Category: Lifestyle

Entertainment, Lifestyle

Astro CNY Countdown Gala 2025: A Spectacular Celebration to Welcome the Chinese New Year

dixonthum

Astro’s flagship Chinese New Year event, the Astro CNY Countdown Gala 2025 《Astro喜乐乐SHARE丰年新春跨年派对》, has once again captivated audiences nationwide. Pre-recorded at IJM Rimbayu, this grand celebration drew a crowd of over 10,000 attendees and will premiere on 28 January 2025 (Chinese New Year’s Eve), at 9:30 PM. Viewers can catch the excitement on Astro AEC (Channel 306), Astro GO, On Demand, or sooka, making it the perfect way to ring in the Chinese New Year.

A Stellar Lineup and Exciting Themes
Co-sponsored by IJM Rimbayu and powered by U Mobile as the official communications partner, the event is helmed by returning producers Pei Yong and Jaspers Lai. Hosting this year’s gala is an all-star male lineup featuring Jack Lim, Yann Kong Han, Nicholas Ong, and Darren Chong. Over 60 celebrities, including popular Malaysian artists, influencers, and Hong Kong superstar Bobby Au Yeung, as well as Singaporean comedy king Mark Lee, will take center stage.

The gala’s narrative revolves around a time-traveling detective, portrayed by Jaspers Lai, who opens a time rift, leading audiences on a journey through the Qing Dynasty, Republican Era, 1980s, 1990s, and modern times. The event combines creativity, technology, dance, and music, offering a multi-dimensional experience.

Show Highlights

  • Opening Performance: A vibrant medley of Malaysian-style festive classics featuring Mavis Gan, Freddie Huang, Crystal Ong, and more.
  • Elegant Dance Performances: Traditional cultural dances presented by Weon Kuan, Joey Leong, and others in Graceful Festive Moves.
  • Comedy Extravaganza: Local comedian Lucas joins his idol Mark Lee for a hilarious sketch, exploring parenting challenges with laugh-out-loud antics.
  • Classic Hits Revival: Performers like Jazz Bai Lin, Amy Chan and Kevin Lee deliver a Broadway-style musical titled Golden Melodies of the Ages.
  • Thrilling Circus Acts: Daring performances in Magical Circus Wonders, highlighted by a knife-throwing act by Lai Ming Quan that kept the audience on edge.
  • Tribute to Legends: A nostalgic homage to 1980s and 1990s stars, including Anita Mui, Aaron Kwok, and Leslie Cheung, with appearances by Bobby Au Yeung and other notable actors.
  • Rhythmic Showcase: A high-energy dance and percussion show titled Dynamic Beats Spectacle that brought the house down.

Grand Finale and Fireworks
The evening concludes with a dazzling fireworks display and a joyful celebration alongside all performers, creating unforgettable memories for attendees and viewers alike.

How to Watch and Subscribe
Don’t miss the Astro CNY Countdown Gala 2025 on 28 January 28 at 9:30 PM. Tune in via Astro AEC (Channel 306), Astro GO, On Demand, or sooka. For more information on Astro’s 2025 Chinese New Year campaign, visit xilele2025.com.

Special Subscription Deals

  • Astro One Package: Just RM49.99/month, offering endless entertainment at your fingertips.
  • Astro Fibre Bundle: Upgrade to 500Mbps unlimited internet and the Entertainment package for RM139.99/month.

Subscribe now via My Astro App, astro.com.my, or WhatsApp 03-9543 3838 to enhance your streaming experience.

Hobbies, Lifestyle

Kamen Rider 50th Anniversary Exhibition Lands in Kuala Lumpur at INCUBASE Arena Malaysia!

dixonthum

The much-anticipated Kamen Rider 50th Anniversary Exhibition is continuing its spectacular Asia tour and making its first-ever stop in Malaysia! From 10 January to 16 March 2025, fans can experience this legendary showcase at the newly launched INCUBASE Arena Malaysia, located on Level 2 of Fahrenheit88, Kuala Lumpur.

