Latest news with #DarleneRegis
Qatar Tribune
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
World Music Festival 2025 headlines OPM legends December Avenue, gloc‑9 in Qatar
Darlene Regis The first-ever World Music Festival 2025 launched last Thursday with a surge of Filipino talent, drawing a full house at Aspire Ladies Hall as thousands witnessed one of Qatar's biggest summer concerts of the year —featuring chart-topping rock band December Avenue and rap icon gloc‑9. Presented by Qatar Calendar, in collaboration with Qabayan Radio, the Filipino artists electrified the crowd on the festival's launch. Back-to-Back Concerts The two-day event, held on July 3–4 at Aspire Ladies Hall, showcased high-energy performances from December Avenue and gloc‑9 on Day 1, followed by a captivating set from the Sultan of Soulful Music Adnan Sami on Day 2. Radio MirchiOne Qatar also served as one of the event partners in support of the Bollywood legend. Powered by iPay and driven by GWM and Teyseer Motors, the festival united expatriates in Qatar for a world-class music experience. Here's a look back at the event, featuring powerhouse performances by OPM legends. Full-House Show Doors opened at 4:00 p.m., and by the 8:00 p.m. curtain, the 5,500-seat arena was buzzing with anticipation. VIP ticket holders enjoyed a 6:00 p.m. soundcheck, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the night's headliners. The show kicked off with Filipino front acts, including DJ Ada, a piano performance by Millie G, and a song rendition by Carl McFly. At the main event, gloc‑9 made a high-energy comeback and stormed the stage with his rapid-fire raps, sparking a near-earthquake of cheers. Moments later, December Avenue feat. Carissa Ramos made their Qatar debut, touching hearts with love anthems and a tribute to their kababayans, promoting messages of hope, unity, and world peace. The crowd sang along to hits like their Billboard-recognized track 'Bulong.' After the show, gloc‑9 shared on social media: 'You are hotter than the weather here in Qatar, our countrymen! Thank you for the real happiness and love! Until next time!' December Avenue also posted: 'It's a great honor and privilege to be here in Qatar — a safe haven and a land that embraces peace and diversity.' Build‑Up and Buzz A pre-event media gathering on July 2 at Steigenberger Hotel unveiled the festival's multicultural lineup. Scribble artist and surreal painter Arsenio 'Artsenic' Jr. Nidoy created a portrait of gloc‑9, which the rapper personally signed during the press conference. gloc‑9's early-morning stroll along the Doha Corniche went viral, adding a local buzz to the countdown. Qabayan Radio 94.3 aired an exclusive interview with December Avenue and gloc‑9 as they prepared for the festival, hosted by RJ Carl McFly. Cuecastt, a platform for the Filipino diaspora, provided full coverage of the festival. Stars in the Spotlight December Avenue is known for their deeply emotional and relatable lyrics about love. The band, formed in 2007, is behind some of the most-streamed songs on Spotify Philippines, with their follow-up album Langit Mong Bughaw breaking records as the most-streamed OPM album of all time. Since 1997, gloc‑9 has made his mark with hard-hitting rap and socially conscious lyrics that reflect the realities of everyday Filipinos. Known for iconic tracks like 'Sirena' and 'Simpleng Tao,' he remains one of the most awarded and influential rappers in the Philippines. Atmosphere and Audience From floor to rafters, the superlatives flowed: 'legendary,' 'memorable,' 'unforgettable.' The fusion of alternative rock and urban rap showcased Filipino music at its finest, setting a high bar for future editions of the festival. Here's what Filipinos in Qatar had to say after watching the concert: 'Filipinos reunited once again through music. Thank you, Qabayan Radio. The event was a success. Grateful to be part of the group of influencers who helped spread the word about the concert and enjoyed the event together,' shared QatarSocialMedia founder Adrian Mayo. 'It was worth it. We truly enjoyed it. Watching the concert really brought back memories. I love their songs!' expressed OFW Lilet Lopase. 'Events like this remind us of home. It was a night of music, unity, and pride for the Filipino community in Qatar,' added another OFW Ara Amada. With rave reviews and buzzing fan reactions, organizers are already hinting at an expanded lineup for 2026.
