Latest news with #JoKoy
Filipino Times
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Jo Koy receives honorary doctorate from Cal State LA ahead of Etihad Arena show
The Doc will see you now… Comedian Jo Koy adds 'Dr' to his title as he prepares for his highly anticipated performance at Etihad Arena next week. Comedy superstar Jo Koy was awarded an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree by California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA), on May 21st, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the arts and the global comedy landscape. The milestone in his career comes just as he gears up to bring his razor-sharp wit and signature storytelling to the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, 29th May, as part of the Abu Dhabi Comedy Season. A proud Filipino American and a relentless force in stand-up comedy, Jo Koy's journey from open mic nights to sold-out arenas has been nothing short of inspirational. His comedy is deeply personal yet universally relatable, touching on family, identity, and everyday life with warmth, vulnerability, and hilarious insight. During his commencement address at Cal State LA, Koy shared the challenges he faced in pursuing his passion for comedy. Watch it here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cal State LA (@calstatela) 'It's not easy getting to where you want to go. It takes a lot of hard work, it takes a lot of sacrifice. It takes a lot of falling flat on your face, and that's when you find out who you really are. That's when you build the grit, the heart, and the strength to keep pushing.' He also recounted his early days performing in less-than-ideal venues: 'My schools were bad nightclubs that did comedy on Tuesdays, and I would go anywhere that would give me five minutes. That was my school.' The honorary doctorate acknowledges not only his success as a performer but also his impact on cultural representation in mainstream entertainment. Known for breaking barriers and amplifying diverse voices, Jo Koy continues to be a powerful figure in comedy and now holds the rare distinction of being a doctor of the very art he has helped redefine. Fans in the UAE are in for a treat as Jo Koy returns by popular demand to the region with his Just Being Koy tour. With fresh, never-before-seen material, his irresistible charm, and now an honorary doctorate in tow, this promises to be a comedy experience that's both intelligent and side-splittingly funny. Tickets are limited – book your tickets today at
What's On
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
5 things to do in Abu Dhabi this week: May 26 to 29
Another fantastic list… The last week of May is underway, and right as we dive into the summer, we're bringing you yet another list of all that's good in town. Here are 5 things to do in Abu Dhabi this week Monday, May 26 Experience theatrical elegance at Broadway That it's located inside the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is testament to the standards you'll enjoy, but believe us when we say you need to take your time wandering around this brasserie and bar before grabbing a table and focusing on the menu. Red brick, wall art, live entertainment and dimlit interiors transport you to Broadway Ave. in classy, theatrical fashion. Dining meets drama here, while also being laid-back and relaxing, all at once. Ideal for a weekend catchup. Broadway, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (0)2 690 7999. @ Tuesday, May 27 Experience a rock legacy live …with the one and only Guns N' Roses. They'll perform at the Etihad Arena this Tuesday evening, and bring a revered songbook of rock superhits that will include Sweet Child O' Mine , Welcome to the Jungle , and more. Guns N' Roses, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Tuesday May 27, from Dhs380. Drop by a cool cafe With strong Insta-feed energy, tashas originated in South Africa, but is well-established as a part of the local fabric here. Sublime interiors and a kitchen team with a trained eye for gastronomic detail helped make this eatery an essential pin-drop for those that enjoy crafty cuisine with their coffee. In a sentence, good food, great coffee and nice aesthetics make this a solid remote working spot. tashas, Unit B02 Cafe, Marsa Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, Mon to Sat 8am to midnight, Sundays 8am to 11pm. Tel: (0)2 445 0890. @tashascafe Wednesday, May 28 Slow it all down at this classy spot Abu Dhabi's list of hidden bars is beyond impressive, and you shouldn't miss this one. Located at Al Bateen's Abu Dhabi EDITION, Library Bar regularly ranks among the capital's top bars, and there's never a bad time to find out why. They consistently host exciting takeovers featuring big names from around the world, and have an exciting menu that's waiting to be unravelled. Make sure to try the menu inspired by regional favourites. Library Bar, The Abu Dhabi Edition, Al Bateen, 5pm to midnight Sun to Thurs, 5pm to 1am Fri and Sat. Tel: (02) 208 0000. @abudhabiedition Thursday, May 29 Laugh it up with Jo Koy Another firm favourite on the UAE comedy scene, Jo Koy comes to Yas Island as part of Abu Dhabi Comedy Season on May 29. Bringing his 'Just Being Koy Tour' to the city next year, you can expect hilarious anecdotes and his fun observational style of comedy that take audiences from his humble beginnings in a Vegas coffee house to selling out arenas worldwide. Jo Koy Live, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Thursday May 29, Dhs180. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Major US comedian reveals they're coming to Scotland – and looking for love