INCUBASE Arena Malaysia: The Ultimate Hub for Anime Lovers
As the first international branch of Hong Kong’s renowned INCUBASE Arena, this venue has quickly become a dynamic hub for Japanese anime and culture enthusiasts. Collaborating with Toei Co., Ltd. and Medialink Group (2230.HK), the Kamen Rider 50th Anniversary Exhibition will be the arena’s inaugural event, promising an unforgettable experience for fans.

Relive 50 Years of Heroic Legacy
Since its debut in 1971, Kamen Rider has captivated audiences with its heartfelt stories of human vulnerability and heroism. The exhibition celebrates the franchise’s evolution across the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras, featuring legendary Riders like Masked Rider Black (Kesatria Baja Hitam), Black RX, Agito, Ryuki, Den-O, W, and the latest heroes: Zero-One, Saber, Geats, and Gotchard.

Malaysia’s exhibition replicates the grandeur of the Japanese showcase, offering fans:

  • Life-sized Rider statues
  • Authentic actor costumes
  • Replica manga pages
  • Original TV props
  • A Malaysia-exclusive zone for immersive experiences

Event Highlights
1. Celebrate Iconic Riders
Trace Kamen Rider’s evolution through life-sized statues, original costumes, multimedia displays, and TV memorabilia spanning five decades.

2. Interactive Experiences
Join a stamp rally across the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras to unlock unique rewards. Take pictures at themed photo zones featuring Riders and iconic backdrops.

3. Exclusive Merchandise
Shop for official Japanese exhibition merchandise, including Malaysia-exclusive items and limited-edition collectibles directly imported from Japan.

4. Malaysia Book of Records Event
On 12 January 2025, be part of history during the Largest Kamen Rider Fan Belt Gathering, certified by the Malaysia Book of Records.

5. Meet Iconic Riders
Special meet-and-greet sessions with Riders in full costume offer a once-in-a-lifetime chance to create lasting memories.

Event Details
Date: 10 January – 16 March 2025
Venue: INCUBASE Arena Malaysia
Level 2, Unit 202-206, Fahrenheit88
179 Jalan Gading, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur

Operating Hours:
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last entry at 9:00 PM)

Tickets Available On:
INCUTIX | Ticket2U | Klook

Follow INCUBASE Arena Malaysia for updates and announcements:
FB: www.facebook.com/incubase.arena.my
IG: www.instagram.com/incubase.arena.my

Lifestyle

Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 with Astro’s #xilele2025 and Exclusive Festivities!

dixonthum

Last weekend, I had the privilege of attending Astro’s grand Chinese New Year campaign launch, themed “喜乐乐SHARE丰年” (Be Joyful. Share the Prosperity), at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. As we step into the Year of the Snake, Astro invites everyone to embrace love, empathy, and the spirit of sharing through its exciting initiatives.

The event kicked off with a dazzling showcase of performances by over 50 Astro and local celebrities, including fan favorites like Jiang Han, Jack Lim, Jentzen, Yoon, Freddie, Joe, Jack Yap, Joey Leong, Crystal Ong, Nicole Lai, Geraldine, Nicholas, William, Mei Sim, Vicky, Jazz, Amy, Tedd, Fuying, Sam, Hayden, Joey, Daniel Fong, Estee, Min, Kryston, Broco Lee, Ribbon Ooi, Weiwei, Weon, Aki, YYY, Wilson, Sherlyn, Tammy, Jonathan, Jian Yi, April Chan, Celes, Dada and Kenji. Their energetic dance routines and soulful renditions of the campaign’s theme songs set a festive tone, leaving the audience in high spirits.

Introducing Xilele : Astro’s Lucky Mascot for the Year of the Snake
The highlight of the campaign was the unveiling of Xilele (喜乐乐), Astro’s adorable snake mascot. Symbolizing prosperity and joy, Xilele instantly won hearts with its cheerful design, complete with a tail adorned with a coin motif to signify wealth.

