UAE temperature hits 51.4 degrees

Temperatures in the UAE surged as high as 51.4 degrees Celsius on Sunday, the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology said.

The sweltering 51.4 degrees was recorded at Minhad Airport, an inland military base, UAE daily Khaleej Times reported on Monday.

A spokesperson for the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology told the newspaper Abu Dhabi reached 48.3 degrees on Sunday - its hottest this year, while in Jebel Ali, temperatures hit 49 degrees.
Dubai International Airport meteorology equipment recorded 46.7 degrees and Sharjah 48.5 degrees, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said Dubai's highest temperature ever, recorded on August 9, and August 15 in 1999, was 47.5 degrees.

Meanwhile, the centre is forecasting temperatures of about 45 degrees on Monday and Tuesday in Dubai, with Abu Dhabi likely to hit 47 degrees and Al Ain predicted to reach 48 degrees.

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This is an unedited email received from Sajid Thechikkodan
Sent: Sun 29-Jun-08 13:37Subject:

Criminals in Batha

Dear All,

I'm Sajid T. K. residing in Batha Dist. Riyadh, working in Best Rent A Car Company would like to explain an incident happened to me last Friday at 03:00PM by expecting this may help the readers to be vigilant about new fraud team/tactics.

In Batha, I was just parking my car beside my residence building - suddenly one car with security lights and microphone appeared behind me and announced in Arabic, like the Traffic Police, that I'm doing something wrong - there were two guys in the car and one came out and neared to my car and asked me why you reverse the car? He asked me to show Istimarah, ID, etc. I asked him who are you - he said I'm police - I asked him where is the uniform - he said we are coming after duty. I was just took my wallet to show him the Istimarah, suddenly he snatched my wallet and started checking one by one. He saw money (SR.1,500) in my wallet and asked me from where you have this much money? at that moment I felt that they may be fake police so I snatched back my wallet and asked him to show me his ID - by the time my car's original Istimarah, my Iqama, family's Iqmah and my driving license were with him. He said come to our car we will show you our ID. While nearing to their car they asked me to enter into their car and told me that they want take me to their Mudheer – I refused to enter to their car but he tried by catching my neck and forced to put me inside the car and one time they succeeded but I came out. Then one guy started beating me and other guy started to kicking me so I felt things becoming verse and I decided to defend and beaten them back as much as possible. Between the beating I was freed from their hands and I ran into my residence building. I was just climbing fast the stairs my wife called to my mobile and I asked her to open the door immediately and I entered inside our flat.

After few minutes somebody was knocking in our door but we didn't open. After sometime again someone started knocking and said we are your neighborhood shopkeeper we have got some of your documents from the street. So I open the door and they gave my ID and License and My Daughter's ID - but I lost my wife's ID and my car's original Istimarah and Ownership Card. In fact the shopkeeper had called the Police while our fighting but they didn't appear.

Anyhow I went to Batha Police station in the evening and informed the guys car's details and reported them the incidents. I understand from the Police Officers' conversation that there were similar cases same day have been reported already. After longtime waiting they have provided me all necessary paper which may help me to reproduce my lost documents.

I hope this may help us to be aware about some new type of tactics by the criminal.

May GOD bless us all.

Sajid Thecikkodan

New On-Line Application Process for the Issuance of the POEA Travel Exit Clearance for Balik-Manggagawa/ Workers-On- Leave (BM/WOL)

The POEA, in its letter dated 13 June 2008, has informed of the new-on-line application process for the issuance of the POEA travel exit clearance for Balik-Manggagawa/ workers-on- leave (BM/WOL).
Previously, OFWs would have to proceed to the POEA office and Philippine Overseas Labor Offices to apply for their exit clearance. With this online application system, the OFW can avail of the 2-way delivery system through the internet and have the clearance delivered back to their residence. There will be no need to go to the POEA. Since the application is online, this can be done virtually anywhere where there is an internet connection. This gives OFWs more time to spend with family and friends while vacationing in the Philippines.

