Latest news with #Hollywood-inspired
Filipino Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
MOTIONGATE™ Dubai marks Philippines Independence Day with vibrant celebrations and special entry offer
Get ready to turn up the fun this June as MOTIONGATE™ Dubai, the region's largest Hollywood-inspired theme park, rolls out the red carpet for the Philippines Independence Day with the biggest Filipino celebration in the city and an unbeatable AED 99 ticket offer, running from June 11th to 15th June. From 22nd to 29th May, guests can snag up an exciting early bird offer: AED 99 tickets for all Filipino nationals, plus 30% off retail across the park, perfect for those who love a great deal. From 30th May to 15th June, the AED 99 ticket offer continues, available exclusively for Filipino nationals. But the real party kicks off from 11th to 15th June, when the park transforms into a vibrant cultural takeover for Pinoy Fest, a high-energy five-day celebration bursting with music, movement, and mouthwatering street food. Guests can look forward to show-stopping cultural dance performances that will have everyone clapping along, captivating Filipino theatre shows, live music that brings the energy, and open-air karaoke sessions where everyone gets their moment in the spotlight, so warm up those vocal cords! The entire park will be decked out in colourful decorations, creating the perfect setting for Insta-worthy moments inspired by Filipino heritage and pride. Craving a taste of home? Don't miss the special-edition Filipino street food, served up fresh, flavourful, and guaranteed to satisfy those nostalgic cravings. And of course, the thrills never stop. With over 29 rides and attractions for all ages, from kid-friendly adventures to adrenaline-packed experiences, guests can look forward to non-stop fun and excitement from the moment they step through the gates! Whether celebrating culture, chasing thrills, or just vibing with friends and family, MOTIONGATE™ Dubai is where the party's at this Philippines Independence Day. For more information and bookings, visit
Los Angeles Times
18-05-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Mindfulness as a Travel Theme Takes Flight in L.A.
FlightHub, a Momentum Ventures subsidiary and leading online travel agency that allows consumers to book cost-effective travel services, recently released new survey findings uncovering the correlation between travel and wellness services The study, conducted with 2,000 U.S. respondents, highlights the growing impact and prioritization of mindfulness and wellness when travel decisions are being made. While traveling to destinations for less expensive, high-end medical or cosmetic procedures is nothing new, more and more travelers are making overall well-being and mindfulness the themes of their travel, which runs from the destinations, lodging and activities selected to the travel experience itself. While the concept of traveling for medical procedures is not new, the rise of cosmetic and wellness tourism has introduced a new layer to travel planning. 'Our findings show that cost, social influence and wellness trends are shaping how people think about travel in the context of personal enhancement,' said Henri Chelhot, CEO of FlightHub. Beyond cosmetic procedures, wellness travel continues to gain traction, with 66% of respondents expressing interest in visiting a destination for a traditional wellness or relaxation retreat. Over half (57%) of those surveyed believe the rise in wellness tourism is reshaping destinations, turning them into wellness-centric hubs, while 52% said they are now more likely to choose travel locations based on their health and self-care offerings, such as yoga retreats or holistic healing centers. Spending habits reflect this growing interest. On average, respondents are willing to spend $1,857 on a wellness retreat, with those considering such trips budgeting closer to $2,047. Los Angeles is a distinct destination option for wellness tourism with an array of spas and relaxation centers. For those looking to get away for their mindfulness retreat, there is a unique new portal to mindfulness with the recent launch of the new Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at LAX. Designed with wellness in mind, the lounge offers exclusive amenities, spaces and experiences tailored to enhance the preflight experience for eligible customers. The Clubhouse, located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, is a multi-sensory experience designed to soothe the senses at twilight with thoughtful touches to aid relaxation. The lounge features local artwork and sunsetinspired mood lighting to create a serene retreat. Day-to-night transitional lighting helps to align circadian rhythms, encouraging mindfulness and setting the stage for a restful journey on the airline's three