Astro also revealed an array of Xilele-themed merchandise, from Xilele plush toy to trendy Xilele T-shirts, Xilele comic book, and even a Xilele USB Chinese New Year Album loaded with their #xilele2025 songs. These items are perfect for adding festive cheer to your celebrations, and they’re available at POPULAR stores, Shopee, and Lazada. Additionally, the adorable Xilele WhatsApp stickers are available now for free download via the My Astro app, making it easy to add CNY cheer to your chats. With such diverse offerings, everyone in the family can enjoy a memorable Year of the Snake together!

xilele2025 Music Album: Feel the Festive Spirit
Music enthusiasts will love Astro’s 17th CNY album, featuring four vibrant tracks that blend traditional New Year vibes with contemporary styles. The songs include:

  • “SHARE丰年 (SHARE Feng Nian)”: The title track for this year’s campaign is a lively A-go-go styled song, creating a strong New Year atmosphere with youthful lyrics and an upbeat rhythm, amplifying the joyous Chinese New Year celebrations.
  • “魔法新年 (Mo Fa Xin Nian)”: A bold latin Tango-inspired arrangement infused with complex rhythm and melody, blending New Year blessings with a celebratory magic touch to bring good fortune and peace. 
  • “一起发达发达啦 (Yi Qi Fa Da Fa Da La)”: A cheerful Cha Cha-themed piece celebrating prosperity in all aspects of life—career, academics, relationships, and health—while inspiring resilience to overcome challenges.
  • “乎你赚够够 (Hu Ni Zhuan Gou Gou)”: A vibrant Rock ‘n’ Roll track paired with humorous lyrics, designed to lift spirits and invoke carefree, happy moments.

Upcoming Festivities and Special Programming
Astro’s CNY roadshows across Malaysia promise live performances, meet-and-greets with celebrities, and exclusive giveaways. From January 27 to February 28, the Xilele 喜乐乐 (Channel 100) will air festive dramas, movies, and variety shows. Don’t miss highlights including the heartwarming Astro Originals, CNY drama “All The Good Things “, Malaysia’s biggest “Astro CNY Countdown Gala 2025”, Feng Shui programme “Sifu! May I Ask?”, a festive-themed show “Astro CGM CNY Concert 2025”, Hokkien New Year countdown show “I Love Hua Hee Bai Ti Gong”, CNY talk show “Best of Times”, “Taste of Home” and much more! 

The event wrapped up with a heartfelt reminder of the campaign’s message: joy multiplies when shared. From music to merchandise and roadshows, Astro’s #xilele2025 campaign is a delightful celebration for everyone.

Make sure to grab your Xilele goodies and tune in to Astro for an unforgettable Chinese New Year! For more information, please visit xilele2025.com. Sign up for Astro today and enjoy the best of entertainment, all in one place! For more information, log in to the My Astro app, visit astro.com.my or WhatsApp 03-9543 3838.

Lifestyle

Choco Albab Celebrates 3rd Anniversary with Sweet Success and Empowering Opportunities

dixonthum

On 7 December 2024, I had the privilege of attending Choco Albab’s 3rd Anniversary Celebration, held at the Bangi Avenue Convention Centre. Themed Beyond the Star, the event was not only a showcase of delicious chocolate but also a testament to the brand’s inspiring journey of transforming lives through entrepreneurship.

Said Saiful Fazli Said Aluwi, Founder & CEO of Choco Albab

The founder and CEO of Choco Albab, Said Saiful Fazli Said Aluwi, shared his heartfelt reflections during the event. He emphasized the brand’s mission of creating happiness—not just through their delectable chocolate offerings but also by empowering individuals to earn additional income.

In just three years, Choco Albab has grown into a powerhouse, uplifting the lives of nearly 100,000 agents and producing dozens of Crown Leaders. Said credited these achievements to the collective effort of his team and his 14 years of experience in the business world. “My journey with Choco Albab is rooted in the desire to share opportunities and help people achieve financial independence,” he said, addressing the enthusiastic crowd.

Winner of Proton X70 ‘Buy & Win’ Lucky Draw

Empowering Entrepreneurship
Choco Albab’s agent system stands out with its remarkable 42% commission rate, the highest in Malaysia for similar products. Said explained that this initiative is tailored to support women, homemakers, single mothers, and youths, offering an accessible way to generate income with minimal capital and no need for agents to purchase or stock products.

“This is more than just a business; it’s a community of entrepreneurs. My vision for 2025 is to double the number of agents to 200,000 and make Choco Albab the leading local chocolate brand in Malaysia,” he added.

