INTERNET VOTING FOR PHOTOGENIC AWARD FOR GGBPSA 2008 HAS JUST STARTED

The Internet voting for the Photogenic Award of Ginoo and Binibining Pilipinas Saudi Arabia 2008 is now open.

Sixteen young ladies and 16 fresh-looking gentlemen are vying for the most prestigious personality title ever held in Saudi Arabia since 2004 organized by S.E. Productions.

You can view and vote for your chosen candidates by visiting their internet poll or you can visit their web blog.

Voting will end on October 22, 2008 and the Coronation night will be held on October 24, 2008 at the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh K.S.A.

New law in pipeline to deter Saudi smokers

A new law to combat smoking in public and workplaces in Saudi Arabia has been drafted and is awaiting Cabinet approval.

Under the proposals, those caught smoking in public places will be fined SR200 ($53).

Suleiman Al-Sabi, secretary-general of the Charitable Society to Combat Smoking, urged those affected by smokers at work and public places to take legal action against them, demanding compensation.

The law, which is expected to come in during 2009, is significant as Saudi Arabia tops the list of tobacco importers, according to 2007 statistics.

Iran is placed second, followed by Jordan, Turkey, Morocco and Egypt. He claimed cigarette smoking has so far caused the death of 3.48 million people worldwide this year, including 13,929 in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Sabi said smoking would be banned in public places such as markets, restaurants, courtyards of mosques, ministries, educational, health, sports and cultural institutions, public transports, lifts and toilets.

Smoking will also banned in workplaces of companies, factories, banks, food manufacturing places as well as petroleum producing, transporting, distributing and refining areas and fuel and gas selling outlets.

Work Productivity and Timing in Ramadan

The workdays for non-Muslims remain the same for almost all the companies in Saudi Arabia. While the Muslims observe their Ramadan by shortening their worktime for at least 2 hours, some notable Muslim, don’t like the idea of shortened workdays, noting that Ramadan is a time when followers of Islam should work harder than ever before.

According to them, Ramadan is not an excuse to be lazy but a time to excel under difficult conditions. Coz strife and hardship strengthens society and builds character.

In fact, some international businesses find it more difficult to conduct business with Islamic countries during Ramadan.

Productivity drops during the month, with both the public and private sector observing shorter working days, and business travellers should expect their plans to be disrupted.

International business transaction seems to be disturbed by the timing of Ramadan. Actually, even during regular months, the Middle East working days overlap with the most available time in international business arena.

In Saudi Arabia alone, week-end falls on Thursday and Friday while most countries consider Saturday and Sunday as their business holidays. So the international business operation in Saudi Arabia limits to 3 days only – Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Furthermore, the time difference shortens the period. Take for example if a Saudi company transacts business in the Philippines, which has a five-hour difference in GMT. Philippine business hour usually from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (3:00 PM to 12:00 NOON in Saudi Arabia). Saudi business time starts at 7:30 A.M which is 12:30 P.M. in the Philippines. Hence, business hours everyday for both countries is limited to 4 ½ hours maximum (that is, 4 ½ x 3 days (MTW) = 13.5 HOURS in a week.

So during Ramadan, where offices in Saudi open at 9:30 a.m., the business hour transactions can only be possible in the Philippines from 2:30pm to 5:00 pm.

Ramadan starts today

Today is being observed as the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.

Senior religious councils in Saudi Arabia, said the moon's crescent was not sighted after nightfall on Saturday, and so Sunday would be the last day of the month preceding Ramadan.

It is during this month that Muslims fast. It is called the Fast of Ramadan and lasts the entire month. Ramadan is a time when Muslims concentrate on their faith and spend less time on the concerns of their everyday lives. It is a time of worship and contemplation.

During the Fast of Ramadan strict restraints are placed on the daily lives of Muslims. Unlike in other Muslim countries, in Saudi Arabia, even the non-Muslims are obliged to observe fasting from sunrise to sunset. They are not allowed to eat or drink during the daylight hours. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting.

Working hours are reduced mostly for Muslims in private companies here in Saudi Arabia. They start behind 2 hours than non-Muslims. However Government offices had a uniform hours – 9am to 2pm for all their staff.

City roads are eerily quite as the time for breaking fast (sunset) approaches. On the flipside, traffic rushes to life again in the wee hours of the night, as residents flock to restaurants and shopping malls, which stay open late.

