My most cherished Ramadan and Raya memories

This article was first published in theSun Buzz Raya edition HERE

Everyone miss celebrating festivals with their families and friends. Since the pandemic is still raging on, Buzz asked readers to share their most cherished Ramadan and Raya memories as a way to keep the festive spirit alive.

Here are the best Ramadan and Raya memories as told by our readers:

My best Raya memory would be when all of my family and cousins gather at the hometown. The last time we had the gathering was five to seven years ago. It’s hard to gather everyone at the same time since most of them are married and have family to visit. We would just gather everyone, cook together – even have BBQ for dinner – and play firecrackers all night. Sometimes before the BBQ starts we will play card games like Uno, or just hang out make stupid jokes and catch up with each other. I also enjoy watching all the older generations like my parents, aunts and uncles having ‘heated’ discussions – mainly gossiping and making stupid jokes among themselves. – Rye

My best Raya memory is gathering with my extended family whom we usually meet once a year. I didn’t get to gather with the family last year and possibly won’t be able to this year as well, but we can do a video call. Since I am working already, I have to give out duit raya. I miss the days when I was still receiving it instead! – Fatin Farhana Japre

All rebut-rebut (rushing for their turn) to use the bathroom to shower first, so we have to line up and ‘chup’ tempat. Also showing off who gets the most duit raya (all jokes and fun). – Farishah

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the whole family will gather a day before Raya to cook together and prepare food such as lemang, rendang and many more dishes. At night, we will all sleep in the same room. Although it’s not comfortable due to the lack of space, it’s part of the fun with the family. – Faten

My memory of pre-Raya is always the ‘lemang traffic’ that’s near Zoo Negara. It’s a place where very few stalls sell hot and fresh lemang from day to night. It’s so good that my friends from Subang will come all the way there to buy it as well; apparently, it’s the best one in town. I’m one of the contributors to the traffic and will queue up for almost an hour to get lemang. By the time I get home, Mum’s rendang is ready, so I just wait for the last ‘buka puasa’ to have it. That’s my memory of Raya! The sacrifices for lemang. – Arina

Waking up early to wear new clothes and getting all dolled up! And running to get duit raya first. – Raushan

During uni days, it was my first time ‘buka puasa’ outside. My brother took me out for sahur and I got teary eyed. – svpik

Not being afraid to walk around the village with friends to collect duit raya. – Adila S.

Going to the Ramadan bazaar to buy food. – Farah

‘Convoy visiting’ to my relatives’ house to enjoy delicious food! – Ryna

My husband and I celebrated Eid in Tokyo, Japan this year. We rented an iron and room just to get ready for Eid. Since Eid is during summertime, we had to wake up as early as 4am. We took a train and a bus to get to the Malaysian embassy to perform prayers and enjoyed good food.

After the gathering with other Malaysians, we continued travelling around Tokyo city.

It felt really weird walking around Tokyo in our baju kurung and baju melayu. People looked at us like we’re some weirdo in pink (they did not have that kind of stare when someone wears Harajuku style).

My husband, who can speak Japanese, overheard them talking about us in the train.

What’s more obvious was this one guy recording us walking in Shinjuku street. Despite the stares, we still had a memorable Raya away from home.- Amalina

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A candid moment with Jalil Rasheed

This article was first published in theSun Buzz Raya edition HERE

By Yusry Rofeman

The holy month of Ramadan is more than just about refraining oneself from eating during daylight, and that is what Jalil Rasheed believes as well. BUZZ recently caught up with the new Berjaya Corp Group CEO to ask him about his Ramadan memories.

Despite being born in Raub, Pahang, Jalil spent his formative years in Hong Kong, Petaling Jaya and later Singapore. His earliest memory of observing the month of Ramadan was in Hong Kong, as the family shifted there when he was six years old to join his father who was attached to the Malaysian Embassy.

There, they would gather with a small group of people, as they were far away from their extended families. This small intimate gathering of friends and family was a tradition that they continued when they returned to Malaysia.

Ramadan is a month where Muslims reflect upon themselves spiritually and for Jalil, the experience changes as time passes.

“The older you get, the deeper you go to understand and appreciate Ramadan,” said Jalil.

He also said that through experiencing Ramadan in foreign countries, he learnt meaningful lessons as a minority fasting in a foreign country, which he passed down to his two daughters.

“My 9-year-old actually started to fast last year, and completed a remarkable 27 days, and she’s on [her way to completing] full fasting this year and she’s very focus about it.

“I think that it teaches her not just restraint her from eating but the holistic part of it, the action, behaviour and [the] real meaning.”

“My 7-year-old wakes up in the morning with us, saying that she wanted to fast but an hour later downs a bottle of water. She just wanted to be a part of that whole activity, and we leave it entirely up to them.”

Jalil said that the biggest struggle is making his children realise how privileged they are, and that unfortunately, not many can live the same way as them. Ramadan is the perfect time to teach them to appreciate and experience how other people live.

“I don’t have too much expectation what they should be, but I think they should be good human beings when they grow up. Everything else would take care of itself.”

This year’s Hari Raya celebration will be his family’s second Aidilfitri since moving to Kuala Lumpur, and he isn’t sad that they can’t have a big Raya celebration. What is more important to him is that everyone is safe and getting through this pandemic.

Growing up, Jalil did not have any role model in particular. He learned life lessons from his civil servant father and housewife mother.

“Along the way, I had different role models, I also had different mentors who helped shaped my career as well.

“I always believe in surrounding yourself with a group of good individuals who can help you in your personal development - career, spiritual, whatever it may be.”

Jalil is passionate about having a healthy lifestyle and he enjoys mostly sports as his hobbies.

A passionate footballer, Jalil says he now “plays less, watches more” as it is not the easiest sport to put together a team on regular basis. He also recently picked up golf.

“I’m not on the golf course every week or twice a week, but I try to do it once or twice a month because it is an addictive sport and I like it”.

He picked up tennis five years ago (with a coach), he continues playing it two or three times a week. He also has a personal trainer for his fitness and weight regime, as well as a swimming coach.

Other than sports, he enjoys reading biographies of political leaders and business icons as he likes to look at the world from their perspective.

Although Jalil is a massive Liverpool fan, he recommends that people read a book by former Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, titled Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography. Ferguson focused on the human aspect of the sport and turned Manchester United into a winning club.

Jalil relates to Ferguson when it comes to running a business.

Doing better and making necessary changes is what motivates him professionally. He is always trying to prove to himself that he can go higher and higher.

What absolutely motivates him is when people say he can’t do something. Every job he’s taken, especially in Malaysia, has been met with a lot of scepticism and that motivates him to do better even more.

“Always believe that you can do better and have confidence in your abilities,” Jalil said.

When asked what he would say to fellow Malaysians during this festive period, Jalil stated: “The pandemic has shown that we can live a simple life, there’s been a lot of wastage when you think about it.

“This is a change that everyone has to embrace, don’t go back to old habits. Work efficiently, virtually, work less and continue doing it.

“Don’t underestimate luck. There is always an element of being in the right place at the right time and you have to make the best out of those opportunities.”

He reminds everyone not to be complacent as the pandemic is not over yet, and that everyone must do their part.

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The right choice for a career in data science

HELP University and Mobius Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enter into a series of discussions to jointly offer courses and training programmes to enhance the data science ecosystem in Malaysia.

Mobius Group is a training provider in the field of data science and information technology. This strategic partnership will see both parties explore potential collaboration on offering courses on the Body of Knowledge (BOK) in Data Science and Information Technology, along with the Application of Knowledge (AOK) in specific industries.

HELP and Mobius will cooperate on developing these courses that will have potential for credit transfer under the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning with Credit (APEL.C) programme which provides opportunities for experienced workers to transfer their working experience into credit hours. This will allow applicants to continue to upgrade their qualifications to a higher level.

Other areas that HELP and Mobius will cooperate on is to co-develop new micro-credential courses, which will be endorsed by industry players.

Mobius Group which is helmed by a group of industry experts, will offer their expertise and advise in content development for the courses, learning pathways, and the delivery of training. HELP University will offer its expertise and knowledge on the development of Self-Instructional Materials (SIM).

Professor Datuk Dr Paul Chan, Vice-Chancellor of HELP University said: “HELP has established a Centre for IR4.0 (CIR4.0) to manage the promotion of data analytics programmes. This centre which is headed by Dr Tang U-Liang, Head of the School of Information and Communication Technology, Faculty of Computing and Digital Technology, will spearhead HELP’s efforts to provide formal education, training, and upskilling to students and the wider public in IR4.0 related skills. The centre will also be organizing forums and webinars in collaboration with industry partners such as Mobius in research, course development, and consultancy. It is vital to work with industry partners to ensure that the programmes offered fit industry needs.

“HELP has also invested RM25 million in the Business Analytics and Technology Innovation Centre (BATIC) in its Subang 2 campus which houses the facilities to train students and entrepreneurs in Big Data, live-stock trading, and is also a techno-entrepreneurship incubator. HELP University is the Analytics-Driven Entrepreneurial University. All students are offered a free Certificate in Big Data and Business Analytics, a demonstration of HELP’s commitment in ensuring that all students have the knowledge in Big Data to help them in their future careers,” added Professor Chan.