Qatar Tribune
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
Filipino-led CREWQ set to compete in UDO World Street Dance Championships in UK
Darlene Regis The CREWQ Team, based in Qatar and representing the prestigious Movement & Fitness Elite Center (MFEC) Street Dance School, is thrilled to announce its participation in the upcoming UDO World Street Dance Championships in Blackpool, United Kingdom, this August 2025. The Conquest Continues Comprising talented young dancers from various nationalities—including the Filipino community—CREWQ will compete in the Under 8, 10, and 12 Beginners categories. Adding to the delegation is a special Parents Team, a supportive group of dedicated parents who will also take center stage. Behind the Moves Under the visionary leadership of Filipino Team Director and choreographer Aristotle 'Coach A' Hernandez, CREWQ is bringing high-impact performances that fuse different street dance styles. His choreography integrates elements of afro, lite feet, femme, K-pop, house dance, and breakdance. He has been instrumental in growing a vibrant dance community in Qatar, inspiring creativity and talent across the region. Coach A's initiative to invite global street dance artists to participate in the dance summer camp will be a highlight this year — marking the first time for Qatar to host big names in the street dance industry. 'Our goal is to inspire and showcase the true essence of street dance while representing Qatar on an international stage,' said Hernandez. Global Stage To prepare for the championship, the team has undergone intensive training with renowned street dance masters from around the world. The CREWQ Dance Camp, running until August 7, features masterclasses from international artists, in addition to a performance tour that includes school and brand visits across Qatar. Send-Off Supporters will get a final chance to see the team perform at the CREWQ Send-Off Show just before their departure. The team will be in the UK from August 13 to 17, culminating in their competition on August 14 at the iconic Winter Gardens venue. About UDO Founded in 2002, the United Dance Organization (UDO) is the world's largest international street dance body. UDO champions inclusivity and accessibility, providing a platform for dancers of all levels, abilities, and backgrounds to express themselves through hip-hop and street dance. The UDO World Street Dance Championships is the pinnacle of the annual competition calendar, bringing together thousands of dancers from around the world to vie for championship titles in front of elite street dance and hip-hop judges. Awards The CREWQ Team has shown steady success at the UDO World Championships, placing 6th in the U16 Solo Open in 2022 and winning bronze medals in the U18 Novice and U14 Beginners in 2023, as well as in the U12 Beginners and U10 Duo categories in 2024. CREWQ Powerhouse The driving force behind CREWQ's evolution this year includes Kali showcasing finesse in femme and K-pop, Jaheena bringing the fire of dancehall, Araafat infusing rich Afro rhythms, and Ayman flipping the scene with breakdance, this dynamic faculty is led by visionary hip-hop artist and team director, Aristotle.
