Filipino s poor childhood inspires 500K-light Christmas show

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1 02 03 PHILSOC MSK recognizes employers, distribute awards Pinoy Arabia FM launches Sing Galing Karoling SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 Because of You brings together Carla Abellana, Rafael Rosell and Gabby Concepcion Page 03 Kaso haharapin ko MANILA: Nakahanda si Pangulong Aquino na harapin ang anumang kaso na isasampa sa kanya ng mga kritiko sa sandaling bumaba sa puwesto sa June Ito ang siniguro ni PNoy sa kanyang pagharap sa Filipino community sa Rome, Italy kahapon ng madaling araw. Nakipagpulong din si Aquino kay Pope Francis sa Vatican. PH extremist linked to Malaysian kidnappings arrested MANILA: A suspected Islamist extremist linked to the kidnapping of several Malaysians in the Philippines, including one that was beheaded last month, was arrested Friday, the military said. Kadaffy Muktadil is a member of the Al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group, which security analysts say is behind dozens of kidnappings in the past two years and has proven increasingly brazen after beheading Malaysian national Bernard Then in November. The suspect, who also went by the name of Kadaffy Camsa, was arrested on the southern island of Jolo when he sought treatment at a hospital after a motorbike crash, the head of a counter-terrorism military task force in the area, Alan Arrojado, told AFP. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has blamed the Abu Sayyaf for the murder of Then, one of two Malaysians abducted by gunmen at a restaurant in the Sabah port of Sandakan in May. The Philippine military said Then was murdered in the Abu Sayyaf s stronghold of Jolo, about 300 kilometres (186 miles) east of Sandakan, after ransom talks collapsed. The other Sandakan hostage, Thien Nyuk Fun, had been released a week earlier. Malaysia had issued an arrest warrant against Muktadil for the kidnappings earlier this week, Arrojado said. AFP CAINTA: Visitors take photos beside a house lit by thousands of Christmas lights in Cainta, Rizal province, east of Manila, Philippines recently. The house is drawing huge crowds, especially during weekends, with visitors using the bright lights and festive Christmas decors as their backdrop for selfies with families and friends. The country has earned the distinction of celebrating the world s longest Christmas season, with Christmas carols heard as early as September and lasting or the Feast of the Santo Nino on the third Sunday of January. AP Filipino s poor childhood inspires 500K-light Christmas show CAINTA: As a child from a poor family, Alexander Cruz marveled at the big houses adorned with Christmas lights near his Philippine neighborhood, but the gates were always closed. Now a successful businessman with a huge house in a hilly town south of Manila, Cruz celebrates Christmas in even more spectacular style. About half a million colorful lights cover every inch of his home: the roof, ceiling, walls, fence, doors, canopies, windows and even the trees. And he and his wife open the gates to everyone. We re doing this to share our blessings, to give or share the spirit of Christmas to the people who visited our place, the 55-year-old Cruz said in an interview. His home in Cainta has dazzled people far beyond the quiet town of around 290,000 people. TV networks have documented his holiday wonderland, which has become the backdrop for countless selfies and sees up to 1,000 visitors per day. It brings back childhood feelings of Christmas, like in the movies, that you see big houses with big lights, said Ella Cosme, a 34-year-old software programmer. You feel like a child. The lighting is designed by Cruz s wife, Aida, and preparations for the display start as early as August. Alexander Cruz estimated that they used 5,000 boxes of LED lights, with each box containing a hundred bulbs. The Christmas lighting extravaganza is crowned by four brightly lit Christmas trees atop the roof. Inside the house and within its gardens are Nativity scenes, a centerpiece in many homes in the Philippines. The country is a bastion of Christianity in Asia, and many Filipinos prepare for Christmas by going to Mass before dawn every day for nine days before Dec. 25. The Cruzes have gone all-out for Christmas for the past five years. 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 carry on the tradition, he said he may reconsider. We re embarrassed that the subdivision is losing its privacy because of the number of people coming to see the house, Cruz said, but he added some of his neighbors may have gotten used to the upbeat holiday crowds that reach 500-1,000 people daily on weekends. They were the ones who said not to stop it, especially our mayor, who said there has been a good effect, Cruz said. At least there is good news in Cainta. AP