A Sweet New Launch
The event also witnessed the launch of the much-anticipated Choco Albab Hazelnut Spread. After trying it myself, I can confidently say it’s a game-changer. With its premium quality and rich, creamy taste, this spread is poised to become a staple in Malaysian households.

An inspiring entrepreneur of Choco Albab from Singapore

A Brand That Transforms Lives
The celebration was more than just a milestone—it was a reminder of Choco Albab’s mission to transform lives. From providing a steady income stream to fostering entrepreneurial spirit, the brand continues to make a lasting impact.

As I mingled with the agents and guests, their stories were a testament to the brand’s philosophy. Many spoke about how Choco Albab had given them financial stability and hope for a brighter future.

Datuk Jerry Zafrol Rizal Mat, Director of Saudagaar Asia

Looking Ahead
Choco Albab’s journey is far from over. With ambitious plans to produce more Crown Leaders and expand its agent network, the brand is set to redefine the chocolate and entrepreneurship landscape in Malaysia.

To learn more about Choco Albab and its agency programme, visit chocoalbab.asia.

As I left the event, one thing was clear—Choco Albab isn’t just about selling chocolates; it’s about delivering happiness and creating opportunities for a better tomorrow.

Entertainment, Lifestyle

Experience the Magic of Ballet Nights Kuala Lumpur – A World-Class Dance Spectacle

dixonthum

The highly anticipated Ballet Nights Kuala Lumpur is set to dazzle audiences with an exceptional blend of classical ballet, neo-classical, and contemporary dance on 22 & 23 February 2025 in Merdeka Hall, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. This world-class production will not only feature globally renowned talents but also introduce a rising local star, making it a must-see event for dance enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Sophia Ong: Malaysia’s Young Dance Prodigy
At just 14 years old, Sophia Ong from Selangor has been named the winner of the prestigious Ballet Nights Young Ambassador Program. Selected from a competitive audition of 40 dancers from 19 schools, Sophia impressed the judges with her ability to seamlessly fuse traditional and modern dance elements. A two-time Gold Medal winner at the Asian Grand Prix Kuala Lumpur, she will proudly represent Malaysia on this international stage.

We believe Sophia’s talent and passion will inspire the next generation of dancers, showcasing the remarkable potential of Malaysian artistry,

said Maria Sascha, Director of Artistic Development Southeast Asia for Ballet Nights.

A Star-Studded Lineup
Ballet Nights KL promises an unforgettable performance with an extraordinary cast:

  • Musa Motha (South Africa): Winner of the 2023 Critics’ Circle UK National Dance Award and a star of America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent.
  • Constance Devernay-Laurence (France): Principal Ballerina of Scottish Ballet and star of Netflix’s upcoming series Etoile.
  • Mara Galeazzi (Italy): Iconic former Principal Ballerina of The Royal Ballet.
  • Jordan James Bridge (Great Britain): Acclaimed choreographer and Critics’ Circle Emerging Artist nominee.
  • Denys Cherevychko (Ukraine): Former Principal of Vienna State Ballet.

Adding to this illustrious cast are performers from New Zealand, Sweden, and the UK, ensuring a diverse and captivating show.

More Than Just Dance
Ballet Nights goes beyond traditional ballet, blending dynamic storytelling and innovative artistry to create an immersive experience. This Kuala Lumpur edition also hints at an exciting collaboration with a globally renowned conservation organization, bringing a unique element of social awareness to the stage.

Ticket Details
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness ballet’s finest performers in Kuala Lumpur.

  • Dates: 22 February 2025 (8:00 PM) & 23 February 2025 (3:00 PM)
  • Venue: Merdeka Hall, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur
  • Tickets: Starting at RM199, available at Ticket2U. CIMB Bank cardholders enjoy 20% off all categories (T&Cs apply).

Prepare to be enchanted by every pirouette, leap, and note as you step into a world where dance transcends entertainment and becomes pure magic.

Ballet Nights Kuala Lumpur is proudly brought to you in partnership with the British Council, British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce, Malaysia British Society, Melbourne Capital Group, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, HOMME, Maguro Media and CIMB Bank.

For more information on Ballet Nights KL, visit www.balletnights.com/malaysia or follow them on Instagram @International Ballet PLT