Qatar Tribune
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
From Albay to Airwaves: How RJ Francis is amplifying Filipino voice in Qatar
Darlene Regis When a 10-year-old starts stringing cable wires across his neighbourhood to broadcast from his bedroom, you know he's destined for the spotlight. Fast forward to today, and that same curious kid — now known as RJ Francis — has become the familiar voice many Filipinos in Qatar start their day with, share laughs with, and feel seen by. Hailing from Albay, The Philippines, RJ Francis has spent over six years abroad not only building a career in media, but also anchoring a growing platform for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to connect, express, and thrive. In an exclusive with Qatar Tribune, he shares his journey from humble roots to becoming a radio anchor, host, and founder of Cuecastt, a platform empowering voices across the Filipino diaspora. What brought you to Qatar, and how did it shape your media and community journey? I came to Qatar in search of better opportunities. Media and community involvement have always been part of me. Moving here reignited that passion, allowing me to continue doing what I love, while giving back to the community. Radio broadcasting king During his tenure at Qabayan Radio, RJ wasn't just a DJ— he was a bridge for OFWs. From cracking jokes and playing nostalgic OPM hits to tackling serious community topics, his show became a daily staple. How did your journey in radio begin? I began my radio journey as a college freshman, inspired by the DJs I grew up listening to. But my passion for public speaking and hosting started much earlier — in high school and even as a 10-year-old imitating radio DJs and TV voiceovers. I built a DIY setup, wiring speakers around the neighbourhood to broadcast from home, and memorised TV lines to mimic the voices I admired. Looking back, those early passions and playful mic experiments clearly shaped the path I'm on today. How do you connect with your listeners, and what feedback resonated with you? At Qabayan Radio, connecting with the audience meant more than being on air. It was about making them feel heard and valued. I engaged through social media, events, and daily conversations. One listener said my voice helped them feel closer to home. With lighthearted jokes and relatable stories, I became part of many kababayans' daily routine. Balancing humor with sincerity reminded me of the vital role we play in bringing comfort and connection to the Filipino community abroad. What challenges have you faced in your radio career? Staying relevant in a fast-changing media landscape is one of radio's biggest challenges, along with the pressure to deliver fresh content while juggling personal and professional demands. I overcome this by adapting to trends, using digital tools, staying connected with the community, and staying true to my purpose — to inform, entertain, and inspire. Tell us about a meaningful moment in your career. One memorable moment was when listeners thanked me for advice that helped them see life differently or find strength. Others said the songs reminded them of home and simpler times. These moments deeply moved me, reinforcing my responsibility as a radio personality and inspiring me to be more intentional, empathetic, and committed to serving our audience. CUECASTT TRAILBLAZER When RJ Francis left mainstream radio, he co-founded Cuecastt, a podcast platform for untold stories. What started as a side project now features big names like ONE Championship stars, Gilas Pilipinas icons, and Filipino celebrities. What inspired you to start Cuecastt? Cuecastt began as a spontaneous idea inspired by my social media friends. After leaving traditional radio, I wanted to keep my voice alive and saw digital platforms as a powerful tool to connect and inspire. Despite many doubts, we stayed focused, proving Cuecastt is more than content — it's empowerment. What topics do you cover on Cuecastt, and what do listeners take away? Cuecastt covers diverse topics — from inspiring people and culture to major events. We've featured guests like ONE Championship fighters Denice Zamboanga, Joshua Pacio, and Eduard Folayang; executives Chatri Sityodtong and Hua Fung Teh; international personalities Mitch Chilson and Dom Lau; Gilas coach Tim Cone and players; and local celebrities Gian Bernardino and Bela Padilla. I hope listeners leave each episode inspired, informed, and connected. How do you empower Filipinos through your platform? Through Cuecastt, I empower Filipinos by sharing success stories, promoting local talent, and highlighting important causes. My goal is to inform, entertain, and uplift the community, making every Filipino feel seen, heard, and inspired. What's next for Cuecastt? I aspire for Cuecastt to be a top Filipino digital platform that entertains, educates, empowers, and connects communities in Qatar and beyond. I plan to grow through collaborations, live events, and visual content, featuring voices from everyday heroes to global changemakers—creating a space where stories inspire pride and belonging. HOSTING PRO Beyond podcasting and radio, RJ is a seasoned event host known for his genuine connection. What does hosting mean to you? For me, hosting is about creating genuine connections that make people feel seen and heard. Whether on stage, air, or online, it's a way to share stories, build community, celebrate culture, and inspire