Latest news with #GulfNews
India.com
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet woman who was once a waitress in Dubai, now a TikTok Star, became popular after one online video, competed in..., name is...
Meet woman who was once a waitress in Dubai, now a TikTok Star, became popular after one online video, had competed in..., name is... In December 2022, when Rechel Hoco first stepped in Dubai, she wasn't chasing dreams or crowns. She was just looking a way to support her family after her father passed away during COVID. Today, the 24-year-old has become a self-made social media sensation- with over 1 million Tik Tok followers. She even competed at the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 pageant, proudly representing Oriental Mindoro, a province located 140 kilometers southwest of Manlia. About Dubai-based social media star Rechel Hoco While speaking to Gulf News, Rechel revealed that she wasn't sure about her then job as a waitress at a restaurant in Jumeirah. 'It was hard. I wasn't used to working long hours under the sun. But I knew I had to do something,' She said. She recalled how her clip of playing with the trending Lato-Lato captured millions of views overnight. Rechel recounted, 'I told my brother, let's just try one video for fun.' What started as a distraction from her hectic schedule became a life-altering moment. 'I told myself, if people love this, maybe I can do more.' With no industry connections, she proudly hustled her way and became a social media star, with over 1.2 million followers on TikTok alone. From being a content creator to pursuing pageantry Rechel's success was not just limited to social media. She participated in Miss Universe Philippines 2025 that was held on May 2, 2025 in Pasay. Although she didn't secure the crown, but won millions of hearts with her confidence and undeniable charisma. 'I didn't win the crown,' she admits. 'But seeing people cry because I didn't make the top 12… that showed me I had already won their hearts.' She further added, 'Pageants taught me how to be on stage, how to connect with people. It's the best training ground.' Next on Rechel's list is her long-time dream of pursuing acting. 'That was my first goal—not beauty pageants or TikTok. I wanted to be an artist, to be on TV,' she revealed. 'If there's an opportunity, I'll take it. Drama, horror, anything that lets me express myself.' Her story is a reminder that dreams doesn't require limelight, but pure motivation and courage to fulfill.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bruce Willis can no longer speak, read, or walk? Here's what his family really said — Complete truth
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Bruce Willis Health: A Timeline of Decline Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What Is Frontotemporal Dementia? Behavioral: Apathy, poor judgment, socially inappropriate behavior, neglect of hygiene Language: Difficulty in understanding or forming language, word-finding issues, sentence construction errors Motor: Muscle weakness, tremors, difficulty walking, laughing or crying inappropriately Family Shares emotional health updates Distinguishing Fact From Fiction Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Bruce Willis' family makes people aware of FTD FAQs What health condition has Bruce Willis been diagnosed with? How has Bruce Willis' condition impacted his daily life? Renowned for redefining action cinema through classics like Die Hard, Bruce Willis, now 70, is reportedly grappling with the severe progression of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). While alarming reports have surfaced suggesting the actor can no longer speak, walk, or recall his iconic career, his family has offered a more nuanced and heartfelt account of his speculation, largely fueled by social media and tabloid whispers, suggests total cognitive and physical decline. However, the Willis family, including wife Emma Heming Willis and daughters Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah, has not explicitly confirmed such extreme deterioration, as mentioned in reports by The Express Tribune and Gulf News. Their updates, though emotionally charged, aim to raise awareness about FTD and preserve the dignity of the Hollywood March 2022, Willis retired from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia—a communication disorder that affects speech and comprehension. Just a year later, his family shared an even more troubling update: Willis was living with frontotemporal dementia, a rare, degenerative brain condition that affects behavior, speech, and then, his public appearances have diminished. Family members have slowly become the primary source of information on his condition, often speaking not just to fans but to others grappling with dementia diagnoses in their families. Bruce Willis dementia diagnosis has brought attention to a condition still unfamiliar to many. Frontotemporal dementia, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, targets the brain's frontal and temporal lobes—regions associated with personality, language, and behavior. Unlike Alzheimer's, FTD typically strikes at a younger age, often between 40 and challenges can manifest rapidly and vary greatly from person to the grim prognosis, the Willis family remains resolute in their love and advocacy. Their social media messages, particularly on milestones like Father's