SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2015

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02 06Philippine Airlines in emergency

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Page 06‘First Filipino short Film Competition’ launched in Kuwait

‘Pinoy Arabia FM SingGaling’ to start

September 21

MANILA: The Philippine Supreme Court has orderedthe government to pay at least $510.3 million in com-pensation and interest to a consortium led by Germanairport operator Fraport AG that built Manila’s newestairport terminal. The decision, issued Tuesday butmade public Wednesday, ends years of legal wranglingover how much Philippine International Air TerminalsCo. should receive after the government expropriatedTerminal 3, built by the consortium at the NinoyAquino International Airport. The court said the gov-ernment cannot gain title to the terminal until the con-sortium is fully paid.

Most of the construction of the terminal was com-pleted in 2002. A year later the Supreme Court nullifiedthe contract after finding that the consortium did nothave the minimum equity needed to qualify for theproject and had also violated other terms of the originalconcession agreement. Under the contract, the consor-tium would have been able to operate the terminal for25 years. Instead, the government sought and receiveda writ of possession in December 2004. —AP

PH court orders $510M payment to airport builder

MANILA: A Philippine court has declared the militantgroup Abu Sayyaf a terrorist organization in a ruling thatprovides the government with another legal weaponagainst militants who have survived years of U.S.-backedoffensives, state prosecutors said Thursday.

The Abu Sayyaf is the first militant organization to beofficially outlawed in the Southeast Asian country undera rarely used anti-terrorism law. The brutal group, whichhas targeted Americans and other foreigners, hasalready been listed as a terrorist group by Washington.

Philippine prosecutors said the terror designation willhelp the government hunt down and prosecute the AbuSayyaf and get court permission to place suspected mili-tants under surveillance. Officials could impose sanc-tions against members and supporters and make it hard-er for the militants to receive financial support becauseof their designation as outlaws, they said. “This is onemore way to turn our country into a hostile ground forterrorists,” state prosecutor Aristotle Reyes said.

Continued on Page 2

Philippine court designates Abu Sayyaf a terrorist group

MANILA: Finance ministers from Asian and Pacificnations said Friday they are committed to strength-ening economic growth and stability in the regionand will refrain from competitive currency devalua-tions amid financial volatility.

The finance ministers from the 21-member AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation forum made the state-ment at the end of their two-day meeting in centralCebu City ahead of a leaders’ summit in November.They said they would refrain from competitive deval-uations and resist all forms of protectionism. ChineseVice Finance Minister Shi Yaobin, whose country’scurrency devaluation in August rattled global finan-cial markets, said “China agrees that we will not toadopt the practice of competitive depreciation.”

A devaluation can help boost a country’s exportsby making them cheaper to buy with other curren-cies and more competitive.

“We reaffirm our previous commitments on mon-

etary and exchange rate policies. We will refrain fromcompetitive devaluation and resist all forms of pro-tectionism,” the ministers’ statement said. Shi said theChinese economy is facing “some downward pres-sure” and acknowledged volatilities in the capital andstock markets following the Aug. 11 devaluation,which was “totally because of technical reasons andfactors.” He said the problems were only a “temporaryphenomenon and they can only last ... one to twomonths.” In their statement, the finance ministers saidthey have crafted a voluntary and non-binding planthey will submit to the leaders aimed at creating “anAPEC community that is more prosperous, financiallyintegrated, transparent, resilient and connected.”

They said the continued growth of the regionrequires efficient, innovative and competitive finan-cial markets and promised to work to develop a moreinclusive market across APEC as well as facilitateintra-regional trade and investment and greater

regional integration. Recognizing that the regionfaces frequent costly natural disasters, the financeministers agreed to enhance their financial resilience“through the development of innovative disaster riskfinancing and insurance mechanisms and other risktransfer instruments” in the capital markets. They saidthey have commissioned the Manila-based AsianDevelopment Bank and the Organization forEconomic Cooperation and Development to preparea report on managing the financial risks of disasters.