Dr Mark Chia, Founder of Mobius Group said: “Mobius aims to help graduates and young professionals find the right Data Science career path that would give them the edge in their professional development. One of Mobius’ mission is building a robust talent pool and delivering industry-ready, employable talents by bridging the gap between academia and industry. Mobius recognises the need to develop a pipeline of digital professionals amongst new graduates and the existing workforce. Collaborative efforts with education institutions such as HELP, government agencies, practitioners and industry players are key.”

Both parties are committed to support the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation’s (MDEC) initiative into transforming Malaysia into the Heart of Digital ASEAN, a regional digital powerhouse launching global champions to lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0).

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PKD and Sunway launch public vaccination

Sunway today launched the second phase of the COVID-19 vaccinations at Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre (SPCC). For the next ten months, vaccinations will be carried out for the public in SPCC until February 2022, following the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (NCIP).

The launch was officiated by State Health Director of Selangor Dato’ Indera Dr. Sha’ari Bin Ngadiman, District Officer of Petaling Land and District Office and Director of Petaling District Disaster Management Committee Dato’ Johary bin Anuar alongside Sunway Group Founder and Chairman Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah.

Sunway has committed more than RM50 million since March 2020 to help the country battle the COVID-19 pandemic, and provided its convention centre rent-free last month for 11 months to support the NCIP, which set the group back RM28 million in actual costs including cleaning and sanitisation costs as well as opportunity costs resulting from cancellation of prior bookings and a range of vaccination incentives in support of this national initiative.

The vaccination incentives contributed by various Sunway business divisions and Sunway Pyramid retailers include free parking, vouchers and freebies worth some RM20 million for those coming to get vaccinated in the next ten months.

At the launch, State Health Director of Selangor Dato’ Indera Dr. Sha’ari said, “SPCC vaccination centre will allow for about 5,000 people to be vaccinated per day during Phase Two onwards. With a space of 150,000 sq ft, we are able to mobilise our resources in a single location and accelerate vaccinations. This is especially important right now as the threat of the fourth wave is a possibility.”

District Officer at Petaling Land and District Office, and Director of Petaling District Disaster Management Committee Dato’ Johary bin Anuar said, “The speed in getting more vaccinations done is more imminent than ever. We need more corporations like Sunway Group who quickly summed up the situation and provided the SPCC rent-free to support the government’s aim to achieve 80% herd immunity. Its strategic location that links public transportation and as well as free ample parking makes it convenient for the public.”

Sunway Group Founder and Chairman Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah said that despite the unprecedented challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, Sunway’s commitment to nation-building and sustainable development remains firm.

“It is my personal belief that no corporation can live apart from the community it serves. As such, we strongly believe in doing well by doing good. In line with these values, we have committed more than RM50 million since the lockdown was imposed. You have my pledge that we will continue to help the communities we serve and stand by them in their hour of need,” said Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah.

The 150,000 sq.ft. SPCC first opened its doors on March 10 for the first phase of the NCIP and has seen some 9,000 front line workers vaccinated at SPCC, with a total of more than 13,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered to date.

SPCC, the first private large-scale vaccination centre in the country, is expected to carry out vaccinations for at least 1.8 million people in the Petaling district. The vaccinations will be carried out by Petaling Health District Office with strict adherence to the SOPs, in small groups, with adequate social distancing.

Tan Sri Dr. Jeffrey Cheah was also appointed by the Prime Minister to serve on the Economic Action Council (EAC) which is a special task force that takes additional necessary actions for the delivery of the nation’s Economic Stimulus Package in light of the Covid-19 outbreak.

For the benefit and easy navigation of those who are getting vaccinated, Sunway has setup a one-stop information hub at https://www.sunway.city/kualalumpur/lindung-dirilindung-semua/. The website shares useful tips such as identifying the provided free parking areas, suitable attire to wear and even for those who are wheelchair bound.

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P1Harmony member profiles

P1Harmony recently released their second mini album DISHARMONY: BREAK OUT on April 20, 2021.

Read and watch the exclusive interview with Buzz HERE

KEEHO

Birthday: September 27, 2001

Zodiac sign: Libra

THEO

Birthday: July 1, 2001

Zodiac sign: Cancer

JIUNG

Birthday: October 7, 2001

Zodiac sign: Libra

INTAK

Birthday: August 31, 2003

Zodiac sign: Virgo

SOUL

Birthday: February 1, 2005

Zodiac sign: Aquarius

JONGSEOB

Birthday: November 19, 2005

Zodiac sign: Scorpio

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Bringing Harmony to the scene

This article was first published in theSun Buzz edition HERE

P1Harmony burst onto the Kpop scene with their first mini-album DISHARMONY: STAND OUT late last year. For those who are new to P1Harmony, the name of the group is a combination of the words ‘Plus’ and ‘Harmony’ and the number 1. Together, the name P1Harmony symbolises six boys with unlimited potential creating various harmonies together as one.

The first single off their mini-album – the edgy, addictive SIREN – cemented P1Harmony as a new Kpop group to watch. The mini-album was followed by a movie, P1Harmony: A New World Begins, which guest-starred several of South Korea’s A-listers. The film introduced fans to the world of P1Harmony with a sci-fi storyline concept, and highlighted their energetic dance moves.

Now, fans of the super six, namely KEEHO, THEO, JIUNG, INTAK, SOUL and JONGSEOB, are in for a treat because P1Harmony is returning with more songs.

BUZZ had the privilege to have an exclusive chat with P1Harmony to talk about their second mini-album, DISHARMONY : BREAK OUT, which dropped on April 20.

As an album, DISHARMONY: BREAK OUT is energetic, upbeat and empowering. In the lead up to the new mini album’s debut, P1Harmony released a teaser video for each of their songs: Scared, If You Call Me, End It, AYAYA, Pyramid and Reset.

DISHARMONY: BREAK OUT continues the story of a disharmonious world the band introduced in its first album, except this time, the theme is mainly how to break the disharmony and inequality more actively.

“In this album, we’re stepping a little deeper into the disharmonious world we talked about. The second album seeks to bolster the courage and strength of powerless teenagers to work together and rebel against an incongruent system,” said KEEHO.

The group’s camaraderie and passion for music is evident in their new single, Scared. According to JIUNG, Scared fully encompasses the theme of the whole album and they worked on the songwriting together

“Our new single Scared is a wonderful song that’s written by all six of us. It’s hip hop combined with strong drumbeats and a soft, rhythmical R&B vibe,” said JIUNG excitedly.

Working on DISHARMONY: BREAK OUT is exciting for P1Harmony too because they got to work with renowned South Korean designer Yoon Kyung Duk again. On their last album, Yoon designed the costumes the band wore in the music video of their track Breakthrough. This time, Yoon came up with new concept costumes for the new album.

INTAK, who got to learn to sew and design clothes during their previous collaboration, couldn’t hide his excitement to work with the designer again.

“I’ve always been interested in fashion and I definitely learned a lot from the experience such as colour and fabric matching,” said INTAK.

“If I have the chance to make clothes in the future, I’d like to work with Yoon Kyung Duk once again,” he added.

Tap this link to see more pictures of P1Harmony and the member profiles

As they made their debut in the midst of a pandemic, their biggest challenge was reaching out to their growing fanbase. Fortunately, members of P1Harmony have been able to interact with fans thanks to events such as P1USPACE H: Get Together, and even filmed livestream episodes for their Harmonission programme.

Group member SOUL revealed that he especially loved doing the livestream for fans. “I enjoy communicating and seeing fans commenting live, especially their humour. It’s really fun. However, it’s a little sad because we can only do online events for now,” said SOUL.

SOUL shared a special message to Malaysian fans on behalf of the whole group: “I hope you love our second album a lot. Our style is stronger now so perhaps something more intense will come out [in the next project]. We’re looking forward to it and hope to see all of our fans in person soon!”

Group member, THEO, echoed his sentiment: “We want to meet our international fans and meet them when we’re on stage!”

Watch the full interview in the video above!

This feature was coordinated by Will Kim / MAXPERIENCE (MPE).

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Get your home ready for Raya with Courts

Raya is just around the corner, and you don’t want to get caught unprepared for the festivities. Courts' latest promotion, Sinari Raya Jimat Berbelanja, has everything you need to get you and your family started on the festive preparations.

Among the great deals being offered is a beautiful 6-seater dining set that is ideal for breaking fast or entertaining friends and family during Raya. The elegant solid wood set is a quick and easy way to brighten and refresh the home as well.

For those looking to keep the heat at bay, Courts has a selection of good air conditioners for a cooler, more enjoyable Raya celebration. A brand new air conditioning unit at home will definitely be much welcomed by everyone in the family this Raya.

Speaking of keeping cool, why not consider a high-capacity refrigerator as well while you're at Courts? With the wide array of quality refrigerators on offer, you'll have no trouble keeping your beef rendang, lemang, satay and ketupat fresher for a longer time.

While we still need to observe physical distancing, it doesn’t mean we can’t stay connected. A large new sofa set lets the family wind down in front of the television at safe distances.

