New karaoke machine feature gives singers clearer voice amid virus

NAGOYA - Karaoke lovers can now sing their hearts out and hear their voices clearly even with their face masks on, thanks to a new feature recently installed on karaoke machines across Japan.

Individuals can utilize the new "mask effect" on the popular karaoke machine "Joysound" used in karaoke boxes across the country, according to Nagoya-based karaoke machine operator Xing Inc.

The singing parlors, which reopened in line with the lifting of the state of emergency, have been seeing a rise in customers, albeit with the new normal of having their face masks on to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The newly introduced setting can be switched on using the "Joysound" device for selecting songs, and automatically amplifies the mid-range to high-range pitches, which can sound muffled through a mask.

With the new feature, masked customers need not raise their voices even during the chorus -- often associated with the climax of a song -- to hear themselves clearly.

Karaoke venues, typically consisting of multiple rooms in various sizes equipped with karaoke machines, fall under the "3 Cs" -- confined spaces, crowded places and close contact -- that should be avoided to prevent the spread of the virus and were closed during the state of emergency declared across Japan since April.

The state of emergency was eventually lifted in late May, and business restrictions were eased in stages. With that, venues have resumed operations while implementing various countermeasures.

An industry group established guidelines in May to prevent the spread of the virus, including tips on ventilation, disinfecting and limiting the number of people.

"We will continue to devise ways for people to enjoy karaoke safely and carry out thorough measures (to curb the virus spread)," a company spokesperson said.

-Kyodo News-

After 12 years, Makati branch of CenterStage Family KTV ceases operations

MANILA – Family KTV and restaurant-bar CenterStage announced on Tuesday that it is permanently closing its branch in Jupiter St., Makati after 12 years.

In a Facebook post, CenterStage thanked all those who have supported the Makati branch, adding that its KTV bar at Mall of Asia in Pasay "will remain open to serve you soon."

CenterStage's sister company Rockstar KTV, which has a branch at SM Aura in Taguig and soon at Glorietta in Makati, will also continue to operate.

"It is with a heavy heart to announce the permanent closure of CenterStage Family KTV in Jupiter, Makati branch, effective on June 30, 2020," CenterStage said.

"After 12 years of wonderful celebrations and unforgettable memories, we are down to our last song," it added.

Kapamilya singer Karylle, who is a co-owner of CenterStage, also thanked everyone who patronized the Makati branch.

“To all our family and friends who supported us through the years, thank you very much,” she said.

The "It's Showtime" host then encouraged netizens to share photos or stories of their favorite CenterStage experience. 

CenterStage's Makati branch joins the growing number of establishments in the country that have ceased operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

news.abs-cbn.com

Rob Schneider dares Pacquiao to karaoke

MANILA -- Hollywood comedian Rob Schneider dared Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao to a karaoke match.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News on Monday, the "Deuce Bigalow" star said he would really want to meet the boxer and do a duet.

"Pacquiao, I love you, I'm supposed to meet you for a gig. I want a song with you, I want to do a duet with you. Come on, Manny. You and me, Pacman, karaoke, Manila. You know you want to baby," Schneider dared Pacquiao.

The boxer has been known to enjoy singing and has even recorded songs in the Philippines. He also famously sang Dan Hill's "Sometimes When We Touch" on US late-night shows.

Turning serious, Schneider, who's mother is a Filipina, said he is a big fan of Pacquiao.

"He skills are ridiculous. I don't know of any fighter ever who's gone from 108 lbs. to 155 lbs. just destroying people. Five, seven years, he was just destroying people. I mean no one can keep up with him," he said.

At the same time, Schneider believes that the Filipino's days as a boxer are numbered.

"I think if he wants to continue fighting, I think one more and that's it," he said. "I hope Manny gets to fight on a big stage one more time."

Like other fight fans, he hopes that Pacquiao's last big fight is against unbeaten boxer Floyd Mayweather. And Schneider is confident that the Filipino can defeat the American champion.

"That's the reason why Mayweather has avoided Pacquiao, because Pacquiao will win and he knows it," he said.

Mom's story

Schneider is currently in the country for a one-night stand-up comedy show "Rob Schneider: Live in Manila" on Monday at Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque City.

In the interview, Schneider said he would to do a movie in the Philippines about the life story of her mother.

"My mother has a great story about her childhood during the Japanese occupation. You know her brothers died in the war but that was also the most exciting time in her life. She's telling me stories like they make pajamas out of bed sheets to trade them to get kamote. ...It's a beautiful story about a little girl and I'd like to make that story," Schneider said.

The comedian, who was earlier posting on Twitter photos of Filipino food he is enjoying, also said he is proud to be part-Filipino.






