaranteed. Andor may not have all the answers, but it presents a compelling way to think about politics. Rather than treating it as a fixed ideology or destination, the show portrays it as an evolving process. Political engagement becomes a movement from awareness to action, an understanding that disengagement is also a choice. In a climate where it is easy to grow tired or detached, the show suggests that participation, even in small or imperfect ways, still matters. Not because it solves everything, but because it is how things begin to shift. Andor teaches us Malaysians that the most meaningful changes often start quietly. They begin not with grand statements but with small acts of reflection, difficult questions, and the decision to pay attention. And most importantly, by choosing to stay engaged even when it would be easier not to. Student Jonathan Lee traces his writing roots to The Star's BRATs programme. He is now a Malaysian youth advocate. The views expressed here are solely his own.
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Rakyat Post
a day ago
- Rakyat Post
[Watch] When Cinema Meets Symphony: Why The Godfather Still Commands Respect
Subscribe to our FREE In the world of film-to-concert adaptations, some movies whisper and others roar. According to Gerard Salonga, who will conduct the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra for The Godfather Live at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP) this June, Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 masterpiece definitely belongs in the latter category. 'Art is seasonless, timeless,' Salonga told TRP, drawing parallels that span centuries and galaxies. Look at Star Wars from the 1970s—it's still incredibly popular among youngsters today. Beethoven's notes are 300 years old, and they still move people. The same can be said for any ideology or philosophy—if it's good, it will remain popular across generations.' The film, which may be over 50 years old, still retains its cultural impact undiminished. Salonga points to one of cinema's most famous moments of protest: 'Marlon Brando won the Oscar and rejected it. Art doesn't age—it evolves, it provokes, it endures.' The Score That Made History This enduring power is evident in the film's continued recognition. The Godfather was named the greatest film ever made by Empire magazine in 2008, a distinction also awarded by Entertainment Weekly and Metacritic. It came second in Sight & Sound's prestigious 2002 list and Time Out's 2003 readers' poll, and currently sits at number two on IMDb's all-time rankings. The film's immortality isn't just about Coppola's direction or Brando's performance—it's deeply rooted in Nino Rota's iconic score. The Italian composer, who achieved international acclaim in the 1950s and '60s for his work with Federico Fellini (La Dolce Vita, 8½) and Luchino Visconti (The Leopard, White Nights), created what the 'There is little film music as instantly recognisable as Nino Rota's opening music played on trumpet,' says Justin Freer, the CineConcerts founder and producer behind The Godfather Live. That haunting main theme, with its blend of traditional Italian folk music and jazz elements, takes on an entirely different quality when experienced live. The Art of Orchestral Restraint This enduring power shapes how Salonga approaches different film concerts. Unlike the interactive energy of a Harry Potter screening—where audiences gleefully shout out their Hogwarts houses—The Godfather demands a different kind of respect. 'Some film concerts don't require the conductor to say anything, but with Harry Potter, yes, it's fun to let the audience express themselves,' he explains. But The Godfather is an intense kind of film. The appropriateness of a conductor speaking to the audience depends on the material's appropriateness. The MPO has mastered this delicate balance over the years. Since their first film concert with Psycho in 2010, they've presented everything from Casablanca (2015) and Raiders of the Lost Ark (2019) to recent successes like Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2024) and the upcoming La La Land in Concert (2025). Each requires its own approach, its own level of audience engagement. Beyond the Usual Orchestra What makes this particular concert special goes beyond the film's gravitas. Salonga reveals that the orchestra will feature instruments rarely heard in traditional symphonic settings. We'll have mandolin and accordion in The Godfather orchestra, which don't always appear in orchestras. These additions aren't mere novelties—they're essential to capturing Rota's authentic Italian flavour. It's this attention to detail that transforms a simple movie screening into something approaching a religious experience for cinema lovers. Salonga sits alone in the magnificent DFP, surrounded by the venue's distinctive warm wood