Coupled with a good smart television and sound bar, the movie experience at home will be elevated and you’ll soon find that no one will want to leave the house!

Last but not least, you should also make sure you are able to get a proper nights’ sleep. Treat yourself to a good bedframe and mattress so you can rest well after a long day of celebrating.

To further sweeten the deal, Courts is offering more than RM3,800,000 in rebates. The more the more you buy, the more you save!

On top of the purchases, customers will get free devices such as Apple AirPods Pro or a Samsung Galaxy Tab when they spend more than RM1,499 on electrical or furniture products. Additionally, customers can enjoy free delivery to their doorstep when they spend a minimum of RM1,199 in one single receipt.

Hurry up and get all the items you need in time for the celebrations before it runs out. Head over to the nearest Courts store or shop online at www.courts.com.my to make your purchase today!

Promo ends on May 18, 2021.

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Travellers can now download KL The Guide as an e-book or an app

After 14 years of publishing, Bluedale Publishing is finally digitizing their travel guides for the ease of tourists and locals alike.

Bluedale Publishing’s KL The Guide (KLTG) was conceived when the publisher, Lyndon Yap, went on a trip overseas and discovered that the travel guides there were distributed for FREE. This sparked the idea to do the same in Malaysia and the idea for KL The Guide was born.

KL The Guide aims to make it easier for travellers to navigate through Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, with ease. As such, the content in the guide include details that many do not know of such as hidden gems and attractions.

The guide helps travellers to explore the wonders of Malaysia by highlighting the the things to see, eat and do in the particular city or state.

Bluedale Publishing has another guidebook specially catered to travellers visiting Klang Valley. Titled Klang Valley 4 Locals (previously Travel 4 Locals), the guidebook aims to stimulate the growth of local businesses and domestic tourism in Klang Valley.

Klang Valley, which has been called ‘The Greater KL,’ serves further beyond Petaling, Gombak, Ampang, and Damansara areas. This includes Hulu Selangor, Hulu Langat, and Kuala Langat. However, the publisher found that not many people are keen to explore Klang Valley because they do not know the hidden attractions so the guidebook aims to change that perception.

Where can you find the guidebooks?

Physical copies of the guidebooks are distributed to Tourism Malaysia offices all over Malaysia.

Travellers can download a digital copy of the book (e-book) from Bluedale Publishing’s official website and get all the info conveniently form their device. The guidebooks are made into apps as well and can be downloaded from both Google Playstore and Apple App Store.

Bluedale Publishing has published travel guides in other countries such as Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and other Central Asian countries too. The company’s latest publication is the AMSPA to highlight spas and places of wellness.

Readers can contribute content to the publication agency digitally or through social media. To further reach travellers, Bluedale Publishing has printed posters in various locations in the city to catch the eyes of passerbys. Look out for the “Hey, I’ve been spotted by KL The Guide” posters with QR code which will direct users to its app.

For more info, call +603-7886 9219 or email enquiry@bluedale.com.my to obtain free copies of the guidebooks.

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Incendo starts production of two romcoms ‘Written in the Stars’ and ‘The Secret Sauce’

Good news for all romcom fans! Incendo and Screentime New Zealand have commenced production of two more films, Written in the Stars and The Secret Sauce.

Written in the Stars features New Zealand actors Kimberley Crossman (Golden Boy, Funny Girls, Together Forever Tea) and David De Lautour (Wentworth, Westside, Touch).

The story follows Kelsey who works at a magazine and had her pitch about a sceptic’s take on love and horoscope approved. She was teamed up with an astrology guru named Carter. Clearly from opposite worlds, they put their competing perspectives aside to work the story around a local meteor shower festival. Through both fact and fate, they soon unearth that love really can be written in the stars.

Written in the Stars is directed by acclaimed director Thomas Robins with the script written by David Elver. The film is being shot on location in New Zealand.

In The Secret Sauce, Laura is a Chicago marketing executive sent to oversee a small mid-west town cook-off and entice Jim, the local barbecue joint owner, to let her license his family’s secret BBQ sauce. As two very different worlds collide, with a dash of trust and splash of mutual admiration, a new-found friendship slowly marinades into something much bolder and sweet.

The Secret Sauce stars Canadian actors Tori Anderson (Blindspot, Tru calling, You May Kiss the Bridesmaid) and Corey Sevier (North Shore, Lassie, Little Men). The story is written by Tatiana Krokar. Incendo will collaborate once again with director Philippe Gagnon in this film.

Both films are produced in association with Citytv to air as part of Citytv’s fan-favourite Fall in Love Fridays lineup.

Incendo has wrapped production on its first three Rom Coms of the 2021 slate, with Written in the Stars and The Secret Sauce rounding out five completed films by mid-Spring, and a collection of compelling content in various stages of development for the remainder of the year.

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Simu Liu shares poster of Marvel’s Shang-Chi on his birthday

Marvel’s Shang-Chi and The Legend of the Ten Rings just dropped its first teaser trailer in time for actor Simu Liu’s birthday!

Simu Liu will play the titular character Shang-Chi in the Marvel film and is celebrating his birthday with a share of the show’s poster on his social media accounts.

In the Marvel film, Shang-Chi must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization.

The film also boasts a star studded cast which includes Tony Leung as Wenwu, Awkwafina as Shang-Chi’s friend Katy and Michelle Yeoh as Jiang Nan, as well as Fala Chen, Meng’er Zhang, Florian Munteanu and Ronny Chieng.

A different Mandarin

Based on several reports, a number of big changes has been made regarding the story of the Mandarin. As we might all recall, the Mandarin which appeared in Iron Man 3 turned out to be an imposter.

Tony Leung’s Wenwu is another version of the Mandarin. In the comics, Shang-Chi is the son of the villain Fu Manchu. In the film, Wenwu is the father of Shang-Chi and he runs a global terrorist organization known as the Ten Rings. The new Mandarin seems to be a combination of both Mandarin in the comics and Fu Manchu.

According to producer Jonathan Schwartz, Wenwu’s portrayal of the Mandarin will differ from the comics.

“I think people hear ‘the Mandarin’ and expect a very specific kind of thing, and that may not be the thing they’re getting,“ Schwartz said. “They’re hopefully getting a more complex and layered take on the character than that name would lead you to.”

“A character like Wenwu could have easily been a one-dimensional villain with no heart,“ said Shang-Chi director Destin Daniel Cretton. “Tony opened this character up [so] this is an antagonist who has a deep ability to love.”

Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and produced by Kevin Feige and Jonathan Schwartz, with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso and Charles Newirth serving as executive producers. David Callaham & Destin Daniel Cretton & Andrew Lanham wrote the screenplay for the film.

Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings will premiere in cinemas on September 2, 2021.

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Spring/ Summer 2021 anime releases

This article is first published in theSun Buzz Anime & Manga edition HERE

BACK ARROW

Release date: Jan 9, 2021

The land of Lingalind is a continent that’s completely surrounded by a wall. The people of Lingalind believe that their entire existence is confined to within the walls, and thus revere the wall like a god.

While the land consists of several countries, it’s mostly dominated by two powerful nations: The Lutoh Republic which values intelligence, and The Great Rekka Empire which values honour.

Every month, a mysterious gift ‘from the wall’ known as the Rakuho will appear in random spots and the two nations will go to war to obtain the gift. Some of these capsules contain highly sought-after devices named Bind Warpers, which can control a giant mechanical armour known as Briheight.

One day after a Rakuho is recovered by triumphant Rekka forces, a second Rakuho lands in Edger Village on the outskirts of Lingalind containing an amnesiac young man whose only memory is that he is from “beyond the wall.”

Taking the name Back Arrow, he seeks to restore his memory by going over the wall, but his presence shakes the beliefs of everyone who has lived all their life within the protective bubble of the giant walls.

The series, produced by Studio VOLN and directed by Code Geass’ Gorou Taniguchi, is sure to make an impact with fans. Chart-topper LiSA will also be performing the opening theme for Back Arrow.

MARS RED

Release date: March 29, 2021

Mars Red by playwright and director Fujisawa Bun-o takes place in an alternate timeline set in 1923 where vampires exist among humans.

A company has created an artificial blood source called Ascra which vampires can use to survive without having to feed on the rest of humanity.

With the number of vampires increasing in society, the government decides to send a task force named Code Zero to investigate and quench the vampire breakout before it overwhelms the human race – and what better way to track vampires than using vampires themselves?

Packed with stunning character designs and blood-pumping action sequences, Mars Red also features the amazing Wagakki Band performing the aptly named Opening Theme, Aria of Life.

HOW NOT TO SUMMON A DEMON LORD: OMEGA (SEASON 2)

Release date: April 9, 2021

The name Demon King Diablo is greeted with fear and reverence in the virtual MMORPG world of Cross Reverie. Acknowledged as the most powerful player character and possessing the rarest artifacts in the game, Diablo stands at the top of the mountain unrivalled.

In the real world, Diablo’s true identity is Takuma Sakamoto, a hikikomori gamer who wants nothing more than play his favourite game.

In true isekai fashion, Takuma wakes up one day and finds that he is mysteriously summoned to a new world resembling Cross Reverie as the overpowered Diablo!

