SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015

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aittimes.net

02 03PHILSOC MSK recognizes employers,

distribute awards

Page 03Because of You brings together Carla Abellana, Rafael Rosell and Gabby Concepcion

Pinoy Arabia FM launches ‘SingGaling Karoling’

MANILA: Nakahanda si Pangulong Aquino naharapin ang anumang kaso na isasampa sakanya ng mga kritiko sa sandaling bumaba sapuwesto sa June 2016. Ito ang siniguro ni PNoysa kanyang pagharap sa Filipino community saRome, Italy kahapon ng madaling araw.Nakipagpulong din si Aquino kay Pope Francissa Vatican.

CAINTA: As a child from a poor family, Alexander Cruzmarveled at the big houses adorned with Christmaslights near his Philippine neighborhood, but the gateswere always closed. Now a successful businessmanwith a huge house in a hilly town south of Manila, Cruzcelebrates Christmas in even more spectacular style.About half a million colorful lights cover every inch ofhis home: the roof, ceiling, walls, fence, doors, canopies,windows and even the trees. And he and his wife openthe gates to everyone. “We’re doing this to share ourblessings, to give or share the spirit of Christmas to thepeople who visited our place,” the 55-year-old Cruz saidin an interview. His home in Cainta has dazzled peoplefar beyond the quiet town of around 290,000 people.TV networks have documented his holiday wonder-

land, which has become the backdrop for countlessselfies and sees up to 1,000 visitors per day. “It bringsback childhood feelings of Christmas, like in themovies, that you see big houses with big lights,” saidElla Cosme, a 34-year-old software programmer. “Youfeel like a child.”

The lighting is designed by Cruz’s wife, Aida, andpreparations for the display start as early as August.Alexander Cruz estimated that they used 5,000 boxesof LED lights, with each box containing a hundredbulbs. The Christmas lighting extravaganza is crownedby four brightly lit Christmas trees atop the roof. Insidethe house and within its gardens are Nativity scenes, acenterpiece in many homes in the Philippines. Thecountry is a bastion of Christianity in Asia, and many

Filipinos prepare for Christmas by going to Mass beforedawn every day for nine days before Dec. 25. TheCruzes have gone all-out for Christmas for the past fiveyears. Alexander Cruz said this year might be the last,since his neighbors are inconvenienced by the crowds.But with many residents and visitors urging him to car-ry on the tradition, he said he may reconsider. “We’reembarrassed that the subdivision is losing its privacybecause of the number of people coming to see thehouse,” Cruz said, but he added some of his neighborsmay have gotten used to the upbeat holiday crowdsthat reach 500-1,000 people daily on weekends. “Theywere the ones who said not to stop it, especially ourmayor, who said there has been a good effect,” Cruzsaid. “At least there is good news in Cainta.”—AP

Filipino’s poor childhood inspires 500K-light Christmas show

PH extremist linkedto Malaysian

kidnappings arrestedMANILA: A suspected Islamist extremistlinked to the kidnapping of severalMalaysians in the Philippines, including onethat was beheaded last month, was arrest-ed Friday, the military said.

Kadaffy Muktadil is a member of the AlQaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group, whichsecurity analysts say is behind dozens ofkidnappings in the past two years and hasproven increasingly brazen after beheadingMalaysian national Bernard Then inNovember.

The suspect, who also went by the nameof Kadaffy Camsa, was arrested on thesouthern island of Jolo when he soughttreatment at a hospital after a motorbikecrash, the head of a counter-terrorism mili-tary task force in the area, Alan Arrojado,told AFP.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razakhas blamed the Abu Sayyaf for the murderof Then, one of two Malaysians abductedby gunmen at a restaurant in the Sabahport of Sandakan in May.

The Philippine military said Then wasmurdered in the Abu Sayyaf’s stronghold ofJolo, about 300 kilometres (186 miles) eastof Sandakan, after ransom talks collapsed.

