“Swan Lake” Returns to Singapore This 16 October: Everyone’s Favorite Timeless Tale Singapore, 1st July 2025

 

 By overwhelming demand, Swan Lake returns to Singapore on 16 October 2025 for an encore tour, inviting audiences to relive the timeless magic of the world’s most iconic ballet. Presented by Crescendo Asia and performed by the Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre, the production stars former Mariinsky Ballet soloists, bringing the elegance of Russian classical ballet to Southeast Asia.

After a sold-out Southeast Asia tour in 2024, featuring Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, Crescendo Asia returns with a production praised for its emotional depth, breathtaking storytelling, and Tchaikovsky’s haunting score. This encore is a gift for both loyal fans and first-time viewers.

Singapore, 2 July 2025 - By overwhelming popular demand, the legendary Swan Lake returns this October for a spectacular encore tour—inviting audiences to once again immerse themselves in the enchantment, drama, and poetic beauty of the world’s most iconic ballet.

Presented by Crescendo Asia and performed by Saint Petersburg National Ballet Theatre, this majestic production features former soloists from the prestigious Mariinsky Ballet, delivering the essence and tradition of Russian classical ballet to Southeast Asian stages.

Renowned as one of the most beautiful and magical ballets ever created, Swan Lake continues to mesmerize with its haunting Tchaikovsky score, emotional intensity, and breathtaking storytelling. The show is a celebration of grace, love, and mystery—a timeless masterpiece that stirs the soul and captures the imagination.

A Proven Triumph Last year

In 2024, Crescendo’s Southeast Asia ballet tour featuring Swan Lake and The Nutcracker were nothing short of phenomenal—selling out every venue and earning glowing reviews, standing ovations, and endless admiration from audiences across the region. “The first tour exceeded every expectation—sold-out venues, thunderous applause, and fans who demanded for more,” says Dimitri Montalto, Director of Crescendo Asia. “This encore is for everyone who loved the magic the first time — and for those about to fall in love with it for the very first time.”

Whether you’re a lifelong ballet lover or stepping into the theatre for the very first time, Swan Lake offers an unforgettable evening of elegance, emotion, and ethereal beauty—the kind of experience that lives on in the heart long after the curtain falls. Check the closest show from your home below:

Encore Tour Dates

• 11 October 2025 – KLCC Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur

• 16 October 2025 – The Star Theatre, Singapore

• 18 October 2025 – JIEXPO Theatre, Jakarta

The magic begins — public ticket sales go live on Friday, 4 July at 3PM (GMT+8). Don’t miss your chance to witness the world’s most iconic ballet. Follow us on Instagram for exclusive behind-the-scenes moments and tour updates: @crescendo_asia

About Primuse

Crescendo Asia is a prominent organizer of cultural and entertainment events across Asia, showcasing a wide array of performing arts and spectacular shows. Specializing not only in classical music and ballet performances, but also in a variety of artistic expressions, Crescendo is dedicated to excellence and fueled by a profound passion for the arts. Our mission is to present the beauty of classical arts to diverse audiences, enriching cultural experiences through unforgettable performances.

What is Cardano Midnight Airdrop: A Historic, Multi-Chain Airdrop Aimed at Revolutionizing Blockchain Privacy

Midnight Network, a privacy-focused Cardano sidechain, launches a record-breaking airdrop, Cardano Miidnight Airdrop or Glacier Drop, distributing 24 billion NIGHT tokens across eight major blockchains. Discover how it works and why it matters.

In an unprecedented move poised to reshape the way blockchain projects distribute tokens, Midnight Network, a privacy-first sidechain built on the Cardano ecosystem, has announced its massive "Glacier Drop", an airdrop of 24 billion NIGHT tokens.

Unlike typical airdrops limited to a single blockchain community, Midnight's initiative spans eight major networks, marking a significant shift toward inclusive, multi-chain user engagement.

What Is the Glacier Drop?

The Glacier Drop is Midnight Network’s inaugural airdrop event, distributing NIGHT, the governance token of its ecosystem, to over 37 million users.