The two young girls who summoned him, pantherian Rem and the elf Shera, then tried to use a spell to make him their slave, which hilariously backfires and causes them to become his bound servants instead.

Takuma decides to accompany the girls in finding a way out of the binding spell, thus beginning his many adventures in this magical realm.

THAT TIME I GOT REINCARNATED AS A SLIME SEASON 2B

Release date: July 2021

In this anime which is based on a series of light novels, Satoru Mikami is an average corporate worker who lives a comfortable but lonely life in Tokyo. His life changes one day when he is suddenly stabbed by a robber. While on the brink of death, he makes a senseless request and gets reincarnated in another world as a slime with the ability called ‘predator.’

With this ability, he can devour anything and mimic their appearance and abilities. Adjusting to his new life as a slime, Satoru soon befriends a sealed dragon named Veldora Tempest and vows to free his new friend from the seal. In return, Veldora bestows upon him the name Rimuru Tempest in a sign of brotherhood.

The story was so successful that it spun of a total of four original animation DVDs, followed by a second season.

The first part of Season 2 which ended last month sees Rimuru having set up his own city, and the many challenges a city comprising of peaceful monster races has to face from the rest of the world.

Season 2b is scheduled to air in July 2021, and will pick up from the earth-shaking events of the previous story arc.

With its high production value, engrossing story, pacing and excellent voice acting by the main cast, this series is a must-see for anime fans.

I’M STANDING ON A MILLION LIVES SEASON 2

Release date: July 2021

It started as an ordinary day for a class full of high schoolers before they got transported into a strange world. What was once a dream for many school teens quickly becomes a nightmare.

Stuck in this new world, the group of teens without any combat skills has to battle mythological creatures and complete a quest in a limited time period if they want to stay alive.

MY NEXT LIFE AS A VILLAINESS: ALL ROUTES LEAD TO DOOM SEASON 2

Release date: July 2021

A young daughter of a noble family, Catarina Claes, was hit by a car one day and suddenly regains memories of her past life as an otaku.

She realises that she has been born into the world of an otome game (games targeted towards women) called Fortune Lover. Unfortunately, she was reincarnated as the game’s villainess, whose fate is either getting killed or exiled, no matter which route the player takes in the game.

Eager to avoid doom at all costs, Catarina begins taking countermeasures which results in unexpected consequences in the game.

CHEAT PHARMACIST’S SLOW LIFE: MAKING A DRUGSTORE IN ANOTHER WORLD

Release date: July 2021

Reiji, who is a corporate slave, ends up in another world and acquires the skill to make medicines.

While he was initially disappointed that it’s not a combat skill, his expertise in brewing potions soon makes him a lot of money.

Not long after, he is able to open a pharmacy and enjoy the slow, tranquil life while helping customers in his new home.

SCARLET NEXUS

Release date: Summer 2021

Scarlet Nexus is based on an apocalyptic sci-fi game of the same name. In the year 2020 of the solar calendar, grotesque organisms called the Others, who hail from the sky, have begun eating people.

A task force with psychokinetic abilities, known as Other Suppression Force (OSF,) is formed as Earth’s last defence.

In the game, players get to play as a new OSF recruit Yuito Sumeragi or Kasane Randall so it’s likely both characters will appear in the anime too.

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Master storyteller

This article was first published in theSun Buzz Anime & Manga edition HERE

Naoki Urasawa is a titan who stands among an elite handful of artists that are recognised to have changed the landscape and history of manga in Japan.

His popular works include Pluto, Monster, 20th Century Boys, Yawara!, Happy! and Master Keaton which earned him multiple awards over the years. These include three Shogakukan Manga Awards and two Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize awards.

Urasawa is an amazing storyteller known for creating compelling characters, his immaculately paced stories, and also for springing jaw-dropping plot twists when the reader least expects it.

To read one of his works is to go on a mind-bending rollercoaster ride that grabs the reader by the throat and keeps them at the edge of their seats.

Monster’s brilliance even drew admiration and praise for Urasawa from Pulitzer Prize recipient Junot Diaz.

“Urasawa is a national treasure in Japan, and if you ain’t afraid of picture books, you’ll see why,” Diaz once said of the manga artist.

With a string of accolades under his belt, it’s surprising to find out that Urasawa never even dreamed of having an art career, although he admired the works of manga artist Osamu Tezuka greatly.

Just like a manga plot, the economics graduate’s journey as a manga artist started by accident.

Urasawa had an interview with publisher Shogakuhan for a business role, but something compelled him to bring along some of his artworks that day.

As luck would have it, his drawings caught the eye of the head editor of Big Comic Original. The editor took Urasawa to the editorial department, and the rest is history.

One of Urasawa’s greatest feats is his ability to exude a sense of wanderlust. During the pandemic, Urasawa’s works – and the many places they are set in – have been a source of comfort for readers who were stuck at home.

In a February interview with Polygon, Urasawa shared how his travels helped shape his storytelling.

“I tend to read foreign novels and watch foreign films, rather than Japanese content. And when I watch international news or foreign films, I often find people whose looks I might like to use in my manga.”

In Monster alone, readers are brought on a journey around Germany, the Czech Republic, Japan, France, Turkey, Burma and Vietnam. “I’ve been influenced by countries all over the world,” Urasawa explained.

“For Monster, it was a week of research starting in Munich, to Dresden, and then to Prague. While travelling, I expanded on the story.”

His stories also bring the reader on a journey through time. In his landmark work 20th Century Boys, the manga spans over four decades, beginning in the early 1970s when the main characters are children. They unwittingly befriend a classmate who grows up to become a charismatic villain by the turn of the century.

At one point in the manga, protagonist Kenji Endo becomes a wandering busker, giving Urasawa an opportunity to demonstrate his own skills as a lyricist.

Unbeknownst to many, Urasawa is himself a talented musician, performing under the stage name Bob Lennon. He even sang a live adaptation of one of Kenji’s iconic songs at the Japan Expo in 2012.

It’s also evident that Urasawa’s powerful storytelling is brought to life with beautiful illustrations. For example, in Urasawa’s most recent work Mujirushi, which is set in Paris and involves a plot to steal paintings from the renowned Louvre museum, his drawings of Parisian streets are vivid enough to make the reader feel as though they are there strolling and talking to the locals.

“For Mujirushi, the Louvre invited me to visit, and I was given access to areas usually unavailable to visitors, such as the basement, attic and the museum at night!

“In any case, the important thing is how far the wings of my imagination can take me from these experiences. How far can I fly with my ideas.”

Despite his stories’ bleak tone, Urasawa still manages to champion values such as compassion, kindness and a sense of pity, while also acknowledging that these values can come at a cost.

These layers in the stories have kept fans coming back for more, and perhaps provide readers with a sense of hope in a dark and complex world.

Urasawa noted: “In the real world, pessimism is such a norm. But as creators, our job is not to be caught up in this pessimism, but rather to create something where characters – even in adversity – can find the courage to hope. And for me [the job of a creator is] to deliver this message to the readers.”

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Vitagen sponsors 30,000 bottles to protect frontliners

Vitagen is sponsoring 30,000 bottles of Malaysia’s No.1 probiotic drink to frontliners at Hospital Selayang over the course of 30 days. This initiative is part of their “Kita Lebih Kuat Bila Kita Sihat Bersama” Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaign.

For Muslims, Ramadan is a holy month of reflection and spending time with family. But in the wake of COVID-19, most Muslim frontliners have to work longer hours in an effort to curb the spread of the pandemic and to protect the public.

In recognition of their sacrifices, Vitagen is taking steps to protect those who are protecting Malaysians – by boosting their immunity.

“Good immunity is the first line of defence against infections,” said Mr. Poh Eng Lip, General Manager of Vitagen.

70% of our immunity lies in our gut. Therefore it is essential to maintain a healthy diet that includes probiotics on a daily basis.

“We want to express our gratitude to our frontliners and protect them in the way we know best – a strong immune system and good gut health work hand-in-hand as our body’s first line of defence. We look forward to more initiatives in support of building a strong, healthy nation. We believe that when we are healthier individually, we are stronger as a community,” said Ms. Yap Jay Queen, Head of Marketing for Vitagen.

Each bottle of Vitagen contains billions of live probiotic cultures, or good bacteria, called Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus paracasei.

Vitagen is clinically proven to be effective in keeping bad bacteria in the gut in check and maintaining an overall healthy digestive system, which leads to stronger immunity.

This CSR initiative started today and will last throughout the month of Ramadan.

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Step into the fighting ring with style in Free Fire’s KO Night

Free Fire’s latest major event, K.O. Night, features a full in-game reskin, a special interface and plenty of exciting activities and rewards up for grabs.

K.O. Night will also introduce Survivors to Laura and Rafael, a pair of ex-lovers who split up after discovering they belong to opposing factions. But their destinies are set on a collision course after they separately sign up for K.O. Night, the premier fighting tournament in Free Fire. Follow Laura and Rafael as they learn to fight for their beliefs and commit to their destinies – even if that means facing down their former love.

