Beks Battalion With 2.36 million subscribers and videos that consistently rake in six- to seven-figure streams, Beks Battalion—the comedic trio of Chad Kinis, MC Muah and Lassy—is one of the biggest YouTube acts to have come out during the pandemic. But despite all the success they have been enjoying in the digital space, they still find themselves yearning for their standup comedy roots. That’s why they couldn’t contain their excitement when they were told that, after two years of vlogging, a big live show was finally in the offing. “It has been a long while since we last performed in front of an audience. Hearing people’s laughter is something we really missed,” Lassy said at a recent press conference for their upcoming comedy concert, “Beks 2 Beks 2 Beks,” on Aug. 26 at the New Frontier Theater. The thing Chad missed the most about doing standup is the immediate feedback and spontaneity. “Doing comedy online is difficult because you don’t hear the audience,” he pointed out. … [Read more...] about How YouTube sensation Beks Battalion deals with the challenges of standup comedy
Polarizing decision par for the course for controversial performer
Jaded Director (JD) wasn’t surprised when he heard how Defensive Performer (DP) has been trying to dodge brickbats for accepting a deeply polarizing acting assignment. While DP has never really hit the big time, she has nevertheless always managed to stay in the limelight with gigs that bank on DP’s over-the-top, hit-and-miss antics. Apparently, JD and DP’s paths had crossed many years ago, just as JD’s hit international project was starting to take off. In a glitzy public sortie, DP approached JD and explained why JD should consider tapping her services for JD’s acclaimed show. But DP’s next line was very telling, JD said. Just before DP continued greeting everybody in the room as if she were Ms Congeniality, DP told JD, “But assign the controversial parts to me, OK?” “As you can see, DP thinks that the only way to get people’s attention is to shock them. She is KSP (kulang sa pansin)—then and now,” JD told Rushes. Ouch. TOP OF THE TABLOIDS This week’s top show biz news from … [Read more...] about Polarizing decision par for the course for controversial performer
As GMA Network turns 72, grateful celebrities recall their milestones as a Kapuso
Who would have thought that the launch of dzBB, GMA Network’s first AM radio station in March 1950, would eventually turn that station into the multimedia giant it is today? So it’s just fitting for the company, fondly called the Kapuso Network by its loyal followers, to celebrate its string of triumphs 72 years later. In a glittering—OK, sparkling—evening of fun, excitement and heartwarming nostalgia, the network held its first-ever GMA Thanksgiving Gala at Shangri-La The Fort last July 30 attended by its biggest stars and most influential personalities clad in sophisticated outfits that harked back to the Golden Age of Hollywood. GMA president and chief operating officer Gilbert Duavit Jr., executive vice president/chief financial officer Felipe Yalong and GMA Films president Annette Gozon-Valdes led the attendees who paid special tribute to GMA chair and CEO Felipe Gozon for leading the company through the decades. For the guests and kibitzers who were lucky to be around, the … [Read more...] about As GMA Network turns 72, grateful celebrities recall their milestones as a Kapuso
SRA officials should resign after ‘illegal sugar order’ – Zubiri
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri (File photo from the Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau) MANILA, Philippines — The officials of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) should resign for taking part in an unauthorized order to import sugar, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri in an interview on Saturday on AM radio DWIZ. “I’m planning to give a privilege speech on Monday, asking those, of course, those who were participating in this illegal sugar order to resign from their post. They should resign,” Zubiri said. He noted that Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian had already resigned for signing Sugar Order No. 4 without the authorization of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who is also the secretary of the Department of Agriculture . “I was somewhat happy that Usec Sebastian resigned. But my question is: Why haven’t the other officials of the Sugar Regulatory Administration handed in their resignation letter?” Zubiri said, speaking in a … [Read more...] about SRA officials should resign after ‘illegal sugar order’ – Zubiri
China-based Pinay creative now a trailblazing entrepreneur
MULTI-AWARDED This year Caroline Ong became the first creative to receive the Pamana ng Pilipino Award from Malacañang. —Contributed photos While most Filipinos dream of living the life of an expat in Western countries, Caroline Ong wanted to try her luck in a country closer to home and her heart. “I want to work in China.” This is what she manifested to the universe even before she became a global advertising creative and paved the way for the brand of Filipino creativity to be recognized in the world stage. Carol, who hails from Bacolod City, is a third-generation Chinese-Filipino. In order to come full circle with her Chinese roots, she wanted to study Mandarin so she could work in Shanghai. “I dreamed of coming to Shanghai way before it became hip. To my dismay, I couldn’t afford to pay for the tuition and living expenses without work. I couldn’t find scholarships. I looked for job opportunities, but why would anyone hire an English copywriter in a non-English speaking … [Read more...] about China-based Pinay creative now a trailblazing entrepreneur
Authorities intervene after 4 killed in ‘rido’ in South Cotabato
