It’s been a busy year for singer Sarah Geronimo, and there is no sign of her slowing down as it draws to a close. The 26-year-old Filipino singer and actress aims to end the year on a high with her Perfect 10 tour, which arrives in Dubai on Monday, December 1, 2014.
She was named as the Best Southeast Asian Act at the 2014 MTV Europe Music Awards this month, an award that capped a prolific year that also included a blockbuster film, Maybe This Time, a new studio album, Perfectly Imperfect, and a role as one of the judges on the reality-TV singing competition, The Voice Kids.
Geronimo also appeared on the cover of a leading Philippine entertainment magazine, which named her as the country’s Most Beautiful celebrity this year. The music-streaming service Spotify named her as one of the most streamed artists in the Philippines, while a contributor for the entertainment website BuzzFeed included her in a list of 20 Filipino Music Artists You Need to Listen to Right Now. We caught up with the singer ahead of her show at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
You are one of the few young singers who constantly perform both in the Philippines and abroad. What is it about live music that excites you the most?
The lights, the cheer and the applause, the adrenalin rush, and the amazing connection and energy that I get from the audience.
You performed in Abu Dhabi in April. What brings you back, and this time to Dubai?
I will never forget how responsive and appreciative the audience was. It is always a joy staging a concert in the UAE.
Your latest album, Perfectly Imperfect, was released in October. In terms of music and quality, how would you differentiate this latest effort from the previous 10 albums?
The new album is a blend of current pop music, R&B and ballads. I had so much fun recording the songs and got really excited to finally release it. With this album, my reinvention as an artist was carefully, creatively and, hopefully, effectively made.
Do you see yourself writing and recording more of your own songs in the future?
Performing your own written song is something magical and very fulfilling. You get to express the song freely and sincerely. So, yes, hopefully I’ll be able to write more songs in the future.
How about an album made up entirely of your own written material?
Wow! I wish I could do that. That’s too ambitious though at this stage. But yeah, maybe some day I’ll be able to do that.
What was your reaction to winning the award for Best Southeast Asian Act at the MTV EMAs?
It was something unexpected. I already felt like a winner when I learnt about my nomination, so winning it was surreal. For that, I will forever be grateful to each one who voted for me.
Winning the award made you eligible to compete for the MTV Worldwide Act award. Were you disappointed on not winning?
No. Being nominated was more than enough. Representing my own country was truly an honour for me.
What do you think is the secret of your longevity and appeal?
Hard work and sincerity.
• Sarah Geronimo performs at the Dubai World Trade Centre on December 1, 2014. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets, from Dh110, are available from www.platinumlist.net and www.tickets.virginmegastore.me
artslife@thenational.ae
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The%20specs
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About Housecall
Date started: July 2020
Founders: Omar and Humaid Alzaabi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: HealthTech
# of staff: 10
Funding to date: Self-funded
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SPECS
Engine: Two-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 235hp
Torque: 350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Price: From Dh167,500 ($45,000)
On sale: Now
DMZ facts
- The DMZ was created as a buffer after the 1950-53 Korean War.
- It runs 248 kilometers across the Korean Peninsula and is 4km wide.
- The zone is jointly overseen by the US-led United Nations Command and North Korea.
- It is littered with an estimated 2 million mines, tank traps, razor wire fences and guard posts.
- Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un met at a building in Panmunjom, where an armistice was signed to stop the Korean War.
- Panmunjom is 52km north of the Korean capital Seoul and 147km south of Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital.
- Former US president Bill Clinton visited Panmunjom in 1993, while Ronald Reagan visited the DMZ in 1983, George W. Bush in 2002 and Barack Obama visited a nearby military camp in 2012.
- Mr Trump planned to visit in November 2017, but heavy fog that prevented his helicopter from landing.
Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
THE%20SPECS
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The specs
Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now
Bob%20Marley%3A%20One%20Love
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COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
Results
1.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner Al Suhooj, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Khalifa Al Neyadi (trainer)
2pm Handicap (TB) 68,000 (D) 1,950m
Winner Miracle Maker, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer
2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Mazagran, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
3pm Handicap (TB) Dh84,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
3.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh76,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Alla Mahlak, Adrie de Vries, Rashed Bouresly
4pm Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Hurry Up, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
4.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh68,000 (D) 1,200m
Company%20Profile
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What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is the most popular virtual currency in the world. It was created in 2009 as a new way of paying for things that would not be subject to central banks that are capable of devaluing currency. A Bitcoin itself is essentially a line of computer code. It's signed digitally when it goes from one owner to another. There are sustainability concerns around the cryptocurrency, which stem from the process of "mining" that is central to its existence.
The "miners" use computers to make complex calculations that verify transactions in Bitcoin. This uses a tremendous amount of energy via computers and server farms all over the world, which has given rise to concerns about the amount of fossil fuel-dependent electricity used to power the computers.
Three trading apps to try
Sharad Nair recommends three investment apps for UAE residents:
- For beginners or people who want to start investing with limited capital, Mr Nair suggests eToro. “The low fees and low minimum balance requirements make the platform more accessible,” he says. “The user interface is straightforward to understand and operate, while its social element may help ease beginners into the idea of investing money by looking to a virtual community.”
- If you’re an experienced investor, and have $10,000 or more to invest, consider Saxo Bank. “Saxo Bank offers a more comprehensive trading platform with advanced features and insight for more experienced users. It offers a more personalised approach to opening and operating an account on their platform,” he says.
- Finally, StashAway could work for those who want a hands-off approach to their investing. “It removes one of the biggest challenges for novice traders: picking the securities in their portfolio,” Mr Nair says. “A goal-based approach or view towards investing can help motivate residents who may usually shy away from investment platforms.”
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
Results
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MO
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Famous left-handers
- Marie Curie
- Jimi Hendrix
- Leonardo Di Vinci
- David Bowie
- Paul McCartney
- Albert Einstein
- Jack the Ripper
- Barack Obama
- Helen Keller
- Joan of Arc
MANDOOB
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AIDA%20RETURNS
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Company%20Profile
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Padmaavat
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh
3.5/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Plan to boost public schools
A major shake-up of government-run schools was rolled out across the country in 2017. Known as the Emirati School Model, it placed more emphasis on maths and science while also adding practical skills to the curriculum.
It was accompanied by the promise of a Dh5 billion investment, over six years, to pay for state-of-the-art infrastructure improvements.
Aspects of the school model will be extended to international private schools, the education minister has previously suggested.
Recent developments have also included the introduction of moral education - which public and private schools both must teach - along with reform of the exams system and tougher teacher licensing requirements.
Naga
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
What is Genes in Space?
Genes in Space is an annual competition first launched by the UAE Space Agency, The National and Boeing in 2015.
It challenges school pupils to design experiments to be conducted in space and it aims to encourage future talent for the UAE’s fledgling space industry. It is the first of its kind in the UAE and, as well as encouraging talent, it also aims to raise interest and awareness among the general population about space exploration.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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