Against this interplay, Survivors will be immersed in the spectacle of K.O. Night. This will include a full in-game reskin, a special interface with daily missions, peak-day activities, login and friend call-back bonuses, and various belt drops that can be exchanged for exclusive K.O. Night-themed rewards.

What to expect?

Survivors get to enter the battlefield wearing Laura and Rafael’s stylish Male and Female Boxer bundles.

Also, the much-requested return of the Bermuda Remastered is confirmed for good this time!

Character advancement and skill systems will also undergo several changes. Survivors will now be able to level up characters using only memory fragments – which can be earned by playing Free Fire. Awakened characters will also have their original and awakened skills merged.

Additionally, Survivors will also get a Clash Squad Season 6, a new character, a new revive mechanism, as well as an extensive list of character and weapon balancing adjustments and quality-of-life updates.

What is Free Fire?

Free Fire is an immersive battle royale game created specifically with mobile gamers in mind. Developed and published globally by Garena, Free Fire achieved a record high of over 100 million peak daily active users in 2020[ Sea Limited Reports Second Quarter 2020 Results]. Free Fire content on YouTube was also the 3rd most watched game for the year with 72 billion views[ 2020 is YouTube Gaming's biggest year, ever: 100B watch time hours].

Download Free Fire on the Apple iOS App or Google Play store.

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Fast & Furious 9: The Fast Saga is finally going to space

The highly awaited ninth chapter of the Fast & Furious Saga is coming sooner than we think!

Titled Fast & Furious 9: The Fast Saga (or also known as F9), the next installment has teased the return of Han (Sung Kang), a favourite character among fans, and a new villain. And a trip to space!

In F9, Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) is leading a quiet life off the grid with Letty and his son, little Brian. However, the idyllic life doesn’t last long for the Torettos. Dom is forced to confront the sins of his past and has to round up his crew again to save the day from his forsaken brother, Jakob (John Cena).

Jakob a highly skilled assassin and high-performance driver. In the trailers, he is seen working together with Cypher (Charlize Theron), who has an agenda against Dom of her own.

F9 sees the return of Justin Lin as director, who helmed the third, fourth, fifth and sixth chapters of the series when it transformed into a global blockbuster. The action hurtles around the globe—from London to Tokyo, from Central America to Edinburgh, and from a secret bunker in Azerbaijan to the teeming streets of Tbilisi.

The film stars returning cast members Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jordana Brewster and Sung Kang, with Oscar winner Helen Mirren, with Kurt Russell and Oscar winner Charlize Theron.

F9 also features Grammy-winning superstar Cardi B as new franchise character Leysa, a woman with a connection to Dom’s past, and a cameo by Reggaeton sensation Ozuna.

F9 will be in cinemas 24 June.

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The official first-look of Powerpuff Girls live action series looks better

It seems like The CW has quickly rectified the ill-advised wardrobe for the live action Powerpuff Girls series.

The CW has just released official images of the actresses Chloe Bennet, Dove Cameron and Yara Perrault who play Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup respectively in better style.

The trio are still in their characters’ trademark colours but with a modern twist. They now don jackets which made them look smarter and more grown up.

In the background, the trio are flanked by animated clouds which is in homage to the aesthetic of the animated series.

Scrubs star Donald Faison joins the cast as Professor Utonium while Nicholas Podamy will portray Mojo Jojo’s son, Joseph ‘Jojo’ Mondel Jr. Jojo is a nerdy and power-hungry growing up and is obsessed with the Powerpuff Girls.

Fans will be delighted to know that Tom Kenny reprises his role as the titular narrator of the series.

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Where to adopt pets in Malaysia

Paws Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)

PAWS is a non-profit animal shelter in Petaling Jaya that has been in operation since 1987 and they still receive many animals that are up for adoption.

PAWS ensure that the animals under their care have been vaccinated, dewormed and neutered or spayed.

Once that’s all done, these animals are put up for adoption. If you intend to adopt a pet, have a look at the adoption process on their website before going over for a visit.

Address: Paws Animal Welfare Society, Pilmoor Estate, Subang Airport Road, 47200 Subang, Selangor

Contact: +603 7846 1087 | Email: pawshelter@gmail.com

Website: www.paws.org.my

Katzen Cat Sanctuary

Katzen Cat Sanctuary is a non-profit no kill cat sanctuary started by two sisters in Shah Alam. Katzen takes in cats with untreatable diseases as well.

The cat-loving sisters are very selective with potential adopters and will conduct both interviews and a home visit to ensure the cats go to a loving home.

They will conduct random home visits too to make sure the felines continue to live a happy life. If you can’t adopt, you can help the sisters out by donating so they can help shelter more cats.

Address: Katzen Cat Sanctuary, Shah Alam (contact them for the exact location)

Contact: +6017-878 3040 | Email: sanctuary@katzen.org.my

Website: www.facebook.com/KatzenCatSanctuary/

My Forever Doggo

My Forever Doggo is a non-profit online service that helps dogs in animal shelters across Klang Valley find loving homes.

MFD collaborates with several businesses and independent rescuers to rescue and rehabilitate dogs.

Each dog has its own professional photos posted on MFD’s Instagram complete with a resume to entice pet owners to adopt them. All of the dogs are vaccinated and have been spayed or neutered.

Instagram: @myforeverdoggo

Contact: 019 229 9971 (Whatsapp Jason)

Website: https://www.myforeverdoggo.com/

MORE RESOURCES

1. Why you should adopt and not shop for pets

2. Things to consider before adopting pets

3. How to get your pets to play nice and get along together

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How to get your pets to play nice and get along together

This article is first published in theSun Buzz HERE

The thought of having a dog and a cat as part of a happy family is a picture-perfect dream but there are very real challenges involved.

Just like human beings, our furkids need time to adjust to new additions into their living area so it is understandable if they do not get along at first but it’s not impossible. They just require a little help from their ‘hoomans’ to do so.

Here’s how pet owners can help their pets to get along and become the dream team:

Obedience training

Usually, the problem between cats and dogs is caused by dogs simply because they are bigger than cats and have a higher prey instinct. If you’re planning to bring home a cat or a kitten, it’s best to train your dog first.

Going for obedience training helps the dog learn acceptable behaviours and develop a trust bond with you. A calm dog will also help a new pet transition into their forever home easier.

Let pets follow their noses first

Pets rely on their scents to assess their surroundings and to note danger. Before a face-to-face introduction, let your pets sniff the other animal’s scent on the beddings and toys first.

This way, their curiosity can be satisfied and a potential turf war can be avoided during the meet. Pet owners can help their pets get used to each other’s scents quickly by swapping the bedding or rubbing a towel on the cat and placing it beside the dog, and vice versa.

Create a safe spot for each animal

Meeting new people for the first time can be daunting and the same goes for pets. Pets are also territorial. To prevent fights, create a safe spot for each animal so they can occupy that space to decompress and spend time alone.

For example, a cat prefers to observe from a vantage point so putting a mat on a bookshelf or setting up a tall cat tree will be helpful. While your cat can happily observe from above, your dog can safely roam and rest below.

Desensitization

It’ll take time for your pets to be friendly with one another. A helpful trick to help pets get along is to gradually introduce a dog to a cat.

Dogs can get too excited when they meet a cat but this overreaction can cause the cat to feel uneasy or threatened. In the early stages, allow both pets to observe and sniff each other safely through the baby gate.

If the dog seems too fixated on the cat, divert its attention away using toys or cues. Soon, the dog will lose its interest in the cat. It’s also helpful to keep their food and toys separate for the time being.

Match personalities and temperaments

To make the transition process easier, make sure the new pet’s personality and temperament are on a similar wavelength as your pet at home.

There’s only trouble and stress if you bring home an energetic cat home to a calm dog. If your dog is old and prefers some peace and quiet, a noisy cat will not be welcomed and will stress out the poor dog. Conversely, a territorial and aggressive dog won’t do well with a new and skittish fur sibling.

Regular exercise for pets

At the end of the day, all pets must be stimulated enough to keep their energetic and excitable bursts in check. Dogs need plenty of exercise so take them on runs and walks outside.

Outdoor stimulation like exercise and games help the dog calm down and it’ll be less tempted to chase the cat at home. Cats also need attention and stimulation too.

Play with your cat and prepare a scratching post to satisfy their natural instinct to scratch and claw. While the cat scratches the post, they get in some exercise via stretching and climbing.

MORE RESOURCES

1. Why you should adopt and not shop for pets.

2. Things to consider before adopting pets.

3. Where you can adopt pets in Malaysia.

Source

Take me home, hooman

This article is first published in theSun Buzz HERE

It’s tempting to bring all the adorable cats, dogs or bunnies from the pet store home with you. Imagine all the fun you can have with a furry companion at home and the love you’ll receive in return.

You get to pamper and make tons of memories together. However, it might be better if you adopt pets from animal shelters instead of buying them from stores. If you care about the wellbeing of animals, here’s what you need to know about the benefits of adopting animals.

Put a stop to puppy mills

Unfortunately, pets sold at the stores or online sellers may be getting the animals from puppy mills. Puppy mills are breeding facilities that put profit above the welfare of animals.

To meet high demands, these poor animals are often kept in poor conditions and the female animals are kept in cages to breed over and over to the detriment of their health.