Shake-up call to protect Saudi foreign workers

Hopefully, OFWs may now be free from their worries of labor malpractice and abuse of their employers once the recommendation of Human rights campaigners in Saudi Arabia shall be considered by the Saudi government.
The National Human Rights Society (NHRS) proposed that the powers of the Labour Ministry and Passport Department relating to foreign workers be transferred to the new organisation.

The proposals come as part of a study carried out by the NHRS on improving the working environment of foreign workers in the country.
The society has already handed over the study to the authorities at the Ministries of Interior and Labour.

The study also recommends certain procedures to abolish the rules defining sponsorship.

They include an end to the practice of the employer holding passports of expatriate workers, doing away with no objection letters, allowing a foreign worker to bring his family to the Kingdom, employer’s consent to process Haj permit, marriage and family visits besides all terms restricting the employees’ freedom.

MTV Arabia to drop music videos in Ramadan

MTV Arabia, the Middle East’s youth entertainment and lifestyle channel, has announced it will mark Ramadan by dropping music videos.

The channel, which launched in November, has brought the Arab world cutting-edge international music as well as the best in Arabic pop and hip hop.

But its Ramadan fare will reflect the solemnity of the Holy Month, according to Samr Al Mazouqi, the channel’s manager.
He said: “The Holy Month is a time for introspection, and we would like to offer our viewers a break from the ordinary fare.

"Though part of a global brand, MTV Arabia is conscious of regional sensitivities and we are keen to respond to the needs and desires of viewers in the Middle East, the vast majority of whom will be fasting, spending time with family, and focusing on their spiritual lives.”

The channel will continue to play programmes from MTV’s international roster of reality shows, celebrity news and pop culture documentaries.

As is customary with television channels across the region, MTV Arabia will air the call to prayer during Maghreb.

A free to air channel, MTV Arabia broadcasts from Dubai and is available on the Nilesat and Arabsat platforms.

Source: Arabian Business News

Travelers Beware!

The Custom authority at the King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) in Riyadh had been very strict checking the baggages, particularly CD’s and DVD’s containing movies, softwares and anything prohibited in the Kingdom. Anyone who happens to bring in these items may take time waiting at the Airport for the authorities to check each and every CDs they found.

That was before, when enticing piece of hardware like flask disks, memory cards and external hard drives were still not found in the market.

But with the emerging of low-priced and convenient flash disks, memory cards, cellphones and external hard drives, anyone can store data, particularly pornographic materials, pirated softwares, etc where he can bring unnoticingly inside the Kingdom.

But be warned! If you think you can get away with the law in the Kingdom, think again!

Recently, my friend informed me that his officemates were caught with pornographic movies and pictures stored in their flask disks and hard drives. The police authorities at the international airport are equipped with gadgets, card readers, etc. to inspect all the electronic devices found in your possessions. They are now detained and maybe end up in jail for this violation.

So if ever you travel back to the Kingdom, its advisable not to bring any device containing prohibited materials which may bring you problem at the immigration.

New security rules for Saudi visitors

All passengers arriving at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdul Airport in Jeddah and Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz Airport in Madina will be fingerprinted under new security plans.

The fingerprinting will begin this Haj season, and is part of a new package designed to eliminate the problem of overstayers, the Saudi Gazette reported. All foreign residents and visitors will be fingerprinted, said Brigadier General Zaid Al-Turaifi, director of the Passport Institute.

When a foreign national is fingerprinted, all his or her relevant data will be stored in a database, the newspaper reported.

Information includes the person’s full name, employer, religion, and country of origin as well as the validity of his or her residence permit (iqama) or visa. A digital photo of the person will also be saved in the database.


Saudi girl, 8, in plea for divorce

A court in Saudi Arabia is reported to be preparing to hear a plea for divorce from an eight-year-old girl who has been married off to a man in his 50s.

The Saudi newspaper al-Watan said on Sunday the girl had been married off to the man by her father without her knowledge.

The child's mother is thought to be pushing for the marriage to be annulled although the father opposes the move.
In April, a court in neighbouring Yemen annulled the arranged marriage of another eight-year-old girl. She had been married to a 28-year-old man.

Child-protection groups say children are often given away in return for hefty dowries, or as a result of old customs in which a father promises his infant daughters and sons to cousins out of a belief that marriage will protect them from illicit relationships. Activists have called for an end to the practice.

Its Better to be Safe than Sorry!

