02 Talakayan, panalangin, singing competition at tawanan, tampok sa libreng ‘Grand Fiesta’ 03 China woos Asean with $20bn in loans www.kuwaittimes.net SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2014 Pope to bring message of hope to typhoon-hit Philippines Page 02 PNoy ’di pinatigil kay Drilon ang Binay probe MANILA: Nilinaw ng Malacanang ngayong Miyerkules na hindi iniutos ni Pangulong Benigno Aquino III kay Senate President Franklin Drilon na pigilan ang imbestigasyon ng senado kay Bise Presidente Jejomar Binay. “We wish to correct the report that states that the President wanted the Senate investigation of Vice President Jejomar Binay stopped. For the record, what the President did was to relay the request of the Vice President to the Senate President,” pahayag ni Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda. Sinabi ni Lacierda na bago pa man iabiso ni Aquino kay Drilon ang tanong ni Binay ay sinabi na ng Pangulo sa Bise Presidente na hindi maaaring ditkahan ang 24 senador. Trillanes at Nancy nagkainitan sa Senado MANILA: Tila patuloy ang pagtaas ng tensyon sa pagitan ni Senador Antonio Trillanes at ng pamilyang Binay matapos silang magkasagutan sa pagdinig ng Senado ngayong Huwebes. Habang dinidinig ang umano’y overpriced na Iloilo Convention Center (ICC) ay naisingit ni Trillanes ang kontrobersyal na Makati City Hall II parking building sa usapan na hindi ikinatuwa ni Nancy Binay. Napuna ni Trillanes na pareho ang contractor ng Makati building at ng ICC, ngunit ang pinagkaiba ay dumaan sa bidding ang bawatp phase ng proyekto sa Iloilo. “For the record, can I just correct Senator Trillanes. It’s not the Makati parking building its the Makati City Building II,” wika ni Binay. “We also have a basis to say it as Makati parking building because in all the bidding documents, it is stated there as so,” sagot naman ni Trillanes. “But lets not fight over the name for as long as overprice siya nang over a billion, okay tayo doon,” dagdag ng dating sundalo. —PSN Nancy & Trillanes MANILA: In this photo taken Thursday, a male Homboldt penguin named “Jiggy” sits to incubate a newly-cracked egg in its cage at Manila Ocean Park in Manila, Philippines. A penguin chick was hatched at the country’s largest oceanarium early Friday from parents, “Jiggy” and “Roukia,” to become the second penguin to be born in the country. About a dozen Humbodlt penguins were acquired from Germany. —AP 15 killed as soldiers, insurgents clash in Philippines MANILA: Fifteen people were killed in heavy fighting between government forces and Al-Qaeda-linked militants in the southern Philippine jungle on Friday, the military said. Close to 100 ground troops with helicopter support engaged some 300 Abu Sayyaf insurgents in Talipao town on Sulu, said Colonel Allan Arrojado, the army commander on the island. Six soldiers and nine Abu Sayyaf fighters were killed, said Captain Rowena Muyuela, a military spokeswoman in the region. “This is a major encounter. We are tracking the Abu Sayyaf ’s whereabouts and pursuing them,” Arrojado said, without providing further details. Set up in the 1990s with seed money from Osama bin Laden’s Al-Qaeda network, the Abu Sayyaf has been blamed for the worst terror attacks in the Philippines’ history including bombings and mass kidnappings of Christians and foreigners. The military has intensified pursuit operations against the group after it ransomed off two German hostages in October. The group claimed it received $5.7 million for the pair. Labelled as terrorists by the United States and Philippine governments, the Abu Sayyaf recently pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in a series of videos posted on YouTube. The Abu Sayyaf is believed to be holding at least 13 other hostages, including five foreigners, according the Philippine military. —AFP French president to visit PH MANILA: French President Francois Hollande will be in Manila early next year to discuss climate change initiatives with Philippine officials, the French Embassy said in a statement on Friday. He would not only be the first French head of state, but also the first European head of state, to make an official visit to