Eleksyon 2013

Bakit nga ba kelangan bumoto? Napakasimpleng tanong na mayroon din napakaraming sagot. Ngunit kung ito'y ating uunawain, isang bagay lamang talaga ang dapat isa isip. Ito ay isang karapatan.  

Registered Absentee Voter

Exercising my right to suffrage is something I have actively done since I turned 18. But since moving to Kuwait, this was the first time that I opted to become an Absentee voter to continue my participation in this national elections. The registration and transfer of my records from my previous local precinct took a couple of months (registered only late last year when I renewed my passport) but luckily it was approved without any hassle. So yesterday, I finally had my chance to be a part of this Overseas Absentee Voters program for Filipino Citizens living abroad. As per COMELEC rules, OAVs are given a month before the official election begins in the Philippines which will be on the 13th of May 2013.

Philippine Embassy in Faiha, Kuwait

Reminder posted at the entrance of the Philippine Embassy in Faiha

What's happening inside the Voting place

Trying out the PCOS machine. It looked old but still working.

The election was held at the Philippine Embassy in Faiha and in order to ensure that you're a registered voter or a Filipino citizen, you'll either need to show your OAV voters license or your original passport. The procedure is done through properly shading electronic papers and be fed under PCOS machines. Once the machine accepts the paper, the votes will be counted and should be wired through their main system. Not sure where the main system was located but hopefully it's in safe hands. Hopefully. *crossesfingers*

Just like what Dr. Jose Rizal said, "It is a useless life that is not consecrated to a great ideal. It is like a stone wasted in the field without becoming part of an edifice. The glory of saving a country is not for him who has contributed to its ruin. (El Filibusterismo)" This simply states that in order for us to achieve something greater, we must all do our part in our own little way. As this Senatorial election continues on, may we as proud Filipino citizens try our best to perform our right to choose wisely who we think should fill in the vacant seats in our democratic government. If we won't act, who else will?

Streets of Kuwait: Part 3

Sunset at Marina Bay

When finding a fun leisure activity around busy Kuwait, it's never a dull moment to hang out around the coastline. You may ask what the locals and expats both love to do during weekends..if not shopping (for the rich ones) it's obviously chilling out on marina bay. What other thing is also good about it? Well.. I guess the fact that it's absolutely free! You can either go for a swim, take your fishing skills to the test, ride a water boat, chitchat with your friends, jog, run, relax or just lay down under a palm tree for a quiet time.

The pics below covered the long bay stretch from the Scientific Center to Marina Mall.

There's a food shop inside the Scientific Center (Burger King, Pizza Hut etc) if anyone wanted to eat. That afternoon, my friend and I preferred a BK kid's meal hence Simpson on the bay side standing with his arms wide open

You can check out the local boat rides. Not sure how much the fares cost. Will have that separate post once I get the chance to be on it soon-ish 

Old Kuwaiti boats. I featured these ones in a previous post HERE!

Where's ze captain?!

Not sure what that small circular thing was. But my friend told me she think it's  like a boat-toilet or something.

The KAIT boat description

This reminds me of the "bangka" I used to ride on when I was younger back in my mom's province. Although this looks a bit majestic with its paint and stuff

Who wants to jog?

Unfortunately I don't know what this structure is called so I just call it The Umbrella

It's fishing time!

The CATS are EVERYWHERE! Fun thing is...they look like they have good  breeds

No clue on what the sign says. I still can't read arabic *sigh*

This structure makes me think of a gazebo. I'm no architecture major so I don't really know what this is called.

Docks probably used for smaller boats or yachts? 

Gazebos everywhere...

The park. The trees look interesting.

Fountain or small pool? No idea.

Playground for kids

Restaurants along the coastline

Mesmerizing coastline amidst the busy street

Kuwait Yacht Show

I'm not really sure when the exhibit started and for what cause, but one thing I know it's meant to showcase the local's wealth with their obviously expensive yachts. A friend of mine got in but because she's friends with one of the yacht owners wife and as far as I know the show is kind of exclusive. We do tried to get in (Jan 31st) but were told you need invites to do so. It sure sucks since I wanted to get inside one of the yachts. But anyway... I have also seen the model used by the local coast guard when patrolling their seas. The amount of each yacht were not plastered but by the looks of them, I'm definite they're worth thousands (millions) of dollars!

Main entrance to the Kuwait Yacht Show 2013

Italian Azimut 95 model Yacht, a Flybridge collection model

It has a total of 120 square metres surface

Guess how much it's worth? A staggering US $10,000,000!

