SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2015

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aittimes.net

02 06The Gym Team marks ‘World

Peace Day’

Page 07Embassy takes advantage of Kuwait’s repatriation program

Z-Power Q8 promotes

Zumba, hiphop

MANILA: A homemade bomb exploding under a busseat killed an 11-year-old girl and wounded 32 otherpeople Friday in a southern Philippine city where AbuSayyaf militants operate, police said.

The bomb exploded in the middle of the vehicle as itwas loading passengers at a bus terminal near a market,said Zamboanga City police Chief Inspector Joel Tuttuh.

He said the suspects weren’t known but couldinclude the militants, who set off a car bomb inZamboanga earlier this year near another bus terminal,killing two people and wounding more than 50 others.

Vice Mayor Cesar Itturalde said a closed circuit televi-sion camera caught the image of a possible suspect - aman carrying a bag approaching the bus and minuteslater leaving the scene with nothing in his hands andrunning away before the explosion. He said the manwore a hoodie jacket and covered his mouth with ahandkerchief.

Tuttuh said at least one of those wounded inFriday’s blast was in serious condition after losing anarm and a leg. —AP

Bomb explosion on bus in Philippines kills 1, wounds 32

TOKYO: Opposition groups yesterday vowed to chal-lenge laws passed overnight that clear Japanese troopsto fight abroad for the first time since World War II, say-ing the changes are a “black stain” on the country’s histo-ry. Japan’s ruling coalition, led by nationalist PrimeMinister Shinzo Abe, pushed the laws through in the ear-ly hours of the morning after days of tortuous debatethat at points descended into physical scuffles in parlia-ment.

For the first time in 70 years, the new laws will givethe government the power to send the military intooverseas conflicts to defend allies, even if Japan itself isnot under attack. The Philippine government meanwhileexpressed its support for Japan’s new law, which

enhances its military’s role and allows its soldiers to fightoverseas in defense of allies. Foreign Affairs SecretaryAlbert del Rosario said the government “welcomes thepassage of legislation on national security by theNational Diet of Japan.”

“We look forward to efforts that strengthen ourStrategic Partnership with Japan and those that wouldcontribute further to shared goals of greater peace, sta-bility, and mutual prosperity in the international com-munity,” he added. The nationalist premier argues thelaws are necessary to protect against threats from anincreasingly belligerent China and unstable North Korea,but opponents fear the vague wording could see Japandragged into far-flung foreign wars.

Abe has faced bitter opposition over the changes,which have seen his popularity slump, and oppositionlawmakers have vowed to do everything in their power tofight them. “This is not an end,” said Renho, a senior law-maker from the main opposition Democratic Party ofJapan, who goes by one name. “Let’s make it the begin-ning of the beginning,” she said on Twitter. MizuhoFukushima, a senior lawmaker from the Social DemocraticParty, told a crowd of more than ten thousand who gath-ered outside parliament during the debate: “Abe’s cabinetcriminals... Let’s get them out of here.” Speaking after thevote, Abe said the changes were “necessary in order toprotect people’s lives and peaceful way of life”.

Continued on Page 2

PH welcomes Japan’s new law allowing its troops to fight overseas

Opponents vow to fight laws expanding role of Japan’s military

TOKYO: Philippines’ tribal dancers from Iloilo perform at a parade of the “Philippine Festa” in Tokyo yesterday. Eight-time world boxingchampion Manny Pacquiao attended the Philippine community’s festival event in Japan. (See more on Page 2). —AFP

MANILA: A rebel leader said Friday that changes thatwould water down a proposed Muslim autonomy lawunder a peace deal with the Philippine government areunacceptable and that insurgents are appealing to law-makers to pass legislation that would help end a decades-old rebellion in the country’s south.

Mohagher Iqbal, chief negotiator for the rebel MoroIslamic Liberation Front, said delays in the passage of theautonomy bill in Congress have made the insurgents anx-ious. He said rebel leaders are regularly notifying com-manders on progress in implementing the peace deal,which was signed last year. Under the Malaysian-brokeredagreement, the rebels dropped their separatist bid inexchange for a more powerful and better-funded Muslimautonomous region to be called Bangsamoro. It was to becreated with a bill drafted by a rebel-government com-mission and submitted to Congress. A police anti-terrorassault in January, however, spun out of control and led tothe killings of 44 police commandos in clashes that entan-gled some of the Moro rebels. —AP

PH rebels reject changes in proposed autonomy law

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2015 2

PH welcomes ...Continued from Page 1

“This is designed to prevent wars,” he told journalists.Abe had been unable to muster support to amend the pacifist constitu-

tion and instead opted to “re-interpret” the meaning of self-defence in orderto push through the new laws, but the move has sparked a groundswell ofopposition not seen for decades in Japan.

