A year ago, Falaniko Penesa, 26, of Upolu, Apia, Samoa, finished second in the World Fireknife Championship, losing out to five-time champion Mikaele Oloa of Waialua, Hawaii.
Penesa spent the past year “practicing every day to make my moves flow” and the hard work paid off, as he won the 25th Annual World Fireknife Championship on Saturday night (May 13), beating out Oloa by one point on the combined scorecards of the seven judges. Kepanipaa Damaso of Waikoloa, Hawaii finished third.
Penesa, who performs at Hong Kong Disneyland, dazzled the sold-out crowd at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Pacific Theater with an amazing routine that had him spinning, twirling and juggling one and two fireknives at lightning-fast speed, often behind his back and overhead.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8105951-world-fireknife-championship-falaniko-penesa/
A ground-breaking retelling and reclaiming of Anne Boleyn’s life and legacy from a preeminent cultural thinker puts old questions to rest and raises some surprising new ones. Learn more about this book http://www.thecreationofanneboleyn.com Historical
Global human rights organization Breakthrough’s groundbreaking 12-week Facebook gaming event, “America 2049,” today enters its 4th week with over 11,000 players “networking for freedom.” “America 2049” — in which players explore how the choices we make today will shape our nation’s future — features appearances by Harold Perrineau (LOST), Victor Garber (Alias), Cherry Jones (24), Anthony Rapp (Rent) and Margaret Cho (Notorious C.H.O.), who generously donated their time and talents to help Breakthrough put a face on complex issues. “America 2049” is the first Facebook game integrating features, online clues and real-life events at leading cultural institutions. It has sparked enthusiastic responses from TIME.com, Gawker.com, HuffingtonPost.com and others.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/breakthrough/49863/
Traditional Chinese folk dance and song have been passed down generation to generation for thousands of years. A unique opportunity to experience some of these cultural traditions was shared with audiences in Austin, Texas with Treasures of the Yunnan Province. This special one-time cultural exchange performance featuring dancers, singers, magicians and acrobats from the People’s Republic of China, occurred on January 12, 2011 at the historic Paramount Theatre in downtown Austin at 713 Congress Avenue.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/austinchamber/48079/
The Polynesian Cultural Center is inviting guests to experience the allure and adventure of ocean life through its newest water show, Huki, which made its debut on August 18.
The canoe celebration, staged at the state’s only water performance venue, explores Polynesian myths and customs, inspiring ancient history, and beloved island songs.
Huki replaces the previous afternoon canoe pageant, Rainbows of Paradise, that had entertained residents and visitors for the past 16 years.
“We are excited to share with our guests, a brand-new canoe celebration at the Polynesian Cultural Center,” said Alfred Grace, CEO and president of the Polynesian Cultural Center. “Our team has been working tirelessly to ensure that Huki’s story authentically captures the unique history and folklore of Polynesia and that our facilities are renovated and reinvigorated to ensure that the experience is elevated for all of our guests.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8386451-polynesian-cultural-center-huki-hawaii-water-show/
In summer 2012, as the world’s elite athletes gather in London, the best of the world’s cultural talent will gather in Edinburgh as they do every year in what is the world’s leading Festival City.
2012 will see Edinburgh’s Festivals attract four million people to view 40,000 performances across more than 300 venues involving over 25,000 artists.
It’s the 65th anniversary of Edinburgh’s emergence as the pre-eminent festival destination; the Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Edinburgh International Film Festival began in 1947.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/53746-edinburgh-festivals
International research led by University College London (UCL) as part of the ‘Cities Changing Diabetes’ partnership programme challenges current scientific understanding of the rapid rise of diabetes in cities. The findings suggest that in cities around the world, social and cultural factors play a far more important role in the spread of the epidemic than previously thought.
More than two thirds of the world’s 400 million people with diabetes live in urban areas.1,2 The year-long study for Cities Changing Diabetes, a unique public-private-academic partnership, sought to better understand what makes people vulnerable to type 2 diabetes in cities in order to inform solutions for one of the most pressing modern-day public health challenges. To explore this complex issue, more than 550 interviews were undertaken with at-risk and diagnosed people in five major cities – Copenhagen, Houston, Mexico City, Shanghai and Tianjin.
“By largely focusing on biomedical risk factors for diabetes, traditional research has not adequately accounted for the impact of social and cultural drivers of disease,” says David Napier, Professor of Medical Anthropology, UCL. “Our pioneering research will enable cities worldwide to help populations adapt to lifestyles that make them less vulnerable to diabetes.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7690951-study-rethink-rise-diabetes-in-cities/
Following a 16-month restoration, the new Tonga Village at the Polynesian Cultural Center opened Saturday, June 11, in a ceremony steeped in culture and celebration, highlighted by the presence of the Royal Family of Tonga.
His Majesty King Tupou VI, joined by his wife, Her Majesty Queen Nanasipauu, made a special trip to participate in the ceremony as a tribute to the people of Tonga and the spirit of the Tongan culture being perpetuated at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
King Tupou VI addressed the audience, praising the Polynesian Cultural Center for its dedication to showcase culture. “The Polynesian Cultural Center is a window the world can look through to understand lesser-known islands and their people,” said King Tupou VI. “The Tonga Village fosters pride in the cultural identity of our people and allows them to preserve and pass on that love to our younger generations.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7857951-polynesian-cultural-center-tongan-village-grand-opening/
In today’s always-on world, people are more digitally-connected than ever before – yet less connected to one another in meaningful ways. That’s why Murad®, the pioneering clinical skincare brand, is launching the EyesUp Campaign, a new initiative designed to educate people about the danger of digital-only relationships and the power of real-world human connection. Through the campaign, Murad is encouraging people around the world to go “EyesUp” and connect with one another in real life.
Renowned as the “Father of Internal Skincare,” Dr. Murad’s groundbreaking work and research over the past decade has centered on helping people cope with Cultural Stress™, or the stress of modern living. The hallmarks of Cultural Stress include digital dependency, the inability to disconnect from work, and lowered self-esteem due to increased social expectations.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/7833456-murad-skincare-eyesup-campaign/
Main goal of "Nomad Universe" is the preservation and revival of historical heritage and diversity of the original culture of peoples and ethnic groups worldwide. 1,000 participants from 90 countries will attend Nomad Universe to perform & present their cultural treasures in Art, Sport & Science.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8505551-ethnofestival-nomad-universe-in-riyadh/
Culture is the cornerstone to business. Daniel de Lange of Asia Capital Holdings shares the importance of cultural understanding. Simple steps to better understanding. This is the third episode of a 7 part though leader series sponsored by ServCorp Smart Offices. http://blog.servcorp.com.hk