Eligibility was determined by a snapshot taken on June 11, 2025, and applies to holders of at least $100 worth of tokens on the following chains:

1. Cardano (ADA)

2. Bitcoin (BTC)

3. Ethereum (ETH)

4. Ripple (XRP)

5. Solana (SOL)

6. BNB Chain (BNB)

7. Avalanche (AVAX)

8. Basic Attention Token (BAT)

NIGHT Token Allocation Breakdown

The 24 billion NIGHT tokens will be distributed as follows:

1. 50% (12 billion) to Cardano (ADA) holders

2. 20% (4.8 billion) to Bitcoin (BTC) holders

3. 30% (7.2 billion) shared among ETH, XRP, SOL, BNB, AVAX, and BAT holders

Vesting Schedule & Redemption

Eligible users will not receive their tokens all at once. Instead, the distribution follows a vesting model:

1. 25% unlock every 90 days

2. Full unlock completed in 360 days

Tokens will initially be locked in smart contracts on the Cardano network, and users must claim them within a 60-day window (July–August 2025).

Unclaimed tokens will be redirected to the Scavenger Mine, where they can be earned through computational mining. A Lost-and-Found phase will follow for those who missed the initial claim period.

What Is the Midnight Network?

First revealed in 2023 and developed by Input Output (IO), the team behind Cardano, Midnight Network is designed to support confidential smart contracts using Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs).

Unlike traditional privacy coins such as Monero or Zcash, Midnight allows selective disclosure, giving users control over what data is shared and with whom.

Key use cases include:

1. Privacy-preserving DeFi

2. Confidential medical and identity data storage

3. Secure enterprise-grade blockchain interactions

Midnight aims to bridge the gap between privacy and compliance, enabling real-world use without compromising on data protection.

NIGHT and DUST: The Dual Token Model

Midnight’s ecosystem will run on a two-token system:

1. NIGHT: Used for governance and staking

2. DUST: A utility token used for private transactions and executing smart contracts

Unlike most blockchain projects that reserve large token shares for VCs and insiders, Midnight is entirely user-focused. 100% of NIGHT tokens in the initial phase are designated for the community.

Bridging to XRP: DeFi Without Moving Coins

One of the most innovative features of Midnight is its upcoming DeFi bridge to the XRP Ledger. This bridge allows XRP holders to engage in staking, lending, and liquidity provision, without transferring tokens off-chain.

By leveraging confidential smart contracts, the bridge ensures privacy while expanding XRP’s functionality. Additionally, Midnight is exploring compatibility with RLUSD (Ripple’s stablecoin) and Cardano’s Lace wallet, signaling deeper interoperability.

How Midnight Differs From Other Airdrops

The Glacier Drop is being compared to recent airdrops from Jupiter and Starknet, both of which distributed billions in tokens. Yet, Midnight sets itself apart in several key ways:

1. Largest by participant count: 37 million eligible addresses

2. No VC involvement: Community-first approach

3. Cross-chain reach: Touches multiple blockchain ecosystems

4. Strong privacy framework: Built with ZKPs for selective transparency

5. Post-airdrop utility: Real-world use cases beyond speculation

By focusing on network-wide inclusion instead of quick financial gain, Midnight may redefine the future of token distribution.

What Comes Next?

The Midnight Network is currently in testnet, with a full mainnet launch expected in late 2025, approximately 90 days after the Glacier Drop.

Updates on the claiming process, integrations, and mainnet features are expected in the coming months.

This project could spark a new era of decentralized, privacy-respecting finance, prioritizing community ownership and cross-chain interoperability.

Conclusion

The Glacier Drop isn't just an airdrop, it's a vision for the future of blockchain privacy and community-led growth.

With 24 billion tokens, a dual-token system, and support for eight major blockchain networks, Midnight is poised to become a cornerstone of Web3’s next evolution.

For anyone interested in the convergence of privacy, DeFi, and blockchain inclusivity, Midnight is one to watch.

Stay ahead of the crypto curve, follow the Bitrue Blog for the latest updates on airdrops, blockchain tech, and market insights.

About Bitrue

Bitrue is a leading cryptocurrency exchange, offering a wide range of digital assets, innovative features, and user-focused services. Founded with the mission to empower the world’s crypto enthusiasts, Bitrue continues to expand its platform with new products, events, and opportunities for users worldwide.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

Karaoke Manekineko Celebrates Culture and Community at UCSI Lantern Matsuri 2025

Karaoke Manekineko Malaysia was proud to join the vibrant Japanese cultural celebration at UCSI Lantern Matsuri 2025 as a Platinum Sponsor. From fireworks to festive vibes, here’s a look back at the unforgettable evening filled with culture, community, and karaoke joy!