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh is once again issuing a reminder in the wake of reports of Filipinos victimized by housebreakers. The most recent case is that of an OFW chemist who forgot to lock the main door of their flat when he arrived from work.

Four unknown persons entered his flat and his huge built was no match when he was assaulted by the group and subsequently hit by an iron in he head. His arms and feet were tied, mouth was taped, upbraided and terribly horrified when his body was sprinkled with alcohol. He was probably burned if not two of the thieves were in a hurry. However, all his important belongings, money and gifts that he bought for his family for his scheduled final exit this month was taken. To make matters worst, he was denied admission in the hospital because he has no identification, medical issuance card and police report.

Although the above was reported via email to the embassy and in the process of verifying its authenticity, the Embassy deems that it may be worthwhile to circulate it to our families, friends and fellow “kababayans” since we have nothing to lose if we remind them to be extra cautious of their everyday’s safety.

Safety and security ate the result of collective consensus and public investment..they do not just happen.

RAMADAN SCHEDULE

In line with the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Embassy of the Philippines in Riyadh would like to inform the General Public that effective on Sunday, 31 August 2008 or Monday, 01 September 2008 (depending on the sighting of the new moon), its regular office hours will commence from 10:00 am up to 3:00 pm only from Saturday to Wednesday. This will last until the Eid Al Fitr holidays which will start on 24 or 25 September 2008.
The Thursday schedule from 8:00 am to 12 noon of the Consular Section of the Embassy is suspended for the duration of the Ramadan.
The Embassy will resume its regular working hours after the Eid Al Fitr holidays.
The aforementioned schedule is in accordance with the directives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

1st Miss Earth Design Competition

Riyadh top fashion models showcase collections of Emil Santos (a fashion designer based in Riyadh) during the Ystilo Fashion Show at the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh

I received an email below regarding the forthcoming Miss Earth Design Competition and hopefully more fashion designers from Saudi Arabia will be encouraged to participate.

We in Carousel Productions recognize not only beauty and wit, we also discover and appreciate talents worthy of international acclaim. This year, for the first time in the Miss Earth pageant history, we are launching a project that will showcase the skills and creativity of professional or even budding designers here in the Philippines and even abroad, on fusing fashion and Filipino culture in coming up with timeless designs that are eco-friendly perfect for the Earth's most beautiful.

The 1st Miss Earth Design Competition is open to professional, non-professional and students who have experience, is learning or even just plain enthusiastic about the field of fashion design. You can join solo or form a design and implementation team of no more than 3 members. One important requirement is your ability to translate the sketches into real garments when chosen. Meaning, you will do it yourself or you have the capacity to outsource people to do it for you. The inspiration for the design is the Philippines; our culture, products, people, festivals, resources. Designs made in the past shall be allowed as long as it has not been showcased to the public (i.e. no media coverage, not shown in a national, local event).

Interested parties must complete the entry form which you can get by emailing cathyuntalan@gmail.com and submit the all the requirements in a short brown envelope to: 7 Ideal St., Shaw Blvd. Mandaluyong City on or before September 30, 2008. You can send as many sketches as you want.

Contents of the envelope:

1. Completely filled-out application form (please print multiple for teams) You can use additional sheets if the pages are not enough. Please submit comprehensive fashion design CV if you have one.

2. Sketches (back and forth) ideally colored or send pictures if they are already made

Top 90 sketches (or corresponding number of candidates) will be chosen to be worn by the candidates for Miss Earth 2008 to be showcased in the commemorative calendar made each year distributed to sponsors, franchise holders and made available for public purchase. The names of the 90 designers (or corresponding number of candidates) will also be featured. Not only that, the clothes will be worn by the Miss Earth beauties in a fashion show were the top 3 designs will be awarded.

Winners will be chosen based on the following criteria:

40 pts. Relevance to the theme and aptness of design
20 pts. Use of the latest fashion trends in materials, colours and trims
20 pts. Wearability and usefulness for purpose
10 pts. Accuracy of representation (of Philippine culture, products, etc)
10 pts. Over-all impact



With a grand total of 100 points.

Please feel free to pass this on to friends.

New insurance charge for Dubai visitors

Visitors and tourists coming to Dubai will have to pay about Dh1 for each day of stay in the country, a senior Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department (DNRD) official announced today.

The cost was revealed in a press conference announcing the selection of two local insurers – Amman and Oman Insurance – to provide visa applicants with the mandatory health insurance to complete entry permit procedures.