the Philippines. Hollande’s visit comes after President Benigno Aquino 3rd’s historic official visit to France as part of his European tour in September this year. 2 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2014 Talakayan, panalangin, singing competition at tawanan, tampok sa libreng ‘Grand Fiesta’ KUWAIT: Tuloy na tuloy na ang libre at walang bayad na ‘ Grand Fiesta Event’ na gaganapin sa Nov 28, 2014 sa Fakhr Al Din Palace Ballroom sa Dawliah Complex, Kuwait City. Ang grand fiesta na binuo ng mga organisasyong kabilang sa Alliance of Filipino Organizations in Kuwait (ALLFILOK) ay dadaluhan ni Department of Labor and Employment Secretar y Rosalinda Baldoz, kasama ng mga administrador ng OWWA at POEA. Si Baldoz ay nakatakdang dumalo sa turn-over ceremony ng chairmanship ng Abu-Dhabi Dialogue, kung saan kasalukuyang chairman ang Pilipinas at ihahand-over ang pamumuno sa Kuwait. Magkakaroon muna ng ministerial meeting bago ang official turn-over na nakatakdang ganapin sa Nov 27. Bago siya umuwi pabalik ng Pilipinas, makiki-isa muna ang kalihim sa Grand Fiesta ng ALLFIL-OK na itinakda sa Nov 28. Kabilang sa mga aabangang programa ang ‘Talakayan’ isang bagong konsepto ng talkshow na pangungunahan nina Ben Garcia at Maxxy Santiago. Makakasama din sa Talakayan ang iba pang mga Pinoy media sa Kuwait, kung saan bubuksan ang dayalogo sa publiko. Puede kayong maghanda ng mga katanungan na sasagutin sa panel. Liban sa Talakayan, tampok din ang ibat-ibang programa kabilang ang community worship/prayer services sa umaga, travel and tourism expo, boodlefight sa tanghali at ang singing competition sa hapon. Isasara ang Grand Fiesta sa gabi sa pamamagitan ng tawanan at halakhakan kung saan tampok ang mga artistang Pinoy na kilalang-kilala sa mundo ng pagpapatawa at pagbibigay aliw sa mga taong nalulungkot. Taos pusong nagpapasalamat ang mga organizers sa mga local companies na kabilang na sa mga sponsors kasama ang KGL Investment, Cebu Pacific at ang LBC Pope to bring message of hope to typhoon-hit Philippines MANILA: Pope Francis will bring a message of hope when he visits the Philippines in January, Church officials said Friday, on a trip that will see him tour areas devastated by last year’s super typhoon. Millions in the fervently Catholic country are expected to turn out to catch a glimpse of the pontiff during his five-day visit, with officials planning tight security. The pontiff will celebrate mass in the capital Manila as well as the central city of Tacloban, which was hard hit when Super Typhoon Haiyan swept in a year ago leaving more than 7,350 people dead or missing and condemning millions more to deeper poverty. “He will come to bring the message of solidarity and hope,” Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle told reporters late Friday. “He really admires the faith and resilience of the survivors.” Authorities are preparing for unruly crowds as Filipinos have been known to hurl themselves at religious icons during frantic processions, said Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, who is overseeing government preparations for the visit. “We are a bit worried about such behaviour — this is a living image of God,” he said. Ochoa declined to elaborate on planned security measures and refused to discuss any specific threats that authorities are worried about. But he insisted the government would ensure the safety of the 77-year-old pontiff. “Ninety-five percent of government preparations is all about security,” he said. “We want to make sure that the pope is safe.” President Benigno Aquino will greet the pope when he arrives at Manila airport from Sri Lanka on January 15, his protocol officer Marciano Paynor said — a break from usual protocol, as the president usually only welcomes world leaders at his palace. Francis will be accorded state honours at the palace in Manila the next day before celebrating mass in one of the country’s oldest churches and meeting with families at a large indoor stadium, Tagle said. Francis will spend the whole of January 17 in Haiyandevastated Leyte province where he will celebrate mass in Tacloban and meet with the faithful in the neighbouring Palo