Since I keep seeing logos of Wataniya and Burgan Bank, I guess it's obvious they're one of the show's sponsors

Coast Guard model yacht

Musika Tawanan 2013

For weeks now, the Ai-Ai delas Alas, Bugoy Drilon and Lizcel Garcia tandem has been a trending topic in the Pinoy community in Kuwait. Tons of posters are scattered all over and tickets are sold like candy. So when the day came last January 25th, Al-Arabi Sports Club was jam packed with screaming fans. People are everywhere anticipating the time when their favorite celebrity would come out. The atmosphere was filled with excitement because another set of Filipino celebrities came to Kuwait for a night of promising laughter and joy.

General Admission tickets that we bought for the event. But through a good sponsor, we were upgraded to VIP!

The concert "Musika at Tawanan sa Kuwait" also featured amateur singers based here to showcase their talents. After only an hour of waiting, Lizcel serenaded the fans with hit OPM songs as well as Bugoy singing his hit-tunes. Then came Philippine's blockbuster comedy queen Ai-Ai Delas Alas doing a series of song-and-dance performances. She also used her wit and funny punch lines to entertain the crowd, whilst proving her celebrity title.

Crowded stadium!

Bugoy Drilon performing his hit song "Hindi na Bale"

The comedy queen Ai-ai de las Alas

The concert ended with a raffle give-away for the audience as part of the event's main cause to aid a distressed Filipino convict who has been held in prison due to false accusations for more than 15 years. Knowing this however made me feel more better since I not only enjoyed the event but I found out that through this, I was also able to partake in the cause.



-- Unfortunately I was only able to take pictures using my smart phone since I really didn't plan on going in the first place. *sigh*  --

2012: The year that was

365 days quickly passed by like some jet flying across the sky. One thing I knew, I'm bidding goodbye to 2012 and saying hello to another new year. For the most part, I think I found myself floating along the past year without much fervor.

One of the momentous and Guinness world-breaking event in Kuwait's history took place last November 10, 2012 when this oil-rich state celebrated its Government Constitution's jubilee. A huge celebration was thrown by the government by dazzling the world with its astounding $15 million dollar pyromusical and fireworks display. I'm talking about 77,283 pieces of fireworks in total! How cool was that?! 

Ahh-mazing Kuwait Fireworks display! Image credit to Cajie of Flickr.

Forward a couple of weeks, on December 21, CFC-SFC's annual Pasko sa Embassy (at Philippine Embassy in Faiha) event took place with a much bigger cause. The number of distressed Filipino household workers reached a staggering 224 from last year's ~120. The program contained the usual gift giving, contests and entertainment  numbers. Santa Claus (in costume of course) made a special appearance to add excitement that day.

Tons of gifts for the holiday! 

Enjoying the Psasko sa Embasy event at Philippine Embassy in Faiha, Kuwait

CFC-SFC Social Ministry Pasko sa Embassy Team

Moreover, the 29th of December 2012 was the culmination day for the 3-consecutive Saturdays free seminar-workshop on money savings, small-time business ideas and basic accounting held at ICSA, Panasonic Tower in Kuwait City. The seminar-workshop entitled "Mag-Impok, Mag-Negosyo, Mag-Accounting Kabayan. Iskolar ni LBC" was funded by LBC Express Cargo in partnership with ICSA. Pastor Gil Bantugan, a CPA and Financial and Real estate consultant by profession was the renowned lecturer for the duration of the events. 

The students eagerly listening to the lecture

The graduates with their certificates together with Pastor Gil Bantugan (2nd to the  right)

Although a lot of things happened, some just stayed true to what they are. Interestingly, living in Kuwait has given me additional months to know this place that I call my new home. 

PinayDiaspora Got Featured! Again!

Since this blog's creation, I have never really thought that others would think it's interesting. Not that I don't have the confidence, but I made this for the sole purpose of documenting my stay here in Kuwait. Living abroad for the first time is a big turn in my life. So being recognized by other known bloggers, especially Filipinos here in Kuwait is a pleasant news to know.

Pinay Diaspora Feature Page

Gracia Amor (DiaryniGracia) is a known Filipino blogger here in Kuwait. From the time that I was invited to be part of this Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait group is already an honor. What more but to get me (as the writer of this blog) and this baby of course in her website? One word: Stupendous!

I have mentioned Gracia Amor and the Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait (FBK) group in this previous post HERE.