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Qatar Tribune
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
IAM Filipina honors mothers with event on motherhood, finance, and self-care
Darlene Regis IAM Filipina recently hosted a heartfelt and inspiring Mother's Day celebration titled 'Her Journey: Motherhood, Money, and Me Time' at the Abesq Doha Hotel & Residences at the C-Ring Road. The event offered an empowering platform for Filipinas in Qatar to reflect on the multifaceted roles of motherhood, financial independence, and the importance of prioritizing self-care. Anchored on the theme 'Being Present', the event featured powerful and honest conversations led by panelists Rio Calma, Cynthia Defonturom, and Kristina A. R. Olase. Each speaker shared personal stories of resilience and growth, underscoring the vital role that mothers play—not only through their daily responsibilities but through their emotional presence and intentional engagement with their families. The audience warmly received the speakers' insights, with active participation in open discussions that fostered connection and solidarity. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere were thoughtful tokens of appreciation and surprise treats for all attendees. The program was hosted by Winnie Aguilar, with Dr. Clarinda Estrella serving as the forum moderator. Members of the IAM Filipina Executive Committee were in attendance, including co-founders Dr. Karmela Palma and Annaliza Diet, along with Glenda Santos from the Mentoring Committee and Gloria Montefalcon from Marketing and Communications. The seamless and impactful execution of the event was made possible by the Events Committee, composed of Marilou Riveral, Angeline Dominique Estrella, and Jamee Clare Estrella. Through events like these, IAM Filipina reaffirms its dedication to uplifting and empowering Filipina women in Qatar—fostering dialogue, community, and a strong sense of support for every stage of their journey.
Rhyl Journal
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
My review of Abba Voyage: what was the new setlist like?
So goes the beginning of the song that catapulted Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny and Anni-Frid to fame at the Brighton Dome all those years ago. It also sums up my reaction, to put it mildly, when I saw a man cutting a similar figure to one quarter of pop's greatest group walking my way. Although his hair was now grey, and he was wearing a more demure look compared to the glittery flared jumpsuit of his heyday, it was clear that I was in the presence of music royalty. Me with the back of Benny's head - a brush with stardom (Image: NQ) So how do you think I reacted when, just moments later, Anni-Frid also joined Benny? Only a big occasion could draw half of Abba together – and this turned out to be the third anniversary of Abba Voyage, the ground-breaking show which has arguably changed the future of music concerts forever. Ahead of the milestone show, which saw new tracks like The Name Of The Game, Super Trouper, Money, Money, Money and Take A Chance On Me added, a variety of industry figures enjoyed a tipple and canapes outside the arena at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Anna-Frid and Benny outside the arena (Image: Abba Voyage) While Benny and Anni-Frid were understandably the star attraction, the glitterati were also out to play. During my celeb-spotting I saw Matthew Horne of Gavin and Stacey fame, Richard Arnold off the morning telly sporting an Abba Voyage blazer, Denise Van Outen cutting a rug in a tent dance floor, and (arguably most tantalisingly of all) the back of Ian Beale's head. Suitably lubricated with some Champagne and canapes, I ventured inside to take my seat for the main event. Denise Van Outen and Richard Arnold (Image: Abba Voyage) By now the concept is well established: using cutting-edge motion capture technology and other technical wizardry I won't pretend to understand, the quartet have been turned into digital avatars who can move like they used to back in their heyday. The initial buzz saw diehard fans and the curious alike flock to the purpose-built stadium to size up the spectacle for themselves. But it turns out it was not a one and done novelty experience, having a longevity that has surprised even the founding members. The opening moments of the show (Image: Abba Voyage) 'When we first opened we never imagined that we'd still be in London three years on. We're very grateful that so many of you have joined us,' they said in a statement released after the event. 