Brig. Obaid Mehayer Bin Suroor, Acting Director of DNRD, said: “Counters for these insurance companies will be set up at all DNRD branches to offer their services to customers when they apply for entry permits. The system of these companies will soon be linked with DNRD’s online services.”

The two were picked out of several companies who presented proposals to DNRD.
Brig. Bin Suroor, said: “We received several proposals from different companies. We chose the suitable one which offers special services at competitive prices.”
Health insurance for a 30-day visit visa will cost Dh40, and Dh90 for a 90-day visa. A 180-day entry permit costs Dh185.

This clears the initial confusion over health insurance coverage for visitors or tourists, which has been made mandatory under the newly-implemented visa regulations from July 29 following the issuance of Ministerial Decision No. 322/2008. z
Brig. Bin Suroor said people are free to get health insurance coverage from the company they want but the insurance policy should hold the same terms and conditions of the deal DNRD had with the health insurers.

“The coverage of insurance policy should be for a minimum of Dh150,000 for a person per visit to the UAE only and against emergency cases and accidents during the visitor stay in the country. Moreover, the medical coverage will be through a network covered by the insurance companies,” he added.

“The insured person will receive treatment in a shared room and 100% coverage for medication, surgery, and hospital fees in addition to teeth and rehabilitation treatment in accidents cases.

Brig. Bin Suroor said: “The agreement says that insurance companies will bear the cost up to Dh7,000 of repatriating the body back to the country of the visitor in case of death.”

Goodnews! 1,000 'offensive' websites to be unblocked in Dubai!

Etisalat and du will be told to unblock access to more than 1,000 websites that UAE censors had deemed offensive.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) will instruct web service providers to unblock the sites as part of its new “internet access management” policy.

The new policy will require the government-controlled internet provider duopoly of Etisalat and du to unblock the sites before August 29.
While TRA officials were unable to specify the websites that will be unblocked, the paper says they are likely to include internet forums and social networking sites whose administrators have removed material that TRA officials considered questionable or offensive.

Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, TRA Board Member and Director General, said: "We have always considered the interests and benefits of consumers throughout the formulation of this policy, which laws are directed to protect Internet users, because we believe in the role of the internet as a primary mean of acquiring knowledge.

"Given the fact of the commercial, economic and media work environment of many governmental bodies and institutions in the country, the TRA has implemented some exceptions on blocking access to certain websites, which contents may be commensurate with the nature of their work, where they might be in dire need to know vital information via the Internet that is at the core of their work. We don't want the blocking system to have a negative impact on their work and activity."

Flash news: 55 arrests after suspected 'gay party'

At least 55 people have been arrested following a police bust at an alleged homosexual party in eastern Saudi Arabia.

According to police, drugs and alcohol were found at the farm near Qatif, while two young men were allegedly found wearing women’s makeup and dancing on stage.

Many of those arrested were Filipinos and Pakistanis.
A labor attaché at the Embassy is now trying to help them.

How the new UAE visa rules will affect you

Changes to visa regulations in the UAE could result in the country being free of illegal immigrants by the end of the year,, but new visa regulations, which will be introduced today, have created a lot of confusion among local people and visitors.

Here is the guide to how the changes will affect you.

Citizens from the 33 countries which currently receive entry permits on arrival will largely be unaffected by the new rules. The only difference is that these entry permits can only be renewed for an additional 30 days rather than 60 days at a cost of 620 dirhams.

The following nations are exempt: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, UK, US and Vatican City.

Passport holders in countries not exempt must pay a refundable deposit of 1,000 dirhams (US$272) and be covered by health insurance for the period of their stay.

A visit visa will not be required for tourists who book into hotels or who book holidays through a registered tour operator or agency. Instead, they must carry a tourist visa, costing 100 dirhams, which can be issued through the hotel or agency.

The tourist agency will have to pay 75,000 dirhams to the government when opening the agency and a refundable 1,000 dirhams for every visa for tourists from certain countries. The company must also provide a full itinerary for the traveller for their stay.

A visit visa can be applied for 60 days, prior to entering the country, is valid for 30 days, and can be renewed once for an additional 30 days at a charge of 610 dirhams if processed online and 620 dirhams if submitted manually at the Department of Naturalization and Residency offices (DRND).

The cost of issuing a tourist visa is 210 dirhams if processed online and 220 dirhams if submitted by hand at the DNRD office.

