Latest news with #Akim
Borneo Post
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Stacy's first-ever mega solo concert in Sabah wows fans
Stacy dons a traditional Kadazan attire during her one of her performances. KOTA KINABALU (June 24): Sabah's beloved singer, Stacy Anam, rocked the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) recently with nearly 3,000 witnessing her first ever mega solo concert in her hometown — 'Aku Stacy (Menggegar Kota U)'. After the show, which took nearly three hours, Stacy said she was satisfied with her concert performance, which took almost three years to plan. 'For those involved, those who've been on this journey with me they know (the hard work that it entailed). That's why tonight's concert is deeply sentimental for me. Because this is truly the one I feel encapsulates my journey— almost 20 years now. I've gone from Gangstarz to One In A Million, to Akademi Fantasia and now this. I finally feel like — this is my night,' she said to members of the media. She also thanked her fans for coming to the concert. 'After three months of sleepless nights, juggling a baby in one arm while memorising my steps — tonight's support made it all worthwhile. I'm overwhelmed with emotion. Thank you so much,' she said. Stacy also said that she changed into ten outfits during the show. The night opened with high energy as she performed 'Pakai Buang', dressed in a striking black, white and red ensemble, greeted by roaring cheers across the hall. She kept the energy soaring with a string of her signature hits including 'Cakap Ke Tangan', 'Not For Sale', 'Gilalah', 'Bosan', and up till her latest single 'Menyala'. One of the most dramatic highlights was when Stacy 'soared' through the air above the crowd while performing 'Khayal', sending waves of excitement through the entire venue. Emotions ran high as she delivered heartfelt ballads like 'Kisah Dongeng' and 'Pelangi Senja', sung in unison with thousands of fans. She also gave a special rendition of 'Asmaradana', previously performed on The Hardest Singing Show, now reimagined with traditional Sabah-inspired fashion and cultural elements. The concert came to a rousing close with 'Aku Stacy' — the very song that launched her into stardom nearly two decades ago, now symbolising her full-circle journey as an artist celebrated on her home stage. The romantic duet segment with her husband, Akim Ahmad, began with the popular English number 'Die With A Smile' (originally by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars), drawing loud cheers and applause from the crowd. The couple continued with 'Aku, Kau & Muzik' and 'Ritma & Rima', before Akim took the stage solo to perform 'Rampas' from Akim & The Majistret, showcasing his powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence. 'This is Rhythm & Rhyme's biggest investment to date, and Alhamdulillah, it exceeded all expectations. I'm incredibly thankful to everyone who played a part, directly or indirectly,' Akim shared. The concert was also graced by a dynamic line-up of guest performers including Amir Masdi, Elica Paujin, Hafiz Zainal and Dabra Sia, each delivering charismatic and energetic sets. Comedian Atu Zero also made a surprise appearance, leaving the crowd in stitches with his spontaneous humour. In a heartfelt moment during the press conference, Stacy held back tears as she remembered her late brother, Chaq: 'He was the one who brought me into this industry. On stage tonight, I could feel his presence — and that gave me the strength to perform from the heart.' Stacy also hinted at bigger plans ahead: 'We're planning to bring this concert to the Peninsular next. But … you'll have to wait for the official announcement. If Sabah could shake the SICC like this, I'm confident we can shake up Kuala Lumpur too!' 'Aku Stacy (Menggegar Kota U)' concert is a powerful manifestation of Stacy's love for Sabah, for music, and for everyone who has supported her since 2008. It was organized by Rhythm & Rhyme Entertainment, proudly presented by U Mobile, supported by official media partner, Gempak, and official hotel partner, Promenade Hotel.