town. The following day he will meet with youngsters at Manila’s largest Catholic university, then celebrate mass at the capital’s Rizal Park, which can accommodate millions, Tagle added. The late John Paul II made the last papal visit to the Philippines, in 1995. —AFP MANILA: Manila Archbishop Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, left, and Papal Nuncio to the Philippines and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in the Philippines Monsignor Giuseppe Pinto prepare to take their seats during a news conference on Friday in Manila, Philippines to announce the itinerary of Pope Francis on his first visit to the Philippines in January 2015. Francis will celebrate Mass and host a luncheon for Filipino survivors of the deadly Typhoon Haiyan during his Jan. 12-19 visit to Sri Lanka and the Philippines, his second visit to Asia in a year that confirms the region is a priority of his pontificate. —AP 3 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2014 China woos Asean with $20bn in loans NAYPYIDAW: China has offered $20 billion in loans and floated the possibility of a “friendship treaty” with Southeast Asian nations in an apparent bid to defuse regional tensions that spiked this year over contested seas. Attending the East Asia Summit in Myanmar on Thursday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said $10 billion would be made available to the 10member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in cheap loans and a further $10 billion for infrastructure projects. “These measures will help speed up the building of regional connectivity,” Li added, in the official translation of his speech. Beijing also agreed to set up a hotline to help avert flashpoints in the bitterly disputed South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), and stood ready to sign a “treaty of friendship and cooperation” with the bloc, according to Li. President Benigno Aquino 3rd, the most vocal critic of China’s claims, met briefly with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum meeting in Beijing on Tuesday. Aquino told Asean leaders on Wednesday that the meeting with Xi saw a “warm and sincere conversation” but urged fellow members of the bloc to stand firm in the demand for the COC, according to a copy of his speech seen by Agence France-Presse. In a sign of the lingering challenges ahead, Li warned “China’s resolve to safeguard territorial sovereignty is clear,” although he did not specifically mention the contested seas. In a statement, Myanmar, the chairman of Asean, said the bloc remained “concerned over the situation in the South China Sea” but noted progress in relations with China. Four Asean states-the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Vietnam-claim parts of the South China Sea, a key shipping lane believed to be rich in undersea gas deposits. But China says almost all of the sea is its own, including waters near shores of its smaller neighbors. A series of incidents earlier this year led Vietnam and the Philippines to decry Chinese acts of aggression at sea, plunging relations with Beijing to a nadir. Both China and Asean need “peace and stability,” Li said in a speech at the East Asia Summit, which included Asean leaders, US President Barack Obama and other visiting dignitaries. He backed the hotline for unspecified “maritime contingencies” between senior foreign ministry offi- NAYPYITAW: From left, South Korean President Park Geun Hye, US President Barack Obama, Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, arrive for group photo session during the East Asia summit on Thursday, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. —AP cials across the region and for joint search and rescue missions, but did not offer specifics. The hotline has been among the proposals in low-level talks between Asean and Chinese officials on a legal- ly binding Code of Conduct (COC) to ease tensions in the South China Sea. Militarily and economically weaker than China, Southeast Asian countries are desperate for a multilateral code but accuse their giant neighbor of stalling. China prefers to use its economic and political clout in one-onone negotiations with rival claimants. Rhetoric from the main claimants had been softening in recent weeks.