2 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, PHILSOC MSK recognizes employers, distributes awards KUWAIT: The Philippine Society of Marketing Specialists in Kuwait (PHILSOC MSK) held their first ever Employers Night recently at Al Andalus Ballroom, Crowne Plaza Hotel. PHILSOC MSK takes this monumental step in recognizing the different institutions, establishments, companies and corporations that have been constantly providing livelihood and employment opportunities and uplifting 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 productive journeys that will benefit more professional and skilled Filipino Overseas Workers. PHILSOC MSK members also received a Certificate of Appreciation signed by the Philippine Ambassador and Philippine Labor Attache for the unwavering support and outstanding performance in providing employment to Filipino workers in Kuwait, as partners of the Philippine government through legal and ethical manpower services. The Best Employers in Kuwait was awarded with Plaque of Appreciation for the unwavering support and outstanding services in providing employment to Filipinos in Kuwait. PHILSOC MSK acknowledged also all the sponsors and hand over also a certificate of appreciation as well as the performers for unselfishly extending their unique talents, efforts and precious time in dealing with the nitty-gritties of conception of production The event hosted by Maxxy Santiago and Rey Pumaloy was attended by Ambassador Renato Pedro O. Villa, Vice Consul Shiena Red Tesorero, Labor Attache Atty. Cesar Chavez Jr, Embassy Staff, owners of the recruitment agencies from Philippines and various employers in Kuwait.

3 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, Pinoy Arabia FM launches Sing Galing Karoling KUWAIT: After successfully organizing a singing competition in Kuwait last month, Pinoy Arabia FM is back, this time with the Sing Galing Karoling, a Christmas Caroling on radio. To those who want to join the Sing Galing Karoling, here are the Singing Competition Registration Rules and Guidelines: 1. The Pinoy Arabia FM Sing Galing Karoling is open to all talented Filipino citizens aged 15 and above. 2. Interested individuals may register at the Pinoy Arabia FM Page on Facebook by liking the page and send via message the following: Name, Age, Address, Occupation, Phone Number and Title of Christmas song. 3. Pinoy Arabia FM will send you a message of confirmation of registration and qualified contestants will be informed of the day and time of audition on the radio. 4. The competition proper will start on December 7, Qualified contestants must come to the Pinoy Arabia FM station in Marina Mall on the day of their scheduled audition and bring with them their minus one accompaniment in MP3 format in the USB. 5. Auditions will be held daily from Monday to Thursday and Because of You brings together Carla Abellana, Rafael Rosell and Gabby Concepcion GMA Network brings to primetime television Because of You, a light-hearted romantic series, now airing on GMA Pinoy TV. This inspirational drama is about love, family and parenting, its joys & challenges. Because of You is headlined by Carla Abellana as Andrea, Rafael Rosell as Oliver and Gabby Concepcion as Jaime. Carla is excited about her latest project and the privilege of working with Gabby & Rafael, who she both finds professional and easy to work with. I m very thankful to GMA for this new project. I m really happy to work again with Gabby. Excited ako kasi naka-work ko siya briefly lang before at doon ko nalaman na makulit pala siyang tao and very funny. Looking forward ako na mas mag-enjoy sa trabaho with him around and mas maraming matutunan from him. I m also thrilled to be reunited with Bettina (Carlos) and Tita Celia (Rodriguez). Gabby likewise reveals that he is very comfortable working with Carla and viewers will definitely enjoy watching their show because it is very light and full of good vibes. I worked with Carla before and I am so relaxed 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 for continuously giving him good projects and meaty roles including his latest character in Because of You. I feel honoured to be entrusted with this fulfilling project 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 You are Ms. Kuh Ledesma as Charina; Iya Villania as Rebecca; Valerie Concepcion as Veronica; Joyce Ching as Cheska; Bettina Carlos as Patricia; Enzo Pineda as Sonny; Vaness del Moral as Alex; Michael Flores as Dennis; Rey PJ Abellana as Conrado; Carlo Gonzales as Henry; Eunice Lagusad as Iska; Oli Espino as Mando; Mosang as Malou; Julius Erasga as Michael; Sofia Pablo as Candy; Jacob Briz as I?igo; Betong Sumaya as Albert; and Ms. Celia Rodriguez as Feliza; with the special participation of Mickey Ferriols as Mildred. Helming the series is the director of the longest-running Afternoon Prime series of GMA Network, The Half Sisters, Mark Reyes V. This show only proves that the heart never ceases to love and never surrenders in finding its partner in the right moment. Witness as love and comedy blend in Because of You on GMA Pinoy TV. weekly qualifying round on Fridays. 6. There will be weekly winners whose names will be announced every Sunday on the radio and posted on the Pinoy Arabia FM Facebook page. 7. All weekly winners will compete and sing live during the Grand Finals on December 24, 2015 at the Pinoy Arabia FM station. 8. Board of judges will be composed of individuals who have musical acumen. 9. Plaques, cash prizes and other valuable gifts will be awarded to the three grand winners in the competition. 10. For inquiries and other details, please call

4 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, FCC/Makulay kids painting workshop concludes By Maria Al- Ameri KUWAIT: Despite the gloomy Friday, mentors and kids alike were not bothered at all by the cold winter breeze whooping around the back garden of McDonald s seaside. Kids were just too preoccupied with another yet exciting activity, an adventure to painting the masks, slouch caps and canvass bags. Though there were fewer kids in attendance, the two months workshop which ended on Friday (Dec 4) provided and enabled the kids and some moms an avenue to explore the wonder of colors through painting. To others, it was an opportunity to find new friends, while for us the organizers, FCC & Makulay Artists, it was not only an opportunity to share but a great previlige to teach, impart and trasmit the knowledge & skills learned to other groups most especially children. To our MAKULAY mentors, Thank You so much for the time and effort spent with us every Friday. We are truly grateful for the job well done. Hopefully, we can be in partnership again for a more fruitful endeavor in the near future! Kudos everyone!