Straits Times
22-04-2025
- Climate
- Straits Times
Early holiday, more fans: Philippines schools adapt to climate change
In the Philippines, classes have been rearranged to keep children out of the midday heat. PHOTO: AFP MANILA - Kindergarten teacher Lolita Akim fires up five standing fans with three more at the ready as she fights to hold the attention of her pint-sized pupils in Manila's soaring heat. In 2024, heatwaves forced millions of children in the Philippines out of school. It was the first time that soaring temperatures had caused widespread class suspensions, prompting a series of changes. This school year started two months earlier than usual, so the term ends before peak heat in May. Classes have been rearranged to keep children out of the midday heat, and schools are equipped with fans and water stations. The moves are examples of how countries are adapting to the higher temperatures caused by climate change, often with limited resources. As a teacher, Ms Akim is on the frontlines of the battle to keep her young charges safe and engaged. 'In this weather, they get drenched in sweat; they become uneasy and stand up often. Getting them to pay attention is more difficult,' she said of the five-year-olds in her care at the Senator Benigno S. Aquino Elementary School. Some six million students lost up to two weeks' worth of classroom learning in 2024 as temperatures hit a record 38.8 degrees C, according to the education department. Schools reported cases of heat exhaustion, nose bleeds and hospitalisations as students struggled through lessons in classrooms without air conditioning. Scientists say that extreme heat is a clear marker of climate change, caused largely by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas. 2024's heat was further exacerbated by the seasonal El Nino phenomenon. But even in 2025, nearly half Manila's schools were forced to close for two days in March when the heat index – a measure of temperature and humidity – hit 'danger' levels. 'We've been reporting (the heat index) since 2011, but it's only been recently that it's become exceptionally warm,' national weather service specialist Wilmer Agustin told AFP, attributing it to 'El Nino and climate change'. In 2025, conditions in most of the country will range between 'extreme caution' and 'danger' on the government's heat alert system, he said, 'especially in April and May'. On April 11, scores of schools in Manila were shuttered as temperatures were expected to hit 34 deg C, while the national weather service said the heat index for at least five provinces would hit the danger level. 'Significant' impact During last year's closures, alternative learning helped make up some of the gap. But 'the overall impact on students' education was significant', said Ms Jocelyn Andaya, assistant education secretary for operations. So this year, a series of measures have been instated to avoid further learning loss. Classroom sessions have been shortened to four hours a day – avoiding the searing midday sun – and water stations were installed in each classroom as well as at least two oscillating wall fans. Some newer schools have heat-reflective roofs, and bigger ones now employ nurses. Just three per cent of students affected by 2024's heatwaves were able to access online classes, so this year printed material was prepared for students if they must stay home. Even so, Benigno Aquino school principal Noel Gelua cautioned that 'there is no real alternative to face-to-face learning'. But there are limits to what can be done, given the education department has a budget of just 10 billion pesos (S$230 million) for climate adaptation, infrastructure and disaster readiness. The Philippines also has a perennial classroom shortage, with 18,000 more needed in the capital alone. Manila's public schools do two shifts per day, with about 50 students in each 63 square-metre room, exacerbating the heat problem. Fifth-grader Ella Azumi Araza, 11, can only attend four days a week due to the shortage. On Fridays, she studies in her family's nine-square-metre cinderblock home on a bed she shares with her younger brother, who suffers from epilepsy. Three electric fans are always on in the windowless, single-room structure. As hot as it is at home, her mother Cindella Manabat still frets about conditions at school, saying that she comes home coughing. 'I make her carry a jug of water to prevent dehydration,' she said. 'Difficult to teach' Across the street from Benigno Aquino, eighth-graders at President Corazon C. Aquino High School aimed tiny, rechargeable fans at their bodies while taking an algebra quiz. Two of the four ceiling fans in the room had given out and the remaining two were clearly not enough for the 40 students. 'It is very difficult to teach in the heat,' their teacher Rizzadel Manzano said. 'Motivating them is really a challenge.' A school uniform requirement was ditched earlier in 2025, and students now wear sweatpants and T-shirts donated by the city, principal Reynora Laurenciano told AFP. Both schools are located in a densely populated slum area called Baseco, where conditions at home can be even more dire, she added. 'If you ask them, they consider (school) a safer place,' Ms Laurenciano said. AFP Find out more about climate change and how it could affect you on the ST microsite here.