—AFP 4 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2014 Ailing Philippine Airlines, under new management, seeks investor MANILA: Struggling Philippine Airlines said Friday it is looking for a new investor to help fund an expansion programme that would see Asia’s oldest airline buying more longhaul jets. “I would prefer an airline with more destinations so we can expand our presence,” newly-installed president Jaime Bautista said. He added that the company may take another airline, or a company with interests in the aviation sector, as an equity partner. Under Philippine law a foreign airline may acquire up to 40 percent of a carrier like PAL, Bautista said, while stressing there were no ongoing talks at this point. “There are names we are looking at, but we are not at liberty to disclose (them) at this time,” he told a news conference. Bautista said the carrier plans to buy longhaul planes over 10 years — either by converting a previous order for narrow-body aircraft from Airbus into bigger planes or taking up Boeing’s proposal to sell it 777 jets. PAL is to open new local and international routes over the next three years, including Manila-New York from March 2015, he added. After struggling with losses amid competition from budget carriers, high fuel costs and a labour dispute, PAL returned to profitability this year, posting a net profit of 1.49 billion pesos ($33 million) in the three months to June. Lucio Tan, one of the Philippines’ richest men, named Bautista to lead the airline after Bautista said PAL is reviewing a massive refleeting programme initiated by the previous management, which had ordered 64 MANILA: In this file photo taken on September 9, 2014, a Philippine Airlines plane takes off at Manila’s international airport. The Philippines’ second richest man will regain full control of Philippine Airlines by buying back a 49-percent stake from San Miguel, the firms said on September 9, in a deal reportedly worth one billion USD. —AFP regaining control of PAL in September, buying out San Miguel Corp’s 49 percent interest in the airline for a reported $1 billion. planes from Airbus for more than $7 billion after San Miguel won management control of the airline in 2012. The airline’s listed parent PAL Holdings disclosed last month it was “seriously studying” the possibility of deferring aircraft deliveries, complaining that “too many orders” had been made. PAL will take delivery of 10 Airbus A321s this year and another 10 of the same model in 2016, Bautista said Friday. Some of the 28 Airbus planes set for delivery after 2016 may be converted to long-haul jets, he said, without giving further details. “We’ll have to study this very carefully. It’s easy to buy airplanes but difficult to dispose,” he added. “We will take advantage of the refleeting programme to improve our service, reboot costs and hopefully, become a profitable airline.” PAL will now focus its European operations on its newly-opened London route and add more flights to Honolulu, while scaling down Middle East operations due to lower-thanprojected demand, he said. Its new fuel-efficient Airbus jets will allow PAL to compete better when Southeast Asian nations ease air traffic restrictions next year, he added. The company will also be “more aggressive” domestically and may reopen its hub in Cebu, the commercial capital of the central Philippines, said Bautista.—AFP Raul Dado inducts new FHKA organization KUWAIT: Philippine Consul General and CDA Atty Raul Dado inducted newly-founded Pinoy organization, ‘Filipino Heroes Kuwait Amazons (FHKA)’ recently. The ceremony was held at the Philippine embassy premises led by their newly elected president Arsenia Batojan Landao. Other officers for the year 2014-2015 are: Creator/BOD Chairwoman: Jecelyn Reyes Monderondo Vice Pres- Bayani Yao, Secretary- Maricel Sabuero, Asst. Sec- Sharon Dionisio, Treasurer- Nicehara O. Niez, Asst. TreasIvy Lore Paclibar, Asst. Treas- Mila Castillo Layreno, AuditorJean Ople, Asst. Auditor- Mary Jane Sarabia, Asst. TreasAnnalyn A. Ulat, Coordinator- Maria Susana Santiago, Asst. Coordinator- Linda P. Alba, Asst. Coordinator-Jaime S. Pabalate, P. I. O-Maria Thereza Doren, Asst. P. I. O-Nancy D. Malunes, Asst. P. I. O-Roy Flores, Bus. Manager- Lydibeth B. Corpuz, Asst. Bus. Manager-Emily P. Espiritu, Asst. Bus. Manager- Emilia Sison. The Board Of Directors are as follows: Chairwoman: Jecelyn Reyes Monderondo, Asst. Chairwoman: Devorah T. Quilino, BOD Members: Evelyn A. Cajutol, Mersha Mission, Teresita S. Villas, Rosario A. Merillo, Peace & Order (Sgt.