'Of course, the reason for us being able to sustain our concert for so long is because of our incredible audience.' They certainly showed up in force – a sea of bedazzled outfits, merch and feather boas in front of us in the dance floor area. As the lights went down and the abbatars rose up from 'under' the stage, the crowd erupted in applause and the show was underway. Money, Money, Money was a crowd pleaser (Image: Abba Voyage) I will say I totally understand the hype surrounding the projections themselves – from where they are positioned and the way they move, they do look totally realistic, right down to how Agnetha's dress sashayed during a rousing rendition of Money, Money, Money. The big screens are not quite as breathtakingly uncanny, the close-ups appearing more like high-quality video game characters than the 'real thing'. But the show plays on this with a knowing nod, leaning into rather than against the multimedia aspect. Some amazing lighting effects were deployed (Image: Abba Voyage) At one end of the spectrum, you had live singers and a band performing Does Your Mother Know; at the other, the abbatars danced behind archival performance footage of Waterloo, projected onto sheer fabric screens. There was even an animated film mythologising the band which played during intervals (while the headliners might not need to use the bathroom, the crowd certainly did). How strange it must be to see yourself presented like a god, I thought, as I glanced over to Benny and Anni-Frid in their VIP box. For most of the show the pair were inscrutable, Benny leaning over the railing watching intently with the focus of a director assessing the minutiae of this new incarnation of the show. Benny and Anni-Frid wave at the crowd after the show (Image: NQ) Seeing them, in the flesh, reacting to de-aged holograms of themselves was another fascinating metaphysical layer in the whole experience, and a privilege to boot. Anyway, back to the main event. Starting off with lesser known hits and pared back staging, with the abbatars taking centre stage, this set up a sense we were watching 'proper artists'. But soon enough, the stage exploded into technicolour with 'costume' changes galore. READ MORE: I tried Brighton's first seafood boil restaurant - and it was fishy heaven The abbatars even had some banter with the crowd – the only hint they weren't speaking live being the lack of reaction when the crowd laughed or cheered. Given Agnetha's historical prominence, it was nice to see Anni-Frid take centre stage during several numbers. Her 'speech' dedicating Fernando to her grandmother under starry skies was an emotional touch. The big guns went off, so to speak, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! being a personal favourite which got everyone on their feet. My unexpected favourite moment came from a gasp-worthy transition into Summer Night City, which saw the foursome wear their now-distinctive Abba Voyage spacesuits. The venue in all its glory (Image: NQ) Of the two new songs in Abba's repertoire, Don't Shut Me Down was superior – blending in seamlessly with their imperial back catalogue. Thank You For The Music hinted that the end of the night was drawing close – but there were still two of the band's biggest songs to play. Dancing Queen and The Winner Takes it All, the yin and yang that symbolises Abba's appeal, served as the perfect way to end the performance. In a normal show, the 'surprise' ending which sees contemporised abbatars take a bow would be enough to turn heads. But the gaze of the crowd by this stage was firmly on the real deals behind them, presented to the pair as a sea of phone lights and clapping hands. A sweet exchange saw Anni-Frid giggle nervously when Benny passed her a mic on the fly to give a speech. They mouthed something to each other, and in that moment, it felt the years melted away; you could see a bond forged through a history only the two of them (in that room, at least) could understand. She went with a classic message, thanking the crowd, before declaring 'I'm turning 80 this year', to rapturous applause. (Interestingly, the one time the pair raised their hands in applause themselves was when the live band took their bows.) Cut to the next day, and here I was - back again outside the stadium by Pudding Mill Lane tube station (a name the band were not a fan of, they revealed the night before). It was quiet, all signs of glitz and glamour gone along with the stars. In amongst all the excitement, I'd forgotten to take a photo of myself at the venue for this review. While I struggled to get a half-decent selfie, a lady wearing an Abba necklace and T-shirt came over and offered to take one for me – if I could also do the same for her in return, she said. We got chatting and it turned out she had visited the night before from Amsterdam – but still preserving the Irish lilt of her homeland. Even the slightest mention of what she thought of the show had her welling up with tears, such was the emotional impact. So don't take my word for it – it really does have to be seen to be believed. My room at The Gantry (Image: NQ) During my trip, I stayed at The Gantry Hotel, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. Conveniently located opposite Stratford International tube station, a short ride away from Pudding Mill Lane, this is a great choice for an overnight stay to see the show. With a selection of restaurants, including the STK steakhouse on the rooftop of the building and Union Social for a more casual lunch and dinner, you've also got a nice meal covered too. The lunch menu ranges from small plates to a beef ragu and burger; I tried the former and found it to be meaty and satisfying. The Book of Hedonism lived up to its name (Image: NQ) Preceded by a Book of Hedonism - a caramel cocktail concoction made with a selection of scotch, whisky and rum and served in a smoking book-shaped box - it also had a touch of drama. The room, meanwhile, was well furnished and had fantastic views of Stratford; I'm a sucker for a floor to ceiling window. A comfy deluxe king bed also meant I could rest my weary head after a night to remember.