South China Morning Post
15-04-2025
- Climate
- South China Morning Post
Climate Change: Extreme heat brings holidays early to Philippine schools
In Manila's soaring heat, kindergarten teacher Lolita Akim fires up five standing fans – with three more at the ready – as she fights to hold the attention of her pint-sized pupils. Last year, heatwaves forced millions of children in the Philippines out of school. It was the first time that soaring temperatures had caused widespread class suspensions, prompting a series of changes. This school year started two months earlier than usual, so the term ends before peak heat in May. Classes have been rearranged to keep children out of the midday heat, and schools are equipped with fans and water stations. The moves are examples of how countries are adapting to the higher temperatures caused by climate change, often with limited resources. Your Voice: climate change apathy (short letters) As a teacher, Akim is on the front lines of the battle to keep her young charges safe and engaged. 'In this weather, they get drenched in sweat; they become uneasy and stand up often. Getting them to pay attention is more difficult,' she said of the five-year-olds she cares for at Senator Benigno S. Aquino Elementary School. According to the education department, some six million students lost up to two weeks' worth of classroom learning last year when temperatures hit a record 38.8 degrees Celsius (101.4 degrees Fahrenheit). Schools reported cases of heat exhaustion, nose bleeds and hospitalisations as students struggled through lessons in classrooms that did not have air conditioning. Pupils work next to fans at a primary school in Baseco, Manila, the Philippines. Photo: AFP Scientists say extreme heat is a clear marker of climate change, mainly caused by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas. The seasonal El Nino phenomenon further exacerbated last year's heat. Nearly half of Manila's schools were forced to close for two days in March when the heat index – a measure of temperature and humidity – hit 'danger' levels. 'We've been reporting (the heat index) since 2011, but it's only been recently that it's become exceptionally warm,' national weather service specialist Wilmer Agustin told Agence France-Presse, attributing it to 'El Nino and climate change'. This year, conditions in most of the country will range between 'extreme caution' and 'danger' on the government's heat alert system, he said, 'especially in April and May'. On Friday, many schools in Manila closed as temperatures were expected to hit 34C, while the national weather service said the heat index for at least five provinces would hit the danger level. Education crisis in Pakistan leaves 26 million children out of school During last year's closures, alternative learning helped make up some of the gap. But 'the overall impact on students' education was significant', said Jocelyn Andaya, assistant education secretary for operations. So this year, a series of measures have been instated to avoid further learning loss. Classroom sessions have been shortened to four hours a day – avoiding the searing midday sun – and water stations were installed in each classroom, as well as at least two oscillating wall fans. Some newer schools have heat-reflective roofs, and bigger ones now employ nurses. Just three per cent of students affected by last year's heatwaves were able to access online classes, so this year, printed material was prepared for students if they must stay home. But Benigno Aquino school principal Noel Gelua cautioned that 'there is no real alternative to face-to-face learning.' Primary school pupils in class in front of fans, raising their hands. Photo: AFP There are limits to what can be done, given the education department has a budget of just 10 billion pesos ($174 million) for climate adaptation, infrastructure and disaster readiness. The Philippines also has a perennial classroom shortage, with 18,000 more needed in the capital alone. Manila's public schools do two shifts per day, with about 50 students in each 63 square-metre (678 square-foot) room, exacerbating the heat problem. Fifth-grader Ella Azumi Araza, 11, can only attend four days a week due to the shortage. On Fridays, she studies in her family's nine-square-metre cinderblock home on a bed she shares with her younger brother, who has epilepsy. Three electric fans are always on in the windowless, single-room structure. As hot as it is at home, her mother, Cindella Manabat, still frets about conditions at school, saying that she comes home coughing. 'I make her carry a jug of water to prevent dehydration,' she said. Electric fans at the home of Cindella Manabat and her daughter in Baseco, Manila, the Philippines. Photo: AFP Across the street from Benigno Aquino, eighth-graders at President Corazon C Aquino High School aimed tiny, rechargeable fans at their bodies while taking an algebra quiz. Two of the four ceiling fans in the room had given out, and the remaining two were clearly not enough for the 40 students. 'It is very difficult to teach in the heat,' their teacher Rizzadel Manzano said. 'Motivating them is really a challenge.' Starting this year, a school uniform is no longer required, allowing students to wear sweatpants and T-shirts donated by the city, principal Reynora Laurenciano told Agence France-Presse. Both schools are located in a densely populated slum area called Baseco, where conditions at home can be even more dire, she added. 'If you ask them, they consider (school) a safer place,' Laurenciano said.