A hard-core group of some 300 protesters gathered outside parliament onSaturday, calling for the legislation to be abolished and vowing never to stoptheir fight against Abe.

“Our battle will never end. This is just the beginning,” Keisuke Yamamoto,an organiser from one of the citizen groups that have been leading weeks ofrallies, told AFP.

“We will resort to every possible measure, including bringing the case tothe courts... We can’t let this movement fizzle out now.”

Behind him, demonstrators carried banners or billboards, which read: “Weshould not get children killed,” and “Don’t let them wage a war”.

Legal scholars have argued the legislation violate Japan’s pacifist constitu-tion, imposed by the US after World War II, and several groups on Saturdaysaid they were preparing to challenge the new laws.

Susumu Murakoshi, chairman of the 36,000-strong national bar associa-tion, yesterday criticised the government for going against the will of the peo-ple and pledged to see the changes abolished.

National broadcaster NHK reported that respected constitutional scholarSetsu Kobayashi, from Keio University, is already planning to muster 1,000lawyers to file a challenge to the legislation in the Tokyo district court.

Tokyo has said the changes would allow troops to help their Americancounterparts, but officials have remained tight-lipped on who else it wouldcover.

It could include Australia, which Japan has forged closer military ties within recent years, and the new laws were welcomed by the country’s ForeignMinister Julie Bishop.

“These reforms will allow Japan to make a greater contribution to interna-tional peace and stability,” she said in a statement yesterday.

The Philippines, which has recently forged closer ties with Japan and hasmaritime territorial disputes with China, also welcomed Tokyo’s reforms.

Earlier this year the Philippines hosted two naval exercises in quick succes-sion with Japan, and Manila is seeking greater defence tie-ups between thetwo countries. —AFP, Inquirer.net

KUWAIT: The Gym Team celebrated Friday morning “WorldPeace Day” via its Zumba class held every Friday at the Chai AlDhaha Ballroom of The Radisson Blu Hotel. The class wasattended by and participated by different instructors from sev-eral gyms and Zumba fanatics. Dressed in red and white as thecolor themes of the day, the workout launched with a progres-sive music and workout led by an assistant instructor of TheGym team Albert Pinos who continuously to showcase hismuch improved skills in leading a group exercise. Youngest

The Gym Team marks ‘World Peace Day’Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN) certified Aby Dado masterful-ly delivered two Latin routines to the admiration of the crowd.Known dancer, choreographer, fitness trainer and ZIN certifiedinstructor Mynnah Anna Bernardo perked the half hour to aseries of fusion of contemporary and classic moves as thecrowd cheered every end of a song. Immediately followed wasa Lebanese ZIN certified instructor Helen Al-Rahi setting thefloor on fire with her much entertaining and fanciful routinesto the delight of the crowd. The crowd cheered for more as Al-Rahi reached her last song.

Another ZIN certified and newest mentor of The Gym TeamMaria Cuadra stepped on the floor to display her skills andwhat she can offer to the members. As promised, Al-Rahireturned on the floor with two contemporary songs to cooldown and deliver final stretching routines with all presentersjoining Al-Rahi on stage. The crowd applauded in recognitionand gratitude for a great workout. The final highlight of theday was when all ZIN instructors with attendees delivered oncamera for The Morning Talk News their greetings to everyoneof “Happy World Peace Day”. The Gym Team mentor GlennUntal treated everyone to a lavish, generous and sumptuousbreakfast after the class and in celebration of the occasion. TheGym Team wishes to thank Mrs. Ida Pelaud and The Viking Clubof the Radisson Blu Hotel for their continuous support to the

project by allowing the classes to be held every Friday in theclub’s venue. The Gym team also announced its participationas instructors to lead Zumba and cardio classes for theIndonesian community every Friday under the patronage ofThe Indonesian Envoy HE Ambassador Tatang Budie UtamaRazak. The coordinator also announced that The Gym Teamhas been invited to lead the warm up for the sports day of theMalaysian Community in October.