Once these animals are no longer profitable, they are simply discarded, killed, abandoned or sold at auctions. Long story short, puppy mills destroy the lives of many animals and adopting a pet might actually save a life of an innocent creature and put a stop to cruel puppy mills.

Save animals from being euthanized

While animal shelters try to rescue and rehome as many stray animals as they can, there will come a day when they will have no choice but to put down animals.

These homeless animals will be euthanized to make way for more animals to be rescued and to manage upkeeping costs.

When you adopt animals from the shelter, you help give the animal a forever home, lessen the number of strays roaming in the streets and help more animals get sheltered.

You’ll save money and get healthy pets

When you adopt a pet, the cost of spaying or neutering, first vaccinations and microchipping are usually included in the adoption price. This way, you already save yourself some upfront costs of bringing home your beloved furkid.

In some situations, these animals are probably already housebroken and trained which can help the pet’s transition to their forever homes easier.

Lessen strays on the street

Stray animals are often rescued and cared for in animal shelters. Sometimes, these stray animals once had a forever home but were abandoned by their owners.

By adopting, you can help lessen the number of scared stray animals and provide them a loving home they so deserve. Adopting pets also make room for another poor stray to be sheltered and rehomed.

Adopting pets is good for the soul

Last but not least, pets such as dogs are super loyal and grateful when they’re cared for. By adopting and saving them for the scary world outside, you inadvertently gain a fiercely loyal companion.

They’ll be the best friend who can provide emotional support just by being by your side and brighten up your day when you’re feeling down.

MORE RESOURCES

1. Things to consider before adopting a pet

2. Where you can adopt pets in Malaysia

3. How to get your pets to play nice together

Source

Things to consider before adopting a pet

This article is first published in theSun Buzz HERE

Now that we’ve hopefully convinced you to consider pet adoption, let’s take a look at some of the factors involved before getting a furkid.

Here are some factors to consider because caring for a pet is a serious and long term commitment.

Are you financially ready to care for a pet?

Pet care and accessories can cost a bomb. The expenditure does not only cover cute pet leashes, bowls and clothes. Pet owners have to consider the cost of future medical fees, food supply, grooming services and possibly pet boarding services.

Will your building or housing area allow you to keep pets?

Not all places allow tenants and residents to keep pets in the housing area and it’s unfair to impose or force everyone to put up with your new pet. Be a responsible and respectful owner by checking the rules and permissions before smuggling your pet into the house.

Are you prepared to clean after your new family member?

Most importantly, you have to be honest with yourself whether you’re willing to clean after your pets. Caring for a pet is similar to caring for a baby.

Pet owners will have to clean up after their pets by picking up poo, wiping up urine or emptying the litter.

Sadly, a lot of pets are abandoned simply because pet owners cannot cope with the responsibilities.

Do you travel a lot?

If you’re someone who frequently travels, it’s best not to keep a pet. Pets need constant care and attention.

Pets such as dogs need regular exercise and walks to prevent diseases such as osteoporosis.

If you still want to get a pet, make sure you have someone who’ll be happy to care for your pets every time you’re away or get ready to pay for pet boarding.

Is anyone at home allergic to animals?

One of the more pressing things to think about is whether anyone at home is allergic to animals. Your family member may not know that they have an allergy. To be safe, have everyone in the family meet with the pet first before deciding to bring it home.

Do you have time to train your pet?

Pet training requires time and lots of patience. Pets need to be trained as well if not they might destroy your house or attack other animals which will bring pet owners unnecessary stress.

Whether the pets are store-bought or adopted, it needs to be house trained and taken through obedience training with the owner.

Pet owners should find out beforehand if the animal has prior or ongoing health issues too and decide if they’re ready to provide extra and special care.

Is there enough space at home?

A factor that most people often forget to consider is the size of their home. Pets, especially larger pets, need ample space to move and run around comfortably.

It’ll be great if the neighbourhood has a pet-friendly park for daily walks with your furkids.

MORE RESOURCES

Find out:

1. Why you should adopt instead of shopping for pets.

2. Where you can adopt pets such as cats or dogs in Malaysia.

3. How to get your pets to play nice together.

Source

Stay, feast and celebrate Ramadan

This article is first published in theSun Buzz HERE

Ramadan is a time for sharing and reconnecting with loved ones. In conjunction with this holy month, Berjaya Hotels & Resorts (“BHR”) is offering special Ramadan deals, available at six participating hotels and resorts in Kuala Lumpur, Berjaya Hills, Penang, Langkawi Island and Redang Island.

BHR also has a variety of room and dining options to make it a Ramadan to remember.

Those in Kuala Lumpur can take advantage of the Ramadan offers at Berjaya Times Square Hotel Kuala Lumpur and ANSA Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

The former offers a Ramadan Room & Dine promotion from RM280 nett, inclusive of one night’s stay with a 60s theme buka puasa buffet for two pax, early check-in from noon onwards, late check-out till 3pm, prayer mat in the room and festive welcome treat. Entry to the buka puasa buffet is also available at RM98 nett per adult.

Additionally, ANSA Hotel Kuala Lumpur’s Ramadan Staycation package starts from RM295, with a complimentary two-way shuttle for guests to enjoy their buka puasa buffet at Berjaya Times Square Hotel.

To complement their experience, guests can order an additional packed breakfast at only RM25 per person.

Meanwhile, at Berjaya Hills located in Pahang, guests can enjoy a 10% discount on Pahang Escape package throughout the Ramadan month.

Priced at an affordable rate of RM135 nett after discount, the package includes one night’s stay in a Superior Room, sahur breakfast, and complimentary entrance passes for two pax to explore the Japanese Village, Botanical Garden and Rabbit Park.

Meanwhile up north, Berjaya Penang Hotel’s Ramadan Buffet Dinner themed Selera Kampung (Masakan Bonda) is only RM58 per adult. Guests can feast on local favourites like bubur lambuk, sup tulang lembu, ikan assam pedas, gulai ayam kawah and more.

The hotel will also set up a grill station for assorted meat and seafood, and an action stall for chicken shawarma and noodles.

In Langkawi, Berjaya Langkawi Resort introduces the Warisan Mat Cincang Buka Puasa Dinner Set with three different varieties to choose from.

Priced at only RM58 per adult, guests will be treated to mouth-watering Malay delicacies such as ayam bakar sos percik and assam pedas siakap.

On the East Coast, The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort welcomes everyone to have a joyous Ramadan surrounded by the crystal-clear waters and white powdery sands of Redang Island.

The luxury resort’s Ramadan Retreat package starts from MYR1,985 nett per person per package for twin sharing basis. Package includes two nights’ stay with daily breakfast and dinner, welcome hygiene pack, turndown amenities, one-hour recreational activity daily, complimentary return shuttle from Redang Jetty to the resort and selected merchandise.

BHR’s Ramadan offers are now available for online booking.

For more information, bookings and reservations details, visit HERE

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An iconic character returns in Ghostbusters: Afterlife in petite form

Ghostbusters: Afterlife sees the return of an iconic character from the previous films in the franchise.

In a recently released clip, Paul Rudd’s character, Mr. Grooberson, could be seen shopping for ice-cream in a supermarket when he noticed something wriggling on the candy and sweets shelf.

The pack of marshmallows on the shelf tore open only to reveal an adorable Mini-Puft!

It didn’t take long for more Mini-Pufts to gather and cause mayhem in the store.

Who’s in the film?

Carrie Coon plays Callie, a single mother who moved her family to the small town of Oklahoma. Her two children, Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Phoebe (McKenna Grace), moves with her to their grandfather’s home.

Paul Rudd plays a school teacher named Mr. Grooberson who is very much into ghost hunting and inadvertently leads Trevor and Phoebe down the path to become Ghostbusters.

What’s the story about?

From director Jason Reitman and producer Ivan Reitman, comes the next chapter in the original Ghostbusters universe.

In Ghostbusters: Afterlife, when a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind. The Ghostbusters have become something of a myth as many have since forgotten the events of the Manhattan Crossrip of 1984.

The film is written by Jason Reitman & Gil Kenan.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife will be showing in cinemas this November.

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Systema pledges to Gumbatte Towards Healthy Gums and Teeth with Malaysia

You are probably among the 94 percent of Malaysian adults with gum disease based on data from the National Oral Health Survey of Adults 2010.

The main cause of gum disease is plaque, a soft sticky film containing billions of bacteria. When plaque builds up between teeth, along the gum line and inside gum pockets, the harmful substance caused by bacteria build up will damage the gum tissue.

In a recent study conducted by Lion Corporation on 450 Malaysian adults showed 80% of respondents had at least one visible sign or symptom of gum disease, the most common being bleeding and swollen gums, but only 1% realised that they have gum disease (Project Katsu 2017).

Oral health has a strong and proven relationship to systemic health. Research studies show correlations between gum disease and general health including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and most recently Alzheimer’s disease.

Preventive oral health measures such as early detection and treatment of gum disease can change the oral disease continuum, a means to address the cumulative public health burden.