They also asked the World Bank to study andreport on options for regional disaster risk financingmechanisms, including risk pooling among interest-ed APEC nations. The region is located along thePacific “Ring of Fire,” where volcanic activity andearthquakes are common, and is hit by frequenttyphoons. Super Typhoon Haiyan devastated the cen-tral Philippines in 2013, leaving more than 7,300dead or missing. —AP

APEC ministers pledge to avoid competitive devaluations

MANILA: Students shout slogans as they march towards the US Embassy for a rally to protest the ongoing APEC (Asia Pacific EconomicCooperation) Finance Ministers Meeting which culminates in the APEC Economic Leaders Summit in November in Manila, Philippines. —AP

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2015 2Continued from Page 1

He said the court decision was crucialbecause a number of Abu Sayyaf com-manders have expressed allegiance to theextremist Islamic State group, althoughthere has been no evidence of any activecollaboration or contacts.

Army Brig. Gen. Allan Arrojado, a militarycommander leading sporadic offensivesagainst the Abu Sayyaf in southern Suluprovince, welcomed the court ruling andexpressed hope that other legal stepswould be taken to support counterterror-ism forces, including the creation of specialcourts to speed up terror convictions.

The Abu Sayyaf - or Bearer of the Sword -was founded in 1991 on southern BasilanIsland. An unwieldy collection of Islamicpreachers and outlaws, it vowed to wagejihad, or holy war, but lost its key leadersearly in combat, sending it on a violentpath of extremism and criminality.

Today, it has degenerated into a fewloose factions with about 400 ragtag fight-ers and no central leader. But the groupremains resilient and violent, engaging inransom kidnappings and extortion thathave allowed it to survive without consider-able backing from foreign extremist groups.

Under the 2007 Human Security Act, theDepartment of Justice asked a court inBasilan province five years ago to ban theAbu Sayyaf.

Government prosecutors presented fourwitnesses, including a former Abu Sayyafcommander who testified how the groupplanned and committed brutal attacks,including the 2001 kidnapping of 20 peo-ple, including three Americans, at the DosPalmas resort in western Palawan province.One of the Americans was beheaded,another was killed during an army rescueand the third was wounded but survived.

Judge Danilo Bucoy praised the witness-es in his 20-page decision, a copy of whichwas obtained by The Associated Press.

“These witnesses deserve praise and

commendation for their courage andaudacity to stand against this violent,treacherous and vicious organization,”Bucoy said. State prosecutor Peter Medallesaid the government could now take stepsto outlaw at least three other Muslim mili-tant groups.

They include the Bangsamoro Islamic

Freedom Fighters, a small group of mili-tants who oppose peace talks with the gov-ernment and have attacked governmenttroops and civilians, he said.

“This first-ever terrorist designation is atemplate that we can use for other Muslimarmed groups which sow violence and tar-get innocent people,” Medalle said. —AP

Romano Romanreceives ‘ARTleaders2014- 2015 award

KUWAIT: Pinoy artist Romano Roman,bagged ‘MASTER ARTleaders 2014- 2015award from Manila ARTlead Founder EdgarCruz and Executive Editor LEAD MagazineJoyce Pilarsky. The award was handover toRoman ‘in absentia’ in Manila recently. He wasrecognized for his tremendous contribution inthe world of art. Roman is a famous Pinoyartist in Kuwait and founder Filipino ArtistsGuild known ‘Malikhaing Kulturang Layag’.

Philippine court ...

JOLO: Escaped hostage Philippine coast guard Seaman First Class (SN1) Rod Pagaling,center, is escorted inside a military camp in Jolo, Sulu province, southern Philippineson Thursday. Two Philippine coast guard personnel, Pagaling and Gringo Villaruz whowere threatened with beheading escaped from their Abu Sayyaf extremist captorswhen hundreds of troops stormed the militants’ jungle base in the country’s south,military officials said Thursday. A Philippine court has declared the militant groupAbu Sayyaf a terrorist organization. —AP

Philippine Airlines in emergency landing

MANILA: A Philippine Airlines Airbus jet withmore than 130 people on board made a suc-cessful emergency landing on Friday after asmoke detector triggered an alarm, a spokes-woman for the carrier said.

The A321-231 jet returned to Davao airportin the country’s south 26 minutes after takingoff there for Manila and all its 131 passengersdisembarked safely, PAL spokeswoman MariaCielo Villaluna said.