NDTV
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
BLACKPINK's Lisa's Documentary In The Works. K-Pop Idol Says, "This Has Been Such An Incredible Year"
New Delhi: A documentary film on BLACKPINK's Lisa is currently in production. What The film will chronicle the life and journey of K-Pop sensation Lisa, who gained global fame as a member of the internationally renowned girl group BLACKPINK. The project is a collaboration between Sony Music Vision and director Sue Kim. Kim, who has previously worked on the Apple TV docuseries K-Pop Idols and the A24 film The Last of the Sea Women, revealed that she spent a year working closely with Lisa on the upcoming documentary. While no release date has been announced yet, the film aims to offer an intimate look at the star's life and career. Lisa shared her excitement about the project, saying, "This has been such an incredible year, and I'm so lucky to have the opportunity to capture these special moments on film and share the experience with my fans. Working with Sue Kim has been such a joy. We've been all around the world together and I know this is just the beginning of many more exciting things to come." The film is produced by Tremolo Productions in association with Salt Water Productions and LLOUD CO. Producers include Morgan Neville and Caitrin Rogers for Tremolo and Sue Kim and Courtney Crockett for Salt Water Productions. Background Lisa debuted as the main dancer and rapper of BLACKPINK in 2016 under YG Entertainment. She later launched a successful solo career with her hit singles Lalisa and Money, both of which received massive global attention. Most recently, Lisa has also launched her own management label, LLOUD. She was also seen in White Lotus Season 3. In A Nutshell A documentary on K-pop star Lisa of BLACKPINK is in the works, directed by Sue Kim and produced by Sony Music Vision. The film will capture key moments from Lisa's life and career, including her global rise with BLACKPINK and solo hits like Lalisa and Money. No release date has been announced yet.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
BLACKPINK's Lisa to star in upcoming documentary
K-pop star Lisa, popularly recognised as a member of BLACKPINK, is exploring a new venture after her music career and acting credit in The White Lotus. As per Variety, it was announced on Thursday that the Money singer will be the subject of a documentary film from Sony Music Vision and director Sue Kim. Kim discussed her document at the Sony event, along with Baz Luhrmann and Frank Marshall, who also shared updates on their features. Kim, who was an executive producer on Apple TV+'s docuseries K-Pop Idols, said that she's been working with Lisa for a year, though no release date has been finalised. A trailer for the film was unveiled during the presentation, showing concert footage of the star performing solo and personal moments with her loved ones. Kim mentioned that after the two met up for the first time, Lisa reached out to her non-celebrity friends, asking them to appear in the documentary. "This has been such an incredible year, and I'm so lucky to have the opportunity to capture these special moments on film and share the experience with my fans," Lisa said in a statement. "Working with Sue Kim has been such a joy. We've been all around the world together and I know this is just the beginning of many more exciting things to come." The director also expressed enthusiasm in her own statement. "Following Lisa on this transformative and thrilling year has been a true honor and a cinematic gift," Kim said. "There have been so many moments on her journey that I think will surprise people and give a glimpse into her world that no one's ever seen before. I'm excited for viewers to watch the film and witness this extraordinary moment in her life." The news of the documentary comes after the release of Lisa's debut solo album, Alter Ego. Following BLACKPINK's hiatus, all four members branched out in pursuit of solo careers. The group is all set to reunite this year for a world tour. The Asia leg of their World Tour: Deadline kicks off in October, beginning with two nights at the Kaohsiung National Stadium. This will be followed by shows in Bangkok, Jakarta, Manila, and Singapore. After a two-month break, the quartet will fly to Hong Kong to close out the tour in January. Deadline will mark BLACKPINK's return to the stage as a unit after the tour for their album Born Pink in 2023. It made history as the highest-grossing tour by a girl group, recording 1.8 million fans worldwide.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
'Absolutely gutted': £16,500 Glastonbury packages won't be fulfilled after company goes bust