5 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, Atty Raul Dado Atty Cesar Chavez Lily Pearl Guererro Angelita Narvaez Nestor Burayag POLO-OWWA holds Gabi ng Pasasalamat By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: A community gathering of Filipino community leaders Gabi ng Pasasalamat was held at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Faiha on Friday. The event was jointly organized and hosted by the POLO and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Atty Cesar Chaver Jr led the ceremony along with CDA and Consul General Atty Raul Dado with assistant labor attaches Angelita Narvaez, Lily Pearl Guererro, Welfare Officer Nestor Burayag and Dr Sarah Concepcion. Dina Ponciano and Domingo Liscano, both POLO-OWWA staff received certificates of commendation from our very own Philippine Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz. The two were recognized for effectively protecting the rights and welfare of an overseas worker who at that time was allegedly abducted (kidnapped) by employer but foiled due to quick and sound decisions made by these 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 of Filipino Organizations in Kuwait) also received plaque of appreciations for their outstanding role in helping their fellow OFWs, disseminating embassy information and spreading important embassy announcements to members. At the end of the program, all community organizations in attendance were given certificate of recognitions signed by Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Renato Pedro Villa and POLO-OWWA officials. Photos by Ben Garcia

6 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, FBC-McDonald s holds One Day badminton tournament KUWAIT: The Filipino Badminton Committee (FBC) organized on Friday its 1st McDonald s One day tournament at the Kuwait Disabled Sports Club in Hawally. McDonald s provided KD3 gift voucher to all the participants, thus, technically made the one-day tournament Free of charge. Winners of the said tournament received KD20 cash and KD6 gift voucher from McDonald s respectively. FBC would like to invite all badminton enthusiasts to join its tournament every Friday at their home court at Kuwait Disabled Sports Club, Bin Khaldoun Street in Hawalli. FBC President Jimmy Carandang also invites everyone on its regular training session from 1pm onwards every Friday. Sinematika finalizes date for entries, marks screening day KUWAIT: Sinematika, an independent group, finalized the date of submission of final entries to the first Filipino Short Film Festival Thursday morning after a general meeting held among organizers. The final date of submission of entries is scheduled on the 21st of January 2016 and the screening time of all entries on the 29th of the same month. Ina brief interview with organizers of the event, disclosed that interested par ticipants requested for extension as many are I the process of filming and editing their projects and that relevant changes needed to be made on actors and plots of their stories. The extension to give the chance and opportunity for the actors to better their acting prowess on camera and editors to properly deliver their projects before the judges commented Hernie Gernale, head of the panel of judges and technical Director. Currently Sinematika has received five entries, all of which belong to the camera category. The films have been reviewed and watched by the organizers and have received commendable reviews. One of the films is of different Genre animation and such project cannot be included in any category as real actors and situations are applied, however, the board of directors and organizers have agreed to give a special citation on the projects as unique piece added Gernale. In interviews with some of the participants as to what was the most challenging situations encountered during the whole process of filming to editing, many claimed to have difficulty in editing as it requires individuals with knowledge of editing without having to re shoot scenes. Finding actors is not difficult or getting them to act on camera is natural for many Filipinos but the after you gather the raw clips then the editing part, many producers find themselves stuck and had to source out programs or individuals who have knowledge and experience commented Jonas Cabrera. The venue for the screening of the entries is yet to be announced on a later date this year and that the organizers plan to supplement the project with a workshop on film editing and directing by a renowned film director. More plans are currently on pipeline to boost and complement the project and developments will be announced later this year. For further details on the competition, kindly refer to its Facebook wall: Sinematika or call the following organizers: / /