Day, offer glimpses into their private struggles and enduring Willis wrote on Father's Day 2025, 'I wish I asked you more questions while you could still tell me about it all... I'll try to just be grateful.' Her words reflect not only the grief of a daughter but also the quiet acknowledgment of irreversible Heming Willis, Bruce's wife, has openly described the emotional weight of caregiving. In a June update, she wrote, 'I want it all back.' She added, however, that even in silence, Bruce continues to inspire: 'He teaches us strength in new ways every day.'Emma has announced an upcoming memoir titled The Unexpected Journey, chronicling her path from partner to caregiver and Willis, the youngest daughter, recently shared rare family photos and described a recent day as 'filled with smiles,' suggesting there are still good moments, however reports claim Bruce Willis is now completely non-verbal, immobile, and disconnected from his surroundings. However, the family has not issued a formal statement confirming such specifics. The most consistent message they convey is one of slow decline, difficulty in communication, and continued emotional his public engagements have ceased, those close to him suggest that he still responds to music and sensory stimuli. These small reactions may seem minimal to the outside world, but they hold immense value to his loved ones, as per the report by The Express attention surrounding Bruce Willis has elevated public discourse about dementia, particularly frontotemporal dementia. His family's transparency has offered much comfort and clarity in dealing with their own diagnoses. Through foundation work and interviews, they continue to spread awareness, destigmatize cognitive decline, and encourage empathy for advocacy is especially crucial because FTD is often misdiagnosed as a mental illness or Alzheimer's due to overlapping symptoms but has a different course of treatment and Willis has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects behavior, communication, and cognitive condition has significantly altered the course of his personal and professional life. He has retired from acting, and now depends heavily on family support for daily care and emotional well-being.
UAE Moments
15 hours ago
- Business
- UAE Moments
Etihad CEO Says No Favoritism in Abu Dhabi as Wizz Air Exits
The CEO of UAE's national airline has made it clear: Etihad Airways does not get any special treatment in Abu Dhabi. Speaking after claims from Wizz Air's boss about 'favouritism,' Etihad's Antonoaldo Neves said the competitive landscape at the capital's airport is fair and open to all. Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement! 'I can tell you that Etihad today has no subsidies. We pay fuel in Abu Dhabi at market price. Etihad is not actually favoured whatsoever,' Neves told Gulf News. His remarks come after Wizz Air CEO Jozef Varadi suggested that his airline pulled out of its Abu Dhabi hub because the government favoured Etihad, despite their joint venture. Wizz Air recently suspended all Abu Dhabi flights, citing unfair restrictions, including being blocked from flying to India and Pakistan despite having permissions from those countries. Fierce Competition at Abu Dhabi Airport While avoiding direct criticism of Wizz Air's claims, Neves highlighted how competitive Abu Dhabi really is. 'I've been CEO in Brazil and Europe. Here, the competition for slots at Abu Dhabi airport is fierce. Airlines from India, British Airways, carriers from all over the globe fight for slots,' he explained. He pointed out that Etihad controls only 56% of the airport's movements, asking: 'How can I have favouritism?' Slots, the scheduled times an airline can take off or land, are highly contested. And Neves was quick to note the difference between slots and traffic rights (the permissions to fly certain routes), saying both are handled fairly in the UAE. Airport Services Are Neutral Neves also pointed to changes made in Abu Dhabi to ensure a level playing field. 'Before COVID, Etihad handled ground services and catering for everyone. But about five years ago, Abu Dhabi made these independent so everyone has the same access,' he said. Now, all airlines at Abu Dhabi Airport use independent providers for handling and catering, ensuring no single airline has an edge. Grandfather Rights Are Respected Responding to Wizz Air's complaint that traffic rights were unfairly allocated, Neves said the UAE respects 'grandfather rights,' a standard practice in aviation where existing rights stay with the current holder unless they're surrendered. 'In the UAE, grandfather rights are respected, traffic rights are respected. If I go to Europe and ask for Air France's traffic rights, I won't get them either,' he explained. Neves admitted there are traffic rights in the UAE he wishes Etihad could access but cannot, unless competitors exit the market. Etihad Ready to Compete Neves closed by reaffirming that Etihad thrives on competition, whether it's with legacy carriers, low-cost airlines, or startups. 'Everything we are achieving is because of our ability to compete. Etihad is strong, and we're ready to compete. We like to compete and we're good at it,' he said, even praising rivals like Ryanair for their success. Despite being wholly owned by Abu Dhabi's sovereign fund, Neves stressed that Etihad's success is based on merit, not government favouritism.