The other Sandakan hostage, ThienNyuk Fun, had been released a week earlier.

Malaysia had issued an arrest warrantagainst Muktadil for the kidnappings earlierthis week, Arrojado said. —AFP

CAINTA: Visitors take photos beside a house lit by thousands of Christmas lights in Cainta, Rizal province, east of Manila, Philippinesrecently. The house is drawing huge crowds, especially during weekends, with visitors using the bright lights and festive Christmasdecors as their backdrop for selfies with families and friends. The country has earned the distinction of celebrating the world’slongest Christmas season, with Christmas carols heard as early as September and lasting or the Feast of the Santo Nino on the thirdSunday of January. —AP

‘Kaso haharapin ko’

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 2

KUWAIT: The Philippine Society of MarketingSpecialists in Kuwait (PHILSOC MSK) held theirfirst ever ‘Employers Night’ recently at AlAndalus Ballroom, Crowne Plaza Hotel.

PHILSOC MSK takes this monumental stepin recognizing the different institutions,establishments, companies and corporationsthat have been constantly providing liveli-hood and employment opportunities anduplifting the lives of many Filipino families

both in Philippines and State of Kuwait.The organization aspires to dream big as

they open bigger doors and more productivejourneys that will benefit more professionaland skilled Filipino Overseas Workers.

PHILSOC MSK members also received aCertificate of Appreciation signed by thePhilippine Ambassador and Philippine LaborAttache for the unwavering support and out-standing performance in providing employ-

ment to Filipino workers in Kuwait, as part-ners of the Philippine government throughlegal and ethical manpower services.

The Best Employers in Kuwait was awardedwith Plaque of Appreciation for the unwaver-ing support and outstanding services in pro-viding employment to Filipinos in Kuwait.PHILSOC MSK acknowledged also all thesponsors and hand over also a certificate ofappreciation as well as the performers for

unselfishly extending their unique talents,efforts and precious time in dealing with thenitty-gritties of conception of production

The event hosted by Maxxy Santiago andRey Pumaloy was attended by AmbassadorRenato Pedro O. Villa, Vice Consul Shiena RedTesorero, Labor Attache Atty. Cesar Chavez Jr,Embassy Staff, owners of the recruitmentagencies from Philippines and variousemployers in Kuwait.

PHILSOC MSK recognizes employers, distributes awards

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 3

KUWAIT: After successfully organizing a singingcompetition in Kuwait last month, ‘Pinoy ArabiaFM’ is back, this time with the Sing GalingKaroling, a Christmas Caroling on radio. Tothose who want to join the “Sing GalingKaroling,” here are the Singing CompetitionRegistration Rules and Guidelines:

1. The Pinoy Arabia FM Sing Galing Karoling isopen to all talented Filipino citizens aged 15 andabove. 2. Interested individuals may register atthe Pinoy Arabia FM Page on Facebook by likingthe page and send via message the following:

Name, Age, Address, Occupation, PhoneNumber and Title of Christmas song. 3. PinoyArabia FM will send you a message of confirma-tion of registration and qualified contestants willbe informed of the day and time of audition onthe radio. 4. The competition proper will start onDecember 7, 2015. Qualified contestants mustcome to the Pinoy Arabia FM station in MarinaMall on the day of their scheduled audition andbring with them their minus one accompani-ment in MP3 format in the USB. 5. Auditions willbe held daily from Monday to Thursday and

weekly qualifying round on Fridays. 6. There willbe weekly winners whose names will beannounced every Sunday on the radio and post-ed on the Pinoy Arabia FM Facebook page. 7. Allweekly winners will compete and sing live dur-ing the Grand Finals on December 24, 2015 atthe Pinoy Arabia FM station. 8. Board of judgeswill be composed of individuals who have musi-cal acumen. 9. Plaques, cash prizes and othervaluable gifts will be awarded to the three grandwinners in the competition. 10. For inquiries andother details, please call 99047504.