7 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, Asian Air Safari crush LEAF; OPK subdue Kuwait Stars By Ricardo de Leon KUWAIT: Asian Air Safari crushed LEAF s hope of holding the last seat in the Magic 8 with a huge and Original Pin Killers struggle to win a place to join the elite group paid off when it subdued the puny Kuwaiti Stars in the last three weeks remaining in the elimination round of the Philippine Bowling Association in Kuwait 3rd Season Team Tournament held in 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 when the puny team played with just four players while the former breathed life into their flickering Top 8 campaign with a huge upset of the Kuwait Stars. With the win OPK snatched the last spot with seven marks advantage 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 were Mohammad Al Othman (384), Abdul Aziz Al Ali (355), Bima Nitikusumo (395) and Perla Montojo (448). Asian Air Safari crushed the Landscape Engineers and foiled the attempt 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 Safari posted their fourth week winning streak by beating the LEAF The Airliner used a first game scoring burst and then hold on with 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), supported by Rocky Castil (474), Marjorie Mercado (458), Rene Marzan and Reygan Percy. Air Safari snatched the third from sixth position while LEAF was ejected from the Magic 6 with 67 points deficit to Original Pin Killers. Without any resistance Thunder Dragons easily swept Mangaf Strikers in their 3-game series with the score of / / ( ) plus the 25 win points. With two games played, Mar Evangelista scored (440) and Camilo Baker lll (406) followed by Mandy Manalo (378), Agnes Noble (335), Eddie Pena (312), Maria Perly Virly (308) and Joel Tizon while Mangaf Strikers top scorer was Medz Nicdao 448, assisted by Leila Cervantes, Robert Opena, Ceddie Martin Faa, Adolfo Prena, Ron Fabor, Jhun Janoras and Roque Gamba. Both teams with their win-lose result maintained their present standing. Other results : Front runner Abdul Aziz Al Aslawi (606) piloted UAE Exchange post its eight wins against Phil Embassy Strikers ; Aji Varghese (617) and Ali Adel Ata Khalil (601) lead the Scavengers to smashed SMAC Z ; COZMO erased the hope of NUSANTARA to be out of the quicksand and Swooping Eagles playing bye scored Meanwhile, in the individual best, for Individual High Game, in Mens Class A, Mar Evangelista snatched from Greg Melancon ( ) and in Ladies B, Fe Ferrer grabbed from Neng Cervantes ( ) while Individual High Average - remain untouched. For Individual High scores: Category Name Individual High Name Individual High Game Average Men s A Mar Evangelista 267 Glen Corbit Men s B Nasser Hajras 279 Nasser Hajras Men s C Kevin Andaya 221 Kevin Andaya Ladies A Marjorie Mercado 246 Hanadi Mezail Ladies B Fe Ferrer 204 Alma Turley Team High Game (Sratch) - COZMO (1030) Team High Series (Scratch + Handicap) - COZMO (2989) Team Weekly High Series : Week 1 - SMAC Z Week 6 - Swooping Eagles Week 2 - UAE Exchange Week 7 - Asian Air Safari Week 3 - Scavengers Week 8 - UAE exchange Week 4 - SMAC Z Week 9 - Thunder Dragons Week 5 - Scavengers Week 10 - Scavengers Week 11 - Asian Air Safari Team Standing after Eleventh Round: 1. Scavengers (31056); 2. SMAC Z (30664); 3. Asian Air Safari ( ); 4. Thunder Dragons ( ); 5. COZMO (30361); 6. UAE Exchange ( ); 7. Swooping Eagles (29900); 8. Original Pin Killers (29264); 9. LEAF (29197); 10. NUSANTARA (28978); 11. Mangaf Strikers (27431); 12. Kuwait Star (27039) and 13. Philippine Embassy Strikers ( ).

8 FBC-McDonald s holds One Day badminton tournament SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015 Page 6 One-Day and Founder s Cup KFB tourney winners announced 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 consecutive badminton events were held at the Qadsia Sports Club, with the following winners: One-Day tourney A. Intermediate Category - Champion: Philip Tomale & Lorenzo Alfuerto Runner-up: Subin Varghese & Shajahan V.A. B. Novice 1 Category - Champion: Raj Mohan & Rajesh Rajendran Runner-up: Jumar Menes & Johnny Padernal C. Novice 2 Category - Champion: Nasser Jamsuri & Gerby Punzalan Runner-up: Abdulrahman Tarek & Nhing de Los Reyes D. Novice 3 Category - Champion: Shevon Ramirez & Hammam Runner-up: Sameer M. & Shanu Trophies 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 & Jinard 2nd Runner-up: Onin Mutya & Regine Panesal B. AM Novice 3 Category - Champion: Glorybelle Nunez & Carlos Bandonil 1st Runner-up: BL Fajardo & Sayed Khalil 2nd Runner-up: Allyn & Renz Adano C. PM Novice 2 Category - Champion: Abdulrahman Tarek & Irshad M.K. 1st Runner-up: Joan Diculin & Regine Panesal 2nd Runner-up: Edgar Santiago & Sameer M. D. PM Novice 3 Category - Champion: Marissa Castro & Elena 1st Runner-up: Crystal Diculin & Rainelda Garcera 2nd Runner-up: Ma. Luisa Valdez & Michelle Trophies & 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 Laila Venturina, sponsors of the tournament are Faraj Ashkhanani, Golazzo and Ali Cafe. Next One Day tournament was also formally announced and to held on 11 December 2015.