The popular US personality comes to Glasgow next month. ON THE PROWL Major US comedian reveals they're coming to Scotland – and looking for love CHELSEA Handler is feeling 50 and flirty – as she looks to land herself a Scottish fella. The popular US TV presenter admits she'll be on the prowl when she arrives in Glasgow next month after celebrating the milestone birthday. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Chelsea is bringing her tour to Scotland. 2 She's hoping to find herself a Scottish fella. Credit: Getty She's never been married or had children, despite high profile romances with the likes of rapper 50 Cent and comedian Jo Koy. But the comic, who lives in Los Angeles, hopes to show other ladies that age is just a number when performing her stand up show An Abroad Broad. She said: 'I've got to find myself a husband. This is an audition for any international men who want to marry me and take me. 'I need someone to take me from America. I'm down for whatever. I am an open book, I don't discriminate. I'm an egalitarian across the board.' Chelsea, who skied down a mountain in a bikini to celebrate her birthday, added: 'I'm reclaiming 50. It looks pretty good on me. So I'm going to go with that and encourage other women to also embrace it. 'Don't reject our ageing, it's part of who we are. And there's really nothing you can do about it, so you might as well get on board with it and have a great attitude. 'I need a guy with great dental hygiene. And I don't want to see anyone in flip-flops. Hopefully, it's too early in the year in Scotland for people to be wearing those. 'But someone who's honest, someone who is strong emotionally and can handle a woman like me. And they have to have a job.' Chelsea started her career on reality TV after stints on programmes like Girls Behaving Badly. She later became a regular commentator on popular US channel E! In 2007, she landed her own late-night E! comedy series, Chelsea Lately, which ran for seven years. Chelsea Handler throws major shade at ex Jo Koy at Critics Choice Awards She was even serenaded by Scots 300 star Gerard Butler, 55, in the final episode. Meanwhile, she's pals with Glasgow-born Craig Ferguson, 62, who, like her, became a famous chat show host in America. A sitcom called Are You There, Chelsea? was based on Handler's 2008 best-selling book Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea. She also filmed a more serious documentary series for Netflix titled Chelsea Does, which covered topics including marriage, racism and drugs. She's written six books that have been No1 on the New York Times Best Seller List, with I'll Have What She's Having released earlier this year. And her third Netflix stand-up special The Feeling earned rave reviews. The comedian is excited to get back to her roots in Scotland and hopes to prove she's a woman of many talents — and a master of all. She said: 'It's a lot about travelling with my family and my relationships with them. A lot of mishaps that have happened on vacations — the family members who have gotten cut from going on vacations with me. 'I've decided to start editing those family members down. I haven't married my brother's wife and my sister's husband so why am I so connected to them? 'After 25 years of family vacations, I've decided to put my foot down and only go on vacation with people I actually want to go on vacation with. 'So there's a lot of family drama stories that will inspire many others on how to handle their own vacations and dramas. There's a funny story about me falling out of a helicopter, one about me taking my dog to Spain and giving him Xanax. There's a lot to choose from.' Chelsea added: 'I do my podcast Dear Chelsea — I love that because I get to talk to real people. They call in for advice and it's been great giving advice to people who call in about life problems. 'I love getting involved in people's drama, and I love sharing whatever I'm going through with everybody. I'm very honest about what I'm sharing. 'If I'm going through good stuff, I share that. And if I'm going through bad stuff, I share that. I'm not afraid to embarrass myself or talk about my affinity for disastrous situations. 