To apply, the BM/WOL simply logs onto www.oecdelivery com.ph and follow the instructions as detailed in the website. The service is available nationwide.

Should the BM/WOL decide not to avail of the 2-way Delivery System, they have the option to print out the OFW Info Sheet after applying on line and proceed to the POEA to file their application.

The BM/WOL may also secure their POEA travel exit clearance at the following:

a.. Balik-Manggagawa Processing Division (BMPD), Service Area, POEA, Blas F. Ople Bldg., Ortigas corner EDSA, Mandaluyong City
b. POEA Regional Centers/Regional Extension Units ( REUs ) and Satellite Offices
c. POEA-deputized OWWA Regional Offices and Units
d. Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) in various Philippine Embassies and Consulates abroad
e. Exit Clearance One-Way Delivery System (Dropbox) POEA Service Area
f. POEA, REU-La Union, Cagayan de Oro, Tacloban, Davao, POLO-Jeddah and Singapore, for the issuance of the Multiple Travel Exit Clearance (MTEC). The MTEC is a set of two or more clearances issued to workers-on-leave/ balik-manggagawa (BM/WOL) for use as an exit document within a period of twelve months from date of issuance. It allows the WOL/BM who exits from the Philippines more than once in a period of 12 months to secure his exit clearance on a one-time basis.

For more information, the OFWs may also visit POEA website at www.poea.gov. ph.

The new system is part of POEAʼs continuous effort to provide quality service to OFWs.

SOURCE: Philippine Embassy

WHEN I'M WITH YOU

When I'm with you,
eternity is a step away,
my love continues to grow,
with each passing day.

This treasure of love,
I cherish within my soul,
how much I love you...
you'll never really know.

You bring a joy to my heart,
I've never felt before,
with each smile in your face,
I love you more and more.

Whenever we say goodbye,
whenever we part,
know I hold you dearly,
deep inside my heart.

Tarek is now Tony Phillipp

Latest photo of Tarek (a.k.a. Tony Phillipp); Tarek's appearance during a fashion show in Riyadh dubbed as "Ystilo"

In my recent visit to Tarek's friendster account, i was surprised to see the new photos for the promotion of GMA's Daisy Syete Season 18 (Prince Charming and the Maids)..



Way back in Riyadh, Tarek appeared in several fashion shows but we didn't thought that someday he will take our advise seriously to enter showbiz. Seeing great potentials from him - the height, the looks and everything, we encouraged him to try his luck in showbiz coz we're sure that he can easily find a notch in showbiz.

Finally, he grabbed the opportunity in showbiz.

In the Philippines, watch Daisy Syete every Monday to Friday after Eat Bulaga. In Riyadh, it will take 6- 8 months before this Episode 18 will be finally be shown in GMA Pinoy TV.

Saudi woman arrested for flouting driving ban

Saudi police have detained a woman for violating rules banning women from driving in the conservative Muslim country last Sunday.

The woman from Buraida north of Riyadh was stopped by a police patrol after driving 10 kilometres to collect her husband.

The woman's "legal guardian" - her husband - was required to sign a declaration that he would not allow her to drive again, it said. It was not immediately clear if she was released or would face legal action.

Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world that forbids women from driving on the basis of fatwas, or religious opinions, from clerics who say it is un-Islamic.
Saudi media has reported a number of cases over the past year where women flouted the ban, which some civil rights activists have begun lobbying the government publicly to lift.

Thanks.

Thanks for being such a good friend to me.
You've opened up my eyes to things I couldn't see.
I hope we last forever, you know.
So that everyday our love will grow.
You've been there, through thick and thin.
And now I can truly say I can call you a friend.
I hate to have to share you with others,
Like other friends, your sister, your brother, your mother.
Other people may have no clue
about the closeness between me and you.
But,all I want to say Is
Thank You!

