The National

Longoria to chair Dubai’s Global Gift Gala

The actress Eva Longoria has been announced as honorary chair of the first edition of the Global Gift Gala on December 14 at Supperclub Dubai. The international fund-raising initiative Global Gift Foundation has collaborated with Noor Dubai Foundation to raise money to provide support for women and children in need. "We have had phenomenal success with our galas around the world and really hope to build on this with the support and generosity from everyone here, all of whom have been so welcoming," said Longoria in a statement. The Global Gift Gala will feature a red carpet, cocktail reception, dinner, live auction and a performance by the American singer Maxwell. Visit www.globalgiftfoundation.org for ticket packages. – The National staff

Journey donates $350K to Philippines

Journey are donating US$350,000 (Dh1.3m) to help relief efforts in the Philippines and their lead singer has a message for his homeland: "Don't Stop Believin'." Arnel Pineda and the rest of the band announced the donation on Friday. It will go to the United Nations World Food Programme, which is providing Filipinos with food assistance. In a statement, Pineda referred to the group's famous Believin' song and said "help is on the way". Journey are also calling on fans to donate to the cause. – AP

Pancholi defends son in Jiah Khan case

The veteran actor Aditya Pancholi, responding to fresh allegations against his son Sooraj in the Jiah Khan case, said Sooraj was at a hotel when the actress died. "We have footage of Sooraj entering the hotel, spending time in there with his friend and leaving the hotel," Pancholi said. "Therefore the question of his guilt doesn't arise." Khan's mother Rabiya Khan claims her daughter was "murdered by someone very close to her". On June 3 this year, Khan was found hanging from the ceiling of her Mumbai residence. She was 25. She was said to be in a relationship with Sooraj Pancholi. According to new forensic reports, there apparently was human tissue and blood under Khan's fingernails. – The National staff

Eminem tops Billboard chart

Eminem's latest album debuted with the second-largest opening sales week this year, rocketing to the top of the weekly Billboard 200 music chart this week. The Marshall Mathers LP 2, Eminem's eighth studio album and seventh to reach No 1, sold 792,000 copies in its first week. The album falls behind only Justin Timberlake's The 20/20 Experience, which opened in March with 968,000 copies, for top opening sales week this year. Celine Dion landed at No 2 with her 11th English-language album, Loved Me Back to Life. Last week's chart-topper, Arcade Fire's Reflektor, dropped from No 1 to No 9. – Reuters

Koechlin and Kashyap separate

The filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and his actress wife Kalki Koechlin have announced that they are taking time apart. The couple, who have been married for a little more than two years, issued a joint statement asking for privacy, and have denied they are getting a divorce. "Kalki and I are separating," said a statement from Kashyap. "We are taking time off to figure things out. We are not divorcing. We request the media to please respect our privacy and give us our space and not speculate." – The National staff

Plus: Journey donates $350K to Philippines; Pancholi defends son in Jiah Khan case; Eminem tops Billboard chart; Koechlin and Kashyap separate.