'My modus operandi with regard to any sort of creative outlet I have is that I don't take myself too seriously. Be proud. You don't have to apologise for living in a loud, brave way. I encourage everyone to try it.' A regular on the US tour circuit, Chelsea is looking forward to the culture shock of performing all over Europe this time. She hopes her first visit to Scotland in more than two decades brings lots of laughs and becomes one of her favourite gigs. She said: 'I'm really excited about spending time in all these places. I haven't done a European tour in years. 'Some nights, you can have more fun with an audience than on other nights — like you might do a lot more improv. It just depends on the vibes that night. 'Every city is different and it brings great joy to me to have strangers sitting next to each other in an audience, who don't know each other but are hysterically laughing together and grabbing onto each other out of hysteria. That is why I do what I do.' But above all else, Chelsea hopes to make a Scottish gentleman laugh so much that he falls in love with her. She joked: 'You definitely want to bop around. I'm going to all these fun places so I definitely want to check them out. 'They have me on a pretty tight schedule, but I have a few days off here and there. 'So I'm going to take advantage of those. I'm going to spend some extra time in Edinburgh this year. So I get to go to both Glasgow and Edinburgh this time, which is very exciting. 'The thicker the accent the better, as then there could maybe be a little bit of a language barrier. And that usually works to my advantage too.' Chelsea's An Abroad Broad tour comes to Glasgow's Pavilion Theatre on May 25 and tickets can be purchased at
Filipino Times
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Jo Koy's ‘Just Being Koy' tour set to light up Etihad Arena on May 29
Comedy fans in the UAE are in for an unforgettable evening with the return of Jo Koy's 'Just Being Koy' tour, happening on May 29 at the Etihad Arena. As part of Abu Dhabi Comedy Season, the globally loved comedian is bringing his signature humor back to the stage, offering fans a chance to enjoy a night of fresh laughs and relatable stories. From his viral jokes about Filipino moms to hilarious takes on everyday life, Jo Koy continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his authentic storytelling and comedic timing. His ability to turn simple, real-life moments into laugh-out-loud stand-up routines has earned him a loyal fan base across cultures and generations. 'I love performing here,' Jo Koy has said in previous interviews. 'The energy, the love, and the laughter from the crowd are something I look forward to every time.' Known for creating an inclusive comedy experience, Jo's set will feature new material that touches on family, parenting, and cultural quirks — themes that deeply resonate with multicultural audiences, especially those in the UAE. His return promises a performance full of energy, charm, and the kind of humor that brings people together. More than just a comedy show, Just Being Koy is a celebration of shared experiences and the power of laughter to connect communities. Whether you're a long-time fan or seeing him live for the first time, expect a show that's personal, heartfelt, and undeniably funny. Tickets are now available at and Platinumlist. Secure your tickets today.
Winnipeg Free Press
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
News briefs for Monday, May 5, 2025
A collection of breaking news briefs filed on Monday, May 5, 2025 4:07 PM Sturgeon Heights Collegiate briefly went into lockdown Monday afternoon as Winnipeg Police Service officers responded to a 'youth in distress.' In an email sent out by the St. James-Assiniboia School Division, school officials said officers were called to the Ness Avenue high school at about 2:20 p.m. 'for a report of a threats-related matter involving a student.' 'As a result, the school was initially placed into a lockdown for precautionary reasons and then, shortly thereafter, moved to a hold and secure,' the email, seen by the Free Press, said. The hold-and-secure was lifted at about 3:15 p.m. WPS spokesman Const. Pat Saydak said the incident involved a 'male youth in distress.' 3:13 PM A missing Manitoba woman who hadn't been seen since last week was located safe, Thompson RCMP said Monday night. RCMP asked for the public's help in locating Charlene Tanner, 42, Monday afternoon and announced hours later she had been found. SUPPLIED Charlene Tanner, 42 2:01 PM A missing senior last seen in Dauphin on Sunday has been found, RCMP said Monday. Curtis Brown, 63, left a home on foot at about noon and had not been seen or heard from since, police said in a news release Monday. He was reported missing to Dauphin RCMP at about 10:30 p.m. that night. RCMP asked for the public's help in finding Brown early Monday afternoon and announced less than an hour later that he had been found and is safe. 1:29 PM Popular Filipino American comedian Jo Koy is coming back to Winnipeg with his Just Being Koy Tour, which hits Canada Life Centre on Aug. 29. Koy — who played a record-breaking string of sold-out shows at the Club Regent Event Centre in 2017 — has seven specials on Comedy Central and Netflix. In June 2020, the