@ Arms)-Jaime M. Fortaleza, Diana Rubi Parawan, Jocelyn B. Claridad, Louie Msrtinez, Juan Camangwa Egonio, Designer/Editor-Lucia B. Maniklay, Evangeline R. Alcantara, Wilma Dela Rosa, May M. Lizardo. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2014 5 Alpha Kappa Rho Kuwait Council celebrates ’versary, oath taking KUWAIT: The Alpha Kappa Rho Kuwait Council, an international humanitarian fraternity and sorority celebrated their sixth anniversary and oath-taking ceremony recently. The event was held at Kuwaiti Continental Hotel with Philippine Consul General and CDA Atty Raul Dado and Philippine Labor Attache to Kuwait Atty Cesar Chavez as their chief guest of honors. The event was held under the theme ‘Skeptron professionalism in character, action and in person. AKP advisory committee members include Senior Adviser Bro Renato Bermillo, Bro Geroge Retuya-PGS, Bro Alene Valencia-IPGS, Bro Antonio Consuelo-PVGS, Bro Roberto Blanquera, Sis Roces Avilla-Sorority Chairwoman. The 20142016 officers are as follows: Bro Rodrigo Agcaoili-Grand Skeptron, Bro Dansin DoctorVGS Alpha Chapter, Bro Edgar dela Cruz-VGS Kappa Chapter, Bro Franklin Roselos-VGS Rho Chapter, Bro Glenn Parungao-Master Keeper of the Scrolls, Bro Howard HacenasMaster Custodian of Wealth, Bro Marvin Dayawon-Master Examiner of Accounts, Bro Roderick Edjao-Public Relations, Bro Lyle Colina Jr-Master of Whip (Alpha), Bro Richard Cabrera-Master of Whip (Rho), Bro Melvin Maputi-Master Sgt At Arms (Alpha), Bro Richard Sombon-Master Sgt At Arms (Kappa) and Bro Reden Gumarao-Master Sgt At Arms (Rho). SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2014 6 FBC’s 50, 40 and 30-badminton challenge, a grand success Part 2 set on November 21 KUWAIT: Filipino Badminton Committee (FBC) once again successfully hosted a one day tournament dubbed, 50, 40 & 30 challenge with the introduction of categories; Advance, Intermediate and Novice. Here’s the list of winners: Advance Level Champion: Gadeh Putra and Mohammed Nuruhim 1st placer: Moo El Hekyat and Shahoor Intermediate Level Champion: Vivian Tomogan and Ding Tomogan 1st placer: Marissa De Guzman and Robert Luague Novice Level Champion: Mary Jane Luague and Antoine Saade 1st placer: Noel castro and Aileen Luagie FBC Organizing committee will be holding another 50, 40 and 30 challenge this coming Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at Kuwait Disabled Sports Club, Hawally. Winners of the one day tournament received cash prizes and FBC excusive mug from Megaworld country Manager Luis De Leon, FBC president Regine Panesal and FBC Chairman Dr. Chie umandap. FBC is inviting all badminton enthusiast to join the upcoming tournament and to visit its website www.fbckpi.com. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2014 7 FiT Kuwait, BIKE group, MTB Salwa, Kuwait Cycling group join fun ride KUWAIT: The Filipino International Triathletes Kuwait (FiT K), Bikers in Kuwait Encounter (BIKE), MTB Salwa Group and the Kuwait Cycling Group headed by Othman Al-Mutairi joined a fun ride last weekend organised by the Very Important Bike (VIB) Shop led by its owner Noah Al-Dousari. The Bikers in Kuwait Encounter (BIKE) founded in 2000 and led by Leo Tan is one of the most active biking groups in Kuwait mostly composed of Filipino riders and a few expatriates of various nation- alities and professions. On the other hand, the Mountain Bike (MTB) Salwa Group led by Ramil Cruz shares the same biking passion with the BIKE Group. Meanwhile, FiT K led by Nesty Verdeprado was established on July 25,2014 and is affiliated with the Filipino International Triathletes Club which also has its chapters in Qatar (FiT Q) and the United Arab