panelling and tiered red seating. The conductor prepares for The Godfather Live, where he'll lead the MPO in bringing Nino Rota's iconic score to life beneath the hall's soaring acoustic ceiling. (Pix: Fernando Fong) A Global Vision Salonga's vision extends far beyond Hollywood classics. He mentions recent successes, such as Bollywood films performed at London's Royal Albert Hall, and hints at untapped potential. There's a famous Chinese-language film we're hoping we can do here. P. Ramlee movies too, perhaps—hopefully that's something we can take off. The idea of hearing Tan Sri P. Ramlee's beloved compositions performed by a full orchestra while watching classics like Bujang Lapok or Do Re Mi on the big screen suggests an exciting future for Malaysian cinema-orchestra collaborations. This global approach reflects CineConcerts' extensive reach—the company will engage over 4.8 million people worldwide in more than 3,000 performances across 48 countries through 2025, working with prestigious orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony and the London Philharmonic. Perfect for the Godfather Faithful For those who know every line of Vito Corleone's wisdom, who can quote Sonny's temper tantrums, and who still get chills during the baptism sequence, this cinema-orchestra experience offers something unprecedented: the chance to experience a familiar masterpiece through entirely new senses. The format is perfect for Godfather devotees—the complete film shown in high definition while the live orchestra breathes new life into every musical moment, from that haunting trumpet theme to the subtle jazz undertones that underscore the family's moral complexity. As Freer puts it: 'The marriage of these two masterpieces on stage live at DFP will be a visual and aural treat like nothing else.' Some art transcends its original medium. The Godfather Live isn't just a concert or a movie screening—it's proof that when something is crafted with enough care and truth, it becomes immortal. The Godfather Live performs at DFP on 14 June at 8:00 PM. Tickets range from RM298 to RM648, available at Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.


New Straits Times
5 days ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: HK star Grace Wong celebrates 3 birthdays in May with new baby
HONG KONG: May has become an extra special month for Hong Kong actress Grace Wong, who now has three major birthdays to celebrate — her own, her husband's, and their newborn daughter's. Wong, who turned 39 on May 5, shared the joyful news on social media on May 29 that she had welcomed her first child, a baby girl named Audrey Chang, via natural delivery. Her husband, Daniel Chang — also 39 and born on May 15 — has been by her side throughout the journey. In her heartfelt post, Wong reflected on how her perspective on motherhood transformed during her pregnancy. "I always thought I would be the kind of career woman who picked a date for a caesarean section and gave her baby formula milk," she wrote in Chinese. "But as I formed a relationship with my baby during the nine months of pregnancy, she seemed to tell me that I could do it. I did more research and wanted to give her the best within my capabilities." Wong expressed gratitude to her doctor for helping her make the decision to pursue a natural birth in the final months of her pregnancy. "It really worked out in the end as our baby girl was born naturally," she said. Audrey's arrival shortly after midnight means her birthday is just a day apart from her father's — a detail Wong finds touching. "She is very special as she arrived past midnight, so her birthday is next to her dad's birthday. I wonder if she will be a daddy's girl in the future." She also thanked Daniel for his unwavering support. "You're gonna be the best daddy," she wrote, praising him as her greatest cheerleader. The couple welcomed their daughter at Hong Kong's Union Hospital, and Wong thanked the medical team for their care and kindness. "We felt very loved and supported during our stay," she wrote in English. "Thanks for celebrating Danny's birthday and Mother's Day with me as well." Adding hashtags like #MayBabies, she closed with a sweet message to Audrey: "Off to a new season with our little one. We love you so much and can't wait to see you grow up." Wong, who was first runner-up in the 2007 Miss Hong Kong pageant, rose to fame with her award-winning role as Fa Man in the 2016 TVB martial arts drama A Fist Within Four Walls. She got engaged to Chang in 2016 after 11 years of dating, and the couple held wedding ceremonies in both the United States and Hong Kong in 2017. After leaving TVB in 2021, Wong expanded her career into music and appeared on the Chinese dance competition show Great Dance Crew in 2022. With this new chapter of motherhood now beginning, she's embracing yet another exciting role — mum.