Saudi temperatures risk topping 80 Celsius

The temeprature is high during noon time in Riyadh.

Faisal Al-Zawad, head of forecasting at the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment, Ministry of Defence and Aviation in the Eastern Province, has concluded surface temperatures in Saudi Arabia could top 70 to 80 degrees Celsius. At present the temperature here in Saudi range from 45C to a high 50C+ during noon time.

His research, based on historical analysis of records dating back to 1961, is based on average temperatures, but would mean that summer temperatures could be high enough to melt plastic such as the uPVC used in pipes, plumbing and window frames.
The rise in temperature as a result of increasing emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases will have significant impact on Saudi Arabia’s national economy, rise in energy demand, social lifestyle of the population and production and consumption. Global warming can have big effects on agriculture, energy consumptions and various other aspects of daily life.

Its my 1st anniversary!

The pendulum has not stopped from swinging and time flies so fast that I didn’t noticed my blog has turned one year already.

At first, I intend to concentrate writing unconventional stories of my personal (love)life… but concealing the identity of the people whom I care about and considered "great spice" of my life. I still have to respect their privacy.

There’s something wonderful about sharing. It makes the world go round…

I was determined to share rather than decorate…

I desire to be known as a person with so much to reveal so others may learn and entertain.

I want others to know, just like what I did, that sometimes our heart is as rude as our brain and I want someone to follow their hearts by all means… but intelligently…

I was nominated by Khalean for the G-Spot Blog and Uncomposed Gentlemen last year which prompted me to continue blogging. I was able to get my DSL account in November so my enthusiasm to blog has intensified.

However, the risk is inevitable in the place where I am right now.. Bloggers are bound to go behind their norms and regulations or else they may end up in bars with a bonus of a hundred lashes.

Months ago, a blogger was arrested and detained for criticizing the government in his blog, which was denounced by the Human Rights group “Freedom without Border”. This incident prompted all bloggers, including me, to be aware of everything that might affect the norms and traditions of an ultra-conservative society.

Hence, I decided that instead of a more sexually enticing and provocative blogs, I shall accommodate informative reports, occasions and announcements pertaining to the life of OFWs in the Middle East.

To my readers, please bear with me if my blog may not be as extremely eccentric as before… just wish me more blog-year to come!

Let's keep it that way....

Ssshhh dont let no one know
but i'll be your secret baby
that no one knows about
hoping no one will ever find out
what goes on between us two,
keeping you my secret while i watch you
i want us to become us and no one knows about it
so lets keep it this way
and i know that they'll figure it all out one day

Philippine Independence Day Activities at the Philippine Embassy Unveiled

The Embassy of the Philippines in Riyadh would like to invite all Filipino expatriates working and/or residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to join in the commemoration of the 110th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence Day by attending the below list of activities prepared for the said occasion.
As we remember the gallant heroes who fought for our country’s freedom, the Embassy would like call on all Filipinos within its jurisdiction to unite with one another in the task of nation building in the forthcoming momentous event. This occasion is one area where we can certainly transcend the narrow confines of our self-interests and prejudices and celebrate together as one people and one nation, and one vision for our country.

Mabuhay ang Pilipino sa Araw ng Ating Kasarinlan!

2008 Philippine Independence Day Activities

6th June 2008 (Friday)
7:30 am – 10:00 pm
Philippine Embassy Ground
Flag Raising Ceremony
Sports Exhibition, Friendship Games, Martial Arts Exhibition
Food Festival


13 June 2008 (Friday)

7:30am to 10:00 pm

Opening - Cameraderie Photo Exhibits and Contests
Film Showing “Katas ng Saudi”

20th June 2008 (Friday)
6:00 pm to 10:00 PM

FILCOM Night (Cultural Presentation of Philippine International schools in Riyadh)

25,26 & 27 June 2008

8:00am to 5:00 pm – Seminar Workshop for Teachers of Philippine international schools

27 June 2008

Lecture on Pinoy Pop Culture