Gumbatte Towards Healthy Gums and Teeth

Systema, the gum health expert from Japan is working with the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), and the Malaysian Dental Association (MDA) on a Corporate Social Responsibility campaign to help the public Gumbatte Towards Healthy Gums and Teeth, continuing and increasing its collaborative efforts of previous years.

The campaign aims to educate Malaysians and continue to uplift their oral care practices and towards better gum health for all by reaching more than 2 million people with fact-based and research-supported oral health information. There will be free dental check-up to gradually reduce gum disease among adults by identifying and preventing oral health problems like gum disease before they become more serious.

The holistic CSR campaign includes the contribution of 10,000 trial size Systema toothpaste for the public and 9,000 full-sized Systema toothpastes for oral health frontliners. Visitors can head over to an interactive website www.gumhealthcheck.com that provides education on the signs and symptoms of gum disease and a free gum health check assessment tool too.

Participating MDA member clinics will be providing free dental checks-up as well. The CSR campaign includes educational and awareness raising activities on social media and deeply discounted Systema products to bring quality oral health products within everyone’s reach.

A social media campaign featuring influencers and users encouraging everyone to Gumbatte Towards Healthy Gums and Teeth will support the campaign from April 1st to April 30th, 2021.

Southern Lion Sdn Bhd, Senior General Manager, Ms Carmen Foo highlighted Systema’s social purpose of creating higher awareness of oral health for healthy gum and a lifetime of healthy teeth, more so as the world grapples with the pandemic.

“The pandemic has held us in ‘survival mode’ for almost a year, but now it is time to refocus on important issues such as gum health again. Healthy gums and teeth are vital for better quality of life, so let’s ‘Gumbatte’! Systema can help by making more people aware of the signs and symptoms of gum disease, that it can often be reversed during early stages by simply brushing teeth and gums twice a day,” said Ms Foo.

The Malaysian Dental Association, Honorary General Secretary Dr Chong Zhen Feng shared that since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the general public putting off routine dental check-ups, dental professionals have noticed the decrease in patients’ attendance. This will inadvertently delay any prompt management and may even lead to worsening of oral diseases. He said that it is recommended that everyone visit their dentist at least twice a year.

“The MDA has been partnered with Systema on oral health campaigns, year after year. In Malaysia, gum disease is highly prevalent due to the low awareness on the importance of good oral health care. Through the Gumbatte Towards Healthy Gums and Teeth campaign, we wish to provide oral health care education across the country with the aim of improving the gum health and the general health of the nation. The number of people we will be able to impact by this initiative is very encouraging.

“Take control of your oral health by visiting, the website: www.gumhealthcheck.com to assess your gum status, and if needed, please visit our participating Malaysian Dental Association member dental clinics for your free dental check-up. ”

The Gumbatte Towards Healthy Gums and Teeth campaign plays on the Japanese motivational cry of ‘Ganbatte’ that means ‘you can do it’ as a rallying call to get Malaysians to take charge of their oral health, even during the pandemic. Visit www.gumhealthcheck.com to take your online gum health check, today.

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Keeping cool with the Tiger

Are you desperate to cool down in this warm weather? Tiger Crystal has just what you need to Beat the Heat!

Brewed at a crystal-cold temperature of -1 degree Celsius, Tiger Crystal is not only refreshing and less bitter, but absolutely perfect for the hot weather.

With the amazing promotions ongoing from now until 31st May, now is the time to pick up some ice-cold Tiger Crystals for ultimate refreshment!

Get free cans of Tiger Crystal

For starters, there will be 10,000 free cans of Tiger Crystal given away on the weekend of 10th and 11th April.

All you have to do is check out the Tiger Crystal booths at any of the participating outlets listed here, complete the simple registration process and bring home a free can of Tiger Crystal, while stocks last.

Win exclusive Tiger Crystal merchandise

That’s not all. From now until 30th April 2021, you can purchase two 6-can-packs of Tiger Crystal from Giant, Village Grocer, Ben's Independent Grocers, myNEWS, 99 Speedmart, 7Eleven as well as selected supermarkets in East Malaysia and get exclusive Tiger Crystal flask (available in two designs), Tiger Crystal multifunctional pen or Tiger Crystal 3-in-1 charging cable.

Of course, if stepping out of the house to purchase is a chore in this hot weather, you can also opt to purchase them from online platforms such as Drinkies and Shopee without breaking a sweat.

To further cool you down, from 15th April until 31st May, you may check out even more participating hypermarkets and supermarkets nationwide, namely AEON, AEON Big, Jaya Grocer and Lotus’s to purchase two 6-can-packs of Tiger Crystal that are also accompanied with an exclusive Tiger Crystal flask.

More information on this promotion and list of participating outlets can be found at tigercrystal.my.

“With the weather in Malaysia at its hottest recently, we have lined up attractive promotions for our fans to pick up an ice-cold Tiger Crystal to Beat the Heat and cool down. Whether by redeeming their share of the 10,000 free cans of Tiger Crystal or by purchasing the 6-can-packs that come with exclusive Tiger Crystal premiums, we’re sure that our fans will find Tiger Crystal the perfect way to stay cool,” said Pearly Lim, Marketing Manager for Tiger Beer.

Tiger Crystal and its promotions are available to non-Muslims aged 21 and above only. Tiger advocates responsible consumption and urges consumers to not drink and drive.

To find out more on how you can Beat the Heat with Tiger Crystal, visit tigercrystal.my or Tiger’s social media pages at www.facebook.com/TigerBeerMY and www.instagram.com/tigerbeermy.

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Emma Stone and Emma Thompson go head-to-head with style in new Cruella trailer

The new trailer for Cruella just dropped and both of the actresses are amazing in their roles!

Both Emma Stone and Emma Thompson star as Cruella and Baroness von Hellman respectively.

In the trailer, the audience is shown how Baroness von Hellman patronizes Estella (before she became Cruella) regarding her talent. “But do you have the killer instinct?” the Baroness asked pointedly.

This line possibly sparked the creation of Cruella and Estella daringly go up against the Baroness in a show of power and style.

Cruella will release in Malaysia cinemas on Thursday, May 27.

The synopsis

Set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, the story follows Estella, a clever and creative grifter who’s determined to make a name for herself with her designs.

She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief and together they were able to build a life for themselves on the London streets.

One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute.

But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella we all know and love.

For more updates, follow Cruella on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Marvel Studios’ Black Widow to premiere this July

The latest Black Widow trailer gave more hints of what’s to come in the upcoming film.

While previous trailers have established that the people she know from her past life such as Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Alexei Shostakov (David Harbour), and Melina Vostokoff (Rachel Weisz) will make an appearance, the newest trailer showed snippets of Natasha’s childhood.

In the trailer, the audience is shown a young Natasha Romanoff in multi-coloured hair. David Harbour’s Red Guardian appears to be a father figure to the girls and seems like a supportive dad.

“My girls are the toughest girls in the world!” he says in a flashback scene.

However, life took a bad turn when she was a kid. There was a scene where either Natasha or Yelena getting separated from their parents.

The audience is also showed more of the villain known as the Taskmaster. He is sent to hunt Natasha and can match her every move on the ground and in the air.

The trailer finally ends with a new Russian-inspired version of the Avengers theme while Black Widow is seen walking down a corridor.

Synopsis

Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger. Scarlett Johansson reprises her role as Natasha/Black Widow, Florence Pugh stars as Yelena, David Harbour portrays Alexei/The Red Guardian, and Rachel Weisz is Melina.

Black Widow—the first film in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe—is directed by Cate Shortland and produced by Kevin Feige.

Where to watch

The action-packed spy thriller will launch simultaneously in cinemas and on Disney+ with Premier Access* in most Disney+ markets on July 9, 2021.

* Disney+ Premier Access is not available in Malaysia and requires a one-time fee access.

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Old friends, new foes

This article was first published in theSun Buzz edition HERE

Other than worrying who’s best suited to wield Captain America’s vibranium shield, both Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes have to contend with old allegiances and new foes.

When the world is thrown into a tumult once again, both the Falcon and the Winter Soldier may have an ally in their corner. Sharon Carter, who was last seen in Captain America: Civil War, appears in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier as a jaded former SHIELD agent after being on the run for breaking the Sokovia Accords.

She knows that if she stepped foot in the United States, she will be arrested. However, life underground may have taken a toll on her but heroism runs in her blood and she finds herself tangled in Sam and Bucky’s global fight soon enough.

“Listen, when we find Sharon, she’s in a pretty dark place,” said actress Emily VanCamp who plays Sharon Carter.

“When we first see her, there’s a little bit of anger. She’s tougher, a little raw and rough around the edges—a totally different version of Sharon than what we’ve seen in the films. That’s really interesting to explore.”

When Sharon joins the boys, she’ll be facing off several sketchy characters such as US Agent, the villain Zemo and a new terrifying terrorist group known as Flag-Smashers.

The character US Agent, also known as John Walker (played by Wyatt Russell), is one of the highest-ranking soldiers in the US military. He was chosen to be Captain America’s replacement, much to the ire of both Wilson and Barnes.

“We thought Wyatt was an interesting choice because a lot of his work before had him playing the slacker with long hair and a beard,” said executive producer Nate Moore. “But we found this unique energy in him that neither Sam Wilson nor Bucky Barnes has, and we felt that was important so that John Walker stood apart from these two characters.”