action. Hosting is a calling that defines who I am and how I serve others. How did your hosting journey begin? My hosting journey began in high school when a teacher asked me to host an event. Gaining confidence, I took on more roles through school, college, and radio. Soon, I hosted major events with artists, bands, and political figures. Hosting became a true passion and key part of my life. COMMUNITY LEADER Through mentorship and outreach for distressed OFWs, RJ has made his platform a catalyst for positive change. Have you led or joined any outreach programs? Yes, we work with Qatar organizations to support distressed OFWs and partner with Filipino influencers on projects like CUE101, which mentors aspiring podcasters. This is just the start—more initiatives to support Filipinos are on the way. What achievements are you most proud of? I'm proud to use my voice to inspire and connect—on air, at events, through Cuecastt, and in outreach for OFWs and creators. Grateful to my Cuecastt and SGE teams for their support, and above all, to God for guiding this journey. Knowing our work touches hearts and sparks change is my greatest achievement. BEHIND THE MIC Quiet off-air, powerful on-air—this is RJ Francis's story. 'I'm actually very quiet,' he laughs. 'Most people don't know I used to be a dancer—and I'm a frustrated singer, too!' What's something most people don't know about you off-air? Believe it or not—off-air, I'm actually more quiet and reserved. Within my circle of friends, I tend to be the listener rather than the talker. But on mic, my energy changes. Few know I was in a dance group back in the Philippines, winning competitions. Though a 'frustrated singer,' I still belt out tunes when no one's watching! What keeps you grounded and passionate about media and community service? What keeps me grounded is remembering my purpose: giving voice to important stories and uplifting Filipinos far from home. Every message and thank-you reminds me why I do this. I'm also inspired by my Cuecastt team, the SGE family, and our community, whose passion fuels mine and shows that media is a calling to serve and connect. What is your advice for Filipinos entering broadcasting in Qatar? To young Filipinos entering broadcasting in Qatar: Be passionate, humble, and true to your purpose. Connect, serve, inspire. Start small, learn from mistakes, and welcome feedback. Keep your integrity—it sets you apart. Build real relationships, represent our community proudly. Use your voice to uplift and create change. And never lose your smile — it shows your passion.
Qatar Tribune
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Filipino Muslims in Qatar celebrate unity at 1st PMF Musabaqah
Darlene Regis In a remarkable celebration of unity, culture, and Islamic values, the Philippine Muslim Federation (PMF) hosted its '1st Musabaqah' at the Arab International Academy's Building 3. Themed 'With Faith We Compete, In Unity We Celebrate,' the landmark event brought together five Filipino Muslim organizations including AL-SALAM, DMOQ, OMMOW, PMA, and POMDA, for a full day of friendly competition and fellowship, marking a significant milestone for the Filipino Muslim community in Qatar. The Musabaqah, held as PMF's Eid Al Adha celebration, showcased a diverse lineup of activities highlighting community participation. It was preceded by a Bowling Tournament on June 5 at Qatar Bowling Center, where PMA's early victory set a spirited tone for the event. Celebrating Through Unity and Purpose Festivities commenced with a colourful banner presentation by the participating organisations, followed by a warm welcome address from PMF founding member Sheikh Nuroddin Abdulhamid. PMF Sports Committee Chairman Hasan Gandaruza formally opened the games, while PMF President Yasir Aragat led the programme. Simultaneous competitions took place, including Basketball, Chess, and Dart for men, while women competed in Scrabble and prepared for the highly anticipated Food Exhibit Contest. A bazaar organised by PMF Women's Affairs Chair Malak Alcala celebrated Filipino-Muslim entrepreneurship and culture. Spiritual and Community Highlights In mid-morning, young representatives from each organisation competed in Azan, Muhadarah, and Qur'an Memorisation contests, demonstrating their skills and devotion to Islamic teachings. Meanwhile, the Food Exhibit Contest was judged by a panel of distinguished guests. A free Medical Mission was also conducted by Academia International Institute, led by CEO Annaliza Diet. The morning session concluded with children's gift-giving, provided by Super Future Academy. The Dhuhr prayer was observed in congregation, followed by a community lunch that highlighted the hospitality and camaraderie of the Filipino Muslim diaspora in Qatar. Triumphs and Recognition The afternoon programme featured Basketball semi-finals and finals, with PMA winning the championship. Simultaneously, Table Tennis and Billiards were held at Qatar Bowling Center. In the culinary competition, AL-SALAM won 1st place in the Food Exhibit, while PMA took the overall championship, excelling in both sports and Islamic contests. Looking Ahead The programme culminated with closing remarks from PMF Adviser Sheikh Homer Pagayawan. PMF President Aragat announced upcoming initiatives to sustain the Musabaqah's momentum and expand the federation's impact beyond sports and religious events, fostering a stronger Filipino Muslim community in Qatar.
