Latest news with #OMNI
CBC
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
Burlington's Isabel Kanaan turned TikTok videos about immigrant life into sitcom hit with 'Abroad'
Social Sharing When Isabel Kanaan moved from the Philippines to Burlington, Ont., at 16, she found the calm suburban atmosphere difficult to adjust to. "Filipinos in general, we're always so noisy. And in Manila, the streets never sleep," says the 33-year-old, whose family immigrated to Canada in 2008. "Nothing was open past 9 p.m. I was so confused. Like, `What do people do after 9?"' she said of her new home, located just northeast of Hamilton. It wasn't just the quiet that took getting used to. Kanaan also figured she'd have to give up on her dream of acting. "I thought there's no way I could be an actor here because I didn't really see people like me or my stories on TV or in movies," she says. "So I didn't pursue what I wanted." She initially enrolled in math at York University to become a teacher, but the pull toward acting proved strong. She eventually switched to Seneca College's acting program — but upon graduating, found few roles available for Filipina women. "My agent would get me in the room for characters that were Indian or Spanish or something else," she recalls. "I got tired of auditioning for things that weren't meant for me, for Filipinos. I wanted to make something for us." Kanaan found an audience on TikTok That frustration led Kanaan to start making TikToks about the Filipino immigrant experience from a humorous lens. Years later, those sketches would evolve into Abroad, an English-Tagalog sketch comedy show on OMNI that she co-created and stars in. Now in its fourth season, Abroad returns Sunday with more sketches spotlighting Filipino-Canadian stories. Kanaan plays several characters inspired by real people, including Passive Aggressive Mama, and Nestor, a black-market dealer turned dance instructor. The show skewers everything from culture shock to language barriers to the quirks of assimilation. A major theme this season is parents grappling with how to raise a second-generation Filipino-Canadian child — a storyline rooted in real life, as Kanaan recently became a mother herself. "Before, I was just playing my mom or the moms I know in my lie... Here I was thinking, `Oh, I'm going to be different.' And then things come up, and you're like, `Wait a minute, maybe I'm not so different from them,"' she laughs, acknowledging she's just as "loud" as the other Filipino moms in her life. Kanaan hopes the show helps Filipino immigrants — and newcomers of all backgrounds — feel seen. "If they watch the show, they'll think, `Oh yeah, this has been my experience. There are other people like me,"' says Kanaan, a former cast member of CBC's Royal Canadian Air Farce. Kanaan says Abroad has found a loyal following not just in Canada but around the world, with clips amassing millions of views on TikTok and Instagram. The show was recently acquired by Just For Entertainment Distribution to begin airing internationally. "We are getting so many hits from all around the world and people saying, `We want to see this show where we are,"' Kanaan says, noting she's heard from Filipino fans in the U.S., the U.K. and Australia. Abroad is up for 5 Canadian Screen Awards Abroad is up for five Canadian Screen Awards, including best sketch comedy and best sketch comedy performance for Kanaan and her Filipino-Canadian co-stars including Joy Castro, Justin Santiago and Nicco Lorenzo Garcia. Following the recent tragedy at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver, where 11 people were killed after an SUV rammed into a crowd, Kanaan says she hopes Abroad brings some comfort to the community. "It was just so sad... It hits you, even though you're not there — it hits the community," she says. She's been heartened by how the Filipino-Canadian community has rallied to support victims through various fundraisers. "That's the thing about the Philippines — we're so community-based. I'm happy we're all supporting and we're getting the word out there," she says, noting that her show first gained popularity through word of mouth as well. As much as the show speaks to the immigrant experience, Kanaan hopes people who aren't immigrants tune in as well. "It's showing them the different sides of Canada," she says.