Japan Times
14-04-2025
- Climate
- Japan Times
Early holiday, more fans: Philippines' schools adapt to climate change
Kindergarten teacher Lolita Akim fires up five standing fans with three more at the ready as she fights to hold the attention of her pint-sized pupils in Manila's soaring heat. Last year, heat waves forced millions of children in the Philippines out of school. It was the first time that soaring temperatures had caused widespread class suspensions, prompting a series of changes. This school year started two months earlier than usual, so the term ends before peak heat in May. Classes have been rearranged to keep children out of the midday heat, and schools are equipped with fans and water stations. The moves are examples of how countries are adapting to the higher temperatures caused by climate change, often with limited resources. As a teacher, Akim is on the front lines of the battle to keep her young charges safe and engaged. "In this weather, they get drenched in sweat; they become uneasy and stand up often. Getting them to pay attention is more difficult," she said of the 5-year-olds in her care at the Senator Benigno S. Aquino Elementary School. Some 6 million students lost up to two weeks' worth of classroom learning last year as temperatures hit a record 38.8 degrees Celsius, according to the education department. Schools reported cases of heat exhaustion, nose bleeds and hospitalizations as students struggled through lessons in classrooms without air conditioning. Scientists say that extreme heat is a clear marker of climate change, caused largely by burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. Last year's heat was further exacerbated by the seasonal El Nino phenomenon. But even this year, nearly half of Manila's schools were forced to close for two days in March when the heat index — a measure of temperature and humidity — hit "danger" levels. "We've been reporting (the heat index) since 2011, but it's only been recently that it's become exceptionally warm," national weather service specialist Wilmer Agustin said, attributing it to "El Nino and climate change." This year, conditions in most of the country will range between "extreme caution" and "danger" on the government's heat alert system, he said, "especially in April and May." On Friday, scores of schools in Manila were shuttered as temperatures were expected to hit 34 C, while the national weather service said the heat index for at least five provinces would hit the danger level. 'Significant' impact During last year's closures, alternative learning helped make up some of the gap. But "the overall impact on students' education was significant," said Jocelyn Andaya, assistant education secretary for operations. So this year, a series of measures have been instated to avoid further learning loss. Classroom sessions have been shortened to four hours a day — avoiding the searing midday sun — and water stations as well as at least two oscillating wall fans were installed in each classroom. Students work next to fans at an elementary school in Manila on March 21. | AFP-JIJI Some newer schools have heat-reflective roofs, and bigger ones now employ nurses. Just 3% of students affected by last year's heat waves were able to access online classes, so this year, printed material was prepared for students if they must stay home. Even so, Benigno Aquino school principal Noel Gelua cautioned that "there is no real alternative to face-to-face learning." But there are limits to what can be done, given the education department has a budget of just 10 billion pesos ($174 million) for climate adaptation, infrastructure and disaster readiness. The Philippines also has a perennial classroom shortage, with 18,000 more needed in the capital alone. Manila's public schools do two shifts per day, with about 50 students in each 63-square-meter room, exacerbating the heat problem. Fifth-grader Ella Azumi Araza, 11, can only attend four days a week due to the shortage. On Fridays, she studies in her family's nine-square-meter cinder-block home on a bed she shares with her younger brother, who suffers from epilepsy. Three electric fans are always on in the windowless, single-room structure. As hot as it is at home, her mother Cindella Manabat still frets about conditions at school, saying that she comes home coughing. "I make her carry a jug of water to prevent dehydration," she said. 'Difficult to teach' Across the street from Benigno Aquino, eighth-graders at President Corazon C. Aquino High School aimed tiny, rechargeable fans at their bodies while taking an algebra quiz. Two of the four ceiling fans in the room had given out and the remaining two were clearly not enough for the 40 students. "It is very difficult to teach in the heat," their teacher, Rizzadel Manzano, said. "Motivating them is really a challenge." A school uniform requirement was ditched earlier this year, and students now wear sweatpants and T-shirts donated by the city, principal Reynora Laurenciano said. Both schools are located in a densely populated slum area called Baseco, where conditions at home can be even more dire, she added. "If you ask them, they consider (school) a safer place," Laurenciano said.
South China Morning Post
14-04-2025
- Climate
- South China Morning Post
Early holiday, more fans: Philippine schools implement measures to cope with extreme heat
Teacher Lolita Akim keeps five standing fans running as she tries to hold the attention of her pint-sized pupils at a kindergarten in the Philippine capital. Advertisement Akim is among many educators on the front lines of a fight to keep students safe and engaged in Manila's soaring heat. Authorities agreed to adjust the school calendar in the 2024-25 academic year so the term ends before peak heat arrives in May. Class times have also been shifted to avoid having children exposed to midday heat, and most schools have set up fans and water stations. The moves are part of the nation's efforts, often using limited resources, to adapt to higher temperatures blamed on climate change.