Pinoy Arabia FM launches ‘Sing Galing Karoling’

Because of You brings togetherCarla Abellana, Rafael Rosell

and Gabby Concepcion

GMA Network brings to primetime televisionBecause of You, a light-hearted romanticseries, now airing on GMA Pinoy TV. This inspi-

rational drama is about love, family and parenting, itsjoys & challenges. Because of You is headlined byCarla Abellana as Andrea, Rafael Rosell as Oliver andGabby Concepcion as Jaime.

Carla is excited about her latest project and theprivilege of working with Gabby & Rafael, who sheboth finds professional and easy to work with. “I’mvery thankful to GMA for this new project. I’m reallyhappy to work again with Gabby. Excited ako kasinaka-work ko siya briefly lang before at doon ko nala-man na makulit pala siyang tao and very funny.Looking forward ako na mas mag-enjoy sa trabahowith him around and mas maraming matutunanfrom him. I’m also thrilled to be reunited with Bettina(Carlos) and Tita Celia (Rodriguez).”

Gabby likewise reveals that he is very comfortableworking with Carla and viewers will definitely enjoywatching their show because it is very light and fullof good vibes. “I worked with Carla before and I am sorelaxed with her. Sabi nga nila, it’s a walk in the park.Kasi nakasama ko na siya, magaan siya katrabaho.And itong show na ito, light lang. It’s a different

approach and story. This is a feel-good teleserye.”Rafael, on the other hand, is very thankful to GMA forcontinuously giving him good projects and meatyroles including his latest character in Because of You.“I feel honoured to be entrusted with this fulfillingproject about true love. I couldn’t be more grateful.I’m so honoured and even more inspired. I love it.”

Joining Carla, Rafael and Gabby in Because of Youare Ms. Kuh Ledesma as Charina; Iya Villania asRebecca; Valerie Concepcion as Veronica; Joyce Chingas Cheska; Bettina Carlos as Patricia; Enzo Pineda asSonny; Vaness del Moral as Alex; Michael Flores asDennis; Rey “PJ” Abellana as Conrado; Carlo Gonzalesas Henry; Eunice Lagusad as Iska; Oli Espino as Mando;Mosang as Malou; Julius Erasga as Michael; SofiaPablo as Candy; Jacob Briz as I?igo; Betong Sumaya asAlbert; and Ms. Celia Rodriguez as Feliza; with the spe-cial participation of Mickey Ferriols as Mildred.Helming the series is the director of the longest-run-ning Afternoon Prime series of GMA Network, The HalfSisters, Mark Reyes V. This show only proves that theheart never ceases to love and never surrenders infinding its partner in the right moment.

Witness as love and comedy blend in Because ofYou on GMA Pinoy TV.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 4

By Maria Al- Ameri

KUWAIT: Despite the gloomy Friday, mentors and kids alikewere not bothered at all by the cold winter breeze whoopingaround the back garden of McDonald’s seaside. Kids were justtoo preoccupied with another yet exciting activity, an adven-ture to painting the masks, slouch caps and canvass bags.

Though there were fewer kids in attendance, the two monthsworkshop which ended on Friday (Dec 4) provided andenabled the kids and some moms an avenue to explore thewonder of colors through painting.

To others, it was an opportunity to find new friends, whilefor us the organizers, FCC & Makulay Artists, it was not only anopportunity to share but a great previlige to teach, impart

and trasmit the knowledge & skills learned to other groupsmost especially children.

To our MAKULAY mentors, Thank You so much for the timeand effort spent with us every Friday. We are truly grateful forthe job well done. Hopefully, we can be in partnership againfor a more fruitful endeavor in the near future! Kudos every-one!