Residents can apply for a 30 day or 90 day visit visa for their spouse or blood relative, but will not be allowed to sponsor friends.

The new regulations will put an end to ‘visa runs’. Those without residency will have to pay the renewal fee or leave the country for at least 30 days before returning.

Visa runs to Kish Island, Oman and other neighbouring countries have also been stopped. People wanting to change their visas must return to their home countries.
Every week we issue about 250 visas for Iranian and Filipino passport holders at a cost of 600dhs each.

Riyadh deportation centre overflowing

A deportation centre in Riyadh is overflowing with ‘runaway’ maids, convicts and foreigners denied entry into the country as the cost of flights out of Saudi Arabia soars.

Detainees are kept in camps before they are deported to their home countries and are given the option to return early if they pay for their own flights.

But Saudi Airlines has more than doubled the price of a single flight, citing a labour counselor at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Riyadh.
Filipino maids are staying at an embassy-run safe house waiting to return.
Days ago, the Philippine Embassy issued an advisory to all Filipinos not to runaway from their employer, instead, they must seek the assistance of the Embassy POLO Office for any job-related problems. Likewise, Ambassador Antonio P. Villamor discourages Filipinos, who travel to Jeddah risking themselves to travel by backdoor, saying that the Saudi government is now tightening its campaign against those expatriates who shall go on exit from the Kingdom without proper documentation.

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.

**************
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

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

BJ Fabricante wins Mukha ng Pinoy!

We’re supposed to administer the month-long summer festival of a mall in Batha last night (actually, it was our 2nd week already) but we sneaked out early since two of our friends and protégées (JC Manuel and BJ Fabricante) will compete to the “Search for Mukha ng Pinoy 2009 para sa Kalendaryong Pilipino” in Al Fawaq Science International School.

JC was G. Pilipinas Riyadh 2005 and featured as one of the desert hunks. Actually, we always support him in all his shows and competitions. In return, whenever we need his expertise to fix our laptops/PCs and do some graphic designs, he is always there to help us.

Johnny “BJ” Fabricante was G. Maharlika Jeddah 2004. He was working before in a newly-opened Jeddah Hilton Hotel, which is owned/managed by our company. Actually, that time, my boss was trying to convince me to work in Jeddah Hilton. He offered me a hefty salary package, but I declined because I just feel not comfortable working in Western province.

We watched the show from the start while enduring patiently the terrible heat inside. It was already late afternoon, but the tremendous temperature was too extreme.

Seeing the candidates one by one during the first appearance in their regional costume, BJ and JC stood noticingly among the rest of the male contestants. I know one of them will be the winner. BJ’s handsomeness and lofty height (6’2”) and JC’s mestizo-looks were their matchless possessions.

During the final Q&A, JC was asked about the issue of divorce in the Philippines and he immediately said that he favors divorce in order for the couples to veer away from domestic problems and start new life, while BJ’s, without any qualm expressed his objection on the same-sex marriages because of religion. However, he asked for indulgence from the audience since some of the crowds may feel upset of what he believes. On the contrary, his answer was well delivered and made him the first Mukha ng Pinoy titleholder. JC’s got the 2nd runner-up title.

Well, the show might not be as grandiose and well-orchestrated compared to the G. PIlipinas Saudi Arabia search, but I appreciate the effort of Sining Pinoy. There were productions lapses, technical glitches and uncontinuity of the program, but I guess the Sining Pinoy should take their first show as a challenge to improve more.

More pictures of BJ once I officially proclaim him as a desert hunk soon…

Cross-dressers collared in crackdown

There is an emerging trend of men dressed as women and vice versa in the UAE markets and streets and police in Dubai have arrested several men and women for cross-dressing in what they said was a campaign to preserve the social values of the cosmopolitan Gulf Arab trade and tourism hub.

The detainees were being referred to the public prosecutor as part of the one-week campaign called "Preserve Our Social Values", though it was not clear what charges would be brought.

Dubai is part of the seven-member United Arab Emirates, a Muslim country where cross-dressing is frowned upon but whose population is dominated by migrants with diverse backgrounds and lifestyles.It is a city of sky-scrapers and mega-developments, which attracts foreign workers ranging from well-paid Western executives to low-wage Asian labourers. Tourists may wear bikinis and drink cocktails at hotel nightclubs but sex outside marriage is banned as is homosexual behaviour.