"I'll tell you what, I love it here. I mean, the nicest people I've ever had in my life are my Filipino relatives. ... They are just beautiful people," he said.

"I mean the Filipinos are like the Irish -- their biggest export is the people and they succeed everywhere in the world. I was just in Singapore and the people who are really working hard are the Filipinos. They all know me, they know I'm part Filipino and that makes me feel proud, These are good people to be associated with," he said.

Sense of humor

Schneider also gave some words of encouragement to Filipinos, especially after the country was hit by a strong earthquake.

"You guys deal with, like, all the plagues that hit Egypt, except for the frogs flying. So people, you have to develop sense of humor. You have to, otherwise you will go mad," he said. "You have floods here, clean up the mess and move on -- move on and have laugh about it."

It's a quality that he has noticed among Filipinos.

"You can't go five minutes without somebody laughing," he said. "it's a beautiful quality because it makes you feel comfortable. When you laugh it's a way of making yourself comfortable and making other people comfortable."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

S. Korean karaoke-bar fire kills nine

SEOUL -- A fierce blaze swept through a karaoke lounge in the South Korean city of Busan killing nine people and injuring 20, police said on Sunday.

The fire broke out on Saturday night in one of the establishment's 28 rooms, police said, and witnesses reported hearing a loud bang before smoke quickly engulfed the bar, on the third floor of a six-story building.

The dead included two women and three Sri Lankan workers who were holding a company party with Korean colleagues, the Yonhap news agency said.

The 20 injured were taken to hospital for treatment.

Smoke and fumes spread quickly, making it hard for people to find the exits, and most of those killed died from inhaling toxic gases, Yonhap said.

About 100 firefighters battled the blaze as dozens of people evacuated the building, it said.

It was not immediately clear what started the fire and an investigation was under way.

In January 2009, at least eight people were killed in a fire in another karaoke lounge in the major southern port city.

Investigators blamed lax fire precautions and suspected staff negligence for the blaze, which gutted the basement bar in the Yongdo district.

source: interaksyon.com

Gerald Anderson reacts on Sarah Geronimo calling him 'babe'

MANILA, Philippines – Gerald Anderson was pleasantly surprised when rumored girlfriend Sarah Geronimo accidentally called him “babe” in a VTR aired during the pilot episode of her show, “Sarah G Live!,” last Sunday.

“Kung napanood niyo, nagulat din ako do’n. Sa totoo lang, hindi ko po alam kung bakit nangyari ‘yon. Siyempre nagulat ako, at the same time, kinilig din ako, nanginig ang tuhod ko no’n,” the actor admitted during a recent press conference for “Budoy,” as quoted by Push.com.ph in an article posted on Feb. 29.

That particular scene showed the two singing karaoke inside a yacht. Sarah, while browsing the song catalog, blurted out, “Hanap lang ako, babe.” Both Sarah and Gerald looked surprise after, with the former trying to save the situation by explaining that the song they were singing has “babe” in the lyrics.

But he made it clear that he and the pop princess are not a couple.

“As much as gusto ko’ng sabihin na kami, we’re friends and hindi po ako nagsisinungaling sa inyo,” he insisted, adding that he’s “very proud” and “really happy” being her friend.

However, in another part of the interview, Gerald directly stated that he likes Sarah, who serves as his “inspiration.”

“Just thinking about her puts a smile on my face, pero at the same time, nirerespeto ko po ‘yung pamilya niya. Kumbaga kung ano ang stand nila, kumbaga si Sarah ‘andoon pa siya sa stage na hindi pa siya ready na magkaroon ng boyfriend o ka-relasyon…” he was quoted as saying.

In other news, Sarah revealed that she still gets intimidated by John Lloyd Cruz despite starring with him in two movies previously.

“’Yung mga sagot niya alam mo ‘yung talagang ang lalim so dun ako hanga talaga sa kanya, at saka 'yung pagiging magaling talaga niyang actor,” the performer said in an interview also by Push, Wednesday.

Sarah and John Lloyd is set to start filming the third installment to their box-office hits “A Very Special Love” and “You Changed My Life” next month. But according to her, she remains “amazed” being paired with him until now.

“Nakaka-mesmerize ‘yung galing niya as an actor at saka ‘yung intelligence niya,” she added.

Sarah, who used to think that John Lloyd was “masyadong nakakatakot” and “nakakatakot i-approach,” now describes him as “kalog,” “masayang ka-trabaho,” “hindi madamot,” and “kahit anong klase ng tao kayang-kaya niyang pakisamahan ng maayos.”

source: mb.com.ph