FCC/Makulay kids painting workshop concludes

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 5

By Ben Garcia

KUWAIT: A community gathering of Filipino community leaders‘Gabi ng Pasasalamat’ was held at the Philippine Overseas LaborOffice (POLO) in Faiha on Friday. The event was jointly organizedand hosted by the POLO and the Overseas Workers WelfareAdministration (OWWA). Atty Cesar Chaver Jr led the ceremonyalong with CDA and Consul General Atty Raul Dado with assis-tant labor attaches Angelita Narvaez, Lily Pearl Guererro, Welfare

Officer Nestor Burayag and Dr Sarah Concepcion. Dina Poncianoand Domingo Liscano, both POLO-OWWA staff received certifi-cates of commendation from our very own Philippine LaborSecretary Rosalinda Baldoz. The two were recognized for effec-tively protecting the rights and welfare of an overseas workerwho at that time was allegedly abducted (kidnapped) byemployer but foiled due to quick and sound decisions made bythese two embassy officers.

Two coordinators, Dr Celerino Umandap and Oliver Diong

from two ‘umbrella’ bodies of Pinoy organizations in Kuwait(Alliance of Filipino Organizations in Kuwait and the Coalition ofFilipino Organizations in Kuwait) also received plaque of appre-ciations for their outstanding role in helping their fellow OFWs,disseminating embassy information and spreading importantembassy announcements to members. At the end of the pro-gram, all community organizations in attendance were givencertificate of recognitions signed by Philippine Ambassador toKuwait Renato Pedro Villa and POLO-OWWA officials.

POLO-OWWA holds ‘Gabi ng Pasasalamat’ Atty Raul Dado Atty Cesar Chavez Lily Pearl Guererro Angelita Narvaez Nestor Burayag

—Photos by Ben Garcia

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 6

KUWAIT: The Filipino Badminton Committee (FBC) organizedon Friday its ‘1st McDonald’s One day’ tournament at theKuwait Disabled Sports Club in Hawally. McDonald’s providedKD3 gift voucher to all the participants, thus , technically made

the one-day tournament Free of charge. Winners of the saidtournament received KD20 cash and KD6 gift voucher fromMcDonald’s respectively. FBC would like to invite all bad-minton enthusiasts to join its tournament every Friday at their

home court at Kuwait Disabled Sports Club, Bin KhaldounStreet in Hawalli. FBC President Jimmy Carandang also inviteseveryone on its regular training session from 1pm onwardsevery Friday.

FBC-McDonald’s holds ‘One Day’ badminton tournament

KUWAIT: Sinematika, an independent group,finalized the date of submission of finalentries to the first Filipino Short Film FestivalThursday morning after a general meetingheld among organizers. The final date of sub-mission of entries is scheduled on the 21st ofJanuary 2016 and the screening time of allentries on the 29th of the same month. Inabrief interview with organizers of the event,disclosed that interested par ticipantsrequested for extension as many are I theprocess of filming and editing their projectsand that relevant changes needed to bemade on actors and plots of their stories.“ The extension to give the chance andopportunity for the actors to better their act-ing prowess on camera and editors to prop-erly deliver their projects before the judges”commented Hernie Gernale, head of thepanel of judges and technical Director.

Currently Sinematika has received fiveentries, all of which belong to the cameracategory. The films have been reviewed andwatched by the organizers and have receivedcommendable reviews. “One of the films is ofdifferent Genre “animation” and such projectcannot be included in any category as realactors and situations are applied, however,

the board of directors and organizers haveagreed to give a special citation on the proj-ects as unique piece” added Gernale. In inter-views with some of the participants as towhat was the most challenging situations

encountered during the whole process offilming to editing, many claimed to have dif-ficulty in editing as it requires individualswith knowledge of editing without having to

re shoot scenes. “Finding actors is not diffi-cult or getting them to act on camera is nat-ural for many Filipinos but the after yougather the raw clips then the editing part,many producers find themselves stuck andhad to source out programs or individualswho have knowledge and experience” com-mented Jonas Cabrera. The venue for thescreening of the entries is yet to beannounced on a later date this year and thatthe organizers plan to supplement the proj-ect with a workshop on film editing anddirecting by a renowned film director. Moreplans are currently on pipeline to boost andcomplement the project and developmentswill be announced later this year. For furtherdetails on the competition, kindly refer to itsFacebook wall: Sinematika or call the follow-ing organizers: 66091908 / 66387642 /65020905.