Emirates (FiT U). The Filipino International Triathletes Club (FiT Club) is an independent non-profit athletic organization, a non-exclusive group that aims to encourage and assist residents of its locality to take up the triathlon as a sport. Its mission is to promote the triathlon as a sport, develop athletic capabilities and community development. The early morning ride covered 60 about kilometres along the Arabian Gulf Road, Messillah stretch to Marina, Kuwait Towers and KPC then back to VIB Shop in Salmiya. The ride concluded with the recovery meal and birthday celebration of one of the members, Daniel Longenecker. FiT Kuwait, BIKE group, MTB Salwa, Kuwait Cycling group join fun ride Page 7 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2014 UAE Exchange in, Asia Air Safari out By Angelito Michael KUWAIT: The long and arduous battles of the elimination round for 13 weeks are finally over. The top 8 teams, who will vie for the championship, have finally emerged after an exhausting and backbreaking struggle. With another display of impressive performance that resulted to producing the highest scores of the day, The UAE EXCHANGE team surge higher and landed in a safer ground for the last week of the elimination round of the Philippine Bowling Association in Kuwait on-going PBAK 4th Season League Team Tournament held at Cozmo Bowling Center in Kheifan. UAE EXCHANGE barged once again in the ‘Magic 8’, Android Rollers, Thunder Dragons and Dollarco as contenders as the race for the eight final berths ended last Friday 14 Nov. 2014. UAE EXCHANGE demolished the powerful engine of ASIAN AIR SAFARI and ousted from the Top 8 after the last 3-game series at Lanes 13 and 14. The best currency dealer fielded their rated bowlers, Aldin and Michelle, Freddie Santos, Rudy de Lima and Renz Pante with the assistance of Pinky Pardillo and Mariotte Vito for a sure win and a better place in this critical point of time. The top 8 teams are the following. 1. Z’CLAS Strikers followed by 2. Ahmadi King Pins 3. All Star Strikers, 4. Cozmo, 5. Android Rollers, 6. UAE EXCHANGE, 7. Thunderdragons, 8. Dollarco Team. The other 5 teams who didn’t made to the top 8 shall be given an Acknowledgment appreciating their contribution with plaque of participation, namely: Asian Air Safari, Original Pin Killers, Nusantara, Swooping Eagles & Velocity Wonders. Further, in the individual and teams best games, they were as follows: Individual High Games Individual High Average Class MA Mohannad Ebrahim 279 Mohannad Ebrahim 211.11 Class MA Rudy de Lima 267 Rudy de Lima 178.23 Class MB Kevin Anadya 255 Ulyses Meneses 183.33 Class LA Marjorie Mercado 247 Blanca Sambajon 177.39 Class LB Laras Nitikusumo 212 Laras Nitikusumo 154.68 Team High Game - Cozmo - 1012 Team High Series - UAE EXCHANGE - 2991 Team of The Week - UAE EXCHANGE Schedule of all Finals: INDIVIDUAL (Singe Event) Men: Class MA & MB: Friday, Nov 21, 2014 @ 9AM onwards Ladies/Men: Class LA/LB and MC: Friday Nov. 28, 2014 @ 9AM onwards TEAM (Top 8 to play 2 Fridays for 7 series games) First 4 series games: Friday, Dec. 5, 2014 Second and final 3 series games + Awarding ceremony: Friday, Dec 12, 2014 PBAK would like to acknowledge and extend its sincere appreciation to Mr. Ahmed Hamed Operations Manager of Dunkin’ Donuts for their support to League tournaments. For those who wish to join and/or be a new member of PBAK, please call our Tournament Director Hermie Saliba mobile 67615408 or the Membership Officer Lito Mercado mobile 97117262. PBAK on its 28th Year is conducting weekly bowling league with 13 teams involved, starts at 9AM and ends 12 noontime every Friday at Cozmo Bowling Centre in Khaifan. GEN SANTOS: In this photo released by Team Pacquiao, Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, left, and budget airline Air Asia owner Tony Fernandes, hold a cutout of the airline’s new design designating Pacquiao as its new ambassador Wednesday, at General Santos city in southern Philippines. Pacquiao is set to defend his WBO World Welterweight title against undefeated American Christopher Algieri in Macau, China on Nov. 22. —AP
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