“The pilots noticed that the aircraft’s ‘cargosmoke warning’ was activated, promptingthem to carry out the required procedures toextinguish any smoke,” she said in a state-ment.

“The aircraft is undergoing technical evalu-ation, assessment and investigation,” sheadded.

It was not immediately known if there wasany evidence of smoke. —AFP

MANILA: Philippine macaques eat fruit at a wildlife park in suburbanManila on Thursday. —AFP

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2015 4

Zumba for Pinoys continue at Qadsiya Gym

KUWAIT: A weekly cardiovascular program of Pinoy Zumba Lovers continues at the Qadsiya Gym Judo Hall in Hawally. Theprogram was led by Zumba instructor ZIN Janet and Hip Hop Dance Coach Lyle Colina.

KUWAIT: Officers and members of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in Kuwait convened a small yet passionate meeting lastFriday to renew their commitment and call for their beloved bet and mayor to run for president despite his earlier announce-ment that he will not run for the scheduled May 2016 presidential elections. Supporters are planning some activities in the com-ing days to throw pledge and allegiance to the Global Duterte movement.

Duterte supports in Kuwait gain momentumTrade Secretary Domingohas resigned: Palace

MANILA: Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma onSaturday, September 12, confirmed that Trade SecretaryGregory Domingo has submitted his resignation to PresidentBenigno Aquino III. “Secretary Gregory Domingo has submitted

his resignation to President Aquinoand this is under consideration.Secretary [Paquito] Ochoa is awaitingword from the President regarding thismatter,” Coloma said in a statement. APhilippine Star report earlier saidDomingo “feels burned out and will beleaving the Department of Trade andIndustry (DTI) by next month.”

Domingo’s resignation came in themiddle of the Asia-Pacific Economic

Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Manila, which will culminatein the APEC Leaders’ Summit in November.

A couple of hours before the official Palace announcement,Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte was askedabout the then reported resignation in an interview on state-run Radyo ng Bayan. At the time, Valte could not confirm thereport, but said that Domingo has a major role in the APECLeaders’ Summit, which is aimed to provide an avenue in sus-taining economic growth in the region. Last month, DTIpushed APEC member economies to address constraints ofmicro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to fully partici-pate in trade across the region.

Early this year, DTI started implementation oftheComprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy Program(CARS), aimed to develop the country as a regional automotivemanufacturing hub. Sought for comment, Henry Schumacher,executive vice-president of the European Chamber ofCommerce of the Philippines, said of the DTI chief’s resigna-tion, “Life will go on.” —Rappler.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2015 5

KUWAIT: Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Renato Pedro Villa attended induction ceremony for the newly-formed Culinary of Filipino Chefs Society (CFCS-Kuwait Chapter)held last Friday at the Swiss Bell Hotel Plaza, Kuwait City. The event was attended by Labor Attache Atty Cesar Chavez and Embassy Administrative Officer Girlie Caba alongwith the officers and some members. Ambassador Pedro Villa thanked CFCS-Kuwait Chapter for their initiative, pledging to fully support their future programs/events hon-ing and showcasing Pinoy talents/skills.

CFCS-Kuwait Chapter organizes induction ceremony

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2015 6

KUWAIT: Pinoy Arabia FM (under Marina FM 88.8)announced grandest and biggest singing competition. Thesinging competition ‘Pinoy Arabia Sing Galing’ will be the‘First Grand Singing Competition on Radio’ amongst Filipinosin Kuwait. Here’s the competition registration and guidelines.The Pinoy Arabia FM first grand singing competition is opento all talented Filipino citizens aged 18 and above. Interestedindividuals may register at the Pinoy Arabia FM Page onFacebook by liking the page and send via message the fol-lowing: Name, Age, Address, Occupation, Phone Numberand Title of Song. Pinoy Arabia FM will send you a messageof confirmation of registration and qualified contestants willbe informed of the day and time of audition on the radio.The competition proper will start on September 21, 2015.