Sinematika finalizes date for entries, marks screening day

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 7

By Ricardo de Leon

KUWAIT: Asian Air Safari crushed LEAF’s hope of holding the last seat in the“Magic 8” with a huge 3035-2595 and Original Pin Killers struggle to win aplace to join the elite group paid off when it subdued the puny Kuwaiti Stars2802-2363 in the last three weeks remaining in the elimination round of thePhilippine Bowling Association in Kuwait 3rd Season Team Tournament heldin COZMO Bowling Center in Kheifan. Other winning teams UAE Exchange,Scavengers, COZMO and the Swooping Eagles who played bye.

The clash of Original Pin Killers and Kuwait Stars became an apathy whenthe puny team played with just four players while the former breathed lifeinto their flickering Top 8 campaign with a huge 2802-2363 upset of theKuwait Stars. With the win OPK snatched the last spot with seven marksadvantage over the ninth placer. Top scorers were Christopher Bush (582),Rashid Aker Ali (556) assisted by Aris de Guzman (521), Ishaaq Al Waahid(504) and Ahmad Fadil Karam (359) while Kuwait Stars 4-man team wereMohammad Al Othman (384), Abdul Aziz Al Ali (355), Bima Nitikusumo (395)and Perla Montojo (448).

Asian Air Safari crushed the Landscape Engineers and foiled theattempt of LEAF to use its vine in clinging to the last spot of the top 8.Seasoned bowler Mousa Abdullah delivered 661 points as the Air Safariposted their fourth week winning streak by beating the LEAF 3035-2595.The Airliner used a first game scoring burst 1105-863 and then hold onwith a strong offensive performance to extend their modest win streak.

Aside fro Mousa anchorman Norlan Balasan scored (578) with Fe Ferrer(519), Hermie Saliba (475), Gani dela Cruz and Sonia Mathews for the win.LEAF high scorers were Cris Carungay (527) and Joe Presenta (504), sup-ported by Rocky Castil (474), Marjorie Mercado (458), Rene Marzan andReygan Percy. Air Safari snatched the third from sixth position while LEAFwas ejected from the ‘Magic 6’ with 67 points deficit to Original Pin Killers.

Without any resistance Thunder Dragons easily swept Mangaf Strikersin their 3-game series with the score of 956-834/904-858/1000-798 (2885-2490) plus the 25 win points. With two games played, Mar Evangelistascored (440) and Camilo Baker lll (406) followed by Mandy Manalo (378),Agnes Noble (335), Eddie Pena (312), Maria Perly Virly (308) and Joel Tizonwhile Mangaf Strikers top scorer was Medz Nicdao 448, assisted by LeilaCervantes, Robert Opena, Ceddie Martin Faa, Adolfo Prena, Ron Fabor,Jhun Janoras and Roque Gamba. Both teams with their win-lose resultmaintained their present standing.

Other results : Front runner Abdul Aziz Al Aslawi (606) piloted UAEExchange post its eight wins against Phil Embassy Strikers 2743.5 -2513.5; Aji Varghese (617) and Ali Adel Ata Khalil (601) lead theScavengers to smashed SMAC’Z 2947-2726; COZMO erased the hope ofNUSANTARA to be out of the quicksand 2869-2563 and Swooping Eaglesplaying bye scored 2752.

Meanwhile, in the individual best, for Individual High Game, in Mens’Class A, Mar Evangelista snatched from Greg Melancon (267-265) and inLadies B, Fe Ferrer grabbed from Neng Cervantes (204-202) while

Individual High Average - remain untouched.