Hamilton Spectator
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Filipino-Canadian creator Isabel Kanaan turned TikTok videos about immigrant experience into sitcom success with ‘Abroad'
TORONTO - When Isabel Kanaan moved from the Philippines to Burlington, Ont., at 16, she found the calm suburban atmosphere difficult to adjust to. 'Filipinos in general, we're always so noisy. And in Manila, the streets never sleep,' says the 33-year-old, whose family immigrated to Canada in 2008. 'Nothing was open past 9 p.m. I was so confused. Like, 'What do people do after 9?'' she said of her new town, located on the western shores of Lake Ontario. It wasn't just the quiet that took getting used to. Kanaan also figured she'd have to give up on her dream of acting. 'I thought there's no way I could be an actor here because I didn't really see people like me or my stories on TV or in movies,' she says. 'So I didn't pursue what I wanted.' She initially enrolled in math at York University to become a teacher, but the pull toward acting proved strong. She eventually switched to Seneca College's acting program — but upon graduating, found few roles available for Filipina women. 'My agent would get me in the room for characters that were Indian or Spanish or something else,' she recalls. 'I got tired of auditioning for things that weren't meant for me, for Filipinos. I wanted to make something for us.' That frustration led Kanaan to start making TikToks about the Filipino immigrant experience from a humorous lens. Years later, those sketches would evolve into 'Abroad,' an English-Tagalog sketch comedy show on OMNI that she co-created and stars in. Now in its fourth season, 'Abroad' returns Sunday with more sketches spotlighting Filipino-Canadian stories. Kanaan plays several characters inspired by real people, including Passive Aggressive Mama, and Nestor, a black-market dealer turned dance instructor. The show skewers everything from culture shock to language barriers to the quirks of assimilation. A major theme this season is parents grappling with how to raise a second-generation Filipino-Canadian child — a storyline rooted in real life, as Kanaan recently became a mother herself. 'Before, I was just playing my mom or the moms I know in my life… Here I was thinking, 'Oh, I'm going to be different.' And then things come up, and you're like, 'Wait a minute, maybe I'm not so different from them,'' she laughs, acknowledging she's just as 'loud' as the other Filipino moms in her life. Kanaan hopes the show helps Filipino immigrants — and newcomers of all backgrounds — feel seen. 'If they watch the show, they'll think, 'Oh yeah, this has been my experience. There are other people like me,'' says Kanaan, a former cast member of CBC's 'Royal Canadian Air Farce.' Kanaan says 'Abroad' has found a loyal following not just in Canada but around the world, with clips amassing millions of views on TikTok and Instagram. The show was recently acquired by Just For Entertainment Distribution to begin airing internationally. 'We are getting so many hits from all around the world and people saying, 'We want to see this show where we are,'' Kanaan says, noting she's heard from Filipino fans in the U.S., the U.K. and Australia. 'Abroad' is up for five Canadian Screen Awards, including best sketch comedy and best sketch comedy performance for Kanaan and her Filipino-Canadian co-stars including Joy Castro, Justin Santiago and Nicco Lorenzo Garcia. Following the recent tragedy at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver, where 11 people were killed after an SUV rammed into a crowd, Kanaan says she hopes 'Abroad' brings some comfort to the community. 'It was just so sad… It hits you, even though you're not there — it hits the community,' she says. She's been heartened by how the Filipino-Canadian community has rallied to support victims through various fundraisers. 'That's the thing about the Philippines — we're so community-based. I'm happy we're all supporting and we're getting the word out there,' she says, noting that her show first gained popularity through word of mouth as well. As much as the show speaks to the immigrant experience, Kanaan hopes non-immigrants tune in as well. 'It's showing them the different sides of Canada,' she says. 'I had to learn Canadian culture. There are so many of us and it's so multicultural here in Canada, so there is no reason why you should not learn about your neighbour's culture.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 16, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Filipino-Canadian creator Isabel Kanaan turned TikTok videos about immigrant experience into sitcom success with ‘Abroad'