Karaoke Manekineko Malaysia proudly took part as a Platinum Sponsor in the Lantern Matsuri 2025, held on 28 June at UCSI Campsite. Organized by the UCSI Japanese Cultural Society (JCS) with support from UCSI University and Student Affairs & Alumni, the event was a vibrant celebration of Japanese tradition, creativity, and community spirit.

From 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the festival welcomed visitors with exciting cultural performances, yukata-clad guests, colourful booths, and a festive fireworks finale. As a brand deeply rooted in Japanese entertainment, Karaoke Manekineko was honored to be part of such a meaningful cultural gathering.

During the event, we connected with many passionate fans of Japanese culture and karaoke. Our team enjoyed interacting with attendees, including families and young children, who brought a lively energy to the venue. It was truly heartwarming to witness the shared joy and laughter that filled the evening.

Our participation at Lantern Matsuri reflected our ongoing commitment to one of our core mottos: "To revitalize local community and the world." We believe in using entertainment to bring people together—and this event was a perfect reminder of the power of shared culture and celebration.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the UCSI JCS committee for the smooth organization and warm hospitality. Karaoke Manekineko looks forward to more opportunities to collaborate and bring joy to the community through future cultural and student-led initiatives.

About Koshidaka International KL Sdn Bhd

Koshidaka International was incorporated in 2021 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as a full subsidiary of Koshidaka Holdings. The company serves as a management consultancy arm for the Karaoke Manekineko operations in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Karaoke Manekineko is a friendly and safe environment for Karaoke that is designed to accommodate a diverse range of customers, from families with young children to groups of friends and corporate teams.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

 

Popolo Music Group Launches the Philippines’ First P-Pop Trainee Program

  

Independent label led by Seoul-based entrepreneur Paul “Pooh” Lunt aims to develop the next generation of Filipino pop stars

Popolo Music Group (PMG), a rising independent music label founded by Seoul-based American entrepreneur Paul “Pooh” Lunt, has officially launched the first full-scale P-Pop trainee program in the Philippines, a move set to revolutionize how Filipino artists are trained and developed for the global stage.

Drawing inspiration from the proven Korean K-Pop training model, PMG’s program blends intense performance development with personal growth and professionalism. The six-month training system will cover vocals, dance, language, stage presence, image development, and media training, designed to mold raw talent into world-class performers.

“This isn’t just about launching new artists—it’s about building a platform for long-term global success,” said Paul Lunt, PMG Founder and CEO. “We believe the Philippines is ready to take center stage in the Asian pop music wave, and we’re committed to discovering and developing the artists who will lead it.”

Popolo Music Group is now actively auditioning the next generation of P-Pop stars. Filipino singers and dancers aged 14 to 25 are encouraged to apply. To be considered, interested applicants must submit a 2-minute performance video—vocals, dance, or both—along with their full name, age, location, and contact information via email to Demos@popolomusic.asia.

Only the most promising applicants will be selected for a second-round live audition and an in-depth interview process, after which a final group will be chosen to enter the trainee program.

Founded with a mission to elevate Filipino talent to international recognition, PMG already manages a roster of over 50 artists across recording, management, booking, and promotion. With operations connected to Seoul, Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Manila, and a team of global producers and trainers from the U.S., U.K., South Korea, France, and the Netherlands, PMG is fast emerging as a leader in Asian music innovation.

As part of its broader vision, PMG aims to position the Philippines as Asia’s next pop music powerhouse by combining cutting-edge promotional strategies with authentic artistry and rigorous training.

For more details, visit www.popolomusic.asia or email info@popolomusic.asia.

About Popolo Music Group

Popolo Music Group (PMG) is an emerging independent music label founded by Seoul-based American entrepreneur Paul “Pooh” Lunt. Headquartered in Manila—with ties to Seoul, Tokyo, and Los Angeles—PMG supports a roster of 50 artists in management, booking, production, and promotion. It is building the Philippines’ first structured P-Pop trainee program, modeled after the Korean system, featuring intensive six-month training in vocals, dance, language, performance, and media. Leveraging global talent and cutting-edge promotional strategies, PMG is committed to nurturing authentic Filipino talent and elevating the local music industry onto the global stage.