Qualified contestants must come to the Pinoy Arabia FM sta-tion in Marina Mall on the day of their scheduled auditionand bring with them their minus one accompaniment inMP3 format in the USB. There will be two to four contestantsdaily who will sing live on the radio from Monday to Friday.6. There will be two weekly winners whose names will beannounced every Sunday on the radio and posted on thePinoy Arabia FM Facebook page. All weekly winners willcompete and sing live during the Grand Finals on November6, 2015 at a place to be announced later. Board of judges willbe composed of individuals who have musical acumen.Plaques, cash prizes and other valuable gifts will be awardedto the three grand winners in the competition. For inquiriesand other details, please call 99047504.

‘Pinoy Arabia FM Sing Galing’ to start September 21

KUWAIT: Sinematika, a group of Filipinoindependent film enthusiasts/makers,launched recently the First Filipino ShortFilm Competition in Kuwait. A collabora-tive project between local and Philippinemedia, the contest aims to encourage nonprofessional film makers and editors utiliz-ing on hand devices; mobile phone andhand held cameras to produce clips orfilms that would depict daily occurrencesin the lives of Overseas Filipino Workers(OFWs) in Kuwait. Sinematika announcedthat the competition is open to all OFWs inKuwait with ages 18 and above, competi-tors can be in group or individual, registra-tion is free and a form must be filled upand submitted to the organizers and onesingle entry for each individual or group.Competitors may choose between twomedia categories which are films to beproduced using mobile phones or handheld cameras. Duration of the f i lmsallowed may run between five minutesminimum to fifteen minutes maximum. Allentries must be submitted in viewable for-mats and high definition and submitted ina USB with the synopsis of the story, plotsummary, characters and list of the pro-duction team. English tittles must accom-pany the clip and must not contain sex,violence, religion and nudity. All entriesmust also be submitted on or before thedeadline allotted.

All entries will be judged based on thefollowing criteria; Originality-writing, edit-ing, acting and directing will be based on

the originality of the piece, Storytelling-useof structure to communicate the story tothe audience, Use of the medium-offers theproducer and director the opportunity toeconomically shoot individual scenes frommultiple angles and be able to choose fromthose the best parts, Production values-proper use of lighting, sounds, music, visualand music effect enhances viewing experi-ences and use of Props and line to betterenhance the story. Entries to the competi-tion must be submitted on or beforeOctober 16, 17 and 18, 2015 to any organiz-ers. Entries will be viewed by the selectedpanel of judges and organizers and all qual-ifying entries will be advised via emailimmediately after the pre-screening dates.Judges will provide advices and sugges-tions as to what to edit in the film entries.Submissions of edited and final project arescheduled on October 23, 24 and 25, 2015to ensure that suggestions were made. Galanights are scheduled on November 19, 20and 21 depending on the numbers of finalentries at the Marine Museum of theRadisson Blu Hotel. All entries will becomeautomatically the property of Sinematikaand certificates of participation will be giv-en to all entries. Three major prizes will beawarded, plus additional prizes to majorwinners. For details of the event, interestedindividuals or group may contact the fol-lowing numbers: 66091908, 66387642 and65020905. Email: sinematikaq8@gmail.com.Facebook, Youtube and Instagram accountswill be announced next week.

‘First Filipino short Film Competition’ launched in Kuwait

A tale of love and family inGMA’s Afternoon Prime series

Beginning September 15, GMA Pinoy TVoffers a game-changing character-drivenstory in Destiny Rose.

A heart-warming tale of love and family,Destiny Rose will beautifully demonstrate thatin one’s ability to love also lies great power tobecome the person one dreams to be.

Multi-talented actor Ken Chan will delightviewers as he takes on the challenge of portray-ing a transsexual woman who pursues herdreams of becoming an influential writer. Kenparticipated in a series of auditions and deliv-ered a string of thrilling and convincing per-formances all throughout, making him the per-fect choice for the role of Joey Flores Vergara.

Joey is a woman trapped in a man’s body. Allhis life, he only dreamt and hoped to be thebest for his parents. Despite the fact that every-one around him was against his personaldesires and wishes, he remained a loving andobedient child.

A passionate student and a loving son to hisfamily, Joey will go through different setbacksin life but will continue to be patient andunderstanding.

All these positive qualities will outweighlife’s challenges and Joey will become astronger person in her new life as Destiny Rose.

As time passes, Joey faces more challengesin his journey towards becoming a renownedwriter and a full-fledged woman. Joey is nowknown as Destiny Rose.

