There’s a lot to look forward to in the coming days. This week, we’ve got a slew of exciting news that will add some zing to your weekend. Doja Cat is set to make her hosting debut at the upcoming VMAs 2021, streaming app iQiyi will be releasing an original Korean drama starring Lee Sung-Kyung and Kim Young-Dae, and more. Here are the feel-good news bites you shouldn’t miss.
Doja Cat is about to make her hosting debut at VMAs
You may have already heard about Doja Cat joining the performer line-up at the upcoming VMAs — along with Shawn Mendes, Chlöe, Camila Cabello, Lil Nas X, LORDE, Machine Gun Kelly, Olivia Rodrigo and more — but did you know that she’s also gonna make her hosting debut at the awards show? She will make VMAs history as the first host to also be nominated for “Video Of The Year” (for Kiss Me More ft. SZA) in the same year.
The 2021 MTV VMAs will air live from Barclays Center on Sunday, 12 September at 8PM (ET/PT timezone). Here in Southeast Asia, we can catch the awards show via a same-day delayed primetime premiere on 13 September, Monday at 8PM on MTV Asia channel. You can watch it via local broadcasters Singtel TV Channel 350 and Starhub Channel 533 (Singapore), Cignal Channel 151, SKYcable, Cable Link (Philippines) and Astro Channel 718 (Malaysia). Get ready to groove!
iQiyi to release new K-drama Shooting Stars
After a series of cameos in Record of Youth (2020) and Once Again (2020), Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo star Lee Sung-Kyung is set to take on the main role in an iQiyi original together with Kim Young-Dae, who also had recent cameo appearances in True Beauty (2021) and Undercover (2021). Called Shooting Stars, this new show will be a romantic drama that will give a peek at the inner workings of the Korean entertainment industry. It will tell the story of a super famous Korean celebrity (Kim Young-dae) who will fall in love with his talent agency’s Head of Publicity (Lee Sung-Kyung). If you’re familiar with how fandoms work, you know that Korean celebrities’ dating lives are a pretty big deal and most stars often hide their relationship status. Could this be a tale of a secret relationship?
The streaming platform iQiyi also teased that there will be “true-to-life portrayals” of agents, reporters and other influential entities in show business. If you’re already excited, then you’d be happy to know that production for Shooting Stars will start this September and will be available for streaming on iQiyi by 2022.
The first trailer for Spencer starring Kristen Stewart is here
Decades after her passing, people’s fascination with Diana, Princess of Wales, endures to this day. Less than a year after we saw Emma Corrin’s award-winning portrayal of the late beloved royal in The Crown’s latest season, actress Kristen Stewart of Twilight (2008) fame is set to play the princess in an upcoming biographical drama film Spencer. There was a lot of buzz about this project earlier this year and today, the first trailer finally dropped. Unlike The Crown, which featured lighthearted and comical moments, based on the trailer alone, it looks like Spencer is going to take a more sombre depiction of the People’s Princess’ royal life. This may mean we’ll get to see more of Kristen Stewart’s acting chops; the actress has already been poised to win an Oscar award for this performance.
Y.O.U Beauty launches in the Philippines
Makeup and skincare brand Y.O.U Beauty is set to launch in the Philippines this Sunday. While it’s a newcomer in the country, Y.O.U Beauty has already seen success in Indonesia when it was launched in 2018. Wondering what “Y.O.U” means? It stands for “Youthful. Outstanding. Unique”, which the brand says is a reflection of their commitment to providing beauty products to “help women achieve lasting beauty and be the best version of themselves”.
Catch Y.O.U Beauty’s official launch event which will be streamed live on Instagram and other social media pages — there will be a giveaway every three minutes. Y.O.U Beauty products will be available in retail stores nationwide including Watsons, SM Department Store, Robinsons Dept Store and online on Shopee and Lazada.
COS will soon be available on ZALORA
Minimalist fashion lovers, it’s time to rejoice. London-based fashion label COS will soon be available on ZALORA Singapore and Malaysia in conjunction with the launch of their luxury and premium category. Managing Director of COS Asia Pacific Christoffer Sellin shared that the move will make COS more accessible to customers. COS has been beloved for its selections of high-quality minimalist wardrobe staples and known for functional design. Excited to shop? You don’t have to wait long. The official launch of COS on ZALORA will take place on 30 August — only three days to go.
COACH launches "Tomorrow's Vintage" pop-up
Living in Singapore? If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, consider dropping by the COACH “Tomorrow’s Vintage” pop-up held in a conservation shophouse located at 1 Teck Lim Road. The space is an homage to the brand’s 80th anniversary and will feature a craftsmanship bar where you can have your COACH bag cleaned, monogrammed and customised by a trained craftsman. This weekend (27-29 August) and on 10-12 September, professional embroiderer Zoey Wong will be in attendance to personalise leather goods.
Aside from this feature, the pop-up will also serve as a mini museum where archival collections will be on display including the iconic Ergo and the Cashin. To add to its vintage vibe, the pop-up will also have a vintage television that will show films starring renowned leather restoration specialist Debi the Restorer.
Panda Sneak Peek is now available for viewing
Here’s your dose of weekly fluff! Giant panda bear Jia Jia made headlines earlier this month for giving birth to a cute little panda cub after seven attempts at mating with her partner Kai Kai. Wildlife Reserves Singapore shared that Jia Jia has not been eating since giving birth, a natural response from new panda moms, so she’s being closely monitored and provided with electrolytes and glucose solution. There’s also fresh bamboo available for her in the chance that she feels like eating again. You can share in the joy and excitement of this birth by tuning in to Panda Sneak Peek on YouTube which will show hour-long footage of Jia Jia and her cub via a panda cam at the Giant Panda Forest.
Missed last week’s updates? Catch up here.
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