For Individual High scores:Category Name Individual High Name Individual High

Game AverageMen’s A Mar Evangelista 267 Glen Corbit 209.06Men’s B Nasser Hajras 279 Nasser Hajras 196.12 Men’s C Kevin Andaya 221 Kevin Andaya 163.65Ladies A Marjorie Mercado 246 Hanadi Mezail 180.91Ladies B Fe Ferrer 204 Alma Turley 166.84 Team High Game (Sratch) - COZMO (1030)Team High Series (Scratch + Handicap) - COZMO (2989) Team Weekly High Series : Week 1 - SMAC’Z - 2821 Week 6 - Swooping Eagles - 2849 Week 2 - UAE Exchange - 2787 Week 7 - Asian Air Safari - 2796Week 3 - Scavengers - 2936 Week 8 - UAE exchange - 2847 Week 4 - SMAC’Z - 2682 Week 9 - Thunder Dragons - 2823Week 5 - Scavengers - 2864 Week 10 - Scavengers - 2922 Week 11 - Asian Air Safari - 2910Team Standing after Eleventh Round: 1. Scavengers (31056); 2. SMAC’Z(30664); 3. Asian Air Safari (30511.5); 4. Thunder Dragons (30452.5); 5. COZMO(30361); 6. UAE Exchange (30355.5); 7. Swooping Eagles (29900); 8. OriginalPin Killers (29264); 9. LEAF (29197); 10. NUSANTARA (28978); 11. MangafStrikers (27431); 12. Kuwait Star (27039) and 13. Philippine Embassy Strikers(26794.5).

Asian Air Safari crush LEAF; OPK subdue Kuwait Stars

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015

Page 6

FBC-McDonald’sholds ‘One

Day’ badmintontournament

KUWAIT: The newly formed Kuwait Filipino Badminton (KFB)group announced its winners for the recently concluded One-Day and Founder’s Cup tournaments. The two consecutivebadminton events were held at the Qadsia Sports Club, withthe following winners:

One-Day tourney A. Intermediate Category - Champion: Philip Tomale &

Lorenzo AlfuertoRunner-up: Subin Varghese & Shajahan V.A.B. Novice 1 Category - Champion: Raj Mohan & Rajesh

RajendranRunner-up: Jumar Menes & Johnny PadernalC. Novice 2 Category - Champion: Nasser Jamsuri & Gerby

PunzalanRunner-up: Abdulrahman Tarek & Nhing de Los Reyes

D. Novice 3 Category - Champion: Shevon Ramirez &Hammam

Runner-up: Sameer M. & ShanuTrophies and Cash prizes were awarded to the champions

and runner-ups.The Founders Cup winners are:

Winners are...A. AM Novice 2 Category - Champion: John Rubin & Irshad

M.K.1st Runner-up: Joan Diculin & Jinard2nd Runner-up: Onin Mutya & Regine PanesalB. AM Novice 3 Category - Champion: Glorybelle Nunez &

Carlos Bandonil1st Runner-up: BL Fajardo & Sayed Khalil2nd Runner-up: Allyn & Renz Adano

C. PM Novice 2 Category - Champion: Abdulrahman Tarek &Irshad M.K.

1st Runner-up: Joan Diculin & Regine Panesal2nd Runner-up: Edgar Santiago & Sameer M.D. PM Novice 3 Category - Champion: Marissa Castro &

Elena 1st Runner-up: Crystal Diculin & Rainelda Garcera2nd Runner-up: Ma. Luisa Valdez & MichelleTrophies & Medals with Badminton Uniforms were awarded

to the champions and runner-ups.Pres. Vincent Diculin and the rest of his officers lead the

awarding of prizes with the presence of sponsor Madam LailaVenturina, sponsors of the tournament are Faraj Ashkhanani,Golazzo and Ali Cafe.

Next One Day tournament was also formally announcedand to held on 11 December 2015.

One-Day and Founder’s Cup KFB tourney winners announced