Now that Destiny Rose has fulfilled her

dreams, all she wants is to be with the love ofher life and for her family to be complete onceagain. But what if her family, especially herestranged father, refuses to accept her? Andwhat if the love of her life finds out that sheonly had sex reassignment surgery to becomea woman? Will Destiny Rose still find happi-ness?

Playing opposite Ken is Fabio Ide as GabrieleAntonioni, Joey’s Fil-Italian penpal. He willmake Joey/Destiny Rose’s life more colourful ashe becomes her one true love.

Completing the cast are esteemed TV andmovie actors and actress: Manilyn Reynes asDaisy Flores Vergara, Joey’s loving mother;Michael de Mesa as Rosauro Armani Vitto, a richphilanthropist who will be instrumental inJoey’s transition to becoming a woman;Jackielou Blanco as Dahlia, Jasmine’s motherwho will make Joey and Daisy’s life difficult; ;Katrina Halili as Jasmine Flores, Joey’s ambi-tious cousin; Sheena Halili as April RoseVergara, Joey’s kind-hearted sister; JericGonzales as Vince, Joey’s first love; Joko Diaz asJoselito Vergara Sr., Joey’s strict father; IrmaAdlawan as Bethilda, Armani’s sister who willmake Joey’s life a living hell; JC Tiuseco asLance, Jasmine’s boyfriend and accomplice indeceiving Gabriele; Ken Alfonso as Aris,Bethilda’s son who will eventually fall in lovewith Destiny Rose. Directed by Don MichaelPerez, Destiny Rose begins airing thisSeptember 15 on GMA Pinoy TV.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2015 7

GENERAL SANTOS: Philippine box-er Manny Pacquiao called for pun-ishment and a rematch on Fridayafter his fierce rival FloydMayweather was accused of violat-ing anti-doping rules in the build-up to their mega-fight in May.

The eight-division world champi-on, who lost a unanimous decisionto Mayweather in Las Vegas, urgedNevada sports officials to “imposethe appropriate sanction” on theunbeaten American.

Mayweather and the UnitedStates Anti-Doping Agency (USADA)have both insisted the boxer ’sactions were legal after it emergedhe was injected with vitamins andminerals before the fight.

But Pacquiao questioned whyUSADA only informed the NevadaState Athletic Commission (NSAC)about the infusion three weeks afterthe bout, by which timeMayweather had already received aUSADA exemption.

“Are they hiding something? Forthe sake of fairness and for thegood of the sport, NSAC must beconsistent,” he told reporters at his

home in the southern Philippines.“If needed, the NSAC should

impose the appropriate sanction tosustain its credibility and to showthe world they did not give prefer-ential treatment to the Mayweathercamp,” he added.

A report on the SB Nation sportsnews website said Mayweather hadbroken World Anti-Doping Agency(WADA) regulations by having an IVinfusion at his home in Las Vegas onMay 1, the day before the fight.

WADA guidelines say IV infusionsare prohibited because they can beused to mask performance-enhanc-ing drugs, increase plasma volumelevels and distort the values of anathlete’s biological passport.

But a USADA source told AFPthat because Mayweather obtaineda therapeutic use exemption, nooffence had been committed underWADA rules.

‘I want a rematch’ Pacquiao also said he was treated

unfairly because the Nevada bodyrefused to let him use a USADA-approved painkiller for the fight,

when he was carrying a shoulderinjury.

“That is why I want a rematch.One without any injury and with fairplay. No favouritism. Not one wherethe Mayweather camp gets to dic-tate all the terms and conditions,” hesaid.

Doping allegations have been atthe heart of the fighters’ long-run-ning feud, which has not abatedsince Mayweather won their onlymeeting for the World BoxingOrganization welterweight title.

The richest fight in boxing histo-ry took years to become reality,partly because of Mayweather ’sinsistence that Pacquiao complywith a strict drug-testing regime.

Mayweather later accusedPacquiao of using performance-enhancing drugs, prompting a law-suit which was settled out of court.

After Mayweather’s victory onpoints, he branded Pacquiao a “soreloser” for revealing his injured tornrotator cuff injury, which later need-ed surgery.