TOKYO: Philippines’ tribal dancers from Iloilo perform at a parade of the “Philippine Fiesta” in Tokyo yesterday. Eight-time world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao attended the Philippine community’s festival event in Japan. —AFP

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2015 4

Philippine Basketball League in Kuwait continues at Al-Nadi Sports Club KUWAIT: Basketball enthusiasts witnessed another exciting game last Friday at Al-Nadi Sporting Club, Khaitan organized by the Philippine Basketball League in Kuwait(PBLK). The fifth season (5” 8’ Division) and fourth season (Intercompany Division) continues. —Photos by Harbie Dagdagan

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2015 5

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 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

Z-Power Q8 promotes Zumba, hiphopKUWAIT: Z-Power Q8 once again organizedZumba at Qadsiya Gym in Hawally with ZinJanet and Hip-hop dance with instructor Lyle.The group promotes healthy lifestyle amongFilipinos and other nationalities. The event heldevery Friday is being attended by a number of

energetic and dynamic people from all age-groups, where everyone was cheering, jump-ing, shaking and wiggling to the beat of musicfollowing the easy choreography of instructors.The group encourages everyone to join everyFriday at the above mentioned venue.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2015 7

By Ben Garcia

KUWAIT: A number of runaway domestic workerswere flown home recently as the Philippine

Embassy in Kuwait took advantage of the currentKuwaiti governmentís ëAssisted VoluntaryRepatriation Program.í The program is not consid-ered an amnesty but an act of kindness on the part

of Kuwaiti government especially for runawayhousemaids. With the program, some 108 undocu-mented Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Kuwaitwere flown home in a chartered flight via Gulf Air.

The program was also made possible in cooperationwith the Philippine Embassy led by AmbassadorRene Villa, Consul General Raul Dado, Vice ConsulSheina Tesorero and Labor Attache Cesar Chavez.

FBC wins ‘FourFeather’ tourney

KUWAIT: For the 1st time in its 3rd Four Feathers InterOrganization Tournament hosted by FBAA, Filipino BadmintonCommittee finally scored and took home the 1st championshiptitle in the Advance Category. FBC Players Sanjo and Saje domi-nated the Advance Level Category winning the cash prize ofKD100 and trophies. Four Feathers Inter-BadmintonOrganization Tournament is being held every 3 months by the4 premier badminton organizations namely Filipino BadmintonCommittee (FBC), Filipino Badminton Club in Kuwait (FILBACK)Filipino Badminton Association in Ahmadi ( FBAA) and aBadminton group Hapi Pipol. The next Four FeathersTournament will be on November 2015 to be hosted by HapiPipol, February 2016 by FBC, May 2016 - FILBACK, and August2016 - FBAA (More photos in next issue)

KUWAIT: The Gym Team Filipino instructors and mentors Ga See Marie and Ellen Roman led the re-opening of the Friday Zumba classes at the Embassy of the Republic ofIndonesia Friday morning. The event was attended by wives of ASEAN Ambassadors and community members. The weekly event is held under the patronage of theIndonesian Ambassador HE Tatang Budie Utama Razak and spouse. Earlier prior to the month of Ramadan, the Indonesian community held four consecutive classes on dif-ferent Fridays in the premises of the embassy. The Gym Team also has taken active participation in the “Indonesia Day” held on the 11th of September at the Kuwait KarateFederation jointly organized by the community and embassy. The Gym Team wishes to thank the Indonesian envoy for the community’s support to create awareness on theimportance of exercise and living healthy. Noted ZIN certified Maria Cuadra and fitness instructor Genie Apolinario will lead the class this coming Friday.

Zumba classes open at Indonesian Embassy

Embassy takes advantage of Kuwaitís repatriation program

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2015

Page 7

FBC wins ‘Four Feather’

tourney

KUWAIT: See more Philippine Basketball League Kuwait (PBLK) tournament on Pages 4-5. —Photos by Harbie Dagdagan

MANILA: Volunteers composed of government employees and students help collect rubbish at the Manila Bay yesterday, during the “International Coastal Clean Up Day”. The 30thannual International Coastal Clean Up Day is community action to “preserve, protect and clean up” the world’s waterways. Filipinos in Kuwait will be hosting the same on October9, 2015, to be organized by ‘OFW Agila Movement sa Kuwait’ at the seaside (Gulf Road) near the Holy Family Cathedral in Kuwait City. The event will start from 6am-9am. —-AFP

OFW Agila Movement sa Kuwait’ clean up drive set on October 9