overnight flights to London Heathrow. Guests can relax, work and dine in the Ruby Room, a Hollywood-inspired space with its own cinema featuring wireless headsets connected via Bluetooth, or retreat to The Royal Box, a destination for VIPs featuring adjustable mood lighting and a secret menu. For those needing a quiet space to focus, The Wing's acoustically sealed work pods give a nod to Virgin Records' legacy, named after iconic studios like The Manor, Olympic Studios and Sunset Sound, where legendary artists once recorded. The Clubhouse's 'Zen Den' is an immersive space featuring relaxation, movement and mindfulness sessions powered by the FORME Studio, an award-winning smart fitness mirror – a unique way to wind down, refresh, refocus or reenergize before crossing the Atlantic in style. Guests can explore three exclusive categories – Mind, Body and Spirit – each offering a selection of guided sessions from FORME's extensive library. The experience begins with a personalized welcome video from Virgin Atlantic founder, Sir Richard Branson, setting the stage for a curated experience. In celebration of the Clubhouse opening and to lull travelers into a pre-flight dream-like state, Virgin Atlantic has partnered with actor Alan Cumming to narrate the airline's first-ever original bedtime story. 'ReLAX and Unwind with Alan Cumming' invites travelers to immerse themselves in a soothing narrative that highlights the personal touches of Virgin Atlantic's in-flight experience, perfect for setting the tone for a restful flight. 'I travel between the U.S. and the U.K. all the time, and I honestly adore a long-haul flight,' said Cumming. 'It's one of the few times I have just for myself, and so I treat it like a spa day in the skies! I have a rule that I am not allowed to say no to anything I am offered (within reason of course – treachery is always a no!), so from the pre-flight champagne onwards everything is welcomed with open arms. And as the lights dim and I change into my PJs and fluff my pillows, I actually enjoy it more than bedtime at home.' The opening of the LAX Clubhouse and its partnership with Alan Cumming reflect a broader trend of American travelers seeking calm and relaxation before a flight. A recent survey by Virgin Atlantic found that 44% of Americans are anxious about getting good rest on flights, and 59% use stories, podcasts or meditations to unwind before they travel. With the LAX Clubhouse, Virgin Atlantic continues to offer a premium experience, personalized to help travelers relax and recharge before they take to the skies. Corneel Koster, chief customer and operating officer for Virgin Atlantic, commented, 'We're bringing the Clubhouse experience to the West Coast with new spaces and surprises that are unique to Los Angeles. Everything about the Clubhouse at LAX is intentionally designed and pays homage to both our British roots and local Los Angeles tastes. L.A. is a global hub for wellness, and this new Clubhouse caters uniquely to that mindset in a way that only Virgin Atlantic can. Who else has a Zen Den and Alan Cumming reading a bedtime story in The Royal Box? It is so us to add a little fun and flair. Our awesome team can't wait to pamper our L.A. guests before they cross the Atlantic in style.'
Gulf Insider
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Insider
Dubai Parks and Resorts Announces Two-Week Discount for Residents
Dubai Parks and Resorts has launched a special offer for UAE residents, providing access to one theme park for AED199 per person from May 9 to 25, 2025. Residents can choose from four parks: MOTIONGATE Dubai, Real Madrid World, LEGOLAND Dubai, or LEGOLAND Water Park. MOTIONGATE Dubai, the region's largest Hollywood-inspired theme park, features 29 rides and attractions based on popular films. Visitors can experience rides such as John Wick: Open Contract, Now You See Me: High Roller, and Capitol Bullet Train from The Hunger Games. Family options include Smurfs Studio Tours, Hotel Transylvania, and Kung Fu Panda: Unstoppable Awesomeness. Real Madrid World, the first theme park dedicated to the football club, offers attractions including Hala Madrid Coaster, Stars Flyer, and La Fábrica Training Pitch. The park aims to appeal to visitors regardless of their interest in football. LEGOLAND Dubai targets families with children aged 2-12, featuring 40 rides and attractions across six themed lands. The park combines play with creativity through LEGO-inspired experiences. For those seeking water-based activities, LEGOLAND Water Park offers slides, a Wave Pool, and a water playground. Attractions include the Red Rush slide and a lazy river where visitors can float on LEGO rafts. The promotional rate applies to both online bookings and purchases at the gate. Further information and bookings are available at the Dubai Parks and Resorts website.