TORONTO – When Isabel Kanaan moved from the Philippines to Burlington, Ont., at 16, she found the calm suburban atmosphere difficult to adjust to. 'Filipinos in general, we're always so noisy. And in Manila, the streets never sleep,' says the 33-year-old, whose family immigrated to Canada in 2008. 'Nothing was open past 9 p.m. I was so confused. Like, 'What do people do after 9?'' she said of her new town, located on the western shores of Lake Ontario. It wasn't just the quiet that took getting used to. Kanaan also figured she'd have to give up on her dream of acting. 'I thought there's no way I could be an actor here because I didn't really see people like me or my stories on TV or in movies,' she says. 'So I didn't pursue what I wanted.' She initially enrolled in math at York University to become a teacher, but the pull toward acting proved strong. She eventually switched to Seneca College's acting program — but upon graduating, found few roles available for Filipina women. 'My agent would get me in the room for characters that were Indian or Spanish or something else,' she recalls. 'I got tired of auditioning for things that weren't meant for me, for Filipinos. I wanted to make something for us.' That frustration led Kanaan to start making TikToks about the Filipino immigrant experience from a humorous lens. Years later, those sketches would evolve into 'Abroad,' an English-Tagalog sketch comedy show on OMNI that she co-created and stars in. Now in its fourth season, 'Abroad' returns Sunday with more sketches spotlighting Filipino-Canadian stories. Kanaan plays several characters inspired by real people, including Passive Aggressive Mama, and Nestor, a black-market dealer turned dance instructor. The show skewers everything from culture shock to language barriers to the quirks of assimilation. A major theme this season is parents grappling with how to raise a second-generation Filipino-Canadian child — a storyline rooted in real life, as Kanaan recently became a mother herself. 'Before, I was just playing my mom or the moms I know in my life… Here I was thinking, 'Oh, I'm going to be different.' And then things come up, and you're like, 'Wait a minute, maybe I'm not so different from them,'' she laughs, acknowledging she's just as 'loud' as the other Filipino moms in her life. Kanaan hopes the show helps Filipino immigrants — and newcomers of all backgrounds — feel seen. 'If they watch the show, they'll think, 'Oh yeah, this has been my experience. There are other people like me,'' says Kanaan, a former cast member of CBC's 'Royal Canadian Air Farce.' Kanaan says 'Abroad' has found a loyal following not just in Canada but around the world, with clips amassing millions of views on TikTok and Instagram. The show was recently acquired by Just For Entertainment Distribution to begin airing internationally. 'We are getting so many hits from all around the world and people saying, 'We want to see this show where we are,'' Kanaan says, noting she's heard from Filipino fans in the U.S., the U.K. and Australia. 'Abroad' is up for five Canadian Screen Awards, including best sketch comedy and best sketch comedy performance for Kanaan and her Filipino-Canadian co-stars including Joy Castro, Justin Santiago and Nicco Lorenzo Garcia. Following the recent tragedy at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver, where 11 people were killed after an SUV rammed into a crowd, Kanaan says she hopes 'Abroad' brings some comfort to the community. 'It was just so sad… It hits you, even though you're not there — it hits the community,' she says. She's been heartened by how the Filipino-Canadian community has rallied to support victims through various fundraisers. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'That's the thing about the Philippines — we're so community-based. I'm happy we're all supporting and we're getting the word out there,' she says, noting that her show first gained popularity through word of mouth as well. As much as the show speaks to the immigrant experience, Kanaan hopes non-immigrants tune in as well. 'It's showing them the different sides of Canada,' she says. 'I had to learn Canadian culture. There are so many of us and it's so multicultural here in Canada, so there is no reason why you should not learn about your neighbour's culture.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 16, 2025.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sight Sciences to Debut OMNI® Edge Surgical System at the 2025 ASCRS Annual Meeting, Expanding the OMNI Product Portfolio
New system features higher viscoelastic capacity and TruSync™ technology, engineered to safely synchronize surgical control and precision in implant-free, comprehensive MIGS OMNI® Edge Surgical System MENLO PARK, Calif., April 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sight Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: SGHT) , an eyecare technology company focused on developing and commercializing innovative, interventional technologies intended to transform eye care and improve patients' lives, today announced the expansion of the OMNI® product family by launching the OMNI® Edge Surgical System. The new technology will debut at the 2025 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Meeting, taking place April 25–27 in Los Angeles, California. OMNI Edge with TruSync™ technology builds on the proven performance of the OMNI® Surgical System and introduces a higher-capacity viscoelastic delivery feature (21 µL) while maintaining the trusted safety, efficacy, and usability of the OMNI device. Designed for versatility in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), OMNI Edge reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) by treating all three known areas of resistance in