“Truth finally came out and I wasvindicated,” Pacquiao said in a briefstatement earlier.

“( The) Mayweather campaccused me of using PEDs (perfor-mance-enhancing drugs). Now lookwhat happened.”

Mayweather, who is looking toextend his unblemished 49-0 recordagainst Andre Berto on Saturday,has insisted he is a “clean athlete”.

“I follow and have always fol-lowed the rules of Nevada and USA-DA, the gold standard of drug test-ing,” Mayweather said in a state-ment.

“I am very proud to be a cleanathlete and will continue to champi-on the cause,” he added. —AFP

Mayweather farewell fizzles at box office

LAS VEGAS: Hundreds of tickets were still available Friday less than 24hours before Floyd Mayweather’s welterweight world title defense, anembarrassing blow to the champion for what he says will be his lastfight. It is in stark contrast to the feverish anticipation for May’s show-down with Manny Pacquiao, when all seats at the MGM Grand weresnapped up in mere minutes.

Mayweather has attempted to drum up interest in Saturday’s boutat the same venue in Las Vegas by declaring challenger Andre Berto —rated by many pundits as a massive underdog — a genuine threat.

Berto’s respected trainer, Virgil Hunter, has talked up “personalissues” between the two fighters.

But it would appear that the paying public are not buying it.The lukewarm interest from fight fans will be particularly galling for

Mayweather, 38, because victory over Berto would put him equal withheavy legend Rocky Marciano with a perfect 49-0 record.

Ticketmaster was still offering several hundred tickets for between$150 and $1,500 late Friday and its website showed whole rows lyingempty. —AFP

KUWAIT: Team of seven Filipino instructors perked the Friday’sevent at the celebration of Indonesia Day at Kuwait KarateFederation. The instructors all belonging to the Gym Team,backed up the Indonesian Envoy Ambassador Tatang BudieUtama Razak while belting out a traditional song and laterpresented a ten minutes presentation to the delight of thecrowd. Blanche Bravo, Jamie Red, Janice Capili, Ga See Marie,Maria Cuadra and Assistant Instructor Albert Pinos led the

crowd to a ten minutes workout.The team of instructors also provides Zumba and cardio

classes at the Indonesian Embassy every Friday from eight inthe morning till nine thirty. Several embassies have alsoapproached the team to assist in organizing and providingtrainers for their nationals. The Gym Team, which is composedof five members of the board and mentors from differentgyms and fitness centers hold every other month continuing

studies and training for their members, other instructors andnon instructors who may wish to change profession in thenear future. Collaboration of workshops will also be organizedbetween The Fitness Professionals and Body BuildersCommittee are currently on pipeline.

The Gym Team also conducts open to the public classes at theChai Al Dhaha Ballroom of the Radisson Blu Hotel every Fridayfrom 8 am till 9:30 am. Everyone is encouraged to attend

Gym Team instructors perform at the Indonesia day

Pacquiao demands Mayweather punishment, rematch over anti-doping row

KUWAIT: Filipino Badminton Committee (FBC)Ambassador Renato O. Villa Championship Cupformally concluded on Friday with the awardsceremony at the Kuwait Disabled Sports Club inHawally.

Trophies and gift checks courtesy of DairyQueen was personally handed by the Phil.

Ambassador Renato O. Villa and was assisted byFBC President Regine Panesal and PHILSOCMSKPresident Nelson Fernandez.

The formal awarding ceremonies startedwith the singing of the Philippine NationalAnthem followed by a dance number fromJhelsie and Mark Carandang.

FBC presented the ceremonial check for theOWWA Tuloy-Aral Scholarship Program toOWWA Kuwait Representative Dr. Zara Antonioand witnessed by Amb. Villa.

Villa gave a surprised presents of one box ofSenorita Banana from the Philippines to all themembers of FBC.

Amb Villa in his message vowed to supportall the charity activities of FBC and other organ-ization for as long as it will benefits not only theOFWs but also the our compatriot back home.

FBC would like to thank all their sponsorsnamely DAIRY QUEEN, Burger & Karak &PHILSOCK MSK

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2015

Page 5

CFCS-Kuwait Chapter organizes

induction ceremony

Ambsaador Cup benefits OWWA Scholars