comedian released his first variety special, Jo Koy: In His Elements, on Netflix in which Koy went to Manila, spotlighting local culture in a one-of-a-kind show featuring Filipino-American comedians, DJs and B-boys. Presale tickets (prices TBA) go on sale May 7 at 10 a.m.; password is COMEDY. General tickets sales start May 9 at noon at 12:16 PM The province has reduced the subsidized cost for testing well water this year. The program is available through Duracan Laboratory at 862 Dufferin Ave. The subsidized cost is $17.67, including tax, which is $7 cheaper than last year. The Manitoba government recommends people who use private wells or cisterns should test their drinking water at least once per year. The ideal time to test is in spring — after snowmelt, flooding or heavy rainstorm. Water should also be tested if a difference in the colour, clarity, odour or taste is noted. 12:13 PM Broadway Across Canada is bringing two award-winning musicals to the Centennial Concert Hall and offering a package deal for those who want to see both shows. First up is MJ, the multiple Tony-winning musical set around the making of Michael Jackson's 1992 Dangerous World Tour. The play about the pop singer, created by director/choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, will run Nov. 4-9. Next, Feb. 24-March 1 will see a run of the perennially popular Les Misérables, in a staging that has been called 'a reborn dream of a production.' Based on the book by Victor Hugo, it features such hits as I Dreamed a Dream, One Day More and On My Own. The two-show packages start at $172.75 and can be purchased at by phone at 204.949.3999 or in person at the box office, 555 Main St. They go on sale May 5 and offer access before single tickets. 11:20 AM Police are investigating after the front windows of a residential property were hit by gunshots late Sunday. Officers were sent to the 200 block of Edison Avenue at about 10:30 p.m. and saw the damaged windows. No arrests have been made, and no one was injured. The Winnipeg Police Service asked anyone with relevant information or video to contact its major crimes unit at 204-986-6219, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 204-786-8477 (TIPS) or online. 11:12 AM A pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle late Saturday. The incident happened near the intersection of McPhillips Street and Notre Dame Avenue at about 10:30 p.m. The Winnipeg Police Service did not state the person's age or gender in a news release Monday. A WPS spokesman said he could not release any more information when asked whether the incident was a hit-and-run collision. The WPS asked anyone with information or video related to the incident to contact traffic division investigators at 204-986-7085, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 204-786-8477 (TIPS) or online. 11:00 AM A 43-year-old man is dead after Winnipeg police were sent to a report of a stabbing on the 500 block of Waterfront Drive early Sunday. Police said Kerry Eastman, a member of Sandy Bay First Nation who lived in Winnipeg, was found with 'injuries consistent with being assaulted' when officers arrived at about 1:50 a.m. Officers applied chest seals while providing emergency medical care until the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service arrived. Eastman was taken to hospital in critical condition and later died of his injuries. Police are asking anyone with information to contact the homicide unit at 204-986-6508, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 204-786-8477 (TIPS) or online. 10:58 AM Crews extinguished a fire in a commercial building on Main Street on Sunday night. Firefighters were sent to the building on the 700 block at 9:46 p.m. and declared the fire under control at 10:18 p.m. The cause of the fire is under investigation, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service said in a news release Monday. 8:38 AM The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra announced Monday that acclaimed violinist Karl Stobbe has won the audition to be the next WSO concertmaster, beginning with the 2025/26 season. Stobbe, who has been assistant concertmaster since 1996, was selected by the unanimous decision of the audition committee. 'It is an incredible honour and responsibility to be appointed the next concertmaster of the WSO,' Stobbe said in a release. 'I look forward to working with the dedicated and talented musicians of the WSO and maestro Daniel Raiskin, in serving the community of Winnipeg and beyond.' Stobbe's appointment coincides with another WSO milestone; the violinist succeeds longtime concertmaster Gwen Hoebig, who will step down at the end of the 2024/25 season after 37 years in the first violin chair. May 10 at 7:30 p.m. and May 11 at 2 p.m., the WSO presents Celebrating Gwen Hoebig with a program of Mozart, Debussy and Strauss. Hoebig will be joined by her musical family: her husband, pianist David Moroz, and her children, violist Alexander Moroz and cellist Juliana Moroz. Tickets are available at