Qatar Tribune
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
Kulinarya Qatar showcases Filipino heritage on 127th Philippine Independence Day celebrations
Darlene Regis In a festive three-day celebration, Kulinarya Qatar hosted a Family Day, commemorating the 127th Philippine Independence Day with patriotic fervor and unity, from May 29 to 31, 2025, at the Al Jasrah Cultural and Social Club in Souq Waqif. Spearheaded by Kulinarya Qatar Chairperson Dahlia Agbanlog, the event was a rich tapestry of cultural performances and talent showcases that united the Filipino community in Qatar. Day 1: Cultural Launch and Grand Welcome The festivities began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Mohammed Saeed Abdullah, AJCSC Managing Representative; Agbanlog; Sheikha Bimby Tammy; and Saeed Al Ghanim of Nayong Filipino. In his welcome remarks, Abdullah expressed unwavering support for the Filipino community in Qatar. A cultural dance performance by the Xtreme Level Danz Crew paid homage to Filipino traditions, followed by the opening segment of the Munting Prinsipe at Prinsesa Season 5 (MPP S5), led by MPP Managing Director Jeannie Trixia De Vera. The evening honoured the arrival of His Excellency Mardomel Melicor, Philippine Ambassador to Qatar, represented by Antonia 'Girlie' Bejarin Caba of the Philippine Embassy. Day 2: Sagala, Talent, and Cultural Performances The second day featured a colorful Sagala parade, where participants donned traditional attire, parading through the alleys of Souq Waqif. Performances by Tanghalang Overseas Pinoy (TOPi) included powerful renditions of 'Bagani' and 'Liwanag sa Dilim.' According to TOPi Chairman Kevin Mallari, the group's performance celebrated both traditional warriors and modern-day Filipino heroes. The crowd was energized by Dahon Mix's live performance of Original Pinoy Music (OPM) hits. Kasambahay Got Talent Season 2 The Grand Finals of Kasambahay Got Talent Season 2, directed by Imelda Torres, celebrated the talents and spirit of Filipino domestic workers. Out of the 10 contestants, the winners are: Grand Winner: Alma Mort, 1st Runner-Up: Monica Camacho and 2nd Runner-Up: Cherish Ventura. Day 3: MPP Grand Finals S5 Anticipation peaked during the grand coronation of Munting Prinsipe at Prinsesa Season 5, with a welcome dance by YOUnited, champions of the PSD INDAK Category 1. Thirteen young contestants impressed everyone with their charm, confidence, and creativity. The pageant was mentored by Unica De Vera, Kulinarya's first Munting Prinsesa. The Munting Prinsipe 2025 winners are Simon Joaquin Visaya (Crowned), Renzo Marius Castillo (1st Runner-Up), and Thirrion James Dedase (2nd Runner-Up), while the Munting Prinsesa 2025 winners are Sabine Ruth Adelheid Perez (Crowned), Maia Aniela Bondoc (1st Runner-Up), and Chloe Jamon (2nd Runner-Up). A Celebration Beyond the Stage Around the venue, booths offered Filipino cuisine, street food, art, and interactive exhibits like caricature drawings and visual arts by the Filipino Art Society. Community entrepreneurs, such as Rhon Palmaria of Boba and Brew, showcased locally owned brands. The event was co-hosted by Cloud Camacho, Marian Lovie Francia, Veronica Bianca Millena, Loren Margarette Espiritu, Don Franco Gian Camat, Fatma Meihaya Hadji Ali, and Unica De Vera. Certificates and plaques of appreciation were given to those who contributed to the event's success. Kulinarya Qatar: A Decade of Cultural Pride Founded in July 2015, Kulinarya Qatar, has grown into a dynamic platform promoting Filipino heritage, talent, and cuisine in Qatar. The group has championed programs that blend entertainment with cultural education, spotlighting Filipino-made Halal products and artistry.