New Straits Times
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Sofyank most honoured to meet Tom Cruise
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian social media influencer and special effects creator Sofyank admitted that he was "over the moon" meeting Hollywood star Tom Cruise at the premiere of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning in Tokyo recently. In an Instagram post, Sofyank said that he was grateful and moved to be given the opportunity to meet the legendary actor who has always been his idol. "Hi @tomcruise! I've been watching your films since I was a kid, and your work inspires many filmmakers around the world. "We Malaysians really admire your work, your stunts, and the effort you put into every film," he said. Sofyank also said that meeting Cruise was a dream come true. "I never imagined I would get this opportunity," he said. Sofyank described Cruise as a friendly superstar who appreciated fans around the world. "Thank you being so kind to your fans around the world," he said. "It's really an honour to meet you." Earlier, Sofyank uploaded several posts on Instagram about his plans to undergo a special effects shoot with Cruise. Sofyank is known for his expertise in visual editing and illusion videos. He produces Hollywood-inspired creative content and has received praise from celebrities and overseas productions.
Kuwait Times
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
Trump faces backlash over Alcatraz, film tariffs, research ban
WASHINGTON: This week, President Donald Trump stirred controversy with a series of executive actions and bold proposals impacting science, security, and the film industry. Here's a quick look at the three key developments — and the backlash they triggered: Trump orders virus research curbs, drawing criticism Trump officially signed a new executive order limiting US funding for 'gain-of-function' research — a controversial type of biological research that enhances viruses to study their potential risks. His administration blames such research for causing the COVID-19 pandemic via a lab leak in China. The order halts US funding for this research in countries deemed 'of concern,' naming China specifically. It also pushes for new federal controls over dangerous research even within the United States, although gaps remain around how private or non-federal projects will be regulated. While some health officials like Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised the move, calling it vital for preventing future pandemics, the scientific community raised major concerns. Several scientists and public health experts expressed concern that cutting off international research collaborations could undermine pandemic preparedness efforts. Former health officials also warned that the new restrictions could politicize scientific oversight and complicate global monitoring of emerging pathogens. Alcatraz reopening plan mocked as Hollywood-inspired Trump announced — via a post on his social media platform — that he wanted to reopen and expand the famous Alcatraz prison to house America's 'most ruthless and violent offenders.' The reaction online was swift — and overwhelmingly mocking. Many pointed out that the film Escape from Alcatraz, starring Clint Eastwood, had aired on TV near Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort the night before his announcement. Social media users joked that Trump appeared to be confusing movie fiction with real-world policy making. Reporters pressed Trump on the inspiration behind the idea. He half-joked: 'I guess I was supposed to be a movie maker,' while emphasizing Alcatraz's symbolism of law and order. However, experts quickly highlighted that operating a prison on an isolated island would be extremely costly — one reason Alcatraz closed in the 1960s. Shark attack myths around the prison were also debunked as Trump referenced them in his comments. The Bureau of Prisons has been tasked with evaluating the plan, but many view it as more symbolic political messaging than a practical project. Hollywood blasts Trump's proposedtariffs on foreign films Trump's announcement that he would seek 100 percent tariffs on foreign-made films was met with confusion and concern across Hollywood. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said he wanted to 'Make Movies Made in America Again' by penalizing productions filmed overseas. Industry insiders blasted the idea as unrealistic and damaging. Entertainment lawyer Jonathan Handel pointed out that major US franchises like James Bond and Mission: Impossible film abroad for creative reasons. Imposing tariffs on films would be legally complex, raise production costs, reduce the number of films available, and potentially cripple U.S. theaters and streamers. Unions like SAG-AFTRA cautiously welcomed any moves to boost domestic production but stressed that 'sensible incentives' — not penalties — are the way forward. California Governor Gavin Newsom called for strengthening film tax credits, not tariffs, while Australian officials warned that collaboration, not barriers, makes for better filmmaking. Despite industry backlash, the White House said it is merely 'exploring options' and has not yet finalized any tariff measures. — Agencies