Gulf Insider
a day ago
- Science
- Gulf Insider
Mark Your Calendar: Total Solar Eclipse To Stun Millions On August 2, 2027
On August 2, 2027, a rare total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of three continents, offering one of the longest periods of totality seen in over a century. Lasting up to six minutes and 23 seconds, this will be the longest eclipse visible from land between 1991 and 2114, making it a once-in-a-lifetime event for astronomers, skywatchers, and the general public alike. While most total eclipses last under three minutes, this extraordinary duration will allow for extended observation of the solar corona and a truly immersive spectacle for those positioned along its path. Where and when to watch The eclipse's path of totality — where the Moon will completely block the Sun — will begin over the Atlantic Ocean and move eastward. According to the shadow, approximately 258 kilometres wide, will pass over southern Spain, northern Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, central Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia, before ending over the Indian Ocean near the Chagos Archipelago. Cities like Luxor in Egypt are expected to witness over six full minutes of total darkness. Ideal viewing locations include areas like Libya and Egypt, which typically enjoy clear and dry conditions in August — perfect for unobstructed views of the sky. Local eclipse timing varies. In southern Spain, totality is expected between 1:30pm and 2:00pm CEST. In Egypt and Libya, the peak will occur between 2:00pm and 2:30pm EET. India will largely miss the event, with only parts of its far western edge possibly seeing a faint partial eclipse near sunset. What makes this eclipse so special? Several rare astronomical factors align to make the 2027 eclipse stand out. At the time of the event, Earth will be near aphelion — its farthest point from the Sun — which causes the Sun to appear slightly smaller in the sky. Meanwhile, the Moon will be at perigee, its closest point to Earth, appearing slightly larger. Additionally, the eclipse's path runs near the equator. This causes the Moon's shadow to move more slowly across the surface of the Earth, contributing to the unusually long duration of totality. With over six minutes of totality and a broad viewing corridor across several countries, the 2027 total solar eclipse is set to be one of the century's most stunning astronomical events. Source Gulf News
What's On
a day ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
Dubai feels like India to me, says Yo Yo Honey Singh
Indian rapper and singer Yo Yo Honey Singh is back in the spotlight, and this time, he's calling the UAE home. In a recent interview with Gulf News , the star opened up about his big comeback, his connection to Dubai, and how his personal life has shifted away from the wild party scene that once defined him. 'Dubai feels like India to me,' Singh told Gulf News . 'It's closer to home, the vibe is familiar, and I've found a balance here between work and life.' Known for his chart-topping Punjabi and Bollywood hits like Brown Rang , Desi Kalakaar , and High Heels , Singh dominated the music scene before stepping away from the spotlight in 2014 due to health struggles and controversies that made headlines. Now, Singh is back and refreshed, refocused, and with a new outlook. He says he's 'a changed man' who has left behind the excesses of the party lifestyle that previously surrounded his fame. Instead, he's focusing on his craft and personal growth, with Dubai offering the perfect backdrop for his reset. His latest track Kudiyee Ni Teri marks another step in his musical resurgence, proving that his signature style still has mass appeal. Singh also reflected on his time away from the industry, admitting that the pressure, lifestyle, and relentless pace took a toll on his mental and physical health. Dubai's music scene, meanwhile, is increasingly a magnet for international artists like Singh, offering both a thriving South Asian community and a growing appreciation for diverse genres. Fans can expect more from Honey Singh soon, with new music projects in the works and live performances on the horizon. As Singh puts it, this chapter isn't just about making a comeback, for him it's about doing things differently, with purpose and passion. Image: Instagram > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