MANILA, Philippines — Four persons were killed last Thursday in a “rido” — a clan war — between two Moro groups in Pikit town in South Cotabato, according to a Philippine Army statement issued on Saturday. The rido ceased shortly after the two groups reached an agreement with the intervention of local authorities and Muslim elders. A firefight broke out between the two groups — one headed by Bugdad Matalam Akas and another headed by Commander Walid Mamasamlang — in the early morning of Thursday, Aug. 11, in Sitio Galigayanan, Barangay Macabual. According to the Army, the members of both groups belong to the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Force under the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Three members of Walid’s group died — Ronie Dilanalan, Mama Dilanalan, and Makron Baguinda. All were residents of Barangay Macabual village. A civilian identified as Lito Quiñones was also killed in the crossfire. Two others — a member of the Bugdad group and another civilian — were also … [Read more...] about Authorities intervene after 4 killed in ‘rido’ in South Cotabato
ARB to raise up to RM59.32 million via IPO through listing of IoT business unit on NASDAQ
- A + A KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 12): ARB Bhd on Friday announced that it has proposed to list its internet of things (IoT) business via its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary ARB IOT Group Ltd (AIGL) on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange in New York through an initial public offering (IPO) with an issue price of at least US$4 (RM17.78) to raise a minimum of RM17.78 million and up to a maximum of RM59.32 million. In a bourse filing, ARB said the RM59.32 million proceeds under the maximum scenario from the IPO will be utilised mainly for strategic acquisitions and investment activities (RM30.69 million), aside from working capital and general corporate purposes (RM15.34 million), with the balance for the estimate listing expenses (RM8.18 million) as well as research and development activities (RM5.11 million). AIGL was incorporated in the Cayman Islands and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ARB IOT Ltd, which in turn is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of ARB Holdings Sdn Bhd and in … [Read more...] about ARB to raise up to RM59.32 million via IPO through listing of IoT business unit on NASDAQ
National research centre to focus on producing various types of vaccines
- A + A KOTA BHARU (Aug 12): The National Vaccine Development Research Centre will focus on producing several types of vaccines for various diseases apart from the Covid-19 vaccine, said Deputy Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Datuk Ahmad Amzad Hashim. He said the establishment of the Vaccine Collaboration Network sub-committee led by the Ministry of Health (MOH) had met on June 7 to identify the types of vaccines to be developed, technology platforms used and opportunities for technology transfer cooperation with both local and foreign industry players. This was in line with the Malaysian Genome and Vaccine Institute (MGVI) and National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM), which are entrusted to administer the country's vaccine research and development. "NIBM activated the National Vaccine Research and Development Expert Council Consortium consisting of four Expert Councils namely Vaccine Discovery; Pre-Clinical Study; Clinical Trials; and … [Read more...] about National research centre to focus on producing various types of vaccines
Police open investigation paper on case involving Amar Singh
- A + A KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 12): Police have opened an investigation paper in connection with allegations that a senior police officer had brought his girlfriend along during a 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB)-related raid at a residence of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in May 2018. Dang Wangi District Police chief ACP Noor Dellhan Yahaya said they received a police report at 3.02pm on Friday involving a statement uploaded to a news portal and YouTube. “The investigation paper is opened in accordance with Section 500 of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and will be referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor for further action when investigations are completed,” he said in a statement. The media reported on Friday that former Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Amar Singh Ishar Singh denied allegations that his girlfriend was present during the raid and had lodged a police … [Read more...] about Police open investigation paper on case involving Amar Singh
TNB, Tan Chong, Hibiscus Petroleum, Ecomate, Heineken, PIE Industrial and China Automobile
- A + A KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 12): Here is a brief look at some corporate announcements and news flow on Friday (Aug 12), which include Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd, Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd, Ecomate Holdings Bhd, Heineken Malaysia Bhd, PIE Industrial Bhd and China Automobile Parts Holdings Ltd Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) and Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd have become the latest companies to have secured a four-year extension to their power purchase agreements (PPAs) from the Energy Commission. The extension of the PPA period from 21 years to 25 years is for large-scale solar plants under the government's fourth competitive bidding programme, known as LSS4 or MEnTARI. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that TNB plans to begin the process next year for a potential US$1 billion (RM4.44 billion) listing of its power generation business. In what would be the country's largest initial public offering in a decade, TNB Power Generation Sdn Bhd, known as TNB Genco, … [Read more...] about TNB, Tan Chong, Hibiscus Petroleum, Ecomate, Heineken, PIE Industrial and China Automobile