For Russell, Walker’s journey is not without complication. “I gravitate towards characters who need to make difficult decisions,” he said. “His dichotomies are what attracted me to him, and I’ve been allowed the leeway to shape him a little because we’ve never met this character before.”

Daniel Bruhl returns as Zemo, the Sokovian special forces officer who targeted the Avengers after losing his family in the battle of Sokovia. He has been rotting in a German prison since the audience last saw him in Captain America: Civil War but he’s about to be reignited with a new ferocity.

“He’s a man who’s struggling with this desire for revenge. But his story is a slippery slope of trying to make something right, but going about it all wrong. So, when we meet him, he’s paying for his crimes. He’s lost everything. He’s in a very sad place. I couldn’t help but feel a certain amount of sympathy for him,” said director Kari Skogland.

Daniel Brühl feels similarly about the character. “In Civil War I was fascinated by the fact that Zemo is a multi-layered villain,” he said. “He’s not just a sinister bad guy. But there was not that much time to explore different facets of him, so it was great to be given the opportunity to revisit this character.”

The terrorist group known as Flag-Smashers is actually a revamp of the comic book villain named Flag-Smasher. In the comics, the Flag-Smasher is an enemy of Captain America.

In the Marvel series, members of the Flag-Smashers are easily recognized by the black masks adorned with red handprints. Not much is revealed about the group yet so everyone will just have to tune in to find out.

Read more about The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Find out the thought processes in making the Marvel series HERE

Actors Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie also explored the relationship dynamics between their characters, Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes HERE

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Hero dynamics

This article is first published in theSun Buzz edition HERE

Marvel’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier is centered on the dynamics between the two characters who are polar opposites of each other. This polarity in personality is also what makes the upcoming Marvel series a parallel nod to the feel good buddy cops shows. Most importantly, the audience can’t wait to watch Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes get paired together to save the world.

Both the actors, Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan, were happy to have six-episodes to develop their characters as they struggle to find their way in a post-Blip world without Iron Man and Captain America and go on a journey of recovery together.

“After Kevin Feige killed Iron Man, we have to put ourselves [in a position] where we have to introduce these new characters to the audience and give them that relationship, that history that the characters have built up over 10 years,” said Mackie.

Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes don’t gel together as smoothly as friendships go but that was exactly what drew in the audience.

With such a stark contrast, how did the actors and the head writer play on the dynamic of the relationship between the two characters?

“Take away the mutual best friend and the truth of their relationship is laid bare,” said head writer Malcolm Spellman.

“They are like fire and ice. Sam reacts spontaneously from the gut, and Bucky is more cold and calculated. Everyone saw the 30-second clip in ‘Civil War’ when they bicker about the placement of Sam’s seat. We build on that chemistry.”

Sebastian Stan explained that both of the characters share the experience of being soldiers and as men who have served the country. Thus, they have a bit of an honour code between them although they don’t always see eye to eye.

Anthony Mackie agreed and said that both Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes have a mutual respect and understanding for each other.

“I feel like with this series, we've been able to show you why Sam and Bucky are who they are and why they believe in what they believe,” he said.

“You get to meet and get to know them as three-dimensional characters. You get to see them as people. It's funny because usually in a movie forum, you only have two hours to tell the beginning, middle and ending of a story. But we have six episodes to tell the entire scope of where these characters have been, how they feel about the world they're in, and where they're going once this series is over,” Mackie added.

In the series, Bucky is finally making a concerted effort to take charge of his life after getting his mind healed by the Wakandans. However, this includes making some difficult amends.

“He is working to unburden himself from the trauma of being the Winter Soldier,” director Kari Skogland said. “He believes that will get him closer to knowing what he wants.”

However, Stan asserts that Bucky’s past is there to stay. “Look, there's always going to be a darker side of this character, which I’ve always loved—it’s what makes him more interesting and complex,” he said.

“I feel like that doesn’t go away. It's still there deep down. He's just learning how to deal with it a little bit better.”

More about The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Get to know the thought process in making The Falcon and the Winter Soldier HERE

Find out a little bit more about the old acquaintances and new foes in the show HERE

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Everything we know about The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

This article is first published in theSun Buzz edition HERE

Marvel’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier was supposed to be the first Marvel series to air on Disney Plus. However, production was met with slight delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic and an earthquake that took place in Puerto Rico during filming.

Fortunately for all patient fans, the wait was worth it because The Falcon and the Winter Soldier debuted on March 19, just in time to fill the void left by the recently completed Wandavision.

“Once we were shut down due to Covid, we went straight to post-production and continued editing,” said director Kari Skogland, speaking during a virtual global press conference, during which international media got to speak with members of the show’s cast and crew.

She also added that while the world was changing, they were able to really sharpen their focus and consequently sharpen the story.

Skogland also stated she was proud of the success of Wandavision and that it has set the bar for future Marvel series.

Just like any comic book adaptation, it will be tough to meet every fan’s wants and expectations. In order to bring out the best stories and still stay true to the comic books, executive producer and Chief Creative Officer of Marvel Kevin Feige shared how he maintains a creative balance.

“It’s sort of taking what makes us interested and excited, and what could happen at the end of the episode to keep us interested because we’re all fans of the Marvel Studios,” Feige said.

“It’s kinda the same balance we’ve been trying to strike for the last 10 plus years and figuring out how to exceed but also subvert expectations,” he added.

What helped was also to imagine themselves as the characters in that world and how they will react to the repercussions of the Blip.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier kicks off right after the devastating events of Avengers: Endgame. While the world lost Iron Man and Captain America, Sam Wilson/ Falcon and Bucky Barnes/ Winter Soldier both lost their close friend, Steve Rogers.

The two of them do not get along well with each other and are trying to deal with the sense of loss in their own ways. However, the one thing they have in common is that they’re protective of who should be continuing the legacy of Captain America.

“Sam considers the shield a representation of the country that we live in. There's a lot of trepidation as far as how does a Black man represent a country that does not represent him?” explained Anthony Mackie, who plays Sam Wilson.

Talking more about his character Bucky Barnes as the Winter Soldier, actor Sebastian Stan explains that Bucky is in a quest for his identity and is in the process of accepting his past. Bucky also has to re-educate himself about the world around him because the ideals and principles that he lived and was driven by might not serve him the same way now.

“He's doing his best, finding his own path after Steve, after all those events. It feels like this is the first time he's finally free, so to speak, to look after himself. But it's not easy,” said Stan.

“How does this character now function in the world? What's his life going back to Brooklyn? How is he meeting people? How is he interacting at coffee shops? Is he dating? Is he thinking about another career? Is he in therapy? There were all these questions about where we could take this character. There were a lot of fun and exciting things that came out of that exploration,” he added.

On the other hand, Sam Wilson joins his sister Sarah in Louisiana in an effort to help save the family business but things are always not as easy as it seems.

“Sam became a hero because of where he’s from—he saw that the world was not fair,” explains head writer Malcolm Spellman. “He ran off to save the world by joining the military. But he’s always worried if joining the military was really about running away from problems at home—they seemed so insurmountable, it'd be easier to save the world.”

Regarding the stunt works in the Marvel series, both lead actors sung high praises for the stunt team and choreographer. “The great thing about this was nothing was jeopardized or watered down. We worked with the same stunt guys and choreographer so the stunts are amazing because of that,” Mackie said.

According to Mackie, the stunt guys had a field day because the stunts included taking weapons out of the equation making things more physical. The stunt works included hand-to-hand combat and all about utilizing strength in fight scenes. For Stan, he enjoyed the opportunity to always find new ways to perform action sequences.

When Mackie was asked about the responsibility to lead future heroes with Captain America gone, he jokingly answered “Try not to mess it up, Sebastian.”

“[We] didn’t want to be the first crappy Marvel project. Our job was to take the torch and not make a bad show. Steve Rogers will be proud that our show will not suck,” he further elaborated.

On whether there’ll be a second season, Feige didn’t give a definite answer but said this instead, “We get asked (that question) much more in television, because people expect it to be like what they know before: Where’s season 2? We approached it like how we do the movies. We better make this great or we won’t be able to do another one.”

“There are certainly ideas if we want to do another one,” he added.

Towards the end of the press conference, Mackie also jokingly revealed that he hopes to have a spinoff with Black Widow.

So, what can the audience expect from The Falcon and the Winter Soldier?

“Expect many surprises from the show,” Mackie said.

“What if we said no more surprises?” Feige quickly added right after and was met with laughter from the panel.

To this question, Stan hinted about the introduction of new characters such as Moon Knight played by Oscar Isaacs, whom he finds really interesting and cool.

Feige ended the global press conference by expressing gratitude for having wonderful and hardworking people working on the project.

“We never would have made the show if we didn’t have great actors and the fans who are willing to go places with us,” he said.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier six-episode limited series is currently airing every Friday on Disney Plus.

Want to read more about The Falcon and the Winter Soldier?

Find out how the minds in Marvel Studios bring out the best stories and still stay true to the comics HERE

Also, get a little more information about the villains and old acquaintances in the series HERE

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