Glastonbury ticket holders have been left thousands of pounds out of pocket after a luxury glamping company went bust. Festival-goers who booked their tickets and accommodation with Yurtel have been told the company can no longer fulfil its orders and has ceased trading with immediate effect. Money: Some had spent more than £16,500 through Yurtel, with hospitality packages starting at £10,000. In an email, Yurtel said it was unable to provide customers with any refunds, advising them to go through a third party to claim back the money once the liquidation process had started. To add insult to injury, customers found out that Yurtel had failed to purchase the tickets for the 25 -29 June festival that they thought had been booked as part of their packages. In a letter to customers, Yurtel's founder Mickey Luke said: "I am deeply sorry that you have received this devastating news and am writing to apologise. "Yurtel is a hospitality business who pride themselves on looking after our customers, delivering a unique product and striving to create a better client experience year on year. Due to a culmination of factors over the past years, we have failed to be able to continue to do so and are heartbroken." The Money blog has contacted Yurtel to see if the business has anything to add. Several people have also reported that they were unable to pay by credit card at the time of booking, with the company instead asking for a bank transfer. This means they are unable to use chargeback to get a refund. You can read more about that here... 'I feel really ripped off' One of those customers was Lydia, who told Money she was "absolutely gutted" after spending thousands. This year's festival was "really important" to her as she was forced to miss out last year despite having tickets due to a health issue that left her needing an operation. "We tried to get Glastonbury tickets through the normal kind of route and couldn't get them," the accountant said. She ended up booking with Yurtel in November, sending over all the funds a month later. "It's super expensive. It was really, really important to us. Last year was gutting with the surgery and the whole situation around that was very traumatic, so it was a very special thing to then get the opportunity to go this year. It's really gutting," she said. "I feel really ripped off and I'm really disappointed in the festival, to be honest. I think that response is just pretty rubbish." More from Money:How roaming fees compare by network Yurtel did not pay for festival tickets, Glastonbury says Glastonbury said Yurtel was one of a small number of campsites local to the festival site - Worthy Farm - with limited access to purchase hospitality tickets for their guests in certain circumstances. But, it had not paid for any tickets for the 2025 festival before going into liquidation, and so no tickets were secured for its guests, it added. Every year, Glastonbury's website says that ticketing firm See Tickets is the only official source for buying tickets for the festival. "As such we have no records of their bookings and are unable to take any responsibility for the services and the facilities they offer," the festival said. "Anyone who has paid Yurtel for a package including Glastonbury 2025 tickets will need to pursue any potential recompense available from them via the liquidation process as outlined in their communication to you. "We are not able to incur the cost or responsibility of their loss or replacement." Instead, the festival has urged Yurtel customers to contact Yurtel@ to confirm their consent for personal data and details of their party to be shared with Glastonbury. "We will then be able to provide details of alternative potential sources for those customers to purchase tickets and accommodation for this year's festival," the festival added. 'Only option' on offer is 'pretty weak' Lydia said she agreed for her details to be passed on to Glastonbury, and the festival has told her the only option is to pay for the tickets again from another provider. "They are not giving us the opportunity to buy the tickets at face value. We would then have to go again and spend another stupidly unreasonable amount of money to be able to go. It's pretty disappointing," she added. "It's pretty weak that the only option they're giving people who've already lost out on huge amounts of money is to go and spend huge amounts more money." It's left her feeling like she won't go to the festival this year - and she's not hopeful about getting her money back. She said: "To be honest, I just don't think I can afford it. "It's already so much money wasted, and I'm not at all optimistic we'll get anything back."