the aqueous outflow system—the trabecular meshwork, Schlemm's canal, and the collector channels. The system is adaptable to all stages of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and can be used as a standalone procedure or in combination with cataract surgery. "OMNI Edge represents the next step in providing the most comprehensive and versatile implant-free MIGS technology. The higher viscoelastic capacity, ergonomics, and predictability enhance my ability to safely and comprehensively treat a wide range of primary open-angle glaucoma cases,' said Christine Funke, MD, following early clinical use. Key features of OMNI Edge: TruSync technology: A patented viscoelastic delivery technology synchronized with surgeon rotation of the control wheel — enabling consistent, predictable, and reproducible viscoelastic deployment along every clock hour of Schlemm's canal that is treated. Expanded viscoelastic capacity: Delivers up to 21 µL—nearly double the 11 µL capacity of the OMNI Surgical System — with precise control, while maintaining the trusted ergonomics, safety, and versatility of the OMNI Surgical System. Trusted ergonomics: Retains the intuitive design of the OMNI Surgical System, preserving the intuitive handling surgeons know and trust, enabling a seamless adoption. "Sight Sciences remains dedicated to evolving glaucoma care with interventional technologies that align with the way surgeons treat their patients safely, efficiently, and comprehensively," said Paul Badawi, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sight Sciences. "OMNI Edge is a testament to our commitment to innovation and ongoing collaboration with the ophthalmic community." Multiple studies, including prospective, long-term, and real-world have demonstrated the safety, effectiveness, and durability of the OMNI procedure in both standalone and combination cataract procedures. With over 300,000 procedures performed,1 OMNI has established itself as a leader in canal-based MIGS. The introduction of OMNI Edge expands the OMNI product family while maintaining the availability of OMNI, ensuring surgeons have access to both technologies to meet their unique surgical preferences and patient needs. OMNI Edge is only available in the United States. Experience OMNI Edge at ASCRS 2025Join us in celebrating the launch of OMNI Edge at the ASCRS meeting in Los Angeles on April 26, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm PT at our booth (#2439). Attendees are invited to explore this latest innovation and enjoy an hour networking with leading physicians and industry leaders. RSVP and learn more at About the OMNI Edge Surgical SystemThe OMNI® Edge Surgical System technology consists of a handheld, single-use therapeutic device for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). OMNI Edge allows surgeons 360 degrees of customized intervention to address the three primary areas of resistance of an eye's diseased conventional outflow pathway (trabecular meshwork, Schlemm's canal, and collector channels) through a single clear corneal microincision. OMNI Edge is indicated for canaloplasty (the microcatheterization and viscodilation of Schlemm's canal) followed by trabeculotomy (the cutting of trabecular meshwork) to reduce intraocular pressure in adult patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Visit to access the instructions for use, warnings, precautions, and adverse event information. OMNI Edge should not be used in any situations where the iridocorneal angle is compromised or has been damaged since it may not be possible to visualize the angle or to properly pass the microcatheter. Do not use the OMNI in patients with angle recession; neovascular glaucoma; chronic angle closure; narrow-angle glaucoma; traumatic or malignant glaucoma; or narrow inlet canals with plateau iris or in quadrants with previous MIGS implants. OMNI technology is protected by a global patent portfolio including 32 issued patents worldwide. For more information, to schedule a demonstration, or to request training, visit About Sight SciencesSight Sciences is an eyecare technology company focused on developing and commercializing innovative and interventional solutions intended to transform care and improve patients' lives. Using minimally invasive or non-invasive approaches to target the underlying causes of the world's most prevalent eye diseases, Sight Sciences seeks to create more effective treatment paradigms that enhance patient care and supplant conventional outdated approaches. The Company's OMNI® Surgical System is an implant-free glaucoma surgery technology (i) indicated in the United States to reduce intraocular pressure in adult patients with primary open-angle glaucoma; and (ii) CE Marked for the catheterization and transluminal viscodilation of Schlemm's canal and cutting of the trabecular meshwork to reduce intraocular pressure in adult patients with open-angle glaucoma. Glaucoma is the world's leading cause of irreversible blindness. The SION® Surgical Instrument is a bladeless, manually operated device used in ophthalmic surgical procedures to excise trabecular meshwork. The Company's TearCare® System is 510(k) cleared in the United States for the application of localized heat therapy in adult patients with evaporative dry eye disease due to meibomian gland disease (MGD) when used in conjunction with manual expression of the meibomian glands, enabling clearance of gland obstructions by physicians to address the leading cause of dry eye disease. Visit for more information. Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release, together with other statements and information publicly disseminated by the Company, contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company intends such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and includes this statement for purposes of complying with these safe harbor provisions. Any statements made in this press release that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements and should be evaluated as such. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation statements regarding launch of the Company's OMNI® Edge Surgical System. These statements often include words such as "anticipate," "expect," "suggests," "plan," "believe," "intend," "estimates," "targets," "projects," "should," "could," "would," "may," "will," "forecast" and other similar expressions. We base these forward-looking statements on our current expectations, plans and assumptions that we have made in light of our experience in the industry, as well as our perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances at such time. Although we believe that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions at the time they are made, you should be aware that many factors could affect our business, results of operations and financial condition and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to and involve numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as may be updated from time to time in subsequent filings, and you should not place undue reliance on these statements. These cautionary statements are made only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. 1 Estimate based on units of OMNI (and predicates) shipped as of December 31, 2024. © 2025 Sight Sciences. All rights reserved. Sight Sciences and TearCare are trademarks of Sight Sciences registered in the United States. OMNI and SION are trademarks of Sight Sciences registered in the United States, European Union and other territories. TruSync is a trademark of Sight Sciences. 04/2025 OM-3441-US.v1 Media contact: pr@ Investor contact: Philip Taylor Gilmartin Group 415.937.5406 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in to access your portfolio
Forbes
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
There's One Huge Problem With That Xbox Handheld Teaser From ASUS
This is not the Xbox handheld you're looking for... Project Kennan, the codename for Microsoft's dedicated Xbox gaming handheld, only exists in the prototype stage and is likely a few years ago. But there's a firestorm of rumors swirling that the first phase of Microsoft's Xbox handheld plans will involve partnering with an existing PC manufacturer, similar to Valve's partnership with Lenovo for the Legion Go S powered by SteamOS. Those rumors strongly suggest ASUS is that partner. However, that new teaser trailer from the ROG Ally X maker isn't worthy of all the excitement it's generating. The excitement is born from the expectation that such a handheld will feature Microsoft's streamlined gaming interface, a sorely needed change to Windows 11 that could make the handheld experience as elegant and intuitive as SteamOS. Microsoft promised the first iteration of it would land this year. So, back to the teaser trailer in question (which is slick and entertaining on its own). It shows ASUS' robot mascot OMNI performing an experiment to upgrade itself, and ends with the existing ROG Ally X and the Raikiri Pro Xbox controller accidentally finding their way into a fusion pod with the mischievous mascot. When ASUS shared the video on X (formerly Twitter), the official Xbox account immediately replied with the classic 'monkey side-eye' meme. That engagement, easily interpreted as a 'knowing wink' from Microsoft, immediately accelerated the hype machine, resulting in a bunch of articles proclaiming this as the first official product in this Xbox handheld partnership. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder Well, not so fast. I don't think this is it. There are several moments in the trailer that point to this being an upgraded ROG Ally X, rather than some highly anticipated Xbox device with this new Windows UI for handhelds. To begin with, the trailer highlights four upgrades: 'Marathon stamina, more capacity, faster speed, and fresh look.' So, let's translate that: it's a ROG Ally X with a larger battery, a larger storage drive, an upgraded processor (probably the Ryzen Z2 Extreme) and a new colorway. Then there's the inclusion of the Raikiri Pro Xbox controller. If this were the fabled Xbox hybrid handheld, why wouldn't an Xbox Series S or Series X have been included? All the evidence points to ASUS simply launching a ROG Ally X Pro. This doesn't mean ASUS isn't Microsoft's hardware partner for that initial Xbox handheld with the SteamOS-like interface, but this